Iceland: a wonderful destination for your business trip!
If you ask me (Linda - Business Travel Consultant) which country has impressed me the most, it is without a doubt Iceland. The overwhelming landscape where you can admire so many spectacular natural phenomena in a relatively small area is unique. In Iceland you drive from one natural wonder to another. And that at only a 3-hour flight from Amsterdam! In addition, Iceland is rich in many meeting and conference centers, the country runs mainly on exports to the Netherlands and the capital Reykjavik lends itself as an ideal stopover between North America and Europe. Are you planning a business visit to Reykjavik soon? Then be sure to read on and get inspired by various (business) tips for your visit to Iceland.
Iceland's society & economy
Iceland has a population of 0.4 million, 216,000 of whom live in the capital, Reykjavik. Icelandic is mainly spoken in Iceland, but English and German are also readily available. Despite its isolated location, Iceland has a highly developed civilization. It is mandatory in Iceland to pay men and women equally for the same work. Iceland's economy revolves mainly around tourism, fishing and aluminum smelting. The Netherlands is Iceland's main export partner; about a quarter of Iceland's total exports go to the Netherlands. Iceland is booming as a location for data centers. It is important for data centers that the country has inexpensive geothermal energy and electricity from hydroelectric plants.
Transportation in Iceland: do you need a 4×4 car?
A ring road runs across the island and is well paved. The roads inland are a lot less passable. If you rent a normal passenger car in Iceland, you are not allowed to leave the ring road but you can take the small, unpaved roads to most of the sights. Fortunately, the roads are never crowded and you can overtake safely if necessary. For the inland roads you often need a four-wheel drive, this because of the poor road condition and river crossings. Gas stations can be found in most places. These are often unmanned in remote areas, but then you can simply pay by bank card.
Good (business) accommodations in Iceland
I recommend that you book accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling in high season. Accommodations are somewhat scarce in some parts of the country. In that, it can be quite a drive to the nearest available hotel if you do not make a hotel booking in advance.
- Black Pearl Apartment Hotel*****: These luxury apartments are located in the center of Reykjavik and are all modernly furnished. The accommodation offers free parking and has beautiful rooms for meetings, product presentations, etc. In addition, concert and congress center Harpa is within a short walking distance.
- Hilton Nordica in Reykjavik****: Located in Reykjavik's business district, this hotel features 15 meeting rooms, which can accommodate up to 250 guests. Many of the luxurious, bright hotel rooms offer stunning views of the Akrafjall and Esja mountains. End the day alone or with a business meeting with a gourmet, Scandinavian dinner at VOX, the 5-star restaurant located in the hotel.
- Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel****: All rooms at this 4-star hotel are decorated in a Balinese- Scandinavian style with lovely four-poster beds. The hotel is located in the center of Reykjavik (next to Hlemmur square) and with offers views of the city and table mountain Esja. It is also possible to plan a small-scale meeting of up to 20 people in the hotel's meeting room.
- The Milk Factory***: This former dairy offers accommodation in the fishing town of Höfn, located on the southeastern coast of Iceland, overlooking the Vatnajökull glacier. A special location to spend your business visit to Iceland.
Do's-and-don'ts in Iceland
- Speak English: Icelanders speak English well and this is therefore the language of business. The country has an open economy and one-third of Iceland's economy consists of foreign trade.
- Use the correct name: It is customary to shake hands with everyone at the beginning and end of a meeting. Icelanders carry as their last name the father's first name followed by the word son (son) or daughter (dóttir).
- Respect punctuality: Punctuality is highly valued among Icelanders. Be sure to arrive well in time for a meeting. In Iceland, there is almost no hierarchy. Employees are independent, but the manager ultimately makes the decision.
- Don't skip business cards: Exchanging business cards is part of the encounter. Icelanders get to the point quickly. Asking about private matters at the beginning of the meeting is possible, but not necessary. Make a presentation concrete to avoid confusion.
- Price negotiations: Do not be reluctant when it comes to price negotiations. Icelanders are more likely to be surprised when they do act with restraint. Icelanders further value honesty. Not keeping a promise is a serious minus.
- Don't give an expensive gift. A business gift is not common. However, small, not too expensive, Dutch gifts are appreciated.
Combine business with pleasure
Bleisure is an amalgamation of the words "Business" and "Leisure" and means combining business and leisure, in this case travel. Iceland is a destination where you can undertake many special activities. So should you have the opportunity, combine the business with the pleasure!
- Snowmobile tour of glaciers. Together with a guide, you'll tear across thick ice. This 1-hour activity is easy to schedule between or after your business appointments. For me, this was truly a "once in a lifetime" experience!
- Icelandic horseback ride. Horseback riding on Icelandis at the top of the bucket list for many horse lovers. Despite having little experience, I rode the three-hour ride in tölt (the way of walking of an Icelandic horse breed). Even if you have few hours in the saddle, this is a fun activity.
- Whale watching. Iceland is known as one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. I opted for a classic whale watching tour with Elding Whale Watching. Elding follows the codes of conduct set by IceWhale for responsible whale watching tourism. They are the only platinum certified whale watching organization in the world. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The boats depart from the Old Harbour in downtown Reykjavik. Once on board, you can choose to sit inside or outside. If it is very cold, you can use a warm one anywhere for free. During the tour I saw whales, dolphins and parrot divers ... wow!
- Ultimate relaxation at the Blue Lagoon. This is what I was looking forward to during my entire trip! This azure blue pool lies a black lava field. The contrast between the blue and black and the rising vapor of the water make for a magical scene. Book a ticket well in advance at the official website of the Blue Lagoon, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed. The Blue Lagoon is located near the Keflavik airport. It is therefore best to plan a visit to the Blue Lagoon at the beginning or at the end of your trip.
- Visit the massive Vatnajökull glacier. So beautiful! In the Vatnajökull glacier In the south of Iceland (the largest glacier in Europe), a complex system of ice caves has formed, which are exposed during several weeks in winter. During those few weeks, it is possible to take a surreal hike through these icy tunnels. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. Near the glacier you will find Jökulsárlón, the most famous and largest glacial lake in Iceland, with amazing blue ice rocks floating in the water.
Would you like to experience the above activities with your colleagues or business associates! Please contact our group and incentive department goMICE. They can create an unforgettable and appropriate travel program for your organistation. A wonderful experience guaranteed!
After reading this blog curious about more information for a business trip to Iceland? Then don't hesitate to contact with me or my Uniglobe Alliance Travel colleagues!
Travel Well!
Linda van Kleef,
Business Travel Consultant