ICELAND - Adeventurous, pure, creative, cultural and mysterious

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ADVENTUROUSIceland is the outdoor enthusi-asts paradise. Come and experience the extreme adven-tures awaiting you around every corner and curve.

pUREIceland is a pure source of freshmaterials from an unspoiled nature. Come and experience clean water, clean energy and a relaxing spa culture.

CREATIVEIceland is literally bursting with creative energy. Come and experience the fantastic music and arts of Iceland intheir own natural setting.

CULTURALIceland is a progressive modernsociety, founded on old tradi-tions and strong individuality.Come and experience the Icelandic heritage.

MYSTERIOUSIceland is the photographers

paradise, r ich in awe- inspir ing vistas and contrasting nature.Come and experience the sublime Iceland.

ICELAND


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keflavk airport

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akureyri population

17,800

StykkiShlmur population

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reykjavk population 120,000

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Safjrur population

2,600

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veStmannaeyjar population

4,200

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hfn population

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egilSStair population

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Ofcial name: Republic o Iceland

Flag: Blue with a red cross outlined inwhite. The colors are symbolic or Iceland:red is or the volcanic res, white recallsthe snow and glaciers, and blue is or theskies above.

Population: 319,000 (Jan 2012). Median ageis 35.6 years.

Capital city: Reykjavk. The largest munici-palities are Reykjavk* (118,000); Kpa-vogur* (30,000); Ha nar jrdur *(25,000);Akureyri (17,000); Reykjanesbr (14,000).*cities in the capital region.

Government: Parliamentary constitutionalrepublic.

Language: Icelandic, a North Germaniclanguage derived rom Old Norse. Englishis widely spoken and understood.

Religion: Predominantly Christian.

Currency: The Icelandic krna (pluralkrnur) ISK.

Time: Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time(GMT) throughout the year.

Size: 103,000 sq. km (40,000 sq. miles),slightly smaller than Kentucky or Cuba.

Glaciers: Glaciers cover 11,922 sq. km(4,600 sq. miles) o the islands sur ace.Iceland is home to Vatnajkull NationalPark, the largest National Park in Europe.

Highest point: Hvannadalshnjkur peak2,110 m

Emergency number: 112

Help ul websites www.visiticeland.comwww.visitreykjavik.iswww.visitreykjanes.iswww.west.is

www.west jords.iswww.northiceland.iswww.east.iswww.south.iswww.sa etravel.iswww.en.vedur.iswww.road.is

ICELAND IN bRIEf

Promote Iceland 2012

Published by Promote IcelandPrinted by sa oldarprentsmija

Eco-certi ied printingDesign by Gunni ThorvaldsSil ra photo courtesy o Dive.is

Pins correspond to photocaptions

guide to map

Town

Highway

Daily lights rom Europeand America


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ADVENTUROUSICELAND


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Iceland is not a destination. It is an adventure.

With more than hal o its 320,000 inhabitants living

the capital city, the country remains largely uninhabit-ed. In act, a mere twenty-minute drive rom Reykjavcenter takes you out o the hubbub o city li e and into tseclusion o Icelands spectacular landscapes, which wilinspire your adventure rom the edge o a jord to the o a glacier.

But the landscape is not just or gaping at; Icelands riverare per ect or ra ting, shing, diving and snorkeling; mountains, volcanoes and glaciers are good or hiking

climbing, dog-sledding, and snowmobiling; its snowyhills or skiing and snowboarding; its waves or sur nits caves or exploring; and its barren highlands or jeesa aris. Iceland was created or the extreme experience

Sharing Icelandic nature with its natural inhabitants is just as rewarding. Whether you are on board one o themany whale-watching boats around the country, takingin the bird li e, or trekking around the country on an Icelandic horse, the riveting beauty o the rugged landscape

will never cease to amaze you.

Whatever you do, dont orget to pack a swimsuit and towel. The geothermal energy under your eet is used toheat more than 170 public swimming pools around thecountry, and nothing says awesome like pulling over onthe side o a gravel road to nd one o Icelands naturhot springs tucked away just out o sight.

strokkur, geysirs little brother.

www.visiticeland.co


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ADVENTUROUSICELAND

Iceland is the outdoor enthusiasts paradise.Te scenic landscape is the per ect setting toenjoy some o your avorite outdoor activities,be it winter sports, cross-country running,hiking, mountain-biking or kayaking. Ice-landic hillsides are per ect or extreme skiingand snowboarding and beauti ul hiking trailsare ound in all parts o the country, rom the53 km long, world amous Laugavegur trail,

between Trsmrk and Landmannalaugar,which will take you past Eyja allajkull vol-

ICELAND - CREATED fOR ThE EXTREME EXpERIENCE

cano and into the interior o Iceland. Tis isconsidered one o the most spectacular walk-ing trails in the world.

Iceland is also a great place to enjoy wateractivities. Te long summer days are per ect

or relaxed ocean kayaking, while the Icelandicglacial rivers o er challenging conditions orstream kayakers o all levels. In recent years,Iceland has even garnered a reputation as a sur

spot. Te waves are rst class, although the seatemperature may require a specialized wet suit.

I you want to go beneath the sur aceo ers some incredible diving spots, inSil ra in Tingvellir National Park. Ren

or its clear water and visibility, Sil ra you between the continental plates sepEurope and America.

I you would rather enjoy motorizedtures, you can choose between guidemobile trips around Icelandic glaciers

sa aris across the Icelandic highlands.

natural hot spring in landmannalaugar


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I love the clean and crisp air. I love thewind as it whips around me. Everybreath eels like a blessing, every gusto wind eels like it is blowing away allthe things I dont want.

I love the ood. It is invigorating, lling,and just about right. I love the night li e.The beer, the music, the people, all oit. I love how it reminds me that I amstill alive.

I love the horses. Even the afectionateway they nuzzle right be ore I am aboutto make a wonder ul camera shot.

I will be back to Iceland.

James Jones, USAwww.stories.inspiredbyiceland.com

ice-cave exploration in vatnajkull

Hornstrandir Nature ReserveThis uninhabited peninsula in theNor thwest ern corne r of Iceland wa sestablished as a Nature Reserve in1975, and provides a n unmatched peek into the natura l be aut y of Ice- land. The area can be difficult to passand access to services is limited.Pla n accordingly.

Jkulsrglj ur National Park Located in the Nor thern par t of Vatnajkull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Jkulsrglj- fur canyon was formed by Icelands second longes t r ive r. The h ike pro - vides opportunities to pass Dettifoss,the most powerful waterfall in Europe,and the beautiful sbyrgi canyon.

Landmannalaugar - ThrsmrkThe incredible Laugavegur trail is a4-day trek, but the surrounding area is great f or shor ter excurs ions. The areais full of unusual geological elements,multicolored mountains and expan- siv e lava fields. Another po pular t rai l close by is Fimmvruhls, snakingbetween two glaciers, Eyjafjallajkull and Mrdalsjkull.

Ska ta ellNational Park In the S outher n pa rt of Vatnajkul l Ntional Park, Skaftafell offers startlinvistas of serrated peaks, shimmer- ing icecaps, and barren flood plains st retching toward the sea . There aremany marked routes in the area that you can fol low up the glacie r, or upto Svartifoss, one of Icelands moreimpressive examples of a waterfall.

Te Icelandic interior is a magical plackeep in mind that conditions can c

quickly in Iceland, and i you nd yoa di cult situation, it can take time to arrive. Especially i no one know you are. Make sure you check roadtions and weather orecast ahead oMake a detailed travel plan and alwato it. Bring the proper equipment and ing, and use waterproo bags to keep itAlways leave your travel plan with so your tour operator, the hotel or the IcRescue eam by lling out a orm o website www.sa etravel.is.

TRAVELERS ChECKLIST

GREAT HIKES

In THE HIGHlAndS

sea kayakers in the renowned eastfjords fog


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pUREICELAND


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Icelanders have long enjoyed one o the highest liexpectancies in the world. Theres no de nitive explanation or this, but a clean environment and a healthy die

and li estyle probably have something to do with it. ThIcelandic diet is rich in quality raw materials, armedbred and caught in an unpolluted environment, and pro-duced with the utmost care.

The air quality in Iceland is good due to the islands NortAtlantic oceanic climate and steady winds. Furthermore,most o the countrys electricity needs are met with re-newable energy sources. Geothermal energy, a muchcleaner alternative to ossil uels, is used to heat more

than ninety percent o the countrys buildings and moso the countrys swimming pools.

In addition to recreational pools, Icelanders enjoy natu-ral hot springs and geothermal lagoons, such as the

amous Blue Lagoon and Mvatn Nature Baths, whohigh levels o silicates and other minerals have an espe-cially rejuvenating efect on the skin.

The quality o the drinking water in Iceland is also excep

tionally good due to a wealth o resh water rivers thastream down rom the mountains and glaciers. In acits per ectly sa e and highly recommended to drink thiwater straight rom the source. Otherwise, its still just apipe away to your tap.

seljalandsfoss waterfall

www.visiticeland.co


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pUREICELANDIcelandic restaurants enjoy some o the pur-est materials available, grown and caught in

pure and unpolluted natural environment. TeIcelandic sh is renowned or its quality, har-vested in a responsible manner, and producedto the highest industry standards. Icelandiclamb is also a source o national pride, known

or its tender meat. Icelandic sheep spend thesummers grazing in the Icelandic highlands,and mountain herbs add richness to its delicatefavor.

Organic vegetables are grown in geother-mal greenhouses around Iceland, and supply much o the countrys demand.Skyr a tasty,low- at, high-protein dairy product similar toyogurt is another unique delicacy special toIceland. Tese, and other, resh ingredientsserve as the basis or a rich Icelandic ood cul-ture.

In Iceland, ood, culture and traditon areclosely intertwined. In order to survive underharsh conditions, Icelanders preserved oodby means o either ermentation, typically in whey or brine, or in some cases drying orsmoking. Tese traditional ways o preservingand preparing ood are celebrated at midwinter

estivals during the ancient month o Torri inJanuary/February each year.

As the country absorbed oreign infuencesin the 20th century, so did Icelandic cuisineand dietary culture, adding international fa-vors. Te rise o the New Nordic Cuisine cu-linary movement has promoted the diversity o Nordic regional ingredients, and stressedthe quality o the region; purity, simplicity and ethical production. Tis helps ensure thatIceland will meet your expectations or quality and a healthy dining experience.

fOOD

salmon fishing in east iceland


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My wi e lets me choose our vacationdestinations. When I told her we weregoing to Iceland, she was very wary.Now, shell tell anyone who will listenthat our trip to Iceland in early Septem-ber was the best trip shes taken so ar.What a wholly unique and wonder ulplace, and we couldnt recommendit more highly or the antastic ood(never had a bad meal), the amazinglandscape, and the great people.

Tom Newman, USAwww.stories.inspiredbyiceland.com

Skyr A cu ltu red dairy product, simila r to yogurt in tex tubut technically a soft cheese. Sky r is popular for itslow level of fat and high level o f protein, deliciouwith blueberries and a dash of cream. Known as th Icelandic superfood.

Lamb Icelandic sheep t rad itionally spe nd summers graziwild in the Icelandic highlands, mostly subsisting mountain herbs, especially thyme, which gives thilean gourmet meat a delicate flavor.

Plokkfskur Fish s tew, made from boil ed f ish , po tatoes and onions, served in white sauce and Rgbra u with Icelandic but ter. Traditionally a way to t rea t le fto vthis now considered an original Icelandic delicacy

Rgbrau Icelandic st raight rye bread , da rk and dense, usualrather sweet, traditionally baked in a pot or steamein special wooden cask s buried in the ground nearhot spring. Often served with fish. Very healthy.

Harfskur Dried f ish , usua lly made f rom haddock or cod. Another Icelandic superfo od, since this is almost a pure source of p rotein. A popula r snack for childreand adults alike, delicious with a small layer of buon top.

slenskt BrennivnWhile strictly not a dish, Icelandic schnapps,commonly known as The Black Death, is very mua part of Icelandic food culture. It is made fromfermented potatoes and flavored with caraway seeUsually served chilled. Exercise caution.

IdEAS foR IcElAndIc

dISHES To TRy

Te spa is a modern day invention, but enjoy-ing the various health bene ts o bathing inthermal pools is an Icelandic tradition datingback to the settlement. Snorri Sturluson, the

amous 12th-century historian and author, wasa proli c spa enthusiast by modern standards,having had his own thermal pool built or thesole purpose o soaking in hot water. O the13 pools that are known to have been used inthe early days o the Icelandic society, our arestill standing.

Environmental protection is a top priority or Iceland, a country that greatly depends

on the sustainable management o its naturalresources. Iceland is committed to the use o green energy and given the economys relianceon sheries and sea ood export, the sustain-

able harvesting o living marine resources is aneconomic as well as an environmental priority.

oday, enjoying a good soak is part o the socialabric in Iceland. Many Icelanders visit swim-

ming pools on a daily basis to meet ellow citi-zens to discuss the hot topics o the day. And asunlikely as it may sound, Reykjavk sports itsown geothermal beach, with white sands and warm ocean. Still, there are those who swearby the health bene ts o swimming in the coldocean, so every day, you will nd Icelandersenjoying a swim in the cold Atlantic.

SpA TRADITION

SUSTAINAbLE ICELAND

whale watching in north iceland

blue lagoon spa, reykjanes peninsula


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CREATIVEICELAND


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For an isolated culture in the North Atlantic, creativity iimportant. Since Iceland was settled in the 9th century,writing and music have been an integral part o li e in th

country; and have in recent years reached a large audi-ence on the global stage thanks to the eforts o interna-tional pop stars such as Bjrk and Sigur Ros, as well asthe wide readership o authors like Halldr Laxness andArnaldur Indriason.

The per orming arts have long been a staple o Icelandiculture, with many o the countrys most respected writers creating works exclusively or theatre, or adoptingtheir previous works or the stage. Icelandic theatres en-

joy great local interest, and the relatively young Icelandicdance company is quickly gaining respect, both domesti-cally and abroad.

Increasing international success or Icelandic designersdriven by their innovation and commitment to sustain-ability, Icelandic nature and materials; coupled with theever growing respect or Icelandic artists in internationacircles, has urther bolstered the reputation o the coun-trys creativity.

The recent emergence o Icelandic lmmakers and videogame developers on the global stage urther attests tothe importance o innovation and creativity or the Iclandic society. It is no coincidence that culture and thecreative industries in Iceland employ more than ve per-cent o the work orce a larger share than the shinindustry and agriculture combined and generates alarger share o the GDP than agriculture.

harpa - reykjavik concert hall and conference centre

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Every all, thousands o people fy to Reykjavk to attend Iceland Airwaves, a ve-day estivalduring which hundreds o musicians per ormat bars and ca s around town as well as Harpa,Icelands new concert hall and con erence cen-tre. Outside Reykjavk, the music scene is justas vibrant, with local music estival like Aldrei fr g suur in sa rur, andBrslanin Bor-gar rur Eystri attracting both international

attention and talent. In addition, Iceland playshost to numerous music estivals eaturing the

ThE ISLAND Of ARTS

best in jazz, chamber music, and classical as well as modern composition, and maintains alively tradition o choirs around the country.

I music dominates the all, design takes thespring with Design March, an up-and-coming

estival showcasing some the most talentedlocal and international designers working oneverything rom textiles to prosthetics, whilelocal ashion designers are well eatured during

the Reykjavk Fashion Festival; a recent addi-tion to the Reykjavk estival scene.

A burgeoning ne arts scene is also adReykjavks buzz as the capitol o cannual Reykjavk Arts Festival has loestablished a reputation as a respectethat attracts amous artists rom aro world, and the young Reykjavk Film is rmly establishing itsel in the lmcircuit.

the vibrant icelandic music scene is always gearing up for the next festival

CREATIVEICELAND


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I you are looking or a great gi t idea, dontoverlook the many local stores selling Icelan-dic art and design. Tere are plenty o designstores in the Reykjavk shopping district, butthe number o small shops selling local designand cra ts around the country is equally as-tounding.

Icelandic ashion designers are known ortheir innovative clothing and keen eye or

quality. And while Icelandic high ashion hasonly recently ound its ooting on the interna-

tional stage, Icelandic outdoor clothing hasbeen known or its durability under the duresso nature, as ar back as the traditional Icelan-dic wool sweater orlopapeysa , which has keptIcelanders warm or centuries.

Icelandic prices are competitive, but themost lucrative bargain is the 15% tax-re undthat is o ered to oreign visitors on all pur-chases above 4,000 ISK. Look out or the tax-

ree sign in participating stores.

ICELANDIC DESIgN - ThE gIfT ThAT KEEpS ON gIVINg

icelandic fashion design is progressive and adventurous

Im a musician and artist. And Ive neverbeen one or the usual things. Im notparticularly ond o those warm sunnybeaches, Im not much or the greatoutdoors, and I nd mysel drawn tole t eld creative cultures that thrivedespite their isolation rom resources,or even people. Theres a spirit in Ice-land thats compelling and inspiring. Asense o pride in their community thatsspoken in humble terms. An apprecia-tion o the great things they do haverather than bitterness about the thingsthey dont.

I had a hard time leaving.

Mark Schlipper, UKwww.stories.inspiredbyiceland.com

Jar City Dir. Baltasar Kormkur, 2006

Bas ed on author Arnaldur Indri asons best sell ingdetective story about police officer Erlendur Svein son from the Reykjav k Mu rder Myster y ser ies . An e xci ting Icelandic whoduni t.

Heima Dir. Dean DeBlois, 2007

Summer of 2006, Sigur R os returned to Iceland to play a series of f ree unannounced shows around the country. This movie documents the tour which spanned some of the mos t be aut iful loca tions in Iceland.

Children o NatureDir. Fririk Thr Fririksson, 1991

An o lde r couple esca pes from a re tir ement home treturn to the small village where they first found l

Nominated for an Academy Award in 1992 .

Mr. Bjarn rearson Dir. Ragnar Bragason, 2009

Comedian Jn Gnarr who later became Reykjavmayor stars as Georg Bjarnfrearson, a man whohas trouble finding his place in society.

Noi, the AlbinoDir. Dagur Kri, 2003

Rebell ious youth, N i, takes on the small s ociety ihis remote home town and dreams of esca ping withis sweetheart.

Summer is a time o celebration in Iceland.Around the country, small town estivalscelebrating local art, music and ood are sched-uled throughout the summer. Going rom West to East, rom the Skjaldborg lm estivalin Patreks rur, to LUNGA, an art estival

or young people in Seyis rur, small townestivals provide plenty o release or Icelandscreative spirit.

fESTIVAL COUNTRY

IcElAndIc fIlmS foR

youR conSIdERATIon

lunga, art festival in seyisfjrur


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CULTURALICELAND


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Iceland was the last country in Europe to be settled, andto this day, remains the continents most sparsely popu-lated state. An island located in the middle o the North

Atlantic, the country was settled by emigrants romScandinavia and the British Isles in the tenth century, anddue its location, remained an isolated nation o mostly

armers and shermen until the early twentieth century.

Icelandic culture has been shaped by isolation and ex-treme orces o nature. These conditions have createda resilient nation, where amily ties are tight, the senseo tradition is strong, and the bond with nature is power ul. While strongly rooted in customs and traditions

todays Icelandic society is both modern and progres-sive. A small country by most measures, Iceland boastsa high standard o living, extensive political reedom, anhas taken an active role in sustainable development andcommitment to the environment.

Through the centuries, Iceland has developed a uniquetradition or storytelling and literature, beginning withthe esteemed Icelandic Sagas o the tenth and eleventhcentury. Ever since, Iceland has produced a number o

talented writers including Nobel Prize laureate, HalldrLaxness (1955). Its no accident that Icelands capitalReykjavk, was the rst non-English speaking city in thworld to be named a UNESCO City o Literature in 201

the village in flatey dates back to the 19th century

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CULTURALICELAND With just 120 thousand inhabitants, Reyis a small city by most measures. It i

ever, known or an energetic atmosphrivals any urban area in the world, comthe advantages o a small town and apolitan city. You will nd luxury dininaccommodations, vibrant culture and o adventurous activities, practically walking distance.

Reykjavk is known or its bustling and energetic club scene. Tere are coubars, ca s, pubs and clubs in the cityand many stay open until ve in the m Te un usually picks up around midnigthe locals o ten spend the night going bplaces to meet riends. Reykjavks evtrious music scene provides plenty ogo out on the town, especially during s when the midnight sun may test your to

or sleep deprivation. Tere are also somspots that cater especially to the GLBmunity.

Whether you are traveling on a budopting or luxury, you will nd accotion to t your needs. You can nd beguesthouses, or score a luxury suite intown Reykjavk. I you enjoy campin

your tent and a sleeping bag. Te Reydining scene is equally varied, sporti world class restaurants, where renownexecute their expertise with some o thest materials nature has to o er; to sma

s and bistros where the prices are mothe quality is not.

When it comes to culture, Reykjavexciting museums, celebrating both thtrys rich history rom the Viking periindependence in 1944, as well as its traditions and artists, old and new.

COOL REYKjAVK

hallgrimskirkja church, reykjavik


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cuRIouS

collEcTIonS

The Museum o IcelandicSorcery & Witchcra tThe Westfjords are the backdrop tosome of Icelands mos t po tent s tor iesof witchcraft and sorcery. The Museumof Sorcery and Witchcraft is the hometo the worlds only Necropants, whichare even more ghastly than the namewould suggest.

www.galdrasyning.is

The Icelandic Folkand Outsider Art Museum Dedicated to naive, folk and outs ideart without discrimination. The museum houses a co llecti on o f pa int ing sculptures, drawings, watercolours ,embroideries, books, dolls, toys andtools, all springing from folk art.

www.safnasafnid.is

The IcelandicPhallalogical MuseumThe worlds largest collection of penises and penile par ts on display. Every mammal i nhab iti ng Iceland isincluded, from humans to the great whales.

www.phallus.is

The Sea Monster Museum Located in one of the mos t proli ficcenters of monster activity in theworld. Iceland is home to some the sca riest sea a nd wate r monstersknown to man.

www.skrimsli.is

Te Icelandic language is the cornerstone o Icelandic culture, in large part due to a strong

literary heritage. Icelanders still read thetenth-century Sagas in the original Old Norse,which was once spoken by all o the Nordiccountries, but is now only understood in Ice-land, as the language has changed relatively little through the centuries.

A movement or language purism began inthe 18th century when Icelandic came underthreat rom Danish infuence and it has sincebeen the dominant linguistic policy in thecountry. Rather than adopting oreign words

or new concepts, new words are invented orold ones are given new meaning, to keep thelanguage ree o outside corruption.

Iceland also resisted the European conven-tion o using amily names and maintains apatronymic and matronymic naming system.Everyone the President and Prime Minis-ter included is addressed by their rst givenname, as their last name simply states that they are the son or daughter o their ather or moth-er, with the latter growing in popularity.

But despite an old language, Icelandic men-tality is progressive. According to scienti cstudies, Iceland has the happiest population in

the world, living in what has been requently measured as the most peace ul country onearth, which has repeatedly been ranked high-est in studies measuring gender equality andpolitical reedoms.

Iceland elected the rst emale president inworld in 1980 and the rst openly gay primeminister. It is a liberal country where gay mar-riage is allowed and its not considered strange

or the mayor o Reykjavk to show up in dragat the annual gay pride estival, attended by tens o thousands o people.

ICELANDIC hERITAgE

siglufjrur - north iceland


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MYSTERIOUSICELAND


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A land o many contrasts, Iceland is not easily de nedHome to the largest glaciers in Europe, as well as someo the worlds most active volcanoes; Iceland is widel

known as The Land o Fire and Ice.

But Iceland is also the land o darkness and light. Its location, just below the Arctic circle, makes or long summer days with near 24-hours o sunlight; ofset by shortwinter days with very little sunlight at all. Fortunately,while winters in Iceland are dark, they are relatively mildand play host to one o natures most spectacular exhibi-tions o beauty; the Aurora Borealis.

Iceland is a young country with old traditions. In act, it the youngest landmass in Europe, and home to the con-tinents oldest parliament, ormed in 930 AD. The paliaments location, Thingvellir, is a designated UNESCworld heritage site, located at the juncture between theNorth American and Eurasian continental plates. Thereits possible to walk or even dive and snorkel betweentwo continents, which are being pushed apart by a ewcentimeters every year.

From the moss covered lava elds in the southwest,through the barren highlands in the center, to the soar-ing jords in the northwest, Iceland will attest to the greadiversity o landscape and lighting, which changes witevery turn in the road and with every changing season.

dyrhlaey - south coast of iceland

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MYSTERIOUSICELAND

As a pro essional photogra-

pher or the last 29 years, youve taken innu-merable landscape photos. What is it aboutthe landscape that most intrigues you?Icelandic landscape is quite interesting due tothe unique northern light not the NorthernLights, but the light we get due to our north-erly latitude, which creates a light and a dark season.Does the nature ever bore you?Ive been to every community and driven every stretch o road in Iceland, and it surprises meevery time. Te light and the wind are alwaysdi erent, so you can visit the same place dur-ing a di erent season and its never the same.Do you have a avorite place to photograph?My avorite place to photograph is whereverI have to ght to get a decent image. Photo-graphers have captured every angle o Gull-

oss, and you can basically get a decent photowith your eyes closed. I like a challenge.What is most difcult to capture?Te wind. Its almost impossible to capture

the wind. Iceland is very much characterizedby constant wind, and Ive tried to capture itmany times, but its di cult.How about the Northern Lights? Do you haveany advice or capturing them?Its best to go out o the city, away rom thelight pollution, and its important to have atripod. Ten the trick is to turn o the fashand set the camera to a long exposure. Lastly the most important part is to make sure theNorthern Lights are in the view nder.

A phOTOgRAphERS pARADISE

Pll Ste nsson,Photographer at

Iceland Review

the aurora borealis


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Aurora BorealisThere is nothing quite like lying on your back, looing up at clear skies o n a dark winter night, and watching the riveting Northern Lights dance acrosthe sphere.

Midnight Sun Summer in I celand is a ma gical time. The whol e iland comes alive under the constant sunli ght. Takia stroll in the midnight sun will le t you see Icelanda different light.

PeaceThere is no place like Iceland to enjoy a pe aceful time. The least densely populated country in Euro Iceland wi ll a llow you to connect with nature and make you feel like the last person in the universe.

Living Earth In I celand, the ear th beneath your feet see ms like

a living, breathing entity. With bubbling mud potsbursting geysers, steaming lava and the occasionaerupting volcano, in Iceland you can sense the lantaking shape.

Outdoor BathingWhen the frost sets in and the snow is coming dowand the wind is blowing hard, it is time to hea d forthe nearest pool and soak in a geothermal hot tub.The best way to experience the extremes of Icelannature is through its stark contrasts.

SublImE IcElAndIc

ExpERIEncES

Iceland sits a top the Mid-Atlantic ridge,a 10,000-mile crack in the ocean foor causedby the separation o the North American andEurasian continental plates. Tis constantmovement o the landmass can cause bothearthquakes and eruptions.

Icelanders have learned to live with thedrawbacks, and advantages, o the countryslocation, such as geothermal energy.

Iceland is at the ore ront o the application

o renewable energy, which helps make Icelandone o the greenest countries in the world.

All Icelandic in rastructure is planned, ex-ecuted, and stress tested or the most extremeconditions possible, and the level o prepared-ness or a natural disaster is one o the bestin the world. Te country maintains a highly trained search and rescue team, and casualtiesdue to natural disasters are extremely rare inIceland.

ACTIVE ICELAND

Icelandic olktales are rich with sorcerers,ghosts, elves, trolls, hidden people, and othermystical beings. Many stories are infuencedby the long dark nights o winter, while othersare related to the long summer nights. It wasno coincidence that author Jules Vernes chose

Sn ellsjkull glacier as the entry point or hisheroes in his amous adventure, Journey to theCenter o the Earth.

ICELANDIC fOLKLOREI love nature. In my country most peoplewant to travel to the west to do odd jobs,shop or designer clothing or obtain awestern education. I, on the other hand,want to travel to see the the vastness onature, to view what is le t o naturesbeauty, to be with people who live anddine with nature and have a natural story

to tell. To listen to people with a pureculture o joy and happiness. I know Ican nd all this in Iceland. I want to beinspired to start my photography dreamand share my experience around theworld with my mother, through photo-graphy... starting with Iceland!

Kwabena Arko Asiedu, Ghanawww.stories.inspiredbyiceland.com

silfra is considered one of the best diving spots in the world due to its clear waters

hvtserkur - north iceland


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ICELAND - Adeventurous, pure, creative, cultural and mysterious