Your questions about Iceland

How do you say hello and thank you in Icelandic?

In Icelandic, hello is "Góðan daginn" (pronounced go-than da-guinn) and thank you is "Takk fyrir" (pronounced tak fi-rir). These basic expressions will help you interact with Icelanders during your trip.

How to get around in Iceland?

In Iceland, the main options are car rental (maximum freedom), summer buses (serving points of interest), flights for long distances (recommended in winter), and ferries to approach glaciers and cross towards the polar circle.

How to use your phone and internet in Iceland?

In Iceland, you can use your French mobile phone without extra charges thanks to European regulations. The country code is +354. Wi-Fi is available in most tourist establishments, but some remote areas have no mobile network.

When should I travel to Iceland?

The best time to visit Iceland is June to September, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C and all facilities open. Winter offers the advantage of viewing the Northern Lights but remains more challenging.

What should you pack for Iceland?

For Iceland, pack warm clothing even in summer: windproof raincoat, fleece jackets, merino wool technical wear, waterproof hiking boots, hat, gloves, scarf. Add a swimsuit for hot springs, camera, and binoculars.

What is the climate in Iceland?

Iceland has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters (average 0°C in Reykjavik) and cool summers (average 12°C, maximum 20°C). Weather changes rapidly and forecasts are unreliable.

What is the time difference between Iceland and France?

Iceland is 1 hour behind France from November to March, and 2 hours behind from April to October. It is always earlier in Iceland than in France.

What type of government is in power in Iceland?

Iceland is a parliamentary republic with a president elected by direct vote every four years. Executive power is exercised by the government led by the Prime Minister, who is accountable to Parliament (Althing).

What is the capital of Iceland?

Iceland's capital is Reykjavik, located in the southwest of the island. This city of 130,000 inhabitants is home to more than a third of Iceland's population.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

Iceland's official language is Icelandic, an ancient Germanic language. English is widely spoken by the population thanks to its mandatory teaching in schools.

What is the currency used in Iceland and its exchange rate?

Iceland's official currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Exchange rates fluctuate daily, with approximately 155 ISK to 1 euro depending on market conditions.

What is the main religion practised in Iceland?

Iceland is predominantly Lutheran Christian. The country also has minority populations of pagans, Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims, as well as practitioners of Ásatrú (Norse mythology) and many believers in Huldufólk (hidden people such as elves and trolls).

What is the size of Iceland?

Iceland covers an area of 103,000 km². This Nordic island is slightly smaller than England and represents roughly one-fifth of mainland France's size.

What are Iceland's iconic animals?

Iceland is home to several remarkable species: the Icelandic horse (unique breed), the Arctic fox (sole indigenous land mammal), puffins, reindeer, seals, and numerous seabirds adapted to Arctic conditions.

What vaccinations are required or recommended for a trip to Iceland?

No vaccinations are mandatory for travel to Iceland. Universal vaccinations (DTP, hepatitis A and B) remain recommended as with any international trip, but Iceland presents no particular health risks.

Who is the president of Iceland?

Iceland's president is Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, who has been in office since 2016. He was re-elected for a second term in 2020.