Iceland: The New Hot Spot

For an extremely cool place—literally—Iceland has become a hot destination in recent years. WIth its spectacular natural beauty and dance-till-dawn nightlife, young globetrotters from around the world are flocking to this small island nation at the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Scandinavian Vikings found only wildlife when they first arrived here in the 9th century and founded the Commonwealth of the Saga Age. In the mid-13th century, the country fell into decline under the rule of Norway and then Denmark. It wasn’t until the 18th century that towns were even established in this rugged landscape. Today, most of the country’s 300,000 residents live near the capital, Reykjavik. Though Iceland’s economy took a serious tumble in 2008, and volcanic eruptions proved, well, disruptive, life in Iceland is once again back on track and residents are welcoming tourists enthusiastically.

From the standpoint of natural beauty, Iceland is a clear winner. Any or all of these top-10 breathtaking sights is well worth a visit:

• Pingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s Viking Parliament.
• The Blue Lagoon, where you can take a sauna or soak in pale blue waters surrounded by black lava boulders.
• Geysir Hot Springs Area, whose erupting waters have lent their name (geysers) to similar phenomena around the world.
• Gullfoss, a two-level waterfall located on the River Hvitá, which has been a national symbol since the 1920s, when it was saved by Iceland’s first environmental activist, Sigríður Tómasdóttir.
• Lake Myvatn Area, which might be called “Iceland in miniature,” as it contains everything Iceland has to offer in one place—wildfowl, volcano cones, mud pits, thermal pools, and bubbling lava flows.
• Vatnajökull National Park, which protects the central Vatnajökull icecap and its many glaciers, but also boasts numerous rivers, gorges, and mountains.
• Snaefellsjökull National Park, with its snowcapped peaks, a (for now) inactive volcano, and many hiking trails.
• Latrabjarg Bird Cliffs, a remote part of Iceland, which is home to one of the largest assortments of seabirds in Europe, including millions of gulls, guillemots, and puffins.
• Landmannalaugar Area, located in the interior of the country and accessible by buses in the summer for visitors who want to explore an unspoiled wilderness abounding with rivers, grey mountains, and hot springs.
• Jokulsarion, a seal-filled lagoon ringed by pale blue icebergs, located between the end of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and the Atlantic Ocean.

By its very nature, Iceland is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, but there is plenty to do without participating in extreme pursuits. Swimming, horseback riding, and jeep touring all get you out into the beautiful countryside. For the more actively inclined, hiking, fishing, river rafting, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, and scuba diving are all popular.

For more urban activities, Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is a cultural hub with museums, theaters, and performing arts concerts, as well as shopping, dining, and lively nightclubs.

In the city center and nearby suburbs, you’ll be able to trace the history of this centuries-old country. There’s the historic midtown and harbor, for example, with Reykjavik’s oldest standing building, a wooden storehouse dating back to the 18th century. The Settlement Exhibition in Landnamssyningin offers a look at the remains of a Viking-age longhouse, possibly dating to the 9th century. Culture House in Pjoomenningarhusio is the repository of Iceland’s medieval manuscripts, which were stored in Denmark until the 1970s, when they were returned and are now displayed in the former National Library. In Listasafn Islands, the National Gallery showcases the works of early 20th century Icelandic painters. And, one of the capital’s top attractions is Perlan (in English, "The Pearl”), a large glass-and-steel dome that offers an awe-inspiring (and free) panoramic viewing platform over the city.

Nightlife gets started late in Iceland, and there are more than enough bars, nightclubs, pubs, and late-night restaurants in downtown Reykjavik to see you through your visit. Many daytime cafes become crowded bars and clubs as the night goes on, and many are open until 5 a.m.; it’s not uncommon for those with enough stamina to party all night long on weekends. Admission to most bars and clubs is free, unless there’s a musical act (mainly in the larger venues). Though beer was prohibited in Iceland until 1989, the pub culture has more than gotten the hang of it, and Icelandic beers are said to be among the best in the world (reputedly because of the country’s pure, clean water supply).

In recent years, Reykjavik has also become popular for its eclectic music scene, with well-known artists such as Bjork and Sigur Ros, but also musicians of many different genres, from hardcore punk rock and indie to classical chamber music and hip-hop.

Reykjavik is also known for its gay-friendly vibe, The Gay Nightclub Barbara and the Truno Gay Café and Bar are two popular gay hangouts.

Those lucky enough to travel to Iceland will find plenty to do and see during their visit. With its rich history, stunning scenery and vibrant nightlife, there’s little wonder why Iceland is the hot new destination for those seeking adventure.

To learn more about Iceland, visit www.visiticeland.com.