Iceland: an unexpected wonderland When some people think of Iceland, they think of the massive glaciers, towering mountains, active volcanoes, and steaming hot springs that give the island its nickname of “Europe’s Land of Fire and Ice.” On the other hand, you, along with many others, may think of Iceland as a glacial island that people have, for some reason or another, decided to reside on. But don’t let the country’s name fool you! Although Iceland sits just below the Arctic Circle, its winters are relatively mild, and if you don’t mind a little cold, it can prove to be a winter wonderland. But it’s not just the nature that tourists should plan for. Iceland is home to both a traditional and modern lifestyle, and it is filled with a people that are just as unique and refined as the landscape. From traditions to contemporary music, and ancient folklores to modern cuisine, Iceland has made a name for itself. So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want a taste of life as an Icelander, grab your parka and your scarf, and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
Good Vibrations
Music in Iceland has a history that is different than anywhere else. Due to its isolation, it took until the nineteenth century for music other than that from the Middle Ages to find its way to the island. But once modern music arrived, it was quickly accepted through the country, and Iceland has been rapidly developing music in everything from jazz to classical to contemporary music ever since. To get a taste of Iceland’s different music styles, you can attend one or all of their many music festival. Dark Music Days Founded in 1980, the Dark Music Days (Myrkir Muú síúkdagar) 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, Reykjavíúk, 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 music legends. Reykjavík Folk Festival Folk music has been a part of Icelandic history since the island was settled back in the ninth century, and it has inspired many of Iceland’s successful artists like Of Monsters and Men, OÓ loö f Arnalds, and Soú ley. 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 March.
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. Held in mid-April at the Harpa concert hall in Reykjavíúk, this festival allows audience members to get up-close and personal with the musicians. Tyisongur Sound Sculpture If you plan to get outside of Reykjavíúk on your trip, try stopping by this site-specific piece of art. Sculpted by German artist Lukas Kuö hne, Tyisongur is just outside of Seydisfjordur, a small town on the east coast of the island. Consisting of five interconnected concrete domes, this sculpture creates a five-tone harmony that is 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.
Uncommon Cooking Iceland’s somewhat remote location provides the island with some of the best ingredients any food connoisseur would love: 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. From traditional to more common dishes, Iceland offers a wide range of food that any visitor should try. 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. Often served with a dollop of butter, this classic Icelandic snack can be found in just about any supermarket. The best place to find Harðfiskur is at the Kolaportið flea market in Reykjavíúk. 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. Meat was historically stored in archaic ways, and Icelanders continue the preparation process when it comes to traditional dishes such as this. 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 3 Frakkar in Reykjavíúk and give this dish a try!
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. Found in every city and just about every gas station in Iceland, these hot dogs have been debated as 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 you haven’t had a hot dog like an Icelander until you’ve had 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 Reykjavíúk. 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 Reykjavíúk’s most exceptional restaurants. Each chef prepares a menu made solely from Icelandic ingredients, and the dishes are available for the entire week. On the last day of the festival, the chefs use their Icelandic ingredients in a competition to make a threecourse meal. This is definitely the place to get a fresh taste of Iceland!
Old-Fashioned Fables A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without learning about some of Iceland’s most respected residents: the elves. Yup, that’s right. Iceland has a traditional belief in elves, which are also referred to as Huldufoú lk. But elves aren’t the only ‘mythical creatures’ that roam this frozen island; traditionally, many believe that fairies, trolls, and dwarfs live close by, too. All of these ‘mythical creatures’ are known as the “hidden people,” as the majority of humans cannot see them. Nowadays, only about 10 percent of the population actually believes in “hidden people,” but 80 percent 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, and Icelanders will avoid damaging those rocks in building 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. Solheimajokull Glacier Located on the Southern tip of Iceland, this glacier offers a three-hour hike through snow piles and ice ridges. Filled with caves and craters, this glacier is also known to be home to elves, trolls, and fairies. With guided tours, hiking Solheimajorkull can prove to be an enriching experience for both nature lovers and elf seekers.
The Elfin Tour Staring in Reykjavíúk, this tour has you riding on some of Iceland’s beautiful Icelandic horses. Guided through the diverse landscape, you will see some of the places where elves are believed to live. Although elves are “hidden people,” people will occasionally claim seeing elves along the tour; some even claim being able to hear the elves sing as they pass Skjoú lkettur, the elves’ church. Provided with a light lunch afterwards, this tour is perfect for those wanting to get a glimpse of Icelandic heritage. Icelandic Elf School Take a break from the Icelandic winter air and spend the afternoon in Reykjavíúk’s Elf School. Here, visitors are taught about the different kinds of elves and “hidden people” that roam the island; visitors will learn about how “hidden people” look and their interactions with humans. If you want proof of your newly acquired elven knowledge, there are certificate programs that you can complete in an afternoon. Sessions are wrapped up with a short walking tour and fresh pancakes. Next time you’re planning your winter getaway, be sure to keep Iceland in mind. Although you can’t sunbathe or visit warm beaches along the Icelandic coast, you are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience when you participate in some of Iceland’s unique and thrilling traditions.