Iceland

Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle. The landscape is wild, rugged and colorful and its coastline has many bays and fjords. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times.

Half of Iceland's population lives in or near the capital Reykjavík, which is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in an area of geothermal hot springs. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings.

The main fjord areas are in the far northwest and southeast while along the southern coastline are sandy beaches, farmlands, waterfalls and glaciers. The central region consists of spectacular highland plateau, volcanoes, glaciers and mountains. Iceland is full of waterfalls, glacial streams and rivers.


Things to see and do

* Gullfoss – the ‘Golden Waterfall’
* Reykjavík
* The Blue Lagoon – geothermal pool
* Thingvellier National park
* Akureyri

Cruise Season – May - Oct
Currency – Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language – Icelandic
Land Area – 103,000 sq km’s
Population – 320,060 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style
Time – GMT minus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 354

Port Location – There are ports located at Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Hornafjordhur, Reykjavik and Seydhisfjordhur.

Transport Links - Iceland is easily reached via air, the international airport is Keflavik, in the South West of the country about 40 km from Reykjavik. Getting to Iceland by boat takes longer than by plane but has the advantage of allowing you to take your own vehicle.

Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. BSI Travel Runs regular bus service to most parts of the country, especially around the Ring Road. Cycling is a good way to experience Iceland or hitchhiking is a cheap way of getting around.