Author

About the Author
Jewells is a native New Yorker that fell in love with an Icelander and now lives in one of the most fascinating countries in the world. As the host of the All Things Iceland podcast, she shares about Icelandic culture, history, language and nature. When she is not making podcast episodes or YouTube videos, you can find her attempting to speak in Icelandic, hiking up mountains, reading books and spending time with her family.

When a Plague & Zombies Struck in Iceland – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Plague Sent Sorcerers int Hiding When a plague ravaged Iceland in the 15th century, eighteen sorcerers formed a desperate alliance, fleeing to the remote Vestmannaeyjar Islands (Westman Islands) to escape its deadly grip. They…

Read More

Why Iceland Has Suspended Ice Cave Tours in Vatnajökull National Park

Recently a horrific accident in an ice cave resulted in a tragedy that has rocked the Icelandic tourism industry. After international news sources picked up this incident, many potential visitors have expressed worry about whether they should ever go into an ice cave. I’m going to share what has been reported in Iceland, action being…

Read More

An Icelandic Canyon Named After a Giantess – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Tale of How a Canyon is named after a Giantess Kolugljúfur Canyon gets its name from the legendary giantess Kola, who made her home on a ledge within the gorge. According to local folklore,…

Read More

A Massive Sea Monster Disguised as an Island – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. An Icelandic Saga that Mentions the Lyngbakur The Saga of Örvar-Oddur from the 13th or 14th century mentions the Lyngbakur. In part of the saga, Oddur is seeing vengeance against Ögmundur Flóki (sometimes referred to…

Read More

The Raven Protector – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Tyrant Farm Owner Long ago, in the northern reaches of Iceland, there was a farmstead called Skíðastaðir, where a wealthy farmer ruled with an iron fist. His wealth was immense, and he had many…

Read More

Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 5

This is the fourth episode for my segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. If you would like to submit a question, please use this link. You can check out previous episodes on Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland here. If you have questions that are specifically for an…

Read More

The Troll Woman & The Lazy Wife – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. The Lazy Farmer’s Wife Many centuries ago, a hard working farmer that lived below the Eyjafjöll mountains in South Iceland married a young woman. To his surprise and dismay, he found out after their marriage…

Read More

The Eastfjord’s Prophetess – Folklore Friday

At the summit of Hólmaháls, just above the road, lies the grave mound of a Völva, or prophetess, who has been believed to protect Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður from sea attacks for centuries. Want to hear more Icelandic Folklore Stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story…

Read More

The Lore Behind the Northern Lights in Iceland – Folklore Friday

In the mystic landscapes of Iceland, the northern lights weave tales as ancient as the glaciers. According to some Icelandic folklore, these shimmering lights are more than just natural phenomena. This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. Folklore stories of the Northern…

Read More

Your Complete Guide to Celebrate Pride in Reykjavík, Iceland

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, visiting Iceland during Pride is an unforgettable experience. This guide will delve into why you should consider timing your visit to coincide with Reykjavík Pride, what events to look forward to, and what else you can enjoy in Iceland during August. Why Visit Iceland During…

Read More