"Iceland" Iceland by snorril

Iceland Travel Guide: 6,141 reviews and 14,409 photos

We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
Immgration song - Led Zeppelin

Facts

from www.lonelyplanet.com

Area: 103,000 sq km (39,768 sq mi)
Population: 288,000
Capital city: Reykjavík (pop 180,000)
Language: Icelandic
Major industries: Fishing, aluminum smelting

What draws visitors to Iceland is the nature. Historic building in Iceland are hard to find. Also we haven't got any great museums. However, the unique nature and the vast unspoilt wilderness has spread Iceland's reputation all over.

Where to go?

I will keep this page as a kind of introduction to Iceland with short tips from various interesting places around the country in the general tips section. In local customs I have put some Icelandic traditions and peculiarities.

The general tips section is currently set up like a round trip of Iceland (although a lot of places are missing). You start from Reykjavík, go to the West, then North, East and finally South. Have a nice trip.

I will write more detailed pages of chosen places. Already I have begun writing about my city Reykjavík. page. I also just finished writing a page of Snæfellsnes, a beautiful part of Iceland often overlooked. My Reykjanes peninsula page is also complete. Finally I have made a small page of Þingvellir, so check 'em out.

Icelandic troubles

Since October 2008 Icelandics economic problems have been widely publicized around the world. We as a nation were victims of reckless criminal bankers, incompetent politicians and regulators. These few criminals, who have been able through their private companies to summon unbearable amount of debts upon a nation, regular people, are still living their sweet life in huge apartments in London and yachts in Cannes. Classic example of privatizing the surplus and publicize the debts.

Having said that, and despite these difficult times, day to day life is pretty much unaffected. There are no shortages of any kinds, our unpredictable weather stays the same and the magnificent nature is still there. Prices have dropped significantly so now is a great time to visit Iceland :)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Clean, safe, amazing nature, unique
Cons:Unpredictable weather, reckless bankers and incompetent politicians

Intro Updated Jun 9, 2009
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Reviews (35)

Hvannadalshnjúkur Favorites (29)

Iceland´s tallest peak at 2110 meters. It is located in Vatnajökull glacier, Europe´s largest. You´ll get great views of... more travel advice

Geysir Favorites (29)

Geysir in Haukadalur valley is the along with Gullfoss waterfall and the Blue Lagoon Iceland's most visited sight. It is... more travel advice

Gullfoss Favorites (29)

Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, is one of three major sights on the popular Golden Circle daytrip from Reykjavík. This... more travel advice

Eat lamb Things to Do (1)

Icelanders are particularly proud of their lamb. The sheep roam freely on heaths and hills during the summer months,... more travel advice

Local Customs (3)
See All Genealogy
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Comments (32)

Manara Sep 24, 2009 at 4:42 PM Report Abuse

Your pictures are beautiful! I would like to visit Iceland.
jumpingnorman Jun 3, 2009 at 10:58 PM Report Abuse

Excellent Iceland tips and I find this really very useful for my visit to your country next week! Will also see Lake Myvatn...and I will enjoy the tap water! Thanks, Norman of Arizona :)
VeronicaG May 9, 2006 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

I see that Iceland is a very scenic country--the glaciers, quaint towns and wonderful countryside views...you must love traveling around your homeland...!
sprdak11 Jun 9, 2005 at 9:39 AM Report Abuse

Great travel page about Iceland! It must be a beautiful country! Greetings from Poland!
ArchitecturA May 22, 2005 at 6:38 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting. Especially the Local Customs tips
tvdm Mar 6, 2005 at 4:25 AM Report Abuse

Hey Snorri. I came across your Iceland pages and I had a great time browsing around! It also sparked a good few ideas for a future trip to your country - only this time I hope to visit in summer :) Cool info about Crimbo & genealogy! Grtz from Amsterdam!
DaveRowley Mar 6, 2005 at 3:41 AM Report Abuse

Great page Snorril..Iceland looks amazing...I should go as its so close to the UK...ps..I'm a Stoke City fan and our club is owned by an Icelandic Consortium..Have fun..Dave :-)
scottishvisitor Mar 3, 2005 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

Lovely refreshing Iceland page Good work
xuessium Mar 3, 2005 at 8:16 AM Report Abuse

HI! Valuable infos. Will keep your site as a guide, as I am eyeing Iceland this year.
Mariajoy Feb 2, 2005 at 8:53 AM Report Abuse

Hiya snorril! Fabulous Iceland page! That is sooooo interesting about the geneology... so you are related to Bjork? Amazing!