Ysland - Iceland

Ysland (Yslands: Ísland) is 'n eilandnasie in die noorde van die Atlantiese Oseaan. Ysland is een van die Nordiese lande, en dus kultureel deel van Europa. Die naam Ysland is 'n verkeerde benaming: terwyl gletsers 10% van die land beslaan, is die klimaat sag en vulkaniese aktiwiteite hou die land warm. Vaste gedurende die Viking-era, Ysland het die oudste oorlewende parlement ter wêreld, die Alþingi. Dit staan ​​bekend as die land van vuur en ys.

Streke

Stede en dorpe

• 64.15-21.881 Reykjavík (REYG-ya-veeg) - Die hoofstad van Ysland en die grootste stad
• 65.68-18.12 Akureyri (Ahk-oo-rey-rih) - Hoofstad van die Noorde en die grootste stad buite die Suidweste
• 65.27-14.43 Egilsstaðir (AY-yill-stath-ihr) - Hoofstad in die Ooste, het van die beste weer wat Ysland bied
• 64.07-21.954 Hafnarfjörður (HAP-nar-FYERTH-er) - Gesellige stad aan die buitewyke van die hoofstadstreek
• 64.25-15.225 Höfn (HEP'n) - Hoofstad aan die suidoostelike kus
• 66.04-17.346 Húsavík (HOOS-ah-veek) - Een van die wêreld se mees betroubare webwerwe vir walviskyk gedurende die somer
• 66.07-23.147 Ísafjörður (EES-ah-FYERTH-er) - Grootste stad van die Wesfjorde van Ysland
• 63.93-218 Selfoss (SEL-fos) - Suid-Ysland se grootste stad, die middelpunt van die belangrikste landboustreek
• 65.075-22.7259 Stykkishólmur (STICK-is-hole-mur) - Hoofstad op die Snæfellsnes-skiereiland, poort na die eilande Breiðafjörður

Ander bestemmings

Dit is jammer dat die meeste besoekers nie ver van die hoofstad afdwaal nie, aangesien sommige van die mees onvergeetlike besienswaardighede in Ysland verder is. Daar is baie uitstappies wat deur toermaatskappye aangebied word, wat maklik beskikbaar is by enige van die hoofsentrums, soos: Reykjavík en Akureyri. Hulle sal u rondvlieg en u teen 'n redelike prys na die gletsers en die groot vulkane neem. Die goedkoopste opsie is egter om met 'n huurmotor rond te ry, want geen van hierdie webwerwe het toegangsgeld nie.

Nasionale parke

• 64.26-21.131 Þingvellir Nasionale Park (uitgespreek "THING-vet-lihr") - Nasionale Park en a UNESCO-wêrelderfenisgebied. 30 tot 50 km (19 tot 31 myl) oos van Reykjavík. Interessant om verskeie redes: dit is die oorspronklike webwerf van die langlopende parlement ter wêreld (die naam beteken letterlik 'parlementêre velde') en dit is waar die Noord-Amerikaanse en Europese kontinentale plat plate uitmekaar geskeur word.
• 64.5-172 Vatnajökull Nasionale Park (VAT-nah-yer-CUDDLE) - Ysland se nuutste nasionale park is in 2008 gestig en sluit die voormalige Skaftafell- en Jokulsargljufur-nasionale parke in. Vatnajökull Nasionale Park is die grootste nasionale park van Europa op 12.000 km² (4600 vierkante myl), wat ongeveer 12% van die oppervlak van Ysland beslaan. Die park is die tuiste van Ysland se hoogste berg, Hvannadalshnúkur, die grootste gletser, Vatnajökull, en die grootste waterval van Europa wat die volume afvoer betref, Dettifoss.
• 64.81-23.773 Snæfellsjökull Nasionale Park (SNY-fetls-yer-CUDDLE) - Hierdie park is aan die punt van die Snæfellsnes-skiereiland in die weste van Ysland geleë, en is die tuiste van die ysbedekte vulkaniese krater wat die dekade vir Jules Verne se boek was Reis na die middelpunt van die aarde.

Ander besienswaardighede

• 63.88-22.4481 Blou strandmeer - (Yslands: Bláa Lónið) (BLAU-ah LONE-eeth) Beroemde buite-swembad en gesondheidsentrum. Die spa is in Grindavík op die Reykjanes-skiereiland, suid-westelike Ysland. Dit is ongeveer 13 km vanaf die Keflavík International Airport en 39 km vanaf Reykjavík. Hierdie geotermiese spa in die middel van 'n lawaveld met sy melkblou water is redelik surrealisties.
• 65.6-172 Mývatn (MEE-fatn) - 'n Meerstreek naby Akureyri in die noorde van Ysland het Mývatn 'n onaardse voorkoms as gevolg van spesiale soorte vulkaniese kraters in die hele meer. Daar is baie aktiwiteite in hierdie omgewing: Smajfall (woestyn waar swaeldamp uit die grond kom) en Dimmuborgir (ook bekend as die Swartstad en die poorte van die hel).
• 64.326111111111-20.1211111111113 Gullfoss - Die Golden Falls. Aan die rand van die onherbergsame binneland van Ysland, ongeveer 100 km oos van Reykjavík, duik die rivier Hvítá in 'n dubbele waterval af om te skep wat volgens baie mense die mooiste waterval in Ysland is.
• 64.31271-20.300824 Geysir - Geotermiese warm plek 10 km wes van Gullfoss. Geysir self (waarvan die Engelse woord "geyser" afgelei is) is nie meer betroubaar aktief nie, maar gelukkig gaan Strokkur langsaan elke vyf tot tien minute af.
• 64.070277777778-16.2116666666675 Jökulsárlón (die Jökulsár-strandmeer) - Die majestueuse gletserlagune in die suidooste van Ysland naby Höfn op roete 1. Breiðamerkurjökull-gletser het vinnig van 1920 tot 1965 teruggetrek en hierdie asemrowende strandmeer, wat tot 190 m diep is, verlaat. Ys breek van die gletser af en hou die strandmeer die hele jaar vol ysberge. Die James Bond-film Sterf nog 'n dag is hier in 2002 verfilm.
• 63.98861111-19.063888896 Landmannalaugar - 'n Streek van uitstaande natuurskoon wat met die bus (of 4x4) vanaf Reykjavík bereik kan word. Dit is geleë in die binneland en gee 'n voorsmakie van die onbewoonde hooglande in die kern van Ysland.
• 63.680719444444-19.4826222222227 Þórsmörk (Thor's Mark) - Þórsmörk is weggesteek tussen drie gletsers en is 'n ongelooflike mooi en relatief geïsoleerde gebied. Yslanders hou daarvan om in die somer daar te kampeer. Daar is baie staproetes regoor die omgewing wat 'n asemrowende uitsig bied op die omliggende gletsers en lawaformasies. Dit is slegs per vragmotor of bus toeganklik: dit is 'n goeie idee om navrae te doen oor reise na Þórsmörk by 'n toeriste-inligtingsentrum.

Verstaan

Ysland is 'n pragtige plek as u vreemde en verlate landskappe geniet. Omdat dit so naby aan die Arktiese Omkring, die hoeveelheid daglig wissel dramaties per seisoen. Die son sak elke aand in Junie kort, maar dit word nie heeltemal donker voordat dit weer opkom nie. In die equinoxes van Maart en September is dae en nagte ongeveer ewe lank, soos elders in die wêreld. As u in Desember gaan, is dit amper 20 uur duisternis. Die somer is beslis die beste tyd om te gaan, en selfs dan is die toeristeverkeer steeds sag. Die middernagson is 'n pragtige gesig en een wat jy beslis nie moet mis nie. Dit is maklik om tyd te verloor wanneer die son om 23:00 nog hoog in die lug is. Die vroeë of laat winter kan egter verbasend goeie tye wees om te besoek. Aan die einde van Januarie is daglig tussen 10:00 en 16:00, pryse is laer as in die hoogseisoen en die sneeubedekte landskap is verskriklik mooi. (Sommige webwerwe is egter in die winter ontoeganklik.)

Geskiedenis

Sien ook: Vikings en die Oudnoors

Die eerste mense wat hulle op Ysland gevestig het, was Vikings en matrose uit Noorweë en Denemarke. Die eerste bekende nedersetting was Reykjavík, met oorblyfsels uit 871 nC. In 930 AD het die setlaars die Alþing gestig, die oudste oorlewende parlement ter wêreld. Ysland was 'n brugkop vir Viking-ekspedisies na Groenland en Newfoundland. Hierdie nedersettings het egter uitgesterf.

In 1264 het die parlement van Ysland 'n ooreenkoms met die Noorse koning gesluit om sy onderdane te word in ruil vir gereelde vaar na die eiland. Noorweë en Denemarke is in die laat 14de eeu in die sogenaamde Kalmar-unie verenig. Ysland het in die Kalmar-unie gebly totdat dit in 1814 ontbind is en Denemarke die beheer oorgeneem het. In 1918 het Ysland 'n soewereine staat geword in Denemarke. Gedurende die Tweede wereld oorlog, een maand nadat Duitsland Denemarke beset het, het Britse magte Ysland vreedsaam beset. Die Verenigde State het die besetting in 1941 oorgeneem, terwyl hulle nog neutraal was in die oorlog. In 1944 het Ysland sy onafhanklikheid van Denemarke verklaar, en die Alþing het weer 'n soewereine wetgewer geword.

Ysland het sedert die Vikingtydperk min immigrasie gehad. Die grootste enkele invloei van buitelanders was die besetting van die Geallieerdes gedurende Tweede Wereldoorlog, toe Britse en Amerikaanse soldate meer was as die volwasse mans van Ysland. Baie van hulle het gesinne op Ysland gehad.

Die ekonomie van Ysland is hoofsaaklik gebaseer op visserye en aluminiumsmelters. Elektrisiteit en verwarming in Ysland is afkomstig van hidroëlektriese krag en geotermiese aanlegte.

Ysland het in die vroeë 2000's 'n bloeiende banksektor gehad, wat swaar getref is deur die finansiële krisis van 2008. Deur soberheid, devaluasie en regeringsverandering het Ysland herstel van die resessie, en is dit weer een van die sterkste ekonomieë in Europa, met toerisme wat nou 'n belangrike pilaar van die Yslandse ekonomie is.

Mense

Noorse mense was die eerste wat Ysland in die 9de eeu nC gevestig het. Volgens die tradisie was Ingólfur Arnarson, 'n Noorse Viking, die eerste permanente setlaar wat sy tuiste gemaak het Reykjavík staan ​​nou. Daar word vermoed dat Ierse monnike die eiland enkele jare voor dit tydelik bewoon het. Yslands het baie kenmerke van die Oud-Nordiese behou ten tye van die eerste nedersetting, en baie Yslanders kan hul geslag na een van die vroeë setlaars aan minstens een kant herhaal.

Immigrante in Ysland maak nou goed meer as 10% van die bevolking uit, wat aan Ysland 'n groter deel immigrante bied as Noorweë en Swede. In die afgelope vyf jaar het die aantal immigrante verdubbel. Die meeste immigrante kom van Oos-Europa en Suidoos-Asië, en kom in diens.

Vir name gebruik Yslanders die ou Noorse patronimiese stelsel. (Dit is tot in die 19de eeu in Noorweë, Denemarke, Swede en die Faroëreilande gebruik totdat hul regerings besluit het dat hul burgers 'n van moet aanneem.)

Klimaat

Vulkaniese statistieke Daar is 1900 aktiewe vulkane op aarde, waarvan meer as dertig in Ysland is 1250 ° C is die hoogste temperatuur wat lawa bereik 75% van alle vulkane op aarde is op die Stille Oseaanvuurring in die Stille Oseaan 99% van Ysland se oppervlak bestaan ​​uit vulkaniese gesteentes. Die oudste rotse hier is ongeveer 15 of 16 miljoen jaar oud 6 maande is die hoeveelheid tyd wat Ysland het Bárðarbunga vulkaan het voortdurend in 2015-2016 uitgebreek en 85 km2 lawa opgelewer

Ondanks sy naam het Ysland milde winters vir 'n land op sy breedtegraad - as gevolg van die verwarmingseffek van die Atlantiese Golfstroom - veral in vergelyking met die Russiese klimaat, of selfs dié van Nieu-Engeland of die Amerikaanse Midde-Ooste. Ysland het 'n maritieme gematigde klimaat; die winters daarvan word dikwels met die Noordwes-Wes vergelyk, hoewel die winterwinde bitter kan wees. Die vinnig veranderende weer van Ysland het egter die plaaslike gesegde laat ontstaan: 'As u nie van die weer hou nie, wag dan vyf minute!' Dit is die soort plek waar jy nie terselfdertyd reën en sonbrand kry nie. Sommige Yslanders glo dat die somer goed en warm sal wees as die winter moeilik en lank is. Die somers is gewoonlik koeler en meer gematig as elders op dieselfde breedtegraad (die effek van die oseaan weer); 20-25 ° C word as warm beskou.

Vakansies en feeste

• Kersfees: Volg die datums van die Westerse kerk. Winkels is tradisioneel gesluit op Oukersaand (24 Desember), Kersdag (25 Desember), Oujaarsaand (31 Desember) en Oujaarsdag (1 Januarie). Die hele land, met inbegrip van alle openbare vervoer, sluit in daardie dae nogal af.

Yslanders het 13 jonges. Histories was die jule-jongmense grapkinders wat hulself verlos het deur geskenke aan kinders te gee. Elke julekind het sy eie dag, met die eerste op 12 Desember.

Epifanie (Yslands: Þrettándinn) word gevier met vreugdevure en vuurwerkvertonings. Op hierdie dag speel Yslanders die rolle van elwe en verborge mense.

• Paasfees: Volg die datums van die Westerse kerk. Winkels is tradisioneel gesluit op Goeie Vrydag (die Vrydag voor Paasfees), Paasfees en Pinkster (49 dae na Paasfees). Die volgende dae het Yslandse tradisies:

• Bolludagur - Word gehou op 'n Maandag, 7 weke voor Paasfees. 'N Fees waarin Yslanders opgepofte broodjies gevul met konfyt en geklopte room eet. Tradisioneel word kinders toegelaat om hul ouers te slaan voordat hulle hul bed verlaat en kry hulle eerder 'n opgeblase broodjie.
• Sprengidagur - Word op 'n Dinsdag, 7 weke voor Paasfees gehou. 'N Fees waartydens daar verwag word dat Yslanders soutvleis en geel ertjies sal eet.
• Öskudagur / Aswoensdag - Gehou op 'n Woensdag, sewe weke voor Paasfees. Op hierdie dag trek kinders kostuums aan en sing hulle vir lekkergoed. Dit is die Yslandse ekwivalent van die Amerikaanse Halloween.

• Sjómannadagurinn (Seemansdag): Op die eerste Sondag in Junie gehou. 'N Nasionale vakansiedag wanneer Yslanders na die naaste hawe gaan om saam met seemanne fees te vier.
• Þjóðhátíðardagurinn (Yslandse nasionale dag): Op 17 Junie gehou. Winkels is tradisioneel op hierdie dag gesluit. Die vieringe begin gewoonlik met 'n parade en toesprake, gevolg deur minder formele vieringe.
• Verslunarmannahelgi (Werkersnaweek): gehou op die eerste naweek van Augustus. Dit is gewoonlik die grootste vakansie in Ysland. Winkels is tradisioneel gesluit. Yslanders stroom na buitelugfeeste regoor die land.

Tydsone

Ysland is in dieselfde tydsone as die Verenigde Koninkryk, Ierland en Portugal (GMT). In teenstelling met die lande, hou Ysland egter nie daglig in nie, wat dit die enigste land in Wes-Europa maak wat dit nie doen nie.

Praat

Sien ook: Yslands frase

Die amptelike taal van Ysland is Yslands (íslenska), wat baie ooreenstem met, hoewel nie nogal dieselfde as die 13de eeu Noors (sien Vikings en die Oudnoors).

Alfabet Yslandse skryfwerk gebruik die Latynse alfabet, maar met twee karakters wat lank gelede uit Engels verloor is: et (Ð, ð), uitgespreek soos die stemhebbende de van "hulle", en doring (Þ, þ), uitgespreek soos die ongestemde de van "dik". Materiale in Engels vervang dikwels onderskeidelik "dh" en "th", so bv. Fjörður is geskryf Fjordhur en þingvellir is geskryf Dingvellir.

Leenwoorde word vermy en nuwe woorde word gereeld gemaak vir konsepte soos rekenaars tölva ("getal-profetes"). Yslands is nou verwant aan die ander Skandinawiese tale (Deens, Sweeds en Noors), hoewel dit nie onderling verstaanbaar is nie. Faroërs en Yslands is tot 'n sekere mate onderling verstaanbaar. Aangesien Yslands 'n Germaanse taal is soos die ander Skandinawiese tale, sal sprekers van Duits en Nederlands baie kognate herken, en selfs Engelssprekendes sal die vreemde woord met moeite kan herken.

Alle Yslanders leer Deens en Engels op skool, hoewel met die uitsondering van die ouer geslagte wat onder Deense regering grootgeword het, is die vaardigheid in Deens in 'n mate gebrekkig. Engels, aan die ander kant, word wyd gepraat, met die meeste jonger mense wat amper inheemse vaardighede het. IJslandse gimnasiumstudente (hoërskool) kies 'n vierde taal en dikwels 'n vyfde om te studeer, gewoonlik Spaans, Duits, Frans of Italiaans, maar vaardigheid bestaan ​​meestal nie. Alhoewel die meeste Yslanders Engels bekwaam is, word pogings om Yslands te praat altyd waardeer, en om 'n paar basiese groete en frases in Yslands te leer, sal u reis baie gladder maak.

Yslanders gebruik die komma in plaas van die punt as desimale teken vir getalle, dit wil sê 12.000 beteken 12, nie twaalf duisend nie, terwyl 12 000 of 12.000 twaalf duisend beteken. Yslanders gebruik die 24- en 12-uurstelsel, praat die 12-uurstelsel en gebruik die 24-uurstelsel om te skryf. Yslanders gebruik nie PM / AM om oggend en middag aan te dui nie. In Yslands beteken "half tien" ("hálf tíu") half tien (9:30). Wanneer u met iemand praat wat nie Engels magtig is nie, is dit die beste om nie hierdie vorm te gebruik om misverstande te voorkom nie. Datums kan op verskillende maniere afgekort gesien word, maar die volgorde is altyd dag-maand-jaar; 12/07/19, 12.7.19 of 120719. Yslandse kalenders dui ook die nommer van die week 1 tot 52 aan.

Ysland gebruik slegs die metrieke stelsel. Daar is beperkte kennis van keiserlike of Amerikaanse metings.

In Ysland is daar geen konsep van 'n grondvloer soos in die Verenigde Koninkryk nie. In plaas daarvan word die ingangsvlak van 'n gebou die eerste verdieping ("jarðhæð") genoem, soos in die VSA. Vlakke word dan getel 1, 2, 3, ens.

Buitelandse televisieprogramme en films word byna altyd in hul oorspronklike taal met onderskrifte vertoon. Slegs kinderprogramme word in Yslands oorgedoop.

Gaan in

Visums en immigrasie

Ysland is 'n lid van die Schengen-ooreenkoms.

• Daar is normaalweg geen grensbeheer tussen lande wat die verdrag onderteken en implementeer nie. Dit sluit die grootste deel van die Europese Unie en enkele ander lande in.
• Daar is gewoonlik identiteitskontroles voordat u op internasionale vlugte of bote gaan. Soms is daar tydelike grensbeheer by landgrense.
• Net so, a visum toegestaan ​​vir enige Schengen-lid is geldig in alle ander lande wat onderteken het en het die verdrag geïmplementeer.
• Sien asseblief Reis deur die Schengen-gebied vir meer inligting oor hoe die skema werk, watter lande lid is en wat die vereistes vir u nasionaliteit is.

Soos Ysland egter is nie deel van die Europese Unie, moet alle reisigers wat Ysland binnekom, insluitend diegene van die EU-lande, doeane-inspeksies ondergaan tydens inskrywing.

Met die vliegtuig

Ysland kan maklik per lug bereik word en die belangrikste internasionale lughawe is Keflavík Airport (KEF ^IATA), in die suidweste van die land, ongeveer 40 km (25 myl) van Reykjavík en bedien ongeveer 30 000 passasiers per dag in die hoogseisoen. Die lughawe self is Spartaans; As u 'n lang tyd het, moet u boeke of ander vorme van vermaak saambring. Nog beter, sorg dat u die steriele gebied kan verlaat en die land 'n bietjie kan verken.

Passasiers wat van buite Ysland aankom (ook van die EU-lande) wie se eindbestemming Ysland is of wat bagasie moet herkontroleer, sal deur die doeanebeheer in die hawe van binnekoms (gewoonlik in Keflavík) moet gaan, ongeag die plek van herkoms. Daar is 'n belastingvrye winkel in die bagasie-eisarea waar u belastingvrye produkte kan koop as u na die Europese vasteland vervoer. Diegene wat uit lande in die Schengen-ooreenkoms het nie 'n aparte visum nodig nie en daar is geen immigrasie-tjeks as u van ander lande af kom nie. Lugdienste sal steeds vra vir een of ander identiteitsbewys, selfs op vlugte na / van ander Schengen-lande.

Passasiers wat met Icelandair tussen Amerika en Europa reis, is geregtig op 'n tussenstop van minstens een nag in Ysland, sonder bykomende vliegkoste. Icelandair laat tot 7 nagte toe op elke reis van die reis.

'N Busdiens na die lughawe (genoem die FlyBus) loop tussen die lughawe en Reykjavík BSÍ-busterminaal (kr 3000 eenrigting, 45 minute; kr 5500 terug, vanaf Mei 2019). Vir kr 4000 eenrigting (kr 7000 retoer; vanaf Mei 2019) kan u 'n Flybus-reis koop wat die aflewering (en afhaal, indien die vorige dag) aanvra, by 'n uitgesoekte lys van hotelle in die Groot Reykjavík-gebied insluit. Selfs as u nie by een van hierdie hotelle tuisgaan nie, kan dit binne loopafstand wees van waarheen u wil gaan, dus afhangend van u bestemming met die Flybus-opsie, kan u 'n taxi-rit vermy.

Nog 'n uitstekende opsie is om die bus te neem wat stop by die Blou strandmeer van of na die lughawe, gaan dan elke halfuur na Reykjavík voort. (Netbus is die goedkoopste opsie.)

'N Metertaxi vanaf die lughawe na Reykjavík kos ongeveer kr 16,000 (vanaf Mei 2019).

Die volgende lugdienste vlieg na Keflavík:

• Ononderbroke vlugte op die nasionale vervoerder Icelandair is beskikbaar teen die beste waarde in die VSA en Kanada, met toegangspoorte in New York Stad (JFK), Seattle, Boston, Halifax, Minneapolis/Sint Paulus, Toronto, Denver en Orlando (Sanford). Bestemmings buite Ysland sluit die meeste Europese stede in (naamlik Amsterdam, Bergen, Berlyn, Kopenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, Londen, Oslo, Madrid, Manchester, Milaan, München, Parys, Stockholm, Düsseldorf en Stavanger), met die middelpunt van Icelandair- gesproke netwerk verbind via Keflavík in Ysland. (Sommige bestemmings is seisoenaal.)
• Delta Luglyne werk tussen New York Stad (JFK) en Keflavík.
• EasyJetbied goedkoop vlugte vanaf die Verenigde Koninkryk aan: Londen, Manchester lughawe, Edinburgh en Bristol, en na Switserland: Genève.
• eurowings, het seisoenale vlugte vanaf Keulen.
• WizzAir het goedkoop vlugte vanaf die Baltiese lande
• SAS bied direkte vlugte vanaf Oslo, met verbindings na Stockholm en die res van Skandinawië.
• Noors bied direkte vlugte vanaf Oslo.
• British Airways vlieg van Heathrow-lughawe in Londen.

Geskeduleerde diens aan Groenland en Faroëreilande word verskaf deur Air Ysland en Atlantic Airways.

Per boot

Smyril Line vaar een of twee keer per week vanaf Hirtshals in Denemarke, via Torshavn in die Faeröer Eilande (waar 'n tussenstop gemaak kan word), aan Seyðisfjörður aan die ooskus van Ysland met hul veerboot Norröna. Dit kos meer as vlieg, maar kyk na die verskillende taalweergawes van die Smyril-webwerf (.fo, .dk, .co.uk, .de en .is) vir die beste aanbiedings. Smyril vaar nie meer na Shetland of die Skotse vasteland nie.

Maar op Seyðisfjörður is die reis net half klaar: daar is geen motorhuur nie, dus moet u af en toe 'n bus neem Egilsstaðir, dan nog een aan Akureyri, dan nog een aan Reykjavík. Dit duur minstens twee dae, is duurder as 'n binnelandse vlug, en is nie verenigbaar met veel sightseeing langs die pad nie. Aangesien Norröna 'n motorboot is, is dit egter moontlik om met u persoonlike motor van die vasteland van Europa na Ysland te reis en dit te gebruik om deur die land te reis en onderweg te sien. Sien Seyðisfjörður vir meer inligting oor die praktiese dinge.

Kry rond

Met die vliegtuig

Vliegtuie in Ysland is soos busse of treine elders - dit is die belangrikste vorm van interne reis buiten die paaie. Wees egter gewaarsku dat die rit 'n bietjie hobbelig kan wees as u een van die fjorde soos Akureyri binnegaan.

Binnelandse vlugte vanaf Reykjavik bedryf vanaf Reykjavik Lughawe, 'n ander lughawe wat nader aan die naamgenoot geleë is. Geplande diens na nabygeleë bestemmings, insluitend Groenland en Faroëreilande, word aangebied deur Air Ysland, Atlantic Airways en Eagle Air.

Met die motor

Sien ook: Ry in Ysland

'N Motor bied die meeste buigsaamheid om in Ysland te reis. Talle agentskappe huur voertuie, en veerbote laat individue toe om hul eie motor saam te neem. Huurpryse is hoog - verwag om minstens 4000 kr per dag vir 'n tweewielaangedrewe voertuig te betaal, en meer as kr 12.000 per dag vir 'n vierwielaangedrewe voertuig; hierdie pryse sluit basiese motorversekering in, maar addisionele versekering kan aangeskaf word om te beskerm teen gruis of ander algemene ongelukke.

'N Vierwielaangedrewe motor is slegs in die binneland nodig, wat slegs in die somer oop is. Om vooraf motors te huur, is dikwels goedkoper as om dit ter plaatse te doen. Veldry is streng verbode in Ysland en is strafbaar met boetes tussen 300 000 en 500 000 kr. Die Yslandse natuur is sensitief en herstel nie maklik van bandspore nie.

Om in Ysland te ry, is aan die regterkant van die pad. Koplampe en veiligheidsgordels vir alle passasiers moet te alle tye aan wees. Daar is 'n enkele hoofweg, Roete 1-Ringweg, wat die land omring. Vanweë die immer veranderende weer van Ysland, moet u ekstra kos hou en weet waar gastehuise / hotelle geleë is in geval van 'n padafsluiting.

Die meeste bergpaaie is tot einde Junie gesluit, of selfs langer as gevolg van nat en modderige toestande wat hulle heeltemal onbegaanbaar maak. Wanneer hierdie paaie vir verkeer oopgestel word, kan baie van hulle slegs deur viertrekvoertuie ry. Die paaie wat vierwielaandrywing (en moontlik sneeubande) benodig, is roetegetalle met 'n "F" -voorvoegsel, bv. F128. Sommige paaie wat voorheen met 'n F onderteken is, is sedertdien opgegradeer en het 'n nommer sonder 'n F. toegeken. Oor die algemeen kan u die benamings in beide gevalle vertrou.

Die algemene spoedbeperking op Yslandse landelike paaie is 90 km / h (56 mph) op geplaveide oppervlak en 70 km / h (43 mph) op gruis, in stedelike gebiede is die algemene snelheidsbeperking 50 km / h (31 mph). Om op gruis te ry, kan 'n uitdaging wees, en die verlies van beheer op kranse kan maklik dodelik wees. Regoor die land word spoedkameras gepos, en boetes is 5000-70 000 kr. Die bloedalkoholperk is 0,05%, met 'n minimum boete van kr 100 000 - moenie drink en bestuur nie.

Bestuurders in Ysland moet vertroud wees met padtekens en voorbereid wees op die unieke bestuurstoestande van Ysland. Die paaie in Ysland is van medium tot lae gehalte, gewoonlik gemaak van effens growwe swart basalt. Daar is veral twee tekens waaraan buitelanders moet let. Eerstens beteken "malbik endar" dat die pad van 'n geplaveide pad na 'n grondpad verander. Vertraag voor hierdie veranderinge, want 'n mens kan maklik beheer verloor. Ook "einbreið brú" beteken dat 'n eenbaanbrug naderkom. Kom stadig by die brug aan en beoordeel die situasie. As 'n ander motor by die brug aangekom het, laat hulle eers die regte pad toe.

As u per pad reis, is dit 'n wonderlike plek om na te gaan Yslands Meteorologiese Kantoor met 'n uitstekende stel bladsye, insluitend die Yslandse Padadministrasie op al die hoofpaaie.

Die Roete 1 'n pad wat die eiland omring, is 'n belangrike stapel vir toeriste wat die uiteenlopende geologiese kenmerke van Ysland wil sien, van watervalle, ysberge, fjorde tot vulkane.

Met die bus

Geplande reise tussen Yslandse dorpe word bestuur deur Strætó bs. Toere na besienswaardighede word aangebied deur geskeduleerde busse van verskillende maatskappye, insluitend Reykjavík-uitstappies (wat ook die FlyBus), Trex, Sterna Reis, NetBus en SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ. Langafstandbusrye kan duisende kroon kos en is soms duurder as vlieg. 'N Enkele reis van Reykjavík na Akureyri kos byvoorbeeld 10.340 kr. Vlieg kos 8.925 kr (vanaf Mei 2019). Dit is moontlik om op een dag met die bus van die oostelike deel van die land na die westelike een te gaan, maar slegs 'n paar reise word elke dag bedien. Alle openbare vervoerdienste word gelys op Openbare Vervoer.is.

Sommige toere na die binneland, in spesiale 4x4-busse, kan 'n goedkoper en meer ontspannende alternatief wees om te bestuur en bedien die meeste belangrike plekke (bv. Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, Askja). Toere na die binneland is slegs vir die somermaande geskeduleer.

Goue sirkel-dagtoere is beskikbaar by Reykjavík by baie toeroperateurs wat u deur die Gulfoss-waterval, geisers, die krater en die Mid-Atlantiese skeuring / plek van die eerste parlement van Ysland sal neem. Alhoewel u nie veel tyd kry by elke stop nie, sal die gids u vertel van die geskiedenis van Ysland en algemene inligting. Goedkoper toere (~ € 55) sal 'n volledige afrigter wees, terwyl duurder toere (~ € 80) klein minibusse of bussies sal wees. Die geldeenheid vir die bespreking van toere kan wissel van euro tot dollar tot kroon, so maak seker dat u dit bespreek.

Die hoofstelsel se busstelsel, bestuur deur Strætó bs., is 'n ondoeltreffende en duur gemors waarop nie vertrou kan word nie. 'N Enkele tarief kos kr 470 (vanaf Mei 2019). Busbestuurders gee nie kleingeld terug nie, dus moet u nie verwag om die verskil terug te kry as u 'n rekening van 500 kr het nie. U kan ook 'n stel van twintig kaartjies vir 9,100 kr vanaf groot bushaltes koop, ook vanaf die bestuurder (vanaf September 2016). Nadat u die bestuurder betaal het, sal u nie 'n kaartjie kry nie, tensy u daarvoor vra. As u 'n kaartjie kry, is dit binne 75 minute geldig vir enige ander bus.

Alle busse hou om middernag op, sommige stop vroeër, sommige reeds om 18:00. Busse begin Sondae om 09:30 tot 10:00. Die tariewe vir sones 2 en hoër (wat tot by Höfn en Egilsstaðir strek) is hoër, hoewel Reykjavík, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, Álftanes en Seltjarnarnes binne sone een val, waar die gewone tarief van 420 kr geldig is.

Met die fiets

Fietsry is 'n goeie manier om Ysland te ervaar en bied 'n heel ander ervaring as ander vervoermiddels. U moet u eie toerfiets saambring, want dit kan duur wees om plaaslik te koop. Verkeer in en uit Reykjavík is swaar, anders is dit OK. U kan veilig op die Ringweg fiets, of die fiets neem met die busse (wat toegerus is met fietsrakke) wat die Ringweg bedien en van kant af ry. As u egter selfonderhoudend gaan, met inagneming van die weer en toestande, is dit sterk aan te beveel om 'n vorige toerervaring te hê.

Gebruik fietsrybande as u in die winter fietsry en trek u in ligte, maar warm lae aan. Fietsonderhoud is gewoonlik nie bekommerd nie; remblokkies hou byvoorbeeld gewoonlik 12 maande of langer, afhangende van die kwaliteit van die remme.

Bring kos saam met u vir reise buite 'n stad of stad. Yslandse dorpe kan 100-200 km van mekaar af wees. Kos wat binne 10-15 minute gaar word, word verkies. Bosbessies en kruie kan voed, maar vertrou nie net daarop as voedselbron nie.

Meer inligting en roetes kan gevind word op Fietsry Ysland.

Deur duim

Ritters is 'n goedkoop manier om in Ysland rond te kom. Die land is van die veiligste ter wêreld, mense is redelik vriendelik en die persentasie bestuurders wat wel ry, is veral in die buiteseisoen hoog. Die lae verkeer in gebiede buite Reykjavík maak egter dat hitchhiking in Ysland 'n uithouvermoë is. Selfs op die hoofweg is die frekwensie van motors minder as een motor per uur in die ooste. Byna almal praat Engels en die meeste bestuurders stel belang in gesprekke.

Vermy haakplekke na die aand, veral op Vrydag- en Saterdagaand. Alkoholgebruik is hoog en alkoholverwante ongelukke is nie ongewoon nie.

Om binne te ry is moeilik, maar alles werk as u genoeg tyd het - bereken in dae, nie in ure nie. Vir langer afstande of minder toeristiese gebiede, berei u voor met kos, water en 'n tent of iets soortgelyks. Die weer kan verskriklik wees en bederf soms die pret van hierdie manier van reis.

Die HitchWiki webwerf het raad vir rygangers.

Saamry

Tjek Samferda.is vir saamryopsies.

ATV's

Die afgelope paar jaar het ATV-reis gewild geword onder avontuurlike reisgeesdriftiges. Verskeie maatskappye bied ATV-toere deur verskillende dele van Ysland aan.

Sien

• Die Gullfoss waterval is nogal skouspelagtig.
• Geysir, die naamgenoot van alle geisers, en sy buurman Strokkur wat elke vyf minute of so uitbars.
• Þingvellir Nasionale Park, 'n pragtige landskap met watergesnyde lawavelde, wat histories belangrik is as die plek van Ysland se parlement vanaf 930 nC.
• Vatnajökull-gletser is in Suidoos-Ysland en is die grootste gletser van Europa.
• Jökulsárlón, the largest glacier lake in Iceland, is located off Route 1 and part of Vatnajökull glacier.
• In the darker months (September to April), there are frequently stunning views of the Aurora Borealis, a.k.a. Northern Lights anywhere away from city lights.

Doen

• The geothermal spa Blue Lagoon although being an artificial hot spring, it is a very popular sight and activity. Located between the capital and the main airport. Mývatn Nature Baths is another choice but is smaller and in the Eastern part of the country. There also are a lot of local hotpots around the country, but not all of them are safe.
• Iceland offers many hiking opportunities. Should you choose to walk outside of walking paths, strong walking boots which support your ankles are recommended as the terrain is usually craggy lava rock or springy moss with hidden holes!
• Iceland is not well known for skiing or big ski areas but the town of Akureyri in the north has a great little ski area and the mountains of the Troll Peninsula offer world class terrain for ski touring, ski mountaineering and heli-skiing.
• Ice climbing is great with world class frozen waterfalls and plenty of glaciers.
• Glacier hiking is one of Iceland´s most popular tourist things to do with the area of Skaftafell in the southeast being the center of activity.
• Walvis kyk available all year from Reykjavík and during the summer from Husavik.
• There are some good opportunities to go snowmobiling and this can provide access to otherwise inaccessible areas.

Koop

Geld

Exchange rates for Icelandic króna As of March 2021: US$1 ≈ kr 125 €1 ≈ kr 150 UK£1 ≈ kr 175 Canadian $1 ≈ kr 100 Wisselkoerse wissel. Huidige tariewe vir hierdie en ander geldeenhede is beskikbaar vanaf XE.com

The local currency is the Icelandic króna, denoted by the abbreviation "kr"(ISO-kode: ISK).

You will get a better rate of exchange if you buy and sell your króna in Iceland. Just about every establishment in Iceland will accept a credit card, including taxis, gas stations, souvenir stands, and even the most remote guest house, so it is not necessary to carry large amounts of Icelandic currency.

Costs

Getting to Iceland can be done fairly cheaply: Icelandair has excellent offers, and Keflavík International Airport will soon welcome the European low-cost airline EasyJet.

However, as soon as one steps off the plane the situation changes quite drastically – Iceland is generally a very expensive place to visit, due in part to the high import duties and the 25.5 % VAT rate. Retail goods can be 3-4 times more expensive than in North America while grocery prices are at least on par with the most expensive cities. Visitors to Iceland should budget at least as much money as they would for a trip to Norway or Switzerland.

Useful discount card schemes exist for tourists, the most significant being Reykjavík City Card, operated by the City of Reykjavík.

When shopping for food or other basic necessities, look for the Bónus, Netto or Krónan shops, as they offer considerably lower prices than the others. Downtown Reykjavík is also home to several second-hand stores like Red Cross and Salvation Army, which can come in handy for buying cheap warm layers.

Expect to spend kr 700–1200 on a pint of beer or glass of wine, kr 1700–2200 on a pizza for one person, kr 350 on a city bus ride and kr 350–600 for a coffee or espresso drink.

Cigarettes cost around kr 950 for a packet of 20. Be aware that the law in Iceland states that cigarettes must not be visible in shops, however most gas stations, supermarkets and newsagents sell them.

Tipping

In Iceland tipping is not practiced. In rare cases an attempt to leave a tip may be seen as insulting, so instead consider offering verbal praise for a job well done. Some Icelandic companies have started having a tipping jar next to the cash register but these are generally ignored.

Inkopies

Typical Icelandic products that make good souvenirs include:

• Icelandic wool products. Icelandic sheep are a unique breed that produce a soft and durable wool, and Icelandic woollen goods (hats, gloves, etc.) are soft and warm; don't just buy them for other people if you plan to visit the interior.
• Arts and crafts. Iceland has a huge number of great little craft shops that sell everything from musical baskets and wonderful weird porcelain sculptures to paintings, glasswork and jewellery. The National Galleries tend to carry the same artist's work in the gift shops rather than the usual mass-marketed products found in so many other museums.
• Local music. There is a plethora of interesting local music CDs (beyond just Björk and Sigur Rós) worth hunting for. Obscurities worth picking up include Eberg, Hera, Retro Stefson, FM Belfast, Worm is Green, Múm, Singapore Sling, and Bellatrix. Note that many of these CDs may be available back home as imports for much lower prices. CDs tend to cost kr 1500-2000.

With the exception of alcohol, accommodations and consumables, you can claim your tax refund at the Arion Bank in the arrivals hall opposite to the car rentals at the Keflavik Airport. Only purchases with at least 6000 kronas on a single receipt will be eligible for tax refund. Be sure to have your original receipts and the tax free form filled out by the store with you.

Eet

Sien ook: Nordic cuisine

Icelandic cuisine has changed a lot in the last few decades. It used to be based on staples that use lamb or fish in some form or other, but the popularity of other types of food has increased. A vegetarian diet is tricky to maintain in Iceland, but there are several vegetarian restaurants in Reykjavík, and vegetarian dishes are widely available at other restaurants.

Distinctively Icelandic foods include:

• harðfiskur, dried fish pieces eaten as a snack with butter (also good with coleslaw)
• skyr, a yoghurt-like cheese available in flavoured and unflavoured varieties all over the country. Low in fat and high in protein.
• hangikjöt, smoked lamb
• smoked lamb sausage
• svið, singed sheep's head
• Slátur, consists of lifrarpylsa, a sausage made from the offal of sheep, and blóðmör which is similar to lifrapylsa but also has sheep's blood mixed into it.
• Rúgbrauð, translated into English as "thunder bread", this is a type of rye bread that is baked underground making use of geothermal heat. Sweeter than regular rye breads.

Iceland is famous for its whale meat, and is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to eat minke whale. Whaling has long been a tradition in Iceland, though it has become a controversial issue. However, most restaurants that cater to tourists sell whale meat, and if you are feeling a little more adventurous some places will serve grated puffin with it if you ask.

Gedurende die Þorri season (late January-Early February), many Icelanders enjoy Þorramatur, a selection of traditional Icelandic cuisine which usually contains the following: hákarl (putrefied shark cubes), Sviðasulta (brawn [head cheese] made from svið), lundabaggi (sheep's fat) and hrútspungar (pickled ram's testicles). Þorramatur is usually served at gatherings known as Þorrablót. If you are invited to a Þorrablót, do not be afraid to (politely) refuse some of the more unpalatable delicacies, as many Icelanders choose to do so as well. Don't worry about going hungry, though, as many of the more "normal" foods mentioned above are almost always available too. If you're uncertain which is which, do not be afraid to ask the caterers for assistance.

A similar event to Þorrablót is Þorláksmessa, celebrated on 23 December each year. During this day you might find yourself invited to skötuveislur, where cured skate is served. As with Þorrablót, you can politely refuse to partake in the skate (another type of fish is usually served alongside it for the less adventurous). A word of warning, though: the pungent smell that accompanies the cooking of cured skate is very strong and sticks to hair and clothing very easily. Do not wear formal (expensive) clothing at these gatherings, especially not clothing you intend to wear during Christmas.

Any Icelander's first choice of fast food is usually the pylsa or hot dog. It is usually served with a choice of fried onions, fresh onions, ketchup, mustard and remoulade. It is cheap compared with other fast food staples at around kr 350, and is sold in every one of the small convenience stores/eateries/video rentals/sweet shops that litter Icelandic towns. At least in Reykjavik, you can also encounter food trucks and carts selling piping hot lamb meat soup (kjötsúpa). They also have a vegetarian alternative – the same soup minus the meat.

Food prices are particularly high in Iceland – the following sample prices were accurate as of summer 2016:

• kr 1000 – 2000 for a hamburger.
• kr 350 – 500 for a hotdog
• kr 3000 – 6000 for a three-course meal in a restaurant.

Drink

Tap water is safe to drink in Iceland and it is one of the countries with the cleanest water in the world. Coffee is easy to find and is comparable to what is found throughout Europe. Juices are generally imported and made from concentrate.

Alcoholic drinks are very expensive compared to the UK and US; an example, half a litre of Viking beer in a bar will cost approximately kr 900. Liquor can be purchased at licensed bars, restaurants, or Vínbúðin, the state monopoly (locally known as Ríkið: "the state") liquor bought there is much cheaper than at bars, there you pay kr 350 for the same beer you paid kr 900 for at the bar. The local Icelandic drinks such as Brennivín ("burning wine") contain a fairly high alcohol content, so pace yourself while at the bars.

The local beer brands are:

• Egils: Lite, Gull, Pilsner, Premium, El Grillo
• Vífillfell: Thule, Gull, Lite, Víking
• Bruggsmiðjan: Kaldi
• Ölvisholt Brewery: Skjálfti
• Ölgerð Reykjavíkur: Gullfoss

For visitors arriving by air, there is a duty free store for arriving passengers where they can buy cheap alcohol (at least cheap compared to Iceland). To find the duty free store just follow the Icelanders. No Icelander in their right mind will pass the duty free store upon arrival!

Be sure to not exceed the allowance which is 1 litre strong alcohol and 1 litre light wine (less than 22%) or 1 litre strong and 6 litre of beer. The strong alcohol can be exchanged for either 1 litre light wine or 6 litre beer.

The drinking age in Iceland is 18 for all alcoholic beverages, but the buying age is 20.

Slaap

If you're visiting in summertime you won't regret bringing an eye mask with you. During the height of summer there is no actual darkness and in the north, the sun might just dip for a few minutes below the horizon.

For travel during the high season (July and August), and even in September, reserving a month or more in advance can help ensure that you find suitable and affordable accommodation. Reserving later can put you at risk of having to take more costly accommodation.

Die hotels are usually fairly basic around the island but you can usually get a room even in August just by phoning them up and reserving it before you get there. They are clean and well maintained, light and airy with nothing at all that could even remotely be considered 'dingy'. They are expensive though.Fosshotels is a chain of 12 hotels located throughout Iceland, close to the island's most treasured nature spots and major cities of Iceland. The most popular hotel is Fosshotel Nupar, located in by the National Park Skaftafell. The accommodation in Fosshotel hotels is diverse and Scandinavian breakfast buffet is always included. Fosshotels are part of Hotels of Iceland.Icelandair Hotels include the Edda summer hotels and the Icelandair hotels. Icelandair Hotels are upscale, Scandinavian-style hotels located in most major cities of Iceland. Most notable is the Nordica on the outskirts of central Reykjavík.

Guesthouses are between hotels and hostels in prices and services. At some times if travelling in groups the guesthouses can be cheaper than the hostels. Guesthouses will usually have more space than a hostel with a shared bathroom that is cleaner and less crowded. Icelandic Farm Holidays: the members are farmers who offer accommodation to travellers in their homes, guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages. The association was founded in 1980 and from 1990 Icelandic Farm Holidays has been a fully licensed tour operator and a travel agent. The accommodation is diverse; made up beds in four different categories, with or without private bathroom, sleeping bag accommodation, cottages and camping. Some of the farms offer also various recreation; horse riding, fishing, hunting, sailing, swimming, glacier tours, golf, etc. You can get their brochure from tourist information centers or find it on their website. It is very informative and lists all farms, the services they provide, at what time of the year and contact information. It is best to call in advance to book, especially in the summer.

Iceland has many hostels throughout the entire country. Thirty-seven of them belong to Hostelling International Iceland and it is best it to buy the international membership card (if you do not have it already), if you are staying for four or more nights at HI hostels in Iceland or abroad within the next 12 months. Bring your bedlinen or sleeping bag to avoid extra costs.

If you're travelling on a budget, kampeer is your best bet. There are sites located throughout the country, especially at places you'd want to visit. They range from fully-equipped (hot showers, washing machines, cooking facilities) to farmers' fields with a cold-water tap. Expect to pay kr 500-1000 per person per night. If you intend to camp in Iceland you must be prepared for the cold, 3-season sleeping bags are essential and an inner. Thick pajamas and a warm hat are also recommended! A bedding roll is also useful as you may end up sleeping on very rough ground. Don't wait until last minute to find a place to camp. Campers and mobile homes have become immensely popular among Icelanders and they take up a lot of space. You could arrive at a large camping ground that's so filled up with campers and mobile homes that you'll have no place to pitch your tent. It is however, not allowed to camp or park a mobile home anywhere other than these campgrounds!

Trekkers will need to use some of the mountain huts, either government or privately-run. These range from dormitory accommodation to fully-staffed facilities. Booking ahead is likely to be necessary at popular times of year (and they may be accessible only in summertime).

Don't bother attempting to sleep in the Keflavík Airport overnight. It's far better to find a hotel in Keflavík or Reykjavík before arrival. If there are no flights to be serviced in the middle of the night (which is most often the case) the airport is closed for a few hours at night and you might have to stand outside in the rain and wind.

Leer

Iceland has eight universities, the oldest and most important of which is the University of Iceland. Public universities in Iceland are heavily subsidised by the government, and hence charge very little in tuition fees. The University of Iceland, for instance, charges only kr 75,000 annually in tuition fees for international students. However, be sure to factor in Iceland's high cost of living when planning your finances. Courses are generally taught in Icelandic, though some courses for exchange students are taught in English. The universities also conduct classes for foreigners to learn Icelandic.

Werk

Work permits are required for citizens of most countries. The exceptions are citizens of the Nordic Countries (Greenland, Faroe Islands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Åland Islands, Finland) and EU/EEA countries. There are no restrictions on the latest entrants into the EU.

Work permits can be difficult to get if you do not come from any of the aforementioned countries, as Iceland has a relatively strict immigration policy and employers are obligated to consider Icelandic or EU citizens above all other applicants. As a small nation, a great deal of emphasis is placed on family ties and personal relationships; therefore it can be difficult to find a job in Iceland without personally knowing someone in a company. The unemployment rate is however low, about 3% in 2019.

Beware of offers for contracted work in Iceland. Your wage levels may be lower than average and your rights may be affected. Iceland is a highly unionised society with over 90% of the workforce in labour unions.

A great resource is the Directorate of Labour webwerf.

Bly veilig

Iceland is one of the places in the world with the least criminality, so there is almost no chance of getting robbed or harassed. Isolated incidents have, however, been reported, especially in Reykjavík, so it pays to take the usual precautions. Use common sense when sampling the night life and be alert.

Emergency phone number: 112

Aard

The greatest dangers to tourists in Iceland are found in the nature. Always do what the signs tell you to do. If there are no signs, use common knowledge. Every year, quite a few tourists get hurt, even killed, in the mountains or on the seas. For example, do not approach a glacier front, big waves on the coast, or a big waterfall unless you know what you're doing, and do not walk on glaciers without proper training and equipment.

Iceland is a volcanically active country and you can get caught in an eruption, but chances of that are extremely low. Pay attention to radio, TV or government website for any volcanic eruption warnings. Aside from the lava, volcanos in Iceland are often capped by glaciers and will result in explosive eruption (the most violent type of eruption). Volcanic gas can be toxic to humans and animals. Large and heavy airborne fragments (called volcanic bombs) are launched into the air and can fall far away from the eruption site. Glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup) often follow shortly after the eruption as the lava melts the glacier that was capping the volcano.

When hiking or skiing, be prepared for a sudden shift in the weather, as these can happen very quickly in Iceland. If unsure about conditions, ask locals or go on a guided tour. Icelanders are taught to respect nature's power and take care of themselves outdoors in the wilderness from childhood, so you usually won't find fences or warning signs even at the most dangerous places.

Bestuur

Driving around Iceland can be difficult or even dangerous. Inform yourself of local conditions and make sure your vehicle and driving skills are up to the task. Many roads (even parts of the main country road) are unpaved and can turn into slippery mud during the summer. There have been a number of instances where foreigners, unprepared for Icelandic roads, have had accidents, some of them fatal. Since the roads are quiet and the distances between settlements great, some Icelanders abuse this by speeding considerably. Sheep sometimes roam near the roads or even on them, so always have your eyes open and be on the lookout for sheep, as they tend to wait for cars before crossing the roads.

Because of its numerous mountains and relatively high humidity, visibility can quickly change from very good to foggy and road conditions from dry to wet rather quickly when ascending in elevation. Uitteken Vegagerdin for up-to-date road-condition information.

Road numbers starting with an F are for 4x4 vehicles only, and are usually simple dirt paths made by a road scraper and it's not uncommon that river crossings are required. Many F-roads are closed due to extremely bad road conditions from October to mid-June. Non-4x4 vehicles are prohibited on these roads.

Speed limits on highways are 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on unpaved roads.

Rules and regulations

Rules and regulations in the traffic are generally the same as in the rest of Europe. Foreign visitors should be aware that police controls are common and that fines are very high, and should take special note of the following rules:

The give way rule is universal. On roads without the "Yellow Diamond" sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the right of way; you must yield to traffic from any road to your right, except from private areas such as parking lots. Headlights are mandatory even during daylight.

The general speed limit is 90 km/h in the country side and on motorways, and 50 km/h in urban areas.

There are no specific rules for change of speed limit (as in some other countries) when driving conditions change. The driver is expected to adjust speed downward to a safe level in for instance fog, heavy rain or snow.

Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.05%. One small beer can be enough. This rule is strictly enforced and violators risk a minimum fine of kr 100,000, a long (or even indefinite) suspension of the driver's licence and prison time.

On typical Icelandic two-lane road with a narrow shoulder, overtaking is allowed only on long straightaways with plenty visibility. Overtake only if really necessary, consider alternatives like taking a short break.

Using one's vehicle horn is considered impolite and should be used only in an emergency.

Right turn on red is illegal.

Do not stop on a highway: find a pull-out (sometimes marked with a blue sign with a white 'M'), a designated parking area (blue sign with a white 'P'), a picnic area, or a farmer's road. Stopping on a road with a 90-km speed limit is dangerous and illegal, yet you are bound to see stupid tourists doing this.

Drugs

The Icelandic Narcotics Police has a very strict policy on drugs; minimum fine for possession of under 1 gram (3/100 of an ounce) of any illegal substance can result in a fine of over kr 70,000.

Bly gesond

Die medical facilities in Iceland are good and subsidized for European Union citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and passport. Scandinavian citizens must show a valid passport to get subsidised medical costs.

Should EU citizens not have the necessary documents then they will be charged for the full cost of the medical treatment. Citizens outside of EU should check if their travel insurance covers medical treatment.

Infectious diseases aren't a problem in Iceland. Inoculations aren't required except if you are arriving from countries that suffer from infectious diseases like cholera.

The biggest threat to your health is likely to be accidental injury or bad weather. Always make sure you have more than adequately warm and waterproof clothing. Selection of appropriate clothing is especially important in Iceland and can even be a matter of life and death. Exercise extra caution in geothermal areas: What may appear to be solid ground can sometimes not be so solid, breaking from underneath your feet with you falling into potentially deadly boiling water.

Die water quality in Iceland is excellent and tap water is always drinkable. The hot water coming from tap smells a bit like sulphur, because it is heated by geothermal energy, but it is also safe to drink.

The hygiene in public kitchens is very good, and food poisoning rarely happens to tourists.

Respek

Ms Pétursdóttir or Ms Guðrún? Iceland maintains another Norse tradition: the custom of using patronyms rather than surnames. An Icelander's given name is followed by his or her parent's first name (usually the father's), in the genitive case, and the suffix -son or -dóttir, e.g. Guðrún Pétursdóttir (Guðrún, Pétur's daughter). Members of the same family can therefore have many different "surnames", which can sometimes create confusion for visitors. Because of the patronymic last names, Icelanders use first names in most situations, e.g. phone books are alphabetized by first name rather than last name and also listing their professions. This also applies when addressing an individual. Icelanders would never expect to be addressed as Mr or Ms Jónsson/-dóttir no matter how important they might be.

• Some Icelanders claim to believe in the hidden people — called huldufólk — and a few even claim to have seen them. They are analogous to elves, but are often considered separate. There is even a museum in Reykjavík devoted to the hidden people. This is an ancient Icelandic belief and most Icelanders respect the tradition. Skepticism thus can appear rude.
• It is customary for one to take one's shoes off after entering private homes. In case your hosts do not mind, they will say so.
• Punctuality is not as important in Iceland as it is in many other northern European countries. People may often not appear until 15 minutes later than the stated time, and even much later than that for parties or other social gatherings.
• When speaking English, Icelanders may use the word fuck more often than expected by Anglophones. This is because brusque opinions are commonly expressed and should not be taken badly and also, the Icelandic equivalent of this word is not as strong a swear word as in English.
• If you feel an urge to discuss the global economic crisis, keep in mind that it is an emotive issue - Iceland has suffered more than many in the banking crisis and ordinary people have lost a great deal of purchasing power.
• It is not uncommon for an Icelander to ask a foreigner for his or her opinion of Iceland as a first question. The standard question is: "How do you like Iceland?" This is in large due to Iceland being a very small country, but it is also a country-wide inside joke of sorts. It is often best to be positive, as many Icelanders are likely to be offended by negative views of their country and thus get defensive.
• Iceland is one of only a few countries with an active whaling industry, and if you choose to assert an anti-whaling position expect some Icelanders to have strong pro-whaling opinions and be well prepared to argue the issue and do not expect to win the argument.
• Although Iceland is officially a Lutheran country, only a minority of Icelanders practise the faith, and contemporary Iceland is for the most part rather secular. Nevertheless, even non-religious Icelanders tend to be proud of their churches, so you should always dress and behave in a respectful manner whenever you are visiting them.

Verbind

Telefoon

In case of emergency call 112 from any phone.

Such calls are free and will be answered by an emergency services operator who will ask you which services you need (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, rescue teams, civil protection and protection against child abuse) and for your location.

Phone numbers for non-urgent calls differ to where you are situated in the country. Calls for non-urgent medical services in the capital region should be made on 1770.

Directory enquiries (number lookup) of Icelandic phone numbers are provided by the Icelandic telecom, in the telephone number 1818.

The Icelandic country code is 354. When calling Iceland from overseas, dial your international access code (00 from most of Europe, 011 from the US and Canada or " " from any mobile phone) followed by subscriber number. Iceland does not use area codes.

Payphones are not common, due to widespread use of mobile phones.

Costs for calls from a landline phone are based on a dial-up fee along with a fee for each minute. The dial up fee for all domestic phones is typically kr 3, each minute to landlines costs kr 10 and each minute to GSM costs around kr 21 (as of December 2014).

Mobiel

Mobile phones are heavily used. The main networks are Icelandic telecom, Vodafone and Nova. The former two (Icelandic telecom and Vodafone) have use of 2G services, and all of them have use of 3G and 4G services. 2G, 3G and 4G all have equal coverage, covering most of the country. 5G has not been rolled out yet as of October 2020.

Given that the call is from domestic numbers, there is no charge for calls that you receive on your handset.

Pay as you go (prepaid) plans are available. Credit the phone up with a top-up card, at an ATM or at the website of your telecommunications company; there is no contract and no bills. Some operators also offer packages which mix texts, phone calls and/or data at affordable rates. These packages can come with your initial top-up or deducted from your balance.

If you have an unlocked GSM-compatible handset (dual- and tri-band phones with the frequencies 800, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz are compatible) you can purchase a SIM card from phone outlets.

Costs for calls from an mobile are based on a dial-up fee along with an fee for each minute. The dial-up fee for all domestic numbers is typically kr 15, each minute to all domestic phones costs kr 25 and kr 15 for each text message. The cost for Internet access is kr 12 per megabyte (as of May 2019).

Internet

Internet hot spots can be found at restaurants, cafés and airports. For the customers of those places, the Internet is free of charge.

A large portion of Iceland has 3G coverage. 3G and 4G data services should roam seamlessly onto Icelandic networks. USB data cards that offer connectivity to 3G or 4G are available from the Icelandic telecommunications companies.