Culture

Iceland’s Tipping Culture: What Visitors Should Know

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…

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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…

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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…

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5 Fascinating Facts About the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is a breed like no other, with a history that is deeply intertwined with the island nation itself. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, these horses have remained a pure breed for over a thousand years. The isolation of Iceland has played a significant role in…

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A Wicked Troll that Enchanted Icelandic Priests – Folklore Friday

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. A Troll Lurking in Iceland’s East Fjords Mjóifjörður (or narrow fjord) used to have up to 100 inhabitants centuries ago but it is now only about 14 people live there. During the winter…

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Icelandic Coffee Culture & Unique Cafés to Visit in Reykjavík

Iceland’s coffee culture is – deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Icelandic society. Along with being a drink that perks people up, grabbing a cup of coffee in Iceland is often a social interaction, where the drink is enjoyed in the company of others, many times in cozy settings. This communal aspect is so…

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Skriðuklaustur – A Hidden Monastery Discovered in East Iceland

Today’s episode focuses on the historic site of Skriðuklaustur, which offers a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s rich Icelandic culture, history, and literature. This enchanting destination, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape, serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting visitors to explore the layers of stories etched within this…

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The Famous Trolls of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Folklore Friday

At the famous, beautiful, and dangerous Reynisfjara black sand beach there are three sea stacks clearly visible out in the ocean. They look as though they have popped up out of nowhere but there is a story behind their existence. Legend has it that two trolls were trying to pull a ship to shore during…

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Hallgrímskirkja Church: Reykjavík’s Iconic Architectural Marvel

One of Iceland’s most iconic and breathtaking landmarks is Hallgrímskirkja church. This isn’t just any church; it’s a symbol of Icelandic identity, a fusion of history, and a beautiful architectural design that speaks volumes about the island’s unique character. Later on, in my random fact of the episode, I share who this church is named…

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The Drangey Island Devil – Folklore Friday

In the North on Drangey Island is where this tale takes place. It’s said that a man went to hunt birds and collect eggs on the island. As soon as he stepped foot on the island, he dropped died. Guðmundur “The Good” Vs The Devil on Drangey Island Word got around about the sudden death…

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