Explore the Great Outdoors
Action lovers will love Iceland. In some places there are swirling glacial rivers racing over rugged terrain, making the scenery look custom built for white-water rafting. Glaciers cover one-ninth of Iceland's land surface and glacier tours offer a unique experience. Cycling around Iceland is a great challenge but is an excellent way to see the fantastic scenery. Icelander's are increasingly aware of the responsibility of preserving nature and Iceland is home to some of the world's most important bird nesting grounds.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a unique geothermal spa where guests can relax in warm geothermal seawater. Whether you choose to bathe in the delicate waters surrounded by the snow of winter, or enjoy the long days of summer, a visit here will be invigorating and exciting. The spa's state of the art facilities include changing rooms and showers, an indoor pool, conference facilities and a restaurant overlooking the lagoon. The lagoon is open from September to May and from June to August. Adults will have to pay ISK 880 (approx. USD $9) and children under 12 go free.
Shopping in Iceland
Reykjavik, the capital city, is probably one of the shopping world's best-kept secrets. Despite rumors that Reykjavik is an expensive city, prices are on a par with those you would pay in New York. When it comes to high-street or designer fashion, you could end up with some real bargains thanks to the 15% tax- free refund for tourists on purchases over USD $50. Price tags include sales tax. Shopping here is a pleasant experience due to the extensive selection available in such a small space. There are two main shopping centers and also many different shopping districts, which are great for unusual art.
Sample the Local Culture
Lovers of the arts and culture are in for a real treat when visiting Iceland. Reykjavik and the surrounding areas are home to a vast number of art galleries of every size, shape and description. The Arbaer Open Air Museum is one that anyone interested in Icelandic society, past and present, should visit. It is a museum of living history, with all the staff dressing in period costume and the attempts to recreate the past as accurately as possible. The Icelandic Theater scene is hotter than ever at the moment. There are a record number of shows currently running at the National Theater and the Reykjavik City Center Theater. The Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera are both receiving rave reviews.
Play Midnight Golf
A game of midnight golf sounds unlikely to most enthusiasts and few golfers have experienced this delight. The Akureyri Golf Club hosts this annual event known as the Arctic Open Golf Championship. At the end of June, a 36-hole round of golf is teed off at midnight. Players do not have to worry about darkness as the sun rarely dips below the horizon. Open to male and female professional or amateur players, entry to the competition is $300 and minimum handicaps are required.
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