Iceland by Rosemary Barrass

From Stockholm airport to Reykjavik is 3 hours and 10 minutes at a total cost of $1149 for two people. With $1000, you can exchange your money for 225000 Icelandic krona (kr). You will get a car at the airport for a total, three day cost of 47925kr. For all three nights you will stay in the Hotel Bjork for a total of about 45900kr. After these deductions, you will have 131175kr.

The first place you will go when you arrive in Reykjavik is Tþjöðmenningarhúsið, Culture House. The main attraction here is the floor of bound medieval books. The Icelandic people think that reading is very important and many of the people are avid readers. Most of the books displayed were made in the 14th and 15th centuries. The admission will come to a total 600kr.
If you're interested in the local legends and scary stories, you will love the "Haunted Walk of Iceland". This tour focuses on the ghost stories and the macabre legends. One of the stories is linked to the grave of a 6-year-old boy that is supposedly the devil's son. These haunted walks are believable and will have you on your toes for rest of the night. The full cost comes to 4000kr.



Next, you will unwind in one of Iceland's famous spas. At the Laugar Spa you can rest in one of the six, different-temperatured steam baths and let the thematic fragrances ease your mind. If you want to get in the Jacuzzi, you can choose either to relax in freshwater or saltwater. There is even a bath devoted specifically to foot-soaking. There is a relaxation cave that has high-security. Yes, they scan your retina at reception and, when you go to the cave, your eye is scanned to allow entry into the relaxation cave. Prices depend on treatments.

You will love visiting the old harbor, Hafn. It was the largest construction project in Icelandic history up until 1917. Most people like to visit the eastern pier, where the last four of the whale-hunting ships have been ironically lined up across from the whale-watching tours. You can look at all the old vessels that are still docked here. Though most ships tend to go to the new harbor, some people still use the old harbor.

If you like vegetarian food, Á Næstu Grösum is a great place to go. The restaurant is set up like a cafeteria. You pick out what kind of food you want and they'll dish it out for you. Most of the ingredients are organic and at least half of the menu is vegan. This restaurant is a great place if you are in the need for some comfort food or you're eager to try their sugar-free banana cake. The main courses are 1,250kr-1,500k.

Next on your trip is the National Gallery of Iceland. Many painters have been inspired by the great colors, light, and natural formations of Iceland, and a lot of the fabulous art that has come from this is on display at the museum. This gallery doesn't have any permanent exhibits, rather many revolving exhibits from the permanent collection.

Laugardalur is the Hot Steam Valley that is located near the bay. The hot springs here provide heat and business for many people. The name for the capitol, Reykjavik, came from the Icelandic words for Smoky Bay, which is what Ingólfur Arnarson called Reykjavik when he first saw the steam rising from Laugardalur.

You can't go to Iceland without seeing the Northern Lights. This natural marvel is a sight to see that you will never forget and will definately treasure forever. The Northern Lights have been the inspiration for many artists for centuries. Their fantastic look have a lasting impact on all that ever see them.

Viðey Island is a quaint little island off the coast of Iceland that provides a nice place to escape in the afternoon. For such a small island, Viðey Island has a lot of history. It is now even the showcase of environmental art.