Marrying and Sponsoring an Icelander
Listen to this articleMarriage to a Icelander Citizen
Every country has its own laws that apply to its citizens marrying a person from a different country. Getting married to an Icelenader citizen with the goal of eventually bringing them to Canada to live is a process with many steps.
If you want to bring your Icelander spouse or partner to live in Canada, you must then file a sponsorship application for them to become a permanent resident. If they would like to visit you in Canada while their application is in process, they must also apply for a visitor visa. For more information, please see our family sponsorship page and our visitor visa page.
Processing Time
If you file a Canadian sponsorship application for your Icelander spouse or partner, this application takes an average of 10-12 months.
A visitor visa application for your spouse or partner to visit you in Canada while the sponsorship applications are processing takes an average of 3 –14 days.
Please see our pages on family sponsorship and Canadian visitor visa for more information on the processing times of these applications.
Icelander Marriage Basic Requirements
What couples will need to do:
- Bring with them the valid passports
- Bring with them original birth certificates.
- Bring a medical certificate from their doctor stating that neither one of them have communicable diseases.
- A foreign partner should obtain a certificate of marital status
- Couples should present an original divorce decree signed by the Ministry of Justice located in Reykjavik).
- Couple should fill out the application form available from the District Magistrate of Reykjavik (one witness per partner) certifying their ability for marriage.
- Couple should drop off the application two days before the marriage date. If mailing the application, it needs to arrive two weeks early instead.
Note that the application requires two witnesses’ names and birth dates. They do not have to be at the wedding itself. Visitors can obtain an application form from the office of the District Magistrate of Reykjavik. The official wedding ceremony is held there as well. The address is: Skogarhlid 6, IS-101 Reykjavik, phone +354-569-2400, fax +354-562-8415 (email: [email protected]). Couple can also contact one of the Icelandic embassies worldwide for further information.
Family Members
If your Iceland spouse has dependent children, this does not affect the Iceland Marriage document application.
If you have dependent children, they have no effect on the application to marry an Icelander citizen.
List of Icelander Consulates in Canada
Embassy of Iceland in Ottawa, Canada
Calling Iceland from Canada
To make a direct call to Iceland from Canada, you need to follow the international dialing format given below. The dialing format is the same when calling Iceland mobile or land line from Canada.
011 – 354 – Area Code – local number
Follow the dialing format shown above while calling Iceland from Canada.
011 – Exit code for Canada, and is needed for making any international call from Canada
354– ISD Code or Country Code of Iceland
Iceland does not use area codes beyond two numbers which distinguish Reykjavik from the rest of the country and special prefixes for cell phones:
- Landlines: Reykjavik: 5; Rest of the Country: 4
- Cells start with 6, 7 or 8
How to Call Canada From Iceland
To make a direct call to Canada from Iceland, you need to follow the international dialing format given below. The dialing format is the same when calling Canada mobile or land line from Iceland.
00 – 1 – Area Code – local number
Follow the dialing format shown above while calling Canada from Iceland.
- 00 – Exit code for Iceland, and is needed for making any international call from Iceland
- 1 – ISD Code or Country Code of Canada
Area codes – There are many area codes in Canada. The area code is the first three digits of your telephone number.
| Province | Code | Province | Code |
| Alberta | 403 / 587 (southern Alberta)
587 / 780 (central and northern Alberta) |
Nunavut | 867 |
| BC | 236 / 250 / 778 (majority of BC)
236 / 604 / 778 (Metro Vancouver) |
Ontario | 226 / 519 (southwestern Ontario)
249 / 705 (northeastern Ontario) 289 / 365 / 905 (Greater Toronto Area) 343 / 613 (eastern Ontario) 416 / 647 (Toronto) 807 (northwestern Ontario) |
| Manitoba | 204 / 431 | PEI | 782 / 902 |
| New Brunswick | 506 | Quebec | 418 / 581 (eastern Quebec)
438 / 514 (Montreal) 450 / 579 (Greater Montreal) 819 / 873 (remainder of Quebec) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709 | Saskatchewan | 306 / 639 |
| Northwest Territories | 867 | Yukon | 867 |
| Nova Scotia | 782 / 902 |
Time Difference
Iceland is on GMT, or British time. However, unlike the majority of Europe, Iceland does not participate in Daylight Saving Time.
| Canadian Time Zone | # of Hours Iceland is Ahead | # of Hours during DST |
| Pacific (BC, Yukon) | 8 hours | 7 hours |
| Mountain (Alberta, western Nunvaut, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan) | 7 hours | 6 hours |
| Saskatchewan | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Central (Manitoba, Northwest Territories, central Nunavut, northwestern Ontario) | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Eastern (most of Ontario, most of Quebec) | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Atlantic (Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, eastern Quebec) | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| Newfoundland | 3.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
Icelandic Money
The króna is the currency of Iceland. The króna was historically subdivided into 100 aurar, but this subdivision is no longer used.
The word króna, meaning “crown”, is related to those of other Nordic currencies (such as the Danish krone, Swedish krona and Norwegian krone) and to the Latin word corona (“crown”). The name “Icelandic crown” is sometimes used, for example in the financial markets.
The Danish krone was introduced to Iceland in 1874, replacing the earlier Danish currency, the rigsdaler. In 1885, Iceland began issuing its own banknotes.
The Icelandic króna separated from the Danish krone after the dissolution of the Scandinavian Monetary Union at the start of World War I and Icelandic autonomy from Denmark in 1918. The first coins were issued in 1922.
Coins
Iceland’s first coins were 10- and 25-aurar pieces introduced in 1922. These were followed in 1925 by 1 króna and 2 krónur pieces and in 1926 by 1-, 2- and 5-aurar pieces. In 1946, the coins’ designs were altered to remove the royal monogram (CXR), following Icelandic independence from Denmark in 1944.
Starting in 1967, new coins were introduced due to a considerable fall in the value of the króna. 10 krónur coins were introduced in that year, followed by 50 aurar and 5 krónur pieces in 1969 and 50 krónur pieces in 1970.
In 1981, coins were introduced in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 aurar, 1 króna and 5 krónur. These were followed by 10 krónur pieces in 1984, 50 krónur in 1987 and 100 krónur in 1995. Since 2003, Icelandic banks no longer accept any coins denominated in aurar.
Banknotes
Icelandic banknotes are printed with the dates from which the legal basis of the currency derives. In 1981, notes were issued in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500 krónur based on the law of 29 March 1961. 1000 krónur notes were introduced in 1984, followed by 5000 krónur notes in 1986 with the same law.
100, 500, and 1000 krónur notes were reissued in 1994 under the law of 5 May 1986. In the following year, a new denomination of 2000 krónur was issued for the first time. The 2000 krónur note is subtly different from the other notes. For example, the under print pattern extends all the way upward and downward, while the other denominations had white margins on every side. The number 2000 is printed in multi-color for 3 of the 4 occurrences. And the numeral 2000 on the lower left corner of reverse is vertical. The “shadow” of the numeral is printed with SÍ in microprint.
The 22 May 2001 series saw substantial changes. The under print and microprint features of the 2000 krónur note were extended to other denominations. The 1000- and 5000-krónur notes also received metallic foils next to the portrait.
Notes of 100 krónur or less no longer circulate, as they have been withdrawn by the central bank. As of 2006, the vast majority of banknotes in circulation are of the 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 denominations (these generally being the only notes dispensed in ATMs.
Icelandic Wedding Customs
Marriage is a very serious business in Iceland. Couples are not urged to rush into matrimony. Long engagements are the norm, sometimes three or four years.
The traditional day for weddings in Iceland is Friday. In pagan times, this day was considered sacred to Frigga which is the goddess of marriage in Iceland.
Today Icelanders have adopted American and European wedding traditions for the most part, but the traditional Icelandic weddings traditions were far more elaborate. In years gone by, Icelandic weddings could last for a week at a time, often in the bride’s home or the church in the bride’s hometown.
Before the marriage the couple’s engagement would have to be publicly declared on three separate occasions, usually in a church. The first time was often in the bride’s church, the second time in the groom’s church and the third time in the church in which they were to be married.
The wedding would usually start at least one day before the actual ceremony, with lots and lots of drinking and song and speeches and merrymaking. Many toasts would be drunk to the happy couple, to the Virgin Mary, and to various honored guests. Most toasts would begin with a speech or a poem and then end in song and drink. Multiple toastmasters were often hired to keep the toasts coming for days on end.
On the day of the wedding – traditionally a Sunday – the groom would arrive surrounded by the best man and his relatives and often local nobles. As the groom approached, the church bells would be rung to announce his arrival. The groom was expected to enter the church and wait for his bride.
The bride would then walk – very slowly – through the village with her bridesmaids. She would be dressed in her finest clothes. When she would arrive at the church the toastmaster would escort her to the groom and she and her groom would be seated on the bridal bench in the church. The ceremony would then take place, concluding with the groom placing a ring on the bride’s finger.
Following the ceremony a reception was held. The bride and groom, along with the priest who married them and the fathers and the best men and the toastmasters would sit at a high table, while the guests sat at long tables which radiated out from the high table.
Depending on how wealthy the bride and groom were the feast could be an elaborate three or four course affair or it could be a more simple smorgasbord of breads and cakes.
The Kransakaka is the traditional Icelandic wedding cake which is a pyramid-shaped creation of almond pastry ‘wedding rings’, each filled with chocolate or sweets.
Before the ceremony ended, the bridesmaids would take the bride to her bridal bed and undress her, leaving her wearing only her bridal headdress. It was customary for the groom to present his bride with a gift on the bridal bed. Today it is also common for the bride to present the groom with a wedding-bed gift. Traditionally the bride would be waiting for her new husband wearing only her bridal headdress, which her new husband would remove. Once the couple were in bed together the priest would bless them one last time and the couple would drink from the bridal cups to seal their marriage.
Today weddings are seldom this elaborate, or filled with this much ritual. Prior to the wedding the bride’s friends often throw her a bridal shower which is often rather vulgar in nature, and is often thrown on the same night that the groom’s friends are throwing him a raunchy bachelor party.
The actual ceremony is seldom even one day long any longer and most Icelanders pattern their weddings after the American style, with ring bearers, flower girls, and the throwing of rice following the ceremony. The wedding reception still tends to be filled with toasts, singing, laughter, and much drinking.
Wedding Presents
You must declare all gifts to the Canada Border Services Agency. Gifts worth CDN $60 or less each may be brought into Canada duty-free and tax-free, but they must be declared. For gifts worth more than CDN $60, you may have to pay duties and taxes on the excess amount. Tobacco and alcohol cannot be imported as gifts.
Wedding gifts
If you got married in India within three months before coming to Canada or if you plan to marry no later than three months after arriving in the country, you can bring in your wedding gifts free of duty and taxes. However, you must have owned and possessed the gifts while in Iceland and before you arrived in Canada. At this instance, the requirement to have used the goods does not apply. These same conditions apply to household goods you bring in as part of a bride’s trousseau from Iceland.
Ownership, possession and use requirements
To import goods duty- and tax-free, settlers must have owned, possessed and used the goods prior to their arrival in Canada and Former Residents must have owned, possessed and used the goods for at least six months before returning to resume residency from Iceland.
It is important that you meet these three requirements. For example, if you owned and possessed the goods without using them, the goods will be subjected to duty and taxes. Please note that leased goods are subject to duty and taxes because the Canada Border Services Agency does not consider that you own them. If you have bills of sale and registration documents, they can help you prove that you meet these requirements.
Declaring your goods
You must give your list of goods to the border services officer when you arrive at your first point of entry in Canada from Iceland even if you have no goods with you at the time. The officer will complete a Form B4 , Personal Effects Accounting Document, assign a file number to it and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt based on the list of goods you submit. To claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive, you will need to present your copy of this form. Goods to follow may be subject to import restrictions before you can import them.
To facilitate the clearance process, you can complete Form B4, before your arrival at the first port of entry in Canada.
Religion in Iceland
Religion in Iceland was initially (primarily) the Norse paganism that was a common belief among mediaeval Scandinavians until Christian conversion. Later, the nation became half-Christian and then more fully Christian. This increasing Christianization culminated in the Pietism period when non-Christian entertainments were discouraged. Currently, the population is overwhelmingly, if nominally, Lutheran. However, Baptist, Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness and other Christian minorities exist. The second largest religion after Christianity is Germanic Heathenism. A Gallup poll conducted in 2011 found that 60% of Icelanders considered (cogitated) religion to be unimportant (insignificant) in their daily lives, one of the highest rates of irreligion in the world.
Pietism
Starting in the eighteenth century, Pietism rose in importance (significance, prominence) due to activity from Denmark. The pietists expanded printing and literature in Iceland. However, education and literacy for the Pietists was primarily (mainly) or solely to have a religious function and they discouraged anything without religious meaning. This led to encouraging (Inspiring) certain dourness to Iceland by discouraging dancing or other entertainment.
Modern Iceland
About 283,000 Icelanders (89.3% of the population) are members of Christian congregations, of which most (251.331 people or 79.1%) are members of the Church of Iceland. According to a ( in accordance with the) 2004 survey 69.3% of the total population claimed to be or (Averred to be) “religious”, whereas (while) 19.1 per cent said they were “not religious” and 11.6 per cent were unable to state (could not state) whether or not they were religious. Of those who said they were religious, 76.3 per cent said that they were Christian, while 22.4 per cent said that they “believed in their own way”.
As in the other Nordic countries, church attendance (turnout) is relatively low; only 10% of Icelanders go to church once a month or more frequently, 43% say that they never attend (go to) church and 15.9% say they attend church once a year.
When asked to select a statement that best represented or (epitomized, Signified) their opinion, 39.4% of Icelanders said they believe in the existence of a benevolent god to whom one can pray; 19.2% said that God must exist or else (God must be in existence otherwise) life would be meaningless; 19.7% said that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists; 26.2% said that no god exists; 9.45% said that God created the universe and presided over it; and 9.7% said that none of the aforementioned statements represented (exemplified) their opinion.
Christianity
Officially, the nation is religiously homogenous. Nearly all Icelandic religious followers are Christian, and vast majority of these are Lutheran. Church attendance (turnout), however, remains low. At birth each child is automatically entered into the religious group the mother belongs to.
Lutheranism
Official statistics place Iceland as overwhelmingly Lutheran. The main church is the Church of Iceland which represents or (which constitutes) 76.8% of the population (2012). The Church of Iceland is also the State Church, but religious freedom is practiced. There are several “free Lutheran” churches as well which total 5.8% of the population. In recent years, there has been an increase (rise) in the proportion (section) linked to the free Lutheran churches. In total, some 83% of the populations are registered as some form of Lutheran. However, these statistics are by some considered misleading since most people are automatically registered as members of the Church of Iceland. Estimates indicate (show) that 11% of the population attend (go to) religious service regularly and 44% never attend.
Catholicism
Roman Catholicism is the largest non-Lutheran faith in Iceland, though remains practiced by a small minority (2.5% of the population). There is a Roman Catholic Diocese of Reykjavík with Pierre Bürcher as Bishop. It is estimated (projected) that half of the nation’s Catholics are foreign born with the main groups being Filipinos and Poles. However, even if they are excluded (left out or omitted), Catholics are still about 1% of native Icelanders, a figure higher than for all other Scandinavian ethnicities (unless Scandinavian-Americans are considered).
In the twentieth century, Iceland had some notable (remarkable), if at times temporary, converts to the faith. For a time Halldór Laxness was Catholic. Although this did not last, his Catholic period is of importance (significance) due to his position (stand) in modern Icelandic literature. A more resolutely Catholic writer in Icelandic was Jón Sveinsson. He moved to France at 13 and became a Jesuit, remaining in Society of Jesus for the rest of his life. He was well liked (loved) as a children’s book author (writing in German) and even appeared on postage stamps.
Pentecostal
The Pentecostals are the third largest religious group in Iceland. There are Pentecostal churches in Keflavík, Akureyri and the capital. A website, Gospel Iceland a site in Icelandic, also exists for the movement in Iceland.
Anglicanism
The Anglican Church is in an unusual position in Iceland. Although significant as a world faith (with 80 million members), it has a limited presence in Iceland, and its future expansion may be limited(restricted) by its entering into an “agreement of full communion” with the Lutheran Church of Iceland, known as the Porvoo agreement. Thus, Anglicans may effectively (efficiently) consider themselves to be Lutheran whilst in Iceland, and the two bodies have a full inter-recognition of each other’s faith and practice, sacramental life, and ministry. Nonetheless (nevertheless or however), a single Anglican congregation meets (convenes or assembles) monthly in Reykjavik, using the Lutheran Hallgrímskirkja church building to worship in the English language according to the rites of the Church of England.
Seventh-day Adventist
The Seventh-day Adventists have some organization in Iceland. They have their own website and also a local conference. Gavin Anthony is a leading figure in Adventism in Iceland. That said, growth has been static for ten years and the Adventists tend to indicate this is caused (instigated) by the generalized secularism of the nation. The group represents less than .3% of the population.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism)
The Mormons have a fairly small presence in Iceland, but worth mentioning for historical reasons. In the nineteenth century, LDS missionaries came to Iceland and converted (changed) a few local residents. In 1855, these residents would become the genesis of the first Icelandic community overseas in Spanish Fork, Utah.
As of January 1, 2009 Iceland had 241 LDS members in 2 branches (Reykjavik and Selfoss). A family history center for the church is also located in the Reykjavik meetinghouse.
Independent Baptist
According to the national registry of Iceland, there are two Baptist Churches: Fyrsta Baptista Kirkjan (The First Baptist Church) and Emmanúels Baptistakirkjan (The Emmanuel Baptist Church)
In 2001 Missionaries Jeremy Gresham and Ben Wharton began (started) laboring to see a Baptist church started in the Reykjavik area, a population base of 200,000 which is one-third of Iceland’s population. The Church has grown over the years and is now registered with the Icelandic government as Emmanúels Baptistakirjan (The Emmanuel Baptist Church). Missionary Robert Hansen is currently (presently) pastoring the church. The Emmanuel Baptist Church offers a variety of Bible studies and outreaches in Icelandic and English as well as their scheduled (planned) weekly servises
Other Christian Sects
According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the organization has 348 members in Iceland, in five congregations. The National Registry (see below) estimates (approximates) them at twice that number, based on self-identification.
Eastern Orthodoxy, especially Serbian and Russian, has a small presence (attendance or existence) on the island. Various (several) other Christian denominations are represented with fewer than 1,000 registered adherents
Non-Christian
A small minority practice a variety of non-Christian faiths, whose total numbers account (amounts) for about one percent of the population.
Paganism
From the 1970s, there has been a revival of Norse paganism in Iceland. As of oktober 2012, Ásatrúarfélagið had 2093 registered members, corresponding (equivalent) to 0.65% of the total (entire or overall) population.
Buddhism
Buddhism in Iceland has existed (been in existence) since late ´70s when the first Icelandic member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) returned (came back) home from England, where she’d been introduced to the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. On 17 June 1980 SGI-Iceland was officially formed (made or founded or established or started or invented) and since then the Icelandic branch of SGI has grown to almost 200 members. In the 1990s more sects of Buddhism found their way to Iceland through immigrants from Thailand for the most part. As of 2009, there are three Buddhist organizations in Iceland officially recognized (known ) as religious organizations by the Icelandic government. Collectively they constitute 0.3% as of 2012.
Islam
Iceland has 351 members of The Association of Muslims in Iceland (2009). Most of the nation’s Muslims live in or near Reykjavík, but there is a small number of Kosovar Muslim refugees in Dalvík.
Judaism
The number of Jews is estimated (projected or predicted) to be about 90 members. The Jewish population is not big (large) enough to be registered as a separate religious group and is listed as unspecified/other groups. There is no synagogue or prayer house.
There was no significant Jewish population or emigration to Iceland until (up to) the twentieth century, though some Jewish traders lived in Iceland temporarily at times during the nineteenth century. Icelanders’ attitude toward the Jews has ranged from sympathy for their predicament to blaming them for “Bolshevism”, among other things. Although most Icelanders deplored their maltreatment, they usually refused entry to Jews who were fleeing Nazi Germany, so the Jewish population did not rise much during the Second World War.
Today the Jews remain a minor element of Iceland. Up to 60 people do attend occasional Jewish holiday parties or lectures by Jewish immigrants, but this does not necessarily reflect the actual Jewish population. In 2011 A communal Passover Seder, And High Holiday Services were held in Reykjavik. The World Jewish Congress had no figures for Iceland in 1998, suggesting that the numbers are under 120 (and likely well under that figure). The web site for the Catholic diocese showed there are only 30 Jewish people in Iceland, However when Chabad Rabbi’s conducted a search for Icelandic Jews, they came in contact with over 100 Jewish people living in Iceland. Still, it seems that, save for the European micro-states, Iceland might have the lowest Jewish population of any European nation.
Regardless of the small population, the First Lady of Iceland, Dorrit Moussaieff, is a Bukharian Jew and is likely the most significant Jewish woman in Icelandic history. Moussaief was born in Israel and carries both Israeli and Icelandic citizenship. She still follows some aspects of Judaism – lighting, for example, the first candle of the menorah on the eve of Hannukkah and teaching her husband about the holiday. She has made known the Jewish culture to the country in a positive way in order to counter anti-Semitism.
Churches in Iceland
Hallgrimskirkja Church
Þingeyri Church was built during 1864-1877 and consecrated on the 9th of September in 1877. Due to its exceptional history and its construction this church is thought to be one of the most noteworthy churches in Iceland. It is built in the Romanesque style with walls that are almost one meter thick. In the ceiling can be found 1000 golden stars and also the church has 1000 small windowpanes. The church can seat one hundred people.
Hvammstangi Church
This is the first church to have been built at Hvammstangi. It is a concrete building and was consecrated in 1957. It has room for 160 people and is situate on the hillside in the village. The church bells are two and one of them is originally from an older church in Kirkjuhvammur. The parish graveyard is still situated in Kirkjuhvammur.
Blönduós Church
Blönduós Church is the parish church for Blönduós and the neighboring region. The church building was draw and designed by Dr. Maggi Jónsson. Dr. Maggi Jónsson took the inspiration for the look and form of the church from the surrounding mountains and landscape. The church was consecrated on the 1st of May 1993. In the church there is room for 250 people and its cellar contains facilities for a variety of parish work. The church possesses good acoustics and sound carries well for singing. The church is an elaborate house of God.
Romantic, Historic and Scenic Places in Iceland
Hotels
Guesthouse Arnfjord – Mosfellsbaer
Located in the city center of Mosfellsbaer, this spa hotel is near the airport and within walking distance of Lagafellslaug. Area attractions also include Domestic Animal Zoo and Arbaejarlaug.
In addition to 6 restaurants, Guesthouse Arnfjord features an indoor pool. Other amenities include a full-service spa and a children’s club.
All guestrooms feature beds with memory foam mattresses, washers/dryers, and kitchenettes. Other amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and refrigerators.
Three Peaks Inn – Mosfellsbaer
Situated near the airport, in Mosfellsbaer, this hotel is close to Lagafellslaug. Area attractions also include Laxnes Museum and Arbaejarlaug.
At Three Peaks Inn recreational amenities include a waterpark and a waterslide. The hotel also features a train station pick-up service and a full-service spa.
In addition to digital television, guestrooms include beds with memory foam mattresses, kitchens, and washers/dryers.
Apartment K
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this apartment is within walking distance of Laugavegur and Hallgrimskirkja. Also nearby are Reykjavik City Hall and National Museum of Iceland.
Apartment K provides complimentary wireless Internet access, complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, limo/town car service, and multilingual staff.
Plasma televisions include premium satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature beds with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, kitchens, and sofa beds.
CenterHotel Plaza
Located in the heart of Reykjavik, this hotel is within walking distance of Parliament House, Reykjavik City Hall, and Laugavegur. Also nearby are Hallgrimskirkja and National Museum of Iceland.
In addition to a bar/lounge, CenterHotel Plaza provides complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, complimentary wireless Internet access, and multilingual staff.
Televisions come with cable channels. Guestrooms also feature complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, minibars, and coffee/tea makers.
CenterHotel Thingholt
Housed in a renovated printing factory, this boutique hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik, 20 metres from the main shopping area and 50 metres from the Icelandic National Theatre.
Live music is performed nightly at CenterHotel Thingholt’s chic basement jazz club, and cappuccinos can be enjoyed in the coffee shop.
Guestrooms are air-conditioned and have sleek, contemporary interiors; amenities include complimentary wireless Internet connections, satellite televisions, safes, and minibars. They all feature views of the city.
Fosshotel Lind
Situated in the city center, this hotel is close to Sundhollin, Hallgrimskirkja, and Laugavegur. Also nearby are Reykjavik City Hall and Perlan.
In addition to a restaurant, Fosshotel Lind features a bar/lounge. Other amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and a computer station.
In addition to flat-panel televisions with satellite channels, guestrooms include wireless Internet access (surcharge). Bathrooms come with showers and makeup/shaving mirrors.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is situated in the heart of Reykjavik, in the triangle that connects the new city centre, the historic and the business district of the city
The hotel offers a health and beauty centre, providing guests a relaxing head and shoulder massage, steam baths, a log cabin sauna, alongside a fitness center with professional trainers.
Stylish guestrooms of Hilton Reykjavik Nordica are decorated in cream tones with design furniture and wood flooring; all have wireless Internet access (surcharge).
Hotel Holt
Situated in the city center, this hotel is in a quiet residential street between Hallgrimskirkja tower and the pond by City Hall. The harbour, museums, galleries and shopping are all within walking distance.
Hotel Holt has Iceland´s longest tradition for top class service, dining and drinking. A 24 hour front office, business center & concierge are but a few of the amenities available to our guests.
First rate comfortable beds, bathrobes, satellite television, free wireless and cable internet. The hotel also offers laundry service, room service dining and tea/coffee making facilities and more.
Hotel Odinsve – Reykjavik
Situated in Reykjavik, this hotel is close to Laugavegur, Hallgrimskirkja, and Reykjavik City Hall. Also nearby are National Museum of Iceland and Perlan.
In addition to a restaurant, Hotel Odinsve features a bar/lounge. Other amenities include a conference center and a coffee shop/café.
In addition to premium satellite television, guestrooms include beds with Select Comfort mattresses, complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, and complimentary wireless Internet access.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura
Reykjavik Natura is situated close to the city center in one of the greenest areas in Reykjavik, next to the landmark the Pearl and its surrounding wood and just a short walk from Nautholsvik thermal beach.
Guests can enjoy a daily menu of fresh and light Icelandic cuisine at Satt Restaurant or relax with a drink at Satt Bar. The hotel has indoor swimming pool and a spa which only uses organic products.
Standard amenities in all rooms include a hairdryer, trouser press, refrigerator, satellite TV, WI-FI and parquet flooring. All cosmetics and toiletries in rooms are organic.
101 hotel
101 hotelsis located adjacent to the Icelandic opera and opposite the National theatre and the National center for cultural heritage. It is surrounded by many galleries, museums, cafés, restaurants and shops.
The hotel’s beating heart is the casual restaurant and the narrow bar with high walls and a glass ceiling and a comfortable lounge with a fireplace
Televisions come with satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature premium bedding, DVD players, and minibars.
Beaches in Iceland
Nautholsvik Beach – Reykjavik
Nautholsvik is a popular sandy beach in Reykjavik. The nice thing: it’s a thermal beach heated by hot water flowing into the bay, so visitors can actually enjoy bathing here. There are two freshwater pools and public facilities. This beach is well suited for families. Surfing is not allowed here.
Álftanes Beach – Greater Reykjavi
A sandy beach in Iceland on the peninsula of Álftanes, and one of the few white sand beaches in Iceland, Part of the Greater Reykjavik Area, visistors can find this Icelandic beach just east of the Reykjavik city center, on the Alftanes peninsula
Budir Beach
The Budir Beach is located in the peninsula Snæfellsnes. To access the beach, drive to Snaefellsnes peninsula and then go along the south coast of the peninsula to Búðir.
Djúpárlónssandur Beach – Snæfellsjökull
This Icelandic beach consists of lots of pebbles and rocks created and formed gently by nature.
Kirkjubol Beach – Vestfjarðarvegur
Visitors visiting the western parts of Iceland, especially the county of Strandir, visit the beach at Kirkjubol which is well suited for outdoorsmen and for family travelers. The drive from Reykjavik is rather long, but there are bus and airplane services to Strandir County available.
Emergency Information for Canadians in Iceland
Embassy of Canada in Reykjavik14 Tungata Postal Address: Telephone: (354) 575-6500 |
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The Government of Canada’s Travel Alerts for Iceland
Sponsoring Your Icelander Spouse to Come to Canada
The sponsorship process can be difficult and long; to learn more click the button below.
