Cool as Iceland

If you were to mentally compile a list of ideal vacation destinations, Iceland would probably not be in the top ten – but it should be! With a combination of physical beauty, mystery and a noticeably rich culture, Iceland is a place that once experienced will never be forgotten.

One of the first things you notice when you begin to explore Iceland is how wonderfully friendly the people are. They are both a rugged and tough lot while still being exceedingly courteous and warm, which probably explains why Icelanders have one of the longest life expectancies in the world (80 years for men and 74 years for women).

While officially the language of Iceland is still the language of the Vikings (Old Norse), English is heard the most, particularly in the capital of Reykjavik. Everyone in Iceland is on a first name basis, and I mean that literally – the first name of a person is what he or she is known by, and is usually the name that comes first, even in telephone listings. This gives everyone a wonderfully familiar sense – all Icelanders are brothers and sisters and sons and daughters to each other.

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Most visitors touch down at Keflavik International Airport about 48 kilometres from Reykjavik. I personally enjoy an airport that is a fair distance from my ultimate destination as it gives me the chance to experience a bit of the landscape as soon as I hit the country.

Something that runs contrary to the name Iceland is the fact that it is really not that cold there. The average temperature in January is 0ºC, which is considerably higher than Toronto and Montreal. The average summer temperature is about 11ºC to 15ºC, which is cool but not cold. A benefit of the Iceland summer is the almost perpetual sunlight.

An indelible characteristic of Iceland is its dazzling physical beauty. From Mount Hvannadalshnukur at 6,500 feet to the largest glaciers in Europe – some that are eccentrically located right next to active volcanoes and lava fields – to a coastline dotted with a thousand fjords and green fertile valleys, to the over 10,000 waterfalls and countless number of hot springs, Iceland has a strange, almost other-worldly feel to it.
Because of the geographic location, Iceland is a hot spot, so to speak, of geothermal activity. When you walk the streets of downtown Reykjavik you may notice that the ground under your feet is warm. That is due to the underground hot springs that not only warm the ground but also produce a lot of the abundant cheap energy that Icelanders use.

If you are planning a vacation to Iceland, you will find a fantastic array of restaurants and shopping, as well as activities that range from golfing at midnight in the bright sunshine to skiing, river rafting, sea angling or hiking. But if you choose outdoor activities, keep in mind that there is a very strict code of conduct for people exploring nature in Iceland. The people and the government are fiercely and understandably protective of the natural environment. For a country of only about 300,000 people, Iceland boasts a surprising number of museums and galleries, especially in Reykjavik. Among the most popular are the Arni Magnusson Institute, the Einar Jonsson Museum and the National Gallery.

While strolling the downtown shopping district of Reykjavik, you will definitely want to visit 66North, a store that features a full line of the most popular sportswear and all-weather gear. Then stop by ELM, a high-fashion and custom clothing line with designs that are actually sold in North America if you know where to look. You don’t want to leave Iceland without picking up a traditional lopapeysa, a knitted wool sweater with a special design at the top and around the sleeves.

Anyone who has traveled knows that good restaurants can add luster to an already special time. Icelandic cuisine is quite broad, but if you are looking for true Icelandic fare you will probably be looking for lamb and vegetable dishes, or seafood. The quality of food is something you will notice, especially the rich flavours derived from a virtually pollution-free environment. One of the most delightful Reykjavik restaurants is The Pearl. Not only is the food fantastic but the setting and the atmosphere are eye-popping as well. At The Pearl you dine under a geodesic dome in a room that rotates, giving diners a fantastic view of Reykjavik throughout their meal.

Another restaurant that needs to be at least mentioned if not visited is Siggi Hall, named for Siggi – one of the most recognizable chefs in all of Iceland. He also has a bit of a profile outside Iceland as he has made several TV appearances around the world.

One more unique place to dine, especially for breakfast, is Studio Tolli. Here you will dine while surrounded by the paintings of Tolli, one of the most well known Icelandic painters, and if you time it right you will also be serenaded by the music and songs of Tolli’s brother, the renowned Icelandic musician Bubbi.

Icelandic music cannot be discussed without mentioning the name Bjork, one of the most famous Icelanders ever. There is another band from Iceland that has captured a cool reputation recently – Sigurs Ros. Iceland is proud of their own, so be prepared to be inundated by local music, art and fashion when you are there.

Now that you have had a few terrific meals and have done a little shopping, it is time to relax and pamper yourself, Icelandic style, and that means you must head directly to Blue Lagoon. At the centre of the Blue Lagoon facility is the luxurious warm geothermic seawater lagoon. It is famous for its positive regenerative effects on the skin because of the geothermal seawater’s active ingredients (several minerals, silica and algae). Blue Lagoon also features a wide array of skin care products made from geothermal seawater that you can take home with you.

Whether you are looking for an exotic place to visit, a place rich in history, or just somewhere a bit different to explore, Iceland should rate high on your list of must-see places in the world. Iceland in an unforgettable mixture of the new and the old, the hot and the cold, and the immense and the intimate. Once you experience it, you will certainly tell everyone that they ought to do the same as soon as they can.