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OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER

OVERVIEW A land of extremes, Iceland (Ísland, or the

air exhibitions such as the Reykjavik’s Viking

“island of ice” in ancient Norse) is known for

Festival are typical, as are other festivals,

its low temperatures and huge number of

both traditional and modern. The Reykjavík

volcanoes (close to 200). This former colony

International Film Festival and Iceland Airwaves

of Denmark and Norway is the second largest

are examples of events that are very popular

island in Europe (following Great Britain) and its

both nationally and internationally.

parliament, or Althing, which was set up in 930, is the oldest in the world. The country is divided

Icelandic cuisine is no less unique. As is

into eight administrative regions that include

generally the case in Scandinavian cultures, the

Iceland itself and other islands whose precise

local recipes call for large amounts of fish and

location varies as a result of the meeting of the

lamb, as well as whale meat and other exotic

North American and Eurasian tectonic plates

ingredients, owing to cultural factors. From

(within the country’s territory). With landscapes

pylsa—hotdog—to hakarl—fermented shark

rich in natural beauty—volcanoes, craters,

meat—Icelandic cuisine boasts a variety that is

waterfalls, lagoons, and so on—Iceland delights

both surprising and delightful.

nature lovers, adventurers and athletes.

Iceland has a cold oceanic climate. In the The capital, Reykjavík, is the largest city,

northern portion of the country it is similar

with nearly two thirds of the country’s some

to the polar climate, while the southernmost

320,000 inhabitants; however, it is not the sole center of economic and cultural activity.

Wherever you go in Iceland, you will notice technological and social development, from scientific research on volcanic energy to environmental preservation and adaptation of the economy and sustainability. The largest share of national GNP comes from fishing.

Local residents have the highest ranking in Europe on the satisfaction with life index.

Art, theater, music and cinema are also highly appreciated throughout the country. Iceland has inherited a Viking past; the culture is grounded not only in elves and sea legends, but also in the lively nature of the country’s ancestors: boisterous nights, feasts and open-

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coast tends to be more inhabitable, owing to the effect of the Gulf Stream, which gives it more humidity and less frigid temperatures.

Temperatures on the island rarely rise above 0°C in winter, with temperatures even lower in the central regions than in the coastal areas (such is the capital, Reykjavik, which is on the southwest coast). In the summertime, however, temperatures do not fall below 10°C in July, which is the warmest month. During this period, the southern region is characterized by cloudiness and more frequent rain.

The best period to visit Iceland is between May and August, when there is more sunlight: whereas in the summer the days have close to 20 hours of sunlight, in the winter they have only 5 hours. The summer, in addition to attracting athletes (especially golfers, who take advantage of the long hours of sunlight to practice until late into the night), is also the season when various sea mammals visit the coast of the country to reproduce.

In addition, there is a large number of summer festivals, both in Reykjavík as well as in other parts of the country—such as the Viking Festival of Hafnarfirði, in south of Reykjavík, or Landsmót, also in the south, and other music and art festivals, which generally take place between June and September.

For those who are unable to come in the summer, there are interesting attractions in the winter, such as Food and Fun (a gastronomic festival running from February through to March), the Winter Lights Festival, the International Winter Games—all in Reykjavík— the Akureyri Winter Festival, and many more.

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For those hoping to get a close look at the Aurora Borealis phenomenon, it is best viewed from September to October and from February to March. Because it is generally easier to see the aurora borealis when there is no light in the sky, you should take into account the phases of the moon when scheduling your trip.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the wonders of Iceland— a country of unique scenery, much music, art, and culture and a distinct gastronomy.

TRANSPORT

BOATS

Public transportation in Iceland is generally

Various boats have regular schedules

quite scarce, especially in sparsely populated

connecting different areas in Iceland to other

areas outside the capital. Consequently the

islands. Some of these lines are intended solely

most frequently used mean of transport is

for tourists, and operate only in the summer.

the automobile.

AIRPORTS

AUTOMOBILES

The country has a total of 14 airports, 4 of which

In Reykjavík automobiles are generally not

are international. From some airports (such as

necessary for sightseeing, and parking space

Keflavik), there are buses to the closest city. The

is hard to come by. Renting a car is worthwhile

bus to Reykjavík is less expensive than a taxi. In

for traveling outside of the capital or in groups.

the summer, which is the high season, airfares

Having an international driver’s permit, or a

to Iceland rise considerably. Hence, one good

sworn translation of your national driver’s

strategy is to buy a ticket to a Scandinavian

license (if you have a Brazilian driver’s license),

city (for example, Copenhagen) and take

is all that is required in terms of documentation.

a connecting flight on Icelandair (Iceland’s

Rent-a-car companies generally require drivers

low-cost carrier) to Reykjavík.

to be older than 21 years-old for standard vehicles, although this may vary.

BUSES In general, bus services are scarce, and

Highway no. 1 circles the country. Because it has

are generally intended for sightseeing or

unpaved stretches, it can be dangerous during

connections between populated areas.

certain periods of the year; for this reason, it is

Reykjavík has some 28 bus lines, which fall into

recommended only for experienced drivers.

three types: regular buses, express buses (such

ATTRACTIONS Throughout Iceland you can find natural wonders, enchanting landscapes and interesting activities, ranging from ice adventures to cultural festivals. Each region has its own particular types of attractions. Some of the most interesting are listed below.

REYKJAVÍK Named a UNESCO City of Literature, the capital of Iceland contains the country’s main cultural and historic sites, such as the National Museum of Iceland (with treasures from the Iceland’s medieval past), the Viking Maritime Museum as airport shuttles) and private buses. Fares

(located near the old port), the famous Harpa

vary according to the area and passenger age.

Concert Hall and the beautiful, glass-domed

There are also discounts and unlimited trips for

Perlan building (held up by six giant water tanks,

certain bus lines using “passes”— depending

and hosts exhibits, restaurants, etc.). The city also

on the region and the purpose of your trip. For

boasts many art and design galleries, such as the

example, some buses will take you to the best

Lana Matusa Ceramic Studio (famous for is lava

routes for mountain climbing while others offer

ceramic) and festivals, including Iceland Airwaves

Welcome Card discounts in Reykjavík.

(the annual music festival) and Gay Pride. Other

BICYCLES

sites include the Imagine Peace Tower (where, in tribute to John Lennon, a light is projected from

Cycling in Iceland has increasingly gained

9 October to 8 December) and the imposing

acceptance as an alternative, economical and

Hallgrímskirkja church.

environmentally friendly means of transport.

Durable touring bicycles are recommended.

NORTH

There are guided bicycle tours through

The region is home to the beautiful city of

Reykjavík and in other areas, in addition to

Akureyri, with its 19th century structures and

mountain-bike excursions.

bustling cultural life. Extreme sports (such as the annual Winter Festival competition), hiking, museums, festivals (for example, the Folks Music Festival), the dedication to sea life (a museum focusing on whales, and whaling excursions) and the frequency of the aurora borealis are some of the attractions that make the region one of the favorite tourist destinations.

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WESTFJORDS

WESTMAN ISLANDS

One of the least explored areas of Iceland,

Known for its lush vegetation, this region is

this region contains wonders such as the

surrounded by volcanoes and birds, possesses

Dynjandi waterfallsand is the habitat of various

one of the largest golf courses in the world

animal species (in particular, the Hornstrandir

and delights visitors with its many activities:

Nature Reserve). Since early times, the

aquatic excursions, good restaurants and

relationship with the sea has been preserved

attractions like the Sprangan (mini rappelling

both in regional culture (popular beliefs in

on Spranga mountain), Herjรณlfsdalur crater,

sea monsters, cuisine based on salted fish,

Stรณrhรถfรฐi (an unpopulated area that is a

frequent use of boats, etc.) and in the historical

stopover for seabirds), in addition to the Eldfell

documents found in the Heritage Museum.

volcano, which last erupted in 1973. During the summer Bank Holiday (between the last weekend of July and the first week of August),

the region becomes the largest camping

region of Krýsuvík (which heats natural spas

ground in the country, holding recreational

such as the famous Blue Lagoon), in addition to

activities and events, such as the large music

being the junction of the North American and

festival named Thjodhatid.

Eurasian tectonic plates—facts that have done

EAST COAST

much to lure researchers and tourists. There is also a wide range of restaurants, hotels, cultural

This region is home to the largest forest in

events and museums (such as Viking World,

Iceland and contains various fishing villages. In

which has a beautiful replica of the Gokstad, a

addition, it is important historically and culturally:

ship found in archaeological excavations).

ancient buildings and museums (such as that of the great painter Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, in

SOUTH

Borgarfjörður eystri) are combined with beautiful

This is one of the favourite regions of extreme-

landscapes, including the Vatnajökull glacier

sports enthusiasts. The landscape consists of the

(Europe’s largest, at more than 8,000 km²) and

famous Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park,

the beautiful Hengifoss waterfall. The area is also

which is the former location of the Althing; and

known for cultural events, such as the heavy

the site of the Gulfoss waterfalls and geysers),

metal festival in Eistnaflug.

in addition to other wonders, such as enchanting

WEST COAST

Reynisfjara beach and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. In addition to having served as the stage

Where culture, history and nature complement

for the Sagas (chronicles from the Icelandic

one another, offering adventurers an

Middle Ages, preserved culturally through events

unparalleled experience that is not to be missed:

and museums), Thingvellir National Park is the

Snæfellsjökull National Park, whose legendary

setting for the annual Landsmot Hestamanna

volcano of the same name inspired Jules Verne

(the hugest national equestrian competition, in

to write Journey to the Center of the Earth, in

tribute to the Icelandic horse, considered to be a

addition to the Eldborg Crater and the Barnafoss

national cultural treasure).

and Glymur waterfalls, along with other sites.

The region also possesses historic structures, such as the ancient village of Reykholt (which served as refuge for Snorri Sturluson, an icon in the nation’s history), or the museum of

WHERE TO STAY

the writer Halldór Laxaness and a replica of Eiríksstaðir—the ancient home of Leif Eriksson

Iceland offers various types of accommodation,

(the first European to set foot in the Americas).

from hotels to farms and camping areas.

The West Coast is also home to the Reykholt Music Festival, which features classical music.

PENINSULA OF REYKJANES

For those not looking for luxury, but who nonetheless like a degree of comfort, there are nice inns, such as the Reykjavik Hostel

With many volcanoes and solid-lava craters,

Village, a complex with five residential houses

Reykjanes is home to the great geothermal

less than a five minutes walk from downtown

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Reykjavik; BB 44 just 200 meters from one

In other regions, the Höfn hostel (near

of the main pools in the capital; or 101 Guest

the Vatnajökull glacier) or the Laugarvatn

house, in the heart of the city. For visitors who

hostel (close to several thermal spas) should

prefer hotels, the areas outside downtown

be considered, along with the Borgarnes

Reykjavík are normally less expensive. One

(surrounded by lovely landscapes and offering

is the Hotel Hafnarfjordur, about a 10-minute

recreational activities, such as hiking and

drive from the capital.

horseback riding).

Interesting hotels in other parts of Iceland include the Hotel Berg, in the vicinity of Keflavik airport, and the charming northern hotel Edda Akureyri, located next to the airport and the botanical garden. Tourists looking for hotels away from the city should consider the charming Hotel Anna, nestling in the mountains to the southwest, in Hvolsvöllur. To the east, the lovely Hotel Capitano offers a beautiful ocean view in Neskaupstað.

For those on a budget, Iceland also has less expensive options. Adventure seekers can camp next to stunning natural wonders at the 44 campsites located throughout the country.

The Campingcard is an economical option for groups who wish to camp for several days, and it is ideal for families: for just € 99, 2 adults may camp for 28 nights (with no extra charge for children up to 16 years of age) at any campsite in the country.

If camping is not what you have in mind, Iceland also offers excellent hostels. In Reykjavík, the Downtown Hostel is one of the country’s most highly regarded options, offering comfortable accommodation at affordable prices. Another option is the Akureyri Backpackers hostel, right in the heart of the city.

DINING OUT

(Thorramatur) includes items such as bread, fish, cured meats, liver sausage, singed sheep head or the famous hakarl (fermented shark

Although traditional Icelandic cuisine consists basically of fish and fresh ingredients, Icelanders also include recipes from other cultures in their daily fare. In the mid-winter feast, known as Thorrablot (between January and February), the traditional menu

meat), among others.

Throughout Iceland, you can find good restaurants and pubs, but only licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages.

In Reykjavík, for example, the Icelandic Bar is famous for its selection of beer as well as hakarl and its “parter” Brennevin (a traditional fermented drink made from potato starch, which Icelanders drink with this meal).

The Dill intends to introduce innovations into Nordic cuisine by combining local traditional products and modern techniques, and its menus change daily. You can find Nordic cuisine at the Fish Market (which offers grilled whale meat and sheep) and at the Fish Company, which has a variety of fish, meat and salads. Be sure to taste the delicious salted cod.

In addition, in Reykjavík there is the annual gastronomic festival, Food and Fun, bringing together the best restaurants and chefs—who, at the end, compete against each other in a challenge to create three dishes with regional ingredients.

In Akureyri, the rustic Noa Restaurant has made a name for itself with its fresh seafood and delicious desserts (such as the popular skyr, a sort of creamy yogurt typical of Iceland, generally served with a sweet topping). For those who like fusion, Rub 23 has a variety of sushi and is well-known among tourists.

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Vatnajökull park) offers traditional Icelandic dishes, such as Arctic trout, lamb and soup, in addition to desserts.

Please note: Icelandic labor legislation is extremely strict, and any additional charges are included in prices for goods and services.

Although some employees accept tips, tipping is not recommended.

SHOPPING The best place for shopping in Iceland is Reykjavík, which has the largest variety of shops and shopping malls, most of which are open at night. The main areas for shopping in the capital are Laugavegur and Skólavördustígur streets and In Selfoss, the Kaffi Krus is ideal for the

surrounding areas. Kringlan mall offers a wide

addicted to pizza, hamburgers and assorted

variety of products and restaurants. In Akureyri,

desserts, while the Bokakaffid café is ideal for

the main street is Hafnarstræti. In the rest of the

tasting waffles with homemade jelly. Further

country—mainly small towns—there are fewer

west, in Keflavík, the Café Duus delights its

options for shopping, although the number is

most demanding customers with a menu that

increasing as a result of tourism.

includes soups, salads, fish and grilled entrées.

For souvenirs, it is worth visiting stores that

In Westfjords, the rustic Tjoruhusid has a buffet

cater for tourists, such as The Viking, Álafoss,

with a variety of fish (mainly traditional soups),

Geysir Shop, Rammagerðin, The Puffin and

while the Edinbourg Bistro & Café Bar serves

Íslandia, which, in addition, sell decorative

European fare and offers its customers a

items and even clothing (such as the traditional

beautiful view of the mountains.

lopapeysa—a sort of typical sweater) with Iceland’s identity, in Reykjavík and other regions.

On the west coast of the country, the Klausturkaffi Cafe stands out for its delectable

Stores such as 66° North, Cintamani and

desserts (including cheesecake and homemade

Libborius sell quality winter clothing that is

sorbet), while the Thorbergssetur Center (near

ideal for the country’s climate.

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TAX REFUNDS

For those visiting Reykjavík in June, it is

Almost everything in Iceland is taxed, but

worth staying until Hafnarfjordur in order to

tourists (non-residents) who buy more than ISK

see the Viking Festival. For six days, visitors

4,000 in stores displaying the words “Global

are treated to a large theme fair inspired by

Blue Tax” are eligible for a refund. When

Viking culture and offering everything from

you make a purchase, you must request the

handcrafts and typical food to fun attractions

tax-exemption form and later have it stamped

(such as fictitious battles, and legally valid

(for reimbursements above ISK 5,000) at the

marriages and baptisms).

customs offices in the leading shopping malls or at Keflavík airport. You must ask for the retailer to sign the tax-exemption form and also keep the original receipt. Then, you have to present both documents on a City refound point, so that the refound may be done in cash or by credit card (minus a commission fee).

Refound requests may also be mailed on.

Remember that the articles you have bought must be exported within three months of the purchase date. If the refunds on one or more items amount to a total of ISK 5,000 or more, in addition to obtaining a stamp, you must allow the articles to be inspected when they are shipped—hence, it is important not to remove them from their packaging, and also present all the receipts, forms, passport and flying tickets.

STREET MARKETS Kolaportið (Kolaportid), Iceland’s largest flea market, offers a wide range of products and food items at excellent prices. It is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located in the port of Reykjavík. One of Iceland’s most unusual foods, shark meat, is sold here. Many people believe in its nutritional and curative properties, and it has long been one of the most widely consumed food items.

CURRENCY The country’s currency is the Icelandic krona (Íslensk króna, ISK). There are 1, 5, 10, 20 50 and 100 krona coins, and 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 krona bills.

ATMS Nearly all Icelandic cities have banks with ATMs where you can make withdrawals with MasterCard, Visa, Maestro or Cirrus cards and exchange money (exchange rates are normally more reasonable than at currency exchange offices and hotels). Before leaving, you should contact your credit card management company in order to find out which Icelandic banks offer the best exchange rates for your currency.

CARDS Icelanders use cards for almost everything.

The leading cards—Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus—are accepted in nearly all stores, restaurants and hotels in urban areas.

However, Amex, Diners and JCB are used rarely.

In establishments further from the capital, cash is more readily accepted.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

112 354 118

EMERGENCIES (POLICE/ AMBULANCE/FIREFIGHTERS)

AREA CODE INFORMATION

TOURIST INFORMATION (REYKJAVÍK)

+354 590 1550