When most tourists think of Icelandic cuisine, they tend to picture the country’s slightly less appetizing foods. There’s the rotten shark, which Anthony Bourdain claimed was one of the worst things he’d ever eaten, as well as boiled sheep's head, and Brennivin, a liquor affectionately nicknamed the “black death.” Hungry yet? While these traditional foods make the travel shows, there’s much more ... Read Full Article
The Splendours of Southern Iceland
I wave farewell to sunny Akureyri as I fly south to Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. I’m aware the weather is greyer and wetter there and wonder if I’ll need my rain suit. Its late September, after all. Sure enough it’s raining as I land, and clouds darken when I reach my hotel. Perhaps my good fortune has evaporated after three weeks of sunshine. The tour of Reykjavik this afternoon proves otherwise ... Read Full Article
Northern Iceland is Hot, Hot, Hot!
The land steams. Volcanoes erupt. Earthquakes rumble. Mud boils. Geysers gush. And, water at 100C to 200C (212F to 392F) pours right out of the earth. Iceland is the only landmass that straddles the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Their junction is called the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that runs north-south splitting Iceland in two. The geology is so temperamental because the plates are ... Read Full Article
Inside an Iceland Volcano
In past travels I have climbed through lava tubes, run from blasts of sulfur fumes from active volcanos, have witnessed fiery lava drop with steamy sizzles into the sea….BUT when told by a fellow traveler I could descend 120 meters (400ft) “into” an actual volcano chamber, I guffaw, “Yah, right… what Sci Fi have you taken to be reality – Jules Verne’s?” But here I am, with my husband Rick and nine ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Reykjavik: Editor’s Picks
For those looking to travel to Iceland, Reykjavik is a great base for exploring this diverse country. Not only is it the capital, it is also the largest city in Iceland and home to many cultural attractions and activities to include: nightlife, dining, theaters, parks, and even geothermal swimming pools. The city also has quite an upbeat and artsy feel and you will immediately be taken ... Read Full Article
Reykjavik’s Cool 101 Hotel
Iceland is listed as one of the top 10 places on the planet to spend your Christmas holiday - and for good reason. In Iceland you will find chic Santas, grannies downing vodka, the absolute best Christmas markets, and so much more. The capital, Reykjavík, has been described as a young, daring city that feels like a cosmopolitan European center as well as a tiny seaside village - all wrapped-up in ... Read Full Article
Experience Iceland by Horseback
Iceland is a refreshingly unconventional eco-destination that you may just want to experience by horseback. This island nation is bustling with subterranean activity, and a boundless supply of geothermal heat used for thermal spas, cheap house-heating and natural energy creation. Iceland is the world’s second biggest user of geothermal energy, producing as much as the United States. ... Read Full Article
Reykjavik Dining and Drinking Guide
For a small city of only about 200,000 people, Reykjavik has a disproportionately large number of restaurants and bars. You'll find the classics of Icelandic cuisines, new twists on local traditions, and international dishes from places like India, Nepal, Mexico, Spain, China, Japan, and Italy. Dining in Reykjavik can be expensive, with entrees at the trendier Icelandic cuisine ... Read Full Article
Outdoor Adventures in Iceland
Iceland’s varied topography and beautiful landscapes makes it an ideal place for the outdoor and adventure enthusiast. Long daylight hours in summer mean there’s plenty of time to pack in activities and your favorite adventure in Iceland - like golfing, white-water rafting, and hiking, but even in winter you’ll find plenty of action in this small but stunning wonderland. Tour companies ... Read Full Article
Reykjavik Up Close City Guide
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and largest city. In fact, of the approximately 300,000 people who live in Iceland, about 200,000 live in Reykjavik. Situated on the harbor, in the shadow of snow-covered mountains, the size and sensibility of a small town meets the style of a city here. There’s plenty to do to keep a visitor busy for a few days, yet it’s easy enough to get around on foot. Despite ... Read Full Article