All Things Iceland

2026 marks 10 years since I moved to Iceland, which is honestly a little hard for me to believe. I can still remember stepping off the plane, starting work, and feeling like my brain was being bombarded with things that seemed foreign or strange. Even hearing Icelandic names like Ása, Björn, and Arnbjörn took some getting used to. https://youtu.be/AKL2qYEzEkU Fast-forward a decade and so many of those things don’t even register as unusual anymore. They’re just…life. Living in another country for this long has also made me realize how much our definition of “normal” is shaped by where we grow up. Things that initially made me think, People actually do this?! are now things I barely notice, and in some cases, things I do myself. Here are 10 things that have become normal to me after living in Iceland for 10 years. 1. Letting Babies Nap Outside This might be the biggest transformation of them all because I went from thinking this was absolutely bizarre to doing it with my own baby. I learned about babies napping outside when I first visited Iceland in the winter of 2013. At the time, I couldn’t understand how people could possibly be comfortable leaving a baby outside to sleep. Then I had a baby. Halli’s mom showed us how to bundle her up properly so she could be warm while getting fresh air outside, and it completely changed the game for us. At one point, she could sleep for around three hours outside when an indoor nap might only last about 20 minutes. It’s also something you regularly see in Iceland. You can walk through residential neighborhoods or even pass cafés in downtown Reykjavík and see a stroller outside with a sleeping baby while a parent or caregiver is nearby and checking on them. Years ago, that sight would have immediately caught my attention. Now? Completely normal. 2. Thinking 60°F (15°C) Is Warm New York Jewells would like a word with current Jewells. I moved to Iceland in June 2016, and I remember seeing Icelanders walking around in shorts, T-shirts, and sandals when it was about 60°F/15°C. Meanwhile, I had on long pants, sneakers, a sweater AND a jacket. I genuinely thought, What is wrong with these people? This isn’t warm! Then something happened. I acclimated! After experiencing Icelandic winters and then feeling the temperature climb again, 60°F started feeling legitimately warm. If it’s around 60°F, sunny and, this is important, there’s no wind? That’s practically tropical now. 3. Accepting That Icelandic Summer Is Not Guaranteed Growing up in New York, summer meant something. You knew it was going to get warm. Probably hot. Possibly way too hot! Iceland technically has four seasons, but I’ve joked that we really have two: winter and summer. Halli says it’s more like winter and fall. The bigger adjustment was realizing that just because the calendar says “summer” doesn’t mean Iceland’s weather has agreed to participate. You can have rainy, windy and chilly stretches where there’s plenty of daylight but hardly any actual sunshine. There have been summers when I felt cold for what seemed like the entire season. It’s also no surprise that plenty of Icelanders escape somewhere warmer when Iceland isn’t delivering the summer weather they want. Tenerife, anyone? Icelandic summer exists. Whether it decides to show up is another question. 4. Living With 24-Hour Daylight The nearly endless daylight of Icelandic summer is something I absolutely love now. When I first moved here? Not so much. My brain could not understand why I was supposed to be sleeping when it looked like the middle of the day outside. I tried sleeping with eye masks, but I didn’t find them particularly comfortable, and I constantly felt energized to stay awake and do things. Eventually, though, my body adjusted. After a few years, I could sleep through Icelandic summers without thinking much about the daylight outside. Now I LOVE this part of living here. Being able to go outside incredibly late at night and still have a bright sky is one of those Icelandic experiences that still feels special, even though it has become normal. 5. Living With the Very Short Days in Winter Of course, Iceland likes extremes. If summer gives us almost endless daylight, winter gives us the opposite. Around the shortest day of the year, we get only about four hours of daylight. And while the days technically start getting longer again after the winter solstice, those changes happen slowly enough that the darkness can feel like it lasts forever. My first Icelandic winter was rough! I remember feeling like I was basically holding on until winter ended so I could finally experience that release of summer again. And then came May 2017. Winter seemed to be over. I had made it! And then…it snowed. In May! I was MAD. I felt personally betrayed by Icelandic weather. After surviving winter, snow in May felt like the weather was playing games with me. Now, I understand that unexpected weather is simply part of living here. Snow showers can happen incredibly late in the season, and Icelandic weather has a mind of its own. Over the years, I’ve also figured out what helps me through the dark months: getting outside, exercising, keeping myself occupied and usually having a big project to work on. The first couple of winters required some serious adjustment. After that, I found a rhythm that works for me 6. Having Limited Produce Options This is one thing I still REALLY notice when I leave Iceland. The variety of fruits and vegetables available here can be limited compared with what I was accustomed to in the United States. Sometimes you have a couple varieties of apples. Around Christmas, clementines and mandarins are everywhere. Other things appear periodically, but Iceland is an island that imports a significant amount of its produce, so we’re simply not going to have the same selection you’d find in a massive American supermarket. And yes, you sometimes need to inspect that produce pretty carefully. Then I go back to the U.S. and walk into a Whole Foods or Sprouts and practically lose my mind. Peaches, plums, nectarines, different varieties of apples! KALE! The kale situation in Iceland particularly gets me because I’ve seen it grown here as decoration and I’m thinking, Can you please just put it in the grocery store so I can eat it?! Still, I’ve stopped viewing the limited selection as inherently negative. It’s simply part of living on an island. And when I travel, I appreciate the variety elsewhere that much more 7. The Icelandic Stare Ohhhh, the Icelandic stare! Coming from New York, staring at strangers is generally not something you do. Then I moved to Iceland and suddenly people were LOOKING at me. Not glancing, staring! I’ve been told part of this comes from the small-town nature of Icelandic society. People might look at someone because they’re trying to figure out whether they recognize them or know their family. That took some serious getting used to. There was one experience when I lived in Árbær where a woman drove past me while practically turning her head to continue staring at me. I remember wondering whether something was happening around me before realizing, Nope. She’s looking at me. As a Black woman walking through a suburban Icelandic neighborhood, I couldn’t know whether she was simply curious, trying to recognize me, surprised to see someone who looked like me, or something else entirely. Eventually, I developed a coping mechanism: Staring contests. If you’re going to stare at me, I’m staring back. 😂 These days, though, I’ve mostly stopped noticing. I’ve got my New York blinders back on. Unless someone actually says something to me, I’m getting my groceries and going about my day. Something that once made me incredibly uncomfortable has somehow become background noise. 8. Having Children Without Being Married This was an interesting cultural shift for me because it wasn’t necessarily something I consciously decided to change my mind about. I just absorbed a different idea of what family can look like. It’s very normal in Iceland for couples to build a life together, have children and not get married until much later, or potentially not marry at all. When I first moved here, I was married and didn’t have children. After getting divorced, I certainly wasn’t thinking, I’m going to get into another relationship and have a baby before getting married. But by the time that became part of my own life, it didn’t feel particularly strange anymore. There’s even an interesting linguistic element to this. Icelanders in long-term relationships might refer to their partner as konan mín (“my woman”) or maðurinn minn (“my man”) rather than using the equivalent of boyfriend or girlfriend. People sometimes refer to unmarried partners as husband and wife in English, too, which still occasionally makes me want to clarify, We’re not married yet! It’s another example of how living somewhere else can quietly change the assumptions you didn’t even realize you had. 9. Not Tipping Coming from the United States, this was a BIG adjustment. Tipping is ingrained into so many everyday interactions in the U.S. that when I first started visiting Iceland, I kept thinking: Wait…aren’t we supposed to leave something extra? Nope. Tipping isn’t an obligation in Iceland or expected. If you have a wonderful guide or receive excellent service and want to give someone something extra, that’s your choice. But workers aren’t standing there expecting customers to supplement their income with a tip. I’ve gotten so accustomed to not tipping that the culture shock has now reversed itself. When I go back to the United States, I have to remind myself to tip. I once completely forgot that I was supposed to tip the attendants at a parking garage in Manhattan because that thought doesn’t exist in my everyday life anymore. So this is one where I’ve gone full circle. What once felt strange in Iceland now feels normal, and what used to feel normal in America requires a conscious reminder. 10. Seeing the Northern Lights This might be my favorite one. The Northern Lights are normal to me now! I still think they’re magical. If there’s an incredible aurora display happening, I absolutely want to see it. But if I look outside and there’s just a faint little green glow? Eh, I’m probably staying in bed. Ten-years-ago me would NEVER. When I first moved here, I would get up at all hours for the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. I wanted those huge, dramatic displays I’d seen in photographs. And those displays really do happen. I’ve seen the aurora incredibly strong right from our backyard. Shortly before I gave birth, there was one display that was so intense that I jumped out of bed and ran outside to photograph it without even properly getting dressed first. My mom was basically like, Girl, what are you doing?! Listen. Priorities. 😂 Even after a decade, seeing really strong Northern Lights dancing across the sky in different colors can still blow me away. But simply knowing that the aurora is part of winter? That’s normal life now. What 10 Years of Living in Iceland Has Taught Me When I look at these 10 things together, what’s fascinating isn’t necessarily the individual habits. It’s how much our idea of normal can change. These were things that ranged from confusing to uncomfortable to downright bizarre to me when I first encountered them. Ten years later, many are so deeply integrated into my everyday life that I barely think about them anymore. Maybe that’s one of the most interesting parts of living abroad long-term. You don’t simply learn about another culture. Little by little, parts of that culture become part of you. Which brings me back to the question I used for this episode: Am I Icelandic now? 😂🇮🇸 Not quite. But after 10 years, Iceland has definitely rubbed off on me. Random Icelandic Fact of the Episode Most Icelanders don’t have traditional family surnames in the way many other countries do. Instead, Iceland commonly uses a patronymic or matronymic naming system based on a parent’s first name. For example, if a man named Jón has a son named Einar, his son could be Einar Jónsson, essentially, Einar, Jón’s son. A daughter could be Anna Jónsdóttir, which is Anna, Jón’s daughter. It’s also one reason first names play such an important role in Icelandic society. People generally address each other by their first names, including in situations where titles or surnames might be expected in other cultures. It feels particularly appropriate for this episode because even Icelandic names were among the things that sounded unfamiliar to me when I first arrived. Now names like Ása and Björn don’t make me think twice. Icelandic Word of the Episode: Venjast The Icelandic word of this episode is venjast, which means “to get used to” or “to become accustomed to.” Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

After eight months of maternity leave in Iceland, I’m finally back to work. Looking back, I can honestly say that this experience has given me an entirely new appreciation for Iceland’s parental leave system. Before becoming a mom, I had so many questions. Would I qualify since I own my own business? How would my payments be calculated? How much time would I actually get with Eva? And what would maternity leave even feel like? In this episode/blog, I’m sharing both how parental leave works in Iceland and my personal experience navigating it as a first-time mom. https://youtu.be/BzbZjLI2-xo How Parental Leave Works in Iceland One of the things I love most about Iceland’s parental leave system is that it’s designed for both parents. Each parent is entitled to six months of parental leave, giving families a total of twelve months together. Parents also have the option to transfer up to six weeks of their leave to one another, while still encouraging both parents to spend meaningful time bonding with their child. Another aspect I really appreciate is the flexibility. Parents can spread their leave out and use it until the child turns two years old. In our family, I decided to take my leave all at once, while Halli took the first three months immediately after Eva was born. He still has additional leave remaining that he plans to use before she turns two. For me, this flexibility is one of the strongest parts of Iceland’s system because every family’s needs are different. My Experience Taking Leave as a Self-Employed Business Owner One of my biggest concerns before having Eva was whether I would qualify for parental leave since I own my own company. Even though I’m the only employee at All Things Iceland, I still pay all of the required employer contributions, including payments into Iceland’s parental leave fund, known as the Fæðingarorlofssjóður. One important difference for self-employed people is how parental leave payments are calculated. Instead of looking at recent monthly wages like traditional employees, self-employed parents have their payments calculated using their average income from the previous tax year. It was fascinating learning how that process worked, and thankfully everything went smoothly for me. Even so, it made me realize how important it is for self-employed people to understand these rules before planning parental leave. Why I Chose Eight Months Instead of Six Although I technically had six months of paid leave, I decided to spread those payments across eight months. That meant receiving smaller monthly payments while allowing me to stay home with Eva for longer. For me, six months simply didn’t feel like enough. Maybe it was because I wanted to experience more of Iceland’s brighter spring and summer months with her, or maybe I simply wasn’t ready to jump back into work. Whatever the reason, I’m incredibly grateful that Iceland gave me the flexibility to make that decision. Understanding the Parental Leave Payments in Iceland Parental leave in Iceland isn’t intended to fully replace a person’s salary. Instead, the goal is to provide financial support so parents can spend meaningful time with their child during those first months. One thing that surprised me was seeing how taxes and pension contributions affected my monthly payments. While the payment calculations were straightforward, it reminded me that the advertised amount is before taxes are deducted. Overall, though, I appreciated having financial support while focusing on recovery and motherhood. Applying for Parental Leave in Iceland One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how straightforward the application process was. Everything is completed online through Ísland.is, making the system relatively simple to navigate. Since I work for myself, I also involved my accountant to make sure all of my paperwork was submitted correctly. I decided to begin my maternity leave before Eva’s due date so I could prepare our home, finish work projects, and mentally transition into motherhood. Looking back, giving myself that extra time before she arrived was one of the best decisions I made. What 8 Months of Maternity Leave Was Really Like Before Eva was born, I honestly had no idea what maternity leave would feel like. The beginning of my leave was a combination of overwhelming joy and genuine struggle. After an emergency C-section, recovering physically while learning how to care for a newborn was incredibly challenging. I had also gained more than 60 pounds during pregnancy, so my body had a lot of healing to do. One of the greatest blessings during those early months was having my mom come to Iceland to live with us for Eva’s first three months. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and helped care for all of us. Looking back, I don’t know what we would have done without her. Having Halli home during those first months made an enormous difference as well. Those early weeks together as a family are memories I’ll always treasure. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Learning how to become a parent doesn’t happen overnight either. That’s why I believe parental leave is so incredibly valuable. Returning to Work in Iceland After Eight Months of Maternity Leave Although my maternity leave has officially ended, life certainly hasn’t returned to what it looked like before becoming a mom. Eva is still home with me, and I’ve built a hybrid work schedule that allows me to continue running All Things Iceland while spending quality time with her. A babysitter helps a few hours each day while I work from home, allowing me to continue creating videos, recording podcasts, consulting with travelers, and developing resources for people planning trips to Iceland. Some days everything works beautifully. Other days, absolutely nothing goes according to plan. I’ve learned that motherhood is constantly changing, and just when I think I’ve figured everything out, Eva reaches another milestone and we’re adapting all over again. My Biggest Takeaway Looking back, these eight months went by much faster than I ever imagined. Before becoming a mom, eight months sounded like a really long time. Now it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye. I’m deeply grateful that Iceland gave me the opportunity to spend this time healing, bonding with Eva, and gradually finding my footing as a new parent. No parental leave system is perfect, but I genuinely appreciate that Iceland recognizes the importance of giving families meaningful time together during such an important chapter of life. Random Fact of the Episode Did you know that Iceland is consistently ranked among the world’s most family-friendly countries? UNICEF has recognized Iceland as one of the top countries for family-friendly policies thanks to its generous paid parental leave and support for working parents. Icelandic Word of the Episode Fæðingarorlofssjóður (Parental Leave Fund) This is the government fund that pays parental leave benefits in Iceland. As someone who owns my own business, my company contributes to this fund just like other employers do, which is why I was eligible for parental leave as a self-employed parent. Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir aðhlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while or reading my posts, you’ve probably heard me mention that Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world—and that’s absolutely true in many ways. Violent crime is incredibly rare, and the sense of community and trust is deeply woven into Icelandic society. But today, we need to talk about a growing concern—something that’s caught many tourists off guard: a rise in pickpocketing incidents, particularly in the south of Iceland, including well-traveled areas like Reykjavík, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and even inside churches like Hallgrímskirkja. Iceland is Still Safe? Let me be clear: Iceland remains a safe place to travel. But just like anywhere that attracts large numbers of tourists, it’s not immune to the realities of opportunistic crime. And recently, we’ve seen a sharp increase in reports of pickpocketing—specifically targeting visitors at popular natural landmarks. Police in South Iceland have been investigating what appears to be a well-organised group—possibly ten individuals—who are blending into crowds at major tourist sites. These aren’t random thieves. According to local authorities and park rangers, they use a highly coordinated strategy, working in teams to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists. How the Pickpockets Operate in Iceland Let’s take the geyser Strokkur in the Haukadalur Valley. When it erupts, hundreds of people gather to witness the spectacle—it’s loud, dramatic, and absolutely worth seeing. But as your eyes are glued to the steam and water shooting into the sky, pickpockets might be watching you. They blend into the crowd, posing as fellow tourists. Some act as lookouts, some distract by chatting or even offering to take photos, and others use the distraction to reach into backpacks, pockets, or crossbody bags. Stolen items—mostly cash in euros, dollars, pounds, or krónur—are passed quickly to accomplices, making it hard to trace who took what. And this isn’t just happening at Strokkur. Similar reports have come from Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and even Reykjavík’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. In fact, the church recently posted warning signs at its entrance after a string of thefts occurred inside during visiting hours. Prevention Tips – Simple, Smart, Effective So, what can you do to avoid being targeted? Here are some practical, simple things you can do to stay safe: Use anti-theft bags. Look for ones with lockable zippers, cut-proof straps, and compartments that rest against your body. Keep valuables close. A money belt worn under your clothing is ideal for passports, IDs, and cash. Stay aware. If someone approaches you offering help, conversation, or to take your photo—especially in a crowded space—be friendly but cautious. Avoid back pockets. Never store your wallet or phone in a back pocket. It’s just too easy to snatch. Limit what you carry. Only take what you’ll need for the day—leave extra cards, cash, and your passport locked up at your accommodation. Be mindful in crowds. Places like Strokkur, Geysir, and the viewing platforms at Þingvellir draw hundreds of people. These moments of awe are unfortunately prime time for thieves. And one more thing: if the worst does happen and you are robbed, call 112—Iceland’s emergency services number. Also, make sure you have digital copies of your documents in a secure, password-protected folder, ideally emailed to yourself or saved in cloud storage. When & Where PickPocket Groups Strike the Most According to park rangers and local authorities, these organised pickpocket groups tend to appear in February, March, and July—timing their activities around peak tourism periods. They often arrive early in the morning, scout areas like Þingvellir’s Hakið viewpoint above the Almannagjá gorge, and move on from site to site in a very methodical way. This isn’t just some random occurrence—it’s a planned effort by individuals who know exactly what they’re doing and how to blend in. However, when and where they can do it might change so it is best to protect your belongings at all times. How to Keep Each Other Safe If you’re traveling with friends or family, look out for one another. And if you’re a tour guide or part of a travel group, report anything suspicious immediately to local police. The more reports that are filed, the better chance authorities have to stop these incidents before they escalate. I’ll also include links in the show notes to recent news articles and official resources so you can stay informed and take proactive steps during your visit. While this isn’t the most fun topic to cover, I believe it’s important to be honest and help you travel smart. Iceland is a stunning, unforgettable place—and I want you to enjoy every breathtaking waterfall, moss-covered lava field, and cultural experience without the stress of losing your wallet or passport. Random Fact of the Episode Petty crime in Iceland has been around for a long time but it mostly involved locals being targeted. A good example is bike thefts that have happened over the years. Icelandic Word of the Episode Vasaþjólfur – pickpocket Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Whether you’re a fan of classical, experimental, indie rock, jazz, or even Cuban-inspired grooves, Iceland’s capital offers a surprising variety of venues catering to every musical taste. Today, I’m taking you on a virtual tour of some of the most beloved — and sometimes overlooked — places to catch a live performance in and around Reykjavík. So, let’s crank up the volume and dive in! 1. Harpa Concert Hall – Iceland’s Premier Music Venue Let’s start with the crown jewel of Reykjavík’s music venues: Harpa. This stunning glass building by the harbor is not just an architectural icon — it’s a world-class concert hall. Harpa is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, so it’s your go-to for classical music, opera, and large-scale productions. But don’t be fooled — Harpa also hosts jazz nights, electronic music events, and international artists across genres. The acoustics here are unmatched, and the setting? Simply magical. 2. Gamla Bíó A short walk from Harpa is Gamla Bíó, or “The Old Cinema.” This historic venue has been transformed into a cozy concert hall with vintage charm. Expect indie rock, folk, pop, and the occasional orchestral ensemble. It’s an intimate setting with incredible sound, perfect for catching Icelandic artists and touring international acts in a space that feels like a hidden gem. 3. Hús Mál og Menningar Now, let’s talk about one of my personal favorites: Hús Mál og Menningar, right on Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main shopping street. This bookstore-slash-bar is a cultural hub, and the upstairs stage is often alive with acoustic sets, singer-songwriter sessions, jazz, and even spoken word. The vibe here is chill, creative, and unmistakably Icelandic — it’s where you can sip a drink, browse books, and hear something totally unexpected, all in one evening. 4. Mengi If you’re into avant-garde, experimental, or contemporary classical music, Mengi is the place. Located in a small venue on Óðinsgata, this artist-run space regularly features performances by composers, interdisciplinary artists, and improvisational musicians. It’s intimate, forward-thinking, and always pushing the boundaries of what live music can be. 5. Salurinn (Kópavogur) — Special Highlight And just a short ride outside Reykjavík in Kópavogur is Salurinn, a beautiful, acoustically rich concert hall often hosting classical, jazz, and world music. And here’s something you won’t want to miss: On May 31st, Icelandic musician Halli Guðmunds will be performing live at Salurinn with a six-piece band. What makes this show special? The group will be playing Cuban-inspired music and original tunes, blending Latin rhythms with Icelandic flair. It promises to be a night of danceable beats, sophisticated arrangements, and pure joy. If you’re anywhere near Reykjavík at the end of May — mark your calendar. You’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind musical journey. Click here for tickets for Club Cubano. 6. Lemmy On the edgier side, we have Lemmy, Reykjavík’s go-to bar for rock, punk, and metal fans. The energy here is high-octane, the drinks are flowing, and the crowd is passionate. It’s the kind of place where you go to let loose and discover bands that might just blow your mind. Lemmy is carrying the torch for Reykjavík’s hard rock community — gritty, loud, and unapologetically fun. 7. Gaukurinn (currently closed for renovations) Gaukurinn, one of Reykjavík’s key underground venues, is temporarily closed for renovations. When open, it’s a haven for alternative music, from hardcore and punk to drag shows and open mics. We’ll be watching closely for its return because this venue has long been a platform for some of the boldest, rawest talent in the country. 8. Dillon Whiskey Bar If you’re craving classic rock vibes with a cozy, old-school atmosphere, Dillon is the place. Nestled in a wooden house near Laugavegur, Dillon has a great whiskey selection, a rustic upstairs stage, and a lineup of bluesy rock, acoustic, and local acts. It’s the kind of venue where the walls feel like they’ve soaked up every riff and chorus played there. Expect unpretentious fun and some real gems in the lineup. 9. 12 Tónar Now, 12 Tónar isn’t your typical music venue — it’s a legendary record store that doubles as a cultural space. Tucked away in a charming yellow house near the Reykjavík Art Museum, it regularly hosts free, intimate concerts by Icelandic musicians. It’s a cozy place where you can discover local talent, sip espresso, and flip through vinyl all at once. Music lovers, this is your sanctuary. Get Out There & Enjoy Music in Reykjavik So whether you’re looking for a symphony under stunning architecture, an underground rock show, an intimate acoustic set in a bookstore, or Cuban rhythms in Kópavogur — Reykjavík’s live music scene has something for everyone. As always, I’ll include links to each venue and the upcoming show at Salurinn in the show notes. Be sure to check them out and support these incredible artists and spaces keeping Iceland’s musical spirit alive and thriving. Random Fact of the Episode The Guardian wrote an article last year titled “Torn down for hotel rooms: Iceland’s famous music venues swallowed by tourism” Reykjavík’s once-thriving live music scene is under pressure as the city grapples with the effects of a booming tourism industry. With more visitors arriving each year, demand for hotels and short-term accommodations has surged. In response, several beloved music venues have been closed or repurposed to make way for new developments — including Kex Hostel, Sirkus, Nasa, and Faktory — spaces that once played a vital role in launching and supporting Icelandic music talent. This shift has sparked concern among local musicians and cultural advocates who worry that the closure of small to mid-sized venues could damage the ecosystem that helps new artists grow. These smaller spaces have long served as stepping stones for creatives before they reach larger stages. Recognizing the issue, Icelandic authorities are beginning to implement policies and provide funding to help preserve what’s left of the local music infrastructure. The hope is to find a balance between economic gains from tourism and protecting Reykjavík’s cultural identity, especially its globally admired music scene. Icelandic Word of the Episode Tónlist – music Share this with a Friend Facebook Threads Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

I’m diving into an important yet often overlooked aspect of driving in Iceland—the unique rules of two-lane roundabouts. Even if you are from Europe, there is a good chance that Iceland does two-lane roundabouts a little different than what you expect. How to Save Money on Your Rental Car in Iceland Before we get into that, I want to give a shout-out to our amazing sponsors, Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers. I actually use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from. They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras. With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental. With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included. You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsicelandfor the discounts. Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied. For Go Car:When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added. For Go Campers:Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase. And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that. Why Are Iceland’s Two-Lane Roundabouts Unique? Roundabouts exist in many countries, but Iceland’s two-lane roundabouts come with specific rules that often catch foreign drivers off guard. If you’ve ever rented a car in Iceland or plan to, knowing these rules will save you a lot of confusion—and possibly a fender bender! The key thing to know about Iceland’s two-lane roundabouts is that the inner lane (the one closest to the center) has the right of way. This is different from many other countries where the outer lane might have priority. Here’s how it works: When entering a two-lane roundabout, you should choose your lane before entering. If you plan to take the first exit, you should be in the outer lane (right lane). If you plan to go straight or take any further exits, you should be in the inner lane (left lane). Once inside the roundabout, changing lanes is not allowed. This means if you entered in the inner lane, you must continue in that lane until you exit. If you’re in the outer lane and another driver is in the inner lane, you must yield to the inner lane driver if they need to exit. This is where most accidents happen because foreign drivers don’t expect this rule. When exiting, use your turn signal to indicate your intention, just like you would in any other roundabout. Two-Lane Roundabout Example in Iceland The first image shows two cars entering a two-lane roundabout in Iceland. The orange car is in the inside lane (left) and the pink car is in the outer land (right). Below shows the the exits that the pink car (outer lane) can take. And here are the exits that the orange car (inner lane) can take. This example is showing if the orange car is entering the two-lane roundabout in the inner lane on the bottom and the pink car is coming from the right in t he outerlane. As a reminder, the pink car can either go to the first or second exit. In this example, it will be going to the second exit. Since the pink car and the orange car are in close proximity to each other, the pink car is the one that gives the right of way, since the orange car is in the inner lane. The pink car (outer lane) must stop and let the orange car (inner lane) exit before continuing on to its second exit. Why These Rules Matter? Iceland’s road system is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly, and roundabouts play a big role in that. However, every year, rental car companies report minor accidents in roundabouts because of misunderstandings about these rules. The last thing you want is to start your Iceland adventure with an accident or a costly insurance claim! The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland Whether it’s your first time visiting Iceland or you have been several times before, this guide will help you explore Iceland like a local. From the best things to see in every region of the country to hidden gems, I have you covered. Click Here The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland I created The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland, a comprehensive 8-module video guide that walks you through everything you need to know before visiting. I even have a whole module dedicated to getting around Iceland, covering types of transportation, car rentals, road rules, and so much more. Not only that, but when you get the guide, you’ll have lifetime access, bonus itineraries to make planning easier, and access to my free and private Facebook group, where I share specially curated Iceland travel posts and do a live Q&A each month! Random Fact of the Episode You might notice that as you venture outside of the downtown Reykjavík area, that you will see less traffic lights, occasionally roundabouts, and long stretches of road. One of the many things I enjoy about the Icelandic countryside is that traffic lights are not necessary. Roundabouts are used, when necessary, at intersections to slow vehicles down and allow for cars to head in different directions. Icelandic Word of the Episode Hringtorg – roundabout Share This with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let’s Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.