In the capital of Iceland Reykjavík you feel, as in the children's magic fairy tale. Over the city the building of the Cathedral which is constructed so towers that from the sea reminds a huge beacon. The city palace is designed so that its columns seem grown from the lake. And in general Reykjavík abounds with original constructions. Directly in the city open pools with natural thermal water work. Come and bathe. At small cozy small restaurants give the freshest ocean fish caught couple of hours ago. In the city set of night clubs, discos, movie theaters. For admirers of art - opera and ballet theaters, a botanical garden, the City art museum of Reykjavík, National gallery of Iceland. And still the oldest church of Hollgrimskirkya and Museum of Volcanoes. And, generally, in the most northern capital of Europe life boils, as well as in any other capital of the world.

The extinct volcano of Esya is visible in Reykjavík from any point. On the Icelandic beliefs, in this place every fall passes congress of all Icelandic ravens. On the eve of Christmas also the Icelandic pagans here gather. Vegetation on Esye rather poor. Only grass and moss. The plateau located at top, from all directions is blown by winds, and an eternal cap snow here lies. But if to look around, you start understanding that a place fantastically beautiful. Once the dense wall dissipates clouds, and the view of Reykjavík lying below opens.

On the road from Reykjavík to the massif Skaftafetl the enormous glacier covered with stones and a dark dust meets. Moving ahead everything is closer to the sea, glaciers in Iceland threaten automobile movement. In Blauloun's lagoon enormous icebergs float, trying to break on the automobile route, but the special chain holds ice. Skaftafetl represents a camping attached between two glaciers. In these parts doesn't leave feeling of loneliness and a presentiment of the beginning of a new era - new ice age. From both parties - mountain walls, behind the back - a glacier, ahead - the northern desert. …

Though scientists claim that the glacier Vatnayokull in the southeast of Iceland annually decreases by 1 meter.  For the country, the considerable which part of the territory is covered by an ice cap, this very serious situation.  Within the XXI century global warming will lead to climate change on Earth.  And the first unfavourable example is the death of a glacier in the southernmost tip of the country.  Hundred years ago there was a 200-meter block.  Now in those places absolutely there is no ice.  Not so fantastic history. 

But in East Borgarfyord the fairy tale everything, exists. On the rock Aulvaborg there live the Icelandic king and the queen of elves with their people. Anybody never saw neither the cities, nor elves, except as on pictures in the book, but the right to their existence admits all locals.

If to speak about magic, by all means about such which can be felt, and it is even better - to see. In national parks Tingvedlir, Mivatn-og-Lakhsau, Yekyulsaurglyyurvyur are located balneal resorts. Here a huge number of thermal sources and lakes with hot mineral water. And magic is that the salutary force of this water works wonders with a tired organism. As in the fairy tale: you jump in water the old man - you get out a molodets.

Southern Iceland in general very picturesque region. Here the beautiful falls Gulfoss overthrow thousands cubic meter of water, from a subsoil of the earth beat hot springs Geysir. In the north, on the contrary, a set of ice caves though around Namaskaro numerous geysers gush forth.

Those who watches events of a cultural calendar, need to get to Iceland in June. Because on June 17 in the large cities of the country pass colourful parades, fancy-dress theatrical representations and the street concerts devoted to the Independence Day. Among June holidays it is worth celebrating a festival of seamen of Somanadagurin during which swimming competitions and games in land warfare and on the sea, and very interesting action which is annually arranged on June 24 are held. It is a festival Midsammer when night gets magic force. In August are celebrated Vestmannayeyar with kindling of fires "to the sky", dances and singing and Verslunarmannakhelgi with races of horses, binge and departures on the nature.

Generally, Iceland - Mecca not only for travelers, fans of sports fishery and extreme tourism, but also for simply inquisitive.

Necessary documents for receipt of a visa to Iceland:

-  the international passport with validity period not less than 3 months after alleged return; 

- 2 color photos on opaque paper, a background light blue, the size 3,5 x. 4,5 cm (the face of the applicant has to occupy the big space of the photo and make 2,5 cm from the top to a chin)

-  copy of the internal passport (first page, registration and relationship status); 

- copy of the previous visas of the Schengen Union, and also visas of the USA and Great Britain.

-  the reference (studies - for school and university students) with the instruction:  positions, a salary, since what time you work in this organization, confirmation of holiday (vacation) for a trip, 

guarantee of preservation of a workplace and the indication of a salary – on the form with the press and the signature;

-  for pensioners – the copy of the Pension certificate; 

-  for the unemployed (school students, students, housewives, pensioners and so forth) - the reference of the sponsor of a trip:  position, salary; 

-  for children leaving with one of parents or without parents – the copy of the birth certificate and the exit visa original from the second parent / both parents; 

- air ticket copy

- questionnaire

The cost of the visa is-50 euros

For visa registration to Iceland it is necessary to issue also the medical insurance (1 euro a day). 

Term of registration of the visa to Iceland – 6 working days. 

When passing passport control children till 18 years have to have surely at themselves the birth certificate (original) even if surnames of children coincide with surnames of parents.

Excursions

Iceland offers excellent opportunities for travel, a huge number of the routes, allowing to get acquainted practically with all sights of the island.  Tourists can go to one-day rounds lasting from 4 till 12 o'clock, or make longer travel - from 3 to 15 days. 

You will find detailed information on one-day routes in this section from Reykjavík which allow to combine comfortable placement in the capital with opportunity in 1 day to see all natural beauty of this or that region.  The most popular types of similar rounds are:  rounds by bus, by plane, on superjeeps on mountain areas, and also different types of outdoor activities. 

BY BUS AND THE BOAT

Snayfeldsnes and cruise over Breydarfyordur (Snaefellsness and Breidafjordur cruise) All beauty and mysteriousness of the peninsula Snayfeldsnes it is difficult to express the peninsula in words. This area of Iceland fascinated long ago the person. It is impossible to resist charm of sharp contrasts of a severe northern country: violently blossoming valleys adjoin to fields of the stiffened lava, craters of ancient volcanoes and cheerfully raging rivers full of a salmon. Besides, excursion will acquaint travelers with the most known Icelandic saga – the legend on national hero Egill, will carry out in places where there were legendary events. Everyone is given rare opportunity most to feel the hero of the ancient saga – to make cruise on amazingly beautiful bay Breydafyordur. From water the picturesque view of rocks and the mountains framing a silent bay opens. Breydarfyordur's southern islands are known for large populations of rare birds. Here big packs of deadlocks, eiders, mayovkas, birds silly fellows, big cormorants, white-tailed eagles nest. Probably, fishing in a bay becomes the high point of excursion. Tourists can take part in pulling of networks, and a bit later try delicious just caught mollusks dishes or calves of a sea hedgehog.

GOLDEN RING (Golden Circle)

 The Golden Ring – one of the most popular tourist routes of Iceland. It includes visit of the following main sights:

 National park Tingvedlir (Thingvellir) – a cradle of the Icelandic people, the place which has been closely connected with history of the country, and besides, one of the most beautiful corners of Iceland.  Tingvedlir – the only place in the world where it is possible to see the eyes border of continents – contact of two earth's plates – Euroasian and American.  In 930 AD in these parts, the most influential leaders of tribes of the island gathered on the rock Lyokhberg (Logberg, is translated as "Scala Zakona") and created Alting.  The Alting became the first parliament in Western Europe, and now is oldest of current.  Vikings gathered on the mountain every year to accept or cancel laws, to resolve controversial issues between tribes. 

VALLEY OF GEYSERS (Geysir Area). 

The word "geyser" became long ago nominal, and actually this name of the famous geothermal source which too is in this area of Iceland. Earth in a valley of geysers rages and splashes, over multi-colored pools of medical dirt steam curls. Recently hot water of the Geyser breaks on a surface quite irregularly. But on proximity there is also other source – Strokkur. It becomes more active each 10 minutes, boiling white streams escape from under the earth on height of 20-30 meters. In several kilometers from a valley of geysers Gudlfoss (Gullfoss) – Gold Falls is located. Waters of the glacial river Hvita (Hvita) with noise break from 32-meter height in a narrow canyon, 70 meters in depth and 2,5 kilometers long. Those lucky who come to falls to a sunny day, can observe the most beautiful rainbow over raging water. The look Gudlfossa in the winter when the part of falls fancifully freezes isn't less surprising.

VOLCANIC CRATER Kerid (Kerid). 

Once about 3000 years ago, Kerid was an active volcano crater, was active and dangerous.  Now at the bottom of a crater the underground lake with water of green color was formed unique on beauty. 

Landmannaleygar – the Valley of Sagas (Landmannalaugar and Saga Valley) In Iceland is a lot of wild beautiful landscapes, the route of this excursion lies through most beautiful of them. The valley Tyorsardalur (Thjorsardalur) long since strikes travelers with a variety of a landscape and juiciness of paints. From a valley the tremendous view of Hekl's (Hekla) powerful volcano opens. The history kept stories about 20 eruptions of this most known Icelandic volcano during island development. In ancient times of eruption lasted till some months, wiping out all live.

LANDAMANNALEYGAR

Landamannaleygar – the natural pearl hidden in the high mountains of Iceland.  This region gives to travelers a set of the unforgettable moments:  travelers can bathe in one 

from numerous hot springs (in transfer with Icelandic the name of the district is translated as "swimming bath").  To see fields of the stiffened lava bewitching imagination, unforgettable corners on beauty of the untouched nature.  One more surprising sight of local places – rhyolitic mountains.  Freakish forms of their multi-colored tops create unique landscapes.  Here, in an environment of virgin beauty of the Icelandic mountains and valleys it is possible to make, at last, about what long ago it was dreamed – to stop and feel in daily vanity primitive rest and silence. 

Mountain areas and history of Iceland (Highland and history) the Purpose of this excursion – to acquaint guests with the untouched nature of Iceland, the country of magic silence and rest, at the same time severe and fine. The route is made so that travelers could feel a porazitelnost of contrasts of a northern country: majestic mountains adjoin to violently blossoming solar valleys and fantastic falls. During excursion, tourists will see the following sights of the western part of the island and mountain areas:

the fjord Hvalfyordur (Hvalfjordur) - the western coast of Iceland – a scene of action of the known saga about national hero Egill;

 Рейкхольт (Reykholt) in which there lived the well-known scientist of the 13th eyelid Snorri Sturlsson (Snorri Sturlusson);  natural park of Husafetl (Husafell);  falls Hreynfossar (Hraunfossar) and Barnarfossar (Barnarfossar) and well-known mountain pass Kaldidalur (Kaldidalur). 

In mountain areas of the island tourists will visit glaciers Ok (Ok), Torisyokudl (Thorisjokull) and Langyokudl (Langjokull), and also national park Tingvedlir – a unique geological miracle.

EXCURSIONS ON THE PENINSULA REYKYANES 

Many-sided Iceland – the peninsula Reykyanes (Ever changing Iceland – Reykjanes Penninsula) the Route assumes acquaintance to the peninsula the Reykyanes (Reykjanes), well-known for the lava fields and geothermal sources. Kleyfarvatn (Kleifarvatn) – the lake which has hidden in an unusual environment. Krisurvik – a valley of rough geothermal sources. Strandirkirkiya – the most known church in Iceland. Art galleries and old-fashioned cozy cafes, small quiet towns and natural miracles of the wild nature. The route assumes acquaintance to Iceland ancient and modern, with those changes through which there passed the unique nature of local places for the last years. It is ideal round for those who wants to learn how the nature created this unique island. Among the main sights of a route - Kleyfarvatn's (Kleifarvatn) lake – the biggest lake on the peninsula Reykyanes (Reykjanes) and the deepest in Iceland. After an earthquake in 2000 at the bottom of a reservoir the crack was formed – now it slowly leaves under the earth. Water in the lake very cold, but, despite it, in it is mute the trout is found. Also the route includes visit of a geothermal field Krisuvik (Krisuvik), and also churches of Strandarkirkya (Strandarkirkja) constructed in 1888. It is one of the most known temples in Iceland where Icelanders carefully store ancient tradition of thankful gifts after execution of requests and the heard prayers. In route end tourists visit Torlakskhyopn's (Thorlakshofn) fishing small village and Airarbakka's (Eyrarbakki) small coastal town where one of the oldest houses which have remained in Iceland, constructed in 1765 is located. Other options of a route – with visit of a unique miracle of the nature – the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon) are possible also.

EXCURSIONS ACROSS THE SOUTHERN ICELAND

On the Southern coast (South Shore Adventure) the Southern Iceland fascinates travel blossoming fields, falls, sandy beaches, quiet fishing villages.   The route of excursion includes visit of the following best-known sights of the region.   Travelers will be able to visit falls Selyalandfoss (Seljalandfoss) and Skogafoss (Skogafoss), to see the most picturesque agricultural grounds, the sandy coast of the ocean, freakish rocks, to come nearer to a glacier of Solkheymayokudl (Solheimajokull).   The southern coast – the region rich historically, there were saga events about Nyall.   Tourists will visit the mountain Eyafyatl (Eyjafjoll) towering over one of the finest Icelandic valleys, the most southern small town of Iceland Vick, Airarbakka's silent picturesque small village.  

SIGHTSEEING TOUR ACROSS REYKJAVÍK (Reykjavik Grand Excursion) 

Reykjavík – political, cultural, industrial and shopping center of the country.  It is very modern city the standard of living in which doesn't concede to other world capitals.  Reykjavík is located on the peninsula, to the East from it a massif towers, the river loved by local fishermen for abundance of a salmon nearby proceeds.  All sights of Reykjavík are located in the compact territory.  Excursion acquaints with the past and the present of the Icelandic capital "Pearl" (Perlan) with a panoramic view on the city represents foot walk on the downtown, with visit of a cathedral of Hatlgrimskirkya (Hallgrimskirlja), Asmundarsafn's (Asmundarsafn) museums and Kyarvalsstadir (Kjarvalsstadir), an observation deck in the building. 

BLUE LAGOON (Blue Lagoon)

 Blue Lagoon – the unique geothermal resort where tourists can relax in warm healing water. The matter is that water in the sources, beating cracks in the stiffened lava of ancient volcanoes, is rich with mineral salts, quartz, blue and green seaweed. Medical dirt of the Blue Lagoon clears and improves skin, seaweed softens and feeds it. Mineral salts have therapeutic and calming impact on all organism, and in a sound body, as we know, there is a sound mind. Invigorating bathtubs in warm waters of sources can be taken both in the winter and in the summer. The resort is equipped according to modern standards: rooms for the disguise, the closed and opened pools, saunas ashore.

ISLAND OF GRIMSI (Grimsey island) 

This round gives unique opportunity for a while to glance for the Polar Circle where in 40 kilometers from the northern coast of Iceland (Grimsey) island Grimsi is located.   The total area of the island makes 5,3 sq.km, tops of rocks are covered with a green grass, and slopes are desert also kamenist.   Гримси it is known for one of the biggest populations of sea birds - about 35 different types feathery here nest.   For summer months population of one only a look – cormorants - increases to 2 thousand.   The island Grimsi – the only part of Iceland which lies behind the Polar circle.   The travelers visiting the island, receive the memorable certificate confirming that they really went into the Northern polar land.   Travel on the island Grimsi leaves indelible impressions in memory, besides, this trip is very informative:   guides will tell the interesting facts from life of 120 representatives of flora and the fauna, occupying local places.  

EAST COAST OF ICELAND – HORNAFYORDUR (Hornafjordur day-tour)

 Flight from Reykjavík to Hornafyordur (Hornafjordur) takes 55 minutes. The small town with the population of 2.200 people is on east coast of Iceland in an environment of picturesque landscapes. Near the city Vatnayokudl - the biggest glacier in Europe which covers 8,400 sq.km - the one tenth part of all Iceland is located. Tourists traveling on this route do a stop in (Joklasel) town Yoklasetl, at the height of 840 m above sea level, driving taking spirit on the snowmobile from where begins. After glacier visit travelers get acquainted with other, not less surprising miracle of the Icelandic nature – on Yokulsaarlon's (Jokulsaarlon) surrounded with a glacier of Breydamerkuryokudl (Breidamerkurjokull) glacial lagoon. On a lagoon icebergs of the most different forms and the sizes drift. The lagoon is considered one of the most exotic places of Iceland, it is loved especially by photographers.

Councils to tourists

Official name of the country.

Republic Iceland.

Festive and days off.

On January 1, Passionate Friday, Easter Sunday, the fourth чеверг April — the First day of summer, 1, on May 14, a Trinity, the first Sunday of June, on June 17, 1, on December 25.

Climate.

Sea, subarctic. Average temperature of January-1 "With, July 10,2 "Page.

Transport connection.

Through air service to Moscow isn't present. The Icelandic airline "Icelandair" and the Scandinavian SAS perform daily flights to the capitals Scandinavian and a number of the European countries. Convenient points of change are Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam.

Border control.

When passing border control it is necessary to show the passport with the entry visa and to fill a registration card in which are specified: surname and name, birth date and birth place, nationality, profession, passport number.

Sanitary and veterinary control.

The medical certificate on inoculations, survey on AIDS isn't required. Pets without fail pass quarantine lasting 8 weeks. Cost — 80 thousand исл. kroner.

Customs control.

The customs declaration isn't filled in. 

Duty-free import is allowed:

 hard alcoholic drinks — 1 l, alcoholic drinks with a strength up to 21 ° — 1 l, 

cigarettes — 200 pieces or 250 g of tobacco products,

 food — for the sum no more than 4 thousand kroner and weighing up to 3 kg, subjects for private use — for the sum which isn't exceeding 36 thousand kroner (18 thousand kroner for children aged till 12 years). 

20 years are allowed to take alcoholic drinks to persons not more young, tobacco products — to persons aren't younger than 16 years. 

Import is forbidden:

 narcotic and psychotropic drugs, crude meat products, dried meat, bacon, smoked sausage, game fresh or frozen, not boiled milk, eggs, the children's toys made of lead or materials, containing this metal. 

Fishing tackles and the equipment, used abroad, without preliminary disinfection and official confirmation on the made sanitary cleaning. This rule extends and on equipment and equipment import for riding. Special permission of police is required on import of firearms, ammunition and explosives. Export of the subjects having natural historical value, for example the raw lava, stones from reserved places, birds, bird's eggs and nests is forbidden. At departure customs control isn't made.

Currency.

Monetary unit — Iceland krona. Import and export of national and foreign currency isn't limited.

Stay and movement mode.

Staff of embassy will be accredited in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and receives the corresponding identification cards.

The citizens arriving to Iceland for the term of not over 3 months have to: to be registered in Immigration service (in police at arrival in other city) and to get permission to further stay — residence permit. Collecting of 500 kroner is thus paid.

The citizens arriving for work on contracts, are obliged to get permission of the Ministry of social affairs before entry into the country.

Restrictions on movement of the Russian citizens in Iceland aren't present. The closed areas for visit by foreigners are only American military facilities.

Russian establishment.

Embassy: Gardastrayeti (Gardastraeti) St., 33, ph. (354) 551-51-56, 562-06-33, fax 562-06-33, telex 2200 SOVEMR IS. Reception time: 14.00-17.00 .

Additional data.

Fare by a taxi from the international airport Keflavik to Reykjavík (52 km) — about 5500 kroner, not the bus — 600 kroner. Fare on public transport (bus) — 120 kroner for one trip. The card worth 500 kroner or coins of 10, 50, 100 kroner is necessary for conversation by the call box. The cost of minute of telephone conversation with Moscow — 74 kroner. Dinner cost at restaurant of middle class — 1000 — 1200 kroner, hotel accommodations of middle class from 8000 to 10 000 kroner per day. Medical care paid. Reception cost — consultations at the specialist doctor — 2700 kroner, one-day stay in hospital — 39 200 kroner.

Official language -

Icelandic; in communication with foreigners English is used.

Visa.

The minimum term of registration — depending on obtaining the answer to inquiry. Number of questionnaires and photos — on 1 piece. The questionnaire is issued in English. The invitation or the fax is attached to visa inquiry. Time of action of the entry visa is specified in the visa, the Consular fee isn't raised. When following through the country the transit visa is required. Children till 16 years fit in the visa of parents (mother). Consular department of embassy of Iceland in Moscow: Hlebny Lane, 28; visa section: visiting days — Monday — Friday, 9.00 — 17.00 ph.