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Country Guide > Europe > Iceland | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Icelandic food in general is based on fish and lamb, as well as owing much to Scandinavian and European influences. The salmon of Iceland is a great delicacy, served in many forms, one of the most popular being gravlax, a form of marinating. Fishing is Iceland’s most important export, accounting for some 80 per cent of the country’s Gross National Product. There is also a heavy emphasis on vegetables grown in greenhouses heated by the natural steam from geysers. Specialities include hangikjot (smoked lamb), harðfiskur (dried fish), skyr (curds) and Icelandic sild (herring marinated in various flavours). There have been some welcome additions to the selection of eating places in Reykjavík and there is now a small but attractive choice of restaurants to cater for all pockets with new tourist menus. Bars have table and/or counter service, and will serve coffee as well as alcohol. Beer was prohibited in Iceland for 75 years and was finally legalised in March 1989. Alcohol is generally expensive (a large beer costs approximately US$8, a small one US$4.70). In coffee shops you pay for the first cup then help yourself to subsequent cups. There is a wide selection of European spirits and wines. Brennivin (a potent variation of aquavit made from potatoes) is a local drink. Nightlife There are plenty of nightclubs, bars, cafes and cinemas in Iceland, most of them in the capital. Icelandic nightlife is particularly vibrant from June to August when there is nearly 24 hours of perpetual daylight (Icelanders call this period the ‘White Nights’). Leading theatres are the National Theatre and the Reykjavík City Theatre, closed in summer, but during the tourist season there is an attractive light entertainment show in English called ‘Light Nights’ with traditional Icelandic stories and folk songs. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra gives concerts every two weeks at the University Theatre during the season (September to June). Iceland has a vibrant music scene which has produced, amongst others, the internationally acclaimed artist Björk. This has, in turn, attracted a number of British and American pop stars to Iceland, such as Damon Albarn from the British band Blur, who opened his own cafe, the Kaffibarinn, in Reykjavík. Shopping Fluffy, earth-coloured Lopi wool blankets and coats, jackets, hats and handknits are synonymous with Iceland. Several local potters handthrow earthenware containers in natural colours. Crushed lava is a common addition to highly glazed ceramic pieces, which are popular as souvenirs. The duty-free shop at Keflavik Airport sells all of these products, as does the Icelandic Tourist Bureau souvenir shop in Reyjkavík. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800, Sat 1000-1400, with variations from shop to shop. Shopping malls are open Mon-Thurs 1000-1830, Fri 1000-1900, Sat 1000-1600 and Sun 1300-1600. Special Events For a full list, contact the Icelandic Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Iceland in 2005: Jan-Mar Thorrablot Feast (pagan midwinter feast), Reykjavik. Jan 21-Feb 19 Thorri (Viking celebrations), cnationwide. Mar 1 Beer Day (celebration of the end of beer probation in 1989), nationwide. Apr 20 First Day of Summer (ancient holiday), nationwide. May Reykjavík Arts Festival. Jun International Viking Festival, Hafnarfjördur; Summer Solstice; Arctic Open International Golf Tournament, Akureyri. Jun 17 National Independence Day (commemoration of birth of Jón Sigurdsson), nationwide. Aug Reykjavik Marathon; Verslunnarmannahelgi, Labour Day weekend (big festivals take place mainly in the Westman Islands but also around the country); Gay Pride Fesitval, Reykjavík. Sep Annual Sheep & Horse Round-up. Oct Reykjavík JazFestival; Iceland Airwaves Festival, Reykjavík. Dec-Jan 2006 Christmas Traditions in Iceland, various locations. Social Conventions Visitors will find Iceland is a classless society with a strong literary tradition. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. An Icelander is called by his first name because his surname is made up of his father’s Christian name plus ‘son’ or ‘daughter’ (eg John, the son of Magnus, would be called John Magnusson, while John’s sister, Mary, would be known as Mary Magnusdóttir). People are addressed as Fru (Mrs) and Herra (Mr). Visitors will often be invited to homes especially if on business and normal courtesies should be observed. Icelanders pay careful attention to their appearance and, as for most Western countries, casual wear is widely acceptable although unsuitable for smart and social functions. Tipping: Service charges are included in most bills and extra tips are not expected. |