Summer in Iceland: always something new

Iceland’s renowned programme of summer parties, festivals and cultural events slows down in July, because that’s the month locals leave the towns in droves and head for the wild. As a result, there is no lack of options for people on holiday in Iceland and looking for ways to keep busy this month.

In addition to all the usual stuff, July 2009 brings a raft of new things to do. For one thing, there are the expanded travel options: scooters, kayaks and helicopters now take their place alongside cars, glacier snowmobiles and buses.

Puffin Scooters has decided to hire out cool motor scooters from just one hour at a time to as long as you need. Scooters are surely the most fun, easy and economical way to see Reykjavik. And for those wanting something a little speedier, there’s Nordurflug helicopter rides offering incredible aerial views and the chance to land on a glacier for a drink and carve your own ice cubes from just USD 280 per person.

Meanwhile, guided sea kayak tours are just as exciting, but way more down to earth and a fair bit cheaper to boot. Trips along the country’s unique and bird infested coastline start from as little as USD 40, meaning most people on Iceland tours will be able to afford a bit of sea breeze.

When you’re next out road tripping Iceland, don’t miss a stop in charming Hveragerdi Town, where a brand new Norse mythology centre has just opened. As well as the fascinating exhibition, there is also a large tapestry telling the story of the Voluspa poem and a Norse theme restaurant.

If you’re reading this in the eastern half of America (and live in the USA), then it will probably interest you to know that Icelandair is currently running a competition in co-operation with Visit Iceland, Visit Denmark and the Norwegian Tourist Board for an unforgettable Nordic saga vacation for two.

Hotel accommodation, sightseeing tours, transfers and flights from Seattle to Copenhagen, Oslo and Reykjavik (as well as home again) await the lucky winner. Simply visit Icelandair here to take part.

And, as if there were more incentives needed to persuade you to hop on over for a holiday in Iceland, don’t forget the mild and colourful Icelandic summer weather, the midnight sun and the massive bonus of Iceland’s weakened currency making everything up to 40 percent cheaper for tourists than just one year ago.

Visit the Iceland travel guide at www.visiticeland.com

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