ICELANDIC TOURIST BOARD                                                                              DATELINE JULY 2009

From time to time, those of us at the Iceland Tourist Board in New York like to unchain ourselves from the keyboard, pack our bags, and pay a return visit to our quirky country near the Arctic Circle. Summer is our favorite time of the year, by far. The warmer weather means we can wear less layers, actually walk about without a hat, and sometimes even wear shorts (if you can believe it). Summer also means longer daylight hours – more time to visit waterfalls, hike the new national park, or perhaps putter around in a scooter. Here’s a look at what you can expect this summer.

PARK YOURSELF

A pleasant drive along the southern coast will take you to Vatnajokull Natural Park, one of Europe’s newest national parks. It is also the largest national park in Europe, covering around 12% of the surface of Iceland, including all of Vatnajökull glacier, the current Skaftafell National Park, Jokulsargljufur National Park and the surrounding area. That’s a lot of territory. In fact, in the U.S. this would be equal to Texas, Washington, New York and West Virgina.

Easy to navigate hikes are everywhere, some as short as an hour, led by park warden Regina Hreinsdottir (pictured). Our favorite is an educational geology trail that travels along the glacial outwash plain to the snout of the glacier and then loops back to the Visitor’s Center. Along the way you’ll see dikes, moraines, red stratum, basalt columns, kettle holes, examples of frost weathering, and a tuff boulder formed when a volcanic eruption takes place underwater (who knew?). Bring a natural curiosity of the forces that created our adventurous island in the North Atlantic …. Forces that are still at play. (For more information: http://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/english/).

 

NORSE? OF COURSE!

Idavellir, a center of Norse mythology, will open July 4 in the town of Hveragerdi, a 40-min. drive east of Reykjavík. The museum features a magnificent exhibition of Old Norse mythology. There you’ll meet the high god Ódinn hanging in a tree in self-sacrifice, Freyja blessing the world with fertility, and Thór killing giants by the number (it was a harsh life, but we’re sure it was never boring). Icelandic contemporary artists, musicians and Norse mythology scholars have united to create an unforgettable exhibition that vividly brings to life Old Norse cultural heritage.

The facility includes a gift shop and a restaurant that serves an innovative menu with various dishes named after persons and events from Norse mythology, sort of like Iceland’s version of the “Henny Youngman” and “Woody Allen” sandwiches at New York delicatessens. (For more information: http://idavellir.is/ENGLISH/).

Seattle Launch Giveaway

To celebrate Icelandair’s inaugural flight to Seattle we invite you to...Enter to Win a Trip of Epic Proportions! Write your own Saga in Iceland, Denmark and Norway.

Trip includes:
• Round-trip airfare from Seattle to Copenhagen, Oslo to Seattle
• 1 night hotel in Copenhagen
• Day tour in Copenhagen
• 1 night DFDS cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo
• 2 nights hotel in Oslo
• Day tour in Oslo
• Stopover in Iceland on return for three nights
• 3 nights hotel in Iceland
• Round-trip airport/hotel transfers in Iceland

Winner will be announced on Friday, July 17, 2009. To enter: http://www.icelandair.us/specials/pages/us/seattle/

NO MORE HUFFIN AND PUFFIN

Think Bermuda has the monopoly on those cute little drive-yourself scooters? Well, not anymore. Scooting around Reykjavik on a scooter is probably the best way to have a look around quickly and have fun at the same time without even breaking a sweat. Puffinscooters.com has a range of scooters that can be rented from an hour, to well, infinity. A four-hour rental, for instance, is only about $38. Suggested route maps are supplied as well. (For more information: www.puffinscooters.com).

WELCOME WHIRLEYBIRDS

If scooters are a bit too slow for you, the newest ‘birds in the sky to join the puffins are “whirleybirds” – a fleet of helicopter tours by Nordurflug, Iceland’s leading helicopter service. There are over a half dozen tours that whisk you over the capital city, to the Blue Lagoon, even out to the Westman islands to fly over Surtsey, one of the world’s newest islands. If that’s not enough, you can even land on Langjokull glacier and carve out fresh ice cubes for your drinks or take a snowmobile tour. Prices start at about $280 per person. Tired of the same old “been there, done that” trip? Well it’s a safe bet you haven’t been to Iceland yet doing this. (For more information: www.heli.is)

PADDLE ICELAND

One of the best ways to see Iceland wildlife is from the water, sitting inside a sea kayak that you paddle yourself alongside an experienced guide. It’s the best way to get up close and personal with the seal colonies, puffin nests, bird cliffs, and sea caves that are inaccessible from land. Tours range from $40 on up and include everything you need such as the kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life vest, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks. Learn more by contacting one of these companies (note: all tour operators speak English even if their Web sites happen to come across in the mother tongue).

Kayakklubburinn Kaj, www.123.is/kaj
Oraefaferdir, www.hofsnes.com
Seakayak Island, www.seakayakiceland.com
West Tours, www.westtours.is

WESTMAN ISLANDERS DIG IT

From time to time we like to check in with the hardy Westman Islanders off the southern coast of Iceland – hardy because the only way to reach the island is to fly in small planes that are often cancelled due to weather … or journey on a three-hour ferry with large stacks of innocent looking Chinese take-out boxes in their passenger lounges – only they’re not for Chinese food. Spend some time on board during a rough day and you’ll know what we mean. As the saying goes, once afflicted by seasickness you become afraid you’re going to die; then as the feeling gets worse, you worry that you won’t. Hardy is right.

Within sight of the sheer, towering walls that millions of puffins call home, volunteers and researchers are beginning to uncover the remains of some of the 417 properties destroyed when Heimaey (current pop. 4,100) experienced a volcanic eruption in 1973 that covered one-third of the town in up to 20 meters of lava and ash. In fact, as you drive around, the streetlights are marked 12 to 15 feet high to show the depth of the ash that fell over three decades ago.

This summer, Kristin Johannsdottir (pictured) is leading a modern-day archaeological dig to uncover a section of town – now protected by black netting – where the homes were merely boiled in steam from hot ash; other homes, totally engulfed in molten lava, are beyond rescue. They are targeting about 10 homes which, although their top floors are crushed, are thought to have well-preserved basements. Clothes probably still hang in closets, pictures still on the walls.

While backhoes do the heavy work, volunteers are needed to shovel close to the buildings as homeowners, long-ago compensated by the government for their property, hope to seek return of their family heirlooms and keepsakes. Like the Pompeii of old, it promises to be a trip back in time, or at least back to the Seventies. (For more information: www.pompeinordursins.is).

THEY SAID IT

“The Office,” But With Puffins

An Icelandic workplace comedy show, "The Nightshift," will be reworked in an English-language version for U.S. audiences. Reveille Productions has acquired rights to develop the series, which premiered in 2007. The TV show follows three eccentric gas-station employees working the graveyard shift who try to stay motivated between run-ins with wacky customers.

"Nightshift," which uses the parade of gas station customers to touch on social issues, is considered the most successful local comedy series in Iceland's television history. Reveille has a strong track record: they are behind two successful scripted TV-show transplants, NBC's "The Office" and ABC's "Ugly Betty," and hopes the project can find a home on a U.S. network. "The show has a smart, ironic point of view, which we know will translate well in the U.S.,” said Howard Owens, managing director of Reveille.

 

“Iceland is Atlantic salmon heaven.”

– Outside’s GO magazine. In the current issue, in a story titled, “Man Bites Fish,” veteran fly-fishing writer Charles Gaines travels to the storied streams of Iceland in pursuit of the elusive, enigmatic Atlantic salmon.


TRAVEL DEALS OF THE MONTH

Stay in Reykjavik or the Entire Country for Less at FossHotel

One of Iceland’s leading hotel chains, and among the friendliest, is FossHotel. Now you can stay three nights in the capital city, or tour for seven nights around the countryside for less.

The Foss Sudurgata in Reykjavik, featuring large rooms with shower/wc, balcony or terrace with ocean or view of the Pearl Restaurant is $270 for two for three nights in July and August.

Or stay nearby at the FossHotel Baron or Fosshotel Lind in rooms with shower/wc conveniently located in the center of town.
 The cost is $360 for two people for three nights in July and August; it’s $255 for two in September.

Three nights not enough? You can get in touch with Iceland‘s most popular attractions on your own with a seven night hotel package around Iceland that includes breakfast.

Participating FossHotels are located in Dalvik, North Iceland; FossHotel Husavik or Laugar; FossHotel Vatnajökull; FossHotel Skaftafell; FossHotel Mosfell in Hella, South Iceland; and in Reykjavik. Cost is $840 for two in July, $770 in August, and $595 for two after September 9.

To learn more about these packages, click here: http://www.fosshotel.is/en/rates_offers/reykjavik_hotels_special_offers.php

For a free brochure on Iceland and Foss Hotels, click here: http://www.fosshotel.is/en/about/fosshotel_brochure.php

Iceland Summer Saver

Save up to $450 on this super summer package compared to regular package prices. This package includes airfare and two nights at the FossHotels Baron, Lind, or Sudargata from just $795* per person based on double occupancy. The Baron and Lind are both centrally located in Reykjavik close to shopping and entertainment, and the Sudargata is in the West End on the campus of the University of Iceland. The package also includes Scandinavian buffet breakfast daily except arrival day, fuel surcharge and booking fee. Click here for more info.

South Iceland Driving Sampler

Icelandair's new mini driving holidays are a way to enjoy a quick, memorable trip to Iceland. The south of Iceland is an ideal destination to get acquainted with what makes the country so special. Here's your chance to discover geysers, Viking history sites, waterfalls and beautiful black sand beaches. Each day set your own pace and discover all that South Iceland offers. This package is a budget version of Saga Sites, with savings of up to $400 per person. Departures now until Oct. 27, 2009. From $955* per person based on double occupancy.

Click here for more info.

West Iceland Driving Sampler

This driving package is priced to give you a great holiday at a low price. West Iceland is known as “Iceland in a Nutshell” for its varied landscapes and wildlife. It’s great for a short holiday to get a sense of what makes Iceland so unique. This region makes up the famous Snaefellsnes National Park. From powerful hot springs to crashing waves to Viking Saga history, you'll discover the wonders of Iceland's wild west. Departures now until Oct. 27, 2009. From $1,089* per person based on double occupancy.

Click here for more info.


*Prices quoted are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-$270, per person including the Sept. 11th Security Fee.

For Dateline readers who have not yet ordered their free 2009 Visit Iceland brochure, order here.

For information on other exciting activities in Iceland, be sure to visit:

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