The journey is the reward! The Nonni Travel team strives to give our clients the best available choice of accommodation, transportation and tours to complement their time in Iceland. We pride ourselves in listening to our clients wishes!
TRAVELLING TO ICELAND & WITHIN THE COUNTRY
Flights to Iceland
Iceland is well connected to many cities in Europe and America all year around. Almost all flights to Iceland use Keflavik International Airport, a 45-minute minute drive out of Reykjavik. Keflavik airport should not be confused with Reykjavik [domestic] Airport, which is in the centre of Reykjavik city and serves domestic flights as well as most flights to Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Here you can find information on airlines which operate flights to Iceland with links to their websites: http://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/plan-your-trip/travel-to-iceland/flights.
Ferry to Iceland
Year around The Faroe Islands’ Smyril Line maintains a regular scheduled passenger and car-ferry service to Iceland from Hirtshals in Denmark via Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. This enjoyable form of travel allows you to bring your car, your motorcycle, or caravan with you, and you get a unique opportunity to rest while the ship crosses the Atlantic.
Getting around Iceland is easy but travellers should always take precautions. The car is the most common mode of transport. Beware that Iceland’s beautiful and rugged landscape also contains some difficulties and even dangers for the driver. Please choose a safe speed according to conditions. Motorists are obliged by law to use headlights at all times, day or night. The surface of gravel roads is often loose, especially along the edges, so one should drive carefully when negotiating curves and slow down whenever approaching an oncoming car. The inland highland roads are also often very narrow, and are not made for speeding.
Domestic airlines provide daily flights between Reykjavík and several destinations. Iceland has no railways, but schedule bus services cover the whole country with their network. On most routes buses run daily during summer months, but may be limited to certain days of the week during off-season in some areas. The schedule ferry service connects the villages on the few inhabited islands with the mainland.
ELECTRICITY & COMMUNICATIONS
Icelandic electricity standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts) so many North American electrical devices will require converters. Plugs are two-pin, as used in Europe excl. the UK.
There are four GSM operators in Iceland: Siminn, Nova, Tal and Vodafone. Together they cover most of Iceland including all towns and villages with over 200 inhabitants. These telephone companies sell prepaid GSM phone cards and offer GSM/GPRS services. Prepaid cards are available at petrol stations around the country. Most European cell phones work on Iceland’s GSM network; North American ones use a different standard. Iceland now has the highest rate of cell phones use in the world. In general it is possible to have internet access at most accommodation locations (except mountain huts), sometimes even on campsites! Many cafes and Tourist Information centres offer WiFi connection.
SAFETY
All tap water in Iceland is safe to drink.
In Reykjavík there are two main hospitals and many Health Centres with appointed GPs who can receive patients at short notice. Most towns around Iceland have a hospital or Health Centre.
112 is the universal emergency number in Iceland for contacting the police, fire brigades, ambulance services and rescue teams. Save the number in your mobile phone – just in case.
On a self-drive holiday it is always good to be informed about road conditions on your way. Most highland roads are closed until the beginning of July, sometimes even longer due to wet and muddy conditions which make them totally impassable. All F-roads in Iceland can only be driven by 4WD vehicles. If you are caught on a F-road in a regular rental vehicle by the police they will issue an on-the-spot fine. It is strongly advised that two or more cars travel together across the highlands. Also, before embarking on any journey into the highlands gather as much information as possible regarding road conditions from a travel bureau, tourist information office or the Icelandic Road Administration Tel: (+354) 522 1000 or 1777 – www.road.is. Additional advice and tips for safe driving on www.safetravel.is.
ACCOMMODATION
Iceland offers all styles of accommodation ranging from campsites, guesthouses, hostels, farmhouses, summer houses and hotels. Keep in mind that in the central highlands options are limited to mountain huts or camping.
Hotels
There are hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. You can choose from Bed & Breakfast with shared or private facilities right up to a 4* hotel. The star-grading of hotels in Iceland is not comparable to other countries’ systems. Read more about hotel classification categories here (http://www.ferdamalastofa.is/static/files/upload/files/English_3edition_May_2008.pdf).
Guesthouses
Majority of guesthouses offer accommodation with shared facilities. Rooms can be booked with made-up beds and sometimes with the option for sleeping-bag accommodation.
Farmhouses
The Icelandic Farm Holidays Association is a chain of farms around the country offering country-based accommodation, either in rooms with or without private facilities. Some of these are working farms and others renovated former farm buildings. Activities, such as horseback riding may be possible at some of them.
Hostels –
These are a good choice for the budget traveller. Hostels offer basic accommodation, normally in rooms with shared facilities and in dormitory rooms. Hostels can be found all around Iceland.
Summerhouses & Cottages:
This style of accommodation is well suited for families, small groups or travellers wishing to stay in a rural locations, mostly self-catering. Some of the summer cottages have private hot tubs.
Camping:
There are approx. 68 registered campsites in Iceland. Camp grounds are normally open from the beginning of June until the end of August or middle of September depending on location.
