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GREAT GEYSER IN HAUKADALUR VALLEY -- THE OLDEST KNOWN GEYSER IN THE
WORLD
A vacation to Iceland the land of extremes -- hot geysers, volcanoes and ice or glaciers. Iceland is thought of as an Arctic country but it lies below the Arctic Circle. It is closer to Scotland than Scandinavia.
The second largest
island measures about 102,820 km and has only a population of 260,000. Half of
it lives in or around Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Apparently, many
Icelanders are related to each other.
Iceland is the most
northerly of Europe's islands. It is separated by almost 1000 km of ocean from
Norway. Some of the islands around the coast are inhabited. There are the
Grimsey Island near the Arctic Circle, the Krisey and further 13 Western Islands.
ERUPTION OF EYJAFJALLAJOKULL -- WHICH CLOSED DOWN THE EUROPEAN AIRSPACE
Iceland is sitting on the Atlantic Ridge and was built-up over 20 million years through volcanoes which erupt every five years.
The landscape is
breathtaking because of it bleakness. It has no vegetation on 75% of the
country. Ice-caps cover 11% and the rivers are rushing down from the glaciers
are debris-laden. Geysers which spout steam and boiling water adding to
the fascinating scenery. The many hot springs are very popular for
bathing.
Half of Iceland
lies above 400m and together with the northerly latitude give the country a
very short growing season. Plants are mosses, heathers, sedges, grasses and
lichens.
It is a paradise
for birds, especially waterfowl. The eider duck is well known because of the
soft filling for bedding. The other animals are the Arctic Fox and some
reindeer. The Icelandic pony is very hardy and found domesticated as well as
wild. The coastal waters are home of 17 species of whales and two species of
seals.
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| ICELAND PONY |
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THE TRADITIONAL ICELANDIC TURF-HOUSES -- UNTIL THE 20TH CENTURY THE MAJORITY OF ICELANDERS LIVED IN RURAL AREAS |
ECONOMICS
It is a prosperous
nation, low unemployment and inflation. Health and education are perfect. The
people live in modern homes which are heated from geothermal sources (hot
springs). The pollution is very low, even in the cities.
It is surprising
that about 25% of the population make their living from farming considering the
disadvantages they have, climate wise. The main crop is grass which is
made into hay. This feeds the country's huge number of cattle and sheep.
Potatoes and turnips are also grown. Vegetables and fruit are grown in
greenhouse heated by hot springs.
The most important
industry is and always was fishing. The waters were rich in cod, herring and
haddock but lately the stock is in declining because of overfishing. Their main
customers are the United Kingdom but the demand is also in decline. A light industry
produces blankets and knitwear.
However, many of
the necessities have to be imported, such as petroleum products, transport
equipment, textiles, foodstuffs, animal feeds and timber.
The two major
natural resources; hydroelectric and geothermal energy are used for industry
and domestic.
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INGOLFUR ARNASON -- THE FIRST NORWEGIAN PERMANENT SETTLER -- AROUND 800 AD |
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REYKJAVIK IN 1860 |
HISTORY
It is assumed that
the first settlers came from Norway and Ireland. A parliament (Althing) was set
up in the 10th century. During 1000 AD Christianity was adopted by the people.
In 1380, Norway
united with Denmark, Iceland because part of the Danish Crown. From there on
the Icelanders suffered worsening climate, poverty, disease and trade
restrictions from the Danes. The Danes abolished the Althing and people
migrated to Canada and the USA.
The leader Jon
Sigursson managed to get more freedom for his people and the Althing
established again. In 1903 Iceland was given home rule and in 1918 the Danes
agreed for the Icelander to be an independent nation, but still under the
Danish crown.
During the WWII
when the Germany occupied Denmark the Allied troops moved into Iceland for
protection.
1944 Iceland became
an independent republic and 1949 a member of NATO
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ALTHING -- THE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT IN REYKJAVIK |
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| REYKJAVIK TODAY |
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| JON SIGURSSON |
HOLIDAYS
A holiday in
Iceland will be a complete different experience from all the other holidays you
spent. Nevertheless, it will be an unforgettable experience. As it is a land of
geysers, volcanoes and ice or glaciers you will see them all and will be have
an awesome sight as nature always is. A trip to watch whales or birds will
leave you with an incredible impression for the rest of your life.
A trip across the
country shows an awesome landscape with various volcanic rocks of different
colours. A bath in the many hot spring will rejuvenate you beyond believes.
During the short
summer July- August you can smell and see the native flowers which you won't
find anywhere else in the world.
If you are a horse
lover you will love the Icelandic ponies which again are unique to the country.
The capital
Reykjavik is a cosmopolitan city with chic Scandinavian stores, top restaurants
and all that surrounded by an astonishing landscape. It further offers an
experience of the incredible northern lights and a visit to the thermal baths
of the Blue Lagoon.
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