Please note, that this article states regulations from September 2020. Requirements to enter Iceland might have changed since.
We’re on Iceland. What an arrival.
The first thing to pass is the PCR-Teststation before picking up your luggage. Then off to meet our driver. We did arrange a taxi beforehand as – during COVID – you’re not allowed to use the Airport Shuttle and it did not make sense to have a rental car sitting at the curb, when not using it for almost a week.
Our driver was amazing. On the about 50 minutes ride to Reykjavik he entertained us with bits of travel information and a lot else there is to know on getting around on the island. Did you know that giving a tip is frowned upon in Iceland? I didn’t. He well agreed that, also it’s a dire time for all tourism related businesses and people. But, that also meant were about to experience Iceland as few travellers have withing the last decades.
Quarantine time
Our quarantine lair was a spacious and comfortable appartment about 300 mts from the coast, a bit off the city centre of Reykjavik. Perfect as the rental description went. Wide windows opening up to a view onto the town, with famous Hallgrimskirkja in the distance. That was my homeoffice view for the quarantine week. Could be worse.
After getting stuff unpacked and hooking one laptop to the TV – always take a HDMI cable with you, still not all TVs support WIFI – the home cinema was ready and it was time to try out the kitchen. Snuggled up cozy on the Sofa later that evening, some “weird looking” clouds in the night sky drove us to immeadiately dress up warm and rush down to the waterfront.
Northern Lights on our first night on Iceland
Good we did, as we were greeted by green and pink-ish Northern Lights dancing in the night sky over Reykjavik Bay. It’s colors and light pilars flowing and shifting, sometimes disappearing and then picking up strenght again in colourful turns and twists. While planning our trip, we were talking about the chances to see Northern lights. Never would we have thought, that Iceland greets us with a magical light show on our first night. What a wonderful start into our Iceland adventure.
During the rest of the quarantine week it was long walks along the bayshore – respecting all quarantine and distancing rules, of course. Mostly we walked towards the Laugarnes region, looking back onto the Reykjavik Skyline and – at clear days – over to the Snaefellsness peninsula with its towering snowcaped volcano. Some nights we went out again and got mesmerized by some more Norther lights. Working remotely from Reykjavik did go as a charme. At times I missed my extra displays, but looking out of the windows did always take that though away from me in a blink.
The second PCR test was scheduled
On the fourth day of our quarantine week, the email with our appointment for our 2nd PCR-Test came through. So the next day would be the “make or break” for our further travels on Iceland. The testing station was about 30 minutes away by foot and very well organized. Short queue, short waiting time and were well observed. I was terrified by the outlook of the dreaded nose-swap. What can I say … I didn’t even feel it.
Cleared to discover Iceland
As the 2nd test was done around 9am, we were hopeful that – with a fast result – we would even be able to explore Reykjavik in the afternoon. And, so it went. Our negative result came through at about 2.30 pm and from this moment on our quarantine was lifted and we were free to roam Reykjavik and travel the island. Always minding the hygiene & distancing rules, for sure. So happy!
Off we went into town. All those sights, first souvenirs and experiences did wait long enough for us. Our evening highlight? A delish lamb burger and a freshly draught beer.
Here you can find more informations on the Covid rules and measures for a stay on Iceland.
