Drink the water around you while you dive, toss back a beer named for polar bears, or enjoy Akavit from a tomato cup. These are just some of the quirky delights awaiting you in Iceland … not to mention a world-famous museum in the north country that we best not describe in too much detail. As the weather warms and the days are getting longer, Iceland is hitting its stride, and at a lot less cost than before. Indeed, last year you received only about 75 krona for your dollar; now you receive approximately 130. Do the math and you’ll see why this might be the time for you and your family and friends to see the country for yourself.

VIKING WORLD OPENS JUNE 17

One thousand years ago, Viking mariners set sail from the shores of Iceland, and reached the unknown coast of North America. The legend of that discovery lived on in Icelandic folkore for generations, and now will be properly celebrated in a magnificent exhibition hall called Vikingaheimar (Viking World).

Located five  minutes from the international airport in Reykjanesbær, Vikingaheimar houses the replica Viking ship Íslendingur, which sailed to North America during the summer of 2000. Visitors will be allowed to go on board Íslendingur, look out over the magnificent view of the bay through the museum windows, and imagine the exhilarating feeling of voyaging across the open ocean.

The exhibition will feature artifacts on loan from nine different museums, both original artifacts and museum replicas, texts, photographs, and audio-visual displays. Computer monitors througout the museum will encourage visitors to discover details about the ship and hear commentary from the captain on his experience.

Located five  minutes from the international airport in Reykjanesbær, Vikingaheimar houses the replica Viking ship Íslendingur, which sailed to North America during the summer of 2000. Visitors will be allowed to go on board Íslendingur, look out over the magnificent view of the bay through the museum windows, and imagine the exhilarating feeling of voyaging across the open ocean.

The exhibition will feature artifacts on loan from nine different museums, both original artifacts and museum replicas, texts, photographs, and audio-visual displays. Computer monitors througout the museum will encourage visitors to discover details about the ship and hear commentary from the captain on his experience.

On June 17, Vikingaheimar will welcome dignitaries and townspeople as part of the celebration of Icelandic Independence Day, complete with Viking style food and entertainment. (For more information: www.vikingaheimar.com)

ESCAPE TO NORTH ICELAND

Akureyri is the gateway to the country’s Arctic North which is characterized by deep fjords and small islands off the coast, including Grimsey through which the Arctic Circle passes. What’s more, Princess Cruises last summer rated Akureyri and North Iceland their third best out of 36 destinations in Europe. It’s easy to see why: you can go whitewater rafting under the midnight sun, play golf on the world’s northernmost full-size course, channel you inner Moby Dick at the Husavik Whale Museum, whale watch from a schooner (see below) or visit Myvatn lake, the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. Those fascinated by truly quirky museums, there’s also the famous Icelandic Phallological Museum which we best let you see for yourself online rather than in this G-rated newsletter. (http://www.ismennt.is/not/phallus/ens.htm).

Learn more about the North Country here: http://www.nordurland.is/default.asp?cat_id=27

By Andrew Evans
Washington, D.C.-based travel writer, author of "Iceland" (Bradt, 2007)

Imagine diving into a giant glass of mineral water:  it’s cool, perfectly clear, and absolutely untainted—there are no additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners, and no calories either.  The bottle’s back label is a long list of zeros—this is purity in liquid form.        

That’s what diving in Iceland feels like.  Admittedly, even I was skeptical at first. Scuba diving?  In the Arctic?  How is that possible and why? As an avid diver, I’ve been to tropical islands in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean. I’ve swum with bright-colored fish that were bigger than me and seen some of the best coral reefs on the planet.  Why would I want to go diving in a country that doesn’t even have palm trees (or any trees)?

Well, as with so many things in Iceland, there is always an exception to the rule. In other words, the diving there is exceptional.  Dressed in a comfortable and warm dry suit, the cold water only touches your mouth, much like sucking on an ice cube in the summer.

                                    To read the rest of the story, click here.

ORANGE IS A HOT TABLE

Reykjavík’s Orange restaurant has made it to the prestigious Condé Nast Hot Tables list for 2009. According to the list, Orange is one of the most exciting restaurants in Europe, with its innovative menu and original service. The coverage reads, in part, “Despite the unremarkable concrete facade, Orange, in Reykjavík's old harbor, is packed with playful surprises.

“A slushie machine dispenses potent neon cocktails named for Iceland's glaciers; a mason jar holding a deer and goose terrine appears amid a cloud of dry ice; and the coconut-crusted prawns arrive via a helium-filled balloon. Presiding over this fun-through-dining experience is 29-year-old chef Thorarinn Eggertsson. He deftly incorporates aspects of molecular gastronomy into a menu heavy on locally sourced ingredients like gray duck, reindeer, and salted cod.” 


Read the complete review here: http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/hotlist/2009/restaurants/detail/orange

To learn more about Orange, log onto: http://www.orange.is

SMARTER THAN YOUR AVERAGE BEER

Savvy marketers at the Icelandic brewery Ölgerdin Egill Skallagrímsson have reintroduced a brew called Polar Beer which was initially produced for British troops based in the country. “When British troops were sent to Iceland in WW II, they expected hardship, but they did not anticipate a lack of beer. And although the Arctic island’s inhabitants were not allowed to brew, sell or drink beer for another 59 years, special provisions were made to make sure the soldiers would get their pint as usual,” described an Ölgerdin press release.

A recent teaser campaign involved placing claw marks throughout Reykjavik. We think it’s a smart name; after all, what else would you drink up near the Arctic Circle, perhaps with broiled Icelandic sheep’s head (called svid), or a nice plate of nasty, foul-tasting hakarl – fermented shark meat? The new Polar Beer is lighter and fresher than the original brew and is available in bars and Vínbúdin, the Icelandic state liquor stores. You can buy it at Keflavik Airport, either coming or going. The price is about $8 per six-pack