Flying to Reykjavik and Iceland

Disclaimer: Although we make regular updates to these flight timetables - schedules can change without prior notice from the airlines. Therefore, use these flight times as a reference guide and then contact your personal travel consultant to confirm arrival / departure dates, days, terminal number and times.

OUTBOUND LHR (Terminal 2) to Reykjavik
Departure 13:00	Arrival 16:00
Departure 20:35	Arrival 23:35
INBOUND Reykjavik to LHR (Terminal 2)
Departure 07:45 16:30	Arrival 11:45 19:30

**Important notice**
When booking flights, always consult the airlines terms and conditions.

OUTBOUND Manchester MAN to Reykjavik
Departure 22:05	Arrival 23:35
INBOUND Reykjavik to Manchester MAN
Departure 17:30	Arrival 21:05

**Important notice**
When booking flights, always consult the airlines terms and conditions.

OUTBOUND Glasgow to Reykjavik
Departure 11:00	Arrival 13:00
INBOUND Reykjavik to Glasgow
Departure 07:45	Arrival 09:50

**Important notice**
When booking flights, always consult the airlines terms and conditions.

Laufásvegur 31
IS 101 Reykjavík
Tel: 550-5100

Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, just below the Arctic Circle. It is the most sparsely populated country in Europe, with only approx. 300,000 inhabitants and 60% of them live in its capital Reykjavik. The native language is Icelandic but most people speak perfect English and the Icelandic people in general are very relaxed and very friendly. This breath taking country is only 3 hours away from British shores and awaits city breaks explorers to discover its undisturbed panoramic countryside and serenity. In Iceland you can witness ‘Mother Nature’ in all her glory, from spouting geysers and volcanoes to raging waterfalls and dramatic glacial landscapes. Iceland is truly home to the great outdoors and always offers new and different things to see and do, whatever the season. All year round, Vamos Travel customers continue to enjoy our personal & sensational tours, with something to suit all tastes, from high energy activities to supreme relaxation. Without a doubt this is one of the most special countries to visit in the world.

“Sightseeing continues all year round”

Iceland is truly a city break heaven and an amazing holiday destination. Please continue to read about all our services, hotels, tours & excursions and personal recommendations, to find out why you must visit Iceland.

According to the ancient Icelandic stories of legends, the world’s most northerly capital was founded by a Viking called Ingolfur Arnarson. By following typical Nordic tradition, the legendary Viking allowed the location of his new home to be decided by the fates of the Gods. He cast off two large wooden pillars from his boat and then searched the island to find where they had come ashore. The pillars were found amongst hot springs, where steam was rising from the ground. The Viking appropriately called his new home Reykjavik or ‘Smokey bay.’ Others believe that Iceland was first settled by Irish Monks, in the 8th century, but left on the arrival of the pagan Norsemen. Today, most modern Icelanders regard the Norse settlers as their ancestors, often speaking fondly of their colourful Viking past. The Norse came in 870, seeking their freedom and escaping the tyranny of King Harald Haarfagri of Norway, finding a new harmony away from the political trouble in Scandinavia. Much of this period is documented in the Landnamabok (Book of Settlements), and between 870 – 930 is referred to as the ‘The age of settlement.’ By 930 AD the Norse had developed a sense of national identity and had created the world’s first parliamentary system, The Althing. Every year a general assembly was gathered together in a natural amphitheater called Thingvellir and elections were held for a new leader. Some decades later Christianity was adopted by the Norwegian Olaf I, around 1000 AD, which helped to stable allegiances between the political leaders. Over the next century, the economy flourished and the period of 1030-1120 is remembered as the ‘Age of Peace.’ However the Althing had no military presence, which ultimately gave disgruntled chief leaders an opportunity to take aggressive action to control Iceland. The Althing collapsed during the years of civil war between rival clans and facilitated the Norwegian intervention, in 1262. The Norwegians brought order again to Iceland but at the cost of high taxes, which created wide spread poverty. Norway also passed a law forbidding Iceland to trade with other nations, so when Norway was affected with the Black Death, all Iceland’s supplies were cut off. By the end of the 14th century, the Danes had taken power of Iceland but upheld the trading laws and further ruined the Icelandic economy and quality of life. Over the next centuries, Icelanders suffered many tragic disasters, from volcano eruptions, smallpox and the abolishment of The Althing. Iceland was released from Danish rule in 1918 and once again became an independent sovereign state under the kingdom of Denmark. When Germany occupied Denmark in 1940, Iceland requested its full independence, which was granted on June 17th 1944 and Reykjavik became the capital of Iceland. Due to Iceland being so vulnerable in World War II, Great Britain sent a military force to defend the island from possible German attacks and this was replaced after 1941 by U.S. forces. In 1946, Iceland joined the United Nations, the Marshall Plan and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Iceland later signed the 1951 defense pact, that allowed U.S. troops to be permanently stationed in Iceland (they remain today). The 1960s were a boom time for Reykjavik, which grew as never before. Private cars became commonplace, and various electrical appliances made housework easier. Charter flights to southern Europe became popular, and with rising prosperity a separate youth culture came into being in Reykjavík. At this time the Loftleiðir airline started offering cheap transatlantic travel including a stopover in Iceland. Iceland was less cut-off from the outside world, and growing numbers of foreigners, including well-known artists, made their way to Iceland. Large modern hotels were built. The relationship between Great Britain and Iceland came under strain, when Iceland extended its fishing territory, during the 1970s. Although, military action was involved (mainly British warships firing on Icelandic coast guard vessels), the conflict was resolved in 1973. This dispute is widely remembered as the ‘Cod Wars.’ Arts festivals, held every other year since 1970, played an important role in Reykjavík's flourishing cultural life. It was no longer news when world-famous people visited Reykjavik. Icelanders too were travelling abroad, for fun and for education, and this helped overcome Iceland's historic isolation. International cuisine made its mark on the town's restaurants. In the 1990s finance and foreign exchange was deregulated, and the computer revolution opened up new possibilities. Beer was legalized after decades (the last remnant of Prohibition from the early 20th century). The downtown district was gradually taken over by pubs and other nightlife, while Laugavegur and the Kringlan mall were the major shopping districts. Dogs, banned for decades, were once more allowed in the city. Reykjavik's international status was highlighted by a superpower summit in 1986 at Hofoi House, the reception house of the City of Reykjavik a meeting that heralded the beginning of the end of the Cold War, between Reagan and Gorbachev. During the last decade of the 20th century, Reykjavík drew increasing international attention. Growing interest in Iceland was not least due to pop star Björk, a Reykjavík girl born and bred. And as if to underline Reykjavík's international role, it was chosen one of nine European Cities of Culture for the millennium year 2000. However, the real way to discover Iceland’s fascinating history, culture and general way of life is to book a citybreak holiday to Reykjavik and beyond. Contact the Iceland Travel professionals or browse on-line through our Reykjavik city breaks deals and luxury short break packages. Enjoy our passionate and professional holiday breaks services. Travel with the Iceland breaks experts, a company that dedicates itself to its valued clients.