Conservation Volunteers
You might not realise when hiking in Skaftafell or climbing Mt. Esja that the trails you are walking on were all built by The Environment Agency Conservation Volunteers. Every summ
Survival Tips:
This fierce island of ours in the North can be a tough resort to say the least. Over the last few weeks we have witnessed recurrently what seems to be […]
The Sweaty Musical Armpit
This summer marks the advent of two exciting releases from two of the scene’s youngest and most promising rock bands. The sophomore release from Mammút, whose 2006 debut corresp
The Ambassador
When I was packing my bags to come to Iceland, one criterion stood out in particular: “Don’t look like an American tourist. Don’t look like an American tourist,” I told m
The Artists Have Come Home to Roost
A 10-year reunion of three artists at Kling & Bang GalleryOn July 4, three visual artists will open an exhibition in Kling&Bang Gallery on Laugarvegur 23. This exhibition i
Cheap Reykjavík!
Cheap coffee This piece has nothing to do with sex, dating or the incredibly hot women of Iceland. Rather, it was inspired by the incredibly cheap lattés at Kaffibarinn (250 [&hel
Equal Opportunities
I grew up in a small village on the east coast of Iceland. In many ways it was an ideal place to be a young kid; the freedom was a […]
Icelandic Skateboard Design
Described by Mark Gonzales as a way to conquer boredom, skateboarding has saved many Icelanders from the blues, which inevitably follow island living. Although some only dabble and
Surtsey: New World Heritage Site
Surtsey, the volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List at World Heritage Committee meeting in Quebec City on July 7th. A tot
Blue Lagloop
The waters, rich in algae, silica and sulfur, possess a degree of medicinal properties, and are effective treatments against skin diseases such as psoriasis, among other things.In
Iceland: Home of the Per Capita Record
Living in an environment as hostile and unpredictable as Iceland can have severe effects on one’s mental stability. When a society goes through environmental hardship, long perio
Tips from the Aussie now calling Iceland “home”
If you have recently moved to Iceland (as I have), or are considering the move, here are some thoughts and suggestions to consider (most of which I am still trying […]
Everyone’s Invited!
Galtarviti is the name of an abandoned lighthouse on the outskirts of the West Fjords. It’s just as remote as it sounds: it can only be reached via a four-hour […]
There’s a Whole Lot of Bumping Going On
For a newcomer, Reykjavik’s small size and even smaller downtown makes feeling like a local all the much easier. Once you start knowing a few people, you will see them […]
How to Fight a Polar Bear
Polar bears have featured prominently in Icelandic news lately, since two of them were spotted (and eventually killed “for reasons of national security”) north in Skagafjörðu
Útúrdúr
A new gem has appeared on Njálsgata 14. The new art bookstore and publishing house Útúrdúr continues to attract attention despite square footage and discreet location. Last Sun
Documenting Icelandic Culture
A new book on arts and culture in the nations capitolAfter two years on the making, Project: Iceland, a new book by the English fashion and music photographer Charlie Strand, [&hel
Re-envisioning Reykjavík’s Transit System
“See, in 1994 or 5, the city of Reykjavík had 430 cars for every thousand inhabitants. Today, there are over 700 cars for every thousand inhabitants. This means that instead [&h
Eco-ethics
In 1990 you wrote an essay entitled “Ethics of Nature”, where you argue that looking at nature from an anthropocentric viewpoint is unethical, and that man’s ration
Riding in Reykjavik
First off, was your decision influenced by environmental reasons or health reasons? I wanted to lose weight and get into shape, but I was very busy and was looking for […]
Dreamland – A Self-help Manual to a Frightened Nation
The search for reality I was in a taxi the other day and the driver wanted to talk. ‘Wasn’t it you that wrote that piece in the paper yesterday?’ he […]