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.

Icelandic Culture Driving in Iceland Natural Wonders Practical info
New Year's Eve Fireworks in Reykjavík
4 December 2017
Icelandic Culture
Practical info

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 Yule lads
4 December 2017
Icelandic Culture

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!

Christmas in downtown Reykjavík
4 December 2017
Icelandic Culture
Practical info

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.

hangikjöt - Icelandic smoked lamb
4 December 2017
Icelandic Culture

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.

Icelandic presidential cookies
27 October 2017
Icelandic Culture

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In the late 1800’s, a woman named Jakobína Thomsen lived in Bessastaðir and she originally made the recipe for the “Bessastaðakökur” (cakes of Bessastaðir).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!

hands holding a smartphone, taking a picture
25 September 2017
Icelandic Culture
Practical info

The music festival scene in Iceland is incredibly active

Despite having a small population, Iceland has a very active and interesting music scene. Many people know about our more famous bands and artists, like Kaleo, Sigurrós, Of monsters and men, Gus Gus and Björk.

chimney in a summer cottage, Iceland
26 July 2017
Icelandic Culture

Icelanders are obsessed with summer cottages - maybe you should be too!

We think it’s safe to say, that probably 80-90% of Icelanders visit summer cottages every year. If they don’t own one, they borrow one from their parents, grandparents, in-laws, cousins, or siblings for at least a weekend. Many of the labor unions in Iceland own a few summer cottages each and rent them out to their members.

Icelandic country flag
26 July 2017
Icelandic Culture
Practical info

Do they speak English in Iceland?

We no speak English mjög good my friend.Just kidding! Most of us speak it just fine. It may not be perfect and sometimes it’s spoken with a thick Nordic accent. But most Icelanders speak fluent English.

seal swimming in the ocean
26 July 2017
Icelandic Culture
Practical info

What to do in Iceland? - Our top 5 picks for 2017

In Iceland, there are endless possibilities for things to do. But unless you have all the time (and money) in the world you want to choose wisely. Icelanders are always coming up with new and innovative stuff. The travel industry is no exception! So, since you’ve probably heard about all the regular things to do, here’s our top 5 for 2017.