DATELINE ICELAND - January/February 2002

A periodic look at news and events from the home of the Vikings. Brought to you by the Icelandic Tourist Board.

> Go Soak Yourself
> "In"grediants, Viking Style
> Get Up and Go
> Culture Vulture
> Powder To The People
> Bottoms Up
> Here's To Your Health
> Iceland Rocks
> Akureyri is the Icelandic Aspen

Go Soak Yourself

Rejuvenate yourself with a mid-winter treat at Mecca Spa, which recently opened at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Reykjavik.

The Spa, an Icelandic mecca of health and fitness, offers a variety of massages, baths, saunas and spa treatments, utilizing the most modern equipment available. The on-site fitness center features the latest equipment and offers the services of personal trainers. Of special interest is Mecca Lava, which includes a body scrub under Vichy showers, followed by a hot lava stone massage using pure oil made of Icelandic herbs. Hey, this has got to be better than going to a shrink any day! Radisson SAS Hotel guests have complimentary use the spa facilities. For more information: 800 333 3333; www.radissonsas.com

"In"grediants, Viking Style

Customs and traditions are very much part of the Icelandic way. One of the tastier, but not necessarily low-calorie traditions, is the gastronomical feast of Thorrablot, January 18 � February 16, 2002, at time when Icelanders celebrate their heritage. This month-long, festive event takes place in homes and restaurants with singing and dancing part of the multi-course menu. You�ll be welcome at the table in Iceland so prepare yourself for a treat that will leave your taste-buds tingling, Viking style.

Get Up and Go

Icelandair Holidays is offering some tempting winter travel packages that are sure to warm one's hearts and budgets. Consider the Northern Lights package this winter: at $499 per person it includes dinner and ballroom dancing at the Pearl restaurant. This affordable nightlife package is the perfect trip for sophisticated travelers who want to dance the night away. The price includes airfare, two-nights hotel accommodation, one evening tour of the Blue Lagoon, dinner and dancing.

With Valentine's Day upon us, dazzle special someone with a red hot deal, even better than a box of chocolates. For $499 per person, an Iceland February travel package includes airfare, two-night hotel accommodation, city tour and Valentine dinner at the romantic Lonid Restaurant. Or go gourmet with a special indulge-yourself package which includes a meal at the Siggi Hall Restaurant (which landed a place among the Top 100 "Hot Tables" around the world in the Conde Nast Traveler Hot Spots issue). Dinner and Spa Spree package is from $599 per person. (For more information: Icelandair Holidays at 800-779-2899; www.icelandair.com; e-mail: [email protected]).

Culture Vulture

While in Iceland soaking up the local color, don't forget to visit the National Gallery of Iceland, which houses 19th and 20th century Icelandic art. The Gallery exhibits a variety of works from its own collection, as well as extensive special exhibitions of works by Icelandic and international artists. Guided tours, lectures and concerts add to the artistic mix of activities available to museum-goers. (For more information: tel: (+354) 562-1000; www.listasafn.is).

Powder To The People

Snow is no longer just something to shovel in Iceland. Go on a snowmobile safari and feel the warmth of the hot springs. Or wait until dark and enjoy the moonlit sky and stars. There's a good chance you'll see the Northern Lights from your evening snowmobile journey. A team of good-natured Greenlandic dogs will be your hosts on a real dogsled, whisking you away into a world of white. Did you ever think the snow could make you feel warm inside? It does when you're in Iceland. (For more information: www.adventure.is; (+345) 577-5500, (+345) 892-5500, e-mail: [email protected]; www.dogsledge.is; (+345) 487-5412, (+345) 863-8864; e-mail: [email protected]).

Bottoms Up

Looking for a decorative decanter to hold those holiday libations? Choose from seven whimsical bottles, each with handmade Viking characters with their own Icelandic name. Our personal favorite is Leppaludi. We think he and his six decanter brothers may be distant cousins of Snow White's little men. Lippaldui reminds us of Sleepy. Each decanter is US $50 and can be purchased from www.icelandicstore.com

Here's To Your Health

Now is the perfect time to escape those mid-winter blues and flu-infested office co-workers. A trip to Iceland during the winter months is the perfect tonic for what ails you. And the Icelandic people have the facts to prove it. Icelanders, after all, are at the top of the list when it comes to life expectancy. Sure, genes have something to do with it, but so does the fact that Iceland is a prosperous nation, among the wealthiest in the world today.

With its pristine natural beauty and virtually no pollution, exercising and taking advantage of Iceland outdoors is the perfect way to stay fit and healthy. It's easy for everyone to partake in the Icelandic diet, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, that plays a role in preventing circulatory diseases and reduces cholesterol. And of course, bathing in Iceland's thermal hot springs reduce stress and strain. A visit to Iceland may be just what the doctor ordered. Skol!

Iceland Rocks

Iceland's two most popular musical artists are once again in the news. Sigur Ros was chosen by Time as one of the world's top ten bands, sharing the bill with Radiohead and U2. You can hear three of their songs in the Tom Cruise flick, Vanilla Sky. Film director Cameron Crow, who knows a great talent when he sees it, has asked Sevelin-G-Englar of Sigur Ross to create the soundtrack for the movie's worldwide trailer. Not a bad thing, considering the works of Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan will also be included. In their free time, the group recently made their first major American television debut on the Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.

Bjork, dubbed "The Ice Queen," is hotter than ever. During a recent interview with Time, she reveals what inspired her to create her innovative music, which has sold 10 million albums worldwide. Could Iceland be the next music capital of the world? You heard it here first. Read more at www.time.com/time/musicgoesglobal/na/mbest.html

Akureyri is the Icelandic Aspen

A skier's paradise, Akureyi offers Alpine, cross-country or snowboarding. The country's second biggest town, Akureyri is the capital of Northern Iceland, and lies within Eyjafjordour, one of the longest fjords in Iceland.

The town boasts excellent skiing including a 5km cross-country track illuminated for night skiing. There are four first-class hotels, 20 restaurants, cafes, nightspots and great museums. Grab your poles and slide into this snowy, Icelandic winter wonderland. (For more information: icelandtotal.com).