Word Of The Issue: Brúðkaup
Words often give us insight on past traditions. “Brúðkaup,” for instance, the Icelandic word for “wedding,” refers to the old custom of purchasing (kaupa) a bride (brúð
Reykjavík Of Yore: From Mundane To Watergate
Well, to be honest, the story of Háteigskirkja is painfully uninteresting. This is probably not the best way to start an article, but bear with me, because this article will [&hel
The Unconventional Life Of Birgir Andréasson
Some might know him as the art scene’s exponent for the relationship between language and perception; others as the great influencer and portrayer of Icelandic culture and nation
Island Life: Cold Fronts, Vegetables, Norwegian Aircraft
The appearance of odd writings on the moss in the countryside around Nesjavellir has infuriated everyone in equal measure. It’s still unknown whether this act of vandalism has be
Fair Pay, Fair Play: Closing The Gender Wage Gap In Iceland
I can’t remember when I became aware of the gender pay gap. I can’t remember my mum ever patting me on the back and saying, “Go get ‘em kid! Go […]
Steypa: Iceland Through The Windowpane
It’s been five summers since Claus Sterneck, a well-known local photographer and postman in Reykjavík, first affixed photography works to the walls of the mysterious abandoned h
Ragnar’s Secret Solstice Hangover Diary
Thursday: The madness begins It’s that Solstice time again! Whoop whoop (family!) Thursday was as soft segway into a festival which this year leans heavier on the hip hop and [&h
Photos: þjóðbúningurinn – Icelandic National Costume
The Icelandic national costume (þjóðbúningurinn) is the country’s ceremonial outfit, which came to prominence in the 19th century, during the fight for independence. It has s
The Soul Of The Instruments
Jón Maríno Jónsson’s workshop, which he shares with guitar maker Gunnar Örn Sigurðsson, is a case study in an artist at work. Violins and violas in various stages of creatio
Tourist Caught Driving At 146 Km An Hour On 90 Road
Police pulled over a foreign driver last night, who was driving at 146 kilometres an hour on the Suðurlandsvegur road between Reykjavík and Hveragerði, reports RÚV. Top speed o
Four Suspects In Murder Case Released From Custody
Four of the six suspects in the murder of Arnar Jónsson Aspar, who was killed last Wednesday, were released from custody today following interrogations, reports RÚV. The murder w
Scratching The Twitch: Birdwatching In Iceland
At 8am, two men arrived at my door dressed in utility trousers and plaid shirts. Friends for over seventeen years, Edward and Sigmundur (Simmi) are old hands at birding in [&hellip
Music News In Brief: Daði Freyr, Páll Ivan Frá Eiðum & Aron Can
Páll Ivan frá Eiðum is one of the more eccentric musicians in Iceland’s music scene. Also well known for his work as a composer and visual artist, his output under […]
Saga Recap: The Saga Of Grettir The Strong
This is the saga of Grettir, the grandson of the “bravest and nimblest one-legged man to ever live in Iceland.” Don’t you wish your grandpa was that cool? Don’t be [&hellip
Flúðir Town Guide: Tomatoes, Ethiopian Food And Soccer Golf
A half an hour’s drive inland from the ring road, Flúðir is a tiny town often overlooked by those looking to circle the island in their limited time in the […]
Last Item I Bought: Andri Már Sigurðsson
Guys, we’re curious about your shopping habits. So don’t be surprised if we one day hunt you down the street and ask: What was the last thing you bought? Name: [&hellip
Increase In Number Of Hunted Whales
The number of hunted whales is expected to rise compared to last year, RÚV reports. Whaler Gunnar Bergman Jónsson hopes to catch around 50 mink whales this summer—4 more than [
Cabin Fever: A Guide To Iceland’s Smaller Spaces
I have always been fascinated by small spaces. I grew up in a concrete jungle, inhabited by more than 1.1 million people, and had to trek for miles to escape […]
Thanks For All The Fish: A Reykjavík Foodie Tours Five Akureyri Fast Food Joints
Whether it’s Scottish “munchie boxes” or Canadian poutine, there’s something about cold northern climates that makes people embrace a grease-up faster than Hulk Hogan on wi
Three Charged In Burning Of The IKEA Christmas Goat
Three people, a man and two women, have been fined 150 thousand króna for burning down the IKEA Christmas Goat last year, reports RÚV. And yes, there exists in this […]