Making wilderness: tourism and the history of the wilderness idea in Iceland

The notion of wilderness is often associated with high latitudes. This paper focuses on the historical and cultural processes that construct the wilderness idea in Iceland. Throughout the centuries histories have mirrored the feelings and opinions toward the wild and dangerous. These include the sagas and folktales about outlaws and supernatural beings in the Icelandic Highlands. Despite its harsh nature occasionally travelers did visit. However, in early times few knew the wilderness from personal experience but all had heard stories about it and contributed to its social construction. Later when more scientific knowledge was collected, the stories changed and a new meaning was created for the Highlands. Tourism led to a new commodified image that attracted more and more travelers to the Highlands, both Icelandic and foreign visitors. However, present contestation between different forms of wilderness use as well as new sets of visitor demands are leading to the construction of new understanding of the nature of the Icelandic wilderness.