The last of the European countries to be colonised, Norsemen mainly from Norway, Scandinavia and the British Isles came to Iceland during the 9th and 10th Centuries. In fact, archaeologists believe that Iceland may have had a more chequered past than previously thought.
In November 2010 research on the ancestry of an Icelandic family identified that the first Americans could have arrived in Europe five centuries before Columbus’s first voyage of discovery in 1492. It is now believed that women from the Americas arrived in Iceland 1,000 years ago, probably brought back by Vikings, and left behind genes that are reflected in around 80 Icelanders today.
The country was largely isolated from the 10th Century onward, and this has allowed Iceland’s unique and independent culture to develop. Myth and folklore form a vital part of oral tradition (80 percent of Icelanders refuse to rule out the existence of elves) and the medieval “Sagas of Icelanders” written in the 12th and 13th Centuries are considered an outstanding contribution to world literature. Iceland’s most famous modern writer is Halldor Laxness, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955 for his works documenting life in the country. A new wave of artists also emerged during the 20th century, all of whom captured aspects of everyday Icelandic life from landscape painters such as Johannes Kjarval who is noted for his efforts to capture volcanic rock and the abstract and cubist inspired works of Gunnlaugur Scheving. Check out the National Gallery of Iceland for a warm introduction into some of the country’s most important works and the The Reykjavik Art Museum for a showcase of contemporary artists.
For a further chance to brush up on your Nordic history, pay a visit to Iceland’s family friendly National Museum.
The permanent exhibition called Making of Nation – Heritage and History Iceland provides an informative look at the history of the island from settlement in the Ninth Century up until the present day.
Hot springs
Famed and revered for their healing properties for everything from migraines to depression and stress, Iceland is blessed with a vast array of hot springs. The island’s ceaseless volcanic activity and freezing waters from its glacier-laden surface result in a gloriously hot mineral-rich soak with over 800 springs sizzling at an average temperature of 7oC. Although taking your clothes off may seem like a daunting task in this frozen climate, the cold only adds to the joy of plunging into the steaming water for a delightfully juxtaposed experience while you admire the pristine landscape.
Check out Lake Laugarvatn, or Warm Springs Lake about 20km east of Thingvelli. Warm enough for bathing, these waters are naturally heated by geothermal vents to the north of the lake. A bathhouse is located at the edge and provides towel rental and showers all year round while a small entrance fee also gains you into a natural indoor steam bath heated by another hissing-hot spring.
If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten track, travel to Landmannalaugar hot springs. Lying 600 metres above sea level, this area comprises the largest geothermal field in Iceland and is surrounded by craggy rhyolite peaks and black lava fields. Although these can make for tricky driving and luxuries become sparse, it’s well worth the trek.
Weird and wonderful cuisine
A harsh climate and limited supplies meant that settlers put much effort into preserving their food, resulting in the evolution of a bizarre range of smoked and dried traditional delicacies. For those with a strong constitution, Hakari, or rotted shark is a pungent and slightly dubious dish that tastes like a mixture of dodgy fish and French cheese. This is prepared by burying the meat in sand for six months, and as you’d imagine is quite the acquired taste.
But if for some strange reason you’d like your travels to be less of an extreme taste challenge, never fear. Modern culinary delights are never far away – and many Icelandics will be eager to usher you toward the bright lights of Reykjavik for one of the many world-class restaurants on offer. The stylish Brauðbær Restaurant located in the Óðinsvé Hotel offers delicious seasonal local produce inspired by European cuisine. Leg of lamb with Icelandic cheese and mustard sauce or salted cod bacalao served with sweet rutabaga and lime scented butter are among the favourites. Seafood will always be close to the heart of Icelandic culture, and the Sjavarkjallarinn Seafod Cellar is regarded as one of the top restaurants. Award winning chef Stein Oskar Sigurdsson serves delightful fusion recipes including curried mussels, traditional smoked lamb and lobster. It’s also worth noting that tipping is a distinct faux pa in Iceland.
Festivals and nightlife
Cold weather and long nights certainly haven’t gotten the population down and there are a plethora of festivals and nightlife to while away the wee hours. The Winter Lights Festival based in Laugardalur Park runs throughout February and mixes and exciting programme of art, sport, culture and history. Many of Reykjavik’s galleries, clubs and associations take part to offer performances, exhibitions and lavish parties throughout the city.
Beer Day on 1 March pays homage to Iceland’s tumultuous relationship with alcohol and remembers the relatively recent abolition of prohibition in 1989. Presumably making up for lost time, locals indulge in a beer spree and highly festive celebrations long into the night. The Government is however reported to have strongly resisted calls for a National Hangover Day on 2 March.
Hedonistic Reykjavik has built up a reputation for its club scene over the years and has become a major hub for European revellers seeking the next big high. There are an astonishing number of wild and high-profile venues that rock right throughout the night. Frequent queues grace the entrance to the upmarket Rex; a meeting place of capital’s high-flyers including Björk and Eidur Gudjohnsen, while other popular cafes/bars include the large dance floor of Mediterranean style Café Oliver and the close by Vegamot bar.
For a more strenuous night on the town, the impressive NASA night club packs on the crowds with disco and house music over three floors and also has live bands earlier in the evening. The venue’s small stage also hosts some of the best musical performances in the country and is the best place to sample some local Jazz or traditional folk music for that authentic Icelandic experience.
