Word of the Issue: Djammviskubit
The word of the issue this time around is djammviskubit; a portmanteau of “djamm” (“party”) and “samviskubit” (“regret”). It refers to the distinct feeling you get
Straumur: Joyful Dark Love
Another month, another collaboration from Sin Fang, múm’s Örvar Smárason, and their Morr labelmate Sóley. After January’s “Random Haiku Generator,” they released a new
Blast from the Past: The Comedy Ban of 1940
Like most countries, Iceland has a long and illustrious history of censorship. A fun example can be found in the annals of 1940, when chief of police Agnar Kofod-Hansen announced [
Lemúrinn: That Time an Icelandic Linguist (Almost) Rescued a British Stockbroker Stuck on the Greenland Ice Cap
The past was a simpler time, back when any young Briton could embark on daring expeditions to far-flung locales in the name of science, progress, and the British Empire (provided [
Buy Shit! 66°NORTH Hat, Brennivín, Lakkrís, Day Serum
Here are a few fun Icelandic products to look out for on your travels. 66°NORTH Workman Hat Everyone from rural farmers to downtown fuckboys rep’ 66°NORTH. While their winter p
Cartoon: Jim Carrey by Lóa Hjálmtýsdóttir
Lóa Hjálmtýsdóttir is a comic artist, musician and probably a bunch of other things, too. She has contributed to Grapevine since way back when. SUPPORT THE ARTIST by buying her
Icelandic Facebook Groups: Skutlarar
Iceland has a peculiar obsession with Facebook groups. Think about it: with a population of 320,000 it’s not unreasonable for a group like “Vegan Ísland” with 13,000 mem
Reader Letters: The Whale-Hunting Debacle
Hi, I just read on your site that more minke whales will be killed because of the demand of some tourists. I am certain that a vast majority of tourists […]
Reykjavík of Yore: Hallgrímskirkja
Pictured here is probably the best-known landmark in Reykjavík, and perhaps the most Instagrammed one, too. The church Hallgrímskirkja is named in honour of Iceland’s most prom
Yes, Iceland IS Trying to Kill You
Light fracturing the froth of a wild grey wave, flotsam churning over with the power of the sea. It’s hypnotic. The roar of it, the hiss of the wind and […]
It’s Electric Car Time
Ah, the poor electric car. It has been a long road for you, hasn’t it? Clunky batteries that take a full day to charge and need frequent, costly replacement. Prices […]
Made In Iceland: A Look Inside Iceland’s 120-Year-Old Wool Industry
On the very edge of Greater Reykjavík, not far from the northbound Ring Road, sits an industrial estate of vast, dripping factories and warehouses. Tourists pass the area in their
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 […
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 […]
Oppression Olympics
I am fat. My doctor has attested to this, though he used the words “morbidly obese”, to which I gasped and said, “but I’m beautiful!” “Be that
Don’t Ask Nanna: About Óli Darri’s Fineness
Hey Nanna, Am stuck inside watching Trapped on Netflix in honour of the Snowpocalypes and wondering if I can get pregnant just looking at Óli Darri? THAT BEARD! *Drools. Best, Th
Guess What? If You Click On The Austur Sex Tape, You’re Awful!
A 26 second video, showing a man and a woman having sex in the bathroom stall of the popular Icelandic bar Austur is making the rounds on the internet. It’s […]
Don’t Ask Nanna: About Annoying Tourists
Hey Nanna Yesterday I saw two tourists staging their coffee and breakfast at Roasters. One of them even stepped on a chair to get a better angle. I came in, […]