25 Jul 2017
LATEST NEWS
Iceland remains top of Global Peace Index for seven years in a row
The Land of Fire and Ice has retained its top position in the Global Peace Index for seven years in a row, following the recent 2017 results. The report measures levels of peacefulness in 163 countries, based on a number of factors including perceived criminality and violent crime levels. Chiefly known for its moon like landscapes, volcanoes, waterfalls and friendly people, Iceland can now be considered as one of the most peaceful tourism destinations in the world.
West Iceland named Scenic Destination Of Europe 2017
Luxury Travel Guide has recently announced the winners of its Luxury Travel Awards for Europe 2017, placing West Iceland as Scenic destination of Europe 2017. With the perfect combination of stunning landscapes, unique regional culture and friendly locals, it is no wonder that this destination has become so popular with those seeking a luxury travel experience in a remote and beautiful wilderness.
Iceland Leads the Way on Responsible Tourism with Unique Tourist Pledge
Iceland has announced a new initiative to positively affect visitor behaviour and promote a happy and meaningful travel experience by launching a first-of-a-kind pledge for visitors. 'The Icelandic Pledge', an online agreement, invites travelers to sign up to be a responsible tourist when visiting the country this Summer. The eight-point pledge encourages tourists to experience Iceland the way that Icelanders do by agreeing to a set of guidelines. Visitors can take The Icelandic Pledge at www.inspiredbyiceland.com where they will receive a special shareable digital badge to demonstrate their support on social media. People can also show their support by using the hashtag #IcelandicPledge. The Icelandic Pledge follows on from Iceland Academy, a fun interactive online education tool launched by Inspired By Iceland in 2016 that encourages informed behavior from visitors through inspirational, playful yet informative video classes.
NEW OPENINGS
Europe's largest volcano and earthquake exhibition
Opened this June, the LAVA centre is a must see interactive adventure located in the town of Hvolsvöllur in South Iceland. Visitors looking to be educated on the unique volcanoes and geology of Iceland can be blown away by exhibition that will reveal the epic forces of nature that created Iceland. The country's three most prominent volcanoes; Katla, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull will be visible from lava's 360-degree viewing platform and inside the centre visitors will find exhibits looking at eruptions that have occurred over the last century in Iceland as well as the geology that causes them.
After a recent renovation, Laugarvatnshellar has opened its doors to the public and will tell the amazing story of how two Icelandic families lived in the cave for many years. Located in South Iceland, the 20-minute guided tour will take visitors on a journey through the caves and their surroundings to tell a story and show Icelandic heritage to both locals and foreigners. As one of the few lived-in caves in Iceland, the cave was restored to exactly how it was when people lived there nearly 100 years ago. In line with the cave's history, there is also a café offering traditional Icelandic refreshments, as inhabitants of the cave sold coffee and refreshments to travellers passing by.
Travellers looking for pampering with a difference can relax in Kambala wood hot tubs filled with beer, water, hops and yeast at Iceland's newly opened Beer Spa. Located in the small village of Árskógssandur at the Microbrewery Bruggsmiðjan in North Iceland, the spa has a total of seven bath tubs, featuring two outside hot tubs which overlook
Hrísey island, mountains and Þorvalds valley. A treatment that is believed to be cleansing for the skin, guests are encouraged to leave their bodies coated in beer for a few hours before washing off to maximise the benefits.
New stable café at Sólvangur Icelandic Horse Centre
Sólvangur is a family run Icelandic horse breeding and training farm with over 100 horses, specialising in small group rides. Travellers can get up close and personal with the Icelandic horses in the beautiful landscape of southern Iceland where they can experience the authentic farm life. After becoming acquainted with the magnificent horses and training methods, the day can now be extended with a refuel of hot chocolate and homemade cakes in the new Stable Café and gift shop which will open in July 2017.
All kinds of food, for all kinds of people - Hlemmur Food Hall
Hlemmur Food Hall, formerly the city's old bus station, will open in downtown Reykjavik this summer. The trendy new market will feature a combination of goods for purchase and on-site munching, with seating for up to eighty people and open seven days a week. From an artisan bakery famous for its organic sourdough bread and cinnamon buns to an experimental bar and restaurant focusing on traditional Icelandic ingredients, the hall will see ten ambitious vendors providing a sample of the best food Iceland has to offer.
Europe´s first brewery to use geothermal energy to produce beer
Ölverk is a new Italian restaurant which has opened up in the heart of Hveragerdi in South Iceland. Specialising in serving high quality beer, the restaurant is the first in Europe to brew its beer using geothermal energy making their brews exceptional, pure in taste and “green” in production. To compliment the beer, a range of authentic wood fired pizzas are specially made from a dough that takes three days to make before it is baked in a special Italian oven.
Man-made cave open to tourists
Hellnahellir is Iceland's biggest man-made cave, approximately 50 meters long located on Hellar farm in the southern part of Iceland, one and a half hours drive from Reykjavík. At least 700 years old, the cave is built into the mountain Skarðsfjall and is made by man, dug out of sandstone with primitive tools. Since cow-farming stopped at Hellar farm in 1982, the cave is now open to tourists and is also used to hold the occasional music concert.
Discover the Hidden Troll Bath
One of the most popular natural attractions in Reykjanes Peninsula just went through a makeover. Steeped in history, Brimketill, also known as “Pool of Oddný, is a lava rock formation in the shape of a pool, which according to folk tales used to be where Oddný the troll bathed and washed her clothes. A new platform overlooking the naturally formed lava shore pool is now open. Both safer and more accessible, visitors can admire the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean whilst on the lookout for the giantess.
Located just a minute from the Blue Lagoon, the Northern Light Inn is true to its name as it's an ideal place to see magnificent Aurora Borealis. Due to open in July, the hotel is currently adding to its 32 spacious rooms with eco geo-thermal heating and showers as it builds ten new deluxe rooms, a geothermal Northern Lights Wellness Spa with massage, alternative therapy rooms, and a fitness centre.
The iconic natural beauty of Iceland's Lake Mývatn is now the site of a new hotel, Fosshotel Mývatn. The hotel is designed by award-winning architectures and features almost exclusively low-environmental impact materials. The building is a low-rise, clad with larch wood and grass roof which makes it in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. This spectacular hotel offers standard rooms, lake view rooms and suites with outdoor hot tubs.
NEW! TOUR ITINERARIES AND EXHIBITIONS
Be the first to discover humpback whales in Hólmavík
Láki Tours are the first and only operator to offer travellers the chance to spot the magnificent humpback whales in Hólmavík, a small town in the western part of Iceland. Whilst taking in the beautiful, unspoilt part of Iceland, Láki Tours most experienced guide will take keen whale watchers on a whale spotting adventure. With summer being the prime time to see the playful, acrobatic mammals in the fjord outside Hólmavík, visitors can partake in this new and very exciting venture in the Westfjords.
What better way to experience Iceland's beauty and nature up close than on a sea-kayak? Offering easy and safe kayaks, Reykjanes Seakayak promises a fantastic experience for the whole family. Located between Keflavik and Reykjavik, the two-hour guided group tour will take thrill-seekers on a personal journey paddling from the coastline in northern Reykjanes, home to a small farm village. The journey continues to the Gerðistangi, one of the oldest lighthouse of Iceland before heading back.
Perlan Museum - Wonders of Iceland
One of Reykjavík's most impressive buildings, Perlan promises to be a must-visit for any tourist looking for a world-class museum, incredible architecture, and amazing panoramic views of Reykjavík. This summer, the museum will be hosting an exhibition on Glaciers and caves; an interactive sensory experience which allows travellers to experience the sounds, smells and temperatures of a glacial ice cave. Visitors can also marvel at the incredible 360° view over Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, along with interactive and entertaining exhibits that show multiple perspectives, from a sweeping bird's-eye view down to the microscopic.
AIRLINE NEWS
Icelandair now offers Belfast Service
Icelandair now offers a year-round flight service from Belfast City Airport three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays operated by sister airline Air Iceland. Launched in June, the flight from Belfast to Reykjavik provides easy connections with Icelandair's wide network of destinations in the US and Canada.
Icelandair launches an onboard flight theatre experience
Icelandair, has launched a new free service, Icelandair Stopover Pass, which aims to defeat wasted time whilst travelling. The service allows passengers to transform their boarding pass into a Stopover Pass, offering them access to series of entertaining performances. These range from a three-act play on a flight from London to New York starring the Icelandair staff; to gig tickets, trips to Icelandic football matches, backstage passes to a music festival and more. The launch of the service in celebration of the airline's 80th anniversary is in response to a new trend report revealing the world is changing the way they fly.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Summer Festivals and holidays
Iceland Abroad: July, August, September
This summer, Iceland's musical talent can be enjoyed in the heart of London. Popular artists Sigur Ros, Kaleo, and Ben Frost and Daniel Bjarnason can be enjoyed across the city at various festivals and music venues, including the Apollo theatre.
Plan B Art Festival: 11th –13th of August
Located in the charming west Iceland town of Borgarnes, Plan-B is the first art festival of its kind which focuses on art and expression over many media platforms. The festival will be held during the weekend of 11th –13th of August in four venues in the town of Borgarnes and a one night event at Studio Mjólk, a picturesque old cowshed right outside of town where performances and sound installations will be exhibited.
Reykjavik Jazz Festival: 9th – 13th August
The annual Reykjavik Jazz Festival is an increasingly prestigious event on the international jazz scene. The festival hosts performances in a variety of styles, from contemporary jazz and the avant-garde to Latin jazz, gospel and big bands. It features many acclaimed international Jazz players as well as Iceland's leading Jazz musicians.
Reykjavik International Literary Festival: 6th – 9th September
Held since 1985, the Reykjavik International Literary Festival is one of the most important festivals of its kind across Europe. The chance to meet authors, join panel discussions and seminars, and hear your favourite readings, the festival is a must visit for any literary enthusiast. Previous guests include Nobel Prize winners Herta Müller and J.M. Coetzee, and the festival always promises a fantastic line up of captivating writers.
September - Reykjavik International Film Festival, 28th September – 8th October
The Reykjavik International Film Festival takes place every year in late September, showcasing a vast range of films from dramas to non-fiction from over 40 countries with a special emphasis on up and coming filmmakers.
October - Illumination of the Imagine Peace Tower: 9th October – 8th December
The famous Imagine Peace Tower, built in memory of John Lennon, is lit up every year from 9th October (his birthday) to 8th December (the anniversary of his death).
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For more information, please contact the Iceland team at The Brighter Group on 0207 326 9880 or email promoteiceland@brightergroup.com
Notes to Editors
About Promote Iceland
The goals of Promote Iceland are promoting Iceland as a tourism destination, assisting in the promotion of Icelandic culture abroad, and introducing Iceland as an attractive option for foreign direct investment. Promote Iceland also assists Icelandic companies seeking to grow internationally through competence building programs as well as international events, such as trade fairs, press trips, and trade delegations. This is done in close cooperation with Icelandic embassies and consulates abroad, as well as bilateral chambers of commerce.
