FAQs about Snorri Plus

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Before the Trip

Eligibility + application process

  • No, you do not need to be of Icelandic descent to participate in Snorri Plus. Many participants do have Icelandic heritage, others are "Icelandic by marriage" or through other family connections, and still others simply have a fascination with Iceland and a desire for a unique travel experience! 

  • Snorri Plus is designed for applicants 30 and over. How far over 30? Our oldest participant was in their 80s! Note that teens and young adults age 16 and above are also welcome to participate if traveling as part of a family group with one or more family members over the age of 30. Young adults ages 20-30 interested in traveling solo and staying in Iceland longer should consider applying for our original 5-week Snorri Program.

  • Yes, you are still welcome to register even if you have previously visited Iceland.

  • Icelandic citizenship does not automatically disqualify someone from registering. However, in the case of high registration, priority may be given to those who have not previously lived in Iceland or spent extensive time in Iceland.

  • Maybe; let’s talk! Please contact us to tell us about your needs and we'll get in touch to discuss options.

  • The number of participants selected each year depends on several factors but is generally between 12 and 16. We do not allocate a certain number of slots for Americans or Canadians.

  • If you’ve been waitlisted, that means we are at maximum capacity and/or are working to see whether we can accommodate more people. If someone who registered before you chooses not to accept the invitation to participate or drops out later, that available spot will be offered to people on the waitlist in order of registration date. If you're waitlisted, we will keep you updated on any changes to your status, but you are always welcome to contact us if you have questions at any time. 

  • While specific deadlines vary each year, the registration deadline is generally in early March. But don’t wait too long - spots are limited, and the first 10 to register receive a discount off the program fee!

  • Click here to start the online registration process.

  • Yes, you and your sibling/cousin/friend/spouse are all welcome to register!  Snorri Plus is perfect for family members who want to travel together. We've had couples, siblings, cousins, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, and other multigenerational family groups travel with us. Please note, though, that Snorri Plus is primarily intended for those age 30 and up. If you want to bring along a travel companion younger than 30, please get in touch with us.

  • If you are accepted but choose not to do the program for any reason, you are always welcome to reapply the following year; however, you will not necessarily be given priority.  Please review our refund policy here.

  • Yes! We have several alumni who have gone on as many as four trips! While the core elements of the trip are consistent, there are also a lot of changes from year to year, so no two trips will be the same experience!

Paying for the program

  • The program fee covers accommodation for the entire two-week trip; breakfast each morning, approximately half of your lunches and dinners; information kit upon arrival; domestic transportation when traveling as a group; culture program in Reykjavík (including lectures; Icelandic classes and course materials; and evening programs); detailed genealogy information; hosted reception to meet relatives; three-month access to the Icelandic Roots genealogy database and training; contact with Icelandic relatives; amazing memories that will last a lifetime, and more!

  • No, the cost of roundtrip airfare from North America to Iceland is not included in your program fee.  We can advise you on travel options but you must book your own flights. Please do not make any purchases until you have been accepted and you have double checked the program dates (and don't forget about the time difference!).

  • The program fee does not include round-trip airfare from North America to Iceland, souvenirs, some lunches and dinners, snacks or drinks between meals, alcoholic beverages, fees for activities that you choose to do during your free time (e.g. museum admission fees, transportation costs), medical or travel insurance. If you have further questions about what the program fee does or does not cover, feel free to contact us.

  • The Snorri Plus program offers you the chance to see the land from which your ancestors left, learn why they emigrated, and see the country as more than just a tourist. You’ll have the opportunity to meet your Icelandic relatives, connect with locals who work in the same field as you or share your special interests and hobbies. You’ll also experience Iceland’s breathtaking natural landscapes while also having the opportunity to see the farms your ancestors live on (this is not guaranteed every year due to the vastness of Iceland). In addition to all that, you’ll become part of the Snorri family with opportunities to meet and socialize. Afterwards, you’ll also be eligible to apply for the Snorri Alumni Internship, which would give you the chance to spend a summer in beautiful Hofsós.

  • We can accept payments via credit/debit card or international wire transfer. To pay by card, simply use the link we’ll send when we confirm your registration. If you prefer to pay by wire transfer, that generally entails a trip to your bank, though some banks may allow you to set up the transfer through online banking. Please note that participants are responsible for any transfer fees charged by their banks. We also charge a 3.08% processing fee for card payments.

  • All participants, including Canadians, should pay in USD. Please do NOT ask your bank to convert the payment to Euros, which are not used in Iceland, or Icelandic krónur.

  • An initial payment of at least half the total program fee is due on or before March 15, with the remaining balance due on or before May 15. Click here for this year’s due dates. If you have any questions or concerns about the payment schedule, please contact us.

  • Under certain conditions, yes. Please click here to view our full refund and cancelation policy.

  • Unlike the Snorri Program, we are unaware of any scholarships or grants for Snorri Plus. However, we know of at least one instance when a North American club provided a stipend for members going on the trip, so we encourage participants to inquire about potential support from your local club or organization.

Travel to Iceland

  • If you are a citizen of Canada or the United States, you do not currently need a visa to visit Iceland or other Schengen countries as long as you do not spend more than 90 days total in the Schengen Area within a 180-day period. However, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip. If your passport will expire sooner, you will need to renew it before the trip. Please note that new regulations requiring North Americans to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to visit countries in the Schengen Area (including Iceland) have been approved but not yet implemented. Once the ETIAS visa waiver system has been introduced, Snorri Program participants will be required to apply and pay the fee themselves. Click here to learn more.

    Please note, though, that a new Entry/Exit System (EES) was introduced in spring 2026. When you enter Iceland, besides having your passport examined, you may also be photographed and fingerprinted. The EES system does not require you to register or do anything ahead of time and is separate from the anticipated ETIAS visa waiver system.

  • Please refer to your airline's website for information on baggage allowances. We strongly encourage participants to pack smart and ideally limit themselves to one checked bag and one carry-on bag whenever possible. During the tour portion of the trip, we will be moving hotels every 1-2 nights, so minimal luggage will make your life a lot easier. Also remember to leave some space in your luggage if you're planning to bring home some souvenirs!

    Click here for some helpful packing tips.

  • Of course. Since you are booking your own flights, it's entirely up to you. However, you are fully responsible for planning and booking travel and accommodation outside of the program dates, even within Iceland. You are also responsible for familiarizing yourself with rules governing stays in the Schengen Area and ensuring that you do not stay beyond the allowed time.

During the Trip

General trip questions

  • A more detailed itinerary will be sent out a month or two before the trip. A final itinerary will be provided at orientation on the first day of your trip. To get a general idea of what your itinerary may look like, click here. Please note that the itinerary is always subject to change due to weather conditions, speaker availability, elf mischief, and other unforeseen circumstances. But as we say in Iceland, “Þetta reddast!” (it will all work out!). 

  • The itinerary varies from year to year but usually includes some physical activities (almost always outdoor), such as walking, hiking, swimming, and horseback riding. Some activites may be included in the participation fee, while others may be offered as optional add-ons. If you have any physical limitations or concerns about something on the itinerary, please contact us. Note that you can always opt out of individual activities, but we cannot refund any fees for included activities in which you choose to not participate. 

  • Icelanders rarely use cash, and you will be able to use a debit or credit card to pay for almost anything. However, you should check with your bank regarding any fees you may be charged for international transactions, including ATM withdrawals. If you do want to carry some cash, we recommend that you do not exchange money at your departure airport in North America. The easiest option is to wait until you’re in Iceland and then use an ATM to withdraw cash from a US or Canadian account.

  • Access to laundry facilities in Reykjavík may vary depending on that year’s accommodation, but are generally not easily available. Your hotel may provide laundry services for a fee. You should not expect to be able to do laundry during the second week when we’re on the road. Please check with the program manager for up-to-date information.

  • If we confirm your registration, you will receive a detailed packing list prior to departure. For some general packing tips and insights from former participants, click here.

  • Experiencing culture shock is a perfectly normal part of traveling to a foreign country. Even if you’ve traveled before and think you won’t experience culture shock on a 2-week trip, you might be surprised. You may feel a bit disoriented being in a new environment, surrounded by a different language and different cultural norms. The good news is, these feelings are normal, they will pass, and they can even help you develop a better understanding of yourself and lead to personal growth. If you are struggling with symptoms related to culture shock, like loneliness, homesickness, or other mood changes, know that you can always contact the program manager. If you feel comfortable, share your feelings with another participant; they might be feeling the same way!

  • It’s not required, but we do recommend bringing a few small gift items for relatives you might meet, your workplace/hobby visit host, etc. We suggest something representative of where you’re from in North America for general gifts you may wish to share with those you meet during your trip. Many Snorri Plus alumni have created small documents containing current family photos, photos and histories of ancestors, brief history of emigration, maps, contact information, business cards, etc. to share with relatives they will meet. Please do not feel obligated to spend a lot of money or take up a lot of space in your luggage. Most people just appreciate the thought you put into bringing them something from your home!

  • Weather-wise, you could experience just about everything but scorching heat! Icelandic weather is famous for being unpredictable and changing quickly. In the summertime, average temperatures range from about 10-15 degrees C (50-60 degrees F), but can dip down lower and (occasionally) get a bit warmer. For most North Americans, that means dressing much more warmly than you’re used to in the summertime. You should also expect some rain and wind. Be prepared to dress in layers and don’t forget to bring a warm hat or headband and a pair of gloves or mittens. Click here for packing tips.

  • We strongly recommend obtaining accident/sickness insurance for the duration of your stay in Iceland. Please consider carefully your age and health status and make sure you purchase adequate coverage. Click here to read more about our travel/medical insurance recommendations: Snorri Plus Insurance Information.

    Iceland has a universal health care system, but without travel health insurance, fees could still add up if you need to seek care. Note that insurance companies generally require you to pay up front and file for reimbursement later.

    If you get sick or injured, the program manager will help you access the care that you need. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, dial 112. Please note that all accepted participants will be required to fill out a health history form and disclose any pertinent medical information to help us help you in case of an emergency. Participants who take prescription medication should bring at least enough for the entire trip plus a copy of their prescriptions.

  • Yes! While Week 1 is filled with classes and activities, we build plenty of free time into the schedule, especially in the evenings. You will also have the Saturday of Menningarnótt (Reykjavik’s Culture Night) free, though you’ll have the option of participating in the Fun Run with the rest of the group that morning.

    During Week 2, when we’re traveling in the countryside, you will also have some free time, but how much and when varies depending on the specific itinerary. Most groups visit Akureyri, the largest town in northern Iceland, and we always try to allow for some free time there.

    If there are certain activities you're interested in that are not included in our itinerary, we'd be happy to advise you on making plans for those activities during your free time.

  • Participants are expected to follow all local laws, be respectful, and behave responsibly as representatives of Snorri Plus. In Iceland, you must be 20 to purchase or consume alcohol and 18 to purchase or use tobacco or vaping products. Iceland’s smoking laws are quite restrictive, so if you’re a smoker, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re well informed.

  • Yes, we strongly recommend that all participants carry an insurance policy that covers a minimum of medical, evacuation, and trip cancellation. The majority of North American medical insurance does not cover people outside of their provider area. Your program fee does not include any insurance coverage; it is up to you to obtain coverage and familiarize yourself with the terms. Click here for more information. 

  • Travel insurance is not required, but is strongly recommended, particularly to cover the possibility of cancellation.

  • Once you’ve been accepted, check the email address you provided in your registration form regularly so you don’t miss out on any important information from us. If you’re particularly interested in the Icelandic language and are feeling ambitious, you can do what we require of your younger Snorri participants and complete the first level of Icelandic Online, a free online language-learning program. You may also want to talk to your family members about your Icelandic heritage and see if you have any family photos or stories that might be fun to share with your Icelandic relatives.

    Additional suggestions: 
    For current events enthusiasts: If you want to stay informed about what’s happening in Iceland, there are several English-language news sites, including RÚV English, Iceland Review, Iceland Monitor, and the Reykjavík Grapevine. Or put those language skills to the test and see what you can work out on Icelandic sites like RÚV, Vísir, or Morgunblaðið!  
     
    For bookworms: Every year, more and more Icelandic books come out in English translation. Check your local bookstore or library for titles by authors like Halldór Laxness, Sjón, Ragnar Jónasson, Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Andri Snær Magnason, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and Arnaldur Indriðason. 
     
    For music lovers: Iceland has a thriving music and cultural scene, and you can easy find Icelandic music playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and elsewhere. 
     
    For couch potatoes: Netflix often has a few Icelandic titles available. Even if you need subtitles to follow along, movies and TV shows are a great way to get your ear tuned in to the sound of spoken Icelandic.

  • Contact us for general questions, including questions about eligibility, the registration process, and payments. If you’d like to talk to a former participant about their experience, we’d be happy to connect you! 

Electricity + technology

  • In Iceland, standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, compared to 120 V and 60 Hz in North America. Electrical outlets are the standard Europlug shape, with two parallel round prongs. Devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops are generally dual voltage, but you will still need a plug adapter in order to connect to a wall outlet. If you plan on bringing any electronic devices, we recommend buying a plug adapter in North America (they are available in the travel section of many larger grocery stores, as well as at outdoor shops like REI or MEC, and of course online). If you forget, you can always pick one up at a tourist shop in Reykjavík, but it will be more expensive. Note that hair dryers and straighteners are often single voltage; make sure you check before packing! We do not recommend bringing any single-voltage devices; without a voltage converter, they probably won’t be returning to North America with you, and you may even cause damage at your accommodation!

  • Iceland is one of the most wired countries on earth. There are no shortages of places to connect to the internet in Reykjavík. The only time that you may not have continuous internet access is when on the road in the countryside.

  • In order to use your phone in Iceland, it needs to be unlocked so you can switch out your US/Canadian SIM card for an Icelandic SIM (this also applies in the case of eSIMs). If your phone is locked because you're under contract with a mobile carrier, you may want to consider buying a relatively inexpensive unlocked phone for the trip. To avoid a hefty surprise bill, make sure you turn off roaming when you arrive in Iceland if you don't switch to an Icelandic SIM card. You can also check with your mobile company in the US or Canada to see what sort of options they offer for international travel. Those options are not always the cheapest, but we’ve heard from some participants who got great deals through their carriers, so it’s worth checking.

    The easiest option for using your phone in Iceland is to purchase an eSIM before the trip which you can activate upon arrival. There are several different options, such as Airalo. This is what many recent participants have used with good results. Prepaid physical SIM cards are also an option. Iceland's main mobile companies are Síminn, Vodafone, and Nova.

  • It’s up to you. If you’re a photographer and want to be able to edit your photos right away, for instance, you might want to, otherwise a phone and/or tablet should be more than enough to keep you connected. You should not expect to rely on public-access computers, as most (e.g. at libraries and universities) will not be available to you as a visitor.

    In general, we discourage participants from bringing any unnecessary valuables. While Iceland is very safe, it is not a perfect paradise, and you are responsible for any valuables you choose to bring. We recommend making things easier on yourself by limiting the number of expensive things you have to keep track of!

Itinerary/programming

  • Unless otherwise noted, yes. The itinerary is carefully crafted to give participants a well-rounded experience, and full participation is expected.

  • A typical day starts with the group eating breakfast together at the hostel before setting off for the morning’s activities, which may include Icelandic lessons, a lecture, a visit to the Parliament, the US or Canadian Embassy, or more. The group will usually have lunch together to fuel up for more activities in the afternoon. For dinner, we may cook and eat together at the hostel or go out. There will be some evening activities, but other nights you’ll have free time - just don’t forget to do your Icelandic homework! Reykjavík is quite a compact city, but we will be on the move a lot, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes (at least one waterproof pair recommended). 

  • While we are careful to build some free time into the schedule, some days will be busier than others. You may have little free time one day but then be free after dinner the next day.

  • Maybe! Our cultural program varies from year to year depending on a number of factors. Topics covered in previous years include Icelandic history, genealogy, nature/geology, politics, gender equality, and literature. If there’s a certain topic you’re especially interested in, it doesn’t hurt to let us know, though we can’t promise to accommodate all requests. We can also help you find ways to explore your interests during your free time if you like.

  • We will ask you about your interests and hobbies, as well as your occupational and/or educational background. We set aside time during the Reykjavík portion of your trip for you to visit on-site, in-person people, institutions or organizations that mirror your interests. Generally you may spend a half day or full day shadowing depending upon your requests and as circumstances allow. Previous participants have visited primary and secondary schools, universities, medical facilities, non-profits, garden centers, publishing houses, architectural firms, engineering firms, the Handknitting Association of Iceland, and all sorts of other places. Note that this part of the program is not required; if you prefer to opt out and have more free time, you can certainly do that.

  • Unlike the Snorri Program (our original 5-week program for young adults), there is no Icelandic language requirement for Snorri Plus. The program is conducted completely in English and nearly all Icelanders, particularly those under a certain age, are conversant in English. You will have a brief introduction to the Icelandic language as one of many topics during your first week. Participants are encouraged to try such programs as Icelandic Online or another language learning program or app prior to arriving in Iceland, just to get a feel for the language, but this is not required. 

  • Absolutely!  


    Icelandic Online is a free interactive online course developed by the University of Iceland. It offers several modules at different levels, from total beginner to advanced intermediate.

    The “Viltu læra íslensku?” (“Do you want to learn Icelandic?”) video series may be a bit dated visually, but it’s an excellent resource for practicing your listening skills and building vocabulary.

    Íslenska fyrir alla (“Icelandic for everyone”) is a fantastic (and free!) online resource with printable practice pages, audio files, and more. The website is only in Icelandic, so it’s a good choice if you’re really looking to challenge yourself.  

    If you want to learn on the go, language-learning apps with Icelandic content include Memrise and Drops. 

    To get more familiar with how Icelandic looks, check out news sites like RÚV, Vísir, and Morgunblaðið. Some articles even have an audio feature, so you can listen and try to follow along. 

    Find Iceland-related Facebook and Instagram accounts to follow! Some ideas might be the news networks mentioned above, Icelandic Roots, and of course The Snorri Programs. 

    If you have a local Icelandic club, connect with them to see if they have any upcoming events or available resources. Not sure if there’s a club near you? Check the Icelandic National League of North America and Icelandic National League of the United States (INLUS) websites for a list of their member organizations. 

    INLUS also offers online Icelandic courses. Learn more here.

    You can always check with your local public or university library to see if they offer access to any language learning resources for Icelandic. 

Room + board

  • Only if that is the option you have chosen. Please view our accommodation options at the bottom of the main page (click here) and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Note that while accommodation in Reykjavík is always with private bathrooms, accommodation options in the countryside can be limited and you may have to share a bathroom for a night or two.

  • Most mornings, participants eat breakfast at the hotel. This is usually a European-style buffet meal featuring skyr (similar to Greek yogurt), breads, pastries, thinly sliced meats, fish, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes oatmeal and/or muesli. Just over half of the days, we will eat lunch as a group; depending upon that day’s activities, it may be a lunch brought on location, served at a café or restaurant, or possibly boxed. For dinner, we will eat out about half the time, usually at restaurants, though we often have at least one home-cooked meal. The remainder of lunches and dinners you will be free to explore other options, interests at your own expense or perhaps visit with relatives. Some accommodation may have kitchen access, but we cannot guarantee it.

  • Kitchen access may vary depending on accommodation. If you have concerns related to allergies or other dietary restrictions, please contact us.

  • We will do our best to accommodate dietary preferences but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all requests for all meals. For meals out, we will communicate with caterers and restaurants regarding any allergies/intolerances disclosed on your health information form or otherwise disclosed in a timely manner.

Meeting relatives

  • A large part of Snorri Plus is connecting you with places and family in Iceland. We get assistance from both Íslendingabók Icelandic Roots to identify and locate your relatives. You will receive a wonderful “family tree” document to help you learn more about your family history, as well as living relatives and attend a presentation to help you understand the information and allow for in-person questions.

  • Probably! We will host a special reception (we call it our “Cousins’ Cafe”) early in your visit to provide you and your relatives who are available an opportunity to meet. When traveling outside of Reykjavík, we will set up visits as circumstances allow. In addition, we may be able to provide you with contact information so you can connect with additional relatives as time and interests allow. Please note that the cost of any group activities or meals you might miss when not with the group will not be reimbursed.

Outside Reykjavík

  • Our primary mode of transportation on the heritage tour is a minibus or large van with a private driver. Depending on the itinerary, the group may also travel by ferry or on a larger bus or smaller boat for certain activities. Again, depending upon the itinerary, you may also take a small domestic plane during part of the heritage tour.

  • Accommodation during the tour varies depending on the itinerary in any given year, but will be in guesthouses or hotels with either single or double occupancy rooms, as you have requested. Please note that while we guarantee private bathroom facilities in Reykjavík, accommodation choices in the countryside can be limited, and on rare occasions you may have to share a bathroom for a night or two.

  • Yes and no. We will spend a good amount of time on the road and have a lot of group activities and meals. However, there are usually some optional activities as well, and we try to build in some down time so everyone has a chance to rest, decompress, do their own exploring, etc.

  • There’s a saying in Iceland: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Some days, summer in Iceland means sunshine and a light breeze. Other days it might mean rain and gale-force winds. Of course, we hope you don’t experience too much of the latter, but you should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. In case of severe weather, we will adjust the itinerary as needed. Make sure you’re prepared for Icelandic weather by reading through our packing tips here. You will receive a suggested packing list later in the year prior to departure for Iceland.

  • We switch up the itinerary every year, but whether we’re in the Eastfjords or the Westfjords, in Akureyri or on the South Coast, the itinerary always includes a memorable mix of awe-inspiring nature and amazing activities. Every group visits Hofsós, home of the Icelandic Emigration Center. You will receive a detailed itinerary upon arrival.

  • Maybe! The tour itinerary changes every year. Iceland may be a relatively small country, but there’s a lot to see. Unfortunately, we can’t pack it all into a single week, but we try to design our tours so that we cover a lot of ground without spending all our time on the road.

  • We trust you to make the right decision for yourself regarding your participation. However, please be aware that we are unable to give refunds for included activities that you choose to opt out of or otherwise miss.