If you can show a certificate of full vaccination or a certificate of previous COVID-19 infection, Iceland’s borders are open for you!
If you have plans to come to Iceland, you might be wondering about the current COVID-19 status in the country and what activities you can do in post-pandemic Iceland.
In the fight against COVID-19, Icelanders have been employing a contagion tracing and quarantining method of containing the virus, and the Icelandic approach has proven successful. At the same time, the vaccination programme is going well and the government hopes to have offered everyone their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by June 25.
But the pandemic is not over yet, so hand washing, coughing in your elbow, avoiding touching of eyes, nose, and mouth, avoiding handshaking, and keeping safe distance from others are still important when travelling in post-pandemic Iceland.
Travellers are encouraged to download the COVID-19 app Rakning C-19. In case of an infection, the app traces your steps and can help find individuals who need to go into quarantine.
COVID-friendly activities
In Iceland, it is not difficult to escape the crowds and social distancing is easy. You can keep ample distance at the country’s natural wonders, and keeping restrictions in mind, there is also plenty to do in Reykjavík. Some activities might still be affected by COVID-19 regulations, and you can find the latest updates on www.covid.is. Here are some ideas on how to spend your vacation in post-pandemic Iceland.
Rent a car – Planning a self-drive vacation in Iceland is the best way to be in control and the easiest way to keep your distance. The ring road, or route 1, is the highway that takes you all the way around the country. This circular route, which is entirely paved, allows you to see some of the most popular sights and attractions Iceland has to offer. Iceland also has a few amazing touring routes perfect for self-drives, like the Westfjords Way, the Arctic Coast Way, the Diamond Circle, and of course, the Golden Circle.
Go hiking – Iceland is known for its wild and untamed nature and going hiking is the best way to enjoy it. Possibilities are endless, and popular routes include Laugavegur (from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk) and Fimmvörðuháls (from Þórsmörk to Skógar). For those looking to experience a wilderness almost untouched by human hands, check out Hornstrandir in the Westfjords. At the moment, the best hike is probably to the Reykjanes eruption! There is an active volcano on the Reykjanes volcano and the hike takes about 1.5 hours one way.
Go swimming – When a pool is treated with chlorine, there is a very low chance of getting coronavirus through the water. Nothing beats soaking in warm water while breathing in fresh Arctic air. Check out Sky Lagoon, the Capital Area’s newest spa, complete with a seven-step relaxation ritual, or travel to the sparsely populated Eastfjords and visit Vök Baths, Iceland’s only floating pools. Or visit one of Reykjavík’s 18 geothermal pools, they are located all around the Capital Area.
The government of Iceland, The Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, and The Directorate of Health are constantly monitoring the COVID-19 status in Iceland and are implementing regulations and restrictions in response to its development. Travellers should visit www.covid.is for the most up-to-date information.
