Iceland: Reykjavik

[bjorn]

Iceland, particularly Reykjavik, has become the new hip spot to visit. It is the perfect en route destination from North America to continental Europe. Two or three days is enough time to see the capital, but visitors interested in Iceland's natural wonders should stay at least a week to see some of the amazing landscapes and attractions the island offers.

Iceland is only about the size of Ohio, but this island in the North Atlantic is a force to be reckoned with. Where else can you find glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes, icecaps, tundra, waterfalls, snow crested mountains, craters, and cliffs? Plus there's an unbelievable nightlife, sea-bird colonies, Viking history, and the famous Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik offers plenty of diversions, from hiking, trekking, mountaineering, skiing and whale-watching, to serious shopping, fine dining and intense partying.

When to go:
Despite its name, Iceland is not as icy as you may think. Climatically similar to Hamburg, Germany, Reykjavik's temperatures are cool and mild, not frigid. One difference though, is the strong wind that makes hiking and biking difficult until the gusts settle down. From May through August, Iceland enjoys almost 24-hour daylight.

What to Do:
History/Ruins:
To get a sense of Iceland's rich history, go to the National Museum, which displays Viking relics and archaeological finds. The Natural History Museum is a must if you are heading outside of Reykjavik.

Museums:
The Arbaer Open-Air Folk Museum on the outskirts of the city is a living historical museum that features some of Iceland's oldest architecture. The Einar Jonsson Sculpture Museum, The Kjarvalsstadir Municipal Gallery, and the Living Art Museum showcase Iceland's modern art. Reykjavik also has plenty of lesser known museums and galleries to visit.

Shopping:
Iceland has everything from stuffed puffins to haute couture. Austurstraeti, a pedestrian shopping mall, is one place to look for souvenirs. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Kolaportid Flea Market sells clothes, typical Icelandic food, books, and knickknacks.

Food/Culinary Info:
It's not all dried cod and whale guts - Reykjavik has plenty of international restaurants that serve Chinese, Italian, and American fare. Traditional foods include hakarl, cured shark, hrútspungur, ram's *beep* pickled in whey and pressed into a cake, svið, sheep head (complete with eyes), boiled and eaten either fresh or pickled. More accessible Icelandic dishes include harðfiskur, (haddock); bleikja, (char); lundi (puffin), whale blubber, whale steaks, and seal meat. A unique Icelandic treat, skyr, a yogurt-like concoction, is delicious. While in Iceland, make sure to try some fish - it's guaranteed to be fresh, and will probably be some of the best you've ever had.

Adventure:
Mt. Esja is easily climbed, and late at night is an amazing time to do it. The path is well-marked, the trail is not steep, and the view of the city on a clear night is astounding from any height. The base of the mountain can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes from central Reykjavik by taking bus #7 or #9 from Laekartorg, then switching to bus #20 at Artun, which will get you to the Mogilsa trailhead.

Natural Wonders:
With lava fields, icecaps, glaciers, hot springs, and geysers, Iceland is excellent for nature lovers or geologist-wannabes. Go bird watching around Lake Tjornin. Check out the Icelandic flora and thousands of imported plants and trees at the Botanic Garden. Go horseback riding - stables all over the country offer trips using the famously stubby and rugged Icelandic pony. This country was made for nature lovers.

Cultural Comments
Swimming in the milky, pastel blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, hidden in the light layer of fog that forms as the warm water meets the cold arctic air is an experience not to be missed. In fact, swimming at any of the thermal pools in and around Reykjavik is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable activities that both locals and tourists enjoy.

Arts:
Reykjavik is home to the internationally-acclaimed Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, and two professional theatre companies, the National Theater and the Reykjavik City Theater.

Festivals/Events:
Thorrablot, in February, is the month of Viking feasts. Restaurants feature special menus with some of the old traditional Viking foods, such as slatur, sheep's blood pudding rolled in lard and sewn up in the stomach, svith, half boiled lamb's head, and pickled ram's *beep*. Beer Day (March 1) celebrates a 75 year-long prohibition of beer that ceased in 1989. The Reykjavik Arts Festival (May 20 - June is an international arts and music festival throughout the city.

Nightlife/Bars:
The streets of Reykjavik might be quiet during the day, but at night they are bustling with people. Reykjavík is one of Europe's hottest club towns these days. Bars and discos are open until the wee hours.

Cafe Quotient:
Icelanders are committed to their coffee. The caffeine faithful will not be disappointed with the java offerings in Reykjavik, though they may be shocked by the price.

Gay & Lesbian:
Despite Iceland's small population, there is a thriving gay community that welcomes visitors. Gay marriages are legal in Iceland if one partner is Icelandic, and laws for gay adoption has been presented in Parliament. In Reykjavik, there are at least 80 bars/clubs that are gay or gay-friendly. Samtokin 78 is the Icelandic Gay and Lesbian organization.

Cost:
The Icelandic currency is the kronen (kr). Food, accommodation, and transport prices in Iceland are high, as many items have to be imported. US$5 for a croissant, US$8 for a domestic beer, US$25 for a pizza is not out of the ordinary. Even if you are good at budgeting, there is no escaping the fact that you'll spend quite a bit of money in Iceland. If you're willing to sleep in youth hostels, eat at snack bars and travel on bus passes, you'll probably be able to keep expenses down to an average of about US$50-60 per day.

There are some terrific discounts for travelers though. The Reykjavik tourist card is available for one, two, or three days. It provides unlimited bus transportation in Reykjavik, and admission to seven public swimming pools and many museums. The card costs ISK 600/1 day, ISK 800/2 days and ISK 1,000/3 days.


Getting Around:
It's easy to walk just about everywhere in Reykjavik, and it's certainly the best way to experience the city. However, public transportation may be a favorable option for those traveling outside of central Reykjavik. Buses are the cheapest way to go, with adult fares running 120kr; correct change is required. You can buy ten ticket discount cards from bus drivers or at the main transfer stations (Hlemmur and Laekjartorg).

Safety:
Personal safety is not a huge concern in Iceland, however it is always wise to be careful and aware of your belongings.

Language:
Icelandic is the national language, but almost everyone speaks some English.

Party/Social Scene:
Reykjavik's nightlife is legendary, with all-night street parties in summer and a huge club scene year-round.

Other Info:
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