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Welcome to Akureyri, Iceland

Research seminar and workshop in Akureyri, Iceland, September 27-28th 22018

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN CHILDBEARING AND NEONATAL CARE: NEW BEGINNINGS

Useful information

Video of Akureyri: http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/moya/page/video

On Akureyri website you can get all kind of information as accommodation,

restaurants, things to do, transport and more. See: http://www.visitakureyri.is/en

Transport: http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/transport/how-to-get-there-domestic-travel

Free city bus, parking places and more: http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/useful-

information/useful-links

Travelling to Akureyri

If you want to travelling from Reykjavík (or Keflavik) to Akureyri by flight. You can

book on: https://www.airicelandconnect.com/

Or you could take a bus which takes about 6-7 hours:

http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/transport/how-to-get-there-domestic-travel

Accommodation in Akureyri

To secure the accommodation of your choice, I would recommend that you submit your

registration with hotel booking as early as possible. If not that could be a problem

because of increased tourism in Akureyri. I would recommend Icelandair hotel which is

only 10-15 minute walk from the University of Akureyri

https://www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/akureyri.

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I could also recommend Hotel KEA https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/hotel-kea , that

is a little further away but also a very nice hotel (a little walk up hit on your way to the

University of Akureyri).

Many other hotels are in Akureyri and you can also book different accommodation in

Akureyri (Some of them are a little from Akureyri so you would need a car).

And on that website you find hotels, guest house and apartments.

https://www.booking.com/accommodation/city/is/akureyri.en-gb.html?aid=373411;label=akureyri-

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Map of Akureyri

I would also like to draw your attention to the highlights of Akureyri, see:

http://www.visitakureyri.is/en/useful-information/highlights-of-akureyri

and to one of my favourite places in the world, Lake Mývatn, that is about one hour

drive from Akureyri, where the Nature baths are located and you can marvel at the bird

life, the local flora and the area’s geothermal activity and geology.

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About Iceland

Iceland is closer than you think and probably also far different from what you might

have imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as glaciers,

steaming geysers and volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude

of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises.

The country was settled by Nordic people in the 9th century – tradition has it that the

first permanent settler was a Norwegian Viking, named Ingolfur Arnarson, who made

his home where Reykjavik is situated today. The Icelanders still speak a language close

to that of the Vikings, although modern Icelanders also speak many foreign languages.

The island is conveniently located right between Europe and east coast of USA.

Distance is about 5-6 hours by flight from USA and 2-4 hours from Europe. The size is

103.000 km2 (39,756 sq. miles), about one-third larger than Scotland or Ireland. It has a

population of just over 300.000, almost two-thirds living in the capital Reykjavik and

its neighbouring towns in the southwest.

Regardless of when you visit, be assured that the warmth shown by the Icelanders, their

desire to share their culture and their efforts to make your stay as pleasant as possible

will, like the spectacular landscape, not easily be forgotten.

Iceland in brief

Flag: Blue with a red cross outlined in white. The colors are symbolic for Iceland: red

is for the volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and glaciers, and blue is for the skies

above.

Size: 103.000 km2 (40.00 sq. miles), slightly bigger than Hungary and Portugal, and

slightly smaller than Cuba.

Population: 325,000 (January 2014). Median age is 35.6 years.

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Capital city: Reykjavik. The largest municipalities are Reykjavik* (118,000);

Kópavogur* (30,000); Hafnarfjörður* (25,000); Akureyri (17,000); Reykjanesbær

(14,000).

*Cities in the capital region.

Government: Parliamentary constitutional republic.

Language: Icelandic. English is widely spoken and understood.

Currency: The Icelandic króna (plural krónur) – ISK.

Time: Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year.

Glaciers: Glaciers cover 11,922 km2 (4,600 sq. miles) of the island’s surface.

Vatnajokull National Park is the largest national park in Europe.

Some general information

Passport and Visa regulations

Iceland is an associate member of the Schengen Agreement, which exempts travelers

from personal border controls between 22 EU countries. For residents outside the

Schengen area, a valid passport is required for at least three months beyond date

of entry. For information on passport and visa requirements as well as the Schengen

area regulations, visit the website of the Icelandic Directorate of

Immigration: www.utl.is/english.

Arrival in Iceland

Bus services are operated between Reykjavík and Keflavík International Airport in

connection with all arriving and departing flights, and seats are guaranteed. Busses

depart to and from Keflavík every 45-60 minutes. The drive between the airport and

Reykjavík takes about 45 minutes. For departing flights, it is recommended that you

take a bus leaving at least 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. It is possible to

arrange a hotel pickup. Taxi services are available to and from the airport.

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Language

Icelandic is the national language. English is the country’s official second language and

is spoken widely. Danish is the third language taught in schools in Iceland.

Medical attention

Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Only a few

are open at night. Medical Care can be obtained by visiting a Health Care Centre,

called “Heilsugæslustöð” in Icelandic, during opening hours. For information, call

+354-585-1300 or see www.heilsugaeslan.is Medical help: There is a medical centre or

hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number is 112.

Driving in Iceland

Ring Road Nr. 1 around Iceland is 1,332 km (827 mi). The general speed limit is 50

km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas, and 90 km/h on asphalt,

rural roads. Major highways are paved. Most mountain roads are closed until the end of

June, or even longer, because of snow and muddy conditions, which make them

impassable. For more information, be sure to visit www.safetravel.is. Most roads in the

interior of Iceland have a loose gravel surface, which is especially loose along the

sides of the roads. The mountain roads are quite narrow and are not made for speeding.

The same goes for some bridges that will only let one car cross at a time. Information

on road conditions, tel.: +522-1000, daily 8:00–16:00. www.road.is.

All off-road driving and driving outside of marked tracks is prohibited by law. Icelandic

nature is delicate and tire tracks from off-road driving can cause substantial damage to

the vegetation and leave marks that will last for decades. Respect the nature and tread

carefully. For some mountain tracks it is strongly advised that two or more cars travel

together. Passengers in the front and backseats of an automobile are required by law to

use safety-belts. Icelandic law forbids any driving under the influence of alcohol and

driving while talking on a mobile phone is also banned.

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National Parks

There are three National Parks in Iceland, each with its own particular points of interest.

Thingvellir, is in a rift valley between the North Atlantic and Eurasian Plates. It is a site

of historical and cultural as well as of geological importance, and is recognized as a

UNESCO World Heritage site. Snæfellsjökull National Park includes a volcano

and glacier, and is steeped in mystery and romance; it is the only Park that reaches from

the seashore to the mountaintops. Vatnajökull National Park is the largest national park

in Europe, covering an area of 13.600 km2. The park encompasses, among other areas,

the Vatnajökull glacier, Skaftafell, Jökulsárgljúfur, Lakagígar and Langisjór.

Banks and post offices

Opening hours are Mon–Fri, 9:00–16:00. 24-hour cash dispensers are found in cities

and villages around the country. Look for the Hraðbanki sign. All major credit and

debit cards are accepted, especially by hotels, restaurants, shops and petrol stations in

Iceland. Traveller’s cheques are accepted at many hotels and tourist information

centers. The major cards in Iceland are MasterCard and VISA. Currency exchange:

The Icelandic monetary unit is the króna (ISK). All Icelandic banks provide foreign

exchange. Post offices: General hours are Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00. More on postur.is/en.

Climate and clothing

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate; cool in

summer and fairly mild in winter. However, the weather is very changeable and tourists

should be prepared for the unexpected. For weather information in English, tel.: 902-

0600. http://en.vedur.is. When traveling in Iceland you should bring along lightweight

woollens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking

shoes. Travellers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm

underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.

Shopping

Shops in Iceland are of international standard and carry a wide variety of merchandise.

Local specialties include woolen knitwear (sweaters, hats and mittens, for example),

ceramics, glassware and silver jewelry. General opening hours are 10–18. Saturdays

10/11–14/18.

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Tax free shopping

VAT in Iceland is 25,5% or 7% on special goods. To get a refund you must have a

permanent address outside of Iceland. Minimum amount spent on a single receipt in

order to be eligible for tax-free shopping is ISK 4.000. Goods must be exported within

three months from date of purchase. Maximum refund is 15% of the retail price.

Quality insurance

Vakinn is the official quality assurance organization for Icelandic tourism. Only

companies that maintain the highest standards in all aspects of business practices and

meet a comprehensive assessment criteria have earned the right to carry Vakinn –

Iceland tourism’s official quality label. When you see a business displaying the Vakinn

symbol, you can be assured that it is trustworthy and professional.

Accommodation locales are divided into several categories. Within each category,

ratings from one to five stars may be awarded, as is generally known

Reykjavík capital city

Reykjavík is an excellent venue for the conference. Founded in 1786, it is the capital of

Iceland and the northernmost capital city in the world. Reykjavik is a vibrant city

offering most of the conveniences and attractions usually associated with major capitals

of the world. Its amazing array of possibilities is why Reykjavik is sometimes called the

biggest little capital in the world. In Reykjavik you have opportunities for historical

sites, natural beauty, museums and galleries, public parks, excellent shopping, a wide

range of leisure activities, hotels, restaurants and a remarkably lively artistic scene.

The official tourism website of the Reykjavík Capital Area is: www.visitreykjavik.is

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Useful phone numbers and websites

Emergency number: 112

Police: 444 1000

Medical assistance: 1770

Information: 1818

http://visitakureyri.is/en/home

iceland.is

visiticeland.com

Inspiredbyiceland.com

Safetravel.is

En.vedur.is (Iceland Met Office)

Road.is

Statice.is

Welcome to the University of Akureyri

See webpage: http://english.unak.is/