Sports & the Outdoors

Sports & the Outdoors

Bird-Watching

Even in settled areas, bird-watchers are likely to find a fascinating assortment of species, among them the golden plover, a harbinger of spring; the arctic tern, a streamlined circumpolar migrator; and the colorful puffin. Of several birds of prey, two earn special status because of their rarity: the regal gyrfalcon and the majestic white-tailed eagle.

A summer walk along Reykjavík's Tjörnin Pond might be accompanied by ducks of various species, swans, gulls, and the ever-present terns. Puffins can be spotted closest to Reykjavík at Lundey (the name means—what else?—Puffin Island). Serious bird-watchers should make a summer visit to Lake Mývatn, which has Europe's largest variety of ducks and waterbirds.

Fishing

Fishing-rod rentals can often be arranged through fishing agents for salmon and trout streams. Upon arrival, anglers bringing their own equipment will be asked by an inspector to show it, and if it is not obviously new, or if a certificate verifying that it is disinfected is not provided, it will be sterilized at modest cost by authorities at Keflavík Airport.

Sea angling is a popular leisure sport in Iceland, with several town clubs forming Iceland's membership in the European Federation of Sea Anglers. Fishing cruises can be organized from many of the country's fishing towns and villages and are often combined with whale-watching trips. Several weekend deep-sea fishing competitions are held each year; a few follow: a competition is held at Whitsun in Vestmannaeyjar. In June, one is held in Reykjavík. One in July is at Ísafjörður. In August, anglers head to Akureyri. For further information, contact the Tourist Information Center.

Permits can be bought at the closest farmstead, and sometimes at nearby gas stations and tackle shops. Fees range from about 900 krónas to several thousand per day. Guides and accommodations are provided at the more expensive salmon rivers.

Fishing at the most popular (and expensive) rivers, usually those with reliable, large, wild salmon, must be booked at least a year in advance in most cases; you pay the equivalent of IKr 58,000-IKr 150,000 per fishing rod per day, which typically includes comfortable lodge accommodations, some meals, a guide, and a cook-housekeeper. Usually there is no catch limit, though the "catch and release" philosophy has been gaining favor, and some rivers and sections have gone to fly-fishing only. In addition, the number of fishermen allowed on each section, or "beat," is limited.

Hiking

Many organized tours from Reykjavík and other towns include some days of hiking. Contact Ferðafélag Íslands (Iceland Touring Association) or Útivist (Útivist Travel Association).

For serious exploring or hiking, you can obtain good up-to-date Icelandic Geodetic Survey maps from Eymundsson or Mál og menning bookstores.

Many hikers consider Iceland to be Europe's best bet for a true wilderness experience—away from noise and machinery. Note that trails marked with short pegs or less can be rather rugged, especially in areas of jagged lava. Footing can be tricky, as moss layers often hide uneven terrain. Avoid crowding too close to hot springs and sulfur springs, as the ground surrounding them may suddenly give way, leaving you standing in boiling water or mud. It always pays to research territory in advance and, particularly if venturing into remote highland areas, a detailed map is essential. Compass orientation is more reliable than the sun, because in summer at this latitude it seems never to set, and technically it's not due west.

When admiring the delicate flora, soft mosses, and lichen, remember that in preserves and national parks it is illegal to pick flowers or take rock samples. Remember, too, that at sub-Arctic latitudes, it takes centuries for even the most common flowers to become established on this terrain. Dress in layers, with a windproof outer shell, and have sturdy broken-in hiking shoes. When you are camping, tents should be firmly anchored against possible winds. Finally, always let someone know of your hiking plans. Avoid hiking alone, but if you do, a portable GSM-compatible phone would be a wise accessory, as might a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

Eymundsson (Kringlan Mall, South Wing, Kringlan 4-12, IS-103, Reykjavík. 533-1130). Ferðafélag Íslands (Mörkin 6, IS-108, Reykjavík. 568-2533. 568-2535. www.fi.is). Mál og menning (Laugavegur 18, IS-101, Reykjavík. 515-2500. www.malogmenning.is). Útivist (Laugavegur 178, IS-105, Reykjavík. 562-1000. 562-1001. www.utivist.is).

Horseback Riding

Many equestrian events are held around the country during the summer months, from local races and contests to major regional championships. Contact Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (Equestrian Federation) for details of upcoming horse events. An English version of the magazine Eiðfaxi is published five times a year for fanciers of the Icelandic horse.

Landssamband Hestamannafélaga (Íþrottamiðstöðinn, Laugardal 6, IS-104, Reykjavík. 581-1103. www.lhhestar.is/enska). Eiðfaxi (Dugguvogur 10, IS-104, Reykjavík. 588-2525. www.eidfaxi.is).

Snowmobiling & Dogsledding

Having both Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and it's longest—so named, Langjökull—it's not surprising Iceland offers numerous options to enjoy the thrill of glacier trips. Dog Steam Tours offer dogsledding tours on Langjökull. Arcanum also runs a popular excursion to the glacial tongue, Sólheimajökull, part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, in the south. Supervised tours run from late winter through summer and include snowmobile instruction, helmets (mandatory), and snowsuits.

Arcanum (Sólheimaskáli, IS-871, Vík. 487-1500. 487-1496. www.snow.is). Destination Iceland (Lágmúli 4, Reykjavík. 591-1020. www.dice.is). Dog Steam Tours (IS-851, Hella. 487-7747. www.dogsledding.is).

Swimming

Almost every sizable community in Iceland has at least one public outdoor swimming pool. Since most are generally heated by thermal springs, they can be enjoyed year-round. Inquire at the tourist office or a local hotel for the nearest pool.