Tour de Iceland – Tour de Force

History

Iceland was the last part of Europe to be populated. According to records, this happened in 874 when Norwegian Vikings, fleeing from conflict in their homeland, came to the island. The same people went on to inhabit Greenland a bit later (and eventually landed in mainland North America). The whole name thing is a bit confusing as Iceland is in fact not ice-covered year-round, whereas Greenland for the most part is. As it turns out, Iceland was discovered in the winter and got its name from that. Greenland, however, was in fact given its name to lure more settlers there. The climate at the time was milder, so it might have been greener there, but still it was false advertising.

The Vikings stayed on Iceland and among other things founded one of the oldest existing parliament on earth, the ‘Allting’, which is still functioning. Iceland fell under different rulers as the powers changed in Scandinavia and finally ended up under Danish rule. This remained until the Republic of Iceland was established after WW2.

Iceland is today the most sparsely populated country in Europe with a population of about 360,000, with over two-thirds living in the southwest area around the capital Reykjavik.

The isolated location has created a unique culture with resilient people with strong family ties and a strong sense of tradition. Iceland is also a modern, prosperous nation which ranks high in economy, democracy and equality and has currently the highest median wealth ranking per adult in the world.

Nature

Iceland is shaped by volcanic magma and glaciers, which makes the landscape unique. There are more than 125 volcanic mountains in the country and some of them are still very active. Vulcan eruptions are a constant threat to the population, and people there still bear in mind the great eruption in 783 which killed 9,000 people and 80% of the livestock, and the aftermath of this killed 25% of the population because of starvation. But nature gives as it takes; the Hydro and geothermal energy power more than 80% of the country.

Despite its history, Iceland is a country in the making. The effects of two tectonic plates drifting apart is clearly visible on the island. This creates the spectacular natural wonders you’ll experience there such as geysers, hot springs, and of course volcanoes.

Climate

Iceland lies in the path of the North Atlantic Current, which makes the climate more temperate than one would expect. The average temperature is 32 °F (0 °C) in the winter and 50–55 °F (10–13 °C) in the summer. Warm summer days can reach 68–77 °F (20–25 °C). Annual sunshine hours in Reykjavik are around 1300, which is quite similar to many northern European towns.

Hurtigruten is circumnavigating Iceland

Discover some of the landing sites we may visit on an expedition cruise to Iceland:

Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital and largest city is a captivating mix of rich urban life and and incredible natural formations like glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. The city is actually a hotbed of activity, culture and has a buzzing nightlife and a great restaurant scene. Although fishing traditionally has been the major industry, the financial and IT sectors are now important employers in the city.

Stykkisholmur

This welcoming and well-preserved old town is the centre of service and commerce in the area. Excursions to the Snæfellsnes Penninsula’s Lóndrangar cliffs or the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur are possible.

Patreksfjördur

A charming settlement of around 660 inhabitants, this village is set in a picturesque fjord close to a spectacular waterfall. It is a renowned birdwatching spot with great hiking opportunities.

Akureyri

Close to renowned natural treasures like Lake Mývatn and Godafoss waterfall, Akureyri hosts fine botanical gardens and a lively cultural scene.

Grímsey

This scenic island has the distinction of having the Arctic Circle cut across it from north to south. The island has only 61 inhabitants and is the northernmost inhabited part of Iceland.

Bakkagerdi

Bakkagerdi is known for its raw natural beauty and is considered ‘the land of the elves’. The landscape is truly fairytal-like, and it seems like a natural habitat for all kinds of mystical and mythical figures. The actual, real life Puffin also like this place with colonies abound in the local fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching.

Heimaey

Heimaey, the ‘Home Island’ boasts a harbour with a very narrow entrance, caused by a volcanic eruption and steep cliffs that are home to countless seabirds, including the charming puffin.