Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nordic Visitor?
Nordic Visitor is a locally operated travel agency specialising in incoming tourism in Northern Europe.
Our story started in Reykjavik in 2002 when founder Ásberg Jónsson and co-founder Pálmi Jónsson turned their passion for travel and exploration into Iceland’s first privately-owned bicycle rental and tourist information.
Since, it has evolved into an international company with over 100 employees and offering tours across the Nordic countries and Scotland. Today, it is owned by Travel Connect, house of travel brands.
Our headquarters are located at Bíldshöfði 20, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland, but we also have local offices in Sweden and Scotland. Nordicvisitor.com is a trading name of Nordic Visitor, which is a subsidiary of Travel Connect.
We are a fully registered company in each country where we have offices and follow all industry regulations set forth by each government. We are also members of various travel associations.
Learn more about us here.
What is NORDICVISITOR.COM?
Nordicvisitor.com is the main website, online booking portal, and trading name of Nordic Visitor, which is owned by Travel Connect hf.
IS NORDICVISITOR.COM A SECURE SITE?
Yes, it is. We have taken every potential measure to protect and prevent any loss of data on this site. Financial information is protected by GeoTrust SSL encryption in transmission, and data gathered on users is stored and backed up on a secure service protected by the best firewalls available.
All information we receive from you is regulated by our privacy policy.
WHERE IS NORDIC VISITOR LOCATED?
Nordic Visitor has local offices in Iceland, Scotland and Sweden:
ICELAND Head office
Bíldshöfði 20
110 Reykjavík
Tel: +354 578 20 80
SCOTLAND
139/2 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4JY
Tel: +44 (0)131 344 46 30
SWEDEN
Ringvägen 100
118 60 Stockholm
Tel: +46 (0)8 666 23 30
HOW CAN I CONTACT NORDIC VISITOR?
You can reach us by phone, live chat and email. Our main customer service phone number is +354 578 2080 (9 AM - 5 PM, Mon - Fri, GMT time zone). You can also call us toll-free from selected countries.
WHAT ARE NORDIC VISITOR'S BUSINESS HOURS?
Our business hours differ slightly by season and office location. Each local office’s contact information and business hours can be found on our contact page. We also offer our customers a 24/7 helpline during their stay in case of emergencies.
Please note that we have limited opening hours during national public holidays.
How do I book?
Step 1: Find your dream Nordic Visitor tour by browsing our packages. You can filter by destination, travel style and length of travel.
Step 2: Next, tell us the details of your trip and then click on “Proceed to Booking”. Our group tours have set departure dates, so just choose the one that fits your schedule.
Our other tours have flexible start dates, you’ll be asked to enter a few basic travel details, such as your preferred start date and accommodation.
Step 3: You’ll then be taken to the booking page of the tour, where you’ll be able to add optional extras depending on the location and all the information about the members of your travelling party.
Step 4: Confirm your payment details. You’ll be required to pay a deposit or pay in full, depending on the tour and the dates.
Step 5: Complete your booking. You will then see an order confirmation page, which will display your booking reference number.
Of course, you can always contact us for booking assistance or send us an inquiry if you need.
You can learn more about our booking process here, or contact us to enquire.
What happens after I book?
You will receive an email that acknowledges that we have received your order as well as a receipt for your payment (if paid by card). Within two working days, you will also receive an email from your personal travel consultant, including more details about your arrangements. We recommend you do not book any flights until you have heard from your travel consultant.
Once your booking has been confirmed and we have received payment in full, Nordic Visitor will issue vouchers for all of the components of your tour package.
Our other tours have flexible start dates, you’ll be asked to enter a few basic travel details, such as your preferred start date and accommodation.
You will receive your travel documents as PDF email attachments. If you are arriving to Reykjavik, Edinburgh, or Stockholm, you will also receive hard copies upon arrival. If you are travelling to Norway, you will receive your travel documents in the mail as well as by email.
How far in advance should I book?
We encourage our clients to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that your preferred travel dates, accommodation class and additional activities are available.
This is because it takes time to make all the arrangements for a complete travel package. Your travel consultant must book or reserve each included service individually with each supplier and personalise your itinerary accordingly, all before your arrival.
As a minimum, all travel arrangements should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For tour packages and custom-made tours, we strongly recommend booking with at least three weeks’ notice. For larger groups we recommend booking a few months in advance. Advance booking gives us a better chance to reserve the very best choices of accommodation for you.
How can I pay for my booking?
We accept payment by credit card and electronic bank transfer. Our deposit requirements and payment terms do vary according to package type and arrival date—please see our Booking Information for details.
What currencies do you charge in?
Nordic Visitor prices all Iceland tour packages in Icelandic Króna. Please visit the Central Bank of Iceland website for the most current exchange rates.
For packages to Scotland, prices are in GBP, British Pounds.
For all other destinations, we price our travel packages in Euros.
Please note that you can view tour packages in other currencies. Simply select your desired currency from the drop-down next to the price listed on the package page.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CHANGE OR CANCEL MY TOUR?
Please contact us as soon as possible if you must change or cancel your travel plans.
Cancellation requests must be submitted by email. The cancellation fee generally depends on the length of notice, type of booking and refund policies of our local providers.
For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit our Booking Information page.
WHAT IF ONE OF MY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS?
If a scheduled activity during your stay is cancelled due to weather conditions, we will offer alternatives at no additional cost. Please see our Booking Information for details.
Should your activity be cancelled, you should contact your travel consultant as soon as possible during your stay to make alternative arrangements.
DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR CHILDREN?
We offer discounts for children for most tourist services published on our website. The discount depends on the age of the child and on the type of service being offered.
If children of a certain age are prohibited from a particular tour or activity, it will be stated in the package details. Please contact us if you have other questions about travelling with children.
WHEN IS MY CREDIT CARD CHARGED?
Your credit card will be charged a certain amount at the time of booking.
Whether you pay the full amount immediately or make a deposit payment (20%, 30% or 50% of the total amount) will depend on the following:
- the type of package you book
- how far in advance you book, or
- if you are claiming a special offer
For more details about this, please read our Terms of Payment at our Booking Information page.
If you pay a deposit at the time of booking, the remaining amount will, in most cases, be charged four weeks before your tour commences. If full payment is due earlier, it will be explained in the package details.
Please note that we charge the same credit card as used for the deposit payment. If you wish to pay the balance with a different card, please contact your travel consultant.
All payment receipts are issued by email.
WHO ORGANISES THE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS ON THIS WEBSITE?
We organise all the travel arrangements in our tour packages in close cooperation with trusted local suppliers in each of our destinations.
After booking a tour package, your designated travel consultant will arrange all included services:
- accommodation
- day tours (if included)
- car rental (if self-drive)
- train, cruise and ferry tickets (as applicable)
- any other custom services requested
WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY TRAVEL VOUCHERS?
Vouchers are sent by email, along with travel documents, after we have received your payment in full and as soon as all arrangements in your tour package have been booked by your travel consultant.
Clients arriving to Reykjavík, Edinburgh, or Stockholm also receive hard copies upon arrival. Clients who travel to Norway will receive their travel documents in the mail as well as by email.
WHY AREN’T FLIGHTS INCLUDED IN MOST VACATION PACKAGES?
Nordic Visitor does not arrange airfare to or from our destinations because it is generally cheaper for you to book your flights directly with the airlines. This also allows you to take advantage of your favourite airline’s ‘air-miles’ or ‘frequent flyer’ programs.
We recommend that you contact the airlines directly for information about flights and bookings. If you need advice, our travel consultants can help. In some cases, we can book airfare for you at an additional surcharge.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A SELF-DRIVE TOUR?
If you book a self-drive tour with us, you’ll have the freedom to visit the country or region of your choosing at your own pace. We make that experience easier for you by booking all your accommodation, car rental and activities for you ahead of time, depending on your needs.
Our self-drive packages all include unlimited mileage and CDW (collision damage waiver). Depending on the country you’re visiting you may also get a free GPS, in-car WiFi, and two authorised drivers at no additional charge.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THE GUIDED GROUP TOURS?
Each guided group tours are fairly small, with a maximum of 16 passengers per tour (15 maximum for Scotland). This gives more flexibility for sightseeing and will make your experience more relaxed and personal.
CAN I CHOOSE THE ARRIVAL DATE?
Yes, we have a wide range of arrival dates depending on the package and season. All of our vacations are available to purchase online, so once you’ve chosen a country and tour you want to join, you can choose the best dates for you.
For our guided small group tours, you can still choose your arrival date amongst our selection of guaranteed departure dates.
If you’ve already chosen dates but your travel plans have changed, contact your travel consultant to rearrange your bookings.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE AN EMERGENCY DURING MY STAY?
As a Nordic Visitor customer, you will have access to our 24-hour helpline during your travels, in the event of an emergency. The number will be listed in the travel documents you will receive along with your vouchers and itinerary.
For extra assurance, we also provide our self-drive customers in Iceland and Sweden with a temporary cell phone and charger for local emergency use during your travels.
CAN I CUSTOMISE MY TOUR? FOR EXAMPLE, CAN I ADD EXTRA DAYS, EXCURSIONS OR ACTIVITIES?
Yes, of course. On the booking page, you’ll have the chance to add in any extra nights, any airport transfers, upgrades or activities.
Our self-drive and private tours are always customisable of course, as you’re in charge! Depending on your preference, you can maybe choose to stay at a destination longer or add in a fun excursion.
If you have something different in mind, don’t hesitate to contact your personal travel consultant to ask and see if it’s possible. We are happy to modify your package according to your needs and preferences.
WHAT ARE THE NORDIC COUNTRIES?
‘The Nordic countries’ is the name given to a group of 5 nations in Northern Europe:
- Iceland
- Norway
- Denmark
- Sweden
-
Finland
The word ‘Nordic’ has French origins and means ‘of or from the north’.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SCANDINAVIA AND THE NORDICS?
To people from this part of the world, ‘Scandinavia’ describes Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ‘Nordic countries’, meanwhile, describes the Scandinavian countries plus Finland and Iceland.
The term ‘Nordic countries’ typically also includes the associated territories of these countries:
- Svalbard (Norwegian)
- Greenland (Danish)
- Faroe Islands (Danish)
-
Åland Islands (Finnish)
DO I NEED A VISA TO GO TO EUROPE?
When you plan a trip, one of the first things you will look at is whether you need a visa.
If you’re arriving from North America, Australia, Japan, or New Zealand you fortunately will not need one. You will, however, need a valid passport with at least 6 months left before its expiry date.
If you’re visiting from outside of these countries, you will need to apply for a “Schengen visa” to enter most parts of Europe.
IS NORTHERN EUROPE SAFE TO VISIT?
Northern Europe has very low crime rates and is a safe region to visit. In fact, the Global Peace Index rates the likes of Iceland, Denmark and Sweden as among the safest countries in the world.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather in Northern Europe varies depending on the country and the time of year.
The spring and summer months are typically sunnier and milder in temperature. This is ideal to partake in outdoor activities such as hiking.
The autumn and winter months are usually colder and darker. That is the ideal time to spot the northern lights and the beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
We suggest that whatever the weather and the country you’re visiting, you pack sensibly and bring layers and waterproof jackets and trousers.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TOUR NORTHERN EUROPE?
The best time to visit Northern Europe really depends on you, the type of travel you want to do and the attractions you want to see.
From October until March, Northern European countries are famous for many things such as stunning snow-blanketed landscapes, wintry activities and festive traditions such as Christmas Markets.
As well as all this, the colder months are much darker meaning it is a prime time to hunt for the northern lights, mostly in areas within or around the Arctic Circle.
If you’re looking for nicer weather and longer daylight hours, we recommend booking during the milder spring and summer months, between April until September. As well as this, the midnight sun phenomenon is in full swing in certain areas such as Greenland, northern Norway and Iceland.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TOUR NORTHERN EUROPE?
Northern Europe is made up of many distinctive countries and cultures, and there are plenty of ways to experience them. The best way depends on what you want to do and how flexible you want the tours to be.
Self-drive tours are very popular as they let you set the pace and travel further to visit attractions and restaurants.
Guided group tours are another excellent way to discover Northern Europe, especially if you like the company of like-minded travellers and want the peace of mind to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. All our group tours have a maximum of 15 or 16 travellers, making the experience more relaxed and personal.
Pick a private tour if you would like a more exclusive way to travel with your friends or family. For the duration of your stay, you will have a local guide all to yourself, meaning you will get to learn more about the country and attractions you are visiting.
Multi-day tours include accommodation and day trips all organised for you. You’ll get to enjoy excursions led by local expert tour guides, but also decide how you want to spend your free time exploring the city where you’re based.
Independent train and cruise tours allow you to see Scandinavia travelling by either or both modes of transport, depending on your preference. Your trip allows great freedom but is also convenient as everything is booked for you beforehand.
If you want more information, contact our helpful team and they will be able to point you in the right direction as to which style would best suit your personal needs.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP?
With Iceland and Scotland among their number, Northern European countries are renowned for their changing weather. So, whatever the season, we recommend being prepared for all kinds of weather, especially while exploring the great outdoors.
Keep warm and dry by bringing:
- A lightweight jacket or wool sweater
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Sensible footwear with good grip
- Gloves, scarves and thermal socks
- A swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen and bug repellent in the summer months
- An insulated coat, thermal layers and long johns in the winter months
And don’t forget your camera to capture all those amazing moments!
