A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Pristine Iceland

Located at the junction of North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans is a magnificent island, Iceland, displaying nature's bounty in all its elements. It is thinly populated and is part of the five Nordic countries of the world.

Owing to its size, topography and edge-of-the-world sense, Iceland offers visitors a feeling of complete elusion from the world.

Why Visit Iceland

If you are seeking a unique holiday experience, which offers breathtaking adventures aplenty, memorable sights and Viking history revelations, board a flight to Iceland.

You can watch the spectacular northern lights or witness mind-boggling volcanic eruptions. You can be in awe of 24-hour daylight or be dazzled by the sun's rays reflect off glaciers. In Iceland, you can be on top of the world, literally!

When to Visit

Iceland is an all-the-year-round destination, although June to August witnesses the highest number of tourists. Each season in this country can cast a magical spell on the visitor.

While October to April brings harsh weather conditions, these are the months when winter activities are in full swing. The days are shorter and the nights are longer. It is the best time to chance a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

If you want to explore the blooms and birds, May to August is the best season. Flight and accommodation costs are higher during June and August and so are crowds. The start and end of the peak season, May and September, offer an advantage to those looking for lower fares and crowd-free stay. These are also the best months for whale watching.

Schengen Visa for Iceland

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Iceland. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

The largest international airport in Iceland is in Keflavik, Southwest Iceland. Several airlines including Icelandair offer flights from European countries to Keflavik. From the airport, there are bus services to Reykjavik, which is about 40 km from the airport. Taxis are also available for hire. However, these can be expensive.

A weekly boat service is available from Denmark to Seyoisfjorour, on the east coast of Iceland. The trip takes two nights. Once at Seyoisfjorour, you can hop on the bus to Reykjavik via Egilsstaoir.

Domestic airplanes are the main form of transport within Iceland and are in use as commonly as buses and trains! However, the trip can be bumpy at times, owing to the terrain.

While renting a car can offer you the flexibility you need for sightseeing, the rates are exorbitant. These also need to be reserved months in advance. You can opt for carpooling with others who are headed in the same direction as yours. Websites are available to facilitate carpooling, where you can enter the dates and locations you want to visit.

Buses ply only between certain routes, that too only during summer. Also, long bus rides across the country can be more expensive than air travel!

Biking is a great option for those who have experience riding in rugged terrains and harsh weather conditions. Several companies offer bike rentals based on your requirement. Another inexpensive option to travel around is by hitchhiking. Most locals are friendly and trustworthy. They will offer you a ride and some great conversation!

Where to Stay

Iceland offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses and hostels for tourists. In addition, if you are prepared to sleep under the stars in a sleeping bag, camping sites are available at a nominal cost. While hotels in Iceland are clean and comfortable, they are usually expensive. For group bookings, guesthouses are the economical option. Whatever your choice of stay, plan and make reservations in advance. You don't want to be left out in the cold!

Things to do

Iceland offers a multitude of attractions for the enthusiastic visitor. Since Iceland experiences adverse climatic conditions, it is advisable to plan your itinerary to avoid disappointments. Check if the destinations on your list are open or available during the time of your visit.

Watch spectacular waterfalls
Iceland is home to many glorious waterfalls such as, Gullfoss or Golden Falls in Southwest Iceland, Seljalandsfoss in South Iceland and Dynjandi or Fjallfoss in Westfjords. Enjoy the mesmerizing view as you experience the breathtaking power of gushing water.

Explore the volcanoes and glaciers
Lying in the mid Atlantic ridge, Iceland is a volcanic hotspot. The island has about 30 active volcanoes. Most of these lie beneath glaciers.

Askja is a cauldron-like volcano located in the central highlands of Iceland. It has a geothermal lake at its center, which gets heated due to the volcanic activity. One might feel like the entire scene is surreal where volcanic fire meets the glacial ice!

Dip in the Blue Lagoon
Located in Grindavik about 39 kms from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa. The warm waters are considered rich in minerals and a dip in it is said to have a healing effect, especially for skin diseases. If nothing else, it is a truly relaxing experience.

Admire nature's handiwork
The landscape of Iceland offers great variety to nature lovers. Visit Landmannalaugar in the highlands of Iceland for its geothermal springs, hiking trails and horse riding.

The unexplored interiors of the country offer desolate landscapes and are an ideal getaway for those in search of enlightenment. Go on tours from Reykjavik or Husavik to watch whales in their natural habitat.

Chase the northern lights
A sighting of the northern lights or aurora borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These are usually visible during September to April, when there is darkness and clear skies. You are more likely to get a glimpse of it in towns and villages that are not lit up.

Vik and Höfn in the south, Seyoisfjorour in the east, Blonduos and Grimsey in the north, isafjorour in the Westfjords are places from where you might chance a glance. The time of your visit, location and luck influence this one!

Do's & Don'ts in Iceland

The people in Iceland are friendly and usually helpful. However, it is good to keep a few tips in mind to stay out of trouble.

• Avoid walking on ice, it maybe thinner than you imagine. Sometimes there's more than what meets the 'ice'!
• Be careful while driving on roads in Iceland, especially in winter. Look out for signboards that indicate if a road is passable or not. These are vital and must be obeyed to avoid accidents.
• Keep a distance when visiting birds such as the Arctic Tern or swans. They can attack humans aggressively, especially if they are disturbed while they lay eggs.
• Be wary of high temperatures in geothermal areas.

Ensure a fun-filled trip to Iceland for you and your loved ones by choosing for a comprehensive travel insurance plan

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