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With its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.

It is not only unique and wonderful natural phenomena that intrigue visitors to this, the second largest island in Europe, which lies close to the Arctic Circle northwest of Scotland and south of Greenland. The hardy Icelandic people, descendants of ancient Norsemen and Celts, are intriguing too, having spawned what is now renowned as the oldest surviving parliament in the world (called the 'Althing'), founded in 930, and boasting a much-revered literary heritage of the best medieval works, mostly based on historic heroic sagas.

Most of the country's popular tourist features are in the south of the island near the capital, Reykjavik, in the region known as 'The Golden Circle'. Top of the list for scenic splendour is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall, set off with a brilliant rainbow, and the spouting hot springs of Geysir.

Reykjavik means 'smoky', but in the case of Iceland's pristine capital (which is Europe's most northerly capital city) the smoke is not smog, but rather steam from the underground springs that warm the city. Reykjavik has a well-deserved reputation for being the cleanest, most invigorating city in Europe, where the standard of living is one of the highest in the world. The city may be small, but it is full of interesting attractions from galleries and museums to thermal bathing spots, and the nightlife is second to none.

What else is there to do and see in Iceland? Well, how about whale-watching; chic fine dining; hiking the highlands; viewing Europe's largest glacier Vatnajokull; fishing the rivers; taming one of the great wild Icelandic horses, river-rafting; exploring on a snow-scooter; shopping for designer wear, souvenirs and gourmet foods; joining the descendants of the Vikings in the Summer Solstice Festival at Hafnarfjorour; visit the northerly island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle; visiting the recreated medieval farm at Stong...

The list goes on and on, ensuring there is never a dull moment in this awe-inspiring destination.

Time: GMT

Electricity:
Iceland's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50Hz alternating currency, the same as in most European countries. Plugs and sockets are of the two-pin type as in Continental Europe.

Language: Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.

Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland, and no vaccinations are necessary for entry unless you are arriving from an area known to be infected with yellow fever, in which case a certificate is required. Medical care in the country is of high quality. Payment is usually expected in cash from visitors. Travel health insurance is highly recommended. A reciprocal agreement exists with the UK. British citizens should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them from home to ensure having the cost of any emergency treatment covered.

Safety: Iceland is an extremely safe country to visit, the only threats being a low level of petty crime and rapidly changing weather conditions, which necessitate keeping a check if you are on the road.

Communications: The international country code for Iceland is +354, followed by the seven-digit phone number: the country has no regional dialling codes. To dial out of Iceland dial 00 and the country code required (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Note that Icelanders are listed by their first names in the telephone directories, not the last. Iceland has the highest per capital mobile phone use in the world with GSM networks and there are roaming agreements with most international mobile phone companies. Iceland Telecom rent mobile phones to visitors. There are numerous Internet cafes around the country.

Money: The unit of currency is the Islensk Króna (ISK), plural krónur. Iceland's three banks, Íslandsbanki, Landsbanki Ísland and Búnaðarbanki, all offer foreign exchange facilities and can be found in even the tiniest villages. Most have ATMs on their premises, available after banking hours, which are usually Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 4pm. Credit cards are widely used in Iceland for purchases and cash advances, and travellers cheques are accepted by all banks and most hotels.

Climate: As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because the climate is regulated by the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The summer temperature in Reykjavík ranges from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). The south is the wettest part of the country, but snow is rare. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights. From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.

REYKJAVIK

Back in the first century AD legendary Viking, Ingolfur Arnarson, named the settlement he founded on a northerly Atlantic peninsula Reykjavik, meaning 'Smokey Bay'. The smoke he found wafting over the area, however, had nothing to do with pollution, but rather the bubbling, boiling natural geysers and geothermal springs that now underlie the modern capital of Iceland. This source of heat and water has ensured that Reykjavik has no need to burn fuels to warm its heart, and the crisp, clean air is as beguiling as its clear blue skies.

The sky is not always blue, however: the city receives more than its fair share of rainy weather blown in from the sea, and during the long, bleak winter its northern latitude ensures that the sun makes no more than a brief appearance.

Despite this, the capital of Iceland is definitely a hot spot, renowned for its lively pubs and clubs, which draw hundreds of merry-making visitors, particularly during the long, light, bright summer nights. It's growing reputation as a fun tourist destination is enhanced by its fiery, friendly inhabitants, relaxed pace of life, many cultural attractions and dozens of opportunities for fascinating day trips, not to mention the novelty of bathing in one of the steamy public geothermal swimming baths.

Reykjavik's setting on the southwest corner of Iceland on Faxaflói Bay is another drawcard. All around are panoramic views of the majestic Mount Esja, which rises up behind the bay, and vistas across the Atlantic as far, on a sunny day, as the crystalline Snaefellsjokull glacier to the west.

The city has a small town atmosphere, its centre easily explored on foot, the quaint white-washed wooden buildings and colourful houses interspersed with plenty of open space.

Even those who come to indulge mainly in the hedonistic nightlife cannot fail to leave Reykjavik feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

ATTRACTIONS

Hallgrimskirkja
The landmark church, the tallest building in Iceland, dominates the city from its highest point, and is visible on a sunny day from up to 10 miles (16km) away. Named for 17th century Icelandic poet, hymn composer and clergyman, Hallrimur Petursson, the church's unusual design represents volcanic basalt columns flanking its towering steeple. It took nearly 40 years to build the edifice, which was finally completed in 1986. In front of the church stands a statue of Leif Eriksson, donated to Iceland by the United States.

Address: Skólavörðustígur; Opening time: 9am to 6pm in summer, 9am to 5pm winter; Admission: Kr300 to access the tower viewing level

National Museum
The recently refurbished National Museum of Iceland is the best place to become acquainted with the folklore, history and culture of this fascinating nation. The museum contains around 3,000 artefacts, including medieval settlers' tools, agricultural and nautical implements, ancient carvings and Viking relics.

Address: Suðurgötu 41; Telephone: 530 2200; E-mail: natmus@natmus.is; Website: www.natmus.is; Transport: Public buses no. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 and 14 stop in front of or near the museum; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm (16 September to 30 April); daily 10am to 5pm (May to 15 September); Admission: Kr600 (adults), children free. Free to all on Wednesdays

Botanical Gardens
The lush, green Botanical Gardens are a haven for strollers and planted with a large collection of Icelandic indigenous plants. Besides walking trails and water features, the gardens have a greenhouse café open during the summer months, a children's park and a zoo.Address: Laugardalur 104; Telephone: 553 8870; E-mail: botgard@rvk.is

The Einar Jónsson Museum
Einar Jónsson was Iceland's foremost sculptor and he himself designed and established this museum, which contains several hundred of his works spanning his 60-year career. The museum building itself is deemed to be Jónsson's largest work, and served as his home, gallery and studio. The foundation stone was laid in 1916; it was Iceland's first art museum and retains pride of place on the highest point in Reykjavik. It is adjoined by a pristine treed sculpture garden, which sports 26 bronze casts of the artist's work. There is also a museum shop selling plaster casts of Jonsson's works, books and postcards.

Address: Eiriksgata; Telephone: 551 3797, or 561 3797; E-mail: skulptur@skulptur.is; Website: www.skulptur.is; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 2pm to 5pm (June to 15 September); Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm (16 September to 31 May). Closed in December and January; Admission: Kr400 (adults); children under 16 free

Iceland Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required if holding a British passport endorsed British Citizen, British National Overseas or British Dependent Territories Citizen. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport and a Schengen visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens require a valid passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 3 months.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to Iceland require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. Return or onward tickets, all documents for the next destination and sufficient funds are necessary for entry to the country. Iceland is party to the Schengen Agreement together with Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. The agreement, in principal, allows for travel between these countries on a uniform visa.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Iceland Contacts
Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre, Reykjavik: +354 562 3045 or www.goiceland.org
Embassy of Iceland, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 6653
Embassy of Iceland, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Iceland): +44 (0)20 7259 3999
Embassy of Iceland, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 482 1944
Consulate-General of Iceland, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6295 6819
Embassy of Iceland, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5885

Consulate of Iceland, Nelson, New Zealand: +64 (0)3 545 2944

United States Embassy, Reykjavik: +354 562 9100
British Embassy, Reykjavik: +354 550 5100
Canadian Embassy, Reykjavik: +354 575 6500
Australian Embassy, Stockholm, Sweden (also responsible for Iceland): +46 (0)8 613 2900
South African Honorary Consulate-General, Reykjavik: +354591 0355
Irish Honorary Consul General, Gardabaer: +354 554 2355
Emergencies: 112

AIRPORT

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Location: The airport is situated 31 miles (50km) south of Reykjavik. Time: GMT. Contacts: Tel: +354 425 0600. Transfer to the city: The inexpensive Flybus service leaves Keflavík Airport 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. The Flybus terminal is in Reykjavík at Hotel Loftleiðir and the bus stops at Hafnarfjörður and Garðabær en route to the city. Two taxi companies operate from a rank outside the arrivals hall. Car rental: Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Avis are represented at the airport. Most other major car hire companies have offices in Reykjavik. Facilities: The small but well-equipped Leifur Eriksson terminal boasts a 24-hour exchange bureau; an executive lounge with phone, fax and internet connections; restaurants; a children's playground; duty free store; coin and card operated telephones; baby-changing facilities; and an information desk. The terminal is designed for easy access for the disabled. Parking: Secure, guarded long and short-term parking is available. Website: www.keflavikairport.com

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