Iceland People & Culture
Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe with an average about three inhabitants per square km. Almost four-fifths of the country are uninhabited and mostly uninhabitable, the population being concentrated in a narrow coastal belt, valleys and the southwest corner of the country.
Iceland's population is around 318.000, 2/3 of them live in the capital, Reykjavik, and surrounding areas.
Iceland is a progressive modern European society with a high standard of living and a high level of technology and education.
Iceland's population is around 318.000, 2/3 of them live in the capital, Reykjavik, and surrounding areas.
Iceland is a progressive modern European society with a high standard of living and a high level of technology and education.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:49 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Iceland
When you visit Iceland you should split your trip. Spend some days in Reykjavik to meet Icelandic people! After that you might rent a car and explore the wonderful rough nature of Iceland!
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Keflavik, Iceland
To see the northern lights, dont pay an expensive bus trip, take you car, sit near one of the hotels and follow the bus, the drivers know where the best spots to see them are, and you can drive on about 200 metres and get away from the crowd, noise light (and people thinking they can take a photo of the northern lights with a flash!)
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Reykjavik, Iceland
A beautiful country and an outstanding capital city...the people are very friendly and will help you with anything if you let them ..all in all a great place to visit but It's not too warm unless you straddle a Geyser...
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Keflavik, Iceland
If there are 4 people in your party, hire a car at teh airpor, its cheaper than doing the organised trips.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Okay first things first you have 2 go to the hot springs cause they are absolutley wonderfull for your skin. The people are really friendly and the food is good. But 1 thing u have to do is go to the spas and the hot springs.
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Iceland was the last European country to be settled, mostly by Norsemen in the 9th and 10th centuries. They came mainly from Norway and elsewhere in Scandinavia, and from the Norse settlements in the British Isles, from where a Celtic element was also introduced. The language and culture of Iceland were predominantly Scandinavian from the outset, but there are traces of Celtic influence in some of the ancient poetry, in some personal names and in the apperance of present-day Icelanders.
All branches of the arts flourish in Iceland, especially painting, which started in earnest at the turn of the century. Literature has always been the mainstay of Icelandic culture; other aspects of the national heritage that used to be important in past centuries include manuscript illumination, woodcarving and folk music. There are many theatre companies in Iceland, including a National Theatre. In Reykjavík there is a symphony orchestra, an opera house and ballet company. International performers make regular visits, especially to the Reykjavík Arts Festival.
All branches of the arts flourish in Iceland, especially painting, which started in earnest at the turn of the century. Literature has always been the mainstay of Icelandic culture; other aspects of the national heritage that used to be important in past centuries include manuscript illumination, woodcarving and folk music. There are many theatre companies in Iceland, including a National Theatre. In Reykjavík there is a symphony orchestra, an opera house and ballet company. International performers make regular visits, especially to the Reykjavík Arts Festival.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:49 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is a nice city. Everyone i've talked with, was friendly and helpsome. The city itself is growing, so they build a lot. There still some of the nice culture. It's not a big city, but i city worth visit. If you're there, go on a bus trip out to the waterfalls and see the fantastic nature that iceland is made off. Don't forget the "blue lagoon".
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Man is this place expensive! But every bit worthy of admission. Go to the hot springs. You will not regret it. The night life is awesome here. Stay at the Salvation Army Hotel if you are not picky. It is dirt cheap compared to the rest of the hotels and it is literally crawling distance from the majority of the pubs/clubs. The others are a bus ride into the action. Oh and the locals love American culture.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is as amazing and remote and charming as Iceland ... but in a different sort of way... while it is the world's northern-most capital and has lots of Iceland reflected in it ... it is a cosmopolitan city where more than half the country's population resides... so its a far cry from the desolate ice and lava covered bleakness - or the incredible natural richness - of much of Iceland... you can still see icebergs and lava fields not too far from Reykjavik, but the city proper is like any other smallish, safe and cosy capital... bustling with restaurants, bars, cute cafes, shops, houses and guesthouses, and the lot... but the central city is quite easily navigable on foot... the area around the main tourist office (there are three in the city itself... there is something of an overload of tourist information and brochures in Iceland, now that it is pushing tourism as one of its three main industries apart from fishing and aluminium) is extremely historic and eminently walkable... I would advise you to stay somewhere around there if possible as everything then becomes very accessible...Laugavegur street is the main commercial street with shops and restaurants galore, and many of the lovely cafes and bars are located here... I particularly recomment Kaffe Rosenberg, just off Laugavegur, for the local gigs and generally cultured feel and the bright yellow painted organic cafe on Laugavegur for your informal cuppa over a read and an informal crowd... Friday and Saturday nights are to be experienced at least once for the wild wild 'runtur', when pretty young things go about bar hopping till the wee hours of the morning and their male counterparts exhibit every bit of the boorish Viking drunkeness that young Icelandic folks are famous for... despite the exhorbitant alcohol prices and smallish population (the whole of Iceland is 300,000 people or so)... the bars are full to the brim till the last call in the morning and you can interact with a lot of the local crowd.... of course Reykjavik has more sedate attractions too, like some wonderful museums and sights (check out the Settlement Museum, the imposing church and its central pond adjoining the city hall), any number of excursions into the country (including the famed Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon tours, or more exotic trips into Grimsey Islands or Greenland) and lots of good places to eat (highly recommend the famed lobster soup at Sea Barrons, the hot dogs at the stand near the coast that is reputed to have the best in Europe, and the many fish restaurants in the city), several events through the year but especially in the summer (was lucky to be there during the Reykjavik Jazz Festival with some lovely international and local performances spread across venues for days), and much more... but Reykjavik is an expensive place even if it relatively cheap to get to (on Iceland Express from much of Europe, for example) with everything, except electricity quite steep (it is a credit card country where everything from a small coffee or beer upwards can be paid with a card - avoid changing money if you can as there are steep commissions involved), but it is not that cold as one would think (especially in comparison to some other European capitals) and it is a thoroughly enjoyable and novel place...
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is as amazing and remote and charming as Iceland ... but in a different sort of way... while it is the world's northern-most capital and has lots of Iceland reflected in it ... it is a cosmopolitan city where more than half the country's population resides... so its a far cry from the desolate ice and lava covered bleakness - or the incredible natural richness - of much of Iceland... you can still see icebergs and lava fields not too far from Reykjavik, but the city proper is like any other smallish, safe and cosy capital... bustling with restaurants, bars, cute cafes, shops, houses and guesthouses, and the lot... but the central city is quite easily navigable on foot... the area around the main tourist office (there are three in the city itself... there is something of an overload of tourist information and brochures in Iceland, now that it is pushing tourism as one of its three main industries apart from fishing and aluminium) is extremely historic and eminently walkable... I would advise you to stay somewhere around there if possible as everything then becomes very accessible...Laugavegur street is the main commercial street with shops and restaurants galore, and many of the lovely cafes and bars are located here... I particularly recomment Kaffe Rosenberg, just off Laugavegur, for the local gigs and generally cultured feel and the bright yellow painted organic cafe on Laugavegur for your informal cuppa over a read and an informal crowd... Friday and Saturday nights are to be experienced at least once for the wild wild 'runtur', when pretty young things go about bar hopping till the wee hours of the morning and their male counterparts exhibit every bit of the boorish Viking drunkeness that young Icelandic folks are famous for... despite the exhorbitant alcohol prices and smallish population (the whole of Iceland is 300,000 people or so)... the bars are full to the brim till the last call in the morning and you can interact with a lot of the local crowd.... of course Reykjavik has more sedate attractions too, like some wonderful museums and sights (check out the Settlement Museum, the imposing church and its central pond adjoining the city hall), any number of excursions into the country (including the famed Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon tours, or more exotic trips into Grimsey Islands or Greenland) and lots of good places to eat (highly recommend the famed lobster soup at Sea Barrons, the hot dogs at the stand near the coast that is reputed to have the best in Europe, and the many fish restaurants in the city), several events through the year but especially in the summer (was lucky to be there during the Reykjavik Jazz Festival with some lovely international and local performances spread across venues for days), and much more... but Reykjavik is an expensive place even if it relatively cheap to get to (on Iceland Express from much of Europe, for example) with everything, except electricity quite steep (it is a credit card country where everything from a small coffee or beer upwards can be paid with a card - avoid changing money if you can as there are steep commissions involved), but it is not that cold as one would think (especially in comparison to some other European capitals) and it is a thoroughly enjoyable and novel place...
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Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Iceland by the Constitution. There is a State church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which about 83% of the population belongs. Other denominations: Evangelical Lutheran Free churches (4.7%), Roman Catholic Church (2,4%), Pentecostal and Charismatic Congregations (1.0%) and others (5.5%). Non-affiliated amount to 2.6% of the population.
Millennium of the Conversion to Christianity in 2000
The conversion of Iceland to Christianity was a unique event. A whole society abandoned its ancient heathen belief and peacefully adopted the Christian faith. This happened at the opening session of Althing, the parliament, at Thingvellir in the year 1000, when the nation faced bitter divisions. The Speaker, Thorgeir of Ljósavatn, himself a heathen, addressed Althingi and spoke the classic words: "If the law torn asunder, so will the peace". He declared that all Icelanders should be baptized into Christianity. This decision is considered to be the most important ever taken at Althingi since its establishment in 930 AD.
Religion in Iceland
Congregational activity in the capital is not strong and church attendance is low. This observation would indicate important characteristics of the religious situation in Iceland. On the one hand that the National Church has been slow in adapting to urban life in Iceland, and on the other hand modern Icelanders are deeply conscious of their history and national identity.
Millennium of the Conversion to Christianity in 2000
The conversion of Iceland to Christianity was a unique event. A whole society abandoned its ancient heathen belief and peacefully adopted the Christian faith. This happened at the opening session of Althing, the parliament, at Thingvellir in the year 1000, when the nation faced bitter divisions. The Speaker, Thorgeir of Ljósavatn, himself a heathen, addressed Althingi and spoke the classic words: "If the law torn asunder, so will the peace". He declared that all Icelanders should be baptized into Christianity. This decision is considered to be the most important ever taken at Althingi since its establishment in 930 AD.
Religion in Iceland
Congregational activity in the capital is not strong and church attendance is low. This observation would indicate important characteristics of the religious situation in Iceland. On the one hand that the National Church has been slow in adapting to urban life in Iceland, and on the other hand modern Icelanders are deeply conscious of their history and national identity.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:50 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
All branches of arts have flourished during the past century in Iceland. In the last few decades, the Icelandic film industry has had great success. Literature has a tradition going back to the middle ages. Novelist Mr. Halldór Laxness won the Nobel prize for literature in 1955. Painting started in earnest about 100 years ago and many Icelandic works are exhibited in galleries around the world. The National Theater, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Dance Company and the Opera House all contribute to a rich cultural life.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:45 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Seydhisfjordhur, Iceland
Art and music Festival - duration : about 1 week, you can meet amazing and friendly people - I was hitch-hike aroud there and Icelanders took me to this crazy but realy cool festival LungA Festival
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The most popular sports in Iceland are football, handball, basketball and golf.
The best known athletes from Iceland are e.g. Eiður Guðjohnsen, Gylfi Sigurðsson, Hermann Hreiðarsson, Grétar Steinsson, Jón Arnór Stefánsson and Ólafur Stefánsson.
The best known athletes from Iceland are e.g. Eiður Guðjohnsen, Gylfi Sigurðsson, Hermann Hreiðarsson, Grétar Steinsson, Jón Arnór Stefánsson and Ólafur Stefánsson.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:42 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Holmavik, Iceland
I did not visit Holmavik by design; the car I hired careered off the road in pitch darkness and 10 below zero and once rescued by a kindly motorist, we drove carefully back to the nearest town, which was Holmavik. It's pretty small fishing village with one bar that's closed in wintre and one guesthouse which was very friendly, but frankly with sun setting at 2:30 there wasn't much to do anyway!
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Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
The Vestmannaer-Islands are located south of Iceland and are all volcanic origin. It is know for:
- most windiest point in Europe
- Home of Keiko
- cute little birds "Puffins" - Papageientaucher
- honey marinated puffin breast - delicous
- rough golf course (between volcanic stones)
- the volcano Eldfell, with its big eruption 1973
- ugly smelling fish drying
You can travel there either by plane or by ferry.
- most windiest point in Europe
- Home of Keiko
- cute little birds "Puffins" - Papageientaucher
- honey marinated puffin breast - delicous
- rough golf course (between volcanic stones)
- the volcano Eldfell, with its big eruption 1973
- ugly smelling fish drying
You can travel there either by plane or by ferry.
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Hafnarfjordhur, Iceland
Ok rent a horse at íshestar, then go hiking on Helgafell volcano, then go for dinner at Fjörukráinn viking hotel and end the evening by enjoying a performance at Jadarleikhusid theatre.
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Borg, Iceland
Hike to the top of the hill above the church and enjoy the view and have a picnic there! This is where Egill Skallagrimson of "Egils saga" lived.
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Reykjahlidh, Iceland
Rent a bike and ride around the lake or enjoy bathing in the lagoon.
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There is a wide range of high quality restaurants in Iceland, serving specialities including freshly caught seafood, meat from naturally reared animals and prize game from the unspoilt countryside.
Iceland offers a fine variety of all kinds of foods produced locally. The quality is excellent, in part because of a very clean environment. Perhaps the best is lamb meat, mostly because the sheep range freely in the mountains. Iceland has strict regulations relating to meat production and the use of hormones is strictly forbidden.
There is a wide range cheeses and other dairy products made in Iceland. There are over 80 types of cheese made, some of which have won international awards. Skyr (which is something between yogurt and the German "quark") and mysa (whey) are specialities that have been made in farms through the centuries in Iceland.
Icelandic fish, caught in the unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has established a reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste world-wide. Fish is the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can be had all the year round. Icelanders eat mostly haddock, cod, plaice, halibut, herring and shrimp.
Poultry farming is considerable in Iceland. The most common types of bird reared are chicken, duck and turkey. Certain species of wild birds are hunted, including geese.
Even though Iceland is situated near the polar circle, many garden vegetables are grown outside, including cabbage and potatoes. Other vegetables, fruits and flowers are grown in geothermally heated hot houses.
Iceland has a range of traditional foods, called "thorramatur", which are enjoyed especially in the period from January to March. These preserved foods include smoked and salted lamb, salted lamb, singed sheep heads, dried fish, smoked and pickled salmon, cured shark and various other delicacies. Breads include laufabrauð (deep-fried paper-thin bread), kleinur (similar to doughnuts) and rye pancakes.
Iceland offers a fine variety of all kinds of foods produced locally. The quality is excellent, in part because of a very clean environment. Perhaps the best is lamb meat, mostly because the sheep range freely in the mountains. Iceland has strict regulations relating to meat production and the use of hormones is strictly forbidden.
There is a wide range cheeses and other dairy products made in Iceland. There are over 80 types of cheese made, some of which have won international awards. Skyr (which is something between yogurt and the German "quark") and mysa (whey) are specialities that have been made in farms through the centuries in Iceland.
Icelandic fish, caught in the unpolluted waters of the North Atlantic, has established a reputation for its superb quality and delicious taste world-wide. Fish is the mainstay of the Icelandic diet, and fresh fish can be had all the year round. Icelanders eat mostly haddock, cod, plaice, halibut, herring and shrimp.
Poultry farming is considerable in Iceland. The most common types of bird reared are chicken, duck and turkey. Certain species of wild birds are hunted, including geese.
Even though Iceland is situated near the polar circle, many garden vegetables are grown outside, including cabbage and potatoes. Other vegetables, fruits and flowers are grown in geothermally heated hot houses.
Iceland has a range of traditional foods, called "thorramatur", which are enjoyed especially in the period from January to March. These preserved foods include smoked and salted lamb, salted lamb, singed sheep heads, dried fish, smoked and pickled salmon, cured shark and various other delicacies. Breads include laufabrauð (deep-fried paper-thin bread), kleinur (similar to doughnuts) and rye pancakes.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:44 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Iceland
When you visit Iceland you should split your trip. Spend some days in Reykjavik to meet Icelandic people! After that you might rent a car and explore the wonderful rough nature of Iceland!
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Reykjavik, Iceland
dont use the public toilet on the main street...
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland is a great place to visit for up to a week. Just don't stay in Reykjavik for the whole time... you will get bored. Rent a car and drive into the countryside fro a lot o variety.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
dormir pas cher?? le camping pres du stade..
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Keflavik, Iceland
To see the northern lights, dont pay an expensive bus trip, take you car, sit near one of the hotels and follow the bus, the drivers know where the best spots to see them are, and you can drive on about 200 metres and get away from the crowd, noise light (and people thinking they can take a photo of the northern lights with a flash!)
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Icelandic is the national language and is believed to have changed very little from the original tongue spoken by the Norse settlers. English and Danish are widely spoken and understood. German and French are taught in grammar school and other upper secondary level schools, so many can speak these languages. Icelandic has two unique letter-characters of its own, Þ/þ and Ð/ð, which were used in Old English. "Þ" is pronounced as "th" in "thing" and "Ð" is pronounced as the "th" in "them".
Most Icelanders can read the old sagas written in the 14th century. Icelanders also speak and understand English.
Common phrases:
Yes is "já" and no is "nei".
Thank you is "Takk fyrir".
Good day is "Góðan daginn".
Most Icelanders can read the old sagas written in the 14th century. Icelanders also speak and understand English.
Common phrases:
Yes is "já" and no is "nei".
Thank you is "Takk fyrir".
Good day is "Góðan daginn".
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:46 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H. Dagný Bryndís S.
Iceland is a republic, has a written constitution and a parliamentary form of government. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a term of four years, with no term limit. Most executive power rests with the Government, which is elected separately from the presidential elections every four years.
Althingi is a legislative body of 63 members elected for a term of four years by popular vote. Anyone who is eligible to vote, with the exception of the President and the judges of the Supreme Court, can stand for parliament. After every election, the President gives one of the parliamentary leaders of the political parties the authority to form a cabinet, usually beginning with the leader of the largest party. If he is not successful, the President will ask another political party leader to form a government.
A cabinet of ministers stays in power until the next general election or a new government is formed. The ministers sit in Althingi, but if they have not been elected, they do not have the right to vote in parliament.
Judicial power lies with the Supreme Court and the district courts.
Althingi is a legislative body of 63 members elected for a term of four years by popular vote. Anyone who is eligible to vote, with the exception of the President and the judges of the Supreme Court, can stand for parliament. After every election, the President gives one of the parliamentary leaders of the political parties the authority to form a cabinet, usually beginning with the leader of the largest party. If he is not successful, the President will ask another political party leader to form a government.
A cabinet of ministers stays in power until the next general election or a new government is formed. The ministers sit in Althingi, but if they have not been elected, they do not have the right to vote in parliament.
Judicial power lies with the Supreme Court and the district courts.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:48 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Iceland achieved an impressive economic record the last decade, with one of the highest consistent growth rates in the world and low inflation and unemployment. At the end of 2008, however, Iceland was in the headlines of the international press for unenviable reasons. In the wake of the global financial crisis, Iceland's three largest private banks experienced major liquidity problems and were, within the space of a few days, taken into government administration.
The collapse of the banking sector, which was very large relative to Iceland’s economy, together with rapid depreciation of the Icelandic krona, brought about an unprecedented economic and financial crisis.
However, t he foundations of the Icelandic economy remain strong and Iceland is moving towards economic recovery with multilateral assistance from the International Monetary Fund playing a key role. Iceland’s clean energy, its marine resources, strong infrastructure and well-educated workforce, provide a firm basis to overcome the current economic difficulties and implement necessary reforms.
The collapse of the banking sector, which was very large relative to Iceland’s economy, together with rapid depreciation of the Icelandic krona, brought about an unprecedented economic and financial crisis.
However, t he foundations of the Icelandic economy remain strong and Iceland is moving towards economic recovery with multilateral assistance from the International Monetary Fund playing a key role. Iceland’s clean energy, its marine resources, strong infrastructure and well-educated workforce, provide a firm basis to overcome the current economic difficulties and implement necessary reforms.
Last edited Jan 30, 11 4:48 PM. Contributors: Contributors: Aron H.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is by far the largest community in Iceland
Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D. According to the medieval Book of Settlements, Ingolfur Arnarson – the first settler of Iceland – built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavik stands today. The place was named Reykjavik – “Smoky Bay” - after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression on the original settlers.
Lake Tjornin is a small lake, a peaceful oasis, in Reykjavik city centre. The lake harbours varied birdlife (many arctic bird species, swans and ducks) which makes it a favourite spot for young families to go feed the ducks, or just take a stroll around the lake.
In the winter when the lake freezes over, people sometimes go skating or play ice-hockey on the lake. An interesting fact is that the lake is heated (with geothermal water) during the winter so a small part of it stays unfrozen when the rest is frozen - there is a certain group of geese who always stay here throughout the winter, who would otherwise travel to southern Europe!
The water in the lake runs under the street Laekjargata and into the harbour. In old times, the stream was open but is now covered by Laekjargata.
Next to the lake there is a park called Hljomskalagardurinn, and important buildings around it are the City Hall, National Gallery, Idno theatre (the oldest in the city) and the Free Church (Frikirkjan).
Many centuries later, around the middle of the 18th century, a small town started to grow around the farm of Reykjavik, thanks to Royal Treasurer Skuli Magnusson, known as the Father of Reykjavik, who established wool workshops at Reykjavik as part of his efforts to modernise the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginnings of urban development at Reykjavik. Reykjavik received its town charter in 1786.
Many centuries later, around the middle of the 18th century, a small town started to grow around the farm of Reykjavik, thanks to Royal Treasurer Skuli Magnusson, known as the Father of Reykjavik, who established wool workshops at Reykjavik as part of his efforts to modernise the Icelandic economy. This led to the beginnings of urban development at Reykjavik. Reykjavik received its town charter in 1786.
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Reykjavik, Iceland
Nowadays you MUST BRING EURO'S or $$$$ to help the economy. Nooo just kidding. It's good to bring warm clothes since it's winter. Although it's dark all day and all night we light up the day with good humour and alot of lights.
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