1. Iceland might be only one flight away for you
Iceland is closer than you think and Icelandair offers flight from several destinations in the U.S. You should be able to find a flight from anywhere from about 600 to a 1000 dollars and the flight is only around 6 hours from the East Coast.
2. The spectacular playing venue
The 28.000 sqm. Harpa concert hall is not only big, it’s spectacular. Residing at the harbour with an ocean view.
GM Ian Rogers said:
“...played in the magnificent Harpa – think a black Sydney Opera House.”
3. Get a chance to play and see strong GMs
With a big open tournament, a good run could see you playing on demonstration boards against GMs or IMs. There are still several players yet to register and we already have 11+ 2600 players and well over 20 GMs registered. Add to that a pair of World Junior Champions (U18 and U10) and a 6-time U.S. Champion amongst others!
Also note that chess sets and clocks are always provided in open tournaments in Europe which isn’t always the norm in open U.S. tournaments.
4. Witness the renowned Icelandic nature
The Golden Circle Tour has always been a big part of the side events calendar at the Reykjavik Open and this year that will not be different!
5. Visit Bobby Fischer’s grave
FM Zibbit at Bobby’s grave in fall 2013
According to the wishes of Bobby his final resting place was in a quiet cemetery just ouside of Reykjavik in the small town of Selfoss.
6. See Kasparov
The 13th World Champion will be visiting Iceland during the first few rounds! Garry is campaigning to become the next FIDE President.
7. Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik.
The Blue Lagoon
8. Hospitality, good food
Most visitors in Iceland are surprised about the hospitality and friendliness of the local people. You will also find that almost everybody speaks English (though some with a very strong Icelandic accent).
Around downtown Reykjavik you will find a nice variety of restaurants with good food. Be sure to try out some Icelandic seafood.
9. See the Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) can be seen around a 100 days per year and usually throughout March/April. We can’t guarantee it, but when it's there it’s very nice to experience!
The Aurora Borealis
10. See the beautiful women
Iceland is often considered to have very beautiful women and Iceland has had the winner of Miss World four times, most recently in 2005.
Unnur Steinsson, MIss World 2005
But please be nice to them… We also have very strong men as we have won the World Strongman seven times!
Jon Pall Sigmarsson, legendary Strongman from Iceland
But first and foremost enjoy your chess in a nice and strong open tournament which will be covered and broadcast on Chess.com! You can find more info on the official website.
