Hi, all. I'm interested in finding out more about traveling around the archipelago in Sweden just outside Stockholm over the summer (anyone go on any of the boat trips? anyone stay overnight at any particular island they particularly enjoyed?) <BR> <BR>Also, I may stop in Iceland on the way back to watch the whales. Anyone do this before and have a good/bad experience? <BR> <BR>Thanks. I addressed these points in an earlier thread, but was afraid of being lost as it was someone else's question and was dated.

Sorry I can't help you with Sweden yet, but the whale watching in Iceland--hmmm, I really don't know if I should tell this one. <BR>.....Okay, it was this past August. The weather was sunny and beautiful, the boat a converted fishing boat out of Harfjarfnardaur. <BR>There's a 90% sighting rate. Well, somehow the ocean got mighty rough and about 3/4 of the people were heaving over the rail--but not me. Oh no, I was much more graceful. I passed out completely onto the deck from the combination of sun and motion sickness. However, the crew was just lovely and very helpful! If you've never been to Iceland, do go--it's unlike any other place I've been. The whale watching part is up to your own steadiness of tum! <BR>Have a wonderful trip!

Now THAT is the kind of story I'm looking for!! Thank you, Amy. <BR> <BR>If you can (or anyone else, please chime in) --- more on what you loved in Iceland? <BR> <BR>Thanks again...

Dear jhm, <BR> <BR>I am a reident of Stockholm (raised & born) and was on Iceland only last month, so I can help you on both accounts. First, there are THOUSANDS of islands in the archipelago, most locals have their own favourite spots. The important part is just to go! You can't go wrong it's really nice anywhere you happen to land... If you are comfortable on the sea, I would recommend thet you rent a boat of your own for a few days and drive around stopping where ever you fancy, fishing, bathing and just enjoying the very beatiful and unique atmosphere in the archipelago. In Sweden there is a law callled (allemansrätt), which means that you could visit and camp out in most islands (even private ones) as long as you don't go to close to anyone's house. This would be a memory for life, I can assure you of this. <BR> <BR>Now, Iceland...Blue Lagoon, "Golden Circle", horsebackriding and whalewatching are all musts whwjn you visit Iceland. The nature is quite spectacular in itself, you also have a nightscene in Reykjavik which is one of the "hottest" in Europe... <BR> <BR>You can find more info on the above activities (I have done them all myself and absolutely recommend them) on one of the many sites on the net on Iceland. <BR> <BR>A last piece of advice, rent your own car and go around Iceland on your own it's much more rewarding, 90 % of the ringroad around the Iceland is paved, you wouldn't even need a 4WD to get around... (By the way, when I went whalewatching, I also got seasick along with many others on the boat, but it was worth it to see the whales and dolphins at such a close range). If you want to see the blue whale, you should go to Husavik on the north part of the island. By the way Iceland in icelandic is "Island";-). <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip to both places, I am sure you will enjoy it. (Best time for both places is May-August). <BR> <BR>Kind Regards <BR> <BR>Rickard <BR>

Thanks again -- another question. There is a BIG price difference between August and September fares from the US to Sweden/Iceland. Is there a big climate difference? Difference in whale watching/kinds of whales to be seen? <BR> <BR>Thank you! I'm so excited about this.

Hello again! <BR> <BR>The difference for Stockholm between August and September is that in September the autumn starts and you wouldn't enjoy swimming or sunbathing anymore. Typical daytime temperature between 8-15 degrees Celsius. Of course, weather is unpredictable and it could be 12-15 in August and 15-20 in the first part of September... I would save the money and go in September but as EARLY as possible in the month. As for Iceland, I don't have the details but go to this site for ALL info on world weather: www.wunderground.com I am sure that the difference in climate between Aug & Sept is even greater therer, given that it is further north... <BR> <BR>Whalewatching is top-class at Husavik where you have a very realistic chance of seeing the worlds largest creature, the blue whale (about 98 % of the trips last year from here saw blue whale). The number of species that you can see is also greater here. If you aren't touring the whole island, this would be rather expensive to get to, since it is across the island from Reykjavik. The trips leaving from Keflavik & Sandgerdi & Hafnarfjordur are about 30-40 U$/person and within an hours trip from Reykjavik. <BR> <BR>Rickard <BR> <BR>

Go in EARLY september. <BR>For temperatures and weather: www.wunderground.com <BR>HUsavik on norther Iceland has the BEST whalewatching with many species and bluewhales sighted on 98 % of the trips. <BR> <BR>More easily accessible are Sandgerdi, Keflavik and Hafnarfjordur, about one hour from Reykjavik. Cost for whalewatching about 30-40 U$. <BR> <BR>Rickard

Hi, again! More of what I loved in Iceland could take a long, long time, but in brief, hiking in Thorvald, the Geysirs and mud pools, Blue Lagoon, horseback riding, Reykjavik's downtown, the harbor, Thingvellir, the waterfalls (Gullfoss, Skogafoss, etc.), the fresh clean air, seafood, nice but not fawning people...um, I did say brief, didn't I? Iceland is just one of my all time favorite places!