Location / Language of Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic, with a population of around 4 lacs and a land area of around 1 lac sq kms making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. Its high latitude and marine influence keep summers chilly, with most of the archipelago having a tundra climate.
Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. It is an Indo-European language, belonging to the sub-group of North Germanic languages.
Visa Requirements / Currency (please note these procedures / exchange rates can changed from time to time…please get an update from the embassy prior to travel)
As India is not part of the Schengen Area, if one is an Indian passport holder you will need to apply for the appropriate type of Schengen Iceland Visa for travelling to the country. To be eligible for a Schengen Visa for Iceland one will mainly need their current passport, along with certain documents, to be submitted with the Visa application form.
Currency : Euro (EUR)
Conversion: Rs.1 INR = 0.013 EUR
1 EUR = Rs. 78.04 INR
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Iceland
- Blue Lagoon – This most iconic of geothermal spas is where one will find natural bathing in pale blue water in the shadow of a power station. An entire Blue Lagoon industry has grown around this attraction and the water from the underground hot springs reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius and is said to be highly beneficial for both health and skin.
- Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park – The park hasclarge amounts of rain soak areas leaving roads severely damaged. Maelifell volcano is the undisputed jewel-in-the-crown of this wild, rugged glacial landscape. The perfect cone shape gives Maelifell the look of a classic volcano, however during the warm season, a lavish green covering of moss gives it a surreal, otherworldly appearance.
- Askja Caldera and Geothermal Pool - Askja is an impressive 50 sq kms in size and the surrounding mountain range was formed during volcanic activity while Askja was partly created by an eruption of burning ash that collapsed the roof of the central volcano's magma chamber. The water in Viti, the geothermal pool and volcanic crater, is generally around 30 degrees Celsius.
- The Pearl Observatory, Perlan - Originally the site of the city's gigantic thermal water tanks, this landmark building occupies an enviable location on Öskjuhlíð hill, where there are in excess of 176,000 trees. The observatory affords stunning views featuring the country's natural elements across the city and regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions in the Winter Garden.
- Skaftafell Ice Cave - Vatnajökull National Park is a land of glaciers and magnificent ice caves, which attract adventurers from across the globe. The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave in the vast national park (one of three in Iceland) is during winter after heavy rain has washed the top layer of the glacier away.
- Hallgrímskirkja Church - A Reykjavik modernist icon, this visually striking church is the tallest and most recognizable building in the country. The Black Falls (a basalt rock formation), inspired the architectural design. A climb to the top of the 73-meter-high tower is where one will be treated to spectacular views across the city and surrounding landscape.
- Strokkur Geysir (Hot Geysers) – It is the most popular fountain geyser in the country and famed throughout the world. This highly active hot spring area lies beside the Hvítá River at what's known as the Golden Circle. Boiling mud pits and around 100 other smaller exploding geysers are waiting to be explored here. Every few minutes, Strokkur shoots water 30 meters into the air.
- Landmannalaugar National Park - The main features of this mystical landscape are the multihued rhyolite mountains, Hekla volcano, and extensive lava fields. Hiking and horse riding are popular things to do here, and hikes range from a couple of hours to several days.
- Dettifoss Waterfall - In the of Vatnajökull National Park, the waterfall is truly is a breathtaking example of the raw power of nature. Plunging 45 meters and with a width of 100 meters, it's said to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Generally, it's best to approach on the east side of the River Jökulsa.
- Lake Myvatn & Nature Reserve - A lake district famous for its wealth of bird life, rich fauna, and large shallow body of water, it was formed around 2,500 years ago by a gigantic lava eruption. Today, the surroundings are volcanically active, with an eruption occurring as recently as the mid-1980s. Bubbling clay pits, sulphuric fumes, and lava formations all form part of this unique landscape, which is still in flux.
Things You Must Do in Iceland
- Whale Watching, at Reykjavik – No matter when one plans to travel, whale watching happens year-round including watching in the midnight sun, although summer is the most popular time to see these gentle giants. Best of all, surfacing often happens right near the boats, so one may well enjoy a ringside seat for one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles.
- Hiking at Mount Esja – The mountain is 914 meters high and very popular with hikers and even for the inexperienced climber it's a relatively easy hike. There are terrific views of Reykjavik and the surrounding landscape and ocean. You can take several routes to the summit depending on energy levels and how much time you have.
- Observe the Tectonic Plates - The Tectonic Plates sit on the Pingvellir Plain which is the point between North America and Europe where the plates are shifting away from each other. This movement causes cracks and rifts in the landscape and results in rivers, lakes, and ragged gulleys. There is a path here that one can trace along the fault lines and watch this freak of nature up close.
- Visit Viking World - Viking World Museum will make you feel as if you have gone back in time and ended up in the Viking Age. Here one will find a replica of a Viking ship from the 9th century called the Icelander which had the claim to fame of sailing across the Atlantic in 2000. One can explore the ship and wander underneath the hull as well as learn more about Viking history through a range of static and rotating exhibitions. There is a section on fascinating Norse mythology as well as a Settlement Zoo and a Viking playground.
- Visit Puffin Island - The islands of Akurey and Lundey are known for their gorgeous and cuddly puffin colonies. Of the two Akurey is more famous as it has the larger puffin population and one can also see a plethora of other wildlife here including cormorants, ducks, seagulls, and guillemots. The island is uninhabited but one can take a boat across from the mainland and watch the puffins nesting and tending to their young.
- Ride a skidoo at Langjokull Glacier - The Glacier is one of the best places to come if one wants to spend time in one of the most scenic spots in Iceland while also engaging in a fun over ground activity in the form of riding a skidoo. Once on the skidoo one will power over the slippery surface of the glacier and take in the crisp air and the jet blue skies for which Iceland is famous.
Food on the Plate
Icelandic cuisine, includes lamb, dairy, and fish, the latter due to Iceland being surrounded by ocean. Popular foods in Iceland include skyr, hangikjöt, kleinur, laufabrauð, and bollur. The flavors of this traditional country food originates in its preservation methods; pickling in fermented whey or brine, drying, and smoking.
Some of the Icelandic dishes one must try include:
- Plokkfiskur - A traditional dish in Iceland is this fish stew, known locally as It consists of boiled cod or haddock filets with potatoes, either mashed and scrambled or whole as in the photo.
- Hardfiskur - is considered a delicacy in Iceland, and one can find it everywhere. If one likes jerky, chances are they will also like the Icelandic version and find this unusual snack quite tasty. It’s best served with some Icelandic butter.
- Brennivín (Burning Wine) – This is the national liquor of Iceland, and it’s basically a schnapps. It’s also known locally as svartidauði, which would translate into the black death in English. It is made from fermented grain or potato mash and flavored with caraway.
- Skyr - The iconic yogurt of Iceland is called Skyr, and one can find it everywhere, in abundance. It has become so popular that it’s now even being exported to other countries. It comes in a variety of flavours.
- Pick n' mix Blended with ice cream - It’s what Icelanders call a “flavor fox” or ´braðarefur´. Here, they take a large quantity or soft ice cream and add 3-5 sauces or toppings, and then they put it all together, and they mix it up furiously. You are handed the result thereof and must be experienced.
Overseas Travel Medical Insurance Iceland
Since Iceland is a country which is part of the Schengen countries in Europe, It is mandatory for Indian traveller to purchase a travel medical insurance while applying for Schengen visa for Iceland.
Travel insurance for Indian tourists visiting Iceland is relatively cheaper when compared to destinations in Americas, and most insurance companies offer a specific Schengen Insurance Plan. One must ensure that the minimum Accident & Sickness (A&S) sum insured for a Schengen plan must be €30,000 (around $50,000), and a visa to visit any Schengen country will not be provided without this minimum coverage.
The insured must purchase an “Excluding Americas” Plan, if they are travelling to other destinations that don’t include only Schengen countries.
Illustration for 15 days Schengen visa travel insurance for Indians to Iceland.
Sum Insured($USD or €Euro) / Premium in Rs. INR |
Insured Age 34 |
Insured Age 64 |
Schengen - €30,000 |
Rs.733 |
Rs.1,561 |
Schengen - €50,000 |
Rs.830 |
Rs.1,694 |
Excluding - $50,000 |
Rs.1,028 |
Rs.1,714 |
These premiums are across different plans and different benefits.. please log in to
www.eindiainsurance.com to compare and buy the best Schengen visa medical insurance for your travel to Iceland.