FAQ
Where is Iceland?
Iceland is a North Atlantic island and a part of Europe. It lies about 800 km northwest of Scotland and 970 km west of Norway, and it´s northern coast is just below the Arctic Circle. From London, Reykjavík and Athens have the same distance.
Is it hard to get to Iceland?
Not at all! Frequent flights operate to Iceland from Europe´s and North America main cities and many gateways are served daily. Flight times to Europe are two to four hours.
How cold does it get?
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland isn´t as cold as it sounds. Temperatures are moderate year-round. Average July temperatures are around 10°C and the north and east are often the warmest parts in the summer. Snow is not the norm and only settles intermittently in the south but tends to stay longer in the north. Fine winter skiing areas are found on higher ground outside many towns, however. Average January temperatures in Reykjavík, at around zero, are actually higher than those in New York.
How should I dress?
In the summer, light clothing is often all you need - but always be prepared for both cold and wet weather at all times of the year. The weather can be extremely changeable. Icelanders often say, "If you don´t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes." And always bring a bathing suit, whatever time of the year you visit. A favourite pastime is year-round outdoor swimming in countless geothermally heated pools and lagoons, with a typical temperature of 25-28°C.
What are the people like?
Quite nordic personality, exceptionally friendly, highly educated, sophisticated, attractive, honest and very modern. Their ancestors were predominantly Norwegian, although some came from the British Isles. There are no Inuits in Iceland.
Do Icelanders speak English?
Most Icelanders speak fluent English. In fact, they welcome the opportunity - so never be shy about approaching an Icelander.
What is the accommodation and food like?
Excellent! Iceland´s hotels and guesthouses are almost invariably clean and comfortable. The seafood and lamb are of outstanding natural quality and served in an imaginative European style. There are also number of fast food places.
Can I pay my fees with a credit card?
Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere.
How many people will be in the group?
This depends on the nature of the excursion and the season. Most summer tours will have a maximum of 12 people per leader and assistance vehicle on Bike -3 tour. Winter tours are usually done with 2 – 10 persons.
What if I need to cancel my tour?
We regret that we are unable to offer a full refund in the case of cancellation. The cancellation fee depends upon the length of notice and type of booking. See chapter on cancellations
What kind of money do we use in Iceland?
The Icelandic króna (ISK). All major currencies can be exchanged at the airport, banks and currency exchanges. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost universally, and ATMs are generally not hard to find.
When is it daylight in Iceland?
Summer visitors who arrive to a bright midnight sky and ask when it gets dark in Iceland are sometimes told "in the middle of August." The sun barely sets in the summer and it´s light round-the-clock in the north at the peak of summer. In mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours of daylight a day. Spring and autumn daylight hours are more or less "normal".
What about the electricity?
Iceland´s electrical standards are European (50Hz, 240 volts) so many North American electrical devices will require converters. Plugs are generally two-pin, so devices brought in from the UK and North America will require adapters.
Will my mobile phone work in Iceland?
Most European cell phones work on Iceland´s GSM network; North American ones use a different standard. But you can rent cell phones in Iceland. Iceland now has the highest rate of cell phones use in the world. Mobiles work in towns and on virtually all main travel routes. Hike and Bike doesn´t guarantee that your phone will work in the back country but your guide will have phone and vhf radio for emergency use.
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