Want to keep up with what’s happening in Iceland and reactions from our many visitors? Here’s a Twitter tip – search #iceland. You’ll learn about an adventure trip sponsored by IcelandNaturally.com, reviews of the Blue Lagoon, news about Sigur Ros frontman’s new album, and this recent tweet from “Oelna” – “Fish is very disappointing after a week in Iceland.” Hey Oelna, want to buy Icelandic fish in the U.S.? IcelandNaturally member Icelandic USA is doing what it can. See http://www.icelandic.com/wn100.cfm
Posts Tagged ‘fish’
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Monday, February 1st, 2010THEY SAID IT
Monday, June 15th, 2009
“While you can plan the ultimate road trip by driving the country’s intensely scenic 830-mile Ring Road all in one fell swoop, I recommend zooming in on one area at a time. Start with a week in the southwestern region and you will not only see more dramatically diverse landscapes than many people see in a lifetime (glaciers, mountains, desolate highlands, fertile river valleys, volcanoes and lava fields), but you will leave the country with a list of places you’ll want to come back for. You can easily travel independently by car wherever you want to go in Iceland, or join the many organized day-trip tours that are offered. With one company, Iceland Excursions, you can be taken on all sorts of adventures from simple sightseeing expeditions to fissure diving and snorkeling trips.”
Travel writer Susan Farewell, writing for Who’s Who in America, May 15, 2009 (http://www.whoswhoinamerica.com/travel-blog/farewell-travels-may.html)
“Iceland? The closest European land to North American shores is more like Halfpriceland these days. Its krona has plummeted against the dollar, bringing what was one of the most-expensive spots on Earth back down to affordable levels, and with travel deals ramping up for the summer season this is the best time in at least five years to take the short flight over to Reykjavik.
“Dynamic, emotional, and provocative, the landscape of Iceland begs for immersion, from the deep fjords in the northwest to the massive glaciers in the south. Exotic and seemingly a million miles away, it’s actually just six hours from the East Coast. The Kentucky-sized island is blessed with sea kayaking, trekking, hiking, mountain biking, ice climbing, and many other flavors of adrenaline, but the cool thing is that the Middle Earth topography and ethereal sub-arctic light make an adventure of just breathing the Icelandic air.”
Steve Casimiro, freelance journalist http://www.theadventurelife.org/2009/05/adventure-next-door-iceland-has-never-been-so-cheap/
“Iceland is a country that every serious game fisher should visit at least once in their lifetime. Fishing amongst some of the most dramatic scenery in the world in crystal clear rivers in pristine condition is something you will never forget and once you’ve been it becomes addictive. Huge runs of salmon and grilse, sea trout and arctic char make Iceland the one destination not to be missed.”
Fish & Fly Magazine, May 19, 2009
SEAFOOD DOESN’T GET ANY FRESHER
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009
The Seatours Unique Adventure is a nature and bird watching tour on Breiðafjörður Bay in West Iceland. You sail around the numerous islands, exploring strangely shaped cliffs and navigating powerful tidal currents. You will also see countless birds, which will likely include puffins, eider ducks, shags, and, if lucky, the majestic white-tailed eagle.
The highlight of the tour is when a small net is cast overboard and shellfish delicacies are brought on board to allow all passengers the opportunity to taste delicious shellfish straight from the sea. Scallops don’t get fresher than this.
The 2 hr. 15 min. tours are scheduled between now and September 15 for a cost of about $46 for adults, less for youth. (For more information:http://seatours.is/Frontpage/Ourtours/UniqueAdventureTour/)
FISH-FRIENDLY ICELAND
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
The truth is Iceland has quietly become one of the best fishing destinations in the world, and Fish Iceland is the land’s largest sport-fishing promoter. Freshwater and sea trout, Arctic char, and especially salmon (Iceland had its best salmon fishing year on record in 2008) can be enjoyed in the stunningly clean and clear Icelandic waters.
The island landscape varies from lava fields and glacial plateaus to verdant fields and farmland and provides a wealth of activities for the family to enjoy whilst you fish. Fish Iceland’s website, FishIceland.com, provides information about river levels, salmon catches, and advice on where to stay, as well information about the rivers themselves, and online booking with immediate issuing of permits for your trip.
To experience wild, unspoiled nature in an exotic setting, contact Fish Iceland today. (www.fishiceland.com).
JUNE EVENTS HELP CELEBRATE WARM WEATHER (FINALLY)
Monday, April 13th, 2009Iceland extends warm greetings to visitors in June with a series of popular events.
Bright Days in Hafnarfjordur, June 3-7
The Bright Days arts and culture festival promotes Hafnarfjordur as a vibrant, creative town, Iceland’s third-largest with a population of 25,000. Those are just the people. The town is said to host one of the richest elf and spirit populations you’ll find anywhere in the country. The lava, in particular, is said to be inhabited by over 20 types of dwarves, four kinds of gnomes and all sorts of elves. (www.hafnarfjordur.is)
Festival of the Sea, June 6-7
An important date in the Icelandic calendar, this festival commemorates the work and sacrifices of the nation’s fisherman and the riches of the oceans they trawl. A fun weekend for the whole family, all vessels return to harbor for the event and sailors try their hands at fun-to-watch strongman and rowing competitions.
Viking Festival, June 12-17
The Viking Village town of Hafnarfjordur, still recovering from the Bright Days event mentioned above, hosts a Viking Festival with costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts. (www.fjorukrain.is)
National Day, June 17
This is Iceland’s version of Independence Day in the U.S., except without the fireworks since, well, it just doesn’t get dark enough that time of year. Celebrating the country’s independence since 1944, it includes colorful parades, street theater and lots of music and dancing.
Hungry? Icelandgourmetguide.com Celebrates Gourmet Scene
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
A new Web site from the Iceland Tourist Board and Iceland Naturally celebrates the Iceland food scene. This online gastronomic guide pays homage to the top restaurants and their chefs who are renowned for turning the country’s fresh, natural mountain lamb, poultry, game, fish and dairy into the best-tasting food in the world. Young experimental chefs are making waves in restaurants across the country and the aim of the Iceland Gourmet Guide is to invite visitors to come and sample it for themselves.
The Web site provides recipes to help you make the country’s famous fish and meat soup, pancakes, even a Happy Marriage Cake, to serve at home. Learn why Icelandic fish, caught in the fresh unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has a reputation for superb quality and delicious taste. Read about the man famous for his rotten shark, chefs passionate about keeping the path from nature to plate as short as possible, and even where to find fresh reindeer in East Iceland. Yum. (For more information: www.icelandgourmetguide.com).
Dreaming of a White Christmas?
Monday, December 15th, 2008
YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE
Pity our poor neighbors to the south who must endure a festive holiday season with nary a drop of snow on the ground. If your relative close proximity to the equator (yes, Florida and Southern Cali, we’re talking about you) is preventing you from celebrating the holidays the way they’re intended, well, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Up here, in Santa’s backyard, we have plenty of white stuff for you. But don’t take our word for it, here’s what award-winning travel writer Andrew Evans has to say about Christmas Icelandic style:
The Month of Christmas
The best part about Christmas in Iceland is that it lasts for one whole month—I don’t mean the crazy month of shopping that Americans start the day after Thanksgiving, nor the weeks of obligatory holiday parties and stress leading up to that one big day, December 25th. Compared to our culture, Icelandic Christmas is refreshingly anti-commercial. Jól is more of a season—the beginning of winter and a time to slow down 
and remember what really matters. In Iceland, the holidays really are about family, friends and some very fun, thousand-year old traditions.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas, A Rude Boy Slammed My Door
Icelandic Christmas officially begins on December 12th when the thirteen mischievous Christmas lads, or jólasveinar start showing up. The first one comes to harass sheep and doesn’t leave until Christmas day. Others play tricks like stealing food or slamming doors. “Candle beggar” comes on Christmas Day and won’t leave until January 6th. For thirteen days, children leave their shoes in the window in hopes for nightly presents from the lads, but naughty kids get a potato instead.
Eat More Fish, Shop Less
Saint Thorlákur died on December 23rd, 1193. Some eight hundred years later, Icelanders remember their patron saint on that day by eating fish and calling it quits at the mall. Icelandic tradition says that all Christmas shopping ends on St. Thorlákur’s Day. For the next three days, 
all the stores are closed—it’s heaven.
The Day Before Tomorrow
In Iceland, Christmas Eve feels like Christmas Day. That’s when you get to open all your presents and when you eat Christmas dinner. The next two days (Christmas and Boxing Day) are spent at home, celebrating and relaxing. The best part is that Christmas Day feels like a break from Christmas itself.
Cows Talk, People Sing
In a country that already parties hard, New Year’s Eve is the ultimate party. Icelanders build gigantic bonfires and gather in the warmth to eat, drink, and sing. In Reykjavík, the city lights up with a hundred fires and the streets are packed with people—you have to see it to believe it. The midnight sky lights up with stunning fireworks and the party keeps going well into the morning. In Iceland, New Year’s Eve is also a time for magical events—cows can talk and seals take human form. New Year’s Day is when you sleep it all off, though I prefer to go and soak in the Blue Lagoon—(yes, the spa is open even on the first day of the year).
It’s Not Over ’til it’s Over
The holidays only end on January 6th, or the “thirteenth day” of Christmas. Threttándinn is just another night of the same month-long party with more eating, drinking, and having fun. In fact, long winter nights only mean the parties last longer. Winter in Iceland is beautiful—the air is crisp and clean, the mountains are covered in pure white snow, and the Icelanders have such creative ways to keep warm. In a country with so many flavors—the month of Christmas is perhaps the most splendid.
Andrew Evans, winner of the 2008 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Silver Award for Best Guidebook, wrote a detailed, personable guide to Iceland with a focus on natural treasures, including glaciers, lava flows, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking skies. The nightlife of Reykjavik and the country’s viking heritage also receive ample coverage. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an independent traveler on a budget, or a comfort-seeking tourist, Evans shows you how to do it – ‘Icelander’ style – at this eco-friendly destination.
You can purchase it on Amazon.com here.
