冰岛简介 - the culture

it was the love of freedom and adventure that inspired the first vikings to make their homes in the territory of iceland in the ninth century. the icelanders are of scandinavian origin, with some early blending of celtic blood. freedom and respect for individual are still at the heart of twentieth-century iceland, a parliamentary democracy and a showcase of political stability.

visitors will find that iceland is a classless society with a strong literary tradition. delight in culture has been an inseparable part of the icelander’s character and identity ever since they wrote the medieval sagas which rank with the classics of world literature. activity flourishes in all branches of the creative and performing arts.

the culture is just as diverse as the landscape. iceland is far more than just unspoiled nature. iceland is also famous for writers, composers, actors and artists such as halldor laxnes, leifs, jóhannson and björk. attractions like the reykjavik art-festival, museums, and food like smoked salmon and reindeer steaks.

the icelanders harvest their food directly from the clean, unspoiled nature. seafood, mushrooms, berries, reindeer, and the famous lamb. in recent years icelandic cooks have learned how to turn the countries eatable resources into gourmet dishes. the cooks have learned from international trends to preserve the essence of iceland's raw materials so one can say that icelandic cuisine is international.