Honest Iceland Talk

Day 6: Waterfall hikes, Seyðisfjörður, and the start of the Horror Road Hi lovely people, it has been so long, I know. But here is the next episode from our 2021 summer ring road trip. This is the other half of the recording from the Google Horror road where we talk about day number 6. waking up at https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/blabjorg-guesthouse.de.html?auth_success=1 (Blábjörg Guesthouse) and getting an early breakfast Visiting the small harbor - https://www.borgarfjordureystri.is/en/puffins/the-marina (called the Marina) to look at Puffins Alli had to visit the 60s diner - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g315847-d14138442-r605425433-Skalinn_Diner-Egilsstadir_East_Region.html (Skalinn Diner) Skipping Hengifoss and taking the 8km amazinghttps://laugarfell.is/activities/hiking-trails/ ( three waterfall hike around Laugarfell) Visiting the https://www.hengifoss.is/en/service/hengifoss-food-truck (Foodtruck at Hengifoss) to taste the all advertised goat/ sheep milk icecream On the way back we went to Seyðisfjörður and had dinner at the https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189972-d10834923-Reviews-Nordic_Restaurant-Seydisfjordur_East_Region.html (Nordic Restaurant) Then we entered the Horror Road - here is a link to the horror road, the one that takes you closer to the ocean: https://goo.gl/maps/M11KTY9KVr1Lhso88 (https://goo.gl/maps/M11KTY9KVr1Lhso88) https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/icelanders-protest-karahnjukar-hydropower-project-2000-2006 (Kárahnjúkar Dam) is an extremely controversial project that despite international protest with the support of several musicians and well-known artists was constructed, flooding a natural reserve and causing damage to aquatic life, destruction of habitat, especially breeding grounds and migration routes - all for the sake of profit for an American aluminum smelting company. The episode was recorded on August 10, 2021.

Day 5: Flat Tire and driving back and forth As usual, we record on the next day, talking about the day before. You will get an intimate insight into our car conversation and how completely creeped and freaked out Steffi was while Google maps send us on a horror road. #sheepseverywhere #creepy #ohno Exploring Hallormsstaðaskógur national forest Visiting Skriðuklaustur museum and eating an amazing vegan meal there Visiting Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre free exhibition Visiting Móðir Jörð organic farm Going to Egilsstaðir to fix the car tire Visiting the small vending machine Coke Sjálfsalinn on the road to Borgarfjörður eystri Sleeping at Blábjörg Guesthouse The episode was recorded on August 10, 2021.

Day 4: Culture & Museum Day Petra's Stone & Mineral Collection: https://www.steinapetra.is/ https://en.visitfjardabyggd.is/things-to-do/museums/details/the-french-museum (The French Museum )in Fáskrúðsfjörður: Finding wild blueberries and eating them Finding a bench without sun Talking to very friendly locals Visiting the https://en.visitfjardabyggd.is/things-to-do/museums/details/the-icelandic-wartime-museum (Icelandic Wartime Museum) Visiting Helgustaðanáma mine near Eskifjörður No Shower because not everyone takes card Have fun with the episode!

The road trip continues... Day 2 (Part 1): Drive to Fjallsárlón (the better glacier lagoon) Drive to Jökulsárlon (no more vegan hot dogs for us) Sleep at Lambhús Cottages with glacier tongue view Visit to the restaurant and brewery Jón Ríki Day 3: Drive to Vestrahorn (and Viking Village) J.F.S. Handcraft (fantastic stone museum) Natural hot pool in the middle of nowhere but too hot Camping in Breiðalsvík and visit brewery Beljandi We also tell you what we see on the road while recording. It can not get more exciting. There might be some audio issues that make us sound like we stutter; sorry for that.

Hiya, lovely listeners! We are back for a new season: Ring Road Adventure. We take you on a trip around the country. Get ready for sheep making love on the road, windy nights in the tent, pasta from a can, and of course, lots of nature! Day 1: Drive from Reykjavík to Vík, getting coffee from the lovely Skool Beans bus Stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (the one we forgot the name of in the episode) Camped at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Kleifar Visited Systrafoss and Systravatn (hike to the waterfall and lake) Visited Kirkjugólf (basalt floor) Day 2: Basalt formation called Dverghamrar Skaftafell National Park 3-hour hike to Svartifoss and Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue New Episodes every Friday.

Honest Iceland is taking a break. Will it be forever? We don't know yet. But we are proud to say that this episode took the least editing work ever; hopefully, you enjoy it. Thank you for your support! Alli & Steffi TQwieFckqwZ4NqrquKMi

Strolling through the streets of Reykjavík while seeing a few important landmarks is a great way of exploring the capital either at the beginning or at the end of your Iceland visit. Read the full blog post here!

We look beyond the plate and tell you what Icelanders really love to eat, which dishes are offered mainly for tourists, and where you should go to jump on a culinary journey through Icelandic Foods. Disclaimer: We apologize for any disturbing sounds throughout the episode. We had a few issues with our microphones. As promised: A Link with more info about the history of forests in Iceland and Deforestation. Read our blog post. There you can find all the links and sources for this episode, as well as pictures and videos. As always, if you like our podcast, you can support us by leaving a review: Love The Podcast - Honest Iceland

Playing with the thought of moving to Iceland? Many visitors fall in love with Iceland and consider living here either for a while or even long term. In this episode, I will tell you some facts and numbers, how to get a job, average salary, and much more. Even if you don't consider moving to Iceland, I invite you to listen to the episode and discover a few unknown facts. Read our blog post for more info. Moving to Iceland - Offical Website of the Icelandic Register Iceland votes for Gay Marriage  Gay Pride Festival in Iceland Foreigners in Iceland: Statistics  Crime Rate in Iceland Costs of Living in Iceland Calculate net salary for Iceland Not getting paid for marrying an Icelandic woman

Planning a Trip to Iceland in 2021? While Iceland is rather expensive when it comes to traveling around the country, it doesn´t have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you plan ahead, use discounts, avoid overpriced grocery stores, and spend money at the right places, your trip will be enjoyable while not as costly. Read our blog post for more info and details about the apps and savings we mention in the episode. As always, if you like our podcast, you can support us by leaving a review: Love The Podcast - Honest Iceland

All of us been there: Scrolling through Tripadvisor reviews to find out if a place is really worth visiting. In this episode, we read some of the most fun, scary, and ridiculous reviews for you and tell you what people get right and what some of them get wrong. We take off the rose-colored glasses and help you adjust expectations for your future Iceland Trip. As always, if you like our podcast, you can support us by leaving a review: Love The Podcast - Honest Iceland

If you are looking for a place to spend New Year's Eve, you will find Reykjavík on many top lists. With its bonfires, wild parties, and incredible fireworks display, Iceland's capital is not far behind New York or London. In this episode, you will learn: Where to go for New Year's Eve How to schedule the evening like an Icelander What is behind our famous sketch show "Áramótaskaup" We also give you an update on the Covid situation, and we tell you about the disaster that struck Seyðisfjörður. You can help with your donation under these links: The Red Cross The Search and Rescue Squad  Watch Áramótaskaup 2018 2019 Give our podcast some love and leave a review: https://lovethepodcast.com/HonestIceland

Liebe Island Freunde, um euch das Weihnachtsfest 2020 ein wenig zu verschönern, veröffentlichen wir heute eine Episode in Deutscher Sprache! Hier könnt ihr noch einmal alles über isländische Weihnachtstraditionen und die isländischen Weihnachtsmänner erfahren. Natürlich kommt die Weihnachtskatze nicht zu kurz. Erfahrt wie Isländer die dunklen Tage erhellen, und welche Weihnachtsgerichte typisch um Weihnachten gegessen werden. Buchquelle: Íslensku Jólasveinarnir mit deutschem Text zu finden auf www.snerra.is Hier könnt ihr unser Podcast bewerten:  https://lovethepodcast.com/HonestIceland Folgt uns auf Instagram für mehr Infos. Internetquelle: From the Icelandic National Museum

Meet the other even creepier Yule Lads. This episode is probably one of the most fun and distracting as Alli and Steffi discuss the weird character of the Yule pranksters and go deeper into unexpected topics like the Icelandic Skyr and why we have farms in which you can watch the cows while eating beef. Iceland stays weird and never gets boring! Last but not least: Thank you all for taking part in our Giveaway. Handmade Christmas cards are on the way to you. You guys are awesome! Don't forget to check our book recommendations for your Jólabókafloð (Christmas Book Flood) at your home. If you want to give us some love: https://lovethepodcast.com/HonestIceland Follow us on Instagram to meet all the Yule Lads. Sources for this episode: Book: Íslensku Jólasveinarnir by www.snerra.is Online: From the Icelandic National Museum

No, Iceland does not have a Santa Clause. Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses. But instead of bringing gifts, the Yule Lads play tricks with the children, steal their presents, and behave mischievously during their stay in town. Meet the Santa Clauses and learn more about their characteristics in this episode. Please support our show by leaving an honest review. This time, we randomly select five winners who will receive a personalized postcard from us. Submit until the next episode airs on December 17th and send us your name via mail to podcast@honesticeland.com. You can also use this link to review the podcast: https://lovethepodcast.com/HonestIceland Thanks to all our listeners and for your lovely messages. We are always happy to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram to meet the first Yule Lad arriving December 12th. Sources for this episode: Book: Íslensku Jólasveinarnir by www.snerra.is Online: From the Icelandic National Museum

Christmas time is finally here! Have you ever wondered about Icelandic traditions and how Icelanders celebrate during the darkest time of the year? We invite you to join Icelandic Christmas this year! Find the blog post HERE. Almost everyone knows about the Christmas Cat who eats children that did not receive new clothes before Christmas Eve. But what about the 13 gifts, Ice Skating, Remembering your loved ones, and finding the almond in the cake? Join us through this episode and learn about everything, even the weird stuff, that Icelanders do during Christmas time. Resources for this episode: The Christmas Cat Statue Controversary The Christmas Forest from the Icelandic Forest Association Ice Skating at Ingolfstorg Square  Þorláksmessa Our Sound & Music for this episode comes from Envato Elements. Songs: Light Happy Christmas by Sun Channel Music That Christmas by LFAudio Jazzy Christmas by Nuclearmetal Christmas Elf by WildKittyTunes The Christmas by ViktorSE

One of the most popular routes in Iceland: Easy to drive all year round; A day trip from Reykjavík. Bonus in this episode: How to complete your Golden Circle trip in the most enjoyable and relaxing way: We offer three options, tried and tested, for you to choose from. Read more HERE. Don't forget to subscribe to get our FREE planning Guide. If you like our podcast and would like to support us please leave a review.

Most people will tell you that summertime is the best time to visit Iceland. But what about Northern Lights, Ice Caves, and special prices that are only available in the wintertime? Read our latest blog post: https://honesticeland.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-iceland/ If you like our show, please give us a review!  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/honest-iceland-talk/id1525999592 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422

Some people miss traveling internationally and the pure feeling of sitting in an airplane, looking out the window. But in 2020, it is almost impossible to travel abroad.  To see my German family again, Alli and I took several challenges and obstacles to reach our destination. In the end, we almost did not make it back to Iceland. Listen to our experience with health centers, testings, misinformation from authorities, and how we spend 14 hours at multiple airports to get back to Iceland. Big Thanks to Icelandair for bringing us back, safe and sound. 

Can't wait to travel again in 2021? Packing smart for your Iceland trip is essential if you want to have an amazing time. But there is no need to buy heavy and expensive equipment. Save time planning and space in your luggage with our tips in this episode. For more info, check out Packing Guide with PRINTABLES: https://honesticeland.com/quick-packing-guide-for-iceland-with-printables/ Also, check 11 Things you need to pack for your Iceland Trip: https://honesticeland.com/things-you-need-to-pack-for-your-iceland-trip/ Let us know if you have any questions and contact us: podcast@honesticeland.com See you next week! 

What happens to Helga's mother after the elves visit her? Hear the rest of the story now. Listen to two more creepy ghosts stories from Iceland and find out how those tales still connect to Icelands society today. Books: Elves, Trolls and Elemental Beings by Alan Boucher 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson We look forward to reading your feedback. You can rate the episodes here https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422 or on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/honest-iceland-talk/id1525999592

In the old days, most Icelanders believed in ghosts, and some do until today. Iceland has a great variety of folk tales, giving you a distinct picture of the life and beliefs of past generations. In this episode, we bring you three stories: Redhead from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson The Monster of Látrabjarg from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson Helga the Farmers Daughter and the Elves from the book Elves, Trolls and Elemental Beings by Alan Boucher We look forward to reading your feedback. You can rate the episodes here https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422 or on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/honest-iceland-talk/id1525999592

Iceland is situated right between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and its geology is nothing short of extraordinary and fascinating. The inhabitants live with the constant threat of a sudden volcanic blow with a volcanic eruption on average every three to five years. In this episode, we tell you how past volcanos threatened the nation's survival and what we can learn from them for future eruptions. We also explore which volcanos show signs of erupting soon and take you on a short geological excursion about Iceland's formation. We recommend the book: Exploring Iceland's Geology by Snæbjörn Guðmundsson. Movie recommendation: BBC - Volcano Live, Iceland Erupts: A Volcano Live Special on YouTube Find out more about Grímsvötn in our latest blog post: https://honesticeland.com/icelands-powerful-volcano-ready-to-erupt/

For Iceland lovers and explorers - every Thursday, we share with you great stories, little known mysteries, and how to explore Iceland like a pro! Visit our website: https://honesticeland.com/ Steffi from Germany and Aðalbjörn from Iceland deliver you more Iceland wisdom every week! From geological history, mystical stories, funny tourist faux pas, personal experience to packing advice and travel tips, we got you covered! If you have suggestions for a future episode, fill out the short survey on https://honesticeland.com/honest-iceland-podcast/ and leave a review to help us create new material: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/things-you-did-not-know-about-iceland/id1525999592

I was very overwhelmed figuring out which places I should visit in Iceland when I came here for the first time. Alli and I chose our favorite places that every Iceland visitor should see. One with a creepy ghost, story, two unique islands, a very remote cliff, and the biggest glacier in Iceland. Check out our website https://honesticeland.com/honest-iceland-podcast/ where be publish a blog post about this episode soon. While you are there, fill out the short survey on our podcast page, so we can find out what you guys want to hear in the future. Stay healthy & stay safe.

Coming completely from the mountains? We get it, Icelandic is pretty hard to understand.  The Icelandic language did not change much in the last couple of centuries, which is why most Icelanders can still read ancient books and texts. Preserved with the language are many phrases that the old Vikings used, and are still used by many people today. We explore these phrases and put them into a present-day context. Let's get on with the butter!

The darkness in the wintertime? High prices? While the nature in Iceland is breathtaking, living in the country can be challenging.  Although we wouldn't choose anywhere else to live, in this episode, we explore several reasons that might throw you off form your plan of moving to Iceland.

Ever played with the thought of moving to Iceland? From the point of view of a native Icelander and an immigrant, we explore what we appreciate the most in this country. 

When it comes to corruption and tax evasion, Iceland is no exemption. While there are a few rotten apples amongst politicians, one MP manages to rise from the ashes, again and after. In this episode, we explore what impact the three main scandals of the last couple of years had in Iceland. Listen to learn more about The Fishrot Files, Panama Papers, and the Klaustur Scandal. Sources for this episode The Fishrot Files: https://www.ruv.is/kveikur/fishrot/fishrot/ https://wikileaks.org/fishrot/ https://www.samherji.is/en/moya/news/samherjis-namibia-investigation-finalized https://www.samherji.is/en/moya/news/significant-taxes-paid-in-namibia https://www.ruv.is/kveikur/fishrot/fishrot-2/ Panama Paper Scandal: https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news-topic/panama_papers/ Klaustur Scandal: https://www.icelandreview.com/politics/in-focus-the-klaustur-scandal/

Fascinating and mysteries, seeing Northern Lights in Iceland, is every travelers' dream. The new hunting season just started, and we tell you everything you need to know: How to read Autora forecasts, best spots to watch Northern Lights, and what are your option if you encounter a Northern Lights no show? Check these websites: https://auroraforecast.is/ https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ Visit our website and read how to catch Northern Lights: https://honesticeland.com/guide-to-northern-lights/

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. But is it a must-do, or can you skip it? We tested it for you in August 2020: Pros and cons, and what you need to know before you visit. Would you like to know more about Iceland's geology and the Blue Lagoon? We recommend the book "Exploring Iceland's Geology" from Snæbjörn Guðmundsson. In this episode, we also review the Silica Hotel, the Blue Lagoon Premium access, and Moss Restaurant. New episodes are published every Thursday! 

Getting lost on an ice sheet, driving a 6-hour detour, or literally finding yourself after an intense search, all this happened in recent years since Iceland became such a popular tourist destination. We talk about different mistakes and mishaps that travelers made on their vacation and what you can learn from it for your upcoming Iceland adventure. Please support the Search & Rescue Team in Iceland! See the pictures and read more about the stories we discuss in the episode: Don't trust your GPS Better stay off icebergs & Ice Sheets False alarm: a polar bear or the scariest sheep ever? Please only camp on the campsite The pooping Tourist Are you sure you want to use this broom to clean yourself? Warning signs are here for a reason Leave nature as you find it The Journey of finding yourself turns into a real adventure

The ban on alcoholic beverages, strict shower rules, and how the president of Iceland addressed the nation after collection rubbish around his estate: all these are topics we talk about in this week's episode. Things are done differently by the people inhabiting the small island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Icelanders don't joke around if it comes to their swimming pool culture. And what is best after a long soak in the hot tub? Right, ice cream. But most people in Iceland don't go for gelato; they roam into the local ice cream stores at midnight to buy the popular flavor-fox. Icelanders are generally relaxed, but when high profile visitor Mike Pence comes to Iceland, even the mayor of Reykjavík gets into trouble passing the head of security. Learn this and much more facts you did not know about Iceland.

In this episode, Steffi and Aðalbjörn discuss the new Netflix movie "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." Eurovision is very popular in Iceland although they never won the competition. This year, Daði Freyr's Song Think About Things was tipped the favorite. Unfortunately, the song contest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The movie follows Sigrit and Lars from the small town Húsavík. Together they go on a journey to win the famous song contest. Through the story, the film touches on several Icelandic cliches, myths, and insider jokes.  Listen to the episode to find out: How well does the movie portrait Icelandic culture and society? What is Eurovision, and why is Iceland so crazy about it? Do Icelanders believe in elves? (Spoiler: Listen to a real-life elve story) And finally, does the movie deserve the hype? Links that make you sing: Draumur um Nínu (1991) Song in Icelandic Langauge at Eurovision Gledibankinn - Bank of Fun (1986) Song in Icelandic Langauge at Eurovision Húsavík Live Cams