All Things Iceland

All Things Iceland episodes:

• 06.28.2024

  The Mysterious Hot Spring Bird – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. What is a Hot Spring Bird? This is a relatively short folklore story but is one that might interest anyone who plans...

  
• 06.21.2024

  Sæmundur the Wise Outsmarts the Devil – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. Who Was Sæmundur the Learned? Back in the 1100s, Sæmundur Sigfusson was the pastor at the well known ancient manor of Oddi...

  
• 06.20.2024

  5 Fascinating Facts About the Icelandic Horse

  The Icelandic horse is a breed like no other, with a history that is deeply intertwined with the island nation itself. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, these horses have remained a pure breed...

  
• 06.14.2024

  Hallbera the Trickster Ghost – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. Who is Hallbera the Icelandic Ghost? There is an old Icelandic folklore tale about a ghost named Hallbera. It is said that...

  
• 06.07.2024

  The Man with 18 Children Among the Elves – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. The Toddler’s Transformation One summer on a farm when everyone else where collecting hay, a woman and her child, a toddler, were...

  
• 05.31.2024

  Nykur – A Deadly Icelandic Water Horse – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. What Makes a Nykur Different than a Normal Icelandic Horse? Nykur is a water horse that is a gray color but it...

  
• 05.30.2024

  Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 4

  This is the fourth episode for my segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. If you want to submit a question, you can do it here. You can check out previous Ask Jewells Anything...

  
• 05.24.2024

  The Man & The Polar Bear – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Tale from Grímsey Island I’m sharing about a man and a polar bear in Grímsey, which is the northernmost inhabited island...

  
• 05.22.2024

  Iceland Will Require a Visa Waiver Fee Starting in 2025

  At the beginning of 2025, a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will come into effect. This new requirement aims to bolster security across Europe, addressing concerns related to terrorism and the influx of...

  
• 05.17.2024

  The Four Protectors of Iceland – Folklore Friday

  This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. A King’s Decree Leads To Iceland’s Land Spirits Being Discovered In the Heimskringla saga of King Olaf Tryggvason, there is a...

  
• 05.16.2024

  Is Iceland Splitting in Half? – How Moving Tectonic Plates Impacts the Country

  Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This unique geographical setting has led to some fascinating geological features and dynamic landscapes. In this episode, I go over the geology a little bit, the main...

  
• 05.10.2024

  Bickering Icelandic Siblings Seal Their Fates With Magic – Folklore Friday

  This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. A Magical Woman from Norway Migrates to Iceland In the book of the Icelanders, or Landnámabók, is a person named Þuríður...

  
• 05.09.2024

  Rökkvi Vésteinsson on Using LingQ to Learn Languages & More

  Rökkvi Vésteinsson was born in 1978 in Iceland. He had a multicultural upbringing, living in Chicago at age 11, and spending summers in Denmark and Sweden during his teens. By age 20, he was fluent in four foreign languages, thanks...

  
• 05.03.2024

  Iceland’s Loch Ness Monster – Folklore Friday

  Where Iceland’s Loch Ness Monster Lives Lagarfljot, nestled in eastern Iceland, is not just a lake but a river channel flowing from the majestic Vatnajokull glacier to the sea. This secluded area carries a mysterious aura, providing fertile ground for...

  
• 05.01.2024

  What It‘s Like to Snorkel Between Continents in Iceland‘s Silfra Fissure

  Have you ever imagined swimming between two continents, touching the jagged edges of the earth’s crust beneath crystal-clear water? I had the unforgettable experience of snorkeling in Silfra Fissure, located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park, Iceland. This unique adventure...

  
• 04.26.2024

  The Icelandic Ghost that Haunts South Iceland – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. How Rusty “The Brown One” Became a Ghost Rusty is a boy that is the main character of this story....

  
• 04.24.2024

  Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 3

  This is the third response episode for my new segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and if you would like to submit a question, you can do it here. 1. Should I exchange...

  
• 04.19.2024

  A Wicked Troll that Enchanted Icelandic Priests – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. A Troll Lurking in Iceland’s East Fjords Mjóifjörður (or narrow fjord) used to have up to 100 inhabitants centuries ago...

  
• 04.17.2024

  Laura Alice Watt: An American Relocates to Iceland’s Remote Westfjords

  Interviews are one of my favorite things to do for the podcast, so I was delighted when Laura was available to come on and share about her experience moving from the San Francisco Bay area to one of the most...

  
• 04.12.2024

  Skuggabaldur: Iceland’s Ferocious Shadow Cat – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. What is a Skuggabaldur? The Skuggabaldur is a fascinating animal in Icelandic folklore. Whether or not this type of animal...

  
• 04.10.2024

  Icelandic Coffee Culture & Unique Cafés to Visit in Reykjavík

  Iceland’s coffee culture is – deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Icelandic society. Along with being a drink that perks people up, grabbing a cup of coffee in Iceland is often a social interaction, where the drink is enjoyed...

  
• 04.05.2024

  The Devious Corpse of Finnur the Sorcerer

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. Why Finnur is a Feared Sorcerer A sorcerer named Finnur that lived a long time ago. So many people feared...

  
• 04.05.2024

  December in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, Christmas & More

  This is the last episode in my series about the months in Iceland and what to expect. Visiting Iceland in December is a magical experience, often described as stepping into a winter wonderland. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you can...

  
• 03.29.2024

  Katla The Witch & Her Magical Pants – Folklore Friday

  This is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing an Icelandic Folklore story every Friday in 2024.  Katla The Witch The story today is about how Katla volcano got its name. I’ve seen the name for this folklore as...

  
• 03.22.2024

  Iceland’s Ox-Whale Terrified People For Centuries – Folklore Friday

  This is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing an Icelandic Folklore story every Friday in 2024.  The upcoming story is based on a description of the Ox-Whale in the book “Meeting with Monsters – An Illustrated Guide...

  
• 03.20.2024

  Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 2

  This is the second response episode for my new segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and if you would like to submit a question, you can do it here. 1. “What do Icelanders...

  
• 03.15.2024

  Aliens on Snæfellsjökull Glacier? – Folklore Friday

  This modern-day folklore mixes the supernatural with Iceland’s gorgeous landscape. It all starts with a man named Dillon, a Brit that had traveled to Iceland many times. One day he claims to have been contacted by aliens who told him...

  
• 03.14.2024

  Skriðuklaustur – A Hidden Monastery Discovered in East Iceland

  Today’s episode focuses on the historic site of Skriðuklaustur, which offers a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s rich Icelandic culture, history, and literature. This enchanting destination, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape, serves as a bridge between the...

  
• 03.08.2024

  The Icelandic Midwife & the Elves – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. This week’s tale is about a talented human midwife who ends up with a special ability after helping some...

  
• 03.06.2024

  November in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, What to Pack & More

  Visiting Iceland in November offers a unique and enchanting experience, blending the majestic winter landscapes with the possibility of witnessing the magical Northern Lights. Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland January in Iceland February in Iceland March in Iceland April in Iceland May in Iceland June...

  
• 03.01.2024

  Naustahvilft: The Troll Seat in the West Fjords – Folklore Friday

  A quick but fascinating Icelandic folklore tale about Naustahvilft. According to the legend, a troll was hurrying home to avoid being turned into stone by the sun that was going to rise soon. She was traveling quickly enough that she...

  
• 02.29.2024

  Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 1

  This is the first response episode for my new segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and if you would like to submit a question, you can do it here. Questions sent in from...

  
• 02.23.2024

  Is Hekla Volcano the Gateway to Hell in Iceland? – Folklore Friday

  For this episode of Folklore Friday we’re diving into the chilling tales and explosive history of Iceland’s very own Mount Hekla, often dubbed as the “Gateway to Hell”! Hekla Volcano’s Eruption Patterns & Destructive Past Our story begins in the year 1104,...

  
• 02.20.2024

  Will 2024 Be One of Iceland’s Busiest Tourism Years Ever?

  As of January 15th, 2024, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) has stated that they are gearing up to host a whopping 8.5 million passengers this year, making it one of their busiest years ever. Yep, you heard it right, this little...

  
• 02.16.2024

  The Famous Trolls of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Folklore Friday

  At the famous, beautiful, and dangerous Reynisfjara black sand beach there are three sea stacks clearly visible out in the ocean. They look as though they have popped up out of nowhere but there is a story behind their existence. Legend...

  
• 02.14.2024

  October in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, What to Pack & More

  Visiting Iceland in October offers a unique and captivating experience, characterized by its transitional weather, diminished crowds, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland January in Iceland February in Iceland March in Iceland April in Iceland May in...

  
• 02.09.2024

  An Icelander’s Intimate Encounter with an Elf – Folklore Friday

  This particular episode is about Hallgerður Hallgrímsdóttir, who did an interesting interview with VICE back in 2016 about her intimate encounters.  An important warning though is that she goes into some graphic details about her and an elf being intimate,...

  
• 02.08.2024

  An Early Morning Volcanic Eruption Cuts Off Hot Water

  In the early hours of February 8th, a volcanic eruption north of Grindavik, not far from the famed Blue Lagoon, marked the third eruption since December, igniting concerns among locals and authorities. With the eruption’s intensity waning by the evening, experts...

  
• 02.06.2024

  Hallgrímskirkja Church: Reykjavík’s Iconic Architectural Marvel

  One of Iceland’s most iconic and breathtaking landmarks is Hallgrímskirkja church. This isn’t just any church; it’s a symbol of Icelandic identity, a fusion of history, and a beautiful architectural design that speaks volumes about the island’s unique character. Later...

  
• 02.02.2024

  Iceland’s Killer Shaggy Trout – Folklore Friday

  The tale about Shaggy Trout is one I learned from reading the lovely book “Meeting with Monsters: An Illustrated Guide to the Beasts of Iceland” by Jón Baldur Hlíðberg and Sigurður Ægisson. I’m summarizing bits of the story in this...

  
• 01.30.2024

  The Golden Circle: An Ultimate Itinerary on Iceland’s Most Popular Route

  Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers a myriad of awesome routes for tourists to explore attractions, but none as well known as the Golden Circle. This popular tourist route is easily accessible from Reykjavik, and it encapsulates the...

  
• 01.26.2024

  The Drangey Island Devil – Folklore Friday

  In the North on Drangey Island is where this tale takes place. It’s said that a man went to hunt birds and collect eggs on the island. As soon as he stepped foot on the island, he dropped died. Guðmundur “The...

  
• 01.23.2024

  Iceland’s Dazzling Winter Lights Festival in Febraury

  There are three main parts to the Winter Lights Festival – The Lights Trail, Museum Night, and Pool Night. I’ll explain each of them briefly and will provide a link where you can find out more about the 150 events...

  
• 01.19.2024

  Pastor Vigfús’ Scary Encounters in East Iceland – Folklore Friday

  Today, we’re diving into some intriguing Icelandic tales from East Iceland, specifically some tales from the life of Pastor Vigfús Benediktsson. Back in the 18th century, Vigfús found himself dealing with some pretty wild supernatural encounters. Luckily for him, some...

  
• 01.15.2024

  Iceland’s Latest Volcanic Eruption is Destroying a Small Town

  Unfortunately one of the worst case scenarios has happened in Grindavik when an eruption started this past Sunday early in the morning. Two fissures opened and one of them was right next to some houses. Everyone in Iceland and in many...

  
• 01.12.2024

  The Evil Whale of West Iceland’s Hvalfjörður – Folklore Friday

  This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. The Wrath of an Elf Woman Scorned Even though this story is based in West Iceland, it starts out on...

  
• 01.10.2024

  September in Iceland: Weather, Fun Activities & What to Expect

  Visiting Iceland in September is an experience that combines the tail end of summer’s allure with the onset of autumn’s charm. Here’s what you can expect: Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland January in Iceland February in Iceland March in Iceland April in Iceland May in...

  
• 01.05.2024

  Iceland’s Magical 13th Day of Christmas – Folklore Friday

  Today is the first episode of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. This one is extra special because tomorrow is January 6th and it is said that many magical...

  
• 12.29.2023

  2023 Iceland Wrap-Up: Big News Stories & What’s Coming in 2024

  It’s the end of 2023 and it has been quite year in Iceland, my personal life and for All Things Iceland. This episode is a recap that hits on all those areas, and I share what I have in store...

  
• 12.20.2023

  The Latest on Iceland’s Volcanic Eruption – December 2023

  The latest volcanic eruption in Iceland started on Monday, December 18th at 10:00 PM UTC. When it started the fear was that the town of Grindavík would be in danger of being submerged in molten hot lava. Here is the...