Archive for May, 2009

ESCAPE TO NORTH ICELAND

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Akureyri is the gateway to the country’s Arctic North which is characterized by deep fjords and small islands off the coast, including Grimsey through which the Arctic Circle passes. What’s more, Princess Cruises last summer rated Akureyri and North Iceland their third best out of 36 destinations in Europe. It’s easy to see why: you can go whitewater rafting under the midnight sun, play golf on the world’s northernmost full-size course, channel you inner Moby Dick at the Husavik Whale Museum, whale watch from a schooner (see below) or visit Myvatn lake, the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. Those fascinated by truly quirky museums, there’s also the famous Icelandic Phallological Museum which we best let you see for yourself online rather than in this G-rated newsletter. (http://www.ismennt.is/not/phallus/ens.htm).

Learn more about the North Country here: http://www.nordurland.is/default.asp?cat_id=27

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DIVE IN ICELAND: STILL OR SPARKLING?

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

By Andrew Evans
Washington, D.C.-based travel writer, author of “Iceland” (Bradt, 2007)

Imagine diving into a giant glass of mineral water: it’s cool, perfectly clear, and absolutely untainted—there are no additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners, and no calories either. The bottle’s back label is a long list of zeros—this is purity in liquid form.

That’s what diving in Iceland feels like. Admittedly, even I was skeptical at first. Scuba diving? In the Arctic? How is that possible and why? As an avid diver, I’ve been to tropical islands in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean. I’ve swum with bright-colored fish that were bigger than me and seen some of the best coral reefs on the planet. Why would I want to go diving in a country that doesn’t even have palm trees (or any trees)?

Well, as with so many things in Iceland, there is always an exception to the rule. In other words, the diving there is exceptional. Dressed in a comfortable and warm dry suit, the cold water only touches your mouth, much like sucking on an ice cube in the summer.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

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ORANGE IS A HOT TABLE

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009


Reykjavík’s Orange restaurant has made it to the prestigious Condé Nast Hot Tables list for 2009. According to the list, Orange is one of the most exciting restaurants in Europe, with its innovative menu and original service. The coverage reads, in part, “Despite the unremarkable concrete facade, Orange, in Reykjavík’s old harbor, is packed with playful surprises.

“A slushie machine dispenses potent neon cocktails named for Iceland’s glaciers; a mason jar holding a deer and goose terrine appears amid a cloud of dry ice; and the coconut-crusted prawns arrive via a helium-filled balloon. Presiding over this fun-through-dining experience is 29-year-old chef Thorarinn Eggertsson. He deftly incorporates aspects of molecular gastronomy into a menu heavy on locally sourced ingredients like gray duck, reindeer, and salted cod.”

Read the complete review here: http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/hotlist/2009/restaurants/detail/orange

To learn more about Orange, log onto: http://www.orange.is

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SMARTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE BEER

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Savvy marketers at the Icelandic brewery Ölgerdin Egill Skallagrímsson have reintroduced a brew called Polar Beer which was initially produced for British troops based in the country. “When British troops were sent to Iceland in WW II, they expected hardship, but they did not anticipate a lack of beer. And although the Arctic island’s inhabitants were not allowed to brew, sell or drink beer for another 59 years, special provisions were made to make sure the soldiers would get their pint as usual,” described an Ölgerdin press release.

A recent teaser campaign involved placing claw marks throughout Reykjavik. We think it’s a smart name; after all, what else would you drink up near the Arctic Circle, perhaps with broiled Icelandic sheep’s head (called svid), or a nice plate of nasty, foul-tasting hakarl – fermented shark meat? The new Polar Beer is lighter and fresher than the original brew and is available in bars and Vínbúdin, the Icelandic state liquor stores. You can buy it at Keflavik Airport, either coming or going. The price is about $8 per six-pack

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THE SMOOTHEST RIDE IN THE LAND

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Speaking of beer, guess how the folks at Fridheimer farm near Selfoss demonstrate the smooth tolting gate of the Icelandic horse? During a horse show that you can visit from June through October, riders tolt by with steins of beer in their hand, spilling nary a drop. Nonetheless, we recommend you wait until after your ride before enjoy the local brew.

In only 12 minutes the show gives insight into one of the finest horse breeds in the world, a breed that has been intertwined with the culture and history of the Icelandic nation through the centuries. After the show guests are invited to the stable where they can get a closer look at the horses, take pictures and chat with the show riders. If you’re there at the right time, you can visit an adjacent tomato greenhouse which is heated geothermally.

Knutur Ármann will likely be there to serve you Akavit in a tomato cup. It’s yet another delightful surprise you’ll find in Iceland virtually around every corner. Check their Web site for more information: www.fridheimar.is

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WHALE AND SAIL

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

One of the quietest ways to view whales and puffins in the waters off Iceland is via two-masted schooner. These were typical of deck-boats along the north coast of Iceland at the end of the 19th century. The Schooner Haukur, based in Husavik in North Iceland, is today the only traditional gaff rigged sailboat afloat in the country, and she plays an important role in preserving knowledge of handling and maintaining a traditional sailing vessel. The 3-1/2-hour trip leaves from June 20 to August 15 and costs about $43 for adults. For the more adventurous, there’s a three-day cruise that accommodates up to eight people. (www.schooner.is)

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FISH-FRIENDLY ICELAND

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

The truth is Iceland has quietly become one of the best fishing destinations in the world, and Fish Iceland is the land’s largest sport-fishing promoter. Freshwater and sea trout, Arctic char, and especially salmon (Iceland had its best salmon fishing year on record in 2008) can be enjoyed in the stunningly clean and clear Icelandic waters.

The island landscape varies from lava fields and glacial plateaus to verdant fields and farmland and provides a wealth of activities for the family to enjoy whilst you fish. Fish Iceland’s website, FishIceland.com, provides information about river levels, salmon catches, and advice on where to stay, as well information about the rivers themselves, and online booking with immediate issuing of permits for your trip.

To experience wild, unspoiled nature in an exotic setting, contact Fish Iceland today. (www.fishiceland.com).

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THEY SAID IT

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

“When I flew back to RKV later that day, reeking of shark, I tallied my results. Out of 26 interviews, the average happiness score came out to an amazing 8.9 out of 10. I learned later that my stupid question was similar to a formal survey method developed at Princeton called the Cantril Ladder. Experts using this scale consider everything above 7 as “thriving.” Even as Iceland’s economy [went] down the toilet, her people stood squarely in the “thriving” category, especially those in the countryside.”

–Eric Hansen, Outside magazine, April 2009

“Set in an otherworldly location of uncommon beauty, Iceland’s seawater Blue Lagoon contains a one-of-a-kind blend of sodium, silica, calcium, potassium, and blue-green algae. For the millions who come yearly to relax in the volcanically heated water it’s a place of tranquility.”

– Sara Altshul, Better Homes and Gardens, May 2009

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VIKING WORLD OPENS JUNE 17

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

One thousand years ago, Viking mariners set sail from the shores of Iceland, and reached the unknown coast of North America. The legend of that discovery lived on in Icelandic folkore for generations, and now will be properly celebrated in a magnificent exhibition hall called Vikingaheimar (Viking World).

Located five minutes from the international airport in Reykjanesbær, Vikingaheimar houses the replica Viking ship Íslendingur, which sailed to North America during the summer of 2000. Visitors will be allowed to go on board Íslendingur, look out over the magnificent view of the bay through the museum windows, and imagine the exhilarating feeling of voyaging across the open ocean.

The exhibition will feature artifacts on loan from nine different museums, both original artifacts and museum replicas, texts, photographs, and audio-visual displays. Computer monitors througout the museum will encourage visitors to discover details about the ship and hear commentary from the captain on his experience.

Located five minutes from the international airport in Reykjanesbær, Vikingaheimar houses the replica Viking ship Íslendingur, which sailed to North America during the summer of 2000. Visitors will be allowed to go on board Íslendingur, look out over the magnificent view of the bay through the museum windows, and imagine the exhilarating feeling of voyaging across the open ocean.

The exhibition will feature artifacts on loan from nine different museums, both original artifacts and museum replicas, texts, photographs, and audio-visual displays. Computer monitors througout the museum will encourage visitors to discover details about the ship and hear commentary from the captain on his experience.

On June 17, Vikingaheimar will welcome dignitaries and townspeople as part of the celebration of Icelandic Independence Day, complete with Viking style food and entertainment. (For more information: www.vikingaheimar.com)

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TRAVEL DEALS OF THE MONTH

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

The style books say to open with the thesis statement, so here it is: travel packages keep getting cheaper. No kidding.

People traveling from Seattle can save $130 per person if they travel between July 23 and Aug. 15, 2009. All of our independent self-drive packages have been further reduced in price, and are now more affordable than ever. Other driving packages that are discounted include Nature’s Power, Mystic Mountains and Great Iceland Discovery. We’ll highlight two of our favorite deals in this month’s Dateline:

Deal of the Month Number One

The Saga Sites Independent Self Drive is now $230 less.

During the course of this six-day trip you will explore the richly volcanic landscape of Thjorsardalur Valley, the impressive snow-crowned Mt. Hekla volcano, Thjodveldisbaerinn, a replica Viking age farm destroyed by Hekla’s fury, the world famous Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, where the world’s oldest surviving Parliament first met over a thousand years ago and where the Mid-Atlantic ridge runs through Iceland, and more. View two waterfalls, the charming Children’s Falls and the mystical Lava Falls, and visit the homestead of a medieval chieftain/poet at Reykholt Village before returning to Reykjavik. The night is yours to enjoy the charms of the world’s northernmost capital city.

From $1,349* per person based on double occupancy. Click here for more info.

Deal of the Month Number Two

People who book by May 15 can save up to $450 per person on the Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package.

You may have heard of Olafur Eliasson’s depiction of Icelandic waterfalls in New York City. Now come see the real thing with this complete, compact sampling of Iceland’s best-known wonders. For those short on time but long on curiosity, this tour is offered with spring, winter and fall (October, February, March and April) versions. Comfortable Land Rovers provide transportation to Skaftafell National Park, Thjorsardalur Valley (the longest valley in Iceland), Hekla Volcano (aka the “terrible lady”) and more.

From $1,925* per person based on double occupancy. Click here for more info.

*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.

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