VIDEO: Rest Of The World Still Fascinated By Icelandic Belief In Supernatural
While Icelandic belief in elves and other “huldufólk” is waning, the interest of other countries in these superstitions is growing. A new episode of BBC Ideas takes a
Happening This Weekend: Axis Dancehall, Plútó & Sensible Structures!
Welcome to summer, Grapevine readers. It’s hot. We’re sweaty. We’re ready to have a good weekend. Here are your not-to-miss events. Friday, April 26th Can’t thi
Ian McEwan Wins Halldór Laxness International Literary Prize
Ian McEwan, an English author whose works have been celebrated the world over, is the first winner of the new Halldór Laxness International Literary Prize, a statement to the pres
The Second Coming: Joey Christ Rises Again With ‘Joey 2’
Joey Christ is almost inhumanly relaxed. Sitting in the 101wonderland studio, right in front of Útvarp 101, the radio station he works every day from 07:00 until 14:00, he leans [
Last Words: Why Iceland’s Post Office Is The Actual Worst
Here in Iceland, pretty much everyone hates the postal service. It might seem kind of weird for the entire citizenry feel something between vague annoyance and quivering rage towar
What Have We Won?: LazyTown Domination
In 2006, Icelandic children’s show LazyTown snatched up the BAFTA for Best International Children’s Programme. It was a surprise win that made the Icelandic nation come togethe
Jono Duffy Is Not Dead: It’s Been A While, But The Australian Comedian Is Back
“Imagine that you and I were out drinking and I took you back to my place for an after party, where I shared all the stories from the last year […]
Valitor Sentenced To Pay 1.2 Billion ISK Over Wikileaks Payment Block
The debit and credit card company was fined 1.2 billion ISK in Reykjavík District Court for illegally blocking payments to Wikileaks in 2010, after previously being legally compel
Video: Food Of Iceland: Sheep Head
Ever wonder how it would be to eat someone’s face? Of course you have. Icelanders have found a way to experience this feeling without hurting anyone. Well, except for sheep,
Unions Approve New Agreement; Price Hikes Still In The Cards
The new collective agreement made between several unions and management has been approved by voting workers, but participation was in some cases lacking. A major food importer and
Sir David Attenborough Is In Iceland
World famous naturalist and BBC presenter Sir David Attenborough is reportedly not only in Iceland; he is reportedly working on a new project in some cooperation with the Icelandic
The Dust Storm: Wild Winds & ATV Adventures On The South Coast
We’re approaching Seljalandsfoss when the sky suddenly turns dark. The drive from Reykjavík has been blustery, with violent gusts pushing at the car as we sweep through the rust
Grapevine Playlist: Comfort Creature, TSS, Hildur, Máni Orrason, Matthildur & More
Like eight simultaneous lightning bolts striking your laptop out of thin air, there are the latest offerings to flash out of the smoky fumarole of the Icelandic music scene. Comfor
Perlan: A Pearl of Wonders, Stars, And The Best View In The City
Ever since the mid-20th century, six hot water tanks stood on top of Öskjuhlíð. In 1991, an immense glass dome was placed on top of them, forming Perlan, which in […]
Just Sayings: “Það Liggur Í Augum Uppi”
“Það liggur í augum uppi” (approx. pronounced “thath liggur ee œjum uppy”) is an old and fairly common saying in Iceland. It literally translates to: It lays in
Believes Hate Crimes In Iceland Have Increased
Police need to be better educated and data needs to be collected more thoroughly when it comes to hate crimes in Iceland, an adjunct in police training says. Eyrún Eyþórsdóttir
Speed Limit Lowered For Single-Lane Bridges In Iceland, New Signs Coming
New speed limit signs, in both Icelandic and English, will be set up at some 75 single lane bridges around Iceland, displaying the lowered limit. RÚV reports that the first [&hell
Hallgrímskirkja Temporarily Closed, Elevator Being Replaced
Reykjavík’s landmark church, Hallgrímskirkja, will soon have a better, faster elevator, with plans to have it ready by the end of May. Up to a thousand people each day visi
Finding Sóley: Famed Cult Movie Brought Back Into The Light
The 1982 Icelandic art-house film ‘Sóley’ (also known as ‘The Hidden People of the Shadowy Rocks’) has long been lost, save for a few bootleg copies floating around. The f
Track By Track: Kristín Anna – ‘I Must Be The Devil’
Kristín Anna—also known from múm and Kría Brekkan—recently released her long-awaited solo album. “I Must Be The Devil” is an enchanting collection of piano-based tracks
Game Of Thrones Actors Spotted On Laugavegur
As the White Walkers close in on Winterfell, it appears that two of the key protagonists of Game of Thrones have taken some time off before the battle we’ve all […]