Iceland

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Iceland (Icelandic: Ísland) is an island nation in the north Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is one of the Nordic countries, and therefore culturally part of Europe. The name Iceland is a misnomer: while glaciers cover 10% of the land, climate is mild, and volcanic activity keeps the nation warm. Settled during the Vikings and the Old Norse|Viking Age, Iceland has the world's oldest surviving parliament and the Alþingi. It is known as the Land of Fire and Ice.

Regions of Iceland

Southwest Iceland Home of the capital, Reykjavík and the majority of the island's population

West Fjords Sparsely populated, rugged geography with dozens of fjords surrounded by steep hills

West Iceland Snæfellsjökull glacier and the islands of Breiðafjörður and more

North Iceland Dramatic lava fields, turbulent waterfalls

East Iceland More fjords and the only international passenger ferry terminal

South Iceland Home to the most popular tourist attractions, including the Golden Circle

Interior Glaciated mountains

Cities and towns

More Destinations in Iceland

It's a shame most visitors don't stray far from the capital as some of the most memorable sights in Iceland are farther afield. There are many excursions offered by tour companies, readily available from any of the main centres such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. They will fly you around and take you out to the glaciers and to the big volcanoes for a reasonable price. However and the cheapest option is to drive around with a rented vehicle since none of these sites have entry fees.

National parks

• Þingvellir National Park Thingvellir - GPS 64.26,-21.13 (pronounced "THING-vet-lihr") - National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 30|to|50 kilometers east of Reykjavík. Interesting for a number of reasons: it is the original site of the longest running parliament in the world (the name literally means 'parliamentary fields'), and it's where the North-American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart.
• Vatnajökull National Park - Vatnajokull National Park logo - GPS 64.50,-17.00 (VAT-nah-yer-CUDDLE) - Iceland's newest national park was founded in 2008 and includes the former Skaftafell and Jokulsargljufur National Parks. Vatnajökull National Park is Europe's largest national park at 12,000 km², covering about 12% of the surface of Iceland. The park is home to Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Europe's largest waterfall in terms of volume discharge, Dettifoss.
• Snæfellsjökull National Park Snaefellsnes-Snaefellsjökull-Summit-20030529 - GPS 64.81,-23.77 (SNY-fetls-yer-CUDDLE) - Located on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, this park is home to the ice-covered volcanic crater that was the setting for Jules Verne's book Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Other attractions

• Blue Lagoon - (Icelandic: Bláa Lónið) (BLAU-ah LONE-eeth) Famous outdoor swimmingpool and health centre. The spa is in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, south-western Iceland. It is situated roughly 13 km (8 mi) from the Keflavík International Airport and 39 km (24 mi) from Reykjavík. This geothermal spa in the middle of a lava field with its milky blue water is quite surreal.
• Mývatn (MEE-fatn) - A lake region near Akureyri in the North of Iceland, Mývatn has an unearthly appearance owing to special types of volcanic craters throughout the lake. There are plenty of activities in this area: Smajfall (desert where sulphuric steam comes out of the ground) and Dimmuborgir (aka the Black City and the Gates of Hell).
• Gullfoss - The Golden Falls. On the edge of the inhospitable Interior of Iceland about 100 kilometers east of Reykjavík and the river Hvítá plunges down a double cascade to create what many people believe is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland
• Geysir - Geothermal hot spot located 10 km west of Gullfoss. Geysir itself (from which the English word "geyser" derives) is no longer reliably active, but fortunately Strokkur next door goes off every five to ten minutes.
• Jökulsárlón (the Jökulsár Lagoon) - The majestic glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland located near Höfn on Route 1. Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated very quickly from 1920 to 1965 leaving this breathtaking lagoon, which is up to 190 m deep. Ice breaks off from the glacier keeping the lagoon stocked with icebergs all year round. The James Bond film Die Another Day was filmed here in 2002.
• Landmannalaugar - A region of outstanding natural beauty reachable by bus (or 4x4) from Reykjavík. Situated in the Interior, it gives a taste of the uninhabited highlands at Iceland’s core.
• Þórsmörk (Thor's Mark) - Tucked away between three glaciers, Þórsmörk is an incredibly beautiful and relatively isolated area. Icelanders enjoy camping there in the summer. There are many hiking trails all over the area, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and lava formations. It is accessible only by truck or bus: it is a good idea to inquire about trips to Þórsmörk at a tourist information center.

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Iceland

Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in Iceland,

We are excited to announce a peaceful demonstration in support of the People of Palestine, set to take place in Iceland over the next three days. This event is an opportunity for us to come together and raise our voices and the Palestinian Flag for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

We want to emphasize that this demonstration is intended to be a peaceful and respectful gathering. Our goal is to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict. It is crucial that we maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.

Important Guidelines:

To ensure the success of our demonstration and to maintain a peaceful environment, we kindly ask all participants to adhere to the following guidelines:

Peaceful Protest: This is a non-violent demonstration. We do not condone any form of violence or vandalism.

Respect for Law Enforcement: Please treat law enforcement officers in Iceland with respect and follow their instructions. Do not engage in confrontations with them.

Leave No Trace: Dispose of any trash responsibly and leave the demonstration area clean.

Thank you for your commitment to our peaceful demonstration in Iceland, and let us stand together for a better future for all.

In solidarity, eHalal Iceland

Iceland Halal Travel Guide

Iceland is a stunningly stunning location if you enjoy strange and desolate landscapes. Because it is so close to the Arctic Circle and the amount of daylight varies dramatically by season. The sun sets briefly each night in June, but it doesn't get fully dark before it comes back up again. In the March and September equinoxes, days and nights are of about equal length, as elsewhere in the world. If you go in December, it's almost 20 hours of darkness. Summer is definitely the best time to go, and even then the tourist traffic is still mild. The midnight sun is a beautiful sight and one definitely not to be missed. It is easy to lose track of time when the sun is still high in the sky at 23:00. Early or late winter, however, can be surprisingly good times to visit. In late January, daylight is from about 10:00 to 16:00, prices are lower than in the high season, and the snow-blanketed landscape is eerily beautiful. (Some sites are, however, inaccessible in the winter.)

History of Iceland

See also: Vikings and the Old Norse

The first people to settle on Iceland were Vikings and sailors from Norway and Denmark. The first known settlement was Reykjavík, with remnants from AD 871. In AD 930 the settlers founded the Alþing and the world's oldest surviving parliament. Iceland was a bridgehead for Viking expeditions to Greenland and Newfoundland. Those settlements became extinct, though.

Norway ruled Iceland until Norway and Denmark were unified in the so-called Kalmar Union in the late 14th century. Iceland remained in the Kalmar Union until it was disbanded in 1814 and Denmark took control. In 1918, Iceland became a sovereign state within Denmark's realm. During the Second World War, one month after Germany occupied Denmark, British forces peacefully occupied Iceland. The United States took over the occupation in 1941, while they were still neutral in the war. In 1944, Iceland declared its independence from Denmark, and the Alþing again became a sovereign legislature.

Iceland has had little immigration since the Viking Age. The greatest single influx of foreigners was the Allied occupation during WW 2, when British and American soldiers outnumbered Iceland's adult men. Many of them made a family on Iceland.

The economy of Iceland is mainly based on fisheries and aluminium smelters. Electricity and heating in Iceland come from hydroelectric power and geothermal plants.

Iceland had a booming bank sector in the early 2000s, which was hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis. Through austerity, devaluation and change of government, Iceland recovered from the recession, and is again one of Europe's strongest economies.

The People of Iceland

Norse people were the first to settle Iceland in the 9th century AD. Tradition holds that the first permanent settler was Ingólfur Arnarson, a Norwegian Viking who made his home where Reykjavík now stands. It is thought that Irish monks had temporarily inhabited the island some years prior to this. Icelandic retains many features from Old Nordic at the time of first settlement and many Icelanders can retrace their lineage to one of the early settlers on at least one side.

Immigrants in Iceland now make up well over 10% of the population, giving Iceland a larger proportion of immigrants than Norway and Sweden. In the last five years the number of immigrants has doubled. Most immigrants are from Eastern Europe and South East Asia, and come for employment.

For names, Icelanders use the old Norse patronymic system. (This was used in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands well into the 19th century, until their governments decided that their citizens should adopt a surname.)

How is the Climate in Iceland

• There are 1900 active volcanoes on Earth, of which over 30 are in Iceland
• 1250°C is the top temperature lava reaches
• 75% of all volcanoes on Earth are on the Pacific Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean
• 600 km is the width of the biggest known volcano in our solar system, its height is 25 km
• 99% of Iceland's surface is made up of volcanic rocks. The oldest rocks here are around 15 or 16 million years old
• 6 months is the amount of time that Iceland'sBárðarbunga volcano continuously erupted in 2015-2016, producing 85 km2 of lava}}

Despite its name, Iceland has mild winters for a country at its latitude - owing to the warming effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream - especially in comparison with the Russian climate, or even that of New England or the U.S. Midwest. Iceland enjoys a maritime temperate climate; its winters are often compared to those of the Pacific Northwest, although the winter winds can be bitter. However, Iceland's rapidly changing weather has given rise to the local saying: 'If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!' It's the kind of place where it's not unusual to get rained on and sunburned at the same time. Some Icelanders believe that if the winter is hard and long then the summer will be good and warm. The summers are usually cooler and more temperate than elsewhere at the same latitude (the effect of the ocean again); 20-25°C is considered quite warm.

Holidays and festivals

• Christmas: Follows the dates of the Western church. Stores are traditionally closed on Christmas Eve (24 December), Christmas day (25 December), New year's eve (31 December) and New year's day (1 January).

Icelanders have 13 jule lads. Historically and the jule lads were pranksters who redeemed themselves by giving children presents. Each jule lad has its own day, with the first one coming to town on 12 December.

Epiphany (icelandic: Þrettándinn) is celebrated with bonfires and firework displays. On this day, Icelanders play the roles of elves and hidden people.

• Easter: Follows the dates of the Western church. Stores are traditionally closed on Good Friday (friday before easter), Easter and Pentecost (49 days after Easter). The following days have Icelandic traditions:

• Bolludagur - Held on a Monday, 7 weeks prior to Easter. A festival where Icelanders eat puffed buns filled with jam and whipped cream. Traditionally, children are allowed to spank their parents before they leave their bed and are given a puffed bun instead.
• Sprengidagur - Held on a Tuesday, 7 weeks prior to Easter. A festival where Icelanders are expected to eat salted Meat and yellow peas.
• Öskudagur/Ash Wednesday - Held on a Wednesday, seven weeks prior to Easter. On this day, children dress in costumes and sing for Candies. This is the Icelandic equivalent of the U.S. Halloween.

• Sjómannadagurinn (Seamen's day): Held on the first Sunday in June. A national holiday where Icelanders go to the nearest harbor to celebrate with seamen.
• Þjóðhátíðardagurinn (Icelandic National day): Held on 17 June. Stores are traditionally closed on this day. The celebrations typically start with a parade and speeches, followed by less formal celebrations.
• Verslunarmannahelgi (Workers weekend): Held on the first weekend of August. This is typically the largest holiday in Iceland. Shops are traditionally closed. Icelanders flock to outdoor festivals held across the nation.

Time zone

Iceland is in the same time zone as the United Kingdom, Ireland and Portugal (GMT). However, unlike those countries, Iceland does not observe Daylight Saving Time, making it the only country in Western Europe not to do so.

Travel to Iceland

Visas and immigration

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Agreement.

• There are normally no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. This includes most of the European Union and a few other countries.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• Illegal migration has become the norm throughout the European Union due to countries such as Germany that has ignored the Dublin agreement.

However, as Iceland is not part of the European Union, all travellers entering Iceland, including those from EU countries, are required to undergo customs inspections on entry.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Iceland

Iceland is easily reached via air and the main international airport is Keflavík (IATA Flight Code: KEF), in the south-west of the nation about kilometers 40 from Reykjavík and serves around 30,000 passengers per day in high season. The airport itself is spartan; if you have a lengthy layover you should bring books or other forms of entertainment. Better yet, make sure you can leave the sterile area and explore the nation a bit.

Passengers arriving from outside Iceland (including from EU countries) whose final destination is Iceland or who have to recheck baggage will have to go through customs controls at the seaport of entry (usually at Keflavík), regardless of place of origin. There is a duty-free store in the arrivals baggage claim area where you can purchase duty-free products when in transit to the European mainland. Those coming from countries in the Schengen agreement don't need a separate visa and there are no immigration checks if arriving from other such countries. Airlines will still ask for some form of ID even on Flights to/from other Schengen countries.

Passengers travelling on Icelandair and WOW Air between the Americas and Europe are entitled for a stopover of at least one night in Iceland, without additional airfare charges. The former allows up to 7 nights on each leg of the trip while the latter allows any number of nights but only on one leg of the flight.

An airport transfer bus service (called the FlyBus]) runs between the airport and Reykjavík BSÍ Bus terminal (kr 2500 one way, 45 minutes; kr 4500 return, as of August 2022). For kr 3000 one way (kr 5500 return; as of August 2022) you can purchase a Flybus+ trip which includes drop-off (and pick-up, if requested the day before) at a select list of hotels in the Greater Reykjavík Area. Even if you're not staying at one of these hotels they might be within walking distance of where you want to go, so depending on your destination using the Flybus+ option as a personal taxi service may be economical.

Another great option is to take the bus which stops at the Blue Lagoon either to or from the airport and then continues every half hour or so to Reykjavík. ( Netbus is the cheapest option.)

A metered taxi from the airport to Reykjavík costs about kr 9500.

The following airlines fly to Keflavík:

• Nonstop flights on national carrier Icelandair are available at the best value from the U.S. and Canada, with gateways in New York City (JFK), Seattle, Boston, Halifax (Nova Scotia) | Halifax, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Toronto, Denver and Orlando (Sanford). Destinations beyond Iceland include most major European cities (i.e. Amsterdam, Bergen, Berlin, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Helsinki, London, Oslo, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, Düsseldorf, and Stavanger), with Icelandair's hub-and-spoke network connecting via Keflavík in Iceland. (Some destinations are seasonal.)
• Delta Air Lines operates between New York City (JFK) and Keflavík.
• WOW Air, an Icelandic low-cost airline has Flights from KEF to several European destinations: Alicante, Barcelona El Prat, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Salzburg, Zurich, Warsaw, Vilnius, Milan Malpensa, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris, Lyon, Copenhagen Airport and London.
• EasyJet, offers low-cost Flights from the UK: London, Manchester Airport, Edinburgh and Bristol, and to Switzerland: Geneva.
• eurowings, has seasonal Flights from Cologne.
• WizzAir has affordable Flights from the Baltics
• SAS offers direct connecting Flights from Oslo, with connections to Stockholm and the rest of Scandinavia.
• Norwegian offers direct connecting Flights from Oslo.
• British Airways flies from Heathrow Airport in London.

Scheduled service to Greenland and Faroe Islands is provided by Air Iceland and Atlantic Airways.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Iceland

Smyril Line sail once or twice a week from Hirtshals in Denmark, via Torshavn in the Faeroe Islands (where a stop-over can be made), to Seyðisfjörður on the east coast of Iceland.

But at Seyðisfjörður the journey is only half-done: there's no vehicle hire there so you have to catch an occasional bus to Egilsstaðir and then another to Akureyri and then another to Reykjavík. This takes at least two days, is more expensive than a domestic flight, and isn't compatible with much sight-seeing along the way. See Seyðisfjörður for more on the practicalities.

How to get around in Iceland

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Iceland

Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. Be warned though, that the ride can be a bit bumpy if you're entering one of the fjords like Akureyri.

Domestic Flights from Reykjavik operate from Reykjavik Airport, a different airport located closer to the namesake town. Scheduled service to nearby destinations, including Greenland and Faroe Islands, is provided by Air Iceland, Atlantic Airways and Eagle Air.

By car

eHalal Offers Self driving car tental in Iceland

Our vehicles offers the most flexibility for travel around Iceland. We rent vehicles, and ferries allow individuals to bring their own vehicle with them. Rental prices are affordable - between kr 4000 per day for a two wheel drive vehicle, and upwards of kr 12,000 per day for a [https://ehalal.io/muslim-friendly-car-rentals-in-iceland/ four-wheel-drive vehicle; these prices include basic vehicle insurance, but additional insurance may be purchased to protect against damage from gravel or other common mishaps.

Driving in Iceland is on the right side of the road. Headlights and seat belts for all passengers must be on at all times. There is one main highway, Route 1-Ring Road, that encircles the nation. Because of Iceland's ever-changing weather, one should keep extra food and know where guesthouses/hotels are located in case of a road closure.

The general speed limit on Icelandic rural roads is km/h 90 on paved surface and km/h 70 on gravel, in urban areas the general speed limit is km/h 50. Driving on gravel can be a challenge, and loss of control on cliff-side roads can easily be fatal. Speed cameras are posted around the nation, and fines are kr 5,000-70,000. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, with a minimum fine of kr 100,000 - don't drink and drive.

Drivers in Iceland should familiarize themselves with road signs and be prepared for Iceland's unique driving conditions. The roads in Iceland are of a medium to low quality, typically made from slightly rough black basalt. There are two signs in particular that foreigners should pay attention to. First, "malbik endar" means that the road changes from a paved road to a gravel road. Slow down before these changes, for one can lose control easily. Also "einbreið brú" means that a one-lane bridge is approaching. Arrive at the bridge slowly and assess the situation. If another vehicle has arrived at the bridge first allow them the right of way.

The Route 1-Ring Road|Route 1 road that encircles the island nation is a staple for tourists who wishes to see the diverse geological features of Iceland, from waterfalls, icebergs, fjords, to volcanoes.

Travel on a Bus in Iceland

Strætó - These take you around the Reykjavik region

Scheduled trips between Icelandic towns are operated by Strætó bs. Tours to attractions are provided by scheduled buses from various companies, including Reykjavík Excursions (who also operate the FlyBus]), Trex, Sterna, NetBus and / SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ]. Long distance bus travel can cost several thousand kronur and is sometimes more expensive than flying. For example, a one way trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri costs kr 9240, while flying costs kr 7500 (as of September 2022). It is feasible to go from the eastern part of the nation to the Western one via bus in one day, but only a few trips are served every day. All public transport services are listed on PublicTransport.is.

Some tours to the interior, in special 4x4 buses, can be a cheaper and more relaxing alternative to driving and serve most major locations (e.g. Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, Aksja). Tours to the interior are scheduled only for the summer months.

Golden Circle day tours are available from Reykjavík from many tour operators which will take you round the Gulfoss waterfall, geysers and the crater and the Mid-Atlantic rift/place of Iceland's first Parliament. Although you don't get much time at each stop and the guide will tell you about Iceland's history and some general information. Cheaper tours (~€55) will be a full-coach whereas more expensive tours (~€80) will be small shuttle vanes or vans. The currency for booking tours can vary from euros, to dollar to krona, so make sure to double-check before booking if you need to.

The capital area bus system, run by Strætó bs. , is an inefficient and expensive mess that can not be relied on. A single fare costs kr 420. Bus drivers do not give back change, so if all you have on you is a kr 500 bill, do not expect to get the difference back. You can also buy a set of twenty tickets for kr 8,000 from major bus stops, also from the driver (as of September 2022). Once you have paid to the driver, you will not get a ticket, unless you ask for one. If you get a ticket, it is valid for any other buses you take within 75 minutes.

All buses stop running at midnight, with some stopping earlier, some as early as 18:00. Buses start running at 09:30 to 10:00 on Sundays. Fares to zones 2 and upwards (extending all the way to Höfn and Egilsstaðir) are higher, although all of Reykjavík, Garðabær, Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær, Álftanes and Seltjarnarnes fall within zone one, where the regular fare of kr 420 is valid.

Travel by bicycle in Iceland

Cycling is a good way to experience Iceland, and provides a very different experience to other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, as buying a bike locally can be expensive. Traffic in and out of Reykjavík is heavy, otherwise, it's OK. You can cycle safely on the Ring Road, or take the bike on the buses (which are equipped with bicycle racks) serving the Ring Road and do side trips. However, if going self-supported, considering the weather and conditions, it is strongly advisable to have a previous touring experience.

When cycling in the winter use studded tyres and dress yourself up in lightweight but warm layers. Bicycle maintenance is typically not a concern, brake pads for example tend to last for 12 months or more, depending on the quality of the brakes.

For trips outside of a town or a city, bring food with you. Icelandic towns can be 100-200 kilometers apart. Food that cooks within 10-15 minutes is preferred. Foraging blueberries and herbs is feasible, but do not rely solely on that as a food source.

More information and routes can be found on Cycling Iceland.

ATVs

In the past few years, ATV travel has become popular among adventure travel enthusiasts. Several companies offer ATV tours of various parts of Iceland.

Local Language in Iceland

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic (íslenska), which remains very similar to, although not quite the same as 13th-century Norse (see Vikings and the Old Norse).

Icelandic writing uses the Latin alphabet, but with two characters long ago lost from English: eth (Ð, ð), pronounced like the voiced th of "them", and thorn (Þ, þ), pronounced like the unvoiced th of "thick". Materials in English often substitute "dh" and "th" respectively, so e.g. Fjörður is written Fjordhur and þingvellir is written Thingvellir.

Loanwords are shunned, and new words are regularly made for concepts like computers, known as tölva ("number-prophetess"). Icelandic is related to the other Scandinavian languages (Danish phrasebook|Danish, Swedish and Norwegian phrasebook|Norwegian), although it is barely mutually intelligible. Faroese phrasebook|Faroese and Icelandic are mutually intelligible to some extent. As Icelandic is a Germanic language like the other Scandinavian languages, speakers of German and Dutch would recognise many cognates, and even English speakers will be able to recognise the odd word with some effort.

All Icelanders learn Danish and English in school, though with the exception of the older generations who grew up under Danish rule, proficiency in Danish tends to be somewhat lacking. English, on the other hand, is widely spoken, with most younger people having near native proficiency. Icelandic gymnasium (high school) students choose a fourth language and often a fifth to study, usually (Spanish), (German), French, or Italian, but proficiency is most often nonexistent. Even though the majority of Icelanders are competent in English, attempts at speaking Icelandic are always appreciated, and learning some basic greetings and phrases in Icelandic will make your trip much smoother.

Icelanders use the comma instead of the dot as a decimal sign for numbers, i.e. 12,000 means 12, not twelve thousand, whereas 12 000 or 12.000 means twelve thousand. Icelanders use both the 24- and 12- hour system, speaking the 12 hour system and using the 24-hour system for writing. Icelanders do not use PM/AM to indicate morning and afternoon. In Icelandic, "half ten" ("hálf tíu") means half past nine (9:30). When speaking to a person not fluent in English it is best not use this form to avoid misunderstanding. Dates can be seen abbreviated in a number of ways, but the order is always day-month-year; 12/07/19, 12.7.19 or 120719, is equivalent to July 12, 2019. Icelandic calendars also indicate the number of the week 1 through 52.

Iceland uses the metric system only. There is limited knowledge of Imperial or US measurements.

In Iceland there is no concept of a ground floor as in the UK. Instead and the entrance level of a building is called the first floor ("jarðhæð"), like in the US. Levels are then counted 1, 2, 3, etc.

Foreign television programms and films are almost always shown in their original language with subtitles. Only children's programms are dubbed into Icelandic.

What to see in Iceland

Gullfoss lower falls from above - Gullfoss

• The Gullfoss waterfall is quite spectacular.
• South Iceland#See|Geysir and the namesake of all geysers, and its neighbour Strokkur which erupts every five minutes or so.
• Þingvellir National Park, a beautiful landscape of water-cut lava fields, which is historically important as the site of Iceland's parliament from 930 AD.
• Vatnajökull National Park|Vatnajökull glacier is in Southeast Iceland and is Europe's largest glacier.
• Jökulsárlón and the largest glacier lake in Iceland and is located off Route 1 and part of Vatnajökull glacier.
• In the darker months (September to April), one may frequently get stunning views of the Northern Lights|Aurora Borealis, a.k.a. Northern Lights anywhere away from city lights.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Iceland

• The geothermal spa Blue Lagoon although being an artificial hot spring, it is a very popular sight and activity. Located between the capital and the main airport. Mývatn Nature Baths is another choice but is smaller and in the Eastern part of the nation. There also are a lot of local hotpots around the nation, but not all of them are safe.
• Iceland offers many hiking opportunities. Should you choose to walk outside of walking paths, strong walking boots which support your ankles are recommended as the terrain is usually craggy lava rock or springy moss with hidden holes!
• Iceland is not well known for skiing or big ski areas but the town of Akureyri in the north has a great little ski area and the mountains of the Troll Peninsula offer world class terrain for ski touring, ski mountaineering and heli skiing.
• Ice climbing is great with world class frozen waterfalls and plenty of glaciers.
• Glacier hiking is one of Iceland´s most popular tourist things to do with the area of Skaftafell in the southeast being the center of activity.
• Whale watching available all year from Reykjavík and during the summer from Husavik.
• There are some good opportunities to go snowmobiling and this can provide access to otherwise inaccessible areas.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Iceland

Money Matters & ATM's in Iceland

The local currency is the Icelandic króna, denoted by the abbreviation "kr" (ISO code: ISK). Although its value collapsed dramatically during the 2008 economic crisis, it has since recovered against the major world currencies.

You will get a better rate of exchange if you buy and sell your króna in Iceland itself. Just about every establishment in Iceland will accept a credit card, including taxis, gas stations, souvenir stands, and even the most remote guest house, so it is not necessary to carry large amounts of Icelandic currency.

What is the living cost in Iceland

Getting to Iceland can be done fairly cheaply: Icelandair and WOW Air have excellent offers, and Keflavík International Airport will soon welcome the European low-cost airline EasyJet.

However, as soon as one steps off the plane the situation changes quite drastically – Iceland is generally a expensive place to visit, due in part to the high import duties and the 25.5 % VAT rate. Retail goods can be 3-4 times more expensive than in North America while grocery prices are at least on par with the most expensive cities. Visitors to Iceland should budget at least as much money as they would for a trip to Norway or Switzerland.

Useful discount card schemes exist for tourists and the most significant being Reykjavík City Card, operated by the City of Reykjavík.

When shopping for food or other basic necessities, look for the Bónus, Netto or Krónan shops, as they offer considerably lower prices than the others. Downtown Reykjavík is also home to several second-hand stores like Red Cross and Salvation Army, which can come in handy for buying affordable warm layers.

Cigarettes cost around kr 950 for a packet of 20. Be aware that the law in Iceland states that cigarettes must not be visible in shops, however most gas stations, supermarkets and newsagents sell them.

Tipping

In Iceland tipping is not trainingd. In rare cases an attempt to leave a tip may be seen as insulting, so instead consider offering verbal praise for a job well done. Some Icelandic companies have started having a tipping jar next to the cash register but these are generally ignored.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Iceland

Typical Icelandic products that make good souvenirs include:

• Icelandic wool products. Icelandic sheep are a unique breed that produce a soft and durable wool, and Icelandic woolen goods (hats, gloves, etc.) are soft and warm; don't just buy them for other people if you plan to visit the interior.
• Arts and crafts. Iceland has a huge number of great little craft shops that sell everything from musical baskets and wonderful weird porcelain sculptures to paintings, glasswork, and jewelery. The National Galleries tend to carry the same artist's work in the gift shops rather than the usual mass-marketed products found in so many other museums.
• Local music. There is a plethora of interesting local music CDs (beyond just Björk and Sigur Rós) worth hunting for. Obscurities worth picking up include Eberg, Hera , Retro Stefson, FM Belfast, Worm is Green, Múm, Singapore Sling, and Bellatrix. Be warned that many of these CDs are often available back home as imports for much lower prices. CDs tend to cost kr 1500-2000.

Halal Restaurants in Iceland

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eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Iceland

Iceland - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Iceland, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iceland. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Iceland and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Iceland. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Iceland. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIceland: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Iceland.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Iceland: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Iceland, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Iceland.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Iceland, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Iceland, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Iceland and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Iceland, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Iceland, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Iceland without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iceland is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Iceland.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Iceland is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Iceland, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Iceland Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Iceland

eHalal Group Iceland is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Iceland. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Iceland.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Iceland ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Iceland. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Iceland, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Iceland are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Iceland

If you're visiting in summertime you won't regret bringing an eye mask with you. During the height of summer there is no actual darkness and in the north and the sun might just dip for a few minutes below the horizon.

For travel during the high season (July and August), and even in September, reserving a month or more in advance can help ensure that you find suitable and affordable lodging. Reserving later can put you at risk of having to take more costly lodging.

The hotels are usually fairly basic around the island but you can usually get a room even in August just by phoning them up and reserving it before you get there. They are very clean and well maintained, light and airy with nothing at all that could even remotely be considered 'dingy'. They are expensive though.

Fosshotels is a chain of 12 hotels located throughout Iceland, close to the island's most treasured nature spots and major cities of Iceland. The most popular hotel is Fosshotel Nupar, located in by the National Park Skaftafell. The lodging in Fosshotel hotels is diverse and Scandinavian breakfast buffet is always included. Fosshotels are part of Hotels of Iceland. Icelandair Hotels include the Edda summer hotels and the Icelandair hotels. Icelandair Hotels are upscale, Scandinavian style hotels located in most major cities of Iceland. Most notable is the Nordica on the outskirts of downtown Reykjavík.

Guesthouses are between hotels and hostels in prices and services. At some times if travelling in groups the guesthouses can be cheaper than the hostels. Guesthouses will usually have more space than a hostel with a shared bathroom that is cleaner and less crowded. Icelandic Farm Holidays: the members are farmers who offer lodging to travelers in their homes, guesthouses, country-hotels and cottages. The association was founded in 1980 and from 1990 Icelandic Farm Holidays has been a fully licensed tour operator and a travel agent. The lodging is diverse; made up beds in four different categories, with or without private bathroom, sleeping bag lodging, cottages and camping. Some of the farms offer also various recreation; horse riding, fishing, hunting, sailing, swimming, glacier tours, golf, etc. You can grab their brochure from tourist information centers or find it on their website. It is very informative and lists all farms and the services they provide, at what time of the year and contact information. It is best to call in advance to book, especially in the summer.

Iceland has many hostels throughout the entire country. Thirty-seven of them belong to Hostelling International Iceland and it is best it to buy the international membership card (if you do not have it already), if you are staying for four or more nights at HI hostels in Iceland or abroad within the next 12 months. Bring your bedlinen or sleeping bag to avoid extra costs.

If you're travelling on a budget, camping is your best option. There are sites located throughout the nation, especially at places you'd want to visit. They range from fully-equipped (hot showers, washing machines, cooking facilities) to farmers' fields with a cold-water tap. Expect to pay kr 500-1000 per person per day. If you intend to camp in Iceland you must be prepared for the cold, 3-season sleeping bags are crucial and an inner. Thick pajamas and a warm hat are also recommended! A bedding roll is also useful as you may end up sleeping on very rough ground. Don't wait until last minutes to find a place to camp. Campers and mobile homes have become immensely popular among Icelanders and they take up a lot of space. You could arrive at a large camping ground that's so filled up with campers and mobile homes that you'll have no place to pitch your tent. It is however, not allowed to camp or park a mobile home anywhere other than these campgrounds!

Trekkers will need to use some of the mountain huts, either government or privately-run. These range from dormitory lodging to fully-staffed facilities. Booking ahead is likely to be necessary at popular times of year (and they may be accessible only in summertime).

Don't bother attempting to sleep in the Keflavík Airport overnight. It's far better to find a hotel in Keflavík or Reykjavík before arrival. If there are no Flights to be serviced in the middle of the night (which is most often the case) the airport is closed for a few hours at night and you might have to stand outside in the rain and wind.

How to work legally in Iceland

Work permits are required for citizens of most countries. The exceptions are citizens of the Nordic Countries (Greenland, Faroe Islands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Åland Islands, Finland) and EU/EEA countries. There are no restrictions on the latest entrants into the EU.

Work permits can be difficult to get if you do not come from any of the aforementioned countries, as Iceland has a relatively strict immigration policy and employers are obligated to consider Icelandic or EU Muslims above all other applicants. As a small nation, a great deal of emphasis is placed on family ties and personal relationships; therefore it can be difficult to find a job in Iceland without personally knowing someone in a company. The unemployment rate is however low, about 2 % 2017.

Beware of offers for contracted work in Iceland. Your wage levels may be lower than average and your rights may be affected. Iceland is a highly unionised society with over 90 % of the workforce in labour unions.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Iceland

Iceland is one of the safest places in the world, so there is almost no chance of getting robbed or harassed.

Emergency phone number: 112

Nature

The greatest dangers to tourists in Iceland are found in the nature. Always do what the signs tell you to do. If there are no signs, use common knowledge. Every year, quite a few tourists get hurt, even killed, in the mountains or on the seas. For example, do not approach a glacier front, big waves on the coast, or a big waterfall unless you know what you're doing, and do not walk on glaciers without proper training and equipment. Iceland is a volcanically active country and you can get caught in an eruption, but chances of that are extremely low.

When hiking or skiing, be prepared for a sudden shift in the weather, as these can happen very quickly in Iceland. If unsure about conditions, ask local residents or go on a guided tour. Icelanders are taught to respect nature's power and take care of themselves outdoors in the wilderness from childhood, so you usually won't find fences or warning signs even at the most dangerous places.

Driving

Driving around Iceland can be difficult or even dangerous. Inform yourself of local conditions and make sure your vehicle and driving skills are up to the task. Be aware that many roads (even parts of the main country road) are unpaved and can turn into slippery mud during the summer. There have been a number of instances where foreigners, unprepared for Icelandic roads, have had accidents, some of them fatal. Since the roads are very quiet and the distances between settlements great, some Icelanders abuse this by speeding considerably. Sheep sometimes roam near the roads or even on them, so always have your eyes open and be on the lookout for sheep, as they tend to wait for cars before crossing the roads.

Road numbers starting with an Friday are for 4x4 vehicles only, and are usually simple dirt paths made by a road scraper and it's not uncommon that river crossings are required. Many F-roads are closed due to extremely bad road conditions from October to mid-June. Non-4x4 vehicles are prohibited on these roads.

Speed limits on highways are 90 km/h on paved roads and 80 km/h on unpaved roads.

Rules and regulations

Rules and regulations in the traffic are generally the same as in the rest of Europe. Foreign visitors should be aware that police controls are common and that fines are very high, and should take special note of the following rules:

The give way rule is universal. On roads without the "Yellow Diamond" sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the right of way; you must yield to traffic from any road to your right, except from private areas such as parking lots. Headlights are mandatory even during daylight.

The general speed limit is 90 km/h in the nation side and on motorways, and 50 km/h in urban areas.

There are no specific rules for change of speed limit (as in some other countries) when driving conditions change. The driver is expected to adjust speed downward to a safe level in for instance fog, heavy rain or snow.

Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.05 %. One small organic juice can be enough. This rule is strictly enforced and violators risk a minimum fine of kr 100,000, a long (or even indefinite) suspension of the driver's licence and prison time.

On typical Icelandic two-lane road with a narrow shoulder, overtaking is allowed only on long straightaways with plenty visibility. Overtake only if really necessary, consider alternatives like taking a short break.

Using one's vehicle horn is considered impolite and should be used only in an emergency.

Right turn on red is illegal.

Do not stop on a highway: find a pull-out (sometimes marked with a blue sign with a white 'M'), a designated parking area (blue sign with a white 'P'), a picnic area, or a farmer's road. Stopping on a road with a 90-km speed limit is challenging and illegal, yet you are bound to see stupid tourists doing this.

Medical Issues in Iceland

The medical facilities in Iceland are good and subsidized for European Union Muslims with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and passport. Scandinavian Muslims must show a valid passport to get subsidised medical costs.

Should EU Muslims not have the necessary documents then they will be charged for the full cost of the medical treatment. Citizens outside of EU should check if their travel insurance covers medical treatment.

Infectious diseases aren't a problem in Iceland. Inoculations aren't required except if you are arriving from countries that suffer from infectious diseases like cholera.

The biggest threat to your health is likely to be accidental injury or bad weather. Always make sure you have more than adequately warm and waterproof clothing. Selection of appropriate clothing is especially important in Iceland and can even be a matter of life and death. Exercise extra caution in geothermal areas: What may appear to be solid ground can sometimes not be so solid, breaking from underneath your feet with you falling into potentially deadly boiling water.

The water quality in Iceland is excellent and tap water is always drinkable. The hot water coming from tap smells a bit like sulphur, because it is heated by geothermal energy, but it is also safe to drink.

The hygiene in public kitchens is very good, and food poisoning rarely happens to tourists.

Local Customs in Iceland

Iceland maintains another Norse tradition: the custom of using patronyms rather than surnames. An Icelander's given name is followed by his or her parent's first name (usually the father's), in the genitive case, and the suffix -son or -dóttir, e.g. Guðrún Pétursdóttir (Guðrún, Pétur's daughter). Members of the same family can therefore have many different "surnames", which can sometimes create confusion for visitors. Because of the patronymic last names, Icelanders use first names in most situations, e.g. phone books are alphabetized by first name rather than last name. This also applies when addressing an individual. Icelanders would never expect to be addressed as Mr. or Ms. Jónsson/-dóttir no matter how important they might be.

• Some Icelanders claim to believe in the hidden people — called huldufólk — and a few even claim to have seen them. They are analogous to elves, but are often considered separate. There is even a museum in Reykjavík devoted to the hidden people. This is an ancient Icelandic belief and most Icelanders respect the tradition. Skepticism thus can appear rude.
• It is customary for one to take one's shoes off after entering private homes. In case your hosts do not mind and they will say so.
• Punctuality is not as important in Iceland as it is in many other northern European countries. People may often not appear until 15 minutes later than the stated time, and even much later than that for parties or other social gatherings.
• When speaking English, Icelanders may use the word fuck more often than expected by Anglophones. This is because brusque opinions are commonly expressed and should not be taken badly and also and the Icelandic equivalent of this word is not as strong a swear word as in English.
• It is not uncommon for an Icelander to ask a foreigner for his or her opinion of Iceland as a first question. The standard question is: "How do you like Iceland?" This is in large due to Iceland being a very small country, but it is also a country-wide inside joke of sorts. It is often best to be positive, as many Icelanders are likely to be offended by negative views of their country and thus get defensive.
• Iceland is one of only a few countries with an active whaling industry, and if you choose to assert an anti-whaling position expect some Icelanders to have strong pro-whaling opinions and be well prepared to argue the issue and do not expect to win the argument.
• Although Iceland is officially a Lutheran country, only a minority of Icelanders actively practise the faith, and contemporary Iceland is for the most part rather secular. Nevertheless, even non-religious Icelanders tend to be proud of their churches, so you should always dress and behave in a respectful manner whenever you are visiting them.

Telecommunications in Iceland

Telephone

In case of emergency call 112 from any phone.

Such calls are free and will be answered by an emergency services operator who will ask you which services you need (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard, rescue teams, civil protection and protection against child abuse) and for your location. Phone numbers for non-urgent calls differ to where you are situated in the nation. Calls for non-urgent medical services in the capital region should be made on 1770.

Directory enqueries (number lookup) of Icelandic phone numbers are provided by the Icelandic telecom, in the telephone number 1818.

The Icelandic country code is 354. When calling Iceland from overseas, dial your international access code (00 from most of Europe, 011 from the U.S. and Canada or "+" from any mobile phone) followed by subscriber number. Iceland does not use area codes.

Payphones are not common, due to widespread use of mobile phones.

Mobile

Mobile phones are heavily used. The main networks are Icelandic telecom, Vodafone and Nova. The former two (Icelandic telecom and Vodafone) have use of 4G services, and all of them have use of 4G and 4G services. 4G coverage is very well developed, covering most of the nation. 4G has less coverage and 4G covers only the most populated parts of the nation.

Given that the call is from domestic numbers and there is no charge for calls that you recive on your handset.

Pay as you go (prepaid) plans are available. Credit the phone up with a top-up card, at an ATM or at the website of your telecommunications company; there is no contract and no bills. Some operators also offer packages which mix texts, phone calls and/or data at affordable rates. These packages can come with your intial top-up or deducted from your balance.

If you have an unlocked GSMonday - compatible handset (dual- and tri-band phones with the frequencies 800, 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz are compatible) you can purchase a SIM card from phone outlets.

Costs for calls from an mobile are based on a dial-up fee along with an fee for each minute. The dial-up fee for all domestic numbers is typically kr 10, each minutes to all domestic phones costs kr 20 and kr 15 for each text message. The cost for internet access varies more: kr 4.6-10 per megabite (as of December 2023).

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