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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