Tourist in Iceland, 1892 by k. Stroginov

The

Tourist li I a journal of general information. VOL. I.

REYKJAVIK, JANUARY 1892.

CONTENTS: The Tourist in Iceland column. 1. My first trip to lungvellir — 3. Pingvellir as a sanitary Home — 6. To the top of mount Orsefajokull — 7. The commerce of Iceland . — 8. What can be done to increase the steam communication with Iceland? — 9. The first iron suspension bridge over one of the large rivers in Iceland, Olfusil ' , — 10. Lord Duff or in on >ingvellir — 11. Welcome to the tourists (a poem) — 11. Routes in Iceland for tourists — 12. Miscellaneous informations — 13. Advertisements — 15.

THE TOURIST

ICELAND.

In every country we find men who neither believe in the progress of themselves, their country nor the world at large. Their faculty of observation, if we may so express, seems to be somewhat defect, for everywhere, in every country we find progress, if we take the trouble of examining past and present history. Iceland is no exception to the rule, and we who believe in the progress of our country, Ave intend to demonstrate this fact to our intelligent and observant readers. Why Iceland is so little known amongst the other nations of the world, is principally on account of her great isolation, and the scanty means of comunication; then again a nation consisting of some 70,000 souls, living on an isolated island in the North Atlantic, cannot expect to be widely known amongst other nations, except something specially were the attraction. It is just this special attraction, which is now opening Iceland to the civilised world. In the first place we have a saga or history unique as it were. We can trace our history from the very beginning of our first settlement, now over 1000 years up to the present. We possess a literature of our own which

NO. 1.

we may say is the admiration. of the civilised world, a literature quite select which just florished in this far away island when learning in other parts of Europe scarcely existed outside of the monestary walls. We have possessed and do possess many gifted poets and scholars. In spite of every kind of adverse circumstances: volcanic eruptions; inclement seasons; the Greenland ice which at times has enclosed a large part of our coasts with its iron gripe; the most opressive trade monopoly; alien government and devastating diseases, which at periods have swept away a large proportion of our scanty population, we have maintained to hold up our distinct nationality and preserve our spiritual, vitality, so that at present we are fairly on the road of progress to national independence. In the second place we possess a very interesting and highly cultivated language, which has taken very few alterations from the very beginning of our settlement 1000 years ago, the same language, which our forefathers the Norsemen had and which they have now lost. To the educated linguist here is a wide field of learning and observation. In the third place, especially during summer we possess a most salubrious climate, envigourating pure and healthy. Our scenery is unique. Gigantic glaciers of immense extent and vastness; volcanoes with their unlimited lava field; hot springs such as the Great Geysir of world wide fame, and others; sweet valleys with winding rivers and green meadows ; large rivers with trout and salmon; innumerable islands with the eider ducks and other birds; magnificent waterfalls of varied beauty, and many other peculiarties of nature,

THE TOVBIST IN ICELAND.

which are more than ample attractions to draw vast multitudes to our shores. Such is briefly stated the country which we now are going to open to our foreign readers and therefore we have given this paper the name of The Tourist in Iceland. It is our intention to let this paper be as instructive as possible, and give as varied an information as lies within our reach, with a view of attracting as many visitors to our shores as possible. This paper will appear once a month, and perhaps oftener during the summer. As this enterprise will entail some considerable expense and our subscribers will be but few in Iceland, it is evident its success will greatly depend upon the support we get from our friends in Great Britain, America and other foreign contries, but we will endeavour to make it as attractive as possible. With these introductionary remarks we send »The Tourist in Iceland« out into the world, trusting it may be a new bond of acquaintance and friendship between our country and the other civilised world. MY FIRST

TRIP TO PINGVELLIR (THING VALIA).

We are all more or less apt to stare at the grandeur of what we term the foremost nations of the world. Their weight in the affairs of men is so potent, that we instinctively are drawn by the current of populur opinion, so that we have but little time or leisure to glance at the more obscure parts of the world. Often these out-of-the-wayplaces, however, are highly interesting—and when studying their history and looking at their natural beauties we are amply rewarded for our trouble of being as it were exception to the rule. I had accidentally heard the name of Iceland, being an island far away from the track of civilisation, and being anxious to add some spiritual vigour to my mind, and some fresh and healthy stimulant

to my body, I took my passage with the s. s. Laura from Granton to Reykjavik. There is nothing particular to relate on our voyage. The Atlantic Ocean seemed unusually quiet, and my fellow passengers seemed all agreeable companions. We discussed all manners of questions: the Irish homerule; the German Emperor, his travels and peculiarities; the Chilian war; the future peace of Europe; the important question of capital and labour; the next Great Exhibition at Chicago, finishing with some intricate questions as to the future state and ultimate abode of our fellow men. This went on till we cast anchor before the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. I parted quite friendly with my fellow travellers, being delighted that there had been very little waste of time in talking about puddings or pies or balls or parties, which often is the table talk of many civilised men. I soon secured a guide and ponies, and next morning we were off for fnngvellir. The weather was excellent, and as we left the little town behind us, we had a magnificent view of the grand Faxabay, with mount Sneefellsjokull looking north-west, like an ancient giant, with over 10,000 years or more on his snowclad brow. The harbour of Reykjavik is very pretty protected by three islands with the stately mount Esja in the back ground. I noticed that the road was lately made and very good. Passing over the salmon river Elli5aar by two small bridges we passed on till we had reached Seljadalur. There we dismounted so as to give our ponies some grassy refreshments, and ourselves some suitable food. There we were quite alone, the guide and I inhaling the envigourating mountain air, revelling in good health and spirits, no rattling sound of trains nor whistling noise of a passing locomotiv; no time to look after nor fixed appointment to make for the day. Starting again we passed over a mountain track called Mosfellshei5i, where there was

TEE TOURIST IN ICELAND. an excellent road lately made by the enterprising Icelanders. As the evening sun sent his rays far and wide to the enjoyment of mind and eye, we began gradually to go down on the other side of the mountain, when a sight burst suddenly on our view, viz.: the great Lake of Mngvellir, the horizont was extensive and unique, and looking all round I was much impressed with the beauty of the scene. We passed on till all of a sudden we came to the brink of an immense chasm or ravine; my guide dismounted and so did I, and making our ponies go behind us we walked down into this chasm by a single path. Immense rocks were on both sides, almost quite perpendicular, the northern side or wall much higher than the southern. When we came to the bottom, where there was plenty of grass, I was highly struck with this singular amphitheatre of nature, and my guide roared loadly which vibrated through the chasm by a most vivid echo: Âť The ground upon which tee stand is holy, for now ice are in the historical AlmannagjdÂŤ. This peculiar ravine has been formed by immense convulsions of nature, from time immemorial, the rocks being reft asunder through the southern wall an opening has been; formed where through the river Oxara flows, forming a beautiful waterfall and then passing over the plains below into the Lake of Mngvellir. This place, Mngvellir, was selected in early times for the annual meeting place of the Althing or General Assembly of the country, first time in the year 930 and lasted until the year 1800 when the old Althing was abolished. Great many notable events in the history of Iceland are recorded from this place, especialy during the republican time, which lasted about 3J/s century. Here the Christian faith was adopted in the year 1000. Here the supreme courts of the law were established. In those early times all the chieftains of the land had their booths fixed here during the session of the Althing, and a brilliant assembly was often to be seen at Mngvellir in those times. Here

is the socalled Hill of Laws, where the speaker recited the laws of the land. Here the judges were appointed and the courts constituted. Here the best story tellers recited their narratives aloud which was the origin of the celebrated Icelandic sagas or historical writings, and finally here was celebrated the 1000 years anniversary in 1874, when the king of Denmark His Majesty Christian IX. visited Iceland with a brilliant suite besides many distinguished visitors from abroad, both America, England, Germany and elsewhere. The scenery all round is very interesting. The shadows of the surrounding hills and mountains reflected in the grand Lake of Mngvellir, like some phantom spirits of bygone days, while we listened to the murmuring of the waterfall of Oxara in the stillness and quietude of a lovely summer evening. The rays of the setting sun threw a lustre over the whole scene, making a most impressive panor a m a both to the eye and feelings never to be forgotten. In fact, in many points as to history what Westminster Abbey is to English men or Holyroad palace is to Scotsmen; so is Pingvellir to the Icelanders.

MNGVELLIR

AS A SANITARY

HOME.

A friend of ours from America who visited us last summer said once during a conversation : ÂťIn America we never ask, how much does it cost, for as soon as an undertaking is considerated necessary or plausible, the necessary means are always forthcomings This expression is in reality in keeping with the grand enterprising spirit of the American people and the great resources of that country. On the contrary with us, Icelanders, many highly practical and useful undertakings must lie untouched from want of capital. We were inclined to make these remarks with regard to Mngvellir as a sanitary station. No spot in Iceland is so healthy on account

THE TOUBIST IN ICELAND.

of its situation, the whole ground being lava, so that no unhealthy damps can arrive from the ground. Nowhere is the water so pure being filtered by the process of nature itself. Nowhere in Iceland is the death rate so low; during summer there grow shrubberies out of the lava rocks, which give a most peculiar sweet odour. The grand Lake of Inngvellir close to must also add to the sanitary effect of the place. The pure mountain air is peculiarity sweet and envigourating, being neither too cold nor too warm. Then again when we look at the grand scenery all round, as well as the historical celebrity ot the place besides being on the road to Geysir and Hekla, we may justly conclude, that nowhere in Iceland is a spot more suitable for a sanitary station than Pingvellir. TO THE TOP OF MO UNT

OR^EFAJOKULL.

In the Icelandic journal »Isafold« of 29th of August last is a very interesting article written by Mr. Fred. W. W. Howell of Birmingham, F. R. G. S., describing his ascent to the top of Orsefajokull, the highest glacier in Iceland. He commenced his ascent with his companion Mr. J. Coulthard of Preston and 3 Icelandic guides at 4 a. m. on the 17th of August last from the parsonage of Sandfell. As space does not allow further description, suffice, it to say, that at 7^2 in the evening they had accomplished this fact and had reached to the very summit of the glacier, the hight being 6550 ft. english. From the time they left Sandfell in the morning at 4 o'clock a. m. till they were back again at Sandfell was 2VJ2 hour. In the same journal »Isafold« of 24th of Oct. last is an interesting article on Mr. W. W. Howells ascent of Orsefajokull by the rector of Sandfell, the Rev. Olafur Magnusson, from which we quote the following: »In the introductory remarks of Mr. Howells article before quoted he considers himself to be the very first man, who has actually reached the summit, and he is undoubtedly right;

for although the late Dr Sveinn Palsson (in 1794) and others have ascended the glacier, yet it is comparatively certain, that Mr. Howell is the very first person Avho has reached the very summit. He fully deserves therefore the honour and celebrity, which this courageous journey most likely has in store for him. Near here and especially among his Icelandic companions (guides) he is noted for his ascent upon the socalled »wrong peak«, for in so doing he displayed great courage and cleverness, by climbing almost a perpendicular ice wall 80 to 100 ft. high by making steps with his axe; even his companions dared not follow him, although they are used to dangerous mountain ascents. Mr. Howell remarks from mere courtesy and consideration to them, that they did not follow him on account of their want of another axe; this, however, was not the case; for they had with them below another axe belonging to Mr. Howell, and that the better one, but they declined to go higher, thinking it simply dangerous for their life to go farther. They also considered that Mr. Howells descent was combined with so much danger, that nothing but great mercy preserved him to come back hail and well as he did«. THE COMMERCE OF

ICELAND.

The trade of Iceland is as yet in a transitory state; which is quite natural, when we take into consideration, that only since 1854 have we had free trade opened to all nations. The bartering system is still existing and the principal houses only keep their agents in Iceland, the owners residing in Copenhagen; all the cream of the business is spent in a foreign country, and Iceland itself reaps but a scanty benefit. This is, however, gradually taking another turn. The Icelanders themselves have in some places started business on their own account, and as a rule they live in their own country, and feel interest in the material progress of Iceland. Lately a large business has sprung up be-

THE TOURIST IN ICELAND.

tween Great Britain and Iceland, especially in the exportation of livestock, sheep and ponies. Great many associations (trade unions) have been formed by the Icelandic farmers themselves, and they send thousands of sheep to England to be sold on commission, and they receive in return both cash and other commodities they want from England. The year before last a firm in Scotland bought sheep and ponies for upwards of ÂŁ 30,000. As there do not grow any grains in Iceland, we must have almost every commodity from abroad, such as rye, barley, pease, flour, coffee, sugar, timber, coals, manufactured goods, cutlery, crockery etc. In return we export: dried cured and salt cod fish, which principally goes to the Spanish market, also small fish cured and haddoks for the British market wool, oil, feathers, eiderdown, salmon etc. With a view of giving some stimulant to the commercial enterprise of the Icelanders themselves and an opportunity of gaining some theoretical knowledge in their special branch, we may mention that last year a commercial school was founded in Beykjavik, and although as yet in its infancy, we are hopeful it may in the future prove a valuable institution for our young commercial men. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO INCREASE THE STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH ICELAND'} The attention of our legislative assembly, the Althing, has principally since we got the management of our own finances been turned towards making roads throughout the country, building bridges over the large rivers, and increasing the steam communication round the island. Direct comunication by steam to Iceland is done by the United Steamship Company of Copenhagen which gets a subsidy from the Danish Government; but as such a communication is very limited being only 11 trips in a whole year we are often for a long time without any comunication with the outerworld. This is especially awkward during the sum-

mer months, when we should have our stream of tourists. This evil has sometimes been mitigated by occasional trips in the summer by a Scottish steamer from Leith. We as a nation have neither the capital nor the practical experience in starting a new enterprise in this line; but noticing the yearly increasing tourists traffic to Norway which principally as to steamers is carried on by British, not Norvegian capital, we venture to suggest to some of the capitalists in Europe, whether a similar enterprise might not profitably be opened to Iceland. Say for instance if two fast steamers with every modern accommodation were employed during the months of June, July and August (the most delightful months in Iceland) to run direct to Beykjavik at least every 10 days, the one boat arriving from abroad, when the other left Beykjavik. We are quite sure, this is only a question of time; for as Iceland is now opening to the civilised world, and attracting the notice both of the Americans, Englishmen and Scotsmen as well as others, there seems every probability, that such an enterprise would speedily pay. By advertising trips to Iceland during summer in the leading American and European journals would bring hundreds and thousands of tourists to our shores. We leave this suggestion with lsome of the enterprising men of business of the world. THE FIRST IRON SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER ONE OF THE LARGE RIVERS IN ICELAND, OLFUSA, was opened 8th of September last by the Governor of Iceland, Herra Magnus Stephensen. A brilliant assembly, consisting of members of the Althing, the representatives of the press, merchants, clergymen and farmers were present on this auspicious occasion. The Governor made an eloquent and impressive speech on the future of Iceland, and thanked on behalf of the country all those gentlemen who were connected with it, both the contractors Messrs Vaughan &

THE TOURIST IN

Dymond of Newcastle on Tyne, and Herra Tryggvi Gunnarsson, the superintendent for Iceland, and congratulated them and the country on the successful completion of the work. (Great applause). A splendid poem made for the occasion by the popular young poet, Secretary to the Governor Herra Hannes Hafstein was sung by a select choir under a new melody by an Icelandic composer Herra Helgi Helgason.

ICELAND.

Where sweetly sounds in the poets strain Merry England Merry England With lovely flowers and charming homes And wealth and plenty with stately dome's Merry England Merry England Tra la la la la.

To you that come from your native shore :|: Merry England :|: There is no country you more adore LORD DUFFERIN ON PINGVELLIR. :|: Merry England :|: Great many books have been written about We welcome you to take a sight Iceland but none excell Lord Dufferins book Of Icelands summer so short and bright :|: Merry England :|: »From High Latitudes«, published in London 1856. We as Icelanders keep him in our most respectful memory, not only as one of When once again in your native land our most distinguished and illustrious visitors :[: Merry England :|: but as the eminent statesman and refined May we be join'd by a brothers band scholar, who during his brilliant carriere has :|: Merry England :|: always been known to have his heart and And do whatever is fair and bright feelings in the right place. And help our boys to act upright :]: Merry England :]: We quote the following remarks from his pen about the P-ingvellir landscape: »A lovelier scene I have seldom witnessed. ROUTES IN ICELAND FOR TOURISTS. In the foreground lay huge masses of rock First route. — South of Iceland. and lava tossed about like the ruins of a From Reykjavik via Krisuvik (sulphur mines) HliSworld, and washed by waters as bright and arendi, Loptstabir, Oddi, Barkarstabir, ]?orsmork (one green as polished malachite. Beyond a bevy of the grandest scenery in Iceland), Keldur, Galtarof distant mountains, robed by the transpa- lsekur (from there to Hekla and back to Galtarleek in rent atmosphere in tints unknown to Europe, 1 dayl, Hruni, Geysir (the grand waterfall Gullfoss peeped over each other's shoulders into the on the road), ]?ingvellir (the most historical place in silver mirror at their feet; while here and Iceland) and back to Reykjavik, making the whole there, from among their purple ridges, columns trip in 16 days. of white vapour rose like altar smoke toward Second route. — North of Iceland. Erom Reykjavik via Kngvellir, Kalmanstunga the tranquil heaven«. A VELCOME TO THE

TOURISTS.

This little poem was sung last year at a concert in Reykjavik by young Icelandic boys (trained singers). There were some English tourists present, and the melody being very pretty and lively (by a Norwegian composer) it seemed to take well with our friends from England.

We know a land in the southern main Merry England Merry England

(seeing Surtshellir, the grandest cave in Iceland), Arnarvatn (a large lake on the mountains, best trout fishing in Iceland, ptarmingans, ducks and swans), Kornsa, Reykir, Vibimyri, Silfrastabir, Steinsstabirto Akureyri. Here tourists can embark for Scotland after making the trip from Reykjavik to Akureyri in 10 days or continue further north via ]?vera, Lake Myvatn, Hlibarhagi, Dettifoss (the grandest waterfall in Europe), As (seeing Asbyrgi, a natural fortress), Hiisavik, GrenjabarstaSir, Akureyri, making the whole trip from Reykjavik to Akureyri and the north back to Akureyri in 21 days; if back to Reykjavik the whole trip 1 month.

THE TOVBIST

Third route. — South-west of Iceland. From Reykjavik via, Reynivellir (there a fine salmon river). Hestur, Reykholt (historical place — Snorri Sturluson — hot springs), Kalmanstimga (Surtshellir, the greatest cave in Iceland), Lake Arnarvatn (best trout fishing), jpingvellir, Gfeysir (Gullfoss, the grand waterfall), Laugarvatn, El'ribru (best fishing in Iceland, Sog) and back to Reykjavik, making this trip in 15 days. We shall remark, that these tables of routes are made with the assistance of one of our principal guides in Iceland, who is noted for being careful in selecting the most agreeable night quarters as to cleanlines and comfort for the tourists; this gentleman has accompanied many distinguished travellers from various countries throughout Iceland to everybody's satisfaction. His name is Herra ]?orgrimur Gubmundsson, to whom intending tourist can apply direct, care of The Tourist in Iceland T h e a r e a l of I c e l a n d is about 38,000 sqare miles (Ireland 32,511). T h e p o p u l a t i o n of I c e l a n d . At the last census, of Nov. 1th 1890, the population of Iceland was found to be 70,240. The emigration to America in the last twenty years has prevented the population from increasing more. T h e c a p i t a l of Iceland, lleykjcwik, upwards of 3700 inhabitants.

numbers

T h e c o n s t i t u t i o n of I c e l a n d . Iceland belongs to the Danish Monarchy. By the new constitution, which was signed on the 5th January 1874 \>y His Majesty King Christian IX. in commemoration of the millennial anniversary of the colonisation of the island, Iceland has its own Legislative and administration for all local affairs. "The legislative power is in the hands of the King and the National Assembly named Althing (Icel. albingi), and the executive in the hands of the King alone. There is a secretary for Iceland in Copenhagen, who is responsible for the maintenance of the constitution. A governor for the island appointed by the King and residing in Reykjavik carries on the government on the responsibility of the secretary in Copenhagen. The Althing consists of thirty members elected by the people, and six appointed by the King. It is divided into two houses — the upper and lower —, the upper containing the six members appointed by the King, and six others, elected from the general body of the Althing from among those of its members who have been sent to it by the constituencies. The Althing sits every other year. Our o r t h o g r a p h y of I c e l a n d i c n o m i n a propria. Our readers will kindly notice that it is our rule to write all local names and person's according to Icelandic ortography and we use always the

ICELAND.

nominative form, for inst.: Pingvellir (not Thingvalla, which is the genitive form). "With regard to special Icelandic letters we beg to call attention to the p (i>) which has the sound of tht as in think; d (£>) = th soft, as in father; a = ou, as in loud, proud; i and y = ee, in meet; 6 = oe, in foe; u — o in move. As to the Icelandic pronunciation of other letters (vowels) suffice it to know, that a has the sound of a in far; e = ai in fair; i = e in pin; j = y; o = au, in fraud; oe = i, in prize; o = u, in murmur; au = oi, in coin; ei and ey = ei in leisure. I c e l a n d i c n e w s p a p e r s a n d p e r i o d i c a l s . At present there are six political journals in Iceland, three at Reykjavik, one at Isafjorbur, one at Akureyri and one at Seybisfjorbiu-. The largest journal in Reykjavik appears twice a week, the other two appear once a week, other papers in the country twice or thrice in a month. Of the Reykjavik journals the issue of the largest is upwards of 2500 copies. Besides these a journal on ecclesiastical matters appears once a month, also a journal on total abstinence (Good Templar). Further, government reports, 40 sheets annually, and parliamentary reports (albingistioindi) about 200 sheets every other year. Of yearly publications we have one political and one literary periodical nearly 20 sheets yearly, also one periodical on farming and one psedagogical. We have also a yearly report over the various news and incidences ot the year at home and abroad. In Reykjavik there are two printing offices with several printing machines. Icelanders residing at Copenhagen publish one paper monthly (illustrated). Icelanders residing in Canada publish three political journals (weekly papers), one monthly journal on ecclesiastical matters and one yearly publication on the same subject. All tiose are in the Icelandic language. S c h o o l s and e d u c a t i o n . Reykjavik being the Capital of the island, the centre of education is there, and judging from population (only 3700 inhabitants) there are few towns if any which have so many schools, they are: 1. A Latine college with 7 professors and some 80 pupils. There is taught Latin, Greek, English, French, Danish, German, geography, history, mathematics, physics, zoology, botany etc. Coursus generally 6 years. 2. A ministerial college with 3 professors. Principally theological fitting young men for the ministry. Coursus 2 years. 3. A medical school, with 3 professors. Coursus 4 years. 4. Two girls' schools at present with some 40 pupils each. 5. A navigation school just founded. 6. A commercial school before mentioned.

THE TOURIST IN

ICELAND.

7. A public children school-with some 200 children. Careful attention is given to the Cooking Department. During winter there is a great deal of private teaWines, Liquors &c. of the Finest Quality. ching in various tranches of knowledge, music, sinF I R S T CLASS A T T E N D A N C E . ging etc. T h e c l e r g y of I c e l a n d . In the whole of Iceland there are some 140 ministers scattered all over the country. Iceland is one bishopric and the bishop resides in Reykjavik. The religion is Lutheran, and the church is a state church. W e have no other sects of religion, neither catholics, jews nor others. T h e p r e s e n t c u r r e n c y in I c e l a n d is Danish or Scandinavian decimal coinage, with Danish inscriptions, ore and kroner (Icel. aurar and kronur, sing.: krona); 100 ore = 1 krone is about Is. l1/^ d., the exchange being 18 kroner = £ 1 sterling. The coins in use are 5-bre, 2-ore and 1-ore pieces in bronze; 50-oVe, 25-ore, 10-ore, 1-krone and 2-kroner pieces in silver; and 10-kroner and 20-kroner pieces in gold. ~\Ve have also Icelandic notes: 5-kroner, 10-kroner and b0-kro?ier. S T E A M TO I C E L A N D IN 1 8 9 2 BY THE DANISH MAIL SERVICE from Gran-ton 21. Jan., arrival Reykjavik 28. J a n . 6. Marz — 14. Mar. >— 25. April — 1. May »_ 9. May — 26. May >— — 13. J u n e 7. J u n e »— 4. J u l y — 23. J u l y — 16. J u l y — 23. J u l y »— 21. Aug. — 28. Aug. -»_ 10. Sept. — 26. Sept. »— — 11. O k t . 30. Sept. -»_ 12. Nov. — 21. Nov. »— Please notice: 4th, 6th a n d 9th voyages round t h e island.

These steamers Copenhagen.

leave 4 a 5 days previous

REYKJAVIK. The O L D E S T E S T A B L I S H E D H O T E L in R E Y K J A V I K , It has not long ago been thoroughly Renovated and Enlarged by the present Proprietor, under whose personal superintendence it is conducted; and TOURISTS, SPORTSMEN, and VISITORS generally, may rely on its being scrupulously clean throughout. COMMODIOUS

DINING

ROOM,

L A D I E S COFFEE ROOM, TWELVE COMFORTABLE BED ROOMS,

B A T H ROOM, BILLIARD & SMOKING ROOM have just been added.

J. G. HALBERG, PROPRIATOR. SALMON

RIVERS

ICELAND.

It is ineresting for intending tourists to Iceland to know, that not many years ago a club was formed in England under the name of the ^Icelandic Angling Club*. This club has hired several of the best salmon rivers in the south-west of Iceland, and this has proved very successful, for several members of the club have been able to make use of them on reasonable terms for the season. The agent of the said club in Iceland is Herra Sigfus Eymundsson, photographer, Reykjavik, who would be glad to give anyone every information about salmon rivers in the South of Iceland. He has just now a very line salmon river tor hire one hours walk from Reykjavik. This is a splendid opportunity, especially for those, who have a limited time to spare as they can obtain the right of fishing either by thew'eek or a by the month. Herra Sigfus Eymundsson has also several more rivers on his hands which he can let for the season.

If any of our readers would like to know something about our political struggle for home rule, they should order a book by name J o n Sigurdsson, (1811—1879) the Icelandic patriot from a biographical sketch, published by one of his relatives. Reykjavik 1887. Price 3s. 6d.

THBHOTBlTlCELLAim

NEW

MODERATE CHARGES.

T E R M S OF S U B S C R I P T I O N . In Great Britain and Ireland 3s. a year (at least 12 numbers) payable in advance, in Scandinavia 3 kr., in Germany 3 rm., in Austria 2 fi., in France and Italy 4 fr., in America 75 cents. Remit by Post Office Order or Registered Letter (we take English, French and American money) to The Tourist in Iceland, Reykjavik, via Granton. All communications intended for publication, subscriptions and advertisements, and other business communications should be sent to the same adress. JP^~ It would be very desirable, if those friends of oars abroad ivho intend to assist us either by subscriptions or otherwise would kindly communicate with us by the steamer thai leaves Granton on January 20th 1892. P R I N T E D I N T H E ISAEOLD P R I N T I N G O F F I C E FOB, T H E P R O P R I E T O R S P. 6. JOHXSON a n d BMEN JOXSSON.