DATELINE ICELAND - June/July/August 2001
A periodic look at news and events from the home of the Vikings. Brought to you by the Icelandic Tourist Board.
> Reyk Rocks
> The Ride Stuff
> "Free Willy" May Soon Be Freed
> Have a Blast
> Every Breath You Take
> Shake It Up, Baby
> Siggi Hall Dishes With the Best of Them
> Just Like Grandma's!
> Block Party is a Real Tongue Twister
> Wet 'N Wild
> Hot Off the Press
Reyk Rocks
First Bjork, and now Sigur Ros, the latest music sensation to rock Reyk. The
subject of a five-page story in the Apr. 22 New York Time Magazine, Sigur Ros
is becoming the most sought-after band ever to be signed by a U.S. record
label. Surprised? Bjork is from Iceland, as are the Sugarcubes, and downtown
Reykjavik is the creative nesting place for the 20 and 30 somethings, most of
whom are into one type of rock or another. Now that's music to our ears!
The Ride Stuff
Shift into drive and enjoy Iceland by car. During June, July and August, a
special Fly and Drive package from $819 per person is available from
Icelandair Holidays. You're in first gear during the summer when daylight
lasts for almost 24 hours. The country is safe and clean, English is spoken,
and they even take credit cards. For more information contact Icelandair
Holidays, 800 779 2899; [email protected]; www.icelandair.com.
"Free Willy" May Soon Be Freed
Remember Keiko, of "Free Willy" fame? Well, he's whalin' in his home in the
Westmann Islands, off southern Iceland, chowing on live cod. According to his
training team, he may be returned to the wild this year, after two decades in
captivity. Last summer, Willy left the fold to travel 600 miles during 40
separate trips, and there was speculation he might eventually join a pod.
But, like guys who'd like to think they are wild, and who need to blow-off
steam occasionally, he eventually returned home to the security and comfort
of his pen.
He and the wild orcas he encountered on his frequent forays, developed a
mutual attraction, despite Willy's distinctly curved dorsal fin, a deformity
some blame on his many years in captivity. But hey, no whale is perfect, and
it's what's in your heart and blubber that really counts, so there is no
reason to fear Willy will be rejected by the other orcas.
You might recall Keiko ("The Lucky One") was captured off Iceland in 1979, at
approximately two years of age. He has been the subject of a five-year
rehabilitation effort - a first attempt to return a long-captive whale to the
wild, at a cost of $300,000 a month, all supported by private donations. Now
it's up to Willy to make the next, and possibly final splash away from home.
You go Willy.
Have a Blast
Consider it the earliest example of a mosh-pit, rock's concert fad among
teens, (we told you Icelanders are ahead of their time!), Kerid is a very
popular tourist destination. Located in the Grimsnes region, it is a 180-ft.
deep, 3,000-year old explosion crater, part of a group of volcanic hills
called Tjarnarholar, (lake hills). Now filled with water, it forms a green
lake surrounded by steep, circular slopes. In fact, a rock concert was once
held on a floating raft with the audience forming a circle around it. To see
this Icelandic natural attraction, board a bus from Reykjavik to Gullfoss via
Selfoss.
Every Breath You Take
Not that we are into heavy competition or anything - Boston and New York
City - we mean you - but did you know that Iceland has not one, but two
marathons held during the summer? While participants try to out-run each
other, no one can beat the incredible beauty of both courses, which inspire
runners to kick-up their heels. On July 21, the Laugavegur Marathon begins in
the highlands of Landmannalaugar and extends to Thorsmork. Total distance of the race is 34 miles (55-km). Log onto www.toto.is for more info. August 19 is the Reykjavik Marathon, an international event which attracts thousands at three different levels. Phone: (+354) 568-5525; Fax: (+354) 581-3686. Both events will leave you breathless.
Shake It Up, Baby
We don't want to gush or anything, but Iceland boasts one of the greatest
natural attractions in the world. The Great Geysir, or Stori-Geysir, while
thought inactive since l916, came to life only once in 1935. Seems it is
prone to sporadic outbursts (aren't we all!?), and to this day, scientists
wonder whether its silence is eternal or temporary - so visitors be
forewarned. It is located in an extremely geothermally-active area, where
Strokkur, another geyser 328-ft. south, erupts at regular intervals every 10
minutes or so. Its glinting aquatic column of sizzling, boiling water can
reach as high as 100 feet. The whole area is one not-to-be-missed giant,
hissing, boiling vat of explosive erupting springs and steam vents -
Iceland's version of a cauldron, waiting to rock 'n roll. And you thought
Yellowstone's Old Faithful was the uber-geyser.
Siggi Hall Dishes With the Best of Them
Iceland's French-trained TV chef, Siggi Hall, has opened a new restaurant
called The Siggi Hall at Odinsve in Reykjavik, and it's an epicurean
masterpiece. In fact, it recently landed a place in the May 2001 Conde Nast
Traveler "Hot Spots" issue listing the top 100 "Hot Tables" around the
world. If you believe the magazine, and many of its 800,000 readers do, Siggi
is one of the planet's most exciting new restaurants. Since its opening in
January 2000, local power brokers, residents and visitors alike have
satisfied their appetites at Siggi Hall, making a seat at a table here as hot
as the restaurant itself.
Siggi Hall satisfies the quest for the perfect meal with tasty dishes of
fresh, local, organic ingredients, perfectly executed with surprising
Mediterranean twists. Iceland may be small geographically, but recent
exposure in Conde Nast Traveler proves it's a big player among the world's
best restaurants. For more information, visit www.icelandtouristboard.com; or
call Siggi Hall at (+354) 511-6677. His restaurant is a "Hot Table," so
reservations are essential. Bon Appetit.
Just Like Grandma's!
Cod Liver Oil is made from the livers of codfish caught in the waters of the
North Atlantic surrounding Iceland. It promotes the growth of teeth and
bones, is good for the eyes and claims to prevent illness, even the common
cold. Perhaps we've uncovered the secrets of why Icelandic natives are so
beautiful and healthy.
We knew it was something in the water. At only $11 a bottle, it's a small
price to pay for eternal health. To order: www.icelandicstore.com
Block Party is a Real Tongue Twister
Verslunnarmannahelgi, (say what!?!) is August 4-6. It's the Icelandic version
of Labor Day Weekend in the States. This is one of the world's largest block
parties, as Icelanders by the thousands drive to camp-out in the wilderness
or celebrate in numerous organized events throughout the country -- sort of
like what Generation X'ers do every summer weekend when they head for the
Hamptons. There are tons of things to do, ranging from small parties to
outdoor rock fests. No contact info is necessary. If you are lucky enough to
be in Iceland at this time, you'll know what to do and where to go.
Icelanders will make sure you are welcome.
Wet 'N Wild
Water, water everywhere and plenty of it to see. Iceland is the home of some
of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, a perfect foil to summer's warm
breezes. Seljalandsa, about 19-mi. from Skogar, is the country's only
waterfall where you can walk behind on a foot-path at the bottom of a cliff.
Gain access from the farm of Seljaland along the Ring Road, Iceland's main
highway.
Gullfoss, The Golden Waterfall, is Iceland's most famous and is one of the
natural wonders of the world. It is but a few miles from The Great Geysir,
whose enormous white glacial cascades form a rainbow against the summer sun.
Skogafoss Waterfall in the village of Skogar along the Southern Ring Road, is
a popular summer attraction, with its 200-ft. high glassine-like falls.
Legend has it that a settler is believed to have buried his chest of gold
under the Skogafoss Waterfall, but don't give up your day job trying to find
it.
Svartifoss, The Black Waterfall, is the symbol of Skaftafell National Park.
The falls drop from the unusual configuration of hexagonal basalt columns
dangling from the cliff's lip. Svartifoss has been the artistic inspiration
for the architectural design of the National Theater in Reykjavik.
Hot Off the Press
Iceland is a hot destination, be it summer or winter - the place to see and
be seen. But don't just take our word for it. USA Today jumped on the travel
bandwagon and featured Iceland in a recent two-page cover story. Here's what
they say:
Getting There: Icelandair (800 223 5500) flies non-stop from Baltimore/Washington,
Boston, Minneapolis, New York and Orlando. For more info: www.icelandair.com
The Weather: The summer temp is in the 60's. Pack rain gear and warm
outerwear as the weather temperatures change rapidly.
Where To Stay: There are a variety of accommodations to choose from in all
price ranges. A room at the upscale Hotel Holt, starts at $165 double-occupancy; contact www.holt.is or (+354) 552-5700. Hotel Borg's rates begin at $150; contact www.hotelborg.is or (+354) 551-1440. Radisson SAS Saga Hotel is a four-star chain hotel with rates starting at $123; contact www.radissonsas.com or 800 333 3333. Log onto www.IcelandTouristBoard.com to locate smaller hotels and guesthouses.
Where To Eat: There are tons of places to satisfy every appetite. Apotek, a
former pharmacy popular with fashion folk, features flounder with apples,
curry and bok choy. Traditional fare can be found at Laekjarbrekka, located
in an antique-filled house. For a less expensive meal, drop by Restaurant
Tilveran, in Hafnarfjordur, near Reykjavik.
Where To Party: Head for Astro or T Room at Rex. For a more serene scene,
head to The Dubliner or Kaffibrennslan, famous for its 63 types of beer.
What To Buy: If you spend at least 4,000 kronur (about US$40), the tax will
be refunded by providing receipts at the airport. Iceland is known for their
warm, knitted sweaters.
Not To Be Missed: You can take a dip in the steamy Blue Lagoon about 40
minutes from Reykjavik. Cost is $8.
See you in Iceland this summer.
