The Nordic House: Reminding Us Of What We Aren’t
The Nordic House was built in Reykjavík in 1968 to prove that Iceland is indeed one of the Nordic Countries. In a way, it almost proves the opposite. Pan-Scandinavianism was [&hel
Monster of the Month: Kráki – Kraken
A fishing boat was sailing north of Iceland when it suddenly heeled, so that it was almost flooded, due to some horrific creature that held on to the gunwale. The […]
Last Words: May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favour
As Pride rolls out it’s time to share with you the most common question I get asked by other foreigners visiting Iceland. No, not the age-old, “Why did you move […]
15,000 Icelanders Sign Petition To Save Families From Deportation
Two families from different corners of the globe face impending deportation, but thousands of Icelanders have signed a statement pleading with authorities to re-consider their deci
Áslaug Magnúsdóttir: The Master Collaborator Who Is Taking Centre Stage
Áslaug Magnúsdóttir takes to the stage in near darkness, her face lit only by her laptop screen. A juddering, bassy beat issues forth from the speakers. After less than a [&hell
Lagaffe Tales: Iceland’s Biggest House Label Celebrates 5 Years Of Grooves
Kaffibarinn, the legendary (but narrow) bar on Bergstaðastræti, has been the bastion of house music in Reykjavík for years. It’s where Lagaffe Tales label owners Jónbjörn Fi
Pillow Talk: An Artist Brings Asylum Seeker Stories To The Public
Artist Sonja Kovačević has just launched a project called Pillow Talk, which will be touring various locations around Reykjavík over the next few days. The traveling installatio
No, Icelanders Are Not Required To Abort Fetuses With Down Syndrome
A recent CBS report on Iceland’s pre-natal policies has sparked sharp criticism of the country from American conservatives, among them Republican senator Ted Cruz and former
Missing In Iceland: Rabies
So you plan on flying your adorable akita from America to Akranes. Well, best make plans in advance because upon arrival in Iceland, each and every foreign pooch is subjected [&hel
City Guide: Vegan Iceland – An Ethical Day In Reykjavík
Just a few years ago, it was pretty hard to be a vegetarian in Iceland, never mind a vegan. But thanks in part to the increasingly popular Veganuary—when people go […]
Blast From The Past: Siglufjörður’s Herring Bust
The quiet northern town of Siglufjörður is an Icelandic capitalism in miniature: it went through a period of great prosperity based on a single industry, then experienced financi
Where Was It Shot? Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead
When Aristotle emphasised the importance of spectacle in his bestseller ‘The Poetics,’ the philosopher probably wasn’t expecting that merely 2.344 years later, a two million
Double Hvalfjarðargöng And Road Tolls: Need Or Nonsense?
The Hvalfjarðargöngin tunnel is probably the most important infrastructure project in Icelandic history, primarily because it shortened the Ring Road by 60 kilometres. Built in 1
Volcanic Apocalypse Now: The Ever Present Risk Of Death
It is the stuff of nightmares—or movies starring Pierce Brosnan and Tommy Lee Jones—but it’s also a reality people living in Iceland face: the ever present danger of living o
The Struggle Continues: Iceland’s Chequered History Of Gay Rights
Hörður Torfason is a musician and an activist. He was the first public figures to come out of the closet in Iceland back in the ‘70s and was the founder […]
Flokkur Fólksins: The Populist Uprising?
“This populist label started with Egill Helgason, who runs a political talkshow on RÚV and is supposed to be impartial. But it also depends on how people define it—some people
Justice Ministry Advertises For Asylum Seeker Services
The Ministry of Justice is currently advertising for contractors who want to provide application and counseling services for asylum seekers in Iceland, with the hopes of creating a
Viking Row From Svalbard To Siglufjörður
The Icelandic rower Fiann Paul, and another eight of the world’s fastest rowers, are currently rowing from Svalbard to Iceland on a 2000km record breaking voyage. The Polar Crew
The Champion
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a champion looks like? Ari Bragi Kárason set the Icelandic record for 100m sprint in July, coming in at 10.51s, thereby […]
Grapevine Playlist: Stereo Hypnosis & Futuregrapher, Hafdís Huld, Daði Freyr And More
Stereo Hypnosis & Futuregrapher – Toqqissiviq Ambient band Stereo Hypnosis has teamed up with electronica and dance music artist Futuregrapher to create a new LP called
Readers Write: Tourist Stereotypes At The Pool
Dear Grapevine, Today while eating lunch and leafing through your publication, which I’m told is nothing but leftist propaganda and fancy roadmaps to the wonderful world of c