Iceland - Off the Beaten Path
Caroline Blatter 08 Mar 2022 Iceland / Northern Europe, The Baltic & Northern Latitudes / About/General Information
A breathtaking northern destination, underpopulated, where volcanic forces shape the earth, geysers gush, epic waterfalls cascade down snow capped mountains, rich waters teem in sea life and a progressive society runs almost entirely on renewable energy resources!
Photo - Josh Reid
Iceland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway.
As the second largest island in Europe following Great Britain, its 102,000 sq. km (main island) is one of the youngest landmasses on the planet, where one can find some of the world’s most active volcanoes.
The irregular 4,970 km coastline offers deep fjords between mountain ranges; on the southern coast, large volumes of sand and gravel deposited by powerful streams fed by melting glaciers have formed a wide lowland, with a smooth coastline of wide bays.
Iceland is the only part of the mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea-level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly. Its highest peak Hvannadalshnjúkur, stands 2,106 m above sea level, and over 11% of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe.
Close to 80% of the country is uninhabited, and much of its terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks, and fertile lowlands. The landscape is characterized by waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and steaming lava fields.
Iceland was the last country to be settled in Europe. According to the ‘Icelandic sagas’, the settlement of Iceland began in 874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfur Arnarson became the first permanent settler on the island.
Twenty-first century modern Iceland, with a population of 366,000, is home to a progressive society that continuously ranks at the top of 'quality of life' tables. With less than four inhabitants per sq. km., Iceland remains the most sparsely populated country in Europe. It is also considered to be one of greenest countries on the planet, due in large part to its vast renewable energy resources - more than 85% of Iceland´s energy is renewable and more than half of that comes from geothermal sources.
Photo - Debbie Bruschi
Iceland is one of Europe´s wildest outdoor destinations, offering great opportunities to explore an unspoilt land.
This can include some truly memorable 'one off' experiences like soaking in a geothermal pool, exploring volcanic craters, and even diving between two continents! Culturally, live music is everywhere, as are visual arts and handicrafts.
The Icelandic coastline offers numerous opportunities for exploring nature and what better way to do that than with a yacht!
Yachting in Iceland puts you in close contact with wildlife, including humpback, orca and minke whales, as well as bow riding white beaked dolphins. Harbour and grey seals are a common sight, in particular the delightful playful harbour seals. Seabirds are plentiful including the Atlantic puffins, northern gannets and the Arctic terns, all such a joy to observe in their natural habitat.
The many different towns and villages offer plenty of opportunities to meet local people, with organized excursion tours, mountain skiing, hiking, mountain biking or superjeep tours into the highlands. If you can, try to use a local Icelandic Guide.
A plethora of restaurants offer some of the healthiest culinary delights in the world, with chefs highlighting the quality of fresh local ingredients, including excellent seafood, chemical-free plants and meats that come from freely grazing sheep & cows.
Might you be persuaded to try Iceland's signature liquor - Brennivín? A distilled brand of schnapps sometimes called 'Svarti dauði', meaning Black Death. It is mostly drunk neat and frozen - rumour has it to take away the sting!
The cornerstone of Icelandic culture is the Icelandic language, the customs and traditions that are inspired by a centuries long insular existence and a curious mixture of pagan influence on a Christian religion. Icelandic folk tales are ripe with mysticism, ghosts, elves and trolls, and are further shaped by the natural forces of the land. Nature has shaped it´s Icelandic inhabitants for centuries, their frequently used motto “þetta reddast” can be translated to “it will all work out okay”.
Photo - Khamkeo Vilaysing
Planning to visit?
With an average of more than twenty hours daylight in June, long days and bright nights make it perfect for yachting.
Iceland is easily accessible, five hours by air from New York and three from London, with an international airport at Keflavik. Domestic and private flights use Reykjavik Airport.
Superyacht Services Iceland provides all levels of service to yachts, superyachts, crew and visiting guests.
This recently established agency can plan and organise a yacht's stay. From hikes up glaciers with local guides, to spare parts, fresh provisions, flowers and arrival logistics, Björn and Karl, two knowledgeable Icelandic marine industry professionals, can help plan a completely bespoke 'Icelandic experience'!
CONTACT
Björn Jónsson - Tel: +354 823 4241
Karl Birgir Björnsson - Tel: +354 649 9997
Email: info@superyachtservices.is
Website: www.superyachtservices.is
This review article is prepared by Björn Jónsson founder of Superyacht Services Iceland and Caroline Blatter, from The Superyacht Services Guide.
