With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.

It is not only unique and wonderful natural phenomena that intrigue visitors to this, the second largest island in Europe, which lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland. The hardy Icelandic people, descendants of ancient Norsemen and Celts, are intriguing too, having spawned what is now renowned as the oldest surviving parliament in the world (called the 'Althing'), founded in 930, and boasting a much-revered literary heritage of the best medieval works, mostly based on historic heroic sagas.

Most of the country's popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, in the region known as 'The Golden Circle'. Top of the list for scenic splendour is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, set off with a brilliant rainbow, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.

Reykjavik means 'smoky', but in the case of Iceland's pristine capital (which is Europe's most northerly capital city) the smoke is not smog, but rather steam from the underground springs that warm the city. Reykjavik has a well-deserved reputation for being the cleanest, most invigorating city in Europe, where the standard of living is one of the highest in the world. The city may be small, but it is full of interesting attractions from galleries and museums to thermal bathing spots, and the nightlife is second to none.

What else is there to do and see in Iceland? Well, how about whale-watching; chic fine dining; hiking the highlands; viewing Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull; fishing the rivers; taming one of the great wild Icelandic horses, river-rafting; exploring on a snow-scooter; shopping for designer wear, souvenirs and gourmet foods; joining the descendants of the Vikings in the Summer Solstice Festival at Hafnarfjorour; visit the northerly island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle; visiting the recreated medieval farm at Stong...

The list goes on and on, ensuring there is never a dull moment in this awe-inspiring destination.

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Time: GMT

Electricity:
Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz alternating currency, the same as in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type as in Continental Europe.


Language:
Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.

Health:
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry unless you are arriving from an area known to be infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate is required. Medical care in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists with the UK. British citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them from home to ensure having the cost of any emergency treatment covered.

Tipping:
Service charges are included in bills, and tipping is not expected.


Safety:
Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the road.

Communications:
The international country code for Iceland is +354, followed by the seven-digit phone number: the country has no regional dialling codes. To dial out of Iceland dial 00 and the country code required (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Note that Icelanders are listed by their first names in the telephone directories, not the last. Iceland has the highest per capital mobile phone use in the world with GSM networks and there are roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Iceland Telecom rent mobile phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the country.

Currency:
The unit of currency is the Islensk Króna (plural krónur), abbreviated as ISK (or simply kr. locally). Iceland's three banks, Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki Ísland and Búnaðarbanki, all offer foreign exchange facilities and can be found in even the tiniest villages. Most have ATMs on their premises, available after banking hours, which are usually Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm. Credit cards are widely used in Iceland for purchases and cash advances, and travellers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels.

Visa and Passports:
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required if holding a British passport endorsed British Citizen, British National Overseas or British Dependent Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport and a visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to Iceland require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. Return or onward tickets, all documents for the next destination and sufficient funds are necessary for entry to the country. Iceland is party to the Schengen Agreement together with Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. The agreement allows for travel between these countries on a uniform visa.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Airports:Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Location: The airport is situated 31 miles (50km) south of Reykjavik. Time: GMT. Contacts: Tel: +354 425 0600 Transfer to the city: The inexpensive Flybus service leaves Keflavík Airport 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. Terminal Flybus is in Reykjavík at Hotel Loftleiðir stopping at Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær en route to the city. Two taxi companies operate from a rank outside the arrivals hall. Car rental: Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Avis are represented at the airport. Most other major car hire companies have offices in Reykjavik.

Facilities: The small but well-equipped Leifur Eriksson terminal boasts a 24-hour exchange bureau; an executive lounge with phone, fax and email connections; restaurants; a children’s playground; duty free store; coin and card operated telephones; baby-changing facilities; and an information desk. The terminal is designed for easy access for the disabled. Website:www.keflavikairport.com

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