Photo by Moyen Brenn, earthincolors.wordpress.com, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
BREAKING THE ICE
Getting to Know Iceland
By Bridget Edwards
2 â–¶ winter 2016
From Top: photography by Agnieszka Ruminska and Steve Louis, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
D
espite its intimidating name, the frozen island that is Iceland is becoming a popular getaway destination. Its unique terrain of glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes are major attractions for both locals and tourists all year round. Even the winter season often proves to be magical. But it’s not just the diverse landscape that makes Iceland feel like a winter wonderland. Iceland is home to an enchanting people that have both traditional and modern lifestyles, and tourists can experience both sides in a variety of ways. From ancient folklores to novel cuisine and long-time traditions to contemporary music, Iceland has something for everyone. If you really want to get to know Iceland, try stepping outside of the tourist mold and break the ice by sharing some of these Icelandic traditions with the natives.
Offbeat Music
Music in Iceland has a history that is different than anywhere else. Due to its isolation, Iceland’s music did not change very much between the Middle Ages and the nineteenth century. But once contemporary music arrived, it was quickly accepted throughout the country, and Iceland has been rapidly developing music ever since. So turn up the beat and experience every part of Iceland’s musical culture.
Dark Music Days
Founded in 1980, the Dark Music Days (Myrkir Músíkdagar) is one of Iceland’s oldest music festivals. This festival typically happens at the end of January, in some of the longest days of the winter season. Taking place at the Harpa concert hall in the country’s capital, Reykjavík, this festival focuses on introducing new music, composers, and performers. It’s here that you could be one of the first to see the birth of new Icelandic musical legends.
Reykjavík Folk Festival
Folk music has been a part of Icelandic history since the island was settled in the ninth century, and it has inspired many of Iceland’s successful artists like Of Monsters and Men, Ólöf Arnalds, and Sóley. This festival combines traditional and modern folk styles, celebrating the diversity within folk music. Located at the Kex Hostel, this festival lasts for three days and is typically held in early March.
Bottom: Hundreds of muscicians gather at some of Reykjavík’s most popular music festivals. Top: Home to concerts, plays, and art exhibits, the Harpa concert hall is Reykjavík’s most iconic landmark.
Tectonics
If instrumental music is more your style, this festival is for you. Created by the music director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Tectonics demonstrates the advancements and variations within orchestral music. This three-day festival offers both traditional orchestral compositions and experimental styles that include dancing musicians and a contemporary feel. Tectonics is held in mid-April at the Harpa Concert Hall and allows audience members to get up close and personal with the musicians.
Tyisongur Sound Sculpture
If you plan to get outside of Reykjavík on your trip, try stopping by this site-specific piece of art. Sculpted by German artist Lukas Kühne, Tyisongur is located just outside of Seydisfjordur, a small town on the east coast. This sculpture consists of five interconnected concrete domes and creates a five-tone harmony that is commonly found in traditional Icelandic music. Visitors can enter the domes and experiment with the acoustics that come from inside the domes. This is definitely a unique, hands-on experience for any music lover.
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Iceland’s somewhat remote location provides the island with some of the best ingredients any food connoisseur would appreciate: fresh water, clean and free-range farming, and fruitful fishing grounds. Because Iceland uses geothermal energy across the island, farmers can grow fresh crops year-round. This particularly natural style of farming and cooking has made Iceland a major destination for gastronomic cooking. To get a true taste of Iceland, try out some of these traditional Icelandic dishes.
Hákarl (Fermented Shark)
Warning: this dish is not for the weak stomach! Known as the national dish of Iceland, fermented shark goes back to the day when Icelanders ate simply for survival. The meat in many traditional Icelandic dishes is still stored and prepared using archaic processes. For example, because shark meat is initially poisonous, the shark is buried in a shallow grave of sand for 6–12 weeks; this pushes all of the fluids and toxins out of the shark. The meat is then cut into strips and dried. If your taste buds are looking for some adventure, visit the restaurant 3 Frakkar in Reykjavík and give this daring dish a try!
Food and Fun Festival
For those who have a more refined palate, the Food and Fun Festival provides the opportunity to indulge in exquisite cuisine. Occurring in the first week of March, this festival invites chefs from around the world to collaborate with some of Reykjavík’s most exceptional restaurants. Each chef prepares a menu made solely from Icelandic ingredients, and the dishes are available to the public for the entire week. On the last day of the festival, the chefs use their Icelandic ingredients in a competition to make a three-course meal. This is definitely the place to get some of Iceland’s latest tastes!
Harðfiskur (Fish Jerky)
Fishing has been the lifeline of Iceland since it was first settled, and it is an essential part of the Icelandic diet. Icelanders often eat traditional fish dishes, but a popular snack is fish jerky, which is often served with a dollop of butter. This classic Icelandic snack can be found in just about any supermarket, but the best place to find Harðfiskur is at the Kolaportið flea market in Reykjavík.
4 ▶ winter 2016
Pylsa (Hot Dog)
Although fermented shark is Iceland’s national dish, it certainly isn’t the most popular. In fact, the most common food found in Iceland is the pylsa, or hot dog. These hot dogs are found in every city and just about every gas station in Iceland, and many have argued that these are the best hot dogs in the world. Icelandic hot dogs are topped with ketchup; a sauce made from mayo, capers, mustard, and herbs (remoulade); a sweet brown mustard (pylsusinnep); and raw or fried onions. And if you want to eat a hot dog like a true Icelander, you’ve got to have one with all the fixings! The best place to get one of these dogs is a place called Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a chain stand in Reykjavík.
Old-Fashioned Fables
A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without learning about some of its most respected residents: the elves. Yep, that’s right. Iceland has a traditional belief in elves, which are referred to as Huldufólk, or “hidden people,” as the majority of humans cannot see them. Nowadays, only about 10 percent of the population
From Left: Photography by Caitilin, Audrey, and Jarrod Bennett. creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
Uncommon Cooking
From Top: photography Mike Freedman and Jennifer Bower https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
actually believes in “hidden people,” but 80 percent of natives still won’t deny their existence. Icelanders have carried a high level of respect for the elven people. Most elves are believed to live in rocks, so Icelanders will avoid damaging those rocks during construction projects. Human residents pay their respects to the elves by building them little homes, which can be seen all across the Icelandic landscape. If you want to get the full Iceland experience, you must go searching for elves.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Located on the Southern tip of Iceland, this glacier is a three-hour hike through snow piles and ice ridges. Sólheimajökull is filled with caves and craters and is known to be home to not only elves but also trolls and fairies. With guided tours, hiking Sólheimajökull can prove to be an enriching experience for both naturelovers and elf-seekers.
The Elfin Tour
Staring in Reykjavík, this tour has you riding on some of Iceland’s beautiful
Icelandic horses. As you are guided through the diverse landscape, you will see some of the places where elves are believed to live. Although elves are “hidden people,” some people claim that they see elves along the tour; some even claim being able to hear the elves sing as they pass Skjólklettur, the elves’ church. Provided with a light lunch afterTop: Residents sprinkle the Icelandic landscape with these tiny, wards, this tour is perfect hand-made elf houses. Bottom: Crevasses mark up the path on for those wanting to get the Sólheimajökull Glacier. a glimpse of traditional Icelandic heritage. with a short walking tour and fresh Icelandic pancakes.
Icelandic Elf School
Take a break from the Icelandic winter air and spend the afternoon in Reykjavík’s Elf School. Here, visitors are taught about the different kinds of elves that roam the island; visitors will learn about how “hidden people” interact with humans. You can even prove your newly acquired elven knowledge by completing a certificate program in as little time as an afternoon. Sessions are wrapped up
If you’re looking to add something more to your next getaway, Iceland is a place to get an experience of a lifetime. Although Iceland is becoming more and more popular, it doesn’t mean you have to get caught up in being a tourist. Instead, make the most of your vacation by breaking the ice and experiencing Iceland like a native.
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