All Things Iceland

I’m taking you on a journey back in time to uncover the story behind how Iceland got its name. This tale involves three adventurous Norsemen who each left their mark on this rugged island, but only one name endured through history. The First Two Vikings That Tried to Name The Landmass To hear the whole story about the first two Vikings that named this country, I have included that in The Savvy Tra...

I’m diving into an important yet often overlooked aspect of driving in Iceland—the unique rules of two-lane roundabouts. Even if you are from Europe, there is a good chance that Iceland does two-lane roundabouts a little different than what you expect. How to Save Money on Your Rental Car in Iceland Before we get into that, I want to give a shout-out to our amazing sponsors,  Go Car Rental Iceland...

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Iceland but felt overwhelmed with all the planning, or you’re just not sure how to make the most of your time here, then you’re in luck because I have the perfect solution. The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland is officially live! And in today’s episode, I’m going to break down exactly how this brand-new video guide can help you experience Iceland like a local,...

Whether you’ve visited Iceland before or you’re planning your dream trip, you’ve likely noticed that prices here are higher when compared to many other countries. From groceries and restaurants to accommodations and activities, Iceland’s cost of living and travel expenses can be a shock to the wallet. But why is that the case? I’ll break down the key reasons behind Iceland’s high prices, including...

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Iceland or you’ve visited before, knowing the do’s and don’ts can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Iceland is a breathtaking country with unique cultural norms, unpredictable weather, and natural wonders that demand respect and preparation. I’ll walk you through essential travel tips—things you should absolutely do to get the most out of...

In this captivating episode, I sat down with Christian Legère, the visionary behind Emerald Skies of Iceland , to delve into the mesmerizing world of the Northern Lights. As a seasoned expert, Christian has dedicated his career to guiding enthusiasts and travelers through the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis across Iceland’s night skies. Northern Lights photo by Christian Legère More...

Reykjavík has a reputation for being an expensive city. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Iceland or you’re a return visitor, this episode will highlight 15 fantastic activities you can enjoy at no cost while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the city. I’ve crafted this list with both locals and travelers in mind, ensuring you get a taste of Reykjavík’s history, culture, and natural bea...

Today, I’ve diving into one of the most essential topics for anyone planning a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice—‘10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland.’ From navigating Iceland’s famously unpredictable weather to understanding why tap water here is better than bottled, I’ll cover everything to help you avoid common pitfalls and fully embrace the magic of this incredible country. Plus,...

Icelanders have gained a reputation for being laid-back, and welcoming, making their country one of the most delightful places to visit. However, like any culture, Iceland has its own unique customs and traditions that visitors might unknowingly overlook. While Icelanders are forgiving, certain faux pas can unintentionally offend them. If you’re planning a trip to this stunning Nordic island...

There are two iconic and naturally formed ice caves in Iceland that have taken social media by storm. The pictures and videos have people from all over the world flocking to Iceland during winter to winter their beauty. Table of Contents: Save Money on a Katla Ice Cave or Crystal Ice Cave Tour Best time to see an Ice Cave in Iceland Temperature inside an Ice Cave What to wear on an Ice Cave Tour?...

Two married women argued about which of their husbands was the bigger fool. Finally, they decided to test their husbands to see if they were as foolish as they seemed. Want more Icelandic Folklore Stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. Click Here for More Icelandic Folklore The First Wife sets up the Trick for...

A long time ago, a bishop was traveling, visiting different areas he was designated in Iceland as part of his duties. As was common back then, he had a group of servants with him, including a maid whose job was to cook his meals. One evening, after setting up camp on a mountain, everyone went to bed for the night. Want more Icelandic folklore stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday ser...

In the rugged highlands of Iceland, a troll named Bergþór lived with his wife in a cave called Hundahellir, nestled in the slopes of Bláfell. Unlike the fearsome reputation trolls usually have, Bergþór was a gentle giant, mild-mannered and kind—though not someone you’d want to provoke. Skilled in the mysterious “black arts,” Bergþór kept mostly to himself. Want more Icelandic folklore storie...

From ancient times, Helgafell has been steeped in mystery and supernatural lore. Early settlers in the area believed this hill was more than just a geographical feature—it was a place of profound spiritual power. One of the first settlers, Þórólfur, held the hill in such high regard that he declared no one could even glance at it without first cleansing themselves. Helgafell was also a sanctuary,...

Today, I’m tackling a topic that often confuses visitors—tipping culture in Iceland. If you’re used to tipping as a standard practice in your home country, Iceland’s approach might surprise you! This is a question I have gotten quite often in the “ Ask Jewells Anything ” segment of the podcast, so I am doing a separate episode on it.  Is Tipping Expected in Iceland? In Iceland, tipping is ge...

Sprengisandur is a barren and desolate highland plateau in central Iceland, located between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. Historically, it was an infamous north-south route connecting various regions, including access to the Alþingi (Iceland’s parliament) at Þingvellir during medieval times. This route, however, was fraught with extreme challenges, making it one of the most feared...

To celebrate the relaunch of the All Things Iceland online store , I am doing a 20% site-wide sale. This sale is only valid through Wednesday, November 27th at 11:59 PM EST or while supplies last. Below are some examples of Iceland inspired gifts that you can get for yourself or a loved one this holiday season. Iceland Inspired Gifts for the Holidays Shop Now Share This With a Friend Facebook Emai...

Many centuries ago, a mysterious woman arrived in the small community of Nes in Borgarfjörður. No one knew where she had come from, but her beauty and grace quickly won the respect of the locals. She settled in Nes and gradually took control of the entire estate, becoming its mistress. Her name was Snotra, and though she was admired, she carried an air of secrecy. Want more folklore? This episode...

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a Folklore story every Friday in 2024. To hear other stories, I have shared so far, check them out on my website All Things Iceland.  A Young Girl and Her Prankster Neighbor In a small Icelandic village, there was a young boy who loved to play tricks and frighten a girl who lived nearby. He’d pop up unexpectedly, trying to make h...

Experiencing *Into the Glacier* in Iceland was like stepping into a different world—a frozen wonderland hidden deep within Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. It was truly mesmerizing to see the glacier from the inside, which made me feel like I was in the heart of an enormous frozen giant. Is it Safe to Visit “Into the Glacier” Anytime of Year? When it comes to those wonderi...

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a Folklore story every Friday in 2024. To hear other stories, I have shared so far, check them out on my website All Things Iceland The Troll Woman & Bjarni Once upon a time, a farmer named Bjarni lived in Skaftafell. He was known for his skilled craftsmanship and resourcefulness. High in a cave above the Skaftafell Woods, th...

Eyþór is an Icelandic antiquarian with an impressive rare book collection. For many years, he has been collecting and restoring rare books, some of which are important original Icelandic manuscripts. We sat down to chat about his collection and so much more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkKR4qoW67A Questions I Asked Eyþór During the Interview? When did your fascination with antique book collect...

This is episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a Folklore story every Friday in 2024. To hear other stories, I have shared so far, check them out on my website All Things Iceland.  Sleipnir’s Hoofprint: The Mythic Origins of Ásbyrgi According to Icelandic legend, the stunning horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi was formed by the mighty hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s le...

This is episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a Folklore story every Friday in 2024. To hear other stories, I have shared so far, check them out on my website All Things Iceland.  Who is Búkolla the Magic Icelandic Cow? Once upon a time, there was an old man and his wife who lived in a small cottage with their son. They weren’t particularly fond of him, but they had littl...

This is episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a Folklore story every Friday in 2024. To hear other stories, I have shared so far, check them out on my website All Things Iceland.  How Dimmuborgir was Said to be formed? Legend has it that Dimmuborgir, with its eerie rock formations and twisting lava fields, is more than just a natural wonder. Some say it’s a hidden g...