ICELAND
Iceland's stark, pristine scenery has been shaped by fire
and ice: More than 200 volcanoes and numerous glaciers
form the country's landscape. It's a frozen land that's
always letting off steam. Its U-shaped valleys, jagged lava
fields, monstrous ice caps, hot springs and geysers have
carved a rugged, bizarre landscape you won't see
anywhere else on Earth. But you don't need the
fortitude of a Viking to enjoy Iceland. In fact, you can
experience many of its extremes in relative comfort.
Roughly 500,000 tourists visit Iceland each year, far
exceeding the country's total population. Visitors flock to
this country to revel in Reykjavik's famed nightlife, but
also to travel over lunar landscapes; wade in hot springs;
trek across glaciers; comb miles and miles of secluded
beaches; swim in geothermal pools; bathe in the
mysterious Blue Lagoon; contemplate stunning
waterfalls and geysers; gaze at the midnight sun; and
experience winter days where the air's so fresh it feels as
if it might snap.
Iceland's raw nature is sublime. It is like no place else on
Earth.
Geography
Iceland is a volcanic island straddling the
active Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Eurasian and
North American tectonic plates divide the
country, and are slowly pulling apart,
accounting for fissures, craggy mountains,
towering glaciers, deep fjords and lavascarred tundra. Roughly the size of the state
of Virginia, Iceland is located in the far north,
but the only part of the country touching the
Arctic Circle is the small island of Grimsey.
Why Travel To Iceland: Among Iceland's main attractions are hiking, fishing, river rafting,
geysers, horse trekking, whale-watching, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, Viking ruins, puffinwatching, volcanoes, lava fields, the Midnight Sun, northern lights, hot springs, museums,
glaciers and waterfalls.
Is Iceland For You: Iceland appeals to travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, rugged scenery,
brisk weather and a relaxing, invigorating vacation (anyone who enjoys Alaska would be a
prime candidate). The capital, Reykjavik, offers an array of overnight accommodations, there
is an abundance of cafes and bistros in addition to fine-dining establishments.
When to Visit & Weather: Because it's on the Gulf Stream, Iceland is much warmer than most
people think. The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September, when days average in the
50s F/10-15 C, and nights are generally in the 40s F/5-9 C. From mid-May to mid-June and from
mid-September to mid-October, it's still fairly nice, but with slightly cooler temperatures.
Because of its far-northern location, Iceland gets very little sunlight during the winter—in
December and January, there are no more than three or four hours of daylight.
Potpourri
●
Iceland is virtually treeless. The island's growing season is short and there is little topsoil,
so the few trees that exist are small and grow very slowly.
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The land's history is beset by volcanic eruptions, most notably one that erupted
continuously for about 10 months in 1783, belching poisonous gases that destroyed
pastures and crops. Almost 75% of the country's livestock and 20% of the people died from
the resulting famine. More recently, in 2010, an ash cloud disrupted air traffic across
Europe for several weeks.
●
Icelanders all seem to be related—or at least know each other. Nearly everyone living in
the country can trace his or her descent back to the settlers listed in a 14th-century book
called Lannamabok (Book of Settlers).
●
Icelanders' names are based on the patronymic system. A boy takes his father's first name
for his last name, and then adds the suffix son to it. Girls do the same but add dottir
instead. For example, a man named Johann whose father's name is Jon, is called Johann
Jonsson. His son, named Halldor, is named Halldor Johannsson. Halldor's sister Vigdis is
called Vigdis Johannsdottir. Icelanders are listed by their first names in the phone book.
●
Swimming is a way of life in Iceland. It's a compulsory part of the school curriculum. It's
said that to find the pulse of the nation, visit one of the many geothermal pools, hot pots
and saunas. Because these pools use less chlorine than U.S. pools, visitors must shower
naked, and, humorously, there are instructions in the locker rooms as to where to soap up.
●
The interior of Iceland is so barren and moonlike that the Apollo astronauts did some of
their training there. The area is classified as Europe's only desert.
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Icelandic horses are known for their unique gait, the tolt (similar to that of a Tennessee
Walker). Icelanders claim the tolt makes the ponies very comfortable to ride for hours at a
time. If an Icelandic horse is taken abroad to a competition, it can never return to Iceland,
in order to protect the local herds from disease.
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Iceland is one of the most educated nations in the world, boasting 99.9% literacy. It also
has one of the longest life expectancies and cleanest environments in Europe.
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Thanks to Iceland's geothermal energy, a majority of the country's houses are heated with
hot water pumped straight up from the ground.
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Iceland opened the first hydrogen fuel station in 2003, and that same year it began running
hydrogen-powered buses in Reykjavik. The country is striving to transfer its entire fishing
fleet to hydrogen fuel cells to reduce Iceland's dependency on fossil fuel.
Money: Iceland's currency is the krona (ISK).
Do's and Don'ts
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Do be aware that many secondary roads outside Reykjavik are unpaved. Use caution while
driving, particularly during the winter months, when days last only a few hours, and
weather and road conditions can change very quickly.
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Don't expect to see Eskimos or penguins—they don't exist in Iceland.
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Don't stray from the orange-colored dirt while hiking around the boiling geysers and mud
pools near Lake Myvatn. Hikers have been killed after falling through areas of yellow, green
or gray soil.
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Do take along waterproof clothing if you plan to go hiking.
●
Do take a steam bath at the geothermal pools, and do take along swimsuits. Swimming in
the natural hot springs is a grand experience.
●
Do be aware that nightlife is somewhat limited in the small towns outside of Reykjavik. On
weekends, bars and coffee shops in Reykjavik stay open late. However, viewing the
northern lights can be an excellent alternative form of nightlife, and pools are open for
swimming in the evenings.
●
Don't think about taking your pet along. A six-week quarantine period is required before
entry.
Etiquette:
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Icelanders are very proud of their country. For that reason, never tell an Icelander that you
aren't happy to be there.
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When you enter the home of an Icelander, be prepared to take off your shoes, and expect
to be offered coffee.
●
If an Icelander offers you shark meat, swallow it whole and then chase it with Brennivin, a
bitter-flavored schnapps.
●
Nearly everyone in Iceland speaks English, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation
with a local.
Geostats:
Passport/Visa Requirements: A passport is required of Australian, Canadian, U.K. and U.S.
citizens for a stay of up to 90 days. Reconfirm travel document requirements with Palmer
Vacations before making reservations.
Population: 311,058.
Languages: Icelandic. English widely spoken.
Predominant Religions: Predominantly Christian.
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.