ICELAND

Iceland offers stunning experiences in all seasons, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see:

• May–August (Summer & Midnight Sun): Best for warmer weather, long daylight hours, and road trips.
• September–October (Fall & Shoulder Season): Ideal for fewer crowds, mild weather, and early Northern Lights.
• November–March (Winter & Northern Lights Season): Best for seeing the aurora borealis and experiencing ice caves.
• April (Spring): A great time to see waterfalls, fewer tourists, and emerging wildlife.

• Golden Circle Route – A famous scenic drive featuring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
• Blue Lagoon – A world-famous geothermal spa with mineral-rich waters.
• Reykjavík – The capital city, home to Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and vibrant nightlife.
• South Coast Waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls.
• Black Sand Beaches (Reynisfjara) – A dramatic coastline with volcanic sand and towering sea stacks.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach – A breathtaking ice lagoon with floating icebergs.
• Vatnajökull National Park – Home to glaciers, volcanoes, and epic hiking trails.
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula – A miniature version of Iceland with stunning landscapes, including Kirkjufell mountain.
• Whale Watching (Húsavík & Akureyri) – The best locations for spotting humpback and blue whales.
• Landmannalaugar – A colorful highland area with geothermal hot springs and hiking trails.

• Skyr – A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product.
• Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa) – A hearty, traditional Icelandic stew.
• Plokkfiskur (Fish Stew) – A delicious blend of mashed fish, potatoes, and herbs.
• Hákarl (Fermented Shark) – A notorious Icelandic delicacy with a strong ammonia-rich taste.
• Pylsur (Icelandic Hot Dog) – Made with lamb, served with crispy onions and remoulade sauce.
• Rye Bread (Rúgbrauð) – A sweet, dense bread often baked in geothermal hot springs.
• Hardfiskur (Dried Fish) – A protein-rich Icelandic snack, often eaten with butter.
• Brennivín (Icelandic Schnapps) – Also known as “Black Death,” a strong traditional drink.
• Icelandic Lobster (Langoustine) – Delicious, fresh seafood found in coastal towns.
• Reindeer Meat & Puffin – Rare and exotic meats sometimes found in specialty restaurants.

• Flights: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
• Car Rentals: The best way to explore Iceland at your own pace—4WD is recommended for rugged areas.
• Public Buses: Limited outside Reykjavík, so car rentals or guided tours are better for sightseeing.
• Domestic Flights: Available for reaching remote regions like Akureyri or Ísafjörður.
• Guided Tours: Ideal for Northern Lights hunting, glacier hiking, and adventure experiences.

• For U.S. travelers: No visa required for stays up to 90 days, but a valid passport is necessary.
• For international travelers: Check Iceland’s Schengen visa requirements based on nationality.
• EU Travelers: Can enter freely with a valid national ID or passport.

• Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in remote areas.
• ATMs are available nationwide, but Iceland is largely a cashless society.
• Tipping is not expected in Iceland, as service charges are included in prices.

• Icelandic is the official language.
• English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
• Learning a few Icelandic phrases like “Takk” (Thank you) is appreciated.

• Respect nature – Do not walk on moss-covered landscapes, as they take decades to recover.
• Hot springs etiquette – Shower before entering any geothermal pools.
• No off-road driving – It’s illegal to drive off designated roads to protect the fragile environment.
• Quiet hours are observed – Icelanders value peace and a respectful atmosphere.
• Be prepared for rapidly changing weather – Always dress in layers.

• Restaurants: Tipping is not expected but appreciated if you receive excellent service.
• Bars & Cafés: No need to tip, as service is included in pricing.
• Hotels: €1–2 per bag for bellhops, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis: No tipping required, but rounding up the fare is polite.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: €5–10 per person for exceptional service.

• For peak season (June–August): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels, flights, and car rentals.
• For Northern Lights season (September–March): Booking 3–6 months ahead is ideal.
• For Blue Lagoon & Glacier Tours: Book tickets online at least a few weeks in advance.

• No COVID-19 test is required for entry, but check for updates before traveling.
• Weather conditions can impact travel—always check road and weather reports before driving.
• Some hiking areas require permits—check in advance if visiting remote locations.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com