Bicycling
Bikes can be rented in Reykjavik and in various places
around Iceland. For further information on biking tours
please contact travel agencies or tourist information
centers. For more information click
here. |
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| Bird
Watching
Some places in Iceland are a paradise for birdwatchers.
Latrabjarg in the West Fjords is the largest known bird
cliff in the world. A great variety of cliff-nesting
species can be found there, including the largest razorbill
colony in the world. The Westmann
Islands are known for many kinds of seabirds,
and are home to both the world's and Iceland's largest
puffin population.
Lake Myvatn in the
north has more species of breeding ducks than any other
place in Europe. The great skua colony on the sands
in South Iceland is the largest in the world. Seabirds
such as puffins can be seen in many places, as well
as eiders, Arctic terns, waders and passerine birds.
Some tour operators organize tours for birdwatchers
in early summer. For more information click
here.
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Sport Fishing ason
for salmon fishing is from around June 20th to mid-September.
Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to the next,
but the normal season is from April/May until late September/October.
During winter, ice-fishing is quite popular. For salmon
fishing, permits must be reserved well in advance, but
trout fishing permits can be obtained at short notice,
often the same day. For further information, please contact
The National Angling Association: Bolholt 6, IS-105 Reykjavik,
Tel: (+354) 553-1510, fax: 568-4363, e-mail: [email protected]
or visit the website at www.angling.is.
For more information click
here.
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Whale Watching
Iceland is considered by various whale watching experts
and tour operators as Europe's new 'Hot Spot', with astonishingly
high sighting rates. The most common whales spotted are
the friendly minke whales but also blue whales, humpback
whales, sei and fin whales, killer whales and of course
a number of dolphins including white beaks and harbor
porpoises. Tours depart from several locations in Iceland
such as Hafnarfjordur near Reykjavik, Breiddalsvik in
the East, Olafsvik in the West, and the Westmann Islands
in the South. But the most popular spot for whale watching
is from Husavik, which is regarded by many as the 'Whale
Watching Capital of Europe.' Cruises are made on a quiet,
old-fashioned oaken boat and on shore there is an exhibition
center dedicated to the many species of whales that sport
in the bay. The season runs from May through September,
and further information can be found at www.NordurSigling.is. www.gentlegiants.is
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| Glacier
Tours
Tours are available where travelers make the ascent
by bus and belt-driven vehicle, and then have time to
explore on their own - by snowmobile. Safaris in modified
jeeps are also available. But because of the risk of
hidden cracks in the glaciers, travelers should only
visit glaciers on organized tours with experienced operators
and guides. After all, there's all the freedom in the
world - once you make it to the top. For more information
click
here.
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| The Icelandic
Farm Holidays Service
The Icelandic Farm Holidays Service offers "The Icelandic
Fishing Guide" (Veidiflakkarrinn), which is a sales
system for trout/salmon fishing in Iceland. For further
information on "The Icelandic Fishing Guide," please
contact Icelandic Farm Holidays: Sidumuli 13, IS-108
Reykjavik, Tel: (+354) 570-2700, fax: 570-2799, e-mail:
[email protected] or visit
our website at www.farmholidays.is. |
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| Museums and
Galleries:
Considering that Iceland has only 283,000 people,
the number of museums and art galleries in the country
is astounding. Even in the small towns and out-of-the-way
fishing villages, you will encounter some public place
dedicated to preserving the national heritage or displaying
the local artists. It may be a structure in the center
of town that the community has banded together to support,
or it may be the house of a famous artist, preserved
by his ancestors.
The largest museums and galleries are, of course, in
Reykjavik. Among the most visited are the Arni Magnusson
Institute, Einar Jonsson Museum, and the National Gallery.
Though these are the major culture venues, you can find
a museum or gallery to quench almost any curiosity,
whether it be Icelandic coins, traditional clothing,
or metal working. For a full list of the country's museums
and galleries, contact the Icelandic Tourist Board.
For more information click
here.
September is Cultural Festival Time.
Every year Reykjavik hosts a Film Festival. Actually,
September is not the only time for film lovers, since
there's a festival of short films in Reykjavik every
spring. www.visitreykjavik.is
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Horseback Riding
The Vikings arrived in Iceland more than a thousand years
ago, bringing their horses with them. When these settlers
created the world's oldest surviving Parliament in the
year 930, one of their first acts was to prohibit further
importation of horses. Today, more than ten centuries
later, the breed remains pure. Strong and muscular, these
horses are sure-footed enough to handle the roughest Icelandic
terrain. Small and gentle, with great stamina, speed and
intelligence, they are the perfect riding companions.
They are friendly, willing, docile animals that take obvious
pleasure in carrying their riders across grassy plains,
up and down rocky slopes, through rivers and over fields
of rough lava, offering travelers a unique way to enjoy
the splendors and nature of Iceland. For more information
For more information click here.
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Hiking
More than half of Iceland is over 1,312 feet above sea
level, and a large part of the island is covered by lava,
glaciers, lakes and sand. Few places in Iceland have marked
walking paths, but hiking is a favorite pastime for Icelanders
and tourists alike. During winter there are mostly day
tours or weekend tours, but longer tours are organized
during summer. Many travel agencies also organize hiking
tours during winter and summer alike. For more information
For more information click here.
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Golf
Iceland has over 50 golf courses throughout the island,
some with outstanding views and always close to nature.
Golf can be played in Iceland from May through September
and in the summer golf can be played around-the-clock
due to the midnight sun. Visitors are welcome at the courses.
Green fees vary from USD 15- 30. Some courses offer clubs
for rent. For further information contact the Icelandic
Golf Association: (+354) 568-6686, e-mail [email protected],
or visit us on the Web at www.golf.is.
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Midnight
Golf in Iceland - The Iceland Open, June 23-26,
2004
Did you ever consider playing golf in Iceland? How about
teeing off at midnight with the sun still shining? If
you would rather be playing golf than going to sleep,
then you belong at the Amstel Light Iceland Open in Reykjavik,
Iceland. The tournament will be played on two golf courses
near Reykjavik: the Reykjavik
Golf Club and the Keilir
Golf Club in Hafnarfjordur. For more information click
here. |
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Midnight Golf
in Iceland - The Arctic Open, June 23-26, 2004
At Akureyri Golf Club in the north, golf can be played
with the sun shining at midnight. At the end of June,
a 36-hole open international match is held. Tee-off is
just before midnight and playing continues until the early
hours of the morning. For further information please contact
Akureyri Golf Club: Jadri, 600 Akureyri, Iceland, Tel:
(+354) 462-2974, fax: 461-1755, e-mail: [email protected],
For more information click
here. |
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Sea Angling
Sea angling is becoming a popular sport in Iceland. The
season begins late in May and lasts until the end of August
with several tournaments in different parts of the country.
For further information please contact local tourist information
centers and travel agencies. For more information For
more information click here. |
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Reykjavik Marathon
The Reykjavik Marathon is an annual event held on August
21, 2004. This international/annual event involves thousands
of participants from Iceland and abroad. Marathon proper,
half marathon, 6 miles (10 km) and fun run (4.3 miles).
Contact: (+354) 568 - 5525, website www.toto.is/rmar
e-mail [email protected]. |
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River Rafting
Action lovers in search of a real challenge will find
plenty to their liking in Iceland. In some places where
swirling glacial rivers race over rugged terrain on their
way seaward, the scenery looks custom-built for river
rafting. White water rafting operators often offer a choice
of routes with different levels of challenge - for newcomers
who want to experience the basic thrill and more difficult
rides for the really wild at heart. For more information
click here. |
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Skiing
Winter skiing is available in many parts of the country.
Skiing resorts with possibilities of both cross-country
skiing and downhill skiing are found throughout Iceland.
Summer skiing is possible at Kerlingarfjoll, close to
Hofsjokull glacier in the interior. A ski-school is operated
there from the end of June until the end of August. Weekend
stays can be arranged at the school. Accommodation, food
and rental of equipment can be provided for guests who
are not registered at the school.
For more information click here. |
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| Soccer
VISA-REY CUP. This soccer festival is for young people,
boys and girls, 13 to 16 years old, and is held every
year. The purpose of VISA-REY CUP is to have an international
sports event of good quality in Reykjavík. The
idea behind this event is that it is not simply meant
to be a sports event but also a festival for young people
of both sexes and their families. For more information
click
here. |
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| Swimming
Swimming is a very popular activity all year round in
Iceland. Most towns and villages have outdoor or indoor
swimming pools filled with water from natural hot springs.
The mean temperature of the water in the pools is about
84�F. In many places there are also saunas, a jacuzzi,
solariums and hot pots with temperatures ranging from
97 - 111�F.
For more information click
here.
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| Ice Hockey
ICELAND INVITATIONAL Ice hockey Tournament: Iceland
is no stranger to the world's premier cold weather team
sport. Every year the country hosts a tournament for
those teams brave enough to show up and take on the
world. There are competitions open to almost any age
and skill level. Dates: November 21-23, 2003. Next event:
November 19-21, 2004. Venue: Laugardalur Ice Rink, Reykjavik,
Iceland. Organized by: The Skating Club of Reykjavik.
Coordinator in Iceland: IT Travel, Sport Tours and Sport
Events. Promoted by: Travel and Play with Icelandair.
For more information click
here.
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| Iceland
Airwaves Music Festival (October 20-24, 2004)
The third annual international Iceland Airwaves, the
world's most innovative music festival, sponsored by
Icelandair, will rock Reykjavik in October. Thousands
of fans from around the globe are expected to groove
to cutting-edge tunes from alternative artists from
both sides of the Atlantic. The highlight takes place
with a spectacular show of renowned international artists.
Take advantage of Icelandair Holidays special packages
for the event from Boston, New York (JFK), and Baltimore/Washington
(BWI), starting from $499; add $50 from Minneapolis,/St.
Paul, and inquire about packages from Orlando. Packages
include round-trip air, hotel accommodations for two-nights,
transfers, breakfast and a festival pass. Additional
information is available at: www.IcelandAirwaves.com
or call Icelandair Holidays at (800) 779-2899; e-mail:
[email protected].
Reykjavik Iceland Jazz Festival (September
29 - October 3, 2004)
Final preparations for this year's festival
are well under way. As always the emphasis is on offering
a line-up of jazz artists from all over the world covering
the various genre of the jazz sphere. Look for further
news and information on their website www.reykjavikjazz.com
or subscribe to their newsletter in English for first
hand news by auto responder at [email protected].
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