The Battle Over Beer
Iceland’s Parliament is currently debating whether to allow alcohol to be sold in supermarkets, and everyone has a strong opinion on the subject. This is but the latest battle in
The Freedom To Call Someone A Poop
A subject of heated discussion in Icelandic news lately has been freedom of expression. Here in Iceland, as in other parts of the world, “freedom of expression” is often confus
The Search for Fireflies is Over
Everything is faster than it used to be, more efficient, more convenient, digitized. This is obvious. The pizza, the love, the taxi, the conversation with your ex about your old [&
Iceland Is No Utopia
I first visited Iceland two years ago and came home smitten; banging on about this geothermal, liberal paradise. Watching the news with me was a nightmare. If there was a […
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Hike
Everyone who comes to Iceland is pretty keen make the most of their time here, and whether that means a week of carefree holiday meandering or a laser-guided approach to […]
Rok Review: A Big-Ass Celery Near Everyone’s Favourite Church
Rok is a beautiful building. It’s understated and unobtrusive, and its architecture references the turf-roofed houses that once dominated Iceland, done in a contemporary style. T
No Fin Whale Hunting This Year, Either
Kristján Loftsson – head of Iceland’s largest whaling company, Hvalur hf. – has announced that he will not be hunting any fin whales this summer, and had not hunted any [&he
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Place To Take The Kids
Everyone who comes to Iceland is pretty keen make the most of their time here, and whether that means a week of carefree holiday meandering or a laser-guided approach to […]
The Art Wolves: The Kling & Bang Gallery Powers Up
At the very end of Reykjavík’s windblown concrete harbour, Grandi, stands a hulking white building known as the Marshall House. It was purpose-built as a fish processing plant i
Virgin Mary vs. Björk: Helga Thoroddsen Explores Female Sexuality In Her ‘Fabularum’ Exhibition
Helga Thoroddsen’s first solo exhibition, ‘Fabularum’, is certainly one to see. It will be hosted by Listastofan, a gallery that has recently received a grant from the Depart
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Brunch
One of the most-asked questions by visitors to Iceland is: “Where do we eat?” It’s a tough question to answer, as Reykjavík has restaurants catering to many differen
Peculiar Crack Forms In Þingvellir Lake
A strange pattern has formed across the frozen Þingvallavatn Lake in Þingvellir National Park. “What’s interesting about it is the regularity of the crack,”
Women of The World Festival Drop Icelandic Event Following Protests
The Women of the World Festival has dropped an event featuring award-winning Icelandic author and activist Þórdís Elva Þorvaldsóttir and Tom Stranger from their programme, rep
Words of Interest: The Peysa of the Peysan
There is a peculiar story about the origin of the Icelandic word for sweater: A French fisherman saw an Icelandic farmer wearing a sweater and pointing to him, he called […]
Monster of the Month: Lyngbakur – Heather Back
Ancient tales tell of a whale monster, known as lyngbakur, that has the appearance of an island covered with a growth of heather. Lyngbakur is the second largest of all […]
Understanding Their Power: Dance Piece ‘GRRRRRRLS’ Hits Maturity
Ásrún Magnúsdóttir sits in a relaxed slouch in a Prikið booth, legs and arms shifting into stretches of repose as she talks, hands open and active, her whole face aglow [&hell
The Certainty In Wind: A Tempestuous Trip To Vík
Our trip started on a piece of graph paper. Five dates, each with its own column. Each column with a town. Each town with a person, or a point […]
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Cheap Meal
One of the most-asked questions by visitors to Iceland is: “Where do we eat?” It’s a tough question to answer, as Reykjavík has restaurants catering to many differen
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Record Store
While high prices mean Reykjavík isn’t really thought of as a shopper’s paradise, there are still plenty of great local products you can only get here. Whether you’re huntin
Grapevine’s Best Of 2017: Best Secondhand Shop
While high prices mean Reykjavík isn’t really thought of as a shopper’s paradise, there are still plenty of great local products you can only get here. Whether you’re huntin