Suggested length of stay
While you can see some of the country’s highlights in just a few days, giving yourself at least a week to explore and take in all that Iceland has to offer is recommended. This will allow you to see the famous natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers, as well as experience the unique culture and cuisine of the country.
Modes of transport
Road
The Icelandic Road system is extensive and easy to navigate. Highway no. 1, commonly known as the Ring Road, is the most travelled route around Iceland. Driving in Iceland differs greatly from anywhere else because of gravel, snowy, icy roads, and mountain passages. But one also gets so easily distracted by the stunning landscape.
Air
Icelandair and Air Iceland Connect offer regular flights to destinations such as Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður.
Rail
There are no rail connections in Iceland.
Ferry
One of the main ferry companies is called Seatours and they offer a variety of routes between different parts of the country. Another option is the Baldur Ferry, which connects the Westfjords to the rest of Iceland. It’s important to note that ferry schedules can vary depending on the season.
Food
Icelandic cuisine is known for its simplicity and unique flavor combinations. One of the most popular dishes is the national dish of Iceland, called “hakarl,” which is fermented shark meat. Other traditional Icelandic dishes include “skyr,” a yogurt-like dairy product, “lamb soup,” made with potatoes and vegetables, and “plokkfiskur,” a fish stew with mashed potatoes. The cuisine also features seafood such as cod, haddock, salmon, and root vegetables like turnips and carrots. Icelandic cuisine is heavily influenced by Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine and the country’s harsh climate and limited natural resources.
Drinking water
Iceland’s tap water is safe to drink.
Visas
Iceland is part of the Schengen area and many other European countries, meaning you can enter Iceland without a visa.
Money
Iceland’s currency is the Icelandic Kroner (ISK).
Inoculations & health precautions
Health risks in Iceland are broadly similar to those in Australia.
Embassy Contacts for Iceland
Australia doesn’t have an embassy or consulate in Iceland. You can seek consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik.
Canadian Embassy, Reykjavik
Túngata 14
101 Reykjavik, Iceland
Phone: (+354) 575 6500
Email: rkjvk@international.gc.ca
You can also seek consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Australian Embassy, Copenhagen
Dampfaergevej 26 2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark
Phone: +45 7026 3676
Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Electricity
The Type F outlet and plug type are commonly used in Northern European countries. Type C plugs are also used in Iceland and are similar in appearance to Type F, although they are being switched out more and more for Type F. Electricity in Iceland is 230 Volts with alternating electric currents of 50 cycles per second (50 Hertz).
Getting there
Most flights from Australia to Iceland will require a stopover in either London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam, so it’s best to plan your itinerary accordingly.
Time Zone
Reykjavik, Iceland, Greenwich Mean Time UTC
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