During the 9th Century,
Iceland was settled by people from Norway
and Ireland. The country is home to the
worlds oldest legislative assembly and attracts
tourists to its dramatic glacial and volcanic
scenery and hot springs. Outside of the
capital, most hotels, tourist attractions
and camp sites close at the end of the Summer.
Independence Day is held on the 17th of
June and celebrated by theatre performances
and parades. Sjomannadagurinn is held in
the first week of June, in honour of seafarers,
when sporting contests are held. There are
a variety of other festivals, where there
is much singing, dancing, drinking and eating.
Geography: Iceland is a volcanic Atlantic
island, located northwest of Ireland and
Britain. It is a country of mountains, plateaus
and icefields. Along the coast are fjords
and bays.
Getting
There: Flights are available from Scandinavia
and Britain to Keflavik airport, which is 40 km
from Reykjavik. Ferries sail to Iceland and allow
visitors to take their own cars.