Ten Reasons to Visit/Love/Live Iceland
No. 1 Tales to Be Told
World-class literature is literally at your feet as Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is designated a City of Literature by UNESCO. It is the fifth city in the world (and the first non-native English speaking one) to receive this title. A book-loving nation with a rich literary history, including the medieval Sagas which are still read today, it holds various annual and biannual International Literature festivals. Not surprisingly, Iceland enjoys a flourishing publishing industry and the most popular Christmas gift is a book.
No. 2 The Art of It
This is a country that widely supports the arts. For instance, sculptures are found everywhere -- in places one would expect, such as the waterfront park (above), to the unexpected: a highway fuel-and-food stop. In fact, every town appears to boast at least one work of art in its main square, and sculptures can be found throughout Reykjavik. Galleries are abundant, too, and Reykjavik is known for its music festival. Here, the arts really do rock on.
No. 3 Organic Eats
Organic fare appears to be more the norm than the exception in Iceland. Fresh-from-the-farm (and sea) ingredients are staples, even at road-side stops where dishes such as broiled Arctic Charr and homemade vegetable soup can be found. Favouring seafood? Get there early; once the catch of the day is gone, it's gone. More adventurist? Try the smoked puffin -- yum.
No. 4 Walk On
It's cyclist and pedestrian friendly. Enough said.
No. 5 Come Together
It's a country that not only brings together the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, but also, it was the site that brought together two opposing world leaders. In 1986, presidents Ronald Reagan of the U.S.A. and Mikhail Gorbachev of the U.S.S.R. met at the Hofdi House for the Icelandic Summit, a meeting that is regarded as marking the beginning of the end of the Cold War. Cool!
No. 6 Coffee Clutch
Cafe culture abounds (and not a grande or venti in sight). Icelanders love their coffee, and you can too.
No. 7 Winter Woolies
Known for their Icelandic sweaters, all types of knits are available, including traditional yet fashionable hats and mittens. In such a small nation, fashion shoots for winter gear on the streets of Reykjavik in summer? Check. Also popularly advertised -- the brand 66 Degrees North, named for the island's Arctic latitude. Winter woolies, indeed!
No. 8 Back in the Saddle Again
Beautiful, sturdy, hardy and spirited -- Icelandic horses are a pure breed, decedent from the horses the Vikings brought to the country 1000 years ago. Riding is a very popular past-time, and stables and horse farms offer a wide range of riding opportunities from short ventures for beginners to extended day-long excursions for experienced riders; definitely a reason to be back in the saddle again.
No. 9 Harpa
Newly built and sitting on prime real estate at the mouth of the capital's harbour, the building known as Harpa is a beautiful, twinkling gem of a concert hall. Filled with art, it is open for tours or just for wandering. It boasts a cafe, a gift shop and some of the best views of the city and the water.
No. 10 Parlez-Vous...?
Icelandic is a lyric language and the closest Northern Germanic language to Old Norse. If you're not a linguist, fear not. The population -- particularly those in industries catering to visitors -- is well-versed in many languages including English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
If those aren't reason enough to visit/love/live Iceland, the country is considered a top travel destination with friendly folks, tons of adventure options and a temperate climate. It has certainly won my heart.
All photos by D. Sleziak
