ICELANDIC CULTURE
Everything you want to know about Icelandic culture, and more! Why do you have to be aware of the Christmas Cat? What music festivals are on offer? And of course, what should you do in Iceland? Icelandic culture is often quirky and fun, and very interesting (in our humble opinion). The people visiting Iceland tell us that what they fall in love with is the Icelandic way of life.
What is Brennivin schnapps? AKA “Black Death”
Black Death was a nasty plague and luckily, our Brennivín booze has nothing to do with the pandemic.
The raven – Iceland’s smartest bird
Ravens have been a part of Iceland since the settlement. According to legend, the first person to settle in Iceland was Hrafna-Flóki or Raven-Flóki.
Famous Icelandic Trolls
When traveling around Iceland, you will see many, many, many weird formations in the mountains and lava fields that are said to be petrified trolls.
How Did the Icelandic Settlers Survive the Harsh Elements?
Well, that is the question. When we, modern Icelanders, go outside in a snowstorm, all dressed up in our winter clothes and are still cold; we cannot fathom how our forefathers and mothers survived.
The best places to watch New Year's Eve fireworks in Reykjavik
Icelanders go a little mad on New Year’s Eve and blow up around 500 tons of fireworks in a couple of hours.
Icelandic Santa Clauses, their Semi-Evil troll parents, and the Christmas Cat
When we start thinking about the Icelandic Christmas stories, and folklore our parents and books told us about as children, we’re amazed that we’re not more traumatized!
Spending Christmas in Iceland? Read a few tips from the Blue staff!
We often get asked for tips about spending the holidays in Iceland, and we’re always happy to help! Here are answers to the most common Christmas related questions we get from travelers.
Weird but delicious Icelandic Christmas food
This post made us very, very hungry. Christmas won’t be here just yet, but we’re going to find any excuse to feast on weird and not-so-weird food for all of December.
Our secret recipe for Icelandic Presidential Cookies
In the late 1800’s, a woman named Jakobína Thomsen lived in Bessastaðir and she originally made the recipe for the “Bessastaðakökur” (cakes of Bessastaðir). Some of the Icelandic presidents have served them to their guests since they’re delicious!