ICELAND HOLIDAYS   >   EUROPE  


Visitors come to this country for the bubbling hot springs, breathtaking waterfalls, rumbling volcanic mountain ranges, and rivers of pure water

Independent towns Iceland : Akranes, Akureyri, Hafnarfjordhur, Husavik, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Kopavogur, Neskaupstadhur, Olafsfjordhur, Reykjavik, Saudharkrokur, Seydhisfjordhur, Siglufjordhur, and Vesttmannaeyjar.

Capital City of Iceland : Reykjavik


car hire, holiday rentals iceland, hotels, tour operators - iceland tours, travel guides, travel iceland

links


Campsites & Caravanning

  Camping Reykjavik
  Camping Seydisfjordur

Car Rental Iceland 

  Sixt   -   
Pick-Up Station / Return Station: Reykjavik Airport and reykjavik Downtown

Holiday rentals / Apartments

  Apartmenthouse.is
Rental apartments in Reykjavik. Self catering flats and houses. Iceland B&B accommodation. Renting holiday home.

Hotels Iceland

  Hotels in Iceland   -   Hotel Guide Iceland
Hotels in Reykjavík, Keflavík, Akureyri, Selfoss, Hafnarfjörður, Höfn, Vík, Laugarvatn, Hvolsvöllur, Hella, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Egilsstadir, and more ...

  Hotels in Reykjavik   -   Hotel Guide Reykjavic

National Parks Iceland

  Hornstrandir   -   most northern peninsula
In 1935, five hundred people lived between the coves of Hesteyri and Hornvík. Changes in society during this time and the World War led to a desertion of the area. In 1952 the last inhabitants of Hornstrandir moved away and what was left was a deserted rural area and empty houses.
You can walk around for days solely in the company of seals, nesting birds and foxes. Endless fields of flowers, breathtaking cliffs, snowfields to cross and small rivers to overcome. It's the best kept secret of the Western Fjords and one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. The serenity of the area is a rare find.
  Thingvellir / Bingvellir   -   World Heritage
At Bingvellir, Alþing - general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. All major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir. Today Þingvellir is a national park where the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing.
Research has made it clear that Þingvellir is a natural wonder on a international scale, with the geologic history and the biosystem of LakeThingvallavatn forming a unique entity. The faults and fissures of the area make evident the rifting of the earth's crust and the ecosystem of Lake Þingvallavatn is a perfect example of species evolution in nature.

  National Parks of Iceland
Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Snaefellsjökull National Park and Protected areas

Travel Companies / Tour Operators



 
Walking holidays in Iceland.

 

 
Offering pre-bookable Icelandic Attractions, Experiences and Activities.

  Mighty Fine   -   Adventure holidays in Iceland
  Iceland Express   -   Iceland Holidays at Iceland Express
Iceland is finally affordable with Iceland Express, the only low-cost airline to Iceland. Check out their guide to Iceland on a budget and get tips on some of the cheapest ways to see Iceland.
  Norvista   -   Experts on travel to Scandinavia
  Scantours UK
Independent tour operator. Here you will find many flexible, good value holiday ideas and arrangements.
  Taber Holidays   -   Specialist holidays to Iceland



  Icelandic Mountain Guides
Explore some of the ways to get in contact with the icelandic nature, learn about its specific conditions and get more knowledge about several topics concerning hiking and mountaineering.
Tours of the Mountain Guides | Country & Nature | Mountain Equipment
  North Sailing, Husavik
North Sailing was the first Icelandic company to offer organized whale watching tours. Owned and operated by a local family, the company has carried thousands of passengers, around the scenic waters of Skjálfandi bay, since its launch in 1995.
  Reykjavík Excursions   -   inbound travel agent

Travel Guides Iceland / Related books

Amazon.com - Travel Guides Iceland 

Iceland (Lonely Planet Country Guides)
Fran Parnell (Author)
Paperback: 360 pages; Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 7th Revised edition edition (21 May 2010); ISBN-10: 1741044553; ISBN-13: 978-1741044553.

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Iceland
"DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland" will lead you straight to the best attractions this breathtaking country has on offer. Whether you are looking for spa getaways, stunning glaciers and geysers, the bewitching Northern Lights or the vibrancy of Rekyavik, this guide is the perfect pocket-sized companion. Rely on dozens of Top 10 lists - from the Top 10 nightlife hotspots to the Top 10 volcanoes, waterfalls and hiking trails, and to save you time and money, there is even a list of budget tips and the Top 10 things to avoid. "DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland" is packed with colour illustrations and photographs, providing the insider knowledge that every visitor needs on a trip to this sensational country. Explore every corner effortlessly using the Free pull-out map, plus many smaller maps included within the guide. Your guide to the Top 10 best of everything in Iceland.
Paperback: 144 pages; Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (1 Jun 2010); ISBN-10: 1405353066; ISBN-13: 978-1405353069.

  So, what exactly are the Northern Lights? [ Times Online, October 6, 2009 ]
Icelandic geophysician Ari Trausti Gudmundsson explains the phenomenon - and why his country is the best place to see them

Transport / How do I travel to Iceland

  Reykjavik Airport   -   Keflavik Airport
Oter airports with scheduled flights: Akureyri, Egilsstadir, Hornafjordur, Isafjordur, Vestmannaeyjar, Bildudalur , Saudarkrokur and Bakki
  Leifur Eiríksson International Air Terminal
Located within the U.S. naval-base area at Keflavík Airport. The Terminal is the gateway for most passenger flights and air-freight flights to and from Iceland.

  Book your next flight at Icelandexpress!

 
Book cheap flights to Iceland at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online

  Airline Tickets /  Discount Flights
Cheap flights Reykjavik / price comparison possible.

  

  Smyril Line
The Faroe Islands' Smyril Line operates a weekly passenger-and car-ferry service during summer from Bergen in Norway and Hanstholm in Denmark to Lerwick in Shetland Islands, the Faroe Islands and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland.

  Road Conditions & weather information
Road conditions and weather | All weather stations | Location of weather stations | Maps of roads, services and historical places | Condition of mountain tracks | Opening of mountain roads.

  The Reykjavik Tourist Card   -   see Visit Reykjavik
Gives free admission to a great selection of museums and galleries, to all Thermal Pools in Reykjavík, and free unlimited travel by "Strætó" buses within the Greater Reykjavík Area. Besides, the card grants the cardholder discounts of various tours and services.

  Online Map of Iceland


Links

  Iceland Discoveries   -   Tourist Office Iceland
Regions, transport, travel info, accommodations, tours and activities, useful links, Christmas and new year,  and more

  Reykjavik   -   Capital City Iceland

  Akureyri - Eyrafjördur   -   Eyjafjörður Office of Tourism  -  North Iceland
Eyjafjordur is the longest fjord in Iceland, located in the north part of the country. In many ways, Eyjafjörður has its own special character. It is surrounded by high, spectacular mountains, most of which exceed a height of 1.000 meters, providing many well-sheltered spot for farms and hayfields. One of the most special characteristics of Iceland is the midnight sun and Eyjafjordur is one of the best place to see it.
  Arborg
Stand on the end point of Þjórsárhraun lava, the largest lava flow on earth since the end of the last ice age, where the glowing lava was stopped by the cold waves of the North-Atlantic ocean.
  Ásbyrgi   -   a spectacular natural phenomenon
Steep rock hills reach 90 – 100 metres straight up surrounding a beautiful pond and impressive growth, including a preserved birchwood. Many speculations are around regarding the forming of Ásbyrgi and the most likely one is that it was formed during two catastrophic floods in Jökulsá river, the first one about 8 – 10 thousand years ago and the latter approximately 3 thousand years ago. The river then changed its course and settled in its present position. The legend says that Ásbyrgi is a hoofprint by Sleipnir, Odin's horse.
  Blue Lagoon
  Dettifoss   -   the most powerful waterfall in Europe, 44 metres high and 100 metres across.
  Dolphin & Whale Spotting company in Keflavik
  Grindavik Area   -   Spa and bath, hotel, camping, horse rental, restaurants enz.
Grindavik is a beautiful icelandic fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. The Blue Lagoon, Grindavik´s premiere attraction, is located 3 miles from the town center.
  East Iceland   -   transportation, things to do, accommodation etc.
Clickable map with informationa about all the towns in East Iceland.
  Grindavik Area   -   Spa and bath, hotel, camping, horse rental, restaurants enz.
Grindavik is a beautiful icelandic fishing town on the south coast of the Reykjanes peninsula. The Blue Lagoon, Grindavik´s premiere attraction, is located 3 miles from the town center
  Gulfoss [ waterfall ]
  Hafnarfjordur   -   what's on, themes [viking village, elf town], maps etc.
One of the largest fishing centres and the site of Iceland's first fish wholesalers' auction market. Through the years, Hafnarfjörður's dynamic local economy has been strongly linked to fishing, although freight transport has recently become the major harbour activity. And now, the town is Iceland's second-ranked import and export harbour
  Hekla [ volcano ]   -   Southern Iceland   -  s ee Fascination volcano!
Iceland's most famous and historically most active volcano can best be described as an intermediate volcanic form between a crater row and a stratovolcano. It is located west of Iceland's SE volcanic rift-zone.
  Hella
  Helgafell [ magic mountain ] 
Helgafell, or holy mountain, is the name of a small mountain in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula of Iceland. The mountain is 73 metres high.
Helgafell appears in the Laxdaela saga as the location where the heroine Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir last lived and is supposedly where she is buried.
  Hraunfossar [ waterfalls ]  -  see Husafell
The Hraunfossar Falls are clear, cold springs that well up through the lava and run in falls and rapids into the Hvítá River.
  Husafell   -   a pearl nested between lava fields and glaciers
Húsafell is among the most frequented tourist places in Iceland, which is not surprising as it is a natural gem.
The exceptionally good weather conditions, the forest and the facilities and services for travellers set up in the past few years attract a large number of travellers and guests every year.
  Húsavík
A town well known as a base for whale watching. The whale museum offers thorough information on whales and whaling through the centuries.
  Icelandic Meteorologic Office
General info, weather reports,  erathquakes and seismic activities, ice conditions and more.
  Icelandic Mountainbike Club
Non-profit cycling club and grassroots organization and interested in bike culture, traveling by bicycle
  Isafjördur   -   harbour town
  Lake Myvatn   -   Northern Iceland   -   see Myvatn and vicinity
Bubbling mud flats, lunaresque volcanic craters, newborn lava fields, and grassy shoals teeming with waterfowl; these are among the sights of the striking Lake Myvatn region, one of the most geologically active and stunningly beautiful areas in Iceland. In 1974, the lake was declared a national conservation area, and since then it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Its name means "Midge Lake," after the hordes of gnats that breed in the shallow waters (so bring bug spray), but the pesky insects – perfect food for fish – support the best trout and salmon fishing in Iceland. There are also more species of duck here than anywhere in Europe, 15 in all.
Another unforgettable sight near Myvatn is Eldhraun ("fire lava"), an absolutely barren lava field where the Apollo 11 crew came in the late 60's to train for their impending moonwalks
  Nordland-Shop   -   everything about Scandinavia and the North Pole [ German language ]
  Nordvulk   -   University of Iceland   -   Nordic Volcanological Center
  Radio and tv in Iceland
  Reykjavk  -   Reykjavíkurborg
The country's largest city and the world's most northerly capital. Reykjavik is a good base from which to see some of the most amazing and spectacular natural sights in the world: vast glaciers, lava fields, active volcanoes and boiling geysers, so be sure to explore also the landscape beyond.
  Snaefellsnes Peninsula   -   see Iceland Tour
There are Sagas hidden in the landscape of the Snaefellsness Peninsula and, according to Jules Verne, the gateway to the center of the Earth.
Some of the best and most important sagas took place here, and it is said that Christopher Columbus once spent a winter in Ingjaldsholl, where he heard stories of lands to the west.
  Stykkisholmur 
Because of its location, Stykkishólmur became a centre for trade, transportation and services on Breiðafjörður early on in Iceland's history. The town is still an ideal destination for those whose who wish to experience diversity of nature and life on Breiðafjörður. In summer, daily sightseeing trips go out in the fjord on the Seatours (Sæferðir) boats, while the ferry Baldur connects Snæfellsnes with the West Fjords with daily sailings to Brjánslækur.
  Thingvellir
Just over a thousand years ago, the world's first parliament was held in this extraordinary natural amphitheater – which sits smack in the middle of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
  Vatnajökull
  Westmann Islands   -   see Eyjar.is 
The world's youngest archipelago, often called "the Galapagos of the North," is an ecological wonderland.
Vestmannaeyjar, a paradise at the end of the world where the molten lava runs close to the surface, and the puffins circle tirelessly above their precarious homes built on sheer cliff faces; the place that the star of Free Willy ( Keiko ) has chosen to make his home; a calm and wonderous haven in a freezing, thundering sea, where the hardy meet the artistic and the wild
  Whalewatching   -   Husavik Whale Centre
About half of the 36 whale species, which consist in European waters [ 42 % of the 86 whale species currently known around the world ], can be seen in Icelandic waters. The prime period for whale watching in Iceland are the late spring to early fall months [ May - September ].

Cuisine  -  Icelandic Cooking

There is not a whole lot of food that can be called specifically Icelandic. Most of the recipes uses in Iceland have been adapted from other cuisines, most noticeably from the Danish.

Icelandic Lamb Stew,  Iceland Moss Soup and Rhubarb Porridge [ rhubarb grows in almost every vegetable garden in Iceland, right alongside the potatoes. In the summer, it is mostly used for soup and "grautur" (thick soup-something like porridge). It is preserved mostly as jam, but it also freezes well. There are many homes where rhubarb soup or porridge is eaten throughout the winter. It is also good for desserts and chutneys, and it makes excellent wine ]

  Cuisine of Iceland
Types of food in Iceland [ Fish / Hákarl, Meat, Dairy products, Fruits and vegetables, Bread and pastry ], Feasts [ Christmas dishes, Þorramatur, Birthdays, weddings, baptisms and confirmations ].

Icelandic Food and Cookery  -   by Nanna Roganvaldardottir
The author includes favourites that have endured through the years and the best of recent dishes that still reflect Icelandic ingredients and cooking methods. Sample such delicacies as Grilled Rosemary-Flavoured Char, Braised Wild Goose with Fruit Stuffing and Bilberry Ice Cream. Home chefs will welcome the helpful chapters on Festive Food Traditions and Icelandic Ingredients.
Hardcover 200 pages (January 2002); Publisher: Hippocrene Books, Inc

History of Iceland

Independence: 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

  Iceland's History   -   Wikipedia
Iceland was first settled by Scandinavians, mainly Norwegians, and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th century. It boasts the world's longest running parliament, Alþingi, which was established in 930.
Iceland remained independent for over 300 years, and was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark, formally as a Norwegian crown colony until 1814 when the united kingdoms of Denmark and Norway were separated by the treaty of Kiel, and Iceland was kept by Denmark as a dependency.

The History of Iceland   -   by Gunnar Karlsson
Paperback 418 pages (February 1, 2001); Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
  National Museum   -   Thjodminjasafn Islands
Get an insight into Norse culture at the National Museum or enjoy spectacular views of the city from the 75 metre tower of the Hallgriskirkja, Reykjavik's most imposing structure. The prize-winning Volcano Show should not be missed.

Music, Art & Culture, Events in Iceland

  Music of ireland
  Icelandic Folk Music
  Kraumur Music
Its primary aim is to enhance and strengthen the musical life in Iceland and support Icelandic artists in performing and presenting their work within and outside of Iceland.

  Iceland Music Information Centre
The main objective of ITM is to keep record of all types of Icelandic contemporary music and promote it. ITM also provides information about Icelandic music life and musicians, promotes Icelandic music both in Iceland and abroad, and publishes and records music.

  Culture of Iceland
Attitudes and customs in Iceland, Religion, Cuisine, Entertainment, Music, Leisure, Language, Education, Arts [ Literature, Painting and sculpture, Architecture ].

  Laxdœla saga
Laxdœla saga is the saga of the clan of Laxárdalur and one of the most important Icelanders' sagas. See for more Wikipedia.

Ring of Seasons: Iceland - Its Culture and History   -   by Terry G. Lacy
Paperback 328 pages (March 24, 2000); Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Iceland Saga   -   by Magnus Magnusson
Magnus Magnusson relates the world-famous Icelandic sagas to the spectacular living landscapes of today, taking the reader of a literary tour of the mountains, valleys and fjords where the heroes and heroines of the sagas lived out their eventful lives. And he tells the story of the first Viking settler Ingolfur Anarson.
Paperback 320 pages (May 1, 2005); Publisher: Tempus Publishing Ltd

  Iceland Airwaves [ October, Reykjavic, Iceland ]
Since the first show held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier showcases for new music – Icelandic and otherwise – in the world.


  Reiswijs UK is not responsible for the content of external internet sites