Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
National public holidays in Iceland:
New Year's Day
1 January
Easter March or April
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to Easter Monday (changes an-
nually)
First Day of Summer
First Thursday after 18 April
Labour Day
1 May
Ascension Day
May or June (changes annually)
Whit Sunday and Whit Monday
May or June (changes annually)
National Day
17 June
Commerce Day
First Monday in August
Christmas
24 to 26 December
New Year's Eve
31 December
School Holidays
The main school holiday runs from the first week of June to the third week of August; this
is when most of the Edda and summer hotels open.
The winter school holiday is a two-week break over the Christmas period (around 20
December to 6 January). There is also a spring break of about a week, over the Easter
period.
Safe Travel
Iceland has a very low crime rate and in general any risks you'll face while travelling here
are related to road safety, the unpredictable weather and the unique geological conditions.
A good place to learn about minimising your risks while travelling in Iceland is Safetravel
(
www.safetravel.is
). The website is an initiative of the Icelandic Association for Search and
Rescue (ICE-SAR); it also provides information on ICE-SAR's 112 Iceland app for smart-
phones (useful in emergencies), and explains procedures for leaving a travel plan with ICE-
SAR or a friend/contact.
Road Safety
There are unique hazards for drivers, such as livestock on the roads, single-lane bridges,
blind rises and rough gravel roads.
For road conditions, see
www.vegagerdin.is
or call 1777. For more information on driving
in Iceland, see (
Click here
).
