| A | B | C | D |
| E | F | G | H |
| I | K | L | M |
| N | O | P | R |
| S | T | U | V |
| W | Z |
Accommodations: See Sleeping; and specific destinations
Aðalstræti (Reykjavík): 73–74
Ægisgarður pier (Reykjavík): 102, 103
Airbnb: 27, 388–389; Reykjavík, 130, 137
Air Iceland Connect: 153, 361, 422
Airports, in Reykjavík: 149–153, 229–230, 421; sleeping near, 137–138
Air tours, of Mývatn: 304
Air travel: 420–422; budgeting, 27; Westman Islands, 229–230. See also specific airlines
Akrafjall: 251
Akureyri: 295–300; eating, 299; itineraries, 274–275; orientation, 296–297; sights/activities, 297–298; sleeping, 298–299; tourist information, 296; transportation, 300
Akureyri Botanical Garden: 297, 299
Akureyri Museums: 298
Akureyri Thermal Pool: 298
Alcohol: 28
Álftafjörður: 329
Álftaneslaug (Reykjavík): 117
Almanac: 358–359
Almannagjá (Þingvellir): 186; map, 185
Alþingi: 360, 362; The Law Rock, 186–188, 360; in Reykjavík, 76–77, 365
Ambulance: 425
Apartment rentals: See Airbnb; Rental properties
Apotek Hótel (Reykjavík): 79, 124–125
Apps: 30; navigation, 381, 412–413; Reykjavík, 61; sightseeing, 382–383
Aquarium, on Heimaey Island: 47, 242–243
Árbæjarlaug (Reykjavík): 115–116
Árbær Open-Air Museum: 67, 112–113, 350
Arctic terns: 35, 47, 218, 337
Árnason, Ingólfur: 68–69, 89, 92, 106, 187, 360
Árnason, Jón Gunnar, Sun Voyager (Reykjavík): 67, 88, 100, 352
Árskógssandur: 295
Ásbrú: 174
Ásgrímur Jónsson Collection (Reykjavík): 99
Askja: 304
Asvallalaug (Hafnarfjörður): 116, 135
Audio Europe, Rick Steves: 424
Aurora Reykjavík: The Northern Lights Center: 105
Austurstræti (Reykjavík): 78–82; eating, 143–144
Austurvöllur (Reykjavík): 76–78
Avalanches: 35
Aviation Museum (Akureyri): 298
Aviation tours, of Mývatn: 304
Bakkagerði: 322
Bakki Airport: 230
Bankastræti (Reykjavík): 82–84
Banks (banking): alerting to travel, 29; hours, 375. See also Money
Barnafoss Waterfall: 266
Bárustígur (Vestmannaeyjar): 236
Beaches: sneaker waves, 34–35, 219; Diamond Beach, 36, 334, 338–339; Kleifarvatn Lake, 170–171; Reynisfjara, 219, 343–344, 353; Sólheimasandur, 217–218
Beer: 400; liquor store, in Reykjavík, 80. See also Craft breweries
Bergsson, Guðbergur: 172
Berufjörður: 328
Beverages: 399–400. See also Beer
Biking (bike rentals): 52; Mývatn, 304; Reykjavík, 63–64, 68
Birds and birding: 47, 171, 355; angry birds, safety tips, 35, 47, 337; North Iceland, 286, 289, 292; South Coast, 211, 218; Westman Island, 228, 237, 239–240, 245. See also Arctic terns; Puffins
Bjarnason, Ingibjörg: 78
Bjólfur: 325
Björk Guðmundsdóttir: 122–123, 174
Bláa Lónið: See Blue Lagoon
Blábjörg: 328
“Black Cone” (Reykjavík): 78
Blönduós: 280–281
Blue Lagoon: 41–42, 163–169, 173, 174; with children, 356; eating, 167; itineraries, 14; map, 165; orientation, 165, 167–168; origin of, 166; planning tips, 162–163; pros and cons of visiting, 20, 28, 163, 356; reservations, 20, 29, 167; sleeping, 167–168; tours, 164–165; traveling to, 164–165; visiting tips, 168–169
Boat travel and cruises: 422; Heimaey Island, 233, 236; Landeyjahöfn, 229, 230–231; Reykjavík, 102–103, 153–154, 422. See also Ferries
Book of Icelanders: 106
Book of Settlements: 106
Books, recommended: 427–428
Bookstores: Reykjavík, 81, 120–121
Borgarnes: 254, 257–261, 279–280; eating, 261; itineraries, 249; sights, 258–260, 261; sleeping, 260
Botanic gardens: Akureyri, 297, 299; Reykjavík, 111–112, 146, 148
Brákarey (Borgarnes): 259
Brákin (Borgarnes): 258–259
Breads and baked goods: 398; “thermal bread experience”, 191–192
Breiðdalsvík: 328
Budgeting: 27
Budget tips: See Money-saving tips
Buses: 407–409; Reykjavík, 61, 65, 152, 153. See also Excursion buses
Business hours: 375
Café Paris (Reykjavík): 79–80
Campervan rentals: 389–390
Camping: 227, 278, 311, 389–390
Car insurance: 411–412
Car navigation: 412–413
Carnival Week: 426
Car travel (driving): 413–420; best short trips, 20–21; best 10-day road trip, 22–23; distances and time, 414–415; driving hazards, 417–420; Golden Circle, 180–202; Heimaey Island, 244–245; Reykjanes Peninsula, 169–175; Reykjavík, 64–65; Reykjavík excursions, 157–158; Ring Road, 271–281; road rules, 413–414; roundabouts, 415–416, 417; South Coast, 204–222; speed limits, 414–415; West Iceland, 249–257
Cell phones: See Smartphones
Celts: 360
Children: 345–356; eating tips, 346–348; packing tips, 346; planning tips, 345–348; sightseeing tips, 348–349; sleeping tips, 345–346; top sights and activities, 350–356
Christian IV: 364
Clinton, Bill: 79
Commerce Day: 426
Costs of trip: 27
Craft breweries: 295, 400; Heimaey Island, 247; Höfn, 333, 336; Hveragerði, 200–201, 222; Reykjavík, 125–126
Craters: 40; Hverfjall, 40, 306, 354; Kerið, 40, 200; Skútustaðir Pseudocraters, 304–305; Víti Crater, 40, 310–311. See also Grábrók Crater
Credit cards: 29, 31, 374, 375–378
Cruises: See Boat travel and cruises
Cuisine: 10–12, 390–399; and children, 347; food tours, in Reykjavík, 67–68. See also Eating
Culture House (Reykjavík): 82, 93
Currency and exchange: 375–378
Customs regulations: 380–381
Dairy products: 192, 397; skyr, 11, 347, 397
Debit cards: 29, 31, 374, 375–378
Deildartunguhver Hot Springs: 45, 255, 263
Denmark: 361, 363, 364–365; ferries, 154, 319, 324, 422
Dettifoss Waterfall: 316–317, 353
Diamond Beach: 36, 334, 338–339
“Diamond Circle”: 312
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations: 305–306
Discounts: See Money-saving tips
Djúpivogur: 328–329
Dogsledding: 37
Dragháls Pass: 256
Drangshlíð: 213
Drekkingarhylur (Þingvellir): 188
Drinks: 399–400. See also Beer
Driving: See Car travel
Duus Museum (Keflavík): 175
Dyrhólaey Promontory: 218, 344
Earthquakes: 35
Eastfjords: 319–329; itineraries, 275; map, 320. See also specific destinations
Eating: 390–399; budgeting, 27; with children, 346–348; money-saving tips, 27–28; online reviews, 392; restaurant pricing, 391–392. See also specific destinations
Eggertsson, Samúel: 93
Egill’s Saga: 107, 259, 260, 264
Egilsstaðir: 300, 317–318, 319–323; eating, 323; itineraries, 275; map, 320; sights/activities, 321–322; sleeping, 322–323; tourist information, 321
Einar Jónsson Museum and Garden (Reykjavík): 67, 95–96
Einar Jónsson Sculpture Garden (Reykjavík): 87–88
Eiríksson, Leifur “Leif”: 87, 107, 351, 362
Eiríkur Þorvaldsson (Erik the Red): 87, 106–107, 360, 362
Eldfell: 238; eruption of 1973, 37, 104, 233, 236, 240, 241–242; hiking, 50, 244
Eldfell Volcano Museum (Heimaey): 40, 241–242, 354
Eldheimar (Heimaey): 40, 241–242, 354
Electricity: 375
Elíasson, Ólafur: 98, 101, 108
Embassies: 425
Emigration Center (Hofsós): 287–288
Englishmen’s Cove (Borgarnes): 259
Entertainment: budgeting, 27. See also specific destinations
Exchange rate: 376
Excursion buses: 158–161, 407–408; Blue Lagoon, 164–165; Heimaey Island, 233; Ring Road, 278; West Iceland, 248
Experiences: 33–54; with children, 353–356; Reykjavík, 114–117. See also specific experiences
Eyjafjallajökull: 211–213, 223, 344; eating near, 211, 213, 221; eruption of 2010, 40, 212, 213, 344
Eyjafjallajökull Erupts Exhibit: 40, 212, 213, 344
Falls: 34
Family Park and Zoo (Reykjavík): 111
Farms: See Icelandic farms
Farmstays: overview, 387
Fáskrúðsfjörður: 328
Ferries: 422; Denmark, 154, 319, 324, 422; Viðey Island, 103, 110; Westman Islands, 230–231, 232–233
Festivals: 425–427
Fischer (Bobby) Grave (Selfoss): 208–209
Fish: overview, 393–394
Fish Factory (Siglufjörður): 293
Fjaðrárgljúfur: 335
Fjörukráin (Reykjavík): 136, 149
Flag, Icelandic: 359
Flateyri: 254
Flea market, in Reykjavík: 66, 79, 92–93, 119, 350
Fljótsheiði: 301
Fontana Thermal Baths (Laugarvatn): 42, 166, 181, 191–192
Food tours, in Reykjavík: 67–68
Fossá: 257
Frakkastígur (Reykjavík): 88; eating, 142–143
Fruits and vegetables: 397–398
Game of Thrones (TV show): 160, 306–307
Gamla Bíó (Reykjavík): 123–124, 125
Garðabær (Reykjavík): 60–61
Geography: 358
Geology of Iceland: 7–8
Geothermal exhibition, at Hellisheiði Power Plant: 114
Geysir Geothermal Field: 14, 45, 193–195, 354; map, 194
Gígjökull: 225
Glacier lagoons: 36, 337–339, 353–354
Glaciers: about, 7–8, 36–37; activities, 36–37; hiking tips, 36; Langjökull Glacier, 37, 268; Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders (Reykjavík), 37, 40, 109–110, 351; Mýrdalsjökull, 216, 223, 335–336; safety tips, 36; Sólheimajökull Glacier, 36, 216–217
Glaumbær Museum (Skagafjörður): 283–286, 355
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall: 210–211
Goat Farm, Háafell: 267–268, 355
Goðafoss Waterfall: 300–301
Golden Circle: 176–202; activities, 178; driving tour, 180–202; itineraries, 14, 177; map, 178–179; planning tips, 177–180; thermal bathing, 181, 191–192, 198, 200, 201–202; tours, 176; weather and road conditions, 179–180
Goslok (Vestmannaeyjar): 233, 426
Government: 359, 368–370. See also Alþingi
Grábrók Crater: 40, 254–255, 261–262, 280, 354; eating, 262, 280; hiking, 40, 261–262; sleeping, 262
Grænavatn: 171
Grandi (Reykjavík): 104; eating, 145–146
Gray Line: 36, 150, 151, 153, 160, 164, 165, 176
Greenland Saga: 106–107
Grindavík: 171–173
Grjótagjá Thermal Cave: 306–307
Guðmundur Arason: 286–287
Guesthouses: overview, 386. See also specific destinations
Guidebooks: Reykjavík, 62; Rick Steves, 423
Gullfoss Waterfall: 14, 50, 195–197, 353; eating, 196; map, 196; visiting the, 196–197
Gunnarshús (Skriðuklaustur): 321–322
Gunnarsson, Gunnar: 321–322
Háafell Goat Farm: 267–268, 355
Hafnarfjörður (Reykjavík): 60–61, 135, 169, 202; eating, 148–149, 202, 222; events, 426; map, 136; sleeping, 127, 135–137; thermal pools, 116, 135; transportation, 135
Hafragilsfoss: 317
Hákot (Reykjavík): 72
Halærisplan (Reykjavík): 69
Hali Farm: 337
Halldór Laxness House (Reykjavík): 113–114, 181
Hallgrímskirkja (Reykjavík): 94–96
Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran Church (Reykjavík): 66, 85–86, 94–95, 124, 351
Hamarsfjörður: 329
Handknitting Association of Iceland (Reykjavík): 118–119
Harpa Concert Hall (Reykjavík): 83, 100–101, 121–122; with children, 352; orientation, 66, 101; performances at, 121–122
Héðinsfjarðarvatn: 294
Heimaey Island: 232–247; driving tour, 244–245; eating, 246–247; helpful hints, 233, 236; map, 234–235; orientation, 232; sights/activities, 241–245; sleeping, 246; tours, 233, 236; traveling to, 232–233; walking tour, Vestmannaeyjar, 236–241
Heimaey Island Aquarium: 47, 242–243
Heimaey Island Town Museum: 243–244
Heimaey Volcano Museum: 40, 241–242, 354
Heimaklettur (Vestmannaeyjar): 239–240
Hella: 209, 344; sleeping near, 222–223
Hellisheiði Power Plant: 45, 114, 202, 208
Hengifoss Waterfall: 321
Herðubreið: 317
Herjólfsdalur: 244–245; Þjóðhátíð National Festival, 233, 243–244, 426
Herring Era Museum (Siglufjörður): 293
Hey Iceland: 387
“Hidden people” (huldufólk): 214
Hiking: 49–52; Akureyri, 297; easy hikes, 50; Grábrók Crater, 40, 261–262; Heimaey Island, 244; Þingvellir, 185–190; Þórsmörk, 40, 51–52, 205, 225–227; Reykjanes Peninsula, 171; Reykjavík, 110, 351; serious hikes, 51–52; Seyðisfjörður, 324–325; Skaftafell, 340–341; Sólheimajökull, 217; South Coast, 205, 217; thermal bath hikes, 50; trail hazards, 35
History: 357–368
Höfði Promontory: 305
Höfn: 329, 333, 336; eating, 336; sleeping, 341–342
Hofsós: 281, 287–288, 291; eating, 288; sights/activities, 287–288; sleeping, 290
Hofsós Thermal Swimming Pool: 288
Hólar Village: 286–287
Holidays: 425–427
Holtavörðuheiði: 280
Horseback riding: 49, 178, 355; Mývatn, 304; Reykjavík, 117
Horses: See Icelandic horses
Hostels: overview, 389; Reykjavík, 134
Hotels: overview, 384–385; rates and deals, 383–384; reservations, 29, 386–387. See also specific destinations
House of Geiri (Seyðisfjörður): 325
Hraunfossar Waterfall: 265
Hringvegurinn: See Ring Road
Hrútafjörður: 280
Huldufólk (“hidden people”): 214
Humar: 200–201, 221–222, 330, 336, 394
Húsafell: 266
Húsavík: 301, 302, 312–315; eating, 315; itineraries, 274, 275; sights/activities, 313–314; sleeping, 314–315; tourist information, 313; traveling to, 312–313
Húsavík Church: 314
Húsavík Whale Museum: 313–314
Hvalfjörður: 256–257
Hvalfjörður tunnel: 251, 414–415
Hveragerði: 201–202, 208; eating, 201–202, 222
Hverfisgata (Reykjavík): 82
Hverfjall Crater: 40, 306, 354
Hvitárbrú Bridge: 255
Hvolsvöllur: 209–210; eating, 209, 221; sleeping near, 222
Ice caves: 37, 109–110, 161, 268, 341
Icelanders: overview, 370–371
Iceland Erupts (Eyjafjallajökull): 40, 212, 213, 344
Icelandic candy: 120, 347, 398
Icelandic Emigration Center (Hofsós): 287–288
Icelandic experiences. See Experiences; and specific experiences
Icelandic farms: 69, 74, 337, 355, 362; farmstays, overview, 387; Háafell Goat Farm, 250, 267–268, 355
Icelandic Mountain Guides: 36, 52, 341
Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Keflavík): 174
Icelandic names: 80–81
Icelandic National Day: 77, 426
Icelandic Natural Wonders, Museum of (Reykjavík): 37, 40, 109–110, 351
Icelandic Opera: 121
Icelandic Phallological Museum (Reykjavík): 94, 352
Icelandic place names: 158–159
Icelandic Road Authority: 413, 417–419
Icelandic sea salts: 120
Icelandic souvenirs: 119–120, 349
Icelandic survival phrases: 435
Icelandic sweaters, shopping for: 118–119
Iceland Symphony Orchestra: 121
Ice skating, in Reykjavík: 112
Imagine Peace Tower (Viðey Island): 103, 111, 426
Indoor play areas, in Reykjavík: 351
Ingólfstorg (Reykjavík): 68–69; eating, 143–144
Ingólfur Árnason: 68–69, 89, 92, 106, 187, 360
Internet security: 401
Itineraries: best short trips by car, 20–21; best 10-day road trip, 22–23; designing your own, 19, 22–25; must-see Destinations, 14; Reykjavík, 58–60; worth-it destinations, 16, 18
J
Jökulsá á Dal Valley: 317
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon: 334, 337–338, 353; boat trips, 337–338; sleeping, 341–342
Jónsson, Einar: 87–88, 98, 99; Museum and Garden (Reykjavík), 67, 95–96
Jónsson (Ásgrímur) Collection (Reykjavík): 99
Kálfstindar: 191
Kárahnjúkar: 322
Kayaking: 52
Keflavík: 174–175
Keflavík Airport (Reykjavík): 149–152, 162, 421; map, 150; sleeping near, 137–138
Kirkjubæjarklaustur: 335; sleeping, 342
Kleifarvatn Lake: 170–171
Kleppjárnsreykir: 255–256
Kolaportið Flea Market (Reykjavík): 66, 79, 92–93, 119, 350
Kolbeinsey: 289
Kópavogur (Reykjavík): 60–61, 117
Krafla Geothermal Power Plant: 310
Krafla Geothermal Valley: 45–46, 310–311, 316
Krauma (Reykholt): 42, 166, 250, 263
Krónur, Icelandic: 376–378
Krossá River: 226–227
Kvikan (Grindavík): 172
Lágafellslaug (Mosfellsbær): 116–117
Lagarfljót: 321–322
Lækjartorg (Reykjavík): 65, 82–83
Landlyst (Vestmannaeyjar): 239
Landmannalaugar: 44–45, 51–52, 408
Landnámssýningin (Reykjavík): 66, 74, 89, 92
Landsbankinn (Reykjavík): 79
Language: 32, 402–403; online translation tips, 375; place names, 158–159; pronunciation guide, 432–433; survival phrases, 435
Látrabjarg: 254
Laugar: 301
Laugardalslaug (Reykjavík): 116
Laugardalur (Reykjavík): 60, 111–112, 350
Laugavegur (Reykjavík): 52, 83–84, 88, 93–94; eating, 139, 142–143; nightlife, 126; shopping, 117–121
Laundry, in Reykjavík: 62
Lava Centre (Hvolsvöllur): 40, 209–210, 221, 354
Law Rock (Þingvellir): 186–187
Laxness, Halldór: 428; House (Reykjavík), 113–114, 181
Leirhnjúkur Volcanic Cone: 50, 310
Liquor store, in Reykjavík: 80
Listasafn Einars Jónssonar (Reykjavík): 67, 95–96
Lobster: See Humar
Lómagnúpur: 335
Lónsvík Bay: 331–332
McPhee, John: 239
Mail: 407
Malt soda: 399–400
Maritime museum, in Reykjavík: 105
Markárfljót: 204, 210–211, 225, 344
Markets: Reykjavík, 108, 119, 143. See also Flea market, in Reykjavík
Marshall-húsið Art Center (Reykjavík): 108
Medical help: 374
Metal smelters: 169, 251, 257, 327–328, 368
Metric system: 430
Microbreweries: See Craft breweries
Miðsandur: 256–257
Mjóstræti (Reykjavík): 72–73
Mobile phones: 400–406; and children, 349–350
Money: 375–381; budgeting, 27; and children, 349–350; Reykjavík, 61
Money belts: 349, 375, 376, 379
Money-saving tips: 27–28, 375; Reykjavík, 61, 147; sleeping, 383–384
Mosfellsheiði: 180–181
Mosfellskirkja: 180–181
Movies, recommended: 428–430
Movie theater, in Reykjavík: 124
Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders (Reykjavík): 37, 40, 109–110, 351
Music: about, 122–123; Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Keflavík), 174; Reykjavík, 121–124; shopping for, in Reykjavík, 85, 121
Mýflug Air (Mývatn): 304
Mýrdalsjökull: 216, 223, 335–336
Mývatn: 301–312; with children, 354; eating, 304; geology, flora and fauna of, 303; hiking, 50; itineraries, 274, 275; map, 302; orientation, 303–304; sights/activities, 304–311, 315–316; sleeping, 274, 311–312; tourist information, 304; tours, 304; volcanic landscape of, 39–40, 304–311
Mývatn Nature Bath: 42, 166, 308–309
Námafjall Geothermal Area: 45, 309, 316
National Gallery of Iceland (Reykjavík): 99
National Library (Reykjavík): 93
National Museum of Iceland (Reykjavík): 66, 76, 96–98, 120
National Theater (Reykjavík): 82–83
Natural thermal springs: 44–45, 181; Landmannalaugar, 44–45, 51–52, 408; Reykjadalur, 44, 181, 201–202, 208
Nauthólsvík (Reykjavík): 116
Nesjavallaleið: 181–183
Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Station: 181–182
Njál’s Saga: 107
Njarðvík: 174–175
Norröna car ferry: 319, 324, 422
Northern lights: 52–54, 104, 170; Aurora Reykjavík: The Northern Lights Center, 67, 105
North Iceland: 282–318; islands in, 289; map, 284–285. See also specific destinations
Ólafsfjörður: 294–295
Ólafsson (Sigurjón) Museum (Reykjavík): 99
Ólafur Tryggvason: 362
Open-air museums: 215–216; Árbær Open-Air Museum, 67, 112–113, 350; Glaumbær Museum (Skagafjörður), 283–286, 355
Öskjuhlíð (Reykjavík): 110
Öxarárfoss (Þingvellir): 189
Packing tips and checklist: 30, 434; with children, 346
Pearl, the (Reykjavík): 67, 109–110, 351
Pétursson, Hallgrímur: 86
Pharmacies, in Reykjavík: 61–62
Phone numbers, useful: 425
Phones: 400–406
Þingvallavatn: 182–183
Þingvellir: 180, 183–190, 360; arrival in, 183, 185; with children, 354–355; eating, 185; map, 184; self-guided tour, 185–190
Þjóðhátíð National Festival: 233, 243–244, 426
Pond, the (Reykjavík): 75–76, 351
Population: 358
Þórbergur Þórðarson: 337
Þórðarhöfði: 292
Þórsmörk: 223–227; eating, 227; hiking, 40, 51–52, 205, 225–227; sleeping, 227; traveling to, 224–225
Pósthússtræti (Reykjavík): 60, 78
Post offices: 407
Prehistory: 357
Prime minister’s office, in Reykjavík: 82, 83
Pronunciation guide: 432–433
Protestant Reformation: 97, 287, 364
Puffins: 47, 48, 103, 211, 218, 355; Westman Islands, 47, 48, 211, 228, 233, 237, 242–243, 245
Rail passes: 423
Rammagerðin (Reykjavík): 120
Recreational activities: 33–54; with children, 353–356; Reykjavík, 114–117. See also specific activities
Rental properties: 387–389; Reykjavík, 133–134. See also Airbnb
Resources from Rick Steves: 422–424
Réttir: 426
Reyðarfjörður: 327–328
Reykholt (Golden Circle): 180, 197, 249
Reykholt (West Iceland): 249, 254–255, 256, 263–265; eating, 265; sleeping near, 264–265
Reykjadalur Thermal River: 44, 45, 181, 201–202, 208; hiking, 50
Reykjanes Peninsula: 162–175; driving tour, 169–175; history of, 172; map, 170; planning tips, 162–163; volcanic landscape of, 38–39. See also Blue Lagoon
Reykjanesviti: 173
Reykjavík: 56–154; at a glance, 66–67; with children, 350–353; eating, 138–149; embassies, 425; entertainment, 121–124; excursion areas, 156–161; experiences, 114–117; helpful hints, 61–64; history of, 360, 365, 367–368; itineraries, 16, 58–60; maps, 58–59, 62–63, 70–71, 90–91, 128–129, 132–133, 138–139; nightlife, 124–127; orientation, 60–61; planning tips, 16, 58–60; safety tips, 34–35; shopping, 117–121; sights, 89–114; sleeping, 127–138; tourist information, 61; tours, 65–68, 158–161; transportation, 64–65, 149–154; walking tour, 68–88
Reykjavík Art Museum: 99
Reykjavík Big Band: 121
Reykjavík Botanic Garden: 111–112; eating, 112, 146, 148
Reykjavík City Airport: 152–153, 229–230, 422
Reykjavík City Hall: 61, 74–75, 350
Reykjavík Culture House: 82, 93
Reykjavík Culture Night: 426
Reykjavík Excursions: 36, 150, 151, 153, 160, 164, 176, 408
Reykjavík Family Park and Zoo: 111
Reykjavík Farmers Market: 108, 119
Reykjavík Grapevine: 44, 61, 124
Reykjavík Ice Rink: 112
Reykjavík International Film Festival: 426
Reykjavík–Keflavík Airport: 149–152, 162, 421; map, 150; sleeping near, 137–138
Reykjavík Lutheran Cathedral: 77–78
Reykjavík Maritime Museum: 105
Reykjavík Museum of Photography: 100
Reykjavík Pearl: 67, 109–110, 351
Reykjavík’s Old Harbor: 60, 67, 101–105; eating, 144–146
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: 219, 343–344, 353
Rick Steves travel philosophy: 4
Ring Road: 9, 270–344; driving tips, 277–278; driving tour, 271–281; Eastfjords, 319–329; itineraries, 16, 20, 22–23, 271, 274–277; maps, 271, 272–273; North Iceland, 282–318; planning tips, 271, 274–277; sleeping, overview, 278; South Coast, 343–344; Southeast Iceland, 330–342; tours, 278; West Iceland, 279–281. See also specific destinations
Roth, Dieter: 323
Safety: 34–35; with children, 349–350, 352–353; driving hazards, 417–420
Saga Museum (Reykjavík): 67, 104, 351–352
Saga Music 101 (Reykjavík): 123
Saga of Erik the Red: 106
Saga of the Greenlanders: 106–107
Saga of the People of Lax rdalr: 107
Sagas of the Icelanders: 106–107, 122–123, 257–258, 300–301, 358–360
Sæheimar Aquarium (Heimaey): 47, 242–243
Salting Station (Siglufjörður): 293
Salvation Army (Reykjavík): 74, 119
Samúelsson, Guðjón: 66, 79, 85–86, 94–95, 99, 124–125
Sauðárkrókur: 281, 286; eating, 286; sleeping, 288
Scuba diving, at Silfra: 52, 178, 190
Seafood: overview, 393–394. See also specific destinations
Secret Lagoon (Flúðir): 43, 181, 198
Selfoss: 200–201, 208–209, 344; lobster, 200–201, 221–222
Selfoss Waterfall: 316–317
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: 207, 210–211, 344, 353
Seltjarnarnes: 61; thermal baths, 116
Seltún Geothermal Field: 45, 171
Settlement Centre (Borgarnes): 259–260, 280
Settlement Exhibition (Reykjavík): 74, 89, 92, 352
Seven Peaks: 325
Seyðisfjörður: 317–318, 323–326; eating, 326; sights/activities, 324–325; sleeping, 325–326; tourist information, 323–324
Shopping: hours, 375; VAT refunds, 380. See also specific destinations
Sightseeing: best short trips by car, 20–21; best 10-day road trip, 22–23; budgeting, 27; with children, 348–349, 350–356; maps and navigation tools, 381, 412–413; money-saving tips, 28; must-see Destinations, 14; planning tips, 381–383; worth-it destinations, 16, 18. See also specific sights and destinations
Siglufjörður: 292–294, 300; eating, 294; itineraries, 274; sights, 292–294; sleeping, 294
Siglufjörður Boathouse: 293–294
Siglufjörður Fish Factory: 293
Sigurðsson, Jón: 77, 97–98, 365–366
Sigurgeir’s Bird Museum (Mývatn): 47, 307
Sigurjón Ólafsson Museum (Reykjavík): 99
SIM cards: 406
Skaftafell National Park: 334–335, 339–341, 353
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art (Seyðisfjörður): 325
Skaftfellingur Museum (Vík): 220
Skagafjörður: 281–291; itineraries, 274, 283; map, 284–285; sights/activities, 283–288; sleeping, 288, 290
Skallagrímsgarður (Borgarnes): 258
Skalla-Grímur (“Grímur the Bald”): 107, 257–259
Skansinn Cove: 238
Skarfagarðar (Reykjavík): 153–154
Skeiðarársandur: 335
Skógafoss Waterfall: 215
Skógar: 215–216, 344; sleeping near, 222, 315
Skógar Folk Museum: 215–216
Skólavörðustígur (Reykjavík): 84–85, 88; eating, 139, 142–143; shopping, 118
Skorradalsvatn: 256
Skriðuklaustur: 321–322
Skútustaðir: eating, 305; sleeping, 311
Skútustaðir Pseudocraters: 39, 304–305
Sledding: 356
Sleep code: 384
Sleeping: 383–390; budgeting, 27; with children, 345–346; money-saving tips, 27–28; online reviews, 392; rates and deals, 383–384; reservations, 29, 386–387; types of accommodations, 384–390. See also specific destinations
Smartphones: 30, 400–406; and children, 349–350
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: 254
Snorkeling, at Silfra: 52, 178, 190
Snorralaug (Reykholt): 264
Snorri’s Saga” Museum (Reykholt): 264
Soccer: 359
Sólfar (Sun Voyager; Árnason): 67, 88, 100, 352
Sólheimajökull Glacier: 36, 216–217, 353
Sólheimasandur: 217–218
South Coast: 40, 203–223, 343–344; driving tips, 205–206; driving tour, 204–222, 343–344; eating, 221–222; itineraries, 14, 203–204, 205; map, 206–207; safety tips, 34–35; sleeping, 222–223; tours, 203; weather warning, 34, 205–206. See also specific destinations
Southeast Iceland: 330–342; driving tour, 331–336; itineraries, 276; map, 332–333; planning tips, 330–331; sights and towns, 336–341; sleeping, 341–342. See also specific destinations
Staðarskáli: 280
Stafafell: 332
Stöðvarfjörður: 328
Stórhöfði: 245
Straumsvík: 169
Sturluson, Snorri: 107, 263–264
Sundhöllin (Reykjavík): 115
Sundlaug Kópavogs (Kópavogur): 117
Sun Voyager (Árnason): 67, 88, 100, 352
Svartifoss: 340–341
Svartsengi: 173
Sweaters, shopping for: 118–119
Sweets: 398–399
Taxes: VAT refunds, 380
Technical Museum of East Iceland (Seyðisfjörður): 325
Tectonic plates: 7, 38–39, 185–186, 357; map of, 39
Telephone numbers, useful: 425
Telephones: 400–406
Temperatures, average monthly: 431
Thermal baths and pools: 9–10; about, 8, 41–45; with children, 355–356; hikes, 50, 201, 213; visiting tips and etiquette, 42–43; website listings, 44; Akureyri, 298; Blue Lagoon, 41–42, 162–175; Borgarnes, 258; Golden Circle, 181, 191–192, 198, 200, 201–202; Hafnarfjörður, 116, 135; Hofsós, 288; Húsafell, 266; Krauma (Reykholt), 42, 166, 250, 263; Laugarvatn, 42, 166, 181, 191–192; Mosfellsbær, 116–117; Mývatn Nature Bath, 42, 166, 308–309; Reykholt, 264; Reykjavík, 114–117; Secret Lagoon (Flúðir), 43, 181, 198. See also Natural thermal springs
“Thermal bread experience”: 191–192
Thermal waters: 41–46; best sights, 45–46; safety tips, 35
Time zones: 374–375
Tindfjallajökull: 223
Tipping: 379
Tjarnargata (Reykjavík): 74, 96
Tourist information: 373–374
Tours: Reykjavík, 65–68, 158–161; Rick Steves, 423. See also Excursion buses; and specific destinations
Trail hazards: 35
Transportation: 407–422
Travel smarts: 31–32
Travel tips: 374–375
Trip costs: 27
Tröllaskagi Peninsula: 290–295; itineraries, 274–275
Troll Expeditions: 36
TV shows, recommended: 428–430
University of Iceland (Reykjavík): 76
Varmahlíð: 281, 291; sleeping, 290
VAT refunds: 380
Vestmannaeyjar: 232–247; eating, 246–247; helpful hints, 233, 236; map, 234–235; orientation, 232; sights/activities, 241–245; sleeping, 246; traveling to, 232–233; walking tour, 236–241
Vestmannaeyjar Fortress: 238
Vestmannaeyjar Jetty: 239
Vesturbæjarlaug (Reykjavík): 115
Vesturgata (Reykjavík): 72; eating, 144
Vesturland: See West Iceland
Viðey Island: 67, 103–104, 110–111
Víðgelmir Lava Tube: 41, 117, 266–267
Vík: 220–222, 335; eating, 220–221
Viking Festival (Hamarsfjörður): 426
Viking Horses: 49
Viking Rafting: 52
Vikings: 5, 56, 57, 79–80, 87, 357–358; Saga Museum (Reykjavík), 67, 104, 351–352; Settlement Centre (Borgarnes), 259–260, 280
Viking World (Keflavík): 174–175, 352
Víkurskarð: 300
Vínbúðin (Reykjavík): 80–81, 400
Vínland sagas: 106–107
Visitor information: 373–374
Vistarband: 363–364
Volcanic cave tours: 40–41, 117, 266–267, 306–307
Volcanic landscapes: 37–40
Volcanoes: about, 7–8, 37–41, 357; with children, 354; geology of, 38–39; safety tips, 35; tectonic plates, 7, 38–39. See also Craters
Volcano House (Reykjavík): 40, 104
Volcano museums: 40; Iceland Erupts (Eyjafjallajökull), 40, 212, 213, 344; Lava Centre (Hvolsvöllur), 40, 209–210, 221, 354; Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders (Reykjavík), 37, 40, 109–110, 351; Volcano House (Reykjavík), 40, 104; Volcano Museum (Heimaey), 40, 241–242, 354
Völsunga Saga: 107
Walking tours, guided, in Reykjavík: 65–67
Walking tours, self-guided: Reykjavík, 68–88; Vestmannaeyjar, 236–241
Waterfalls: 50, 353; Dettifoss, 316–317, 353; Goðafoss, 300–301; Hengifoss, 321; Hraunfossar, 265; Seljalandsfoss, 207, 210–211, 344, 353; Skógafoss, 215; Svartifoss, 340–341
Weather: 12, 19, 22–23, 431; and road conditions, 179–180, 250, 417–420
West Iceland: 248–268; driving tips, 250; driving tour, 249–257; itineraries, 18, 249–250; map, 252–253; Ring Road, 279–281; weather, 250. See also specific destinations
Westman Islands: 211, 228–247; Eldfell eruption of 1973, 37, 104, 233, 236, 240, 241–242; ferries, 230–231, 232–233; itineraries, 16, 229; planning tips, 229; puffins, 47, 48, 211, 228, 233, 237, 242–243, 245; traveling to, 229–231; volcanic landscape of, 37–38; weather, 20, 230–231. See also Heimaey Island
Whale Museum (Húsavík): 313–314
Whales of Iceland (Reykjavík): 66, 105, 108, 350
Whale watching: 46, 350; Akureyri, 298; Húsavík, 313; Reykjavík, 102–103
Wine: 400
World War II: 367