Norway and Iceland … Who Knew???by Ken Streater

" I'd love to travel overseas, but I'm a little anxious about traveling outside the United States." Often times, people are wary of traveling to another country because of health concerns, social differences, language barriers, transportation difficulties, and a possible lack of amenities, but international adventure travel has much to offer to those who choose to venture overseas. Unique cultures, new sights and sounds, rare treasures, and great adventure opportunities await those individuals and families seeking new and exciting vacation experiences. Norway and Iceland are two places that are excellent choices for those wanting their first taste of international adventure travel. While very unique and culturally quite different from the U.S., both Norway and Iceland offer creature comforts at every turn, and offer a wealth of outdoor opportunities for first-time and hardened adventurers, alike. Towering mountains, geologic wonders, pristine rivers, and wildlife-rich coastal waters await those looking for exceptional international adventures. Norway, a country roughly the size of California, hosts a population of only four million people, leaving much open space, pristine wilderness, and charming backcountry villages. Some of the best hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing in the world is found in Norway. Different types of guided trips are available throughout the country. One such trip takes place in Jotunheimen National Park, in the heart of central Norway. Jotunheimen is the largest protected wilderness in all of Northern Europe and is home to the tallest mountains in Scandinavia, glaciers, thick forests, picturesque alpine meadows and roaring rivers. An extended hiking trip through this wilderness wonderland can also include spending each night at charming alpine lodges or cottages, each tucked quietly in a corner of the park's pristine wilderness. Another fascinating and dramatic place in Norway is the Lofoten Islands and here you can experience a rich sea-going culture above the Arctic circle. Sea kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and cycling are all adventure activities available on the Lofoten Islands, a razor-back archipelago. Surprisingly easy to get to with flights from Oslo and Norway's second largest city, Trondheim, the Lofotens highlight the best of Norway. The ever glowing midnight sun, powerful sperm whales, forever views, cozy cabins on the water, tasty food and delightful culture are all found in this northern Scandinavian paradise. Iceland is equally easy to deal with and equally spectacular. Also known as the land of fire and ice, this tiny island sits in the northern Atlantic Ocean, halfway between the U.S. and Europe, only a five hour flight from the east coast of the United States. Iceland offers a fiery volcanic past, expansive glaciers, fascinating coastline, rich heritage, and has much to offer the adventure traveler. The Icelandic backcountry offers extraordinary family adventure opportunities. Iceland is home to a treasure chest of some of the world's most dramatic natural features-- including Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe; Lake Myvatn, which hosts the largest number of waterfowl in Europe; Drangey Island, a beautiful monolith that is the source of ancient Icelandic lore; and Husavik, a small northern fishing village that is the starting point for an exceptional whale watching tour. Adventure activities that are available in Iceland are plentiful. You can walk on a glacier (ten percent of Iceland is covered in ice fields!), raft a river that cuts through a geologically spectacular canyon, boat on a beautiful fjord to a mystical bird sanctuary island, sit in a natural hot spring at the end of a hike through a moon-like valley, or ride horseback through colorful meadows or over extinct volcanoes. There is no where else on earth that offers a myriad of adventures in a landscape so diverse or unusual. Iceland is a very "user friendly" and safe country in which to travel (Iceland is virtually crime free). Many of the roadways are paved and many people speak English. Cozy farmhouse lodges, trekker's huts, and modern hotels are perfectly sprinkled throughout the country. When you add to this a culture steeped in Viking tradition, you are left with one of the most pleasurable family adventure settings to be found. There are also choices for how to adventure in Iceland. Some prefer to simply arrive in the country and participate in activities on a daily basis, seeking out adventure outfitters as they go. Others opt for more structured trips that last from a few days to a couple of weeks. These trips can have either specific activities or can include a variety of adventure challenges packed into one tour. For example, multi-day hiking trips or biking tours in Iceland provide a great way to see the country, because the outfitter takes care of all your family's needs as you just enjoy the fascinating Icelandic countryside. Or, you can raft, hike, horseback ride, boat, and bird watch (there are lots of puffins in Iceland!) all in one multi-activity trip. There is much to enjoy and embrace on this beautiful, remote, Arctic island. Both Iceland and Norway offer exceptional adventure opportunities. And, given the lack of language barriers, ease of transportation, first-rate amenities, and rich, historic cultures, it may make sense to consider going overseas to either of these great destinations for your next family adventure.

Ken Streater has guided and outfitted river trips throughout the world since 1983.