Iceland for you

Katla

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Katla is one of the largest volcanoes in Iceland. It is situated to the north of Vík í Mýrdal and to the east of the smaller glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Its peak reaches 1,512 metres (4,961 ft) and is partially covered by the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The system has an area of 595 km² (230 sq mi). The Eldgjá canyon is part of the same volcanic system.[3][4]The caldera of the Katla volcano has a diameter of 10 km (6 mi) and is covered with 200–700 metres (660-2,300 ft) of ice. The volcano normally erupts every 40–80 years. The flood discharge at the peak of an eruption in 1755 has been estimated at 200,000–400,000 m³/s (7.1-14.1 million cu ft/sec), comparable to the combined average discharge of the Amazon, Mississippi, Nile, and Yangtze rivers (about 266,000 m³/s (9.4 million cu ft/sec)).EtymologyThe name Katla derives from the word ketill (“kettle”), referring to the form of the volcano. Katla is also used as a female first name.[5]Prehistoric activityIt is thought that Katla is the source of Vedde Ash, more than 6 to 7 cubic kilometers (1.4 to 1.7 cu mi) of tephra dated to 10,600 years BP.[1][6][7][8] found at a number of sites including Vedde in Denmark, Norway, Scotland and North Atlantic cores.Historic activitySixteen eruptions have been recorded for Katla since 930. The last major eruption started on 12 October 1918 and lasted for 24 days.[9] It was likely a VEI5 level eruption. The 1918 eruption resulted in extending the southern coast by 5 km due to laharic flood deposits. Its present dormancy is among the longest in known history.[10]Major eruptions occurred in :1918 - VEI4 or VEI5; about 0.7 cubic km ejected material1860 - VEI41823 - VEI31755 - VEI5; 1.5 cubic km ejected material. Flood discharge 200,000–400,000 m³/s1721 - VEI51660 - VEI41625 - VEI51612 - VEI41580 - VEI4934 - VEI5 or VEI6, 5 cubic km of tephra and 18 cubic km of lavaLocations of caldera rim and previous eruptions

Most of these eruptions resulted in glacial floods. The severe fissure eruption in 934 was one of the largest lava eruptions in the past 10,000 years.[11] Before the Hringvegur (Iceland's Ring Road) was constructed in 1974, people feared traversing the plains in front of the volcano because of the frequent jökulhlaup (or glacier bursts) and the deep river crossings. Especially dangerous was the glacier outburst that followed the eruption of 1918.Present day activitySchematic cross-section from west to east across the Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes. Magmatic intrusions are drawn in red, rhyolitic domes and the cryptodome in yellow; glaciers are shown in light blue.Katla has been showing signs of unrest since 1999, and geologists have concerns that it might erupt in the near future.[12] Particularly, monitoring has been intensified following the March 2010 eruptions of a smaller neighbouring volcano, the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.[13] The eruption of this nearby long-dormant volcano in March and April 2010 prompted fears among some geophysicists that it might trigger an eruption at the larger and more dangerous Katla.[14][15][16] In the past 1,000 years, all three known eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull have triggered subsequent Katla eruptions.[15]Following the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruptions, on 20 April 2010 Icelandic President Ólafur Grímsson said "the time for Katla to erupt is coming close ... we [Iceland] have prepared ... it is high time for European governments and airline authorities all over Europe and the world to start planning for the eventual Katla eruption".[17]Increased earthquake activity has been noticed on Katla since the eruption at Eyjafjallajökull, but no other signs of an imminent eruption have been observed. These quakes are located mainly on the northwestern rim of the caldera. On 9 October 2010, a sudden rise in harmonic tremor was observed in the stations around Katla, a sign of a possible impending eruption.[18]As of 2010, volcanologists are continuing to monitor Katla, aware that any eruption from Katla following an eruption from Eyjafjallajökull has historically occurred within months of the latter. The Icelandic Meteorological Office updates its website with reports of quakes both at Eyjafjallajökull and Katla.[19]In June 2011, harmonic tremor was again detected at Katla volcano. A few days later, an earthquake swarm took place in the caldera, indicating magma movement inside the volcano, leading to increased fears of an eruption in the near future.[20]On 8 and 9 July another spike in harmonic tremors occurred. Icelandic media reported a small subglacial eruption might have started.[21] On the morning of 9 July a glacier flood was reported in the river Múlakvísl, later also in the river Skálm. The bridge across Múlakvísl was destroyed as well as other parts of the road, Route 1, on the Icelandic ring road. Helicopter pilots flying over the glacier also reported cracks in the glacier, suggesting a large meltdown of the glacier on the south-eastern rim of the Katla crater

MPs Rally To Defend Former PM Trial

2012-01-20T11:51:00.001-08:00

Responding to increasing support to nix the trial of former prime minister Geir H. Haarde, members of parliament are currently working to introduce a proposal which would effectively kill legislative opposition to it.As reported, Independence Party chairman Bjarni Benediktsson submitted a proposal last year calling for the trial of Geir, who stands accused of negligence and mismanagement contributing to the 2008 financial collapse of the country, to be terminated. Support for the measure has been seen not just from the conservatives, but also from members of the Social Democratic Party, as well as from Minister of the Interior Ögmundur Jónasson.As such, parliament appears almost evenly divided on the issue. However, Leftist-Green MP Björn Valur Gíslason told RÚV that trial supporters have a plan.Bjarni intends to submit his proposal today, but Björn believes that there exists a parliamentary majority, comprised of MPs from every party except the conservatives, to vote to nullify the proposal. If it makes it onto the floor, a vote could be taken on it immediately after Bjarni's proposal is submitted.As it stands now, Geir's trial remains in a state of uncertainty.

Yoko celebrates Lennon's 70th birthday in Reykjavik

2010-09-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Legendary artist, musician and peace advocate, YOKO ONO, will be holding several events in Reykjavík, Iceland on October 9th to promote peace throughout the world and to celebrate what would have been John Lennon’s 70th birthday.

The Lennon Ono Grant for Peace was created to honor her late husband John Lennon’s dedication to peace and commitment to the preservation of human rights. Created in 2002, this biennial award has always been given to two recipients. To mark this special anniversary year, Yoko Ono will be presenting this award to four recipients who have been selected based on their courage and commitment to peace, truth and human rights.

More on visitreykjavik.is

Iceland Airwaves 2010

2010-09-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

It's 4 a.m. You've been tofiive cool clubs, seen ten great bands, made fifteen new friends and fallen in love twenty times. You're tired. You're wired. You're ready to find a bed. You're ready to find the after-party. You can't believe you're here. You're already making plans to come back next year. And guess what? It's still Day One. Iceland Airwaves 2010 vill be held October 13-17.

Since the first edition was held in 1999 (in an airplane hangar), Iceland Airwaves has become one of the premier annual showcases for new music – Icelandic and otherwise – in the world. It's made a heap of friends and won many fans along the way, and been lavished with praise pretty much everywhere they write about music. Example: Rolling Stone magazine called it "The hippest long weekend on the annual music-festival calendar."

Some of the world's most exciting artists have performed there, too. The Shins, The Rapture, TV On The Radio, Florence and the Machine, Klaxons, Hot Chip, Flaming Lips, Wolf Parade, Bloc Party and Fatboy Slim have made the short hop from Europe or North America to share the stages with Iceland's finest talents, including bands such as Sigur Rós, FM Belfast, GusGus, múm, Singapore Sling and Dr Spock, to name but a few. And when the live bands have done their thing, top DJs from all over the world spin across the city until the crack of dawn.

But there's more to Airwaves than music. Reykjavík is quite possibly the perfect festival city – small enough to be welcoming, sophisticated enough to offer cultural, historical and nightlife diversions to rival cities ten times its size. Maybe twenty. Who knows? And it's surrounded by some of the most unique and astonishing natural beauty you're ever likely to see (this is a grand statement, but you should just see it).

Roll out of bed, hose the party remains out of your hair and hop on a bus. Before you can remember what you did the night before, you're looking at geysers, waterfalls, lava fields – all the best that a volcanic island has to offer, including the world-famous Blue Lagoon, favorite soaking spot of the international hung-over glitterati. Mmm! You can really taste the hipster!

http://www.icelandairwaves.is/

Walrus Spotted in Iceland

2010-09-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

A walrus recently swam ashore at a beach in Flateyjardalur valley in the northeast, which is a rather uncommon sight in Iceland. Vignir Sigurólason, the district veterinarian in Thingeyjarsveit, told Morgunbladid that the animal is probably fully grown but he couldn’t tell whether it was male or female.

According to the website of the Icelandic Seal Center, a walrus was last spotted in Iceland in Ófeigsfjördur fjord in the Strandir region in the West Fjords in August 2008.

Before that a walrus was last seen at Hrafnbjörg in Arnarfjördur fjord on the other side of the West Fjords peninsula in 2005.

Iceland experiencing September heat wave

2010-09-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Temperature records continue to be broken in Iceland in the current heat wave. Saturday was the warmest day of the whole year so far – which is scarcely believable in the month of September.
The Icelandic Met Office has recorded temperatures over 20 degrees centigrade every day of September so far – which is totally unprecedented since temperature records began. Meteorologist Trausti Jonsson says that the temperature was as high as 24 degrees in much of northern Iceland on Saturday.

Original Iceland Volcanic Crater Goes Silent

2010-04-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

There is significant activity in the new volcanic crater on Fimmvörduháls mountain pass in south Iceland while the original crater has ceased spurting lava—for now, at least. However, the lava still seethes in the older crater.

The old crater at its most active stage. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

Seismologist Ármann Höskuldsson at the Earth Sciences department of the University of Iceland, told Morgunbladid that a broad lava stream now extends to the west of the Hvannárgil canyon and flows one or two kilometers per hour.

A team of nine scientists from the Earth Science department went to Fimmvörduháls yesterday to take samples and measure the spreading and thickness of the lava flow.

Höskuldsson said blue volcanic fumes extend from the older crater but there are no explosions. That is an indication that the crater is cooling down. Yet aerial pictures show that there is still a seething lava pool within the closed crater.

“There is quite a lively activity in the new crater and a lot of lava that flows from it,” Höskuldsson said, adding there are no indications that the eruption is about to stop.

“It was expected that the old crater would go silent as the new crater lies at a lower altitude where it is easier for the magma to reach the surface,” Höskuldsson explained.

Top Gear filming at Icelvolcano

2010-04-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

A film crew from the BBC automotive show Top Gear is now at the South Iceland volcano filming in excellent weather – but it was not easy to get there.
It took James May and his Top Gear crew ten hours to get to Fimmvorduhals in Tuesday’s exceptionally cold, snowy and windy conditions. Their convoy of super jeeps from Arctic Trucks would normally have expected to get there in around two hours.

The team, including volcanologist Haraldur Sigurdsson, has been rewarded with two days of perfect filming weather yesterday and today: bright sunshine and mild breezes.

The BBC crew started out at Solheimar on Tuesday and headed over the Myrdalsjokull glacier in six specially adapted super jeeps and two snowmobiles. The ten hour trip over the glacier would normally have taken two hours or less.

Scientists reach Icelandic volcano

2010-03-24T06:18:00.000-07:00

Scientists are now in position at the Fimmvorduhals volcano in southern Iceland and have already begun taking samples. Their arrival in previous days had been hampered by poor weather.
Activity in the area was more intense last night than for most of yesterday, demonstrating that the eruption near Eyjafjallajokull is not slowing down. Three peaks were measured in the night, each causing a gas explosion.

Todays’ weather in the area is much calmer than in previous days, with light cloud and gentle wind, which has led to the volcano being visible from afar once more, Visir.is reports.

A meeting will be held today with local residents to update them on what is happening under their feet and what they should do to remain safe.

Geologists and volcanologists seem to agree that the eruption will likely continue for several weeks or months.

New Eruption Photos

2010-03-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

Myndir: Þór Kjartansson

Another South Iceland Volcano Might Start to Erupt

2010-03-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Geophysicist Páll Einarsson said all known eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull have been in connection with eruptions in the neighboring volcano Katla underneath the Mýrdalsjökull icecap. Now that Eyjafjallajökull has started to erupt, Katla might follow.

The volcano Katla hides underneath the Mýrdalsjökull icecap. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

Eyjafjallajökull has erupted three times since the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century AD, in 920, 1612 and 1821. All three eruptions were rather small but caused flooding. However, there is a short distance to Katla, Einarsson said, which is a powerful and vicious volcano, ruv.is reports.

“Katla is of a completely different kind […] but they seem to be connected, because all known eruptions in Eyjafjallajökull were related to Katla eruptions and therefore it seems that they might a prelude to eruptions in Katla,” Einarsson said.

“Eyjafjallajökull might to a certain extent work as a detonator for a dynamite explosion,” the geophysicist added. “If it goes off it is like Katla can’t resist it and also wants to join in. Those eruptions can be big and cause extensive damage.”

Iceland should stand up to shameful bullying

2010-02-28T04:22:00.000-08:00

John Kay is one of Britain’s leading economists. His interests focus on the relationships between economics and business. His career has spanned academic work and think tanks, business schools, company directorships, consultancies and investment companies. For more details of John’s biography, see the About section.

24 February 2010, Financial Time

The assertion that depositors in Kaupthing and Landsbanki have a claim on ordinary people who were too prudent to put money there, or did not have any money to deposit in the first place, has little justice or legal basis.

When Scotland’s two largest banks were rescued in 2008, their combined gross liabilities totalled more than half a million pounds for each man, woman and child in the country. Most Scots do not have half a million pounds; indeed, many Scots will not earn half a million pounds in their entire working lives. But this does not matter, since the sum is irrelevant. The liabilities of the Scottish banks are plainly not liabilities of the Scottish population, either legally or morally. This would not change one bit if Scotland had an independent government. These points are so obvious that they should hardly need to be made.

That brings us to the referendum planned in Iceland for March 6. The Icelandic situation is a bit more complicated, but the essentials remain the same. The European Union requires that member states allow each other’s banks to seek deposits throughout the Union (and Iceland) under a passport scheme. If the bank operates a branch in another country, the home country is responsible for supervision; if the bank fails, depositors are entitled to compensation in the home country. If the bank operates a subsidiary in another country, that subsidiary will be supervised there and depositors must look to their own country’s deposit protection scheme.

One of the two large Icelandic banks – Kaupthing – operated in the UK through a subsidiary, and the other – Landsbanki – operated through a branch. Supervision was lamentable in both cases. Well before the collapse of Lehman, both institutions were obviously close to the rocks, if not heading directly towards them. Encountering difficulty raising wholesale finance on competitive terms, Kaupthing and Landsbanki sought to raise retail deposits aggressively in the UK.

When these Icelandic banks failed, depositors were entitled to look to the relevant deposit protection scheme for compensation, as EU rules require. These rules forgot, however, to require that these deposit protection schemes had the resources to pay such compensation. Iceland’s scheme had negligible reserves and operated in a bust financial system. In 2008-09, Britain’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme paid out £19.9bn ($30.8bn) and imposed levies of £170m.

Both the Icelandic and British schemes therefore turned to the only possible source: their own taxpayers. The Icelandic government does not have the £3.5bn needed to cover its shortfall. The British government does not have the £20bn needed to cover its own shortfall either. But Britain has 56m people, Iceland 320,000. In the British case, but not the Icelandic, the difference could be hidden within the overall totals of public borrowing.

The assertion that depositors in Kaupthing and Landsbanki have a claim on ordinary people who were too prudent to put money there, or did not have any money to deposit in the first place, has little justice or legal basis. The public might more reasonably be asked to rally round if Britain and the EU acknowledged their own responsibility for past failures or had serious plans to prevent a recurrence.

The passport scheme failed at its first significant test: it is intolerable that weak banks should offer greedy depositors above-market rates backed by government guarantees. Processes for the resolution of failed financial institutions proved inadequate. The only satisfactory means of dealing with these problems requires that banks match their deposits with safe assets ring-fenced within the jurisdiction in which the deposits are collected. The proposition that better regulation in all 27 member states will in future prevent cross-border failures of retail banks is risible.

Our rationale for bullying the people of Iceland is the rationale of all bullies: we are doing it because we can. Or because we thought we could. Now Iceland again has the upper hand. If the vote on March 6 goes ahead the public will be given its first opportunity to reject the claim that it must take financial responsibility for the failures of banks and bankers. That will be a game-changing event, which is why Britain and Holland are negotiating. We should be ashamed of ourselves.

Tags: Fallacies, Finance, Governance, iceland, Regulation

Icelandic Women Prepare to Be Pampered Today

2010-02-23T04:56:00.000-08:00

People usually don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in Iceland, which is an imported holiday. Icelanders have their own romantic days: January 22 was bóndadagur, or Husband’s Day, and today it’s the women’s turn to be pampered on konudagur.

Many women in Iceland will receive flowers from their loved ones today. Photo by Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir.

While bóndadagur marks the beginning of the old month of thorri (and the thorrablót mid-winter feasts with all sorts of strange treats) konudagur, Women’s Day or Wives's Day, marks the beginning of the month of góa.

In Icelandic there’s a saying: “ad threyja thorrann og góuna,” which refers to these two months representing the harshest winter period and if people can just stick it out until the end of góa they have survived winter and can start looking forward to spring.

But even in the harshest time of winter it’s nice to have a reason to celebrate. On konudagur men must remember to treat their partners to something nice; flowers and chocolates are always popular.

The sale of flowers doubles on konudagur. “Our feeling is that women rather buy flowers along with something else [on Husband’s Day] but men rather make a special trip to the florist’s on Women’s Day and buy larger bouquets,” florist Sigurdur Moritzson at Graenn markadur commented to Morgunbladid.

The oldest sources of the first day of góa being called konudagur date back to the mid-19th century, according to the University of Iceland Science Web.

It is assumed that the beginning of each month was celebrated in paganism and that the custom was preserved to some extent after Icelanders converted to Christianity in 1000 AD.

The first day of thorri and góa eventually evolved into bóndadagur and konudagur as we know the holidays today.

Although no particular dish is related to konudagur, as is the case with bóndadagur, it is traditionally celebrated with a rather fancy dinner as the day always falls upon a Sunday.

As for boyfriends and husbands who “forget” to cook their girlfriends and wives something special tonight, the ninth Food and Fun festival begins in Reykjavík on Wednesday with special menus at a range of restaurants in the capital.

Are you adventurer

2010-02-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

Then Greenland is a char fishing paradise for you. This is 'frontier fishing' at its most exciting!

Greenland offers endless fishing opportunities on hundreds of rivers and lakes. Those lakes, connected to the ocean by clear rivers, provide the best fishing, but the fjords are also extremely productive in the early part of the season. Char start to gather in the fjords near the river mouths in early July and begin to move into the rivers by mid-month. By August the rivers and lakes are full of fish.

5days. from: 31/08/2010 to 04/09/2010
Group size - 7 to 8 person

5days. from: 07/09/2010 to 11/09/2010
Group size - 7 to 8 person

Fly to Narsarsuaq from Reykjavik at 13.45 on Saturday arriving to Narsarsuaq 14.45. From Narsarsuaq on Tuesday at 15.45 and arrival in Reykjavik is 20.45.

New Year’s Eve

2009-12-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Eve
If Icelanders don’t drink on Christmas Eve, they most certainly make up for it on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is probably the biggest party night of the whole year. The most distinguishing characteristic of an Icelandic New Year’s Eve are the fireworks. Everyone buys fireworks and on this night everyone is allowed light fireworks (ususally requires special permission from the authorities). And Icelanders make sure they take full advantage of that. Fireworks are lighted all night long, reaching the high point at midnight, when the sky lights up for a few minutes as the fire trucks and harbored ships ring their bells and blow their horns to welcome the new year. It is certainly the grandest display of fireworks you will ever see. After midnight, people gather either downtown to go clubbing or at parties where they drink the night away, often until the early hours of the morning.
Understandably, there is usually not much activity in Iceland on New Year’s Day, except perhaps for the younger children who run out to gather the sticks from the fireworks and there is often fierce competition over who find the most.

The ‘Christmas Cat’

2009-12-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

The ‘Christmas Cat’
An old Icelandic folklore states that everyone has to get one new piece of clothing at Christmas. Anyone who was left out was in danger of being eaten by a malicious beast called the Christmas Cat. The Christmas Cat is Grýla’s cat (see Yule Lads) and every effort was made to ensure that no-one would “go to the Christmas Cat”. Thus, everyone worked very hard to make a new piece of clothing for each member of the household.
The first stories about the Christmas Cat arose in the 19th century and were probably aimed at lazy children. It seemes to have worked as, to this day, everyone gets a new piece of clothing either before or at Christmas.
Similar stories exist about a bull in the Baltics and about a goat in Norway.

The Yule Lads

2009-12-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Yule Lads
Icelanders have not one, but thirteen Santas, or Yule Lads. These lads are not related to Santa Claus in any way. They are descendants of trolls and were originally used to scare children. In the last century, however, they have become a lot friendlier.
The number of Yule Lads has varied throughout the centuries but now they are consistently thirteen. The number 13 was first seen in a poem in the 18th century and the names that they carry today was published in Jón Árnason’s folklore collection of 1862. Their current names are: Stekkjastaur (Sheepfold Stick), Giljagaur (Gilly Oaf), Stúfur (Shorty), Þvörusleikir (Spoon-licker), Pottasleikir (Pot-licker), Askasleikir (Bowl-licker), Hurðaskellir (Door-slammer), Skyrgámur (Skyr-glutton), Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-pilfer), Gluggagægir (Peeper), Gáttaþefur (Sniffer), Ketkrókur (Meat-hook) and Kertasníkir (Candle-begger). As you can tell from these names, the lads are very mischievous and they have retained their unique characteristics to this day. They live in the mountains with their parents, Grýla and Leppalúði. They come to town, one by one, in the days before Christmas. The first one arrives on December 12th and the last one on December 23rd. Formerly, they tried to pilfer their favorite things or play tricks on people (hence their names), but now their main role is to give children small gifts. Every child in Iceland puts their best shoe on their bedroom window sill on December 12th (some try to put their boot, in the hope that they may get more, but so far the Yule Lads haven’t been fooled) and they get a small gift from each lad when he arrives in town. But beware not to be naughty or the lad might just leave a rotten potatoe in your shoe!
Their original clothing are rags that are similar to farmer’s clothes in the 18th century. and they are often seen carrying their favorite food. Nowadays, however, they are usually seen in familiar red clothing with white beards and black boots.
They often make appearances at Christmas dances, which are very popular among Icelandic children. Children (adults are of course welcome to join them) dance around a Christmas tree and sing carols. The highlight of the dance is when one of the Yule Lads joins the celebration and dances and sings with the kids and usually gives them a goody bag before he leaves.
The day after Christmas the first lad returns to the mountains. Then they leave, one by one, until the last one leaves on January 6th, which is the last day of the Christmas season.

Iceland Airwaves

2009-10-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

The hippest long weekend on the annual music festival calendar” by David Fricke of Rolling Stone, Airwaves celebrates its 11th year of featuring cutting edge acts and general debauchery in one of the most unique settings on earth, the eclectic and intimate venues throughout Reykjavik’s charming city centre.
This year’s festival features more than 100 acts from Iceland, the UK, Scandinavia and North America. Airwaves will continue to attract a large crowd from the UK, especially given the extremely favorable exchange rate.

The Eurovision Song Contest

2009-05-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

The Nordic countries enjoyed an excellent Eurovision 2009, with all five Nordic songs progressing to the final and Norway and Iceland ending up first and second.
Norway were runaway winners on the night in Moscow with 387 points, including top marks (12 points) from 16 countries.
Iceland came second with 218 points, including ‘Douze Points’ from three countries: Norway, Malta and Ireland.
In third place was Azerbaijan with a very respectable 207 points.
Iceland’s Johanna (Yohanna) Gudrun Jonsdottir equalled her country’s best showing when Selma also bagged second in 1999.
Norway’s Alexander Rybak brings Eurovision home for the third time after Norwegian victories in 1985 and 1995.

The midwinter Viking feast of Thorrablot (Þorrablót)

2009-01-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

The midwinter Viking feast of Thorrablot (Þorrablót) continues to be celebrated by Icelanders during the ancient Icelandic month of Thorriwhich begins which begins on the first Friday after January 19th (the 13th week of winter). Thorri is the personification of King Winter, usually depicted as a wizened old man, kind to those that respect him or cruel to those that do not. Origins of the name are unclear but are possibly derived from Thor, the god of thunder or legendary King Thor, who united Norway. Join the locals in sampling some of their more unusual culinary delicacies such as rotten shark’s meat (hákarl), boiled sheep’s head, (svið) and congealed sheep’s blood wrapped in a ram’s stomach (blóðmör)! Wash this down with some Brennivin or black death – a potent schnapps made from potato and caraway. After the Thorrablot dinner traditional songs, games and story telling are accompanied by dancing and in true Icelandic style continue in to the early hours of the morning! If you fail to receive a personal invitation to a family feast, local restaurants add Thorrablot colour and taste to their menus. For more information on events visit http://icelandgourmetguide.com

Email us icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is or call now to speak to a Trip Advisor +354 899 5438 /+354 895 0985

Snowmobile Experience

2009-01-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Snowmobile tours provide a unique opportunity to mix adventure and sightseeing experiences together, and are a key to a great day in Iceland. Experience Iceland’s most spectacular scenery from the freedom of a snowmobile. Iceland on Track offers an excellent variety of snowmobile experiences. During spring, summer and fall snowmobile activities are in full swing on the following glaciers: Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull. In high winter, depending on snow condition the snowmobiles are moved closer to Reykjavík. You have the option of visiting few places of interest after of before the tour.

Email us icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is or call now to speak to a Trip Advisor +354 899 5438 /+354 895 0985

Restaurant in Reykjavik

2009-01-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lystin is a small fine dining restaurant in the city centre of Reykjavík, run by master chef Ivan Dasko and Jón Óskar. Lystin specialize in Icelandic fusion, seasonal and tasting menus. The restaurant seats up to 40 people at one time, and in the summertime we also offer our 200 square meter outside area to the convenience of guest.

It was a nice surprise I personally recommend Lystin, fantastic food.
http://lystin.is/

We are going out to play… would you like to join us?

2008-12-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tour Length: 4 days
Our aim is to explore the biggest glacier in Europe… Vatnajokull. Sites and activities will be decided on the fly depended on the condition. On our trip we can have good or bad weathers so this is a tour for people who dare! We will stay in mountain cabins and we will provide the sleeping bags needed. We plan to stay two nights at a mountain cabin that is located on a steaming volcanic mountain that stands up out of the centre of the glacier. In the mountain cabin is a steam bath … something very unique and unforgettable. Full board is included with a barbeque in the evening.Included: 4 days program Driver-guide, minimum 2 Super-Jepps and max 3 pax per jeep. 3 nights sleeping bags accommodation in mountain cabins and extra warm sleeping bags and linen. Full Board on the tour.
We still have vacancy in middle of February and in the beginning Mars.

These trips are for the most adventurous who'd like to experience the best of nature in this magical and mysterious last frontiers.

Email us icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is or call now to speak to a Trip Advisor +354 899 5438 /+354 895 0985

USA TODAY names Iceland a TOP 5 BARGAIN DESTINATION

2008-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since Iceland was on the radar as a bargain destination. But this year, the small country has seen a precipitous 22% drop in the value of its currency against the euro. As a result, Iceland is on the map this fall as a more affordable alternative to mainland Europe.
The nation's national carrier, Icelandair, is advertising fall sale fares with substantial savings compared to fall flights to the Continent. For example, an October flight from Boston to Reykjavik, the capital city, is $562 (even lower than the advertised price), while round-trip flights to Paris on other carriers around the same time top $1,000.
You can also find deals on vacation packages this autumn. Icelandair is offering $120 off per person for September departures of its fall Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package, which includes airfare, accommodations, most meals, and sightseeing from $1,869 before the discount. Its Iceland Airwaves special includes airfare, two nights' accommodations, and passes to the major music festival taking place between October 15 and 19, from $877 per person. Package provider go-today.com has an October three-night Reykjavik getaway from $829.

Iceland as usual

2008-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

While Iceland and most other countries are currently dealing with a serious financial crisis, business in Iceland is being conducted as usual. All services - including banking services – are functioning as on any other day. Hotels, restaurants, airlines, car rentals, currency exchange facilities, offices, shops, etc. are all open for normal business. Visitors can be assured that they will be treated with same friendly hospitality that Icelanders have become known for throughout the travel world. There is no reason to fear that a visit to Iceland will be anything other than an enjoyable experience.

Icelandic dog

2008-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Icelandic dog is often described as a large dog in the body of a small dog.Icelandic dogs are tough and energetic. Hardy and agile, they are extremely useful for herding and driving livestock or finding lost sheep. However, the dogs are not known for hunting. Icelandic dogs are very alert and will always give visitors an enthusiastic welcome, without being aggressive. Friendly and cheerful, the Icelandic dog is inquisitive, playful and unafraid. Most adore children and get along well with other dogs and pets.

Popular tour with Iceland on Track

2008-10-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our On Track Golden Circle tour takes you off the beaten path to experience Iceland’s natural gems in the comfort of our 4x4 trucks. Our first destination is near the volcano Hengill, where we stop at the Nesjavellir Geothermal Plant, which provides Reykjavík with both hot water and electricity in one of the world’s most environmentally friendly manner. Then we drive to beautiful Þingvellir, where Iceland’s first parliament “Alþingi” was established in 930 AD. Next, we cross the mountain road of Lyngdalsheiði to reach the famous Geysir. From Geysir, it’s only a short drive to Iceland’s best known waterfall, Gullfoss, which cascades down 32 metres into the mighty glacial river Hvíta. After seeing Gullfoss up close and listening to its roaring thunder, we drive a mountain track to Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. On the way back to Reykjavík, we make a short photo stop at the explosion crater Kerið, which dates back approximately 6500 years.Before returning to Reykjavík.

Email us icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is or call now to speak to a Trip Advisor +354 899 5438 / +354 895 0985

Iceland on Track we do tours to Greenland

2008-10-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Fishing and Hunting in Greenlandwith Iceland on Track. Arctic char - Reindeer - Musk Ox - Arctic Hare Greenland is a char fishing paradise. Although this awe-inspiring wilderness is fairly new on our angling list, it is fast becoming a firm favourite amongst our clients. Our reindeer hunters have been returning full of praise for what they have experienced there, and so too are the growing number of anglers. This is 'frontier fishing' at its most exciting! We have a vast hunting concession in the south of Greenland, which also offers endless fishing opportunities on hundreds of rivers and lakes. Those lakes connected to the ocean by clear rivers provide the best fishing, but the fjords are also extremely productive in the early part of the season. Char start to gather in the fjords near the river mouths in early July and begin to move into the rivers by mid-month. By August the rivers and lakes are full of fish. August is also a more comfortable time to fish as the mosquitoes are beginning to die off.Greenland char run between 1 lbs. and 5 lbs., but we've caught a few weighing close to 10 lbs. They are free takers of both streamers and nymphs. Bright flies with orange or magenta in the dressing are most effective.Accommodation is on full-board basis in the village Narsaq. Be advised, our char fishing trips to Greenland are "rugged", requiring lots of walking and travelling in boats. The service and facilities are best described as rustic. These trips are for the most adventurous anglers who'd like to experience great fishing and the best of nature in this magical and mysterious last frontier.
Email us icelandontrack@icelandontrack.is or call now to speak to a
Trip Advisor +354 899 5438 / +354 895 0985

Ford Excursion extended luxury Super Truck 10 passengers

2008-09-06T15:25:00.001-07:00

We have just added a new monstertruck to our fleet, a luxurious limousine Ford Excursion Super Truck that takes 10 passenger’s very comfortably. The vehicle is customized with 46" tiers, front and rear differential locks for full 4x4 traction and a 7.3 liter diesel engine that make this monster unstoppable and allows us to go virtually anywhere in the highlands of Iceland. We go across unbridged rivers, rugged trails and on to glaciers.

The vehicle is fitted with all the extras: PC to control visual and audio systems, Alpine stereo system, VSF and Satellite communications, and Ground Position System.

For more information contact iclandontrack@icelandontrack.is

Reykjavík

2008-09-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland. Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world' most northern national capital. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay. With a population of 120,000, it is the heart of Iceland's economic and governmental activity. Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have established around 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national center of commerc, population and governmental activities.
Today, Reykjavík is the centre of the Greater Reykjavík Area which, with a population of 200,000, is the only metropolitan area in Iceland. As a highly modernized capital of one of the most developed countries in the world, its inhabitants enjoy a first-class welfare system and city infrastructure. Its location, only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, receives only four hours of daylight on the shortest day in the depth of winter; during the summer the nights are almost as bright as the days. It has continued to see population growth in past years as well as growth in areas of commerce and industry.

Mýrdalsjökull

2008-09-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Mýrdalsjökull, literally the ice cap in the marsh valley, is a glacier in the south of Iceland. It is situated to the north of Vík í Mýrdal and to the east of the smaller glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Its peak reaches 1,493 m in height and in 1980 it covered an area of 595 km². Mýrdalsjökull viewed from north.The ice-cap of the glacier covers an active volcano called Katla. The crater of the volcano has a diameter of 10 km and the volcano erupts normally every 40 - 80 years. As the last eruption took place in 1918, scientists are monitoring the volcano very carefully. Since 930, 16 eruptions have been documented. The Laki craters and the Eldgjá being part of the same volcanic system, it can be regarded as one of the most powerful in the world.

Icelandic climate

2008-09-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, this brings mild Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air resulting in a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and storminess. Furthermore this leads to more rainfall in the southern and western part than in the northern part of the island.
The summer tourist season is from late May to early September. During the first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever changing landscape. However, even during the middle of summer the sky is frequently cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm the air much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool ("refreshing" is the local euphemism) and cold during nighttime.
Sunset in May
Sunset seen from Flatey in Breidafjördur on May 23rd 2003 at 22:54 o´clock. © Þórður Arason.
The winter season is the abode of long nights, and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draws an increasing number of tourists.
During summertime tourists should bring a windbreaker, rainwear, a thick pullover (wool or fleece) and sturdy walking shoes. Travelers who are camping or heading into the interior will need warm underwear and socks, rubber boots and a warm sleeping bag.

Fishing in Iceland

2008-08-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Take a short break and find peace and quiet on a beautiful lake, or catch fish in a nearby river. Having such direct contact with nature provides recovery time that is good for both the body and the soul. You can choose from thousands of trout and char fishing lakes and dozens of salmon rivers.

Also sea angling it is fantastic experience. The crystal clear air and the excitement of catching a fish in the happy company of first-timers and experienced fishermen makes this a must-do trip.
The most commonly caught fish are cod, haddock, pollock and catfish. If you are lucky, you might even catch a giant halibut!

Shopping in Iceland

2008-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Shopping in Iceland? Despite its small size, Reykjavík offers excellent possibilities for shopping. Surprisingly, the prices of designer and luxury goods are often considerable lower than on the continent. This is partly because retailers don't have to pay the sky-high cost of prime-spot retail space like in larger cities. Look for Icelandic design in fashion, inspired by the hard conditions and the beautiful nature. For those who are ready to go upscale and enjoy the good things in life, it comes as great news that in the past years, Iceland has seen a growing number of designers offering their unique creations. They have often studied abroad and then returned to enrich their country with their unbound creativity, throwing up colors and forms that mix international flair, and yet are firmly rooted in Icelandic culture

Dining in Iceland

2008-07-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dining in Iceland? Icelandic restaurants are a treat, considering the small size of the capital, there is an excellent choice of gourmet restaurants available. In Reykjavík, everyone will find a restaurant catering for their taste - whether Icelandic restaurants, Asian, Japanese, Italian or French or fusion cuisine. Restaurants, ranging from medium priced all the way to the high end. Many of the restaurants employ award winning chefs, who have won praise for their innovative cooking and overall skills. Using only the best raw materials available, such as Icelandic mountain lamb and freshly caught fish, they create masterpieces that you will always remember.

Snowmobile tours

2008-07-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Þórsmörk

2008-07-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Þórsmörk is a valley in Iceland that was named after the Germanic god Thor (Þór). It is situated in the south of Iceland between the glaciers Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull.
Here, the river Krossá winds between the mountains. In the protected valley, there is green vegetation of moss, fern and birchwood.
The Krossá is a very cold river coming down from glaciers. It is a bit dangerous to cross the river, but for pedestrians, a bridge has been installed.
The valley is closed in between glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull being at the rear end of the valley. This leads to an especially warm climate, better than in the rest of south Iceland.
Þórsmörk is also very popular amongst hikers. A lot of different tours are possible, from hiking on the glaciers to trekking (i.e., Laugavegur up to Landmannalaugar) or smaller excursions, such as to the canyon Stakkholtsgjá with its waterfall.

Whales around Iceland

2008-07-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

From the beginning of history, people have regarded whales with mixed feelings, seeing them variously as terrifying beasts, animals to be exploited or mysterious and fascinating beings of wonder. In the eyes of some, whales are shrouded in mystique, while others see them as man's rivals on the fishing-grounds. For the most part, whales are now protected, and the last few years more and more people have sailed the open seas to look at them in their native element.

For more information http://www.randburg.com/is/whales-around-iceland/index.asp

Puffins in Iceland

2008-06-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

Iceland is home to one of the world's largest colonies of puffins. Over half of the world population of the Atlantic Puffin breeds in Iceland. It is estimated that around 3 million pairs breed in Iceland each year – that´s 6 million puffins but only 70% of the total are breeding birds. So the total population of puffins in Iceland is between 8 and 10 million birds.
Puffins are both beautiful and fun to look at. They exhibit amusing antics and maneuvers both in air and on land. Perhaps it is this combination of strange colorful look and behavior that make them so loveable.
There are a number of places in Iceland where you can visit the Atlantic Puffin. Látrabjarg is one of three largest bird cliffs in Iceland. Located in the west of Iceland it is also as far west in Europe you can get. Other Puffin areas are The Westmann Islands , Breiðafjörður and Lundey ( Puffin Island) just outside Reykjavik. Lundey is not nearly as big a puffin colony as the others but around 30.000 puffins inhabit this small island which is just 3 minutes sailing from Reykjavik.
The other two large bird cliffs are Hornbjarg and in the Natural Reserve Park of Hornstrandir which is in the north west of Iceland. In Hornstrandir it´s ideal to combine hiking and birdwatching.
In the Westmann Islands, which holds about half of all Icelandic puffins, the puffins are both harvested and saved. Puffins have been a vital source of food through the centuries for Icelanders in the islands. However, they are sustainbly harvested because Icelanders know they need them again next year. Icelander´s also save the puffins when in August millions of newborn puffins leave their burrows in the cliffs of Heimaey—the main island in the Westmann Islands. The puffins leave at night, using the moon to navigate. But the streetlights of Heimaey seem to throw off some of the young birds' flight plans. When that happens, it's time for the children of Heimaey to launch the Puffin Patrol—basically a search and rescue operation for the befuddled birds, which, instead of flying out to sea, fly into town where they crash-land and end up on the streets. The children of Heimaey have been saving young pufflings for generations. In fact, at the end of the summer, releasing them by the hundreds to the safety of the sea has become a local tradition. The harvesting season of puffins in the Westamann Islands is from July 1. to August 15 and soon after that the Puffin Patrol starts rescuing the baby puffins on there way to sea. A baby puffin is called “Pysja” in Icelandic.Around the year 1900 the puffin was almost made extinct in the Westmann Islands because of harvesting. The puffin was hunted for it´s down which was exported to Denmark. The hunting was banned for 30 years and when it was harvested again Icelanders started using a hunting method from the Faroe Islands, where the puffins are caught in a net on a long pole.

Landmannalaugar

2008-06-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

The Landmannalaugar area is famous for its incredible natural beauty. The area consists of more geological elements than you can count, but more obvious are the rhyolite mountains and vast lava fields, rising up right by the mountain hut. The many mountains around come in all the world's colours; pink, brown, green, yellow, blue, purple, black, white and more, the most notable mountains being Bláhnjúkur (Blue peak) and Brennisteinsalda (Sulphur dune).
Right by the hut and the lava field there is a hot natural pool, which is in fact a naturally heated stream, blocked with rocks and wood so that it forms a pool. People can bathe here and are there showers and toilets nearby, as well as a place to leave your towel right by the pool.
In Landmannalaugar you can also ride an Icelandic horse, for shorter or longer rides. The horse riding trips takes you places which can often be difficult to access on foot and not permitted by car as there are no official roads, as an example into Jökulgil. From late June and through the summer, a couple from the Westfjords come and serve food and coffee to travelers in their green bus-shop, Fjallafang, as well as selling other things useful to travelers. Landmannalaugar is the usual starting point for the famous 4 day long hiking trail aptly called Laugavegur.

Horseback Riding

2008-05-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

The history of the Icelandic Horse can be traced right back to the settlement of the country in the late 9th century. Viking settlers brought with them their best horses, from various origins, though mostly of Germanic descent. Some sources say that the Icelandic Horse is a descendant of a Northern European breed, “Equus Scandinavicus”, while others claim that the horse is closely related to the English Exmoor pony. Although the origin of the breed was mixed, today this is one of the most purebred horse breeds in the world, due to its isolation. The breed has remained pure for over a thousand years and thus today there is only one breed of horse in Iceland – The Icelandic Horse. The Icelandic Horse has played a key role in the life of Icelanders from the beginning. In heathen times the horse was highly regarded and renowned in Norse mythology. Several of the Norse Gods owned horses that played major parts in the mythical stories. The most famous of these mythological horses was Sleipnir, the eight footed pacer. The influence of the Norse myths can still be seen in Icelandic horsemanship, as many riding clubs bear names of mythical horses, as do several horses in modern day Iceland. The horse is also often mentioned in the Icelandic Sagas where it played a vital role in the time of Viking warfare. The Vikings treated their horses with great respect and to a warrior a good horse was indispensable. A slain warrior would often be buried alongside his mount. For centuries the horse was the only means of transportation in Iceland as well as being the most important working animal in the days before machinery. Therefore the horse was called “the most useful servant” and it literally followed man from birth to grave, fetching the midwife as well as pulling the coffin to the cemetery. When the first automobile arrived in Iceland in 1940 the horse rapidly became redundant.However, a few enthusiastic individuals who were interested in the horse’s riding abilities kept breeding good horses and Iceland’s first horse breeding association was formed the same year the automobile arrived, but up until that time horses had mainly beenbred with strength and stamina in mind, rather than riding abilities or gaits.

History of Snaefellsjökull National Park

2008-05-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

The adventurous Bárður Saga Snæfellsás is the best known of the Icelandic Sagas that take place in this area. There are archaeological remains from the period of Iceland’s settlement around 1100 years ago – examples of which are the Forni-Saxhóll farm, Berutóftir and Írskubúðir. Near Gufuskálar there are a large number of dome-like structures of unknown origin, thought to be between 500 and 700 years old. They are probably the oldest known relics of the fishing industry in Scandinavia. A few people believe that these structures served instead as places of prayer or meditation for Irish monks who may have once lived in the area.
Fishing flourished in the 13th century and the human population grew in the areas around the glacier. A church had been built on Ingjaldshóll hill before 1200 AD. The size of the church bears witness to the sizeable population of nearby towns and villages, at least during fishing season. Rich fishing grounds were nearby and the fishing stations were constructed where there was good access to the open sea. Dritvík is one of the best-known examples. It was one of the largest fishing stations in Iceland for a time, with 40-60 boats and 200-600 people employed there. Fishing declined on Snæfellsnes Peninsula during the 19th century because of changes in fishing techniques.
Villages close to the National Park include Hellissandur, Rif and Ólafsvík. They were all fishing and commercial centres. Today, they are still flourishing fishing ports with lively communities.

Omar is on his way home!

2008-05-17T03:06:00.001-07:00

This extended car was build by the team Tim, Martin and the gang in Oklahoma. Best of luck to you all and thank you all

2008-05-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

New car on the way to Iceland.
This one of a kind custom stretched Excursion Limited Edition vehicleIt will go on 46” tiers

Flavour of Iceland

2008-05-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Iceland is not only closer than you think, but far different than you ever imagined. The effect of the Gulf Stream keeps the temperature surprisingly warm in summer and milder than you would imagine in winter. The wind and temperature are comparable with the West Coast of Scotland. With the northern most point sitting on the Arctic Circle and the Mid Atlantic Ridge running the length of the island, this land of ice and fire really does provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.