Iceland During WW2

Andrea wants to go to Iceland in Feb to see the Northern Lights (Why she can't go to Blackpool I'll never know) and thought this sounds right up my street - not.

So I was wondering is there anything WW2 related to worth seeing in the country?

 

49 Polar division have been stationed there, not sure if there is anything around from them, don't use the casemachine from ICE SAVING BANK

 

Andy
The 49th Div, Polar Bears,trained there for 3 years and got their nick-name before going to France, so I would,nt think there was much to see.
Go to Blackpool
Rob

146th Infantry Brigade was selected to be on the front-line of the battle army group to invade Western France. It was regarded as a veteran formation. It had been bloodied in Norway, and trained in Iceland. However, the Arctic warfare tactics learned on the glaciers and its 'Polar Bear' identity may not have been appropriate for a division assigned to assaulting heavily defended beaches in the middle of Summer.
John Crook had impressed and performed well as a lieutenant during the three years of duty in Iceland and new training in the use of motorised and mechanised units. Brigadier Procter recommended his promotion to Brigade headquarters.

 

I found only this one on net:

Reyðarfjörður - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From the early 20th century, Reyðarfjörður was a trading port, as well as a fishing port. Due to its strategic location and good harbour conditions, it became the second largest of the Allied bases in Iceland during WWII. There is a WWII museum located at the old camp above the town.

Reyðarfjörður

In town there is situated a World War 2 museum. The years of the war were in many ways one of the most colorful times in icelandic history. The british occupied Reyðsrfjörður in WW2 and in Reyðarfjörður was a big number of soldiers for a longer period of time. The museum gives people a possibility to get aquinted with this remarcable pice of history.

Panoramio - Photo of Stríðsárasafnið (World War 2 musaeum)

 

Fjarðabyggð - Íslenska Stríðsárasafnið á Reyðarfirði

 

I remeber to have seen a derelict landing boat which I consider to be of WW2 origin. But this was somewhen in 1993 and I had no GPS with me. So, unfortunately, I cannot say where it was. At the eastern coast. In a Fijord.

 

I would imagine that there would be some sights to see in relation to WW2, but like Owen says, why not have a WW2-free holiday?

 

49 Polar division have been stationed there, not sure if there is anything around from them, don't use the casemachine from ICE SAVING BANK


... and don't go looking for a McDonalds either.

Levien.

 

Mac Reindeer hahaha

 

Iceland? What the blazes is there to see in Iceland?

As far as food goes I recommend the national delicacy.

Hákarl or kæstur hákarl (Icelandic for "fermented shark") is a food from Iceland. It is a Greenland or basking shark which has been cured with a particular fermentation process and hung to dry for 4-5 months. Hákarl has a very particular ammonia-rich smell and fishy taste, similar to Jewish deli whitefish or very strong cheese. It is an acquired taste and many Icelanders never eat it.
...
The shark itself is poisonous when fresh due to a high content of uric acid and trimethylamine oxide, but may be consumed after being processed (see below). It has a particular ammonia smell, not too dissimilar from many cleaning products.

YouTube - Eating Rotten Shark

Enjoy

 

Andy,

I am sure that if you go to Iceland intending to have a non WW2 theme, you will be bound to trip over some WW2 relic of interest

Regards
Tom

 

Iceland? What the blazes is there to see in Iceland?

As far as food goes I recommend the national delicacy.



YouTube - Eating Rotten Shark

Enjoy

Living on an isolated island sure leads to developing strange habits. Yuk.

Levien.

 

I think I will pass on the Rotten Shark experience.

Regards
Tom

 

There are five RAAF lads there to photograph.:biggrin:

 

I believe they have Pizzas on offer for £1 at the moment..........
















Oh... not the same Iceland.... :p

 

Iceland is an excellent place to visit if you are into geology; the European and American plates meet there. Some of the guysers are picturesque and the Blue Lagoon is worth a visit. The glaciers are supposed to be worth seeing (I haven't)Iceland was a major maritime patrol aircraft base in the Second World War- CXX Sqn were based there and continued the relationship with the US Navy at Keflavik until recently.

It is (or was when I was there!) very expensive - £20 for fish and chips (10 years ago!)

Enjoy.

Roxy

 

I believe they have Pizzas on offer for £1 at the moment..........



Oh... not the same Iceland.... :p

Shark pizzas??

Levien.

 

These walls, steps, and blasted-rock depressions (with downtown Reykjavík in the backround) are the only remnants at Öskjuhlið of the WWII British fortification that once protected Iceland from hostile takeover by the dreaded Nazis. I'm told cannons once lined the upper edges of these now roofless bunkers, aimed at the seaway leading to Reykjavík harbor. I don't know enough about the history of this spot, unfortunately...all I know is that it's great fun clambering among the ruins, especially with three spunky girls in tow. .

Better photo here:

Flickr Photo Download: Ruins II

Some more photos of ww2 sites on Island here:

WW2 in Iceland - a set on Flickr