Iceland
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Country
Think of this island of lava and ice, quite alive, where nature, savage and violent, generated from the depths of its colored conical mountains. Around the geysers, vapor plumes point directly towards the sky. Smoke escapes here and there from the 250 active volcanoes. You are in Iceland,... Land of the extreme, but also of beauty and harmony!
Along the excursions, innumerable natural wonders vie for your attention: the lunar areas contrast with the snow-covered tops and the verdant plains... From mysterious fjords and glaciers turned blue to the black ash deserts. And in the middle of these magical landscapes, hot springs, spouted out of these mineral entrails, offering an almost unreal bath... Dare this rough state of nature and follow us to the country of the trolls, the elves and the sheep, for a large bowl of fresh air. Once you will have tasted it, you will want nothing more than to return.
Along the excursions, innumerable natural wonders vie for your attention: the lunar areas contrast with the snow-covered tops and the verdant plains... From mysterious fjords and glaciers turned blue to the black ash deserts. And in the middle of these magical landscapes, hot springs, spouted out of these mineral entrails, offering an almost unreal bath... Dare this rough state of nature and follow us to the country of the trolls, the elves and the sheep, for a large bowl of fresh air. Once you will have tasted it, you will want nothing more than to return.
Highlights
- A choice of two voyages on foot, through exceptional sites, relying on our very good knowledge of the terrain.
- Services of excellent quality, thanks to the effectiveness of our Icelandic partner: a maximum safety, with a team of Anglophone Icelandic guides particularly well trained, great logistic reliability: vehicles of very good quality, roomy tents, perfectly adapted to the Icelandic climate, carefully prepared meals, long distance range radio and/or satellite telephone.
Climate
Under the influence of the Gulf Stream, "soft" oceanic climate, fresh, wet and windy. Weather is extremely fluctuating, with many alternations of sun and heavy rain showers during the same day, all involving splendid lights. Preparing yourself suitably from the probable bad weather allows us to appreciate this fantastic country at its right value. On rare occasions, one can have good weather over long periods of time. The ideal season for foot travel in Iceland is from June to September.
June is one of the most favorable months: the duration of the day is at its maximum (practically permanent day light), the weather is often more stable than the rest of the year and this is the month that the flowers appear. It is also the ideal period to observe the colonies of marine birds, swarming with life. However, certain areas can not be accessible before mid-June (even later for the highest walking paths), because not all of the mountains roads are cleared from snow. Therefore, we do not program our circuits during this period.
September is also a period when we can particularly appreciate the meteorology which is generally still good. Tourists, at this time, have generally left the country and as of the end August it is possible to admire the fascinating phenomenon of the auroras borealis. Inside the country, the colors of autumn (in particular, the blueberry seedlings which decorate the green landscapes with sharp red marks) explode at the beginning of September and then extend to the entire country towards mid-September.
The winter is not as rigorous as one would think for a country which brushes against the polar circle. The duration of the day is minimal in December-January, then increases little by little to eventually exceed the duration of our days mid march. Snow coverage is in general, very good inside the country and in the Northern Mountains until May.
June is one of the most favorable months: the duration of the day is at its maximum (practically permanent day light), the weather is often more stable than the rest of the year and this is the month that the flowers appear. It is also the ideal period to observe the colonies of marine birds, swarming with life. However, certain areas can not be accessible before mid-June (even later for the highest walking paths), because not all of the mountains roads are cleared from snow. Therefore, we do not program our circuits during this period.
September is also a period when we can particularly appreciate the meteorology which is generally still good. Tourists, at this time, have generally left the country and as of the end August it is possible to admire the fascinating phenomenon of the auroras borealis. Inside the country, the colors of autumn (in particular, the blueberry seedlings which decorate the green landscapes with sharp red marks) explode at the beginning of September and then extend to the entire country towards mid-September.
The winter is not as rigorous as one would think for a country which brushes against the polar circle. The duration of the day is minimal in December-January, then increases little by little to eventually exceed the duration of our days mid march. Snow coverage is in general, very good inside the country and in the Northern Mountains until May.
Temperatures
Temperatures in Reykjavik, on the coast (day maximum/night minimum, in Fahrenheit degrees)
| March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
Sept | Oct | Dec |
| 39/30 |
43/34 | 50/39 |
57/45 | 57/48 | 57/46 |
52/43 | 45/37 | 36/28 |
Profile
| Population | 313 000 habitants |
| Surface | 39,770 squares miles |
| Capital | Reykjavík |
| Main Cities |
Keflavik, Gullfoss |
| Peaks |
Hvannadalshnukur (6,952 feet) |
| Active Volcanoes |
the Hekla (4,892 feet) and the volcanoes under the Vatnajökull |
| Glacier |
Vatnajökull (Europe’s largest one) |
| Official Language | Islandic |
| Political Status | Parliamentary Republic |
| Time Shift | http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc.html |
Currencies
The currency is the Icelandic Crown.
Rate of exchange in 2007: 1 $ = approximately 67 ISK.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments, but credit card use is widespread, therefore, we advise that you primarily use credit cards. There are ATM machines in all the cities and even in many villages.
Rate of exchange in 2007: 1 $ = approximately 67 ISK.
We advise you to carry dollars in small increments, but credit card use is widespread, therefore, we advise that you primarily use credit cards. There are ATM machines in all the cities and even in many villages.
Travel Warnings
As an organizer of worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advices, while organizing and preparing our different trips. Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
US Government Travel Advices
US Government Travel Advices
Our Story
Einar, like numbers of his compatriots, carried out part of his studies in Iceland.
Returning to his country, in his country, he launches himself as a mountain guide in leading French-speaking groups, before founding, with two members of his family, his own company. As a driving force in training guides in Iceland, they take an active part in mountain guide operations and organize first aid education training.
By the means of common knowledge, Einar reached out to Mountain World Travel more than 10 years ago and became our privileged partner in the organization of our Icelandic voyages. Through time and through trips, solid links were woven between
Einar and several people of the Mountain World Travel team who get together to collaborate on new voyages, to seek out the most original routes or to go skiing or hiking with family, in Iceland, in the Alps, and in New Zealand!
Passionate by his native country, Einar knows how to share it with the small welded team of the best Anglophone Icelandic mountain guides, who rally around him. A common point between all of these men is their exceptional knowledge of their volcanic and glacial island. Moreover, Einar is exceptional at bringing everyone together around his cause.
Returning to his country, in his country, he launches himself as a mountain guide in leading French-speaking groups, before founding, with two members of his family, his own company. As a driving force in training guides in Iceland, they take an active part in mountain guide operations and organize first aid education training.
By the means of common knowledge, Einar reached out to Mountain World Travel more than 10 years ago and became our privileged partner in the organization of our Icelandic voyages. Through time and through trips, solid links were woven between
Einar and several people of the Mountain World Travel team who get together to collaborate on new voyages, to seek out the most original routes or to go skiing or hiking with family, in Iceland, in the Alps, and in New Zealand!
Passionate by his native country, Einar knows how to share it with the small welded team of the best Anglophone Icelandic mountain guides, who rally around him. A common point between all of these men is their exceptional knowledge of their volcanic and glacial island. Moreover, Einar is exceptional at bringing everyone together around his cause.
Some Useful Words
The spoken language in Iceland is the old Norrois, in fact the Norwegian language of the Vikings. Insularity prevented any evolution of the language contrary to other continental Scandinavian languages, which were influenced by languages of the countries they did exchange with, like the majority of other world languages. Icelanders speak several languages in general (from 3 to 5!). Learning some Icelandic key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors and to facilitate your exchanges with the people of Iceland.
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
hello: gódan dag
yes: já - not: nei
goodbye: bless
thank you: takk to fyrir
how are you? hvernig gengur?
well, thank you: gott, takk
You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!
Some easy ways of pronunciation:
- "Þ" (example: Þingvellir) pronounced like English "TH" in "think";
- "ð" (example: Skagafjörður) pronounced like English "TH" in "there";
- "ll" (as in "Vatnajökull) pronounced Vatnayeukoudl;
- "fn", as in Höfn, pronounced Heupn
- "Hv", as in Hvannadalshnúkur, pronounced Kvanadalsnoukour
Lastly, the sound of the vowels changes if they have an accent, even if it is "A" or "y"!
Do not hesitate to use the following expressions:
hello: gódan dag
yes: já - not: nei
goodbye: bless
thank you: takk to fyrir
how are you? hvernig gengur?
well, thank you: gott, takk
You can ask your guide how to pronounce these key words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!
Some easy ways of pronunciation:
- "Þ" (example: Þingvellir) pronounced like English "TH" in "think";
- "ð" (example: Skagafjörður) pronounced like English "TH" in "there";
- "ll" (as in "Vatnajökull) pronounced Vatnayeukoudl;
- "fn", as in Höfn, pronounced Heupn
- "Hv", as in Hvannadalshnúkur, pronounced Kvanadalsnoukour
Lastly, the sound of the vowels changes if they have an accent, even if it is "A" or "y"!
Respect of Customs and Habits
The Icelanders way of life is relatively close to the American way of life, with a slight difference; their standard of living is largely higher than the French. So as to best integrate with the Icelanders, here is some advice:
- Do not be surprised by their welcome which can appear to be cold: the Icelanders are generally stoical and reserved, and do not particularly seek out contact. Avoid being too brusque.
- Do not criticize whale or bird hunting in front of them, as you may risk upsetting them.
- Do not be surprised by their welcome which can appear to be cold: the Icelanders are generally stoical and reserved, and do not particularly seek out contact. Avoid being too brusque.
- Do not criticize whale or bird hunting in front of them, as you may risk upsetting them.
Some Advice
Some friends advised me to carry a little bit of alcohol in my luggage. Why?
This advice can appear quite strange to you. However, you have two good reasons to follow it: it is a much appreciated gift for the Icelanders, which, moreover, enhances your meetings with the inhabitants. Its sale is very regulated in this country and alcohol is very expensive. Therefore we invite you to benefit from the duty free at your point of departure or even at the Keflavik airport, right before going through customs, while entering Iceland. Icelandic legislation authorizes the importation on its territory of one liter of strong alcohol (either a bottle of wine per person or the equivalent of 6 liters of beer.
Does trekking in Iceland require particular precautions?
Voyages in Iceland can be testing because of the changing climatic conditions and the characteristics of the land, which do not always have a regular rhythm to them.
Therefore, we recommend that you be well equipped for a sometimes difficult climate (in particular: protective clothing-jacket and pants for rainy conditions).
Can the almost permanent day light pose sleeping problems?
If you are sensitive to light, do not forget to bring blindfolds with you, as on the aircraft, which will help you to go to sleep.
Is life expensive in Iceland?
Iceland is a very rich country and one of most expensive in the world. As we are looking out for your best interest and do not want you to run out of money, we have paid great attention to the costs. This means that your team will not do every little thing for you (you are welcome to help out with meal prep!) and we may not always stay in five star hotels. To have the same experience as elsewhere, one would have to put out a fortune!
Electrical plugs
US electrical devices are not compatible with Icelandic electrical plugs.
We recommend that you carry an adapter, because
the plugs are 220/230 volts.
Safeguarding the Environment
Leaving for Iceland, is to dare nature in a rough state: volcanoes, deserts of black ashes, enormous glaciers, superb fjords, etc.... Icelanders are impregnated with a thorough ecological conscience, in order to preserve these intact natural beauties, which can appear extreme to us: they respect nature up to the insects and plants living under a stone, and if they move the littlest element, they reposition it at the exact place where they found it! We count on you to leave natural spaces which you cross, the way you found them upon arriving.
In the beginning, Iceland was a wooded island. These forests, throughout centuries, would have been exploited by the inhabitants for heating. The country currently has several reforestation programs. The vegetation, is in particular, made up of moss or lichens which colonized the recent lava (in the east or in altitude). Some flowers succeeded in settling in Iceland: Arctic bellflowers, primrose, saxifrage and heather.
Birds constitute the true richness of the island fauna, in particular the large colonies of marine birds: you discover up to 14 species in their environment, in fishermen villages or on cliffs, at heights of 65-1000 feet, which shelter hundreds of thousands of them. The petrel fulmar which looks like the gull... the kittiwake, the puffin-monk, the small penguin, the guillemot of Troïl, very widespread on the coasts, the eider duck, the Arctic tern, the goose or the brown seagull. Not very savage, you will easily see them on the excursions.
The shores, particularly full of fish, in addition shelter many colonies of seals and not less than 17 species of Cetaceans. Salmon, trout and eel are particularly frequent in fresh waters. The only terrestrial mammal originating from Iceland is the gentle Arctic fox. Some species were introduced on the island, in particular the mink and the reindeer. Sometimes benefiting from the ices, polar bears from Greenland, venture to the borders of the Island. We count on you not to frighten these animals.
In the beginning, Iceland was a wooded island. These forests, throughout centuries, would have been exploited by the inhabitants for heating. The country currently has several reforestation programs. The vegetation, is in particular, made up of moss or lichens which colonized the recent lava (in the east or in altitude). Some flowers succeeded in settling in Iceland: Arctic bellflowers, primrose, saxifrage and heather.
Birds constitute the true richness of the island fauna, in particular the large colonies of marine birds: you discover up to 14 species in their environment, in fishermen villages or on cliffs, at heights of 65-1000 feet, which shelter hundreds of thousands of them. The petrel fulmar which looks like the gull... the kittiwake, the puffin-monk, the small penguin, the guillemot of Troïl, very widespread on the coasts, the eider duck, the Arctic tern, the goose or the brown seagull. Not very savage, you will easily see them on the excursions.
The shores, particularly full of fish, in addition shelter many colonies of seals and not less than 17 species of Cetaceans. Salmon, trout and eel are particularly frequent in fresh waters. The only terrestrial mammal originating from Iceland is the gentle Arctic fox. Some species were introduced on the island, in particular the mink and the reindeer. Sometimes benefiting from the ices, polar bears from Greenland, venture to the borders of the Island. We count on you not to frighten these animals.
