Practical information about Reykjavík

A warm welcome, Scandi-style design, breathtaking architecture, an eclectic nightlife, plenty of culture and, of course, stunning scenery all come together to create a lasting impression when you spend a few days in Reykjavík, the world's most northerly capital city.

Until the 18th century, Reykjavík was little more than a farmstead. Then it received a trading charter from the King of Denmark and by the early 19th century, had become Iceland's capital city. The after-effects of the Second World War when the country was occupied by both the British and the Americans led to a long period of prosperity.

This all collapsed in 2008, but now, with the help of tourism, the country is back on its feet and booming once again. You won't find the ancient history or grand buildings of other capitals but you will find a place with a distinctive charm of its own. Even better, Reykjavík is a compact place perfect for exploring on foot. Clean air, a safe environment, world-class facilities and a friendly welcome mean that Iceland is a safe destination for travellers of all ages. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Reykjavik!

Essential Reykjavik information for visitors

Emergency numbers: Reykjavík is probably one of the safest capital cities in Europe but if emergency assistance is required simply dial 112. As with all cities, beware of pickpockets especially near major tourist attractions.

Government and tourist offices: The Embassy of Canada is located on Túngata and can be contacted on +354 575 6500. A well-stocked tourist information office can be found in Reykjavík's town hall or Ráðhús.

Temperature and weather: It is best to go prepared for any weather conditions when visiting Reykjavík. Even in summer, there can be sun, wind and rain on the same day. On the plus side, Reykjavík rarely has snow in winter. Once away from Reykjavík, never underestimate the Icelandic winter weather. Proper clothing and equipment are essential.

Currency: The currency in Reykjavík is the Icelandic króna (KR). Iceland is virtually a cashless society with ATMs available in all towns and villages and at most tourist attractions.

Local Time: Reykjavík's time zone is the same as London (GMT/UTC) but without daylight saving time. From October to late March, it has the same time as London while being five hours ahead of New York, four hours ahead of Ottawa and eleven hours behind Sydney. In the summer, it is one hour behind London, four hours ahead of New York, three hours ahead of Ottawa and ten hours behind Sydney.

Electricity: In Reykjavík and the rest of the country, power plugs and sockets are type F with 230V and 50Hz. Visitors from North America will need a power plug adapter and a voltage converter. Visitors from the UK will just need a power plug adapter.

Language: Icelandic, an Indo-European language, is the country's official language. It is a blend of Norwegian, Faroese and Celtic influences. English is widely spoken in Reykjavík and other tourist areas.

Required travel documents: There are no border controls in Iceland between people travelling between the European Schengen countries. For citizens of the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand the USA, a visa is not required for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for three months beyond your arrival date.

Health: Iceland is a safe country where no specific vaccinations are required. Hygiene levels are high, the tap water is safe to drink and there are no endemic illnesses. You should travel with adequate insurance in case medical care is needed during your visit. Medical facilities are good in Reykjavík and English is widely spoken by hospital staff.

Tipping and taxes: Tipping isn't part of the Icelandic culture as a service charge is always factored into prices. Feel free, however, to round up the bill at restaurants in appreciation of good service.

The peak visitor period in Reykjavík is from June to August. Temperatures are mild and occasionally high, the sun will shine for some of the day and there will be up to 21 hours of daylight - an effect known as the 'midnight sun'. For a bargain holiday visit from December to May. Prices are much lower but you will only have around four hours of sunshine for outdoor sightseeing. Whenever you choose to visit Reykjavík, BudgetAir will ensure you get our best deals on Icelandic flights and hotels.