Access
For access to the meeting check the BEACON 25 Venue and Accommodation page.
Accommodation
Please check the Venue and Accommodation webpage for relevant information.
Alcohol
Like most Nordic countries, Iceland implements a strict anti-alcohol policy. Liquor is only sold in state-run monopoly shops (Vinbudin) and served in licensed restaurants. The liquor shops have restricted opening hours.If you buy liquor there, you might be asked for a piece of identity. Iceland is NOT member of the EU and therefore import of alcohol is very restricted also from EU states. Illegal import of liquor will lead to confiscation, heavy fines and/or criminal prosecutions. There is a duty-free shop at Keflavik airport, but its price policy orients itself towards Icelandic customers used to high liquor prices. The closest Austurstræti 10a, 101 Reykjavík, opens Mon-Sat 11-18)
Allergies
Due to the late onset of summer in Iceland, pollen allergies can still be a problem at the conference. Mainly hay (starting around mid-June) and birch (starting late May) pollen could be abundant then. For up-to-date information check here.
Banks
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 09:15-16:00. In the city centre of Reykjavik, many bank branches are located. There is a Landsbankinn branch at Austurstræti 14, close to Harpa
Climate
The Icelandic climate is more mild than its subarctic location suggests, but Iceland is not exactly Hawaii. Snowfalls in summer are not unheard of and the weather often changes rapidly. So clothes for every season should be brought with.
Icelandic summer is about like April in Central Europe (northern US) or March in Southern US. The weather changes rapidly, torrential rain can soon be followed by blazing sunshine. So one has to be prepared for everything. The climate is dominated by two maritime currents. The Gulf stream and its northernmost branch, the Irminger stream, bring warm water, whereas the cold East Greenland stream and the East Iceland stream bring cold water (accompanied by cold air). This brings about the changeable weather in this country.
In July the daily average minimum temperature is 8 degrees (Celsius), whereas the average daily maximum is a sizzling 13 degrees. Average rainfall is 50 mm in this month, normally 10 rainy days are recorded in July (hopefully none under BEACON). Iceland is generally very windy.
Clothing and equipment
Clothing should be adapted to the notoriously changeable Icelandic weather (see "Climate" above). Rain showers can appear quite quickly seemingly out of nowhere, so it is wise to bring rain gear. To Wolf's mind a good (really) waterproof jacket and below an Icelandic wool sweater is the best thing. Sweaters are sold at good (for the sellers) prices at the Handknitting Association of Iceland. The have a well-stocked shop at Skólavörðustígur 19. Since you buy directly from the producers, prices are still somewhat reasonable. Sturdy trousers are also commened, a sunhat and sunglasses are a good idea (The sun often stands at low elevation due to the high latitude).
For the excursions it is necessary to bring
- good walking shoes, preferably covering your ankles and with soles with a very good grip. Trainers are OK, but not a good idea.
- sunscreen( hopefully we need it)
- small backpack to pack lunches water bottle 1.5 litres at least
- strong trousers. No shorts on lava fields please! Wounds inflicted through scratching by lava hurt strongly and take long to heal
Also bring a strong sunscreen milk/lotion, the Icelandic air is very pure and solar irradiation is high.
Surely, no dress code exists at BEACON, but you might want to dress a bit smarter at the conference dinner.
Criminality
Generally, the level of criminality is very low in Iceland), but one should, nevertheless, be prudent: Pickpockets do operate also in Iceland. Iceland is a fairly safe place for travellers. Sometimes fights arise during the traditional binge drinking sessions on Friday and Saturday evening in central Reykjavik, when Icelandic weekend drinkers and tourist boozers congregate to compete who can get quickest to delirium stage. It is advisable (especially for women) not to visit certain places where a lot of inebriated people gather.
Cheating tourists is uncommon, although occasional rip-offs by taxi drivers have been reported.
Do's and don'ts
Icelanders are generally very informal and therefore there are not a lot of customs to be obeyed. There are, of course some peculiarities of the country. Icelanders use to address themselves by their forenames. It is not unusual to ask people for their family (in such a small country family ties are important).
Equality is important to Icelanders, even government secretaries sometimes answer their phones themselves. The prime minister is listed in the phone book! Titles are unimportant, do not expect to be addressed as "Doctor" or "Professor". Also, one should be careful to talk a lot of one's house, professional achievements and career etc., this can be regarded as boasting, which is considered very bad manners.
One thing foreigners get wrong that tends to irritate Icelanders is to enter the pools in spas/public baths without showering. In almost all public baths, it is mandatory to take a shower before entering the pool. This is due to the fact that the water in Icelandic spas is generally not chlorinated. If you want to sneak to the pool without showering, the bath guard will remind you to take a shower in a very direct manner.
Generally, long-term planning is frowned upon in Iceland. Thus, sometimes things seem to be very disorganised, especially e-mails are answered only with great reluctance. If you then phone, you might just be asked to write another e-mail. This procedure can then be repeated several times.
Some Icelanders believe in the existence of elves, trolls, ghosts and hidden people. It is wise not to ridicule this. Also the 2008 financial crisis and the roles of Icelandic banks and politicians in it is a conversation subject better to avoid. Many Icelanders are fed up with that and want to close this subject.
Health issues
For European visitors who fall ill or have an accident, free or reduced-cost treatment is available in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.
Drinking tap water is generally safe in Iceland. However, you might encounter bacteria your immune system is not used to, which can leads to milder stomach ailments. Very sensitive people might therefore prefer drinking bottled water.
Please note: Some medication which is sold over the counter in other countries might require a prescription or even be illegal in Iceland. The former includes contraceptives! If you are required to take some drugs with you, bring a written confirmation of your doctor and take the red line at the customs (to avoid problems).
L
There is free internet "Harpa free wifi". No password. Sockers for electricity are available at the outer desk posts in Silfurberg.
Language
Icelandic belongs to the Northern Germanic Languages. However, it is more close to Old Norse than to modern Danish, Swedish and Norwegian (but closely related to Faeroean). It has a fairly difficult grammar, which resembles more the German one than the grammar of continental Nordic Languages (four cases, three genders, strong and weak nouns and verbs). Icelandic has four letters which are not used in English: Ð,ð (similar to th in gather), Þ,þ (similar to th in thirsty), Æ,æ (like i in like) and Ö,ö (similar to u in fur). Except for æ and ö, each vowel letter appears in two forms, with or without an accent mark: a, á, e, é, i, í, o, ó, u, ú and y, ý. However, the accent mark does not mean that the vowel is stressed, but marks it as different in quality. Á is pronounced like ow in "cow", whereas au is somewhat similar to ö and ó like ow in "low". Double l is pronounced "dl" like the Viennese "Meidlinger l".. F is pronounced as “b” before r, l and n and between vowels. Hv is pronounced as “kv”
Icelanders are also not very inclined to use foreign words and make an effort to translate words coming from abroad. A computer is called a "tölva", the internet "vef", thetelephone "simi", the police "lögreglan" and the electricy "rafmagn".
Laundry
This has for long a quite problematic issue. To wash your clothes yourself, you can go to the cellar of the City Youth Hostel (Sundlaugavegur 34, Reykjavik), where students are located. There are 2 washing machines and tumble-dryers.
There is now a café in Austurstraeti 9 in central Reykjavik (the "Laundromat Cafe" that offers laundry facilities (3 washing machines). There you can have a drink while your washing gets ready.
Medical help
Medical help is available from Health Centers at weekdays 9-18. Outside this time you have to go to Laeknavaktín, Smáratorg in Kópavogur, which is open outside that times. Information about dentists on duty can be obtained by calling 575-0505. The pharmacy Lyfja at Lágmuli 7 is open from 8-24 every day, phone 523-2300. In case of emergency call 112.
Money
The currency is the Icelandic krona (plural kronur), ISK. There is no sub-unit. Coins with face values of ISK 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 and notes with denominations of ISK 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 exist. The Icelandic Crown is still not fully convertible.
It is usually more economical to change money in Iceland than to buy Icelandic kronur abroad (due to larger commissions and less favourable rates for a comparatively 'exotic' currency).
Credit cards are widely used in Iceland, but sometimes smaller places refuse to take cards. The most common ones are VISA and MasterCard. Cash can be obtained with these cards at ATM machines.
Cash machines are very abundant in Reykjavik. The closest too Harpa is at Landsbankinn, Austurstræti 14.
Iceland is still (despite the claims of the tourist industry) an expensive country, and especially alcoholic drinks and cigarettes are very pricy. Nevertheless, one could use the summer school to restrict/quit these vices
Nordic Twilight
Iceland lies (with exception of the northern part of the island Grimsey) and the uninhabited rock Kolbeinsey south of the Arctic circle. That means no midnight sun, but it does not get dark during the summer school. On 2nd July the sun sets at 23:55 and rises again at 03:07 in Reykjavik, dusk goes directly over to dawn. Usually hotels have thick curtains to block the daylight.
Nuisances
There are no venomous snakes or scorpions in Iceland. Mosquitoes also do not exist. Black flies, however, are present, but less of a nuisance than in Lapland or Northern Canada. Nevertheless it is a good idea to bring some insect repellent. In some areas flies can be annoying.
Polar bears sometimes come to Iceland on drift ice (not often during summer) and mostly "visit" the North coast. They pose a great danger, warnings about polar bears should be taken very seriously.
Sometimes loud drinkers (not always only Icelanders) can be a nuisance, also tarmac cowboys which drive around loudly with motorbikes or US cars from the 50s. Women are advised to say away from places where a lot of these people gather for drinking.
Opening hours
Shop opening hours differ quite a lot in Iceland, but are generally quite long in the summer. Book stores can open until 22.00 (and sometimes double as coffee-houses!). Banks usually open Monday to Friday 09:15-16:00.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are called "Apótek" in Iceland. Their offers are quite varied, most sell also a lot of cosmetics. One even has been known to offer Christmas tree decorations. The pharmacy Lyfja at Lágmuli 7 is open 8- 24 every day, . Please note: the place called "Apótek" at Austurstraeti is a restaurant. The closest pharmacy to Harpa is Lyfja at Hafnarstræti 19, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Police
is called "Lögreglan" in Iceland. Icelandic police wears black uniforms. Their headquarter is at Hverfisgata 113 (opposite the Hlemmur food court), IS-101, Reykjavik. In non-emergency cases (reports of thefts etc.) call 444-1000. In case of emergency 112.
Post office
The formar central post office in Reykjavik is now a food court. The closest post office to Harpa is Síðumúla 3-5, 108 Reykjavík. Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9:30-17, Fri 9:30-16.
Poster session
The poster sessions will be held on Tuesday 1st July and Friday 4th July in the evening. Soft drinks and nibbles will be served.
Poster boards are white and have a width of 95 cm as well as a length of 1.80 m. DIN A0 in portrait format (119 x 84 cm thus works. The company Syningakerfi (www.syning.is) prints posters. Deadline for submission for printing is 25 June 2025. You can pick up the posters at the offoice on Soltun 20 (opposite Grand hotel, bus stop Teigar).
Restaurant
Please find a list of recommendable restaurants around Harpa here.
Shopping
As mentioned, Iceland still is an expensive country and it is therefore advisable to go for some high quality stuff. Iceland has become a hub of design and modern art, the best shops being found at Laugarvegur and the upper half of Skólavörðustígur. The tourist traps around Austurstraeti are, however, best to be avoided (there are exceptions also there). Good souvenirs are:
- Icelandic sweaters
- Fish products
- craftwork (Skolavördurstigar is a good address)
- ceramics
- Fish skin leather items
- Books
Fish products might be a good choice, but note that some restrictions of food imports may apply in your home country.
Tourists who reside abroad can claim a proportional VAT refund when shopping in Iceland. The refund is limited to purchases that are intended to be taken out of the country and amount to a minimum of ISK 4,000 (including VAT), made at a single point of sale. The store personnel will fill out the necessary Tax Refund Cheque. The cheque and the purchased goods must be produced and made available for inspection on departure no later than 3 months after purchase. Given the high rate of VAT, tax-free shopping is a good idea.
When departing from Keflavik Airport the Tax Refund Cheque can be cashed in the currency of choice. The office is located in the departure hall after the security check. Please note that there are often long queues there. Also refund to credit cards is possible. Since VAT is high in Iceland, taking advantage of this possibility is advisable.
For groceries we recommend the award-winning supermarket Kronan in Grandi, Fiskislóð 15-21, 101 Reykjavík. Very broad sortiment, also concerning healthy, organic and vegan food. Opens all days 9-21. Can be reached by bus 14 from Laekjartorg. A shop closer to Harpan is Kronan in Hallveigarstigur 1, 101 situatd in the shopping and restaurant district 101.
Late-night shops like 10/11 (Austurstaeti 17, close to Harpa) and Krambudin (there is one at Skólavörðustígur 42 opening Mon - Fri 08:30 - 23:30, Sat - Sun 09:30 - 23:30) tend to be expensive.
Sightseeing
Due to the dense programme, longer sightseeing trips are not possible. If you have some time to spare, the following places can be recommended: The Settlement exhibition in Reykjavik at Aðalstræti 16 close to Harpa (entrance free, open daily 09:00-17:00) and the National Museum (open daily 10:00-17:00, free on Wednesdays). The view from Hallgrimskirkja is very nice, one can mount the tower for a small fee. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Art lovers will be enchanted by the peculiar Ásmundur Sveinsson museum and the different art galleries in central Reykjavik.
Talks
Please upload your presentation on Dropbox.
We recommend using a 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen) for all presentations. Preferred file formats include PowerPoint, Keynote andPDF.
If your presentation includes videos, ensure they can play on computers other than the one used for assembly. Note that non-standard fonts may not display correctly unless installed on the presenting computer.
Please name your presentation with the conference name, date, session, time, and your name. For example:
BEACON_Tuesday_2b_1515_JoseCaballero.pdf
Toilets
Toiles are marked "Snyrtingar" or "Salerni", sometimes simply "WC". Men's toilets are named "Karlar" ad Women's "Konur". Unisex toilets are very common in Iceland.
Telephone
The country code for Iceland is 354. There are no area codes in Iceland, just dial the subscriber's number after the country code. In Icelandic telephone books names are alphabetically sorted according to the given name. If the person you are looking for has a very common name, it is best to know her/his address, it might be a Herculean task to find the right Jón Guðmundsson or Sigrun Þorsteinsdóttir in Reykjavik.
To telephone out from Iceland, dial 00 and the country code, so 0049 for Germany and 001 for the US.
Time
Iceland has UTC/GMT all the time, no daylight saving time. Ne excuse therefore for astronomers to be late!
Tipping
In restaurants, service is already included in the price. Tipping is much less common than in the US and the rest of Europe.
Tourist information
For tourist information check the site of the Icelandic Tourist Office. The Reykjavik tourist office is located at Laugarvegur 5. Open daily from 08:30 - 21:00.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink. Hot water comes from hot springs and contains hydrogen sulfide. Remove jewellery when taking showers or baths since the water can blacken .
Weather
For up to date weather forecasts check the website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office (www.vedur.is).
Weights and measures
Iceland uses the metric system, Sometimes Icelanders use the word pound for 0.5 kg.
Disclaimer
All the information given above is to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot accept any liability for any false or incomplete information on this site.