TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT

The distance from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík is 55 km, or 45 minutes drive. The FLYBUS offers shuttle service between the airport and BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik in connection with arrivals and departures. The FLYBUS operates in connection with all arriving flights at Keflavík Airport and takes you straight to Reykjavík City. You can catch the FLYBUS right outside your terminal at Keflavík Airport and a seat is always guaranteed. Tickets can be bought at the tourdesk or in a ticket machine at the airport, ISK 1.150,. Please buy your ticket before boarding the bus. The FLYBUS makes a final stop at BSÍ Bus Terminal in the center of Reykjavík. There you can board smaller busses that take you to some of the major hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík including Grand Hotel, Cabin Hotel and Hotel Bjork. Let the driver know which hotel you want to be transfered to upon boarding the bus at the airport.
Iceland Travel operates a special guided transfer service available upon request. Taxi service is also available and cost approx. ISK 8.000.-

REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the home of more than half of the country's 300 000 inhabitants. Named after the steam from the geothermal areas the city is now known for its clean air, water and beautiful surroundings. Iceland was settled from Norway in the 9th century. The native tongue is Icelandic, a version of Old Norse.


CLIMATE

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a temperate ocean climate, cool in the summer and surprisingly mild in the winter. During the mid-summer temperatures generally average between 12°C and 15°C (50°-54°F) in the populated lowlands. In the beginning of September the weather can be a bit unpredictable and tourists should be prepared.

WHAT TO WEAR

Due to the fact that the weather is unpredictable it is wise to bring warm clothes, rainwear, etc. especially for those who are interested in outdoor activities. As there are ample opportunities for swimming in warm spring water, it might be a good idea to bring a bathing suit.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Duty-free goods may be purchased both upon arrival and departure at Keflavík Airport. The duty free allowance is 1 litre of spirits (up to 47% alcohol) and 1 litre of wine (up to 21% alcohol) or 6 litres of imported beer and 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in other tobacco products. It is prohibited to bring uncooked meat and various meat products (salami, smoked meat, etc.) into the country.

TAX REFUNDS

Upon departure, visitors to Iceland can reclaim the VAT tax paid on purchase in the country. This may amount to 13-15% of the value of the purchase. The refund voucher should be presented to the Duty-Free shop at Keflavík Airport or other departure points.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Foreign currency can be exchanged at all banks, which will also advance cash against all major credit cards. Cash can also be obtained against these cards in all banks and ATMs. Banking hours are from 09:15-16:00, Monday to Friday.

SHOPPING AND BUISNESS HOURS

There are many excellent shops in Reykjavík and other major centres. Visitors will find a wide selection of goods both in the downtown area and at Kringlan and Smáralind shopping malls, offering woollen products, ceramics, jewellery and skin and fur products. Stores are open from 10.00-18:30 on weekdays, but have variable opening hours on weekends. Offices are open from 09:00-17:00 on weekdays.

WHAT TO DO

Kirsuberjatréð
http://www.kirs.is/

Leather and design
http://www.leduroglist.is/verslun.html,

Galleries and art/design shops, Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur, City Center

Crafts & Design
http://www.handverkoghonnun.is/default.asp?sid_id=8939&tId=99&Tre_Rod=002|&qsr

Iceland guest
http://www.icelandguest.com/design_shopping/

Culture in Iceland
http://www.culture.is/default.asp?sid_id=15927&tre_rod=002|001|&tId=1