| Frequently
Asked Questions about Iceland
 WHERE
IS IT?
Iceland is a European island midway between North America
and the continent of Europe. It�s the same distance from New
York to Iceland as from New York to Los Angeles.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
There are a number of daily non-stop flights to Iceland from
the US and Canada. Flight times are as short as 4 1/2 hours.
Most flights connect at Iceland�s Keflavik International Airport
(30 miles from Reykjavik) with flights to other popular destinations
on the European continent, the UK and Scandinavia. So, many
people discover Iceland by taking advantage of stop-over"
opportunities while on their way to or from somewhere else.
Then they�re hooked and often plan their next vacation to
be solely an Icelandic one!
HOW COLD DOES IT GET?
Actually, thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland maintains
surprisingly moderate temperatures year-round. It seldom reaches
75�F in the summer. And during winter, Iceland�s capital of
Reykjavik, for example, never reaches the low temperatures
experienced by Washington and Ottawa. Snow is not the norm
and Icelandic kids get excited when it snows � just like their
North American counterparts.
HOW BIG IS ICELAND?
About the size of Ohio or Kentucky. Iceland has slightly
over a quarter million people, most of whom live in coastal
areas. The center of Iceland is ruggedly mountainous and uninhabited.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS?
Dress much the way you would in New York City in the fall,
winter and spring. In summer, carry a light jacket. The weather
can be extremely changeable. The Icelanders often say, �If
you don�t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes.� They�re
not kidding! And always bring a bathing suit. Yes, a bathing
suit! Icelanders� favorite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming
in the countless geothermally-heated pools and lagoons, which
are as warm as bathwater.
 DO
ICELANDERS SPEAK ENGLISH?
Most Icelanders (especially those from their teenage years
through their fifties) speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome
the opportunity � so don�t be shy about approaching an Icelander.
WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE LIKE?
Quite Scandinavian, their mainly Norwegian Viking ancestors
brought along some Irish slaves who quickly blended into the
population over 1100 years ago and many Icelanders actually
celebrate St. Patrick�s Day! Contrary to rumors, there are
no Eskimos in Iceland.
HOW ARE ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD?
World-class! Iceland�s hotels and guesthouses are almost
invariably clean and comfortable. Food choices are generally
wide. �Homegrown� seafood and lamb dishes are popular and
available anywhere. In the more populated areas, international
cuisine � including American fast food � has become all the
rage. And vegetarians will find plenty of excellent choices.
WHAT�S THERE TO SEE BESIDES NATURE?
You�re obviously reading this part of the website first.
But make no mistake � you don�t have to be an outdoors type
to fall in love with Iceland! For example, Reykjavik is one
of the liveliest, safest, most sophisticated, and modern cities
on earth. Its nightlife and cultural offerings are quickly
becoming legendary worldwide. Half of Iceland�s population
lives in the greater Reykjavik area.
WHAT KIND OF MONEY DO THEY USE IN ICELAND?
The krona, plural kronur (ISK), with a 2003 exchange rate
of roughly 78 ISK to the US dollar. Although you may find
a few places that accept US dollars, especially in the Reykjavik
area, you should carry and use Icelandic money � easily exchanged
at the airport, banks, and currency exchanges.
Visa, Master Card, and Cirrus use is pervasive throughout
Iceland. And ATMs are generally not hard to find.
 WILL
MY CELL PHONE WORK IN ICELAND?
Most North American cell phones won�t work because Iceland
is on the European system, but you can rent phones in Iceland.
Then, how do I call home? All it takes is your AT&T calling
card or credit card.
1. Dial the AT&T access number in Iceland;
00 800-22255288.
2. Then dial the phone number you�re calling
including area code.
3. Wait for a prompt then enter your AT&T
Calling Card number and 4-digit pin.
ARE DAYLIGHT HOURS NORMAL?
Well, for this part of the world, they are. In summer,
you won�t see much darkness, day or �night�. In mid-winter,
expect only about four to five hours a day of daylight. Spring
and fall daylight hours are roughly the same as in North America.
WHAT ABOUT THE ELECTRICITY?
Icelandic electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240
volts) so many North American electrical devices will require
converters and all will require plug adapters. Hotels usually
keep one or two converter/ adapters on hand � but don�t count
on one being available. It�s better to buy one in North America
and bring it with you. They�re usually found at US and Canadian
electronic specialty stores and sell for around USD 25.
CAN I PLUG IN MY MODEM?
Generally, yes. Icelandic and North American phone plugs
are the same. As you should do anywhere, though, always ask
a hotel if it�s safe to plug a normal modem into your room
phone jack. Icelanders have one of the highest rates of computer
use in the world.
AND WHAT ABOUT THOSE VIKINGS?
The Vikings were the world�s greatest travelers and Iceland-born
explorer Leifur Eiriksson discovered America more than 500
years before Columbus. The Vikings were also the greatest
of hosts, noting this 1000-year-old quote from �The Sayings
of the Vikings�, in the Icelandic Sagas.
�A guest needs giving water
fine towels and friendliness,
A cheerful word
a chance to speak
kindness and concern.�
Come and explore the true adventure, experience our fantastic
food and rediscover the spirit and true hospitality of the
modern Vikings. It is all still here, and much more!
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