All Things Iceland

I have exciting news!! On May 18th a show named Geography of Bliss became available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. It’s hosted by Rainn Wilson. He is most known for playing Dwight Shrute on the American version of The Office. The show asks which nations are the happiest on Earth, and what it is about these countries that makes their citizens so joyful. Watch Geography of Bliss on Peacock Iceland is the first episode on the show. I am beyond excited and honored to say that I am one of the people featured in the show! This show was filmed over a year ago, so I have been holding onto this information for so long. It’s nice to finally let the cat out of the bag! During the episode, Rainn and I go on an ísbíltúr or ice cream roadtrip. We talk about what it has been like for me living here and if I plan to stay for the long haul. There were many things we talked about that do not show up in the episode at all. I totally understand that not everything can be included. I think they did a great job of cutting the whole episode, which I highly recommend that you watch. One thing I really love is that they included a shot with my sister, me and my mom in the Blue Lagoon hanging out. It was lovely to have my family in there too. My Former Icelandic Husband I have to address one topic that I have yet to talk about on here and that is regarding my relationship. If you are not following me on YouTube, Instagram of Facebook, then you probably are not aware that Gunnar and I have decided to divorce. We were toegther when the show was filmed. Many months later the producers of the show reached out to me during post production to ask for permission to use videos and photos of Gunnar and I as additional footage in the show. I explained to them that we were splitting up and that it is probably not a good idea to share that content because we are not going to be together. Well, they replied saying they were sorry to hear about my breakup and asked if he would be open to giving his permission for them to use images and photos even though we are going our separate ways. I said I was not sure but can ask. In the end, he did give permission and that was nice of him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTP503NEQqg Let Me Know What You Thought of Geography of Bliss If you watch the show, feel free to let me know via email at jewells(at)allthingsiceland(dot)com or via social media. I would love to hear if you enjoyed it. Share This Post Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook

Learn what to expect when traveling to Iceland in April. That includes road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during this month, some tips on driving during this time, top activities, and events that happen annually during this month. Weather in Iceland in April April marks the transition from winter to spring in Iceland. The weather can be unpredictable, with varying temperatures and frequent changes. The average high temperature is 44 F (6.8 C), and the low temperature is 39 F (3 C).I always recommend that you pack layers and be prepared for sudden weather shifts, including rain, snow, wind, and occasional sunshine. Daylight Hours One of the major advantages of visiting Iceland in April is the lengthening of daylight hours. During the early part of the month, you can enjoy approximately:April 1st – 13 hours and 31 minutesOn April 15th there are 15 hours and 03 minutesApril 30th - 16 hours and 43 minutes Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland Because April is a transitional month road conditions can vary. While main roads are generally accessible, some secondary roads in remote areas may still be closed or have limited access due to lingering snow and ice.It's crucial to stay updated on road conditions and weather forecasts by checking reliable sources like the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration's website. If you plan on driving, renting a 4x4 vehicle with studded winter tires is recommended for added safety. It's a Great Time to Explore in a Car or Campervan Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand.If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that. What to Wear in Iceland in April To stay comfortable during your visit in April, it's essential to dress in layers. Start with a base layer of thermal clothing, followed by a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don't forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a sturdy pair of waterproof boots for outdoor activities. It's also wise to have a waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from unexpected showers.If you want more specific help with what to pack, grab my FREE ultimate packing checklist for Iceland. Why You Should Visit Iceland in April April offers a unique blend of winter and spring experiences. Here are a few reasons why it's an excellent time to visit Iceland:Fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season, allowing for a more intimate experience.Witness the transition of landscapes from snow-covered winter wonderlands to budding greenery.Increased chances of viewing the Northern Lights due to extended darkness during the evenings.Opportunity to enjoy activities like glacier hiking, ice caving, and snowmobiling before they become inaccessible during the warmer months.Often slightly warmer Iceland Events in April Aldrei Fór Ég Suður - this is a music festival in the Westfjords that takes place over the long Easter weekend.Children’s Culture Festival - A lovely festival that's fun for the who...

I had the honor of interviewing Chief Phil Fontaine, an Indigenous Canadian leader, and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He is best known for playing a central role in raising awareness about residential schools in Canada and pushing for a Federal and Papal apology in 2008 and 2022. Additionally, he helped to get a repudiation of the Discovery Doctrine from Pope Francis about a month ago on March 30th, 2023.The Manitoba area is where hundreds of Icelanders immigrated to in the 1800s. During the interview, we talked about his historical work and “West Icelanders” (what Icelanders are called who immigrated to the West) who settled in Gimli, and surrounding areas. He shared some fascinating insight about the community and their interactions with the indigenous community, who have been living all over Canada before any Europeans immigrated there.Learn More about Chief Phil Fontaine here. Thank You to the National Research Council of Canada This episode was sponsored using funds from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada.A special thank you to L.K. Bertram for connecting me with Chief Phil for this dynamic, educational, and insightful conversation. Share This Episode Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook

Learn all about what to expect when traveling in Iceland during March. Road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during that month.Also, I want to say thank you to some people who recently left reviews for the podcast durng the month of March of 2023. Reviews of the All Things Iceland Podcast We are planning a trip to Iceland this June. Jewell’s Podcast has been a tremendous wealth of information on Iceland, what to do in Iceland and what to expect. I am embarrassed I have not reviewed it before as I have even listening to all the episodes and the information is pertinent and fun! ChicagoRunner 123456789 from the United States Such a great resource for trip planning. And really interesting to learn more about the culture too! sarahintampa from the United States Weather During March In Iceland March is still considered winter in Iceland, so you can expect cold temperatures with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F) but the range is often -2°C (around 28 Fahrenheit) and 3.3°C (around 38 Fahrenheit. In previous years it has also the wettest month of the year, so it's important to pack waterproof clothing. Day Light Hours in March During March, Iceland experiences around 12 hours of daylight. The days are getting longer, and the sun rises around 7:30 AM and sets around 6 PM. Here are the hours you can expect from the beginning of the month vs the end.March 1st – 10 hours and 9 minutesMarch 16th – 11 hours and 47 minutesMarch 31st - 13 hours and 25 minutes Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland During March Road conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable, especially during winter. It's important to check the weather and road conditions before setting out on a road trip.While you don’t have to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, some people do so because you have more control over the car due the roads potentially being slippery and icy. Additionally, rental car companies here keep the nail tires on cars during March, so that helps provide extra traction on slippery roads.While there way more daylight during this time of the year than other winter months, they are still limited, so it's important to plan your driving routes accordingly.If you decide to drive by yourself don't forget to check the official websites road.is and safetravel.is before heading out to see if there are any weather warnings or road closures that might impact your trip. Drive Yourself Around Iceland on a Discount Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand. What to Wear in Iceland During March Because this is a wintery month that can still be quite cold, make sure you bring a parka and necessary layers. Make sure to grab my free Iceland Packing Checklist. There is a separate list in it for winter and for summer.You can expect possible snow weather warnings, icy conditions (so bring your micro spikes), windy conditions (which is normal all year here), and of course some precipitations. We do have days where it is sunny and bright, but the cold is still present, so dressing accordingly will keep you warm and dry.It's important to dress in layers and bring warm,

As I write this we are still full on in winter in Iceland, but I think it’s imperative to share some essential trip-planning tips for summer here. Summer is the high season and now that people are traveling more, I'm seeing that the number of people planning to come during this time is increasing dramatically.Some of you might not know but I do one-to-one video consultation calls with people planning their trips to Iceland. They are one hour long and recently I have been chatting with people who are coming this summer. While the consultation calls are personalized according to what the person wants to do and see, I noticed there are some common things to know that could be helpful for everyone planning to visit during peak season. What is Discussed in this Post What to book immediately For Your Summer Trip to IcelandTravel Tips for Driving Around the CountryIceland's Magnificent & Disruptive Midnight SunHow to Beat Summer Crowds in IcelandWhat to know if you plan to hike in the Icelandic HighlandsThe Best Places to See Puffins and Whales in IcelandIceland's Summer Events Worth AttendingWhat to Pack for a Summer Adventure in Iceland Book an Iceland Trip Planning Call with Me Before I jump into my tips, if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link.I’m always delighted to hear at the end of the video call that the consultation has been so helpful. One review of this service I provide is from Riana D, who wrote, "Our conversation with Jewells made a distant and unfamiliar place that was foreign to us, Iceland, seem familiar and practical. She helped design a trip that was exciting to me, an active young adult, and accessible to my travel partner- my retired mother! I particularly recommend taking advantage of her rental car discount code." Riana D Thank you for the review, Riana D. The rental car code she is referring to is for Go Car Rental Iceland. By using "Iceland10", you can save 10% on you full rental car cost from a local and amazing car rental company. This especially comes in handy during summer because the cost of rental cars can double when compared to winter due to high demand. 1. Book These Things in Iceland Right Immediately * Accommodations After you have gotten your flight tickets, it’s imperative that you get your accommodations settled right away. Some people are buying their flight tickets 6 months ahead of when they travel but are waiting to book accommodations. The issue with that is accommodations are filling up quickly.Before the start of 2023, 70% of accommodations in Iceland were booked for summertime (June – August). A lot of construction is happening here to build more accommodations, but it’s been hard to keep up with the demand of the number of travelers. * Rental Car While you have a little more leeway with your rental car, I recommend getting that squared away as well. Many travelers, like yourself, want the best bang for their buck and the earlier you get your rental car, the more choices you have.For instance, smaller 2WD cars cost less and are great for driving around the country during the summer, especially if you just plan to be on the ring road. Those are the first cars to get snagged. Also, the nicer 4x4 cars for the highlands get snagged too. * Camping Sites If you’re planning to use a camper van or to camp in a tent, there are some camp sites that sell out because they are so popular. Mainly, the ones in the south of the country. It’s good to map out what places you plan to visit and the campsites nearby so you can book them in advance as well. * Certain Tours & Experiences Thankfully, there are not a lot of tours and experiences that you don’t have to book ahead of time but are a few that I recommend that you do.The Blue Lagoon during summer usually has no reservation available once you...

I have another fantastic interview to share with you this month. This time around it’s with Haraldur Thorleifsson or “Halli”, as he likes to be called. Halli was born and raised in Iceland and has achieved some incredible things, such as building a successful design company and selling it to Twitter. In 2022, he was named Person of the Year in Iceland, was awarded the Order of the Falcon (the highest honor one can receive in the country), and he has lived in many cool places around the world. You can learn more about his accolades on his personal website. Ramp Up Iceland – Increasing Wheelchair Accessibility in the Country While I find all those things to be interesting, what intrigued me the most is the work that Halli is doing to provide ramp access across Iceland for those who are in wheelchairs, have a stroller, or just find that a ramp is easier for them to walk up than stairs. The project is called Ramp Up Iceland or Römpum Upp Ísland. For updates about the project in English, click here. During the interview, Halli and I talk about all of this and the fact that he has muscular dystrophy. The CDC describes muscular dystrophy as, a group of muscle diseases caused by mutations in a person's genes. Over time, muscle weakness decreases mobility, making everyday tasks difficult." Please note that this interview was conducted in Halli’s apartment in February 2023 so the sound quality will be different than what you hear right now. Also, this interview was recorded before Halli and Elon Musk had a huge argument on Twitter. During the back and forth, Elon embarrassed himself and eventually had to apologize to Halli. If you use Twitter, I highly recommend following Halli there. He is very active on that channel and shares quite a bit. Follow Halli on Twitter Twitter

This is the third and last episode I am publishing for what I dubbed “Greenland Week” on the podcast. As mentioned in previous episodes, Greenland and Iceland have some interesting things in common. Also, Iceland is only one of two places in the world where you can fly directly to Greenland, which gives you a unique opportunity to explore both places. During this interview with the lovely and multi-talented Jospeha, we talk about what it was like for her growing up in Greenland, as well as her experience living in Iceland and Denmark. Josepha is a fantastic photographer, mask dancer, and knowledgeable guide. In fact, she has guided all over Greenland and provides some insight on what to see and do in the country. Follow Josepha on Social Media Instagram Other Episodes about Greenland From Iceland to Greenland: An Epic Adventure for Nature Lovers Reclaiming Greenlandic Culture - Interview with Aka Hansen Share This Post Facebook Email Twitter

Before arriving in Greenland on February of 2023, I had no idea that I would be interviewing Aka Hansen. I was fortunate to meet her while she was doing a photo shoot with a mutual friend in a location where I happen to also be creating content. When I heard about the activism work that she does in Greenland, I instantly knew that I wanted to interview her on the podcast. Her warm energy, beautiful traditional tattoos, and passion for her work helped me to gain insight into Greenlandic society.During our more than one-hour-long chat, she shares how detrimental Danish colonization has been on Greenlandic society. Along with others, she is working to reclaim the Inuit culture in Greenland that had been banned and/or heavily discouraged for 300 hundred years. Photo by Josepha Lauth Thomsen Follow Aka Hansen on Social Media Instagram Facebook Twitter Share This Post Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Other Episodes about Greenland From Iceland to Greenland: An Epic Adventure for Nature Lovers

I have a special series of episodes that I’ll be sharing this week about Greenland! In fact, I am calling it Greenland week because, inclusive of this episode, I have two other episodes that I'll post. You might be wondering why I am sharing about Greenland when I normally talk about Iceland and the answer is simple. Both countries have amazing nature, and you can get directly to Greenland from Iceland in a short period of time.So, if you have ever wanted to visit Greenland or you are intrigued about the idea of going there, you are in for a treat this week. I visited Nuuk, Greenland, which is the capital of the country, in mid-February of this year and had an amazing time. I visited East Greenland, specifically Kulusuk, Tasiilaq, and the interior of the country back in 2018 for 9-days.That was an incredible experience that made me curious about Nuuk because East Greenland is like stepping back in time. I consider it a time capsule that gives you a glimpse into a much simpler way of living. Plus, the towns are quite small. For example, around 200 people live in Kulusuk. On the other hand, Nuuk is a modern city that kind of made me feel like I was back in Iceland. How this Episode about Greenland is Set Up The way I have set this episode up is that I will share some insight about Iceland vs Greenland. Not in a competitive way but more so about each destination and their unique aspects. You’ll find that they have some things in common. After that, I will share my experience in Nuuk and the things I was so fortunate to do. This can give you an idea of things to enjoy if you decide to travel there. What is Greenland Week? The two other episodes about Greenland are interviews I did with two awesome women. One is Aká, a Greenlandic activist working to reclaim the cultural in Greenland after the country had been colonized by the Danish for hundreds of years. She is also a strong advocate of Greenland becoming an independent country. Currently, it is considered a district of Denmark.The other interview is with Josepha, she is a Greenlander that grew up in Nuuk, and has lived in Denmark and Iceland. She’s multi-talented and has guided all over Greenland. She shares her insight about fun things to do there, mask dancing (a tradition) that Greenlandic people have been reincorporating back into their culture, and more.Before jumping into differences & similarities of Iceland and Greenland, I would like to thank the sponsors of this episode, which are Visit Greenland and Visit Nuuk.A special shout out to Josepha, who coordinated this whole trip for me. I highly recommend following her on Instagram, where she is child_of_the_arctic Follow Visit Greenland Instagram Facebook Youtube Follow Visit Nuuk Facebook Instagram Iceland vs Greenland Land Mass of Each Country Iceland – 103,000 square kilometers (39,768.5 square miles)Greenland – 2.16 million square kilometers (836,330 miles)Both are islands but Greenland is considered the largest island in the world. Land mass of each capital area Reykjavik – 273 square kilometers (105 square miles)Nuuk – 690 square kilometers (about 266 square miles) Ice coverage in Iceland & Greenland Over 80% of Greenland in ice while only about 11% of Iceland is covered in ice. Similar to Greenland, about 80% of Iceland is uninhabited. The highlands of Iceland is what makes up most of that uninhabited land. Population in the whole country Iceland – 387,800 (as of January 20th, 2023)Greenland – 56,500 people. Population in Each Capital Nuuk has 19,261 in the capital areaReykjavik has 245,000 people in the capital area (about two thirds of the country). There are 4 times as many people living in Reykjavik than in the whole of Greenland

Learn all about what to expect when traveling in Iceland during February. Road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during that month. While this month is like January, there are some interesting differences. Weather in Iceland during February February can be intense. It’s normal to have severe storms, which mean storm warnings, road closures, snow, rain, and possibly dangerous driving conditions. While the average temperature range for this month is from -1°C (30°F) and highs of 4°C (39°F), I can attest that we had a decent amount days last month where we had over 5°C and even up to 10°C. We went from extremely icy conditions, and a crazy windstorm that shut down KEF airport to it feeling like summerish temperatures. We are still experiencing those temperatures right now but it looks like we’ll be dipping back to below freezing soon. Day Light Hours in February in Iceland This month is amazing because the darkest period is finally over. Even though the beginning of the month means only 7 hours and 6 minutes of daylight, it is a huge jump from the beginning of January, which has only 4 hours and 23 minutes. By mid-February, we have 8 hours and 43 minutes of daylight. At the end of the month, it’s a whopping 10 hours and 2 minutes. Renting a Car During February in Iceland Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car. I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand. What to Wear in February In my opinion, what you wear in Iceland can make or break your trip. No one wants to be cold and wet. I did an episode called “Iceland Packing List for Winter” The name of the winter prep game in Iceland is layers. There is a base layer, which can either be wool or a synthetic material, like polyester. The next is the mid-layer, which provides insulation and it can fleece, wool (like a traditional Icelandic lopapeysa), or a synthetic material. Last, but certainly not least, is the outer layer. It provides protection. Winter boots with a sole that has good grip and micro spikes to add on to the bottom of your boots are a must! It’s incredibly icy in the capital area and all around the country during winter. Windproof & waterproof gloves, thick socks, a hat, and scarf will come in handy. On the other end of the clothes spectrum that is a must to bring is your swimwear. Dipping into a luxuriously warm hot tub when it’s chilly outside is one of the best feelings. Yes, the path to get there from the dressing room can be an invigorating experience but it’s totally worth it The Ultimate Iceland Packing Checklist - Winter & Summer Road Conditions & Driving in Iceland in February Road conditions will vary depending on where you are in Iceland. I’ve traveled to the West, South, and North during this time of the year and I’ve encountered mostly icy roads but there were also times when the roads were dry. The ring road, which circles around the country is paved, so you don’t have to worry about rough roads if you plan to go to many of the popular attractions. There will be a gravel road here or there. The most important thing is there are nail tires on the rental cars here, so you will have that added bit of traction when driving. It makes a huge difference, especially on country roads. Driving during winter can be challenging if you are not used to winter...

I have some news to share that may or may not impact travelers to Iceland. I’ve been holding off on talking about the current labor strikes because they have yet to have a big impact on the everyday lives of most people living in Reykjavik or people visiting. However, that might change in the coming days or week if the strike continues and a work ban happens. While there are a lot of drama that I could go into about what is happening behind the scenes, I decided to give an abridged yet still informative synopsis about what is happening. The Short Backstory About the Labor Strikes Efling, one of the largest labor unions in Iceland, has been fighting for higher wages for their members. Due to inflation, the cost of food and other items have gone way up and current minimum wage salaries are not cutting it as a livable wage. Many members in this union are on the lower end of the pay scale. They work in hotels, drive trucks, staff in hospitals, police officers and so on. Well, Efling and the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises (SA) have not been able to strike a deal when it comes to companies agreeing to pay their employees more. To demonstrate their stance on demanding more pay, over 40% of Efling members voted for some kind of strike. Of the 21,000+ members in Efling about 2,000 are currently on strike. In response to the the strikes, about 94.73% of the companies that are members of the Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises have voted in favor of a work ban or lock out. This work ban means that all of the members of Efling, regardless if they are actively taking part in the strikes, will be barred from working and will not be paid while the work ban is in effect. Originally, the work ban was scheduled for March 2nd but it has now been postponed until March 6th. What The Strikes Mean for Travelers in Iceland The truck drivers on strike are not delivering fuel to gas stations and there is concern that stations in Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula (where the airport is located), South Iceland, West Iceland, and the Westfjords will run out of fuel. Other individuals that are on strike clean hotels in the Reykjavik capital area. If you are planning to stay at the following hotels, you might experience a disruption in service or a cancellation of your accommodations: Hotel Reykjavik Saga Fosshotel Rauðará Fosshotel Lind Berjaya Reykjavík Natura Hotel Hilton Reykjavík Nordic Berjaya Reykjavík Marina Hotel If you find that your hotel accommodations have been cancelled and you can not rebook your accommodations somewhere else, there is an emergency number you can call. It is open for 12 hours a day (8 AM – 8 PM GMT. The number is +354-891-7765. One major thing to consider is if the work ban goes into effect on March 6th, then tourism and other industries in the country might grind to a halt. The Confederation of Icelandic Enterprises has stated that emergency workers like the police, hospital workers, rescue team members and so on when not take part in the work ban. That is one reassurance for all of anyone concerned about getting any type of care during all of this. There is also no current concern about stores running out of food or anything like that. List of Fuel Stations in Iceland Here is a list of websites for the largest fuel stations in the country. They are showing which stations of theirs have fuel and which have run out. Not all of the sites are in English. The word opið means the station is open and lokað means it is closed. https://www.olis.is/um-olis/frettir/275 https://www.atlantsolia.is/stadan-a-bensinstodvunum/ https://www.orkan.is/verkfall/ https://www.n1.is/opnar-daelur/ According to the Icelandic tourism board, the FlyBus that transports people to and from the airport will continue to run. Also, the public bus, Stræto, in Reykjavík will continue to run on schedule too for the time being. Random Fact of the Episode You might be wondering what the Icelandic government has to ...

While there are not many ´tourist traps´ in Iceland, there are certainly things worth avoiding or at least knowing what you are getting into so you can make an informed decision. The five tourist traps in Iceland that I‘m sharing in this episode are the most common ones you will enocunter. Review of the All Things Iceland Podcast "Wish this show was done for every country" We are heading to Iceland in 1 week (2/15/23) and this podcast has been so interesting and informative. Well done on all levels!!! Blueharpplayer from the United States Tweet Thank you Blueharpplayer for that review. If you are enjoying the show, feel free to leave a review. It helps others to get an understanding of what they can expect to hear and you might get a shoutout in one of the episodes. 5 Tourist Traps to Avoid in Iceland 1. Fake Icelandic sweaters One of the worst tourist traps, in my mind, are fake Icelandic sweaters. Some shops have been selling sweaters with similar patterns to a lopapeysa (the official name of an Icelandic sweater) but they are made in China and are not made with Icelandic wool. In 2020, the term „lopapeysa“ was protected by Parliament because so many shops were selling fake ones. Criteria that a sweater needs to meet to be considered an Icelandic lopapeysa The wool used to make handcrafted Icelandic sweaters shall be cut from Icelandic sheep. Only virgin wool shall be used as material for the sweater (wool that has not been recycled). The sweater shall be knitted from unspun wool, such as unspun plötulopi wool, thinner léttlopi wool, Álafosslopi wool, etc.. The sweater shall have a circular knitted yoke with pattern shapes and/or pattern benches from the shoulder area to the neck. The sweater shall be handknitted in Iceland. The sweater shall be knitted in a circle without stitches. The sweater shall have an open front or be whole. My advice is to always look at the label of the Icelandic sweater in question to see where it is made. If it doesn’t say, then ask the shop assistant. Stores, like the Icelandic Handknitting association, have knitters around the country that they employ to make their sweaters. Their sweaters have the name of the knitter on them, which I think is pretty cool. They have two brick-and-mortar stores in Reykjavik where you can go and try on a variety of sweaters. A great place to buy Icelandic sweaters online is The Iceland Store. I will have links to both shops in the show notes of this episode at allthingsiceland.com/Iceland-tourist-traps. Another thing to know is that a fake Icelandic sweater will likely be much less expensive than a real one. It’s normal for an Icelandic lopapeysa to cost $200 or more. The high-quality material, craftsmanship, and the fact that they can last many years, even decades, makes it worth it to me. 2. Puffin Shops A potential culprit of selling fake Icelandic are a type of store nicknamed „Puffin shops“. These shops sell a lot of knick knacks that are massed produced in China. Sometimes they are little statues, t-shirts with random sayings on them, plastic Viking helmets and so on. There are a decent number of these shops on Laugavegur, Iceland‘s famous shopping street. Of course, it is totally up to you to buy these things but if you are looking for unique souvenirs made in Iceland, you can buy a lopapeysa or visit kirsuberjatréð. It‘s a shop that sells handcrafted jewelry, apparel, and home décor made my local designers. That is just one of many other stores that are available for buying locally designed/made items. I am a collecting a longer list for a future episode. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast on whatever platform you listen to this on, so you don’t miss out when that episode is published. 3. Near beer If you‘re fairly new to the podcast, you might not know that alcohol and beer in the country are sold almost exclusively by the icelandic government in stores called Vínbúðins.

To share more about each month in Iceland, I’m adding an informational series to the podcast. After each month of this year, I will provide insight about what you can expect in the month. Things like the weather, road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during that month. Weather in Iceland in January While the temperature can range from -10˚C to + 5˚C (14˚F to 41˚F), the average temperature, specifically in Reykjavík, in January in from -1˚C to just above freezing at +1˚C (30.2˚F to 33.8˚F).As you venture out to the countryside, the temperatures are often cooler, especially as you head north. We’ve had an unusually cold winter. To my surprise, there were some places that went as low as -22˚C (-7.6˚F).On top of the possible weather temperatures, there are wind and/or snowstorms that happen during this time of year. Every winter is not the same but there does seem to be an expectation of more storms in January.Of course, the wind chill makes the temperatures I spoke about earlier more biting. Depending on what you are used to regarding winter, these numbers might sound intense. Yes, it’s a bit intense but I still think this time of year is an amazing time to visit. Please keep in mind that no matter the time of year that you visit Iceland, it’s imperative that you try to be flexible with your schedule. I know that sounds challenging when you have a limited number of days but the storms here can be dangerous. This can force you to change the direction you plan to go in or even keep you staying put for a day or two. A little later in this episode, I talk about what makes it a fun month to visit and I share what I recommend wearing during January in Iceland so you can keep warm and dry. Day Light Hours in January At the beginning of January, we start off with a whopping 4 hours and 23 minutes of day light in Reykjavík. By January 16th, we have 5 hours and 29 minutes, and by the 31st we have jumped up to 6 hours and 29 minutes.Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to make informed decisions when it comes to planning your trip in the country. Shorter days make it harder to see many of the natural wonders around the country but knowing that beforehand will help you manage expectations and the ability to work in other activities that can be done when the sun goes down. What to Wear in January in Iceland In my opinion, what you wear in Iceland can make or break your trip. No one wants to be cold and wet. Well, ok most people don’t want to be cold and wet. Side note, I’m really interested in learning the Wim Hof method, so I might end being one of those people that willingly jumps into cold tubs. If you haven’t heard of Wim Hof aka “The Ice Man”, I highly recommend looking him up.Ok, back to what you should pack and wear in Iceland. I did an episode called “Iceland Packing List for Winter” Cintamani - High Quality Local Icelandic Outdoor Clothing Company Before I jump in, I am very excited to share that the sponsor of this episode is Cintamani, an Icelandic outdoor clothing brand that provides high quality clothes for all types of adventures.I have been a fan of theirs for quite some time because their clothes are amazing. I have a decent amount of items from them that have provided amazing protection against Iceland‘s harsh weather conditions. Because I am so familiar with the brand and the quality they provide, I am happy that I can offer my listeners a discount of 15% off your online purchases with them when you use the code „Jewells“.If you shop in person, they have a lovely outlet in the Hafnarfjörður area that is on the way from the airport to Reykjavík. Along with new clothing for the season, they have clothes from a previous season in the back being sold at a discount. It’s worth checking out.

You can make your trip to Iceland even more enjoyable with these 11 apps downloaded on your smartphone. I use many of these apps on a weekly basis but one of them is dependent on the season, so just be mindful of that. Explore Iceland On Your Own You’ll find them especially handy if you plan to rent a car and drive around the country on your own. If you are planning to do that then the sponsor of this episode will come in handy.Go Car Rental Iceland is a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand. Driving & Weather Related Apps While these are not in order of importance, the first one is one of the most important sites/apps for you to know. Safe Travel App SafeTravel.is has an app where you can get updates on weather alerts, submit a travel plan (this lets authorities know where you planned to visit if you get lost or don’t have connection in a place but need help. When I checked out the app today, it even had a warning for Reynisfjara beach because of high and dangerous waves that are expected, and an avalanche warning in some parts of the country.They have a color code system for roads that range from green, which means a road is easily passable to red, which means closed. The colors can be seen on a map. When you choose what area, you plan to travel in, the roads corresponding to that place pop up with appropriate colors. What’s great about this is that you can check safe travel out before leaving to see if the conditions of any of the roads you plan to travel on. Google Maps Google Maps works well in Iceland because it’s an easy place to navigate. If you don’t plan to have internet connection during your stay, meaning not renting a WIFI hotspot or using your existing phone service provider’s international internet plan, then you can download the whole map of Iceland on Google Maps onto your phone. Personally, I like to have internet connection because I use more than just Google Maps when on the road, but to each their own. Yr.no or Vedur The weather in Iceland is always something you have to take into consideration when traveling. Yes, I have mentioned storms and potential weather alerts BUT those are not happening most of the time.However, it’s almost guaranteed that you will encounter rain, windy conditions, snow (based on the season and where you are in the summer. The highlands can still have snow in the height of summer), icy and/or slippery roads or sidewalks. Vedur, which means weather, is information from the National Weather Service in Iceland. While I do have the app, I’m not the biggest fan of it because it can be a little finnicky. The actual website is better, but it’s still not that user friendly.Sometimes it will say that it can’t find a certain location even though it is well known. You might be wondering why I’m even mentioning if since I/m not a fan of it. Well, I do want to let you know about it but my preferred app is from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and it’s called yr.no. It’s been fairly accurate when I have used it, which is often. You are more than welcome to either app or both. I have also heard that the app Windy is good, but I have yet to use it. 112 App The emergency number in Iceland is 112.“The 112 Iceland app makes it possible to contact 112 without calling.

This post is meant to give you a list of the U.S. Fast Food Restaurants in Iceland and how I have noticed they may be similar or different from the ones in the states based on menus I have seen. Just note that I’m not going over every possible menu. Also, I must use Instagram as my menu checker. Due to IP restrictions, I can’t see the websites for fast food restaurants in the US. I’ll just be pointing out some interesting differences. Of course, menus are subject to change and this information is based on what I have observed recently I hardly eat at fast food restaurants, but I have been to a few of the places on this list. I will also list the different locations for each of the restaurants in the show notes, so feel free to check that out at allthingsiceland.com/American-restaurants-in-Iceland To be fair, I am a big advocate of trying local Icelandic restaurants and food, but I do know of people that like to try U.S. fast food restaurants in other countries. By the way, this episode is not sponsored by any company. Please note that these are the ones I’m aware of and it’s possible that I might miss one or two that I don’t know about it, but I have tried my best to find every currently open U.S. fast food restaurant in Iceland. Lastly, I will share some US fast food chains that are no longer in Iceland. They tried but inevitably it didn’t work. While I do know the reason for why some of them failed, I will provide some of my speculation as to what happened to the others. Review of the All Things Iceland Podcast This is a must listen to podcast about Iceland a stunning island of fire and ice. My husband and I were lucky to find it in preparation for a visit. Jewells does a fabulous job sharing bite-sized cultural, practical, and language information about Iceland. We found it so informative, calming, and fun to listen to we’ve kept it in our regular circulation. Meg Jean Fitz - United States Tweet List of U.S. Fast Food Restaurants in Iceland 1. Domino's Pizza - Highest number of locations Number of Locations: 18 Price Range: $17.51 - $32.28 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: Don't expect to see brownies, apple baked twists, lava chocolate cake, and insanely cheese covered cheesy bread sticks on an Icelandic menu. They do have cheese filled bread sticks but it seems that the ones in the US are also covered in cheese. 2. Subway Number of Locations: 13 Price Range: $6.32 - $13.71 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: After comparing the menus, it seems that Subway in the US has more cheese options, the ability choice of adding an egg, avocado, as well as more sauces and cookie choices. 3. Sbarro Pizza Number of Locations: 10 Price Range: $8.37 - $15.12 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: The biggest surprise to me about Sbarro in Iceland is that it has way more options, especially when it comes to pasta. This comparison was based on Sbarro's international website, which might not be representing well what is available in all locations. 4. KFC - Kentucky Fried Chicken Number of Locations: 8 Price Range: $2.45 - $20 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: One of the biggest omissions on the Icelandic menu is mashed potatoes, biscuits, and mac & cheese bowls. My favorite part on the Icelandic menu is that they have permanent vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. In the US, there are limited-time only vegan and vegetarian options at select locations. 5. Taco Bell Number of Locations: 1 Price Range: $3.49 - $14.06 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: Items like Mexican pizza, breakfast, whip freeze, a double decker, Doritos Locos Taco, and dessert 6. Pizza Hut Number of Locations: 1 Price Range: $9.07 - $27.35 What is different on the menu in Iceland vs the U.S.: There are the same amount of pizza options in both countries. However, the US has options for pizzas to be hand tossed, pan, thin n crispy,

Happy New Year!! I hope you all had a fun start to the 2023. I thought it would be fun to share a wrap of 2022 with some major news stories from Iceland and some of my favorite episodes that I published last year. There were certainly a lot of ups and downs throughout the year, but such is life. Local Icelandic Companies The sponsors of this episode are Go Car Rental Iceland and Cintamani. Go Car Rent Iceland is an awesome car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars to choose from, and competitive rates. If you use my code Iceland10, you can save 10% on your entire car rental cost. Cintamani is a local Icelandic outdoor clothing company that makes high quality clothing designed to withstand harsh Icelandic weather conditions. I wear their clothes when I’m out exploring the country, and I’m thankful for them because they keep me warm and dry. Use my code Jewells to save 15% when you shop with them online. Top News Stories in Iceland From 2022 Safety Signs, Cameras Installed at Reynisfjara Beach Refugee Man and Family Previously Deported Win Case New Plant to Capture Ten Times More CO2 from Atmosphere at Hellisheiði Forests Now Cover 2% of Iceland Immigrants in Iceland just over 60,000 My Favorite Podcast Episodes from 2022 Is the Meradalir eruption over? How my sister and mom felt about me moving to Iceland Iceland is more vegan friendly than you think One of the Most Influential Icelandic Authors of Her Generation – Auður Jónsdóttir From Brazil to Iceland: Georg Leite’s Experience Living in the Land of Fire & Ice The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland Random Fact of the Episode I published 34 episodes including 10 interviews in 2022. This surprised me when I looked at it because my initial feeling was that I didn’t do that much for the podcast last year. Thankfully, my inner critic was silenced when I actually looked at the numbers. I would like to thank all of you that listened, shared, and wrote reviews for the podcast. The feedback means a lot and I look forward to publishing many more exciting episodes this year. My hope is to get more interviews this year because I had to put that on the back burner last year due to a busier schedule. Icelandic Word of the Episode Ný byrjun - fresh start Share this Post Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook

I'm excited to announce the opportunity for you to win a trip to Iceland. I teamed up with Go Car Rental Iceland to bring a little bit more extra magic to this holiday season. Below are all the details for the giveaway. The Winner of a Trip to Iceland will Receive: A 4x4 SUV rental for 7-days from Go Car Rental IcelandA $700 flight voucherAn authentic Icelandic lopapeysa (sweater) for you & a loved oneA one-hour trip planning call with meA bag of Icelandic goodies upon arrival for your adventure Here's How to Enter to Win a Trip to Iceland On the All Things Iceland Instagram account, do the following:Like the video announcement of the giveawayFollow @gocarrentalicelandTag a person you want to join you on the trip (1 tag = 1 entry. Please put each tag as separate comments. You can tag as many people as you want)Bonus entry! - post the video on your story and tag me Guidelines for the Giveaway The winner will be notified via direct message by @allthingsicelandMust be 18 years or older to eligibleThe winner will be notified on December 25th, 2022 & announced This contest is not sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram in any way. Icelandic Word of the Episode Gangi þér vel - good luck Share This Post Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook

Winter in Iceland can range from a somewhat calm wnter wonderland to blizzard like conditions that force you to stay off the road. Even though the temperatures here are milder than what most peple assume (an average of around 0 degrees celsius in Reykjavik), packing appropriately for winter in Iceland is crucial for staying warm and dry. Just note that the farther north you go, it is normally colder and snowier/icier. Granted you will encounter plenty of ice in the south too.While I do focus on essential things to pack for winter in Iceland, I will also include some fun non-essentials that could come in handy. Cintamani - High Quality Local Icelandic Outdoor Clothing Company Before I jump in, I am very excited to share that the sponsor of this episode is Cintamani, an Icelandic outdoor clothing brand that provides high quality clothes for all types of adventures.I have been a fan of theirs for quite some time because their clothes are amazing. I have a decent amount of items from them that have provided amazing protection against Iceland‘s harsh weather conditions. Because I am so familiar with the brand and the quality they provide, I am happy that I can offer my listeners a discount of 15% off your online purchases with them when you use the code „jewells“.I will share in the show notes of this episode my favorite items from them, if you are curious.This discount comes just in time for the gift giving season, so you can get something for yourself or a loved one. If you shop in person, they have a lovely outlet in the Hafnarfjörður area that is on the way from the airpor to Reykjavík. Along with new clothing for the season, they have clothes from a previous season in the back being sold at a discount. Definitely worth checking out. My Favorite Clothes from Cintamani Brynja jacketTrausti pantsÖgn jacket Essentials to Pack for Icelandic Winter There are many more essentials on my free packing list here.Base layer - moisture control - This is essentially long underwear and can be made from polyester, Merino wool, nylon and silk. Top and bottoms are good to have during winter here.Mid-layer - insulation - tops made of fleece, wool (like an Icelandic lopapeysa sweater), down or synthetic material. Jackets and vests with these fibers work well over your base layer.Outer layer - protection - a windproof winter coat with a hood that has a water repellent layer. It is best to have pants made for winter conditions that are also wind resistant and water repellant and made from synthetic material.Winter boots with a sole that has good grip (Vibram soles work well) and are water resistant. Winter hiking boots with ankle support are necessary if you plan to go on glacier hikes or when walking on very uneven terrain.Pants (casual use) - jeans or slacks to wear around the city/out to dinnerMicrospikes - it can be very icy on some Reykjavík sidewalks and on paths in the countryside.Windproof gloves - warm and insulated - preferably a pair with touchscreen tips that allow you to operate your phone or gadgets without having to take your gloves off.Windproof and insulated hat ScarfWarm socks - ones made from wool or an insulating synthetic fiberSwimwear - Iceland is known for its swimming pools and hot springsDay pack Free Iceland Packing Checklist Non-Essential Things to Pack for Winter in Iceland This is just a few items on my list and you can find the whole list here.External power packWalking sticksEar plugsA journal Random Fact of the Episode The lowest temperature on record in Iceland is −39.7 °C (−39.5 °F). Icelandic Words of the Episode Efri hluti – upper part but means the outer layerÚlpa – úlpur - parkaJakki - jakkatRegnfatnaður – rain coatPeysa – peysur Share This Post Facebook Email Twitter

I’m delving into a fascinating and kind of scary possibility. Vík í Mýrdal is a small town in South Iceland that has become a popular place for tourists to stop to see the area’s famous black sand beach, to stay the night if they need accommodations, and so on.However, most visitors don’t know about the potential danger that looms over this town of just over 800 residents. Katla volcano, which is about 26 kilometers or 16 miles from the town, poses a threat not only to the town if it erupts but it also could have a larger impact on the world. The Lava Show in Vík í Mýrdal and Reykjavík Before I jump into that, I’d like to thank The Lava Show for sponsoring this episode. During this incredible experience you can witness actual molten hot lava flow into the showroom where you are sitting. I have been to the show twice, specifically The Lava Show in Vík but they now also have a show in Reykjavík too.While I have been fortunate to see lava from a volcanic eruption a decent amount of times due to the last two eruptions in Iceland, I was still blown away at how cool it is to see man made lava at the Lava Show. Of course, there is more to this show than just lava. For instance, at the Lava Show in Vík, you get shown a fascinating and informative video about about eruptions along the south coast, including Katla. I don’t want to give too much away but let’s just say that the eruptions in this area, including Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, have definitely made their mark in history. Why The Lava Show is Unique What‘s even more interesting to me is that the great grandfather of one of the owners of The Lava Show lived in the Vík area during the last eruption of Katla volcano. It is intense what he and his family went through to survive it and they provide insight into that during the show.Along with seeing the glowing orangey red lava flowing, you feel the heat rise in the room and can hear the crackling sounds of the lava as it cools. The presenters of the show safely show everyone different aspects of how the lava performs, such as if you were to add ice to it or how malleable it is when super hot. This is an activity for all ages. For both locations the Lava Show had to make a special furnace that can heat up the rocks high enough to make the lava.For an additional price, you can get the behind the scenes expereince to see the furnace and learn more about Icelandic geology.What is unique about the Lava Show in Vík and the one in Reykjavík is that each show is catered to talk about the volcanoes of the area they are in, including the potential dangers the eruptions in these areas can pose. For those that are unaware, Vík is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavík.If you want a unique and fun experience in Iceland, I highly recommend checking out the Lava Show in Vík and/or in Reykjavík. I will have a link to the experience in the show notes of this episode at allthingsiceland.com/katla-volcano-eruption How Katla Volcano Got Its Name The folklore as to how Katla volcano got its name might give you some insight on why people see an eruption of it as one to cause concern. Legend has it that on a monastery in south Iceland lived a housekeeper named Katla. She was described as a bad-tempered woman and there was even a rumor that she was a witch. Apparently, she owned a pair of magical pants or underwear. If someone were to wear these pants they could run as fast as the wind and never get tired.Due to her bad temper many people feared Katla and did their best to stay away from her. Even the head of the monastery was said to keep his distance. There was also a shepherd named Barði that lived on the monastery. Unfortunately for him, he had to endure the brunt of Katla’s rage if any sheep went missing.One fateful day, Katla and the head of the monastery went off to visit someone but planned to be back that same evening.

In this post/podcast episode, I’m sharing some common expensive mistakes that many travelers in Iceland make unknowingly. If you’ve already planned a trip here, then you’re well aware that traveling to and around Iceland can quickly drain money from your bank account.While it’s true that the country is quite expensive, your experience doesn’t have to break the bank. In a future episode, I plan to share a trip budget breakdown, so make sure you are subscribed so you don’t miss out on that.All of these will definitely save you money, #3 includes an innovative way to save money that many tourists will find handy. 5 Expensive Mistakes Tourists Make in Iceland 1. Not Buying Alcohol Before Leaving Keflavík International Airport Before you even leave Keflavík airport, it‘s highly recommended that you stock up on alcohol at duty free. Of course, this only applies to those that drink. The reason for this is that alcohol in Iceland is heavily taxed. The higher the alcohol percentage content, the higher the tax.Prices in duty free for alcohol (i.e. beer, wine, and spirits) can be upwards of 30% less expensive than in the state owned stores. Please note that vínbúðins or the state-owned alcohol stores are the only places where you can buy spirits. A law passed this year allows for breweries in Iceland to finally sell directly to customers.Yes, you can for sure buy individual drinks at bars but just know that those will be expensive too. One way to decrease the cost is to catch a happy hour. I’m putting together my favorite happy hour places and will definitely be sharing those in the near future. 2. Taking a Taxi From the Airport The next expensive mistake is taking a taxi from the airport. Most visitors are not aware that Uber, Lyft or any type of ride sharing program legally exist in Iceland. The taxis have a monopoly, and a ride can be costly. Because the airport is about a 40 – 45 minute drive from Reykjavík will be a little over $123.That is the price for up to 4 people. If you split it among 4 people, the price is not that bad. However, if there is only one or two people, the price is just ridiculously high. Alternatively, you can take a bus transfer from the airport, like Flybus for around $23 a person. 3. Not Being Properly Dressed for Icelandic Weather Not being properly dressed for Icelandic weather can result in you feeling cold, wet, and all around miserable. This can literally put a damper on your vacation. While many people think they have packed well enough, it’s common for a decent amount to still feel cold when they are here. This might lead a person to shell out hundreds of dollars to buy a warmer coat or parka in Iceland.The good news is that I have a little hack for you if you ever find yourself in Iceland and you need extra layers, but you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on clothes. I partnered with IcelandCover for this episode because their business is based around an ingenious idea.They are a company that rents out warm, waterproof, and windproof parkas, boots, and pants. I personally tested out the parka and boots by going behind waterfalls that would typically soak through a regular coat. I stomped in puddles with the boots, and I even went northern lights hunting with the parka. It's a bonus to add that the clothes and boots are vegan-friendly.It was important to make sure the clothes could adequately protect me from the wind, rain, and chilly air. I’m happy to say that the boots and coat held up well. Where to Find IcelandCover in Reykjavík IcelandCover conveniently has a location in the center of downtown Reykjavík on the famous shopping street Laugavegur. They share the same building as the WhatsOn Information center. So, you can get your clothing rentals and get additional information regarding fun things to do.Their rentals are very affordable.