Language
The Icelandic language is one of the most difficult.  My working vocabulary is limited, despite being married to an Icelander for 16 years and living in the country. That said, I can often follow along with conversation.  I remember my first trip to Iceland and taking photos of the street signs.  Icelandic looked so foreign to me.  The words can be comically long and the alphabet has numerous characters that are quite foreign to many, especially Americans.  Take for example the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small town in southeastern Iceland with approximately 150 inhabitants.  Many of the signs for this town don’t use the full name because of its length.  You’ll often see it written as “Kirkjubæjar,” which means “church town.”

Pronunciation:
Icelandic has characters in its alphabet that may seem quite foreign to some. Here’s a quick guide to help with your pronunciation
Ð (capitalized)/ ð (lower case): called “eth” and pronounced like the “th” in there.
Æ/æ: called, “aye” and pronounced like the “i” in Iceland.
Ö/ö: pronounced like the “u” in further or murky.
Þ/þ: called “thorn” and pronounced like the “th” in thin.
Á/á: pronounced like the “ou” in ouch.
É/é: is like a normal “e,” but with a subtle “y” before it. For instance, the Icelandic word for company is, “félag” and is pronounced like “fyelag.”
Í/í: pronounced like the “ee” in eat.
J/j: are pronounced like a y in ‘yell’. Example, Jon in Icelandic sounds like “Yone”
Ó/ó: pronounced like the “o” in open.
Ú/ú: pronounced like the “o” in move.

Icelandic belongs to the North Germanic or Nordic branch of the Germanic languages.  The language has changed little since the time of the sagas, something that Icelanders (Islendingur) take much pride in.  As far as I can tell almost every word is Icelandic is conjugated, even names.  My wife’s name is Svava and depending on the context of the conversation would be conjugated as Svövu (her’s is an easy example).  Another example is the name Sigríður, which is conjugated as, Sigríði and Sigríðar.  No wonder I never learned the language.  Picking up a new language as an adult is very hard.  But don’t worry, the vast majority of Icelanders speak English quite well.

Weather
Iceland’s weather is notoriously capricious.  Even in the height of summer, you can experience 3 seasons.  Annual temperatures range from about freezing to 55 degrees F on average.   So, while Iceland is certainly not the coldest place on earth, it is almost never ‘warm.’  That said, I have experienced many summer days that were in the low 70s.  Given the country’s latitude that’s pretty warm.  It is good to be prepared with waterproof hiking shoes, rain jacket, fleece of wool inner-jacket, hat, mittens and sunglasses.  You want to bring layers.  This especially true if you are going to be in the countryside.  And, don’t bother with an umbrella, it’s often too windy.   Here’s a good site for checking the weather.

Accommodations
Hotels in Iceland are expensive.  There are no two ways about it.  If you can afford it, that’s great.  But there are alternatives.  There are two hostels in Reykjavik.  There are also flats for rent, which are a better deal if you are going to be travelling with a small group.  Outside the capital city, I suggest staying in guesthouses.  Most offer sleeping bag accommodations and are pretty affordable.  Most of the hotels will have a list of guesthouses but, you’ll also see sighs along the Ring road, Iceland’s only highway.

Car rentals
In my opinion, the best way to experience Iceland is to rent a car and explore.  Since there’s only one main highway, getting lost is not a big problem.  Renting a car is not cheap – nothing in Iceland is – but it’s worth it. I suggest you pick up a map of places off the main highway.

Driving in Iceland
Keep your wits about you.  Iceland’s ring road is a fairly narrow two-lane road. the speed limit is 110.  I suggest not driving much faster than that, even weather permitting.  Out in the country, there are dozens of single lane bridges.  These can be dangerous.  In fact, I got into a small accident on one of them.  Here’s a link to useful information about driving in Iceland,  in 4 languages.

Food
Read another article I wrote, “A guide to low cost eating in Iceland“

Things to do
Swimming.  There are numerous public pools in Reykjavik, and dozens more sprinkled across the country.  they are cheap, clean and generally offer everything from lap pools to hot tubs to steam saunas.
Iceland tours. I have gone on many tours in Iceland.  My two favorite tour operators are Icelandic Mountain Guides (www.mountainguides.is) and Iceland Rovers (www.icelandrovers.is).  Icelandic Mountain Guides specializes in hiking, climbing, backpacking, trekking and skiing.  They offer Iceland tours for people of all levels.  Some of their most popular tours are glacier walks.  Iceland Rovers specializes in guided super jeep tours.  These jeeps can seat 7 and can go just about anywhere.  The main takeaway is that booking an Iceland tour with one of these companies will afford you the opportunity to see Iceland’s beautiful outback; places the buses don’t go and places you generally can’t and shouldn’t take a rental car. They both offer a great selection of day tours and overnight tours, depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.  Another good resource for Iceland travel is the Icelandic Travel Market.  They have a website, www.icelandictravelmarket.is as well as a booking office in downtown Reykjavik.  You can choose just about any Iceland activity you can think of, either online or at their sales office.

Iceland Jeep Tours

There is really no better way to travel the countryside of Iceland than with the assistance of a specially-equipped super jeep. These 4×4 jeeps can traverse the roughest terrain, including rivers and streams. Many Iceland tour operators offer such jeep tours with expert guides who can drive you up close to the natural phenomena of Iceland, especially that which is not accessible by roads. Whether you are interested in seeing volcanoes or glaciers, these jeeps can give you a unique perspective while keeping you safe and comfortable. This is an excellent option for those who are unable to go on hikes or walks of great lengths due to disabilities or health reasons.

One of the most popular tour destinations in Iceland is the golden circle. Yes, you can take a bus tour to these attractions but it is much more exciting and far less crowded to take a jeep tour. Not only that but it will be a much more scenic route since these jeeps do not need roads for safe travel. Imagine having the freedom to drive from the falls of Gullfoss and see the shooting Geysir and Thingvellir National Park in a matter of several hours with just your friends and family. You will be able to enjoy the attractions more without the clamor and annoyance of other people and be able to take better pictures from a closer view point.

Another aspect of a jeep tour to take into account is the ride itself. Riding in these powerful vehicles is very exhilarating and has a bit of a roller coaster feel. All you have to do is hop on, enjoy the ride, and take in the sights around you. Let the experts do the work and make sure to buckle up as it may get a little bumpy!

Overall jeep tours are very entertaining Iceland tours that will give you a great feel for Iceland’s beautiful back country. So remember, next time you visit Iceland, stop by a tour operator’s office in Reykjavik and request a jeep tour for an adventure you will never forget.

Reykjavik

One place you may have never considered visiting of your holiday is Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Iceland is a tiny island located in the North Atlantic Ocean which is often overlooked by prospective tourists and vacationers. However, Iceland is somewhat of a hidden gem, overshadowed by its larger, more popular European neighbors such as England and Ireland. Whether you want to experience some of most breath taking natural scenery in the world or explore an interesting culture dating back thousands of years I would highly suggest Iceland as your next destination.

The best way to take in the natural phenomena of Iceland is through guided tours from professional tour operators. They will ensure you are safe and comfortable as you hike and drive to mountains, valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches, and much more. Some tours are strictly hiking while others require vehicle assistance in order to reach terrain where there are no designated roads. Iceland tour operators drive specially equipped super jeeps that can cross rivers and drive over boulders. They are professionally trained to operate these 4×4 vehicles and will be able to provide you with a safe and luxurious ride to see the back country of Iceland.

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a place of bustling industry and riveting culture and lifestyle. Make sure to spend some time roaming through the streets of the city to get a sense of the Icelandic metropolitan way of life. In Reykjavik you can find beautiful architecture, delicious culinary offerings, and an evolving culture from rural to metropolitan. Do not be concerned with the language barrier as most Icelanders speak English and several other languages as well.

Overall, Iceland has a lot to offer tourists and travelers. Iceland combines the allure of untouched beautiful nature with bustling metropolitan city life creating a culture like none other.   So remember, if you decide to visit this beautiful island you should definitely take an Iceland hiking tour or an Iceland jeep tour and take some time to soak up the sights and sounds of Reykjavik. Hopefully this article has encouraged you to make your next holiday an Iceland holiday!

Iceland Hiking!

Iceland has some of the best hiking in the world with a wide variety of terrain and many trails with different levels of difficulty. When you hike in Iceland you have the opportunity to traverse volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an expert there is a hiking experience that will safely allow you to witness the beauty of Iceland. Tour operators in Iceland offer hiking tours to many of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks and tourist attractions. These tour operators incorporate vehicle assistance to be able to cover more terrain and provide another level of safety and comfort.

There are so many different mountain ridges, peaks, and valleys to explore you will have a very difficult time choosing which tour you should take. The tour operators have Iceland hiking tours ranging from a day to month long. You will have to consider how strenuous of a hike you are capable of handling without putting your health at risk. Expert guides have been exploring these mountainous regions for years and will provide the assistance and guidance you need to safely enjoy the natural surroundings of Iceland.

Iceland hiking allows you to seek solitude and quiet in a modern world where that is nearly impossible. Also, there are many interesting attractions to see on these hikes beyond the scenery such as the hot springs and lava caves. You will be able to take a break from your hike and take a warm, soothing bath in the Iceland hot springs. You can also explore the underground caves that have been the source of many Icelandic superstitions and myths. If you choose to go on a multiple day hike the Iceland tour operators will provide all necessary equipment, food, huts, and transportation.

Hiking in Iceland is a refreshing way to experience the awe of nature and escape the urban lifestyle for short time. By taking one of these Iceland hiking tours you will get a better understanding of the land and have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in a foreign environment. Although an Iceland hiking tour can be challenging, it is all worth it once you reach the top!

Visit Greenland!

If you are considering an Iceland vacation you should keep in mind that Greenland is right next door. Greenland is an incredibly beautiful country with an intriguing culture and lifestyle. Iceland tour operators and travel agents frequently offer Greenland tours mainly consisting of cross country skiing and hiking. These tours to Greenland range in length from 3 day tours to month long expeditions, making them best suited for tourists who will be staying in Iceland for a substantial amount of time. The reason for this is you will want to leave yourself enough time to experience both countries.

Greenland is a country within the Kingdom of Denmark that lies just south of Article Circle with an extremely cold climate. It is the largest island that is not a continent and it is the least densely populated country in the world. The topography of Greenland includes icebergs, mountains, glaciers, deep valleys, lakes, rivers, and colorful villages. If you visit Greenland you will learn that in some villages, such as Ammassalik, the local residents still follow the Intuit ways of their ancestors. This Inuit lifestyle heavily revolves around fishing which still remains to be Greenland’s main income earner to this very day. Greenland enjoys long hours of daylight during the summer allowing more time for activities such as hiking and skiing.

The name Greenland comes from Erik the Red who was a Norwegian man exiled from Iceland for murder. When he arrived there with his family and slaves, he named it Greenland in hopes of attracting other settler. This is of course misleading considering most of Greenland’s surface is covered in ice. The inhabitants of Greenland are a mixture of Icelandic immigrants, Denmark immigrants, and native Inuit people. Both Danish and Greenlandic are the official languages.

Some Iceland tour operators feature a Greenland Crossing Tour which entails a month long expedition. This is the most challenging and physical demanding tour involving up to 8 hours of walking and skiing per day. If you are an avid outdoorsman and you are up to an intense challenge then this style of tour is perfect for your time in Greenland.

Overall, if you are considering Iceland travel and you have the extra time you should also tour Greenland. Enjoy a cross country ski or hiking tour while taking in the beautiful scenery and unique Arctic culture. Whether you choose an easy 3 day tour or a month long journey you will not regret seeing the picturesque Greenland countryside and discovering the ways of the natives. Hopefully this article has provided you with helpful advice for your trip to Iceland.

Gullfoss Waterfalls

If you are traveling to Iceland there are certain natural landmarks you must see and activities you must do while you are there to have a well rounded experience. Beyond the capital city of Reykjavik, there is much more to see in the amazing landscapes of the countryside. This article is intended to provide you with information to encourage you to visit two amazing places on your next trip to Iceland; the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.

Everyone who travels to Iceland must see the famous Golden Circle which includes three major attractions: Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. These three landmarks are cherished by Icelanders as part of their history and cultural identity.

Gullfoss is a magnificent two stage waterfall that flows down sheer cliffs into the Hvítá River. Dropping over 100 ft into a crevice, these falls seem to disappear into the earth making them a truly unforgettable sight. At one point investors attempted to use the waterfall to generate electricity however they never succeeded in their attempts and it is now protected by the state of Iceland.

The great Geysir is the first geyser discovered by Europeans and is capable of shooting boiling hot water up to 70 meters in the air. There are many geysers around this area due to the high amount of geothermal activity. Some erupt every 5 minutes while some lay dormant for several years before their next eruption.

Last, Thingvellir National Park is a very important location for both political and scientific reasons. This is the site where the first Icelandic parliamentary government, known as Althing, was set up in 930 AD and also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet causing active geology. If you are considering Iceland travel you must take a tour to see the Golden Circle. Tour operators can take you there by bus, jeep, or on a simple hike.

Another famous location in Iceland that you must see on your Iceland

Blue Lagoon

vacations is the Blue Lagoon. This is a geothermal hot springs pool where many people enjoy bathing in the warm, soothing waters. The heated water and mud bottom are rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur which are great for your skin. The temperature of the water is around 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius much like a hot tub or warm bath. Here you can receive luxurious spa services in the clear blue water while steam rises from the surface and surrounds you, enhancing your relaxation.

In conclusion, on your Iceland holidays you absolutely have to see the Iceland Golden Circle and the Iceland Blue Lagoon. These are two of the most famous attractions of Iceland tourism and they can be easily accessed by many Iceland tours. Remember to keep these in mind on your next trip to Iceland for an unforgettable experience!

Another short video (about 4 minutes) which was shot on site at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant.  This is Iceland’s newest power plant and also a combined heat and power (CHP) plant wherein it produces electricity and hot water for heating.  This power plant is being developed in phases and when complete will produce 300 MWe and 400 MWth (electricity and how water).  The plant is scheduled to be completed sometime this year.  I have actually been to this plant and had the pleasure of a guided tour of the facilities and surrounding area.  I was there assisting in the filming of this video, with an employee from Mannvit Engineering, Iceland’s leading geothermal energy company.

Coming soon to Iceland?

Iceland was already one of the world’s leaders in the use of renewable energy.  Almost all electricity production and heating comes from geothermal and hydropower.  Now they’ve set out to reduce their dependency on foreign oil for transportation. 

Iceland is a nation powered by renewable energy.  You see lots of stats thrown around but, the bottom line is pretty much the whole country is powered by geothermal and hydroelectric power.  That is except for transportation.  The country, like most countries, still depends almost entirely on foreign oil imports. 

And, Icelanders love their cars, almost as much as Americans.  Except that fuel there is at least twice as expensive.  But that isn’t the real problem.  Iceland is a really clean country and they intend to keep it that way.  So they are purposely moving toward any and all available renewable energy technologies.  They already had one of the first hydrogen filling stations in the world and do operate a small fleet of hydro-powered public buses.  But, it seems that the movement towards hydrogen-powered cars is in a bit of a lull.

Enter Biogas and Biofuels.  There are currently several companies currently operating various pilot plants to capture landfill gas and to extract biogas and biofuels including:  biodiesel, landfill gas (biomethanol), bioethanol and methanol.  Much of the fuel that is being produced, or will be produced will be used for cars, trucks and fishing boats.  Now, Iceland is not, obviously,  planning to replace gasoline but simply offset need, by adding many of these fuels into their gasoline supply.

Iceland’s largest consulting engineering firm, Mannvit is working with the University of Akureyri  on several  research and development projects for landfill gas, biomethane & bioethanol and is working independently on a biodiesel plant designing a 450 TPY biodiesel plant.

One of the giant outdoor heated swimming pools in Iceland

Iceland is one of the most geothermally active countries in the world.  Thank goodness for that, because at the same time it is also a country with few other natural resources.  So what does Iceland do with all that heat?  Read on.

First, let’s get the obvious stuff out of the way.  We know Iceland has a lot of geothermal power plants.  To the best of my knowledge, Iceland has 7 geothermal plants:

1. Svartsengi geothermal power plant – where the Blue Lagoon gets it water
2. Hellisheidi geothermal power plant – Iceland’s newest
3. Nesjavellir geothermal power plant – produces 1,800 liters of hot water per second
4. Krafla geothermal power plant – original development plans almost cancelled due to a volcanic eruption
5. Reykjanes geothermal power plant – uses very high temperature steam from 2,700 meters below ground
6. Bjarnarflag geothermal power plant – Iceland’s oldest
7. Husavik Kalina cycle plant – the first Kalina cycle geothermal plant in the world

These geothermal plants currently produce approximately 25% of Iceland’s electricity (approximately 500 MW) and studies have revealed that the country’s utilizable potential for geothermal is much, much higher (approximately 4300!).

Besides producing electricity, some of these power plants also produce hot water for district heating.  So, in Iceland almost every building and house is heated with geothermal hot water but, that’s not all.  This hot water flows through thermally insulated pipes all over the country and is used for:
-Greenhouses
-Filling swimming pools – and believe me there’s lots of them
-Steam bathes and saunas
-Ice removal from sidewalks, roads, runways, soccer fields – you name it.
-Fish drying – the steam is used to heat the air in indoor facilities
-Some restaurants use steam to cook with
-Diatomite processing

You get the picture – Iceland has hot water in spades.  Lucky for them that it does because without it this country would be a lot less hospitable.  It solves many of the problems associated with life in a country just below the arctic circle.