A Milestone of Viking Discovery Join the Celebrations!

One thousand years ago, Icelandic Viking Leif Eiriksson discovered America. Now, Americans have a chance to discover the films, music, history and cuisine which help make Iceland this summer's hot, European travel destination.

Iceland has organized some 230 events at almost 70 venues in the USA and Canada for the year 2000, including concerts, art exhibitions, film weeks, historical exhibitions, seminars, theatre performances, multimedia and movie releases, and book publications The aim of the program is to further strengthen ties between Iceland and North America, revitalize co-operation with North Americans of Icelandic descent, enhance Iceland's profile and promote its products and tourism. Already the Iceland Naturally weeks in Los Angeles, Seattle and Ottawa, Canada have been a great success. The voyage by the replica Viking longship, Islendingur (Icelander), from Iceland to the USA, making calls in Greenland and Canada along the way, is a highlight of the program. It will depart from Reykjavik, Iceland on Independence Day, June 17, and will arrive at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland on July 28. Captained by a descendant of Viking Leif Eiriksson, Gunnar Marel Eggertsson, the 75-foot oak and pine vessel will then pay a visit to a host of cities in the US, among them Boston (early September) and New York (October). The ship and crew will participate in various types of celebrations in each port of call.

The main focus of the Leifur Eiriksson Millennium Commission of Iceland has been to support the initiatives and ideas of Icelandic, US and Canadian individuals, organizations and companies for commemorating this milestone, by helping innovative energies to flourish, and to create permanent links among those working together on events on both sides of the Atlantic. Check the website, Icelandnaturally.com, for further information on dates and events.