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Extensive travel and tourism guide for Iceland, Europe

Iceland Tourist Information

City of Natural Wonders

Iceland means new and different things for you to see and do, whatever the season. Every part of the year has its own special attractions, character and charm. And don´t let the name deceive you - Iceland can be very warm in summer when the sun shines virtually round the clock, while January temperatures are around 0°C.

It is the nearest European neighbor to the U.S. In fact, Iceland is at the halfway point from the East Coast to the European continent. With daily flights from New York, Baltimore/Washington, Minneapolis and Boston, and frequent service from Orlando and Halifax, this awesome and virtually jet-lag free destination awaits you with plenty of action.

Iceland Facts

Area:
39,709 square miles (about the size of Kentucky).
Population:
283,000 (Reykjavík area, 175,000).
Language: Icelandic.

Map of Iceland

Much of Iceland is still taking shape before your very eyes — raw, dramatic landscapes born from volcanic eruptions and carved out by glaciers. Other parts have hardly changed since the first Viking settlers saw them more than 1,100 years ago. You’ll experience wilderness and wildlife, energy and total calm, within easy reach wherever you stay, even on day trips.The chilliest thing about Iceland is really its name. In January the temperature is warmer than in New York and the welcome for travelers is always warm. In Iceland, almost everyone speaks fluent English and Americans always feel welcome.

Experience extraordinary views of surging geysers, thundering waterfalls (we have more than 10,000 of them), and moonlike volcanic craters. Taste a new world of experiences from snowmobiling, horseback riding and dog-sledding, to soaking outdoors in the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon.

Play golf at midnight because the sun never sets in summer. Fly to the Westmann Islands and visit some of the 10 million puffins that live there. And say hello to Keiko, the world's most famous killer whale (the star of the Free Willie movies).

Drive or sail through more than 100 majestic fjords with snow-capped mountains that dot our pristine coastline. Walk on a glacier or a simmering volcano, or just take a stroll in beautiful and peaceful downtown Reykjavík. Check out the galleries and the sleek fashion stores that line the streets.

Experience some of Reykjavík's many fantastic restaurants and the throbbing nightlife that goes on and on. Indulge yourself in fine hotels and enjoy the adventure of your lifetime; there are no limits, there is no end.

Iceland is for the young and the young at heart. Be a leader and head straight for the "coolest" destination on earth. You will never regret it.

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


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