Recreation

Iceland is still in the stage of geological development. The Earth's forces are constantly molding the terrain and the climate, making Iceland a very exciting destination for the dynamic traveler. There are a lot of physically challenging activities for the adventurous lot of people, to partake during their stay on the island.

Despite the difficult geography, tourists don't have to journey too far to experience diversity. Lakes and rivers are located in valleys situated by the volcanoes that are in the vicinity of glaciers. Some of the mainline sports and their details are mentioned below.

Climbing / Hiking / Mountaineering

Nearly fifty percent of the Iceland's land surface lies well above 400m from sea level and this automatically makes it one of the best places for climbing and mountaineering. There are marked and unmarked trails scattered all over the country and range in difficulty from mere walking paths in the wilderness to hikes over volcanoes to vertical climbs over cliff faces. There is also a choice for the sort of surfaces people wish to hike - glacier, sand or rocks of molten lava (this one not being a very popular option).

A very popular hiking trail is the winding mountain path that connects Þórsmörk to Landmannalaugar. The trail can be entered from any of the locations, and offers one of the most charming nature walks on Earth. Travel agencies and tour centers organize regular trips to this destination for visitors and locals alike. Information, safety tips, maps and the likes can be obtained form the Tourist Information Offices.

Information on the geological, seismic and volcanic activity of Iceland can be obtained from:

Gjain — The Geological Information Center

Location: IS 240 Grindavik

Tel: (+354) 420-8840

Fax: (+354) 420-8801

Email: bluelagoon@bluelagoon.is

Web: www.bluelagoon.com

The following are a few tour operators that conduct guided hike and climbing trips:

Arinbjorn Johannsson Erlebnistouren

Location: Brekkulaekur

531 Hvammstangi

Tel: (+354) 451-2938

Fax: (+354) 451-2998

Email: brekka@nett.is

Web: www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur

Erlingsson Naturreisen

Location: Tjarnargata 4

101 Reykjavik

Tel: (+354) 551-9700

Fax: (+354) 551-9703

Email: erlingsson@naturreisen.is

Web: www.naturreisen.is

Iceland Excursions Allrahanda

Location: Funahofda 17

110 Reykjavik

Tel: (+354) 540-1313

Fax: (+354) 540-1310

Email: ie@icelandexcursions.is

Web: www.icelandexcursions.is

SBA — Nordurleid

Location: Hafnarstraeti 82

600 Akureyri

Tel: (+354) 462-3510 / 551-1145

Fax: (+354) 462-7020 / 552-6550

Email: sba@sba.is

Web: www.sba.is

Destination Iceland

Location: Vatnsmyrarvegur 10

Web: 101 Reykjavik

Tel: (+354) 591-1020 / (+354) 591-1000

Fax: (+354) 591-1050

Email: travel@dice.is

Web: www.dice.is

Feeling the heat

The young age of the island makes it a literal hotbed for geothermal activity and this means plenty of natural springs, magma heated pools and sulphur ponds. These pools are present nearly everywhere on the island. For spa treatment and dermatological issues, head to the Blue Lagoon whereas for a simple dip in the hot waters visit the geyser district of the Golden Circle.

Whale Time

Iceland is one of the premier destinations in the world for studying members of the order Cetacea or in layperson terms, the study of dolphins and whales. People can choose to stay on land and watch these aquatic mammals from a distance or go into the water and be at the center of the action. Iceland offers one spectacular chance to witness the whales, breech or dolphins cackle in their natural environment. The waters of the nation are also some of the last refuges for the sea's gentle giants. It is also the place where Keiko the Killer whale, of Free Willy fame was released after his career in Hollywood came to an end.

The following are some people you can contact for an amazing whale and dolphin watching experience:

Moby Dick Whale Watching

Location: Hafnargata 79

230Keflavik

Postal Address: P. O. Box 92

Tel: (+354) 421-7777 / (+354) 896-5598

Fax: (+354) 421-3361

Email: moby.dick@dolphin.is

Web: www.dolphin.is

Hvalstodin ehf. Whale Watching Center

Location: 121 Reykjavik

Operated from Aegisgardur, Reykjavik Harbor

P. O. Box 409

Tel: (+354) 533-2660

Fax: (+354) 421-2517

Email: hafsulan@hafsulan.is

Web: www.whalewatching.is / www.hafsulan.is

Seatours

Location: Smidjustigur 3

340 Stykkisholmur

Tel: (+354) 438-1450

Fax: (+354) 438-1050

Email: seatours@seatours.is

Web: www.seators.is

The Original Whale Watching in Husavik — North Sailing

Location: Gamli Baukur

640 Husavik

Postal Address: P. O. Box 122

Tel: (+354) 464-2350

Fax: (+354) 464-2351

Email: info@nordursigling.is

Web: www.nordursigling.is

Peck Away

Iceland is one of the best places in the world for bird watching, not only because of the variety of avifauna but also because of its location and for the colonies of birds inhabiting in large numbers. Take Latrabjarg for instance, it is the largest bird cliff in world with the largest population of razorbills. Other popular birding destinations are the Westman Islands, off the southern coast of Iceland that house the largest puffin population of the world. Lake Myvatn in the northern region has an amazing population of ducks, the largest breeding one in Europe. There are the shores of south Iceland that are home to the largest skua colony in the world.

Among the other popular birds are the puffin, Artic terns, eiders and passerine birds. The best time to see these birds in action is the early part of summer. For tour details please contact:

Seatours

Location: Smidjustigur 3

340 Stykkisholmur

Tel: (+354) 438-1450

Fax: (+354) 438-1050

Email: seatours@seatours.is

Web: www.seators.is

Horse Riding

Horse riding has been a tradition in Iceland for a major part of its history. Given the rugged nature of the terrain, a horse was and remains the ideal way to get around. Many farms and Icelandic ranches offer tourists the chance to travel through the nation on horseback. These tours can last from the duration of an hour to several days spend with the creatures, transversing the rough country.

Please contact the following tour operators for some of the best deals in Icelandic horse-riding:

Arinbjorn Johannsson Erlebnistouren

Location: Brekkulaekur

531 Hvammstangi

Tel: (+354) 451-2938

Fax: (+354) 451-2998

Email: brekka@nett.is

Web: www.geysir.com/Brekkulaekur

Ishestar Riding Tours

Location: Sorlaskeid 26

220 Hafnarfjordur

Tel: (+354) 555-7000

Fax: (+354) 555-7001

Email: info@ishestar.is

Web: www.ishestar.is

Polar Horses

Locaon: Grytubakki 2

601 Akureyri

Tel: (+354) 463-3179

Fax: (+354) 463-3144

Email: polarhestar@polarhestar.is

Web: www.polarhestar.is

Skiing

Various parts of the country are covered with snow all though the year and that combined with the varied terrain makes Iceland one of the best skiing countries in the world. In the winter months nearly all slopes, trails and parts of Iceland are available for skiing. Numerous resorts and ski facilities such as lifts, jumps and rental shops have been set up at these destinations for the comfort of visitors.

In the summers, try Kerlingarfjoll that is situated near Hofsjokull glacier in the interior of Iceland. A ski-school operates in this region, where visitors can find accommodation as well as lessons in skiing. The operating months of the school are June to August. The schools also provide lodging and boarding for guests who do not wish to register at the school.

Glacier Tours

Iceland has some very interesting glaciers that appear as vast sheets of snow but are actually moving rivers of slush, snow and debris. They make for a spectacular site and can be explored on snowmobiles or snow-cats. It is far more advisable to seek for a guided, group tour because this ensures that if there is trouble, there are people around to help.

The following is a glacial tour operator:

Iceland Excursions Allrahanda

Location: Funahofda 17

110 Reykjavik

Tel: (+354) 540-1313

Fax: (+354) 540-1310

Email: ie@icelandexcursions.is

Web: www.icelandexcursions.is

Dog Sledding

Though, not very popular modes of transportation in modern Iceland, dog sleds are a great way to go exploring the icy country. At the same time you are guaranteed great company in the form off thoroughbred huskies and malamutes. The tours generally cover flats terrain near glaciers and valleys. The best time for sledding is early winter although places such as Mýrdalsjökull are great for sledding even in the summer. The average cost is about $85 to $100 per person for a tour that lasts between half-an-hour to an hour. The tours generally includes brief session where the visitor is allowed to play the part of the musher as well as interactive session with the hairy, furry smiling dogs.

For arranging for a sled and guided tours contact:

Dog Steam Tours

Tel: (+354) 487-7447

Fax: (+354) 487-5412

Email: dogsteam@simnet.is

Web: www.dogsledding.is

Throw in a Line

Iceland is perhaps the best place in Europe to fish for salmon and trout. The seasons for the fish vary with salmon surfacing in the time between the end of June to the middle of September and trout making appearances between April and October. The salmons are caught in the river whereas the trout are more frequent in the lakes. In the winter months ice fishing is equally popular with the locals and the tourists. Sea-angling is also gaining fans with the official season for sea-fishing commencing in May and ending in August.

Everyone requires a permit to fish in Iceland. Salmon permits can be hard to get and so people need to apply for them well in advance. On the hand, trout permits are relatively easy to obtain and people can even get them on a days notice. It is far better for the ecology of Iceland if people practice ‘catch-and-release' fishing techniques. For further information contact the Tourism Offices in Iceland.

Golf

A surprising fact about Iceland is that there are over fifty golf courses in the country. Like everything else on the island, the golf courses are close to nature and offer spectacular views. All courses are open to visitors with average fees ranging from $15 to $30.

A very interesting thing about playing golf in Iceland is that you can play at midnight in broad daylight. If that doesn't make sense to, consider this that Iceland is one of the Arctic destinations where summer means six months of uninterrupted daylight. For further information on round-the-clock teeing off and other inquiries please contact:

Icelandic Golf Association

Tel: (+354) 568 6686

E-mail: gsi@isisport.is / gsi@toto.is

Web: www.golf.is

Rafting

Iceland has an amazing number of rivers and most of them are navigable by raft. Visitors also have the option of crossing parts of the Artic Ocean in the North by raft.

For equipment rentals, guides and tours please contact:

Artic Rafting

Location: Sudurbraut 2

Arnes

801 Selfoss

Tel: (+354) 898-0410

Fax: (+354) 487-5587

Email: info@arcticrafting.is

Web: www.arcticrafting.is

Jetboating

Think of a state-of-the-art boat cruising the Icelandic rivers at breakneck speed, doing 360o turns and flips in the air. If that seems like the ultimate experience to you, then head to Arctic Rafting for a jetboating session for the real deal.

Swimming

Everyone in Iceland enjoys a bout of swimming now and then. Most places in the country - whether it is a town or village - has a pool meant exclusively for swimming. Tourists have a choice between indoor and outdoor pools. Some pools come attached to Jacuzzis, hot pots and saunas.

For further information please contact:

Reykjavík Spa City

Email: itr@rvk.is

Web: www.spacity.is