All Things Iceland

I sat down with an inspiring Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, Valenttina Griffin, who has made Iceland her home. Through a lively conversation, Valenttina shares her experiences of navigating different cultures, thriving in the tech industry, and her entrepreneurial journey that spans multiple continents. Join us as we explore her insights on leadership, the power of community, and the importance of personal growth.

ValenttinaR...

Along with hearing about volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gorgeous landscapes, one of the biggest things people associate with Iceland is how expensive it is. And honestly, that conversation comes up constantly. It’s one of the most common questions when I am helping travelers planning their first trip here.

Iceland has built a reputation online for being adventurous and fascinating,...

There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect.

I’m sharing 5 places across the country that are absolutely worth the detour.

These aren’t your typical Golden Circle stops. These are the kinds of places that make ...

The 2026 total solar eclipse is already drawing attention from travelers around the world, and for good reason. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Iceland was in 1954, and the next one won’t happen again until 2196. 

This is trul...

If there were ever a holiday that felt personally designed for me, it’s Bolludagur, Iceland’s cream bun day and, in my opinion, Iceland’s most delicious holiday.

Bolludagur takes place every year on the Monday before Lent. And on this day, Iceland collectively agrees to eat an unreasonable amount of cream bun without guilt, without shame, and usually without stopping at just one.

What Is a Bolla, Exactly?

A bolla is an Ice...

Bríet Ísis Elfar is not just one of Iceland’s biggest music stars. She’s an artist who embodies fearlessness, authenticity, and constant reinvention. Her breakout English-language single In Too Deep in 2018 introduced her sultry, soulful voice to the world, but it was her 2020 album Kveðja, Bríet that catapulted her to national stardom. She won “Album of the Ye...

There’s a lot of advice about traveling to Iceland, and not all of it is helpful. In this podcast episode, I’m breaking down five common Iceland travel myths that end up quietly costing travelers time, money, and energy.

From unrealistic expectations about weather to misunderstandings around driving and seasons, this episode will help you spot the assumptions that derail trips before they even be...

If you’ve ever looked at a map of Iceland and thought,  “Oh wow, it’s tiny — we can totally see everything,” you are not alone.

I hear this all the time. And honestly? It makes sense.  Iceland looks small on a map, but traveling through it is a very different experience.

I’m going to explain why Iceland being ‘small’ is actually misleading, and how that misunderstanding causes a lot of travelers to overpack their itineraries, under...

If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that Iceland-obsessed friend in your life, I’ve got you covered. As someone who lives in Iceland and shares all things Icelandic year-round, I’ve rounded up a curated list of meaningful, cozy, and delicious gifts that will make any Iceland lover light up this holiday season.

Here are some wonderful Iceland-inspired ideas (links included):

Aldís Amah Hamilton is a trailblazing Icelandic actress, writer, and cultural icon. Born in Germany and raised in Reykjavík, she has starred in hit shows like The Valhalla Murders, Netflix’s Katla, and co-created the gripping series Black Sands. In 2019, she made history as the first woman of color to embody the Fjallkonan, Iceland’s national symbol on Independence Day in Reykjavík, which is the largest celebration and is televised...

If I could go back to my very first trip to Iceland in 2013, knowing what I know now after living here for over nine years and traveling extensively around the country, there are three major things I would do differently. And I think these are going to help you as you’re planning your own adventure here.

1. Understanding how Daylight Hours Impact Travel Plans in Iceland

When I came here for the first time, I knew the days ...

Since bursting onto the scene in 1993, Páll Óskar—also known as Paul Oscar—has been turning heads, moving hips, and breaking boundaries. He’s not just a singer. He’s a performer, a provocateur, a fearless icon who has never shied away from being exactly who he is—openly gay, genre-bending, and unapologetically fabulous.

And let me tell you, he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His music and style have evolved over the decades, but h...

I recently stayed at Harmony Lodge, and let me tell you… it blew me away.

If the idea of relaxing in a private sauna and hot tub, surrounded by Icelandic nature — and away from the tourist crowds — sounds like a dream, then keep listening. I’ll also be sharing an exclusive discount you can use to save up to 25% on your own stay at Harmony Lodge.

My Stay at Harmony Lodge:

I have some deeply personal and exciting news to share with you today…

I’m pregnant! 🍼💫

My mind is still blown that there is a tiny human growing inside of me. It’s been such a surreal, emotional, and beautiful experience. And honestly, it’s made me fall in love with this country i...

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 i...

Summer in Iceland is just around the corner, so I’m diving into a topic that comes up a lot—how to dress and pack for summer in Iceland.

Whether you’re planning to explore glaciers, wander lava fields, hike to waterfalls, or just soak in the geothermal goodness, dressing right for Iceland’s unpredictable summer weather is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable.

Summer Months in Iceland

First things first, let’s ta...

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...

I’m taking you on a journey back in time to uncover the story behind how Iceland got its name. This tale involves three adventurous Norsemen who each left their mark on this rugged island, but only one name endured through history.

The First Two Vikings That Tried to Name The Landmass

To hear the whole story about the first two Vikings that named this country, I have included that in The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland.

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...