For those who admire art and culture, Reykjavik can be a paradise as it has got everything from ancient Icelandic sagas to the feel of modern Icelandic art. One can sense the continuous flow of soft music coming from some corner 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Two main events of music and culture are organized every year in Reykjavik. They are the cultural night and the Reykjavik arts festival. Other than these two, numerous musical and cultural events are organized here all year round. Some of them are mentioned below.
Galleries
There are two types of galleries namely the general and the commercial gallery. Both these showcase a huge variety of arts ranging from archetypical Icelandic art to works done by modern and contemporary artists from Iceland. Exhibitions of foreign artists are also conducted here from time to time. Most of the art galleries are situated in Skolavordustigur and close to Laugavegur. Both these are very close to Reykjavik city centre. Entry to most of these art galleries is all free for local citizens. It is said about Icelandic art piece that an original one can be a best memento of your life
Museums
Glorious past of Iceland and its Vikings can be seen in many museums and galleries situated in Reykjavik. You can know every small fact connected with the history of Iceland at the national museum of Iceland whereas you can see a longhouse of the time of Vikings at the Reykjavik settlement exhibition. Moreover, you can get one on one with the literary history of Iceland at cultural house. Visual art is also developing in Reykjavik. The main galleries showcasing this are The National Gallery and The Three-Fold Reykjavik Art Museum. Many exhibition houses and small art galleries are present all around to increase the interest of visitors. Other famous exhibition area of Reykjavik are the open air folk museum, museum of photography and numismatic and electric and telecommunications museum.
Theater and opera
Reykjavik was selected as one of the most cultural cities of Europe in the year 2000 and still one cannot believe that it has held its reputation of being so. Reykjavik has numerous symphony orchestras, an opera house, many theatre companies and an Icelandic dance company which is very famous in Europe and North America. The capital city has accommodated two professional theatre companies and numerous amateur and independent groups. These two are the city theatre and the national theatre. These two groups have produced world class classics to very sharply done experimental works. Productions are all over Iceland and very often they get to see some production coming from some neighboring country. At the Icelandic opera house, one can hear the operas of all types. The specialty here is that here operas are sung in original with using Icelandic subtitles. The Icelandic dance company which lives in the city theatre focuses more in remixing traditional dance with a modern one.
Not only the citizens there but the visitors of Reykjavik also stay enchanted and captivated all year round by the continuous shows, performances and cultural happenings taking place there.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Reykjavik – the heart of the Icelandic economy
Till 1990, Iceland was a very slow runner in the race of developing their economy. It was only after 1990 that it gained momentum and is still running very fast towards becoming a developed and a self-sustained economy. The recoveries that Iceland’s economy has made are; it has one of the world’s highest growth rates, very low inflation rate and employment rate is very high. There are many factors that can be held responsible for such a rapid development but the main are correct resource management, stability in prices, upgradation of stock exchange etc. All these reforms came from the capital city so; we can say that the capital city Reykjavik is the biggest cause of such speedy growth of Icelandic economy.
Reykjavik – the capital of Iceland is a small city which can be seen very efficiently either by walking on your own or through public transport. Not only in Reykjavík, but you can also go around this city where there are number of tourist spots and they are minutes away from Reykjavik. It is a guarantee that the visitors will feel that the pure and natural energy is rejuvenating their mind and soul, whether it’s coming from nearby geothermal pool or from the natural green energy around the city. Reykjavik has everything that a big metro city often misses i.e. fun, space, clean air, nature and a blend of cultures. Reykjavik can be called a complete city as it also holds the very beautiful blend of modern and older cultures which are complimented by beautiful raw nature. It spread across the peninsula and Atlantic Ocean is surrounding from all sides. This view becomes very magnificent and glorious when viewed from an aero plane. You can navigate the entire city without a guide because people here are very friendly and welcoming. For them, a visitor is a God and they are ready to help you anywhere, anytime. Public transport system is not excellent but it can be rated as ‘very good’ because a very good network of city busses is plying between capital city Reykjavík and its suburb cities and taxis are available 24/7.
Most of the Icelanders live around Reykjavík and this is the reason why main government offices of Iceland are situated here. The Icelandic parliament, the main hospital of Iceland, the second largest airport, the University of Iceland, the national museum and many other important offices and institutions are situated in Reykjavík. The inclusion of all these and many others makes this city, a little bit more energetic and important than other cities in Iceland.
Reykjavik was just like other small towns of Iceland till twenty years back. It is in these two decades that it has grown into a full-fledged and very charismatic metro city which has shopping malls, very lively and sparkling nightlife, traffic jams like any other big city of the world, museums, cultural activities, good food, festivals and much more. This is the reason why Reykjavík has also gained independence, financially as well. People have become more lavish and love to spend money for good services.
In all, there is no doubt that Reykjavík has slowly developed into a charger for those whose batteries are out of order due to blind race of life. They can charge up their batteries here as this city contains everything that can make them feel that they are just born.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Reykjavik – the capital of Iceland is a small city which can be seen very efficiently either by walking on your own or through public transport. Not only in Reykjavík, but you can also go around this city where there are number of tourist spots and they are minutes away from Reykjavik. It is a guarantee that the visitors will feel that the pure and natural energy is rejuvenating their mind and soul, whether it’s coming from nearby geothermal pool or from the natural green energy around the city. Reykjavik has everything that a big metro city often misses i.e. fun, space, clean air, nature and a blend of cultures. Reykjavik can be called a complete city as it also holds the very beautiful blend of modern and older cultures which are complimented by beautiful raw nature. It spread across the peninsula and Atlantic Ocean is surrounding from all sides. This view becomes very magnificent and glorious when viewed from an aero plane. You can navigate the entire city without a guide because people here are very friendly and welcoming. For them, a visitor is a God and they are ready to help you anywhere, anytime. Public transport system is not excellent but it can be rated as ‘very good’ because a very good network of city busses is plying between capital city Reykjavík and its suburb cities and taxis are available 24/7.
Most of the Icelanders live around Reykjavík and this is the reason why main government offices of Iceland are situated here. The Icelandic parliament, the main hospital of Iceland, the second largest airport, the University of Iceland, the national museum and many other important offices and institutions are situated in Reykjavík. The inclusion of all these and many others makes this city, a little bit more energetic and important than other cities in Iceland.
Reykjavik was just like other small towns of Iceland till twenty years back. It is in these two decades that it has grown into a full-fledged and very charismatic metro city which has shopping malls, very lively and sparkling nightlife, traffic jams like any other big city of the world, museums, cultural activities, good food, festivals and much more. This is the reason why Reykjavík has also gained independence, financially as well. People have become more lavish and love to spend money for good services.
In all, there is no doubt that Reykjavík has slowly developed into a charger for those whose batteries are out of order due to blind race of life. They can charge up their batteries here as this city contains everything that can make them feel that they are just born.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Tips for driving safely in Iceland
Iceland is quite different from rest of the world and the same can be said when is comes to traveling in Iceland. Traveling is also very different in Iceland. Here in Iceland, everything i.e. road conditions, weather conditions and type of vehicle puts impact on the traveling. Road condition in Iceland is not that good or some would simply say – quite different as compared to other Nordic countries. Only highway number 1 is the paved road and is the widest in the country otherwise most of the other roads are narrow, steep and with very sharp turns. Hence, it becomes very difficult to drive for those who are unfamiliar with driving on these types of roads. When you are hiring a vehicle it is advised to choose the car very wisely and choose a vehicle that they are habitual of driving so that they can handle it in a more efficient manner.
Following are some tips to drive in Iceland if you have driven only on the broad roads of Los Angeles and London.
» Keep your vehicle at a very slow speed when you cross another moving vehicle, especially on a exasperate road.
» Always cut down on speed when the road is changed from paved to gravel road as many accidents are seen at such places all around Iceland. Drivers who are new with this condition must drive very carefully as there is very frequent chance of loosing control and driving off the road.
» Blind submits are very common in almost every part of Iceland so, it is strictly advised to keep very slow and always keep on right hand side of the road.
» It is seen all around Iceland that most of the roads are constructed on edges against winter snows. That’s why rollover accidents are very common when drivers drive fast and lose their control a little bit. Drivers should be very careful against these types of accidents and drive very slow.
» In summer season, light is available for 24 hours. Drivers should remember that they do not drive for too long hours otherwise they will get tired and might fall sleep or feel dizziness while driving. A slightest of mistakes like this can prove very fatal on roads of Iceland.
» In Iceland, prescribed speed limit is very important. In cities it is 27 MPH, outside cities, on paved roads it is 55 MPH and on unpaved roads it is 50 MPH. On roads like Iceland have, following speed limit is very important.
» Domestic animals often come on roads while grazing and roaming. Drivers should take care of them as they may be required to pay the damage to the owner and also the fine to the local authorities.
» Using hands free equipments is mandatory throughout Iceland if you want to talk on phone while you are driving.
» Driving after getting intoxicated from drugs or alcohol or any other thing is strictly prohibited.
» Just like the entire world, using seatbelts of front and back side is obligatory and this law is very strictly maintained in Iceland.
» Use of headlights is also mandatory while the vehicle is in operation. This is because headlights help vehicles to get noted faster.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Following are some tips to drive in Iceland if you have driven only on the broad roads of Los Angeles and London.
» Keep your vehicle at a very slow speed when you cross another moving vehicle, especially on a exasperate road.
» Always cut down on speed when the road is changed from paved to gravel road as many accidents are seen at such places all around Iceland. Drivers who are new with this condition must drive very carefully as there is very frequent chance of loosing control and driving off the road.
» Blind submits are very common in almost every part of Iceland so, it is strictly advised to keep very slow and always keep on right hand side of the road.
» It is seen all around Iceland that most of the roads are constructed on edges against winter snows. That’s why rollover accidents are very common when drivers drive fast and lose their control a little bit. Drivers should be very careful against these types of accidents and drive very slow.
» In summer season, light is available for 24 hours. Drivers should remember that they do not drive for too long hours otherwise they will get tired and might fall sleep or feel dizziness while driving. A slightest of mistakes like this can prove very fatal on roads of Iceland.
» In Iceland, prescribed speed limit is very important. In cities it is 27 MPH, outside cities, on paved roads it is 55 MPH and on unpaved roads it is 50 MPH. On roads like Iceland have, following speed limit is very important.
» Domestic animals often come on roads while grazing and roaming. Drivers should take care of them as they may be required to pay the damage to the owner and also the fine to the local authorities.
» Using hands free equipments is mandatory throughout Iceland if you want to talk on phone while you are driving.
» Driving after getting intoxicated from drugs or alcohol or any other thing is strictly prohibited.
» Just like the entire world, using seatbelts of front and back side is obligatory and this law is very strictly maintained in Iceland.
» Use of headlights is also mandatory while the vehicle is in operation. This is because headlights help vehicles to get noted faster.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Friday, August 31, 2007
Refreshing and completely unique Iceland
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. Keflavík airport, Iceland’s international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists’ with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world’s best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world’s youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists’ with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world’s best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world’s youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Business growth and development in Iceland
Iceland can more be called a volcanic island rather than a country and it lies in the northern direction in Atlantic ocean, eastern direction of Greenland and just south of the arctic circle. Its distance from New York is about 4200 kilometers [2600 miles] and 830 kilometers [520 miles] from Scotland. About 79 percent of total land in Iceland is covered by glaciers, lakes, mountainous lave deserts and other wastelands. Despite of all these unsettling facts standard of living in Iceland is one among the highest of the world. For many decades, the economy of Iceland totally depended on fishing and other jobs related to it. It is still the major proportion of the exports of Iceland; it is around only 10 percent of gross domestic product. The economy of Iceland is growing all because of growth of sectors like I.T sector, tourism and banking and finance.
As told earlier, Fishing products are the major exported items of Iceland. Other important exported things include aluminum, ferrosilicon alloys, equipments and electronic items for fishing and the process of fishing and pharmaceuticals. Services and areas related to information technology and life sciences are the fastest growing sectors of Icelandic economy. Major part of things exported from Iceland goes to EU [European Union] and EFTA [European Free Trade Association]. These two European associations are followed by America and Japan. Note, that till now, America is the largest foreign investor in Iceland and is also the biggest supplier of services like financial and franchise services, movies/ TV programs, music, tourism etc. The agricultural sector of Iceland is very subsidized and kept very personal.
Iceland has very less mineral power resources. The huge availability of hydro-electric and geothermal electricity allows more than 90 percent of population to get electricity and heating to get some relieve in cold and chilly weather of Iceland. The Karahnjukar hydroelectric power station is the biggest power station in Iceland supplying more than 690 megawatts. The other power stations are station at Burfell [capacity of 270 megawatts], Hrauneyjarfoss [capacity of 210 megawatts], Sigalda and Blanda [150 megawatts]. They are also in search of supplying electricity to mainland Europe through marine cable. Similarly, aluminum industry is also on the rise in Iceland. Nordural aluminum plant is the largest aluminum plant which is owned by Century Aluminum Company of California. This plant gives employment to more than 450 people and its production has reached to 220000 tons per year.
Iceland does not have railway tracks. The process of constructing roads formally began in 1900 A.D and got speeded up in past ten years or so. The total length of roads in Iceland is 13000 kilometers [8125 miles] and paved roads are 4330 kilometers [2706 miles]. These roads connect most of the populated centers which are around coastal areas. Regular flights and ships and ferries connect all the main cities with the capital Reykjavik.
The national airline of Iceland, Icelandair connects this country to all major European cities and also to North America. This company is also one of the country biggest employers. Iceland became the member of EFTA [European Free Trade Association] in 1970 and signed an agreement with European Union in 1973 which stated that Iceland is also a member of free trade in European community.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
As told earlier, Fishing products are the major exported items of Iceland. Other important exported things include aluminum, ferrosilicon alloys, equipments and electronic items for fishing and the process of fishing and pharmaceuticals. Services and areas related to information technology and life sciences are the fastest growing sectors of Icelandic economy. Major part of things exported from Iceland goes to EU [European Union] and EFTA [European Free Trade Association]. These two European associations are followed by America and Japan. Note, that till now, America is the largest foreign investor in Iceland and is also the biggest supplier of services like financial and franchise services, movies/ TV programs, music, tourism etc. The agricultural sector of Iceland is very subsidized and kept very personal.
Iceland has very less mineral power resources. The huge availability of hydro-electric and geothermal electricity allows more than 90 percent of population to get electricity and heating to get some relieve in cold and chilly weather of Iceland. The Karahnjukar hydroelectric power station is the biggest power station in Iceland supplying more than 690 megawatts. The other power stations are station at Burfell [capacity of 270 megawatts], Hrauneyjarfoss [capacity of 210 megawatts], Sigalda and Blanda [150 megawatts]. They are also in search of supplying electricity to mainland Europe through marine cable. Similarly, aluminum industry is also on the rise in Iceland. Nordural aluminum plant is the largest aluminum plant which is owned by Century Aluminum Company of California. This plant gives employment to more than 450 people and its production has reached to 220000 tons per year.
Iceland does not have railway tracks. The process of constructing roads formally began in 1900 A.D and got speeded up in past ten years or so. The total length of roads in Iceland is 13000 kilometers [8125 miles] and paved roads are 4330 kilometers [2706 miles]. These roads connect most of the populated centers which are around coastal areas. Regular flights and ships and ferries connect all the main cities with the capital Reykjavik.
The national airline of Iceland, Icelandair connects this country to all major European cities and also to North America. This company is also one of the country biggest employers. Iceland became the member of EFTA [European Free Trade Association] in 1970 and signed an agreement with European Union in 1973 which stated that Iceland is also a member of free trade in European community.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Icelandic – a language with a strong heritage
The popularity of Iceland’s tourism sector is growing day by day and this ever increasing popularity is encouraging more and more people to turn towards this small country in northern Europe to spend their summer and winter holidays. If you are planning to go in summer, which is the best time to visit there, you must take care of necessary reservations of flights and accommodations in hotels. Also do not forget to book the tickets of cultural and art shows that take place there in summer season only. Through these shows one can get the closer view of Iceland and its language.
The most used language of Iceland is “the Icelandic” and it is one of the very famous Nordic languages group. This group is the sub-group of the Germanic languages. Normally, Germanic language is divided into two groups i.e. North Germanic or Nordic languages and West Germanic. Iceland was first inhabited in around 870 A.D and most of the first visitors were from Norway [west Norway], Sweden and Ireland. Some Celtics were also in the earliest arrivals to Iceland. The language that became the most popular in Iceland was that of the people of Norway. Some traces of Celtic language are also visible in Icelandic language. The only words borrowed from Celtic language are some personal names and some names of places. Till 14th century Icelandic and Norwegian language was almost same. It was after 14th century that they became totally different from each other. This change occurred due to significant changes in the language of Norway. Icelandic language didn’t change and this was due to rich Icelandic literature that was written in read in the same language in 12th and 13th centuries. Now it is said that not even a single word has changed in Icelandic language that’s why the texts written in twelfth century can be read by a ten year boy even now. Another quality of Icelandic language is its uniformity i.e. the absence of dialects. But, Icelandic language has seen a huge change in its phonetics.
Because of its closeness to North America Icelandic is quite popular there. There are many in North America that speaks Icelandic language. These communities came into existence because there was huge immigration of people between Iceland, Canada and America right from the final 25 years of nineteenth century and the initial years of twentieth century. The first immigration is said to have started as early as 1855 but it started on huge amount only after 1870. It is said that first small colony of Icelanders was set around Lake Michigan in Washington in 1870. In 1875, Icelanders reached Canada and formed their first colony there on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg “also called new Iceland”. Many of same colonies were formed in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Till now also hundreds and thousands of people there can still read, write and speak Icelandic language.
Since nineteenth century, language purism has been the national policy of the government of Iceland. According to this policy, they have decided that instead of using foreign words for new things they will coin the new words [neologism] or will revive the old words and use them after giving then new meanings. The Icelandic committee for language is responsible to guide government and public in general regarding the matters of language based on scholarly basis.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
The most used language of Iceland is “the Icelandic” and it is one of the very famous Nordic languages group. This group is the sub-group of the Germanic languages. Normally, Germanic language is divided into two groups i.e. North Germanic or Nordic languages and West Germanic. Iceland was first inhabited in around 870 A.D and most of the first visitors were from Norway [west Norway], Sweden and Ireland. Some Celtics were also in the earliest arrivals to Iceland. The language that became the most popular in Iceland was that of the people of Norway. Some traces of Celtic language are also visible in Icelandic language. The only words borrowed from Celtic language are some personal names and some names of places. Till 14th century Icelandic and Norwegian language was almost same. It was after 14th century that they became totally different from each other. This change occurred due to significant changes in the language of Norway. Icelandic language didn’t change and this was due to rich Icelandic literature that was written in read in the same language in 12th and 13th centuries. Now it is said that not even a single word has changed in Icelandic language that’s why the texts written in twelfth century can be read by a ten year boy even now. Another quality of Icelandic language is its uniformity i.e. the absence of dialects. But, Icelandic language has seen a huge change in its phonetics.
Because of its closeness to North America Icelandic is quite popular there. There are many in North America that speaks Icelandic language. These communities came into existence because there was huge immigration of people between Iceland, Canada and America right from the final 25 years of nineteenth century and the initial years of twentieth century. The first immigration is said to have started as early as 1855 but it started on huge amount only after 1870. It is said that first small colony of Icelanders was set around Lake Michigan in Washington in 1870. In 1875, Icelanders reached Canada and formed their first colony there on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg “also called new Iceland”. Many of same colonies were formed in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Till now also hundreds and thousands of people there can still read, write and speak Icelandic language.
Since nineteenth century, language purism has been the national policy of the government of Iceland. According to this policy, they have decided that instead of using foreign words for new things they will coin the new words [neologism] or will revive the old words and use them after giving then new meanings. The Icelandic committee for language is responsible to guide government and public in general regarding the matters of language based on scholarly basis.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Monday, July 30, 2007
Iceland, an experience of a lifetime
As the name suggests, most part of Iceland is covered by snow. It is recorded that almost eleven percent of Iceland’s total area is covered by snow and ice glaciers larger than life. It may sound very unfriendly and inhospitable but the fact is that the weather here in Iceland is very cozy and easy going. It suits tourists from any part of the world.
Iceland is located in northern most part of Europe. It is basically an island in north of Atlantic Ocean but a place one would wish to go again and again, if visited once. Entire Iceland is full of surprises for the tourists that pour down there whole year. There is a typical start to Iceland’s tour, but surprises come in wholesale once you enter Iceland. Some of the surprises are mentioned below.
Volcanoes - around the central plateau, there are more than one hundred volcanoes. Out of these almost forty are active. According to stats, there is a major volcanic eruption in every five years in Iceland. But, still Icelandic volcanoes remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.
Mount Hekla is the most famous active volcano of Iceland. The last eruption in this volcano was recorded in the year 2000. Other famous active volcanoes are grimsvtn, kala, askja and krafla.
Vatnajokull - this is Europe’s biggest glacier and Iceland’s major tourist attraction. Its size is about 8300 square kilometers and it covers about 8 percent of Iceland’s total land. It is the highest point in Iceland. Its highest point is named hvannadalshnukur and is about 2119 meters above sea level.
Thingvellir national park - this park is one of the most visited places in Iceland. The fact that this park is situated in volcanic landscape makes it even more popular. During eruptions lava flows with the border of Iceland’s largest lake. One can see “the very rare” signs of tectonic plate’s movements.
Blue lagoon - it is also one of the most visited places in Iceland. The special fact about it is that it is a natural pool of hot water with temperature between 37 and 40 degree Celsius. Its location between moss covered lava fields makes it the most photographed place of Iceland. Blue lagoon is also famous for its beneficial effects on health. This is another reason why it attracts people from all around the world.
Northern lights of Iceland - perhaps, this is Iceland’s top tourist destination in summers. The reason why is because Iceland is the perfect destination to watch these northern lights or “aurora borealis”, popularly called in Iceland. It is nature’s most spectacular and surprising event. Iceland has the privilege to be in the most active part of this magic of nature. But these northern lights are visible only on the nights when the skies are all clear.
Gullfoss waterfalls of Iceland - people of Iceland believe that this waterfall is the most beautiful place on earth. They are one hundred percent right. Gullfoss is a double folding waterfall and one of the very few in the world. It thunders around thirty two meters over the fault towards its gorge. Its gorge is 2.5 kilometers long and as deep as seventy meters at some places.
Reykjavik: the capital - how can one forget Reykjavik, when on a tour to Iceland? It is one of the world’s most clean and peaceful cities. It has got a blend of contemporary and modern architecture. All colored in low and some bright paint, this city appears very friendly for tourists. It has got some old-fashioned buildings of eighteenth and nineteenth century. This presents the ancient side of this city.
Iceland is full of natural surprises and everyone should go their at least once in their lifetime to experience what you have never experienced and will never experience again in any other destination of the world.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
Iceland is located in northern most part of Europe. It is basically an island in north of Atlantic Ocean but a place one would wish to go again and again, if visited once. Entire Iceland is full of surprises for the tourists that pour down there whole year. There is a typical start to Iceland’s tour, but surprises come in wholesale once you enter Iceland. Some of the surprises are mentioned below.
Volcanoes - around the central plateau, there are more than one hundred volcanoes. Out of these almost forty are active. According to stats, there is a major volcanic eruption in every five years in Iceland. But, still Icelandic volcanoes remain one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.
Mount Hekla is the most famous active volcano of Iceland. The last eruption in this volcano was recorded in the year 2000. Other famous active volcanoes are grimsvtn, kala, askja and krafla.
Vatnajokull - this is Europe’s biggest glacier and Iceland’s major tourist attraction. Its size is about 8300 square kilometers and it covers about 8 percent of Iceland’s total land. It is the highest point in Iceland. Its highest point is named hvannadalshnukur and is about 2119 meters above sea level.
Thingvellir national park - this park is one of the most visited places in Iceland. The fact that this park is situated in volcanic landscape makes it even more popular. During eruptions lava flows with the border of Iceland’s largest lake. One can see “the very rare” signs of tectonic plate’s movements.
Blue lagoon - it is also one of the most visited places in Iceland. The special fact about it is that it is a natural pool of hot water with temperature between 37 and 40 degree Celsius. Its location between moss covered lava fields makes it the most photographed place of Iceland. Blue lagoon is also famous for its beneficial effects on health. This is another reason why it attracts people from all around the world.
Northern lights of Iceland - perhaps, this is Iceland’s top tourist destination in summers. The reason why is because Iceland is the perfect destination to watch these northern lights or “aurora borealis”, popularly called in Iceland. It is nature’s most spectacular and surprising event. Iceland has the privilege to be in the most active part of this magic of nature. But these northern lights are visible only on the nights when the skies are all clear.
Gullfoss waterfalls of Iceland - people of Iceland believe that this waterfall is the most beautiful place on earth. They are one hundred percent right. Gullfoss is a double folding waterfall and one of the very few in the world. It thunders around thirty two meters over the fault towards its gorge. Its gorge is 2.5 kilometers long and as deep as seventy meters at some places.
Reykjavik: the capital - how can one forget Reykjavik, when on a tour to Iceland? It is one of the world’s most clean and peaceful cities. It has got a blend of contemporary and modern architecture. All colored in low and some bright paint, this city appears very friendly for tourists. It has got some old-fashioned buildings of eighteenth and nineteenth century. This presents the ancient side of this city.
Iceland is full of natural surprises and everyone should go their at least once in their lifetime to experience what you have never experienced and will never experience again in any other destination of the world.
Author Bio:
Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com
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