Iceland

In Iceland…

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  • Teitur
    6 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • lovelyalex
    3 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • Math R.
    3 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • wisepig
    3 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • PassTheOpenWindows
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • scarlett
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • Nix Jettson
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • hanzinannog
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • jenfur91
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!

  • Ashley R
    2 entries
    Worth visiting!
  • People going here are also going to these places:

    Entries

    Teitur
    Reykjavik

    Books and Bathing  — 2 weeks ago

    Worth visiting!

    Having ample hot geothermal water and plenty of long winter nights two of the greatest mainstays in Icelandic culture are the reading and writing of books and bathing and lingering in hot pots (/tubs).

    Though a number of other activities have gotten people through the long nights, such as singing, playing chess and making music, the reading and telling of stories and histories (sagas) has had a great place through Icelandic history. This is thankfully still alive and well, with Icelandic literacy at a hundred percent and with Icelanders giving books for any and all imaginable occasions. This for example results in an annual book flood around Christmas and a popular activity during the Christmas holidays is staying in bed reading “the Christmas books”.

    Bathing is another popular pasttime and cultural mainstay. As an affirmation of this Saturday is named Laugardagur or Pool-Day in Icelandic. One of the oldest and most notable of pools in Iceland is Snorralaug at Reykholt. Which is also a place to learn about the Sagas, since the lord Snorri Sturluson of Reykholt is likely to have collected and written some of the main ones. Those sagas which are on display however would have to be seen at the Saga exhibition at the national Culture House in Reykjavík.

    If you’d like to get involved with this part of Icelandic culture however; whether it is to go to the Blue Lagoon, the swimming pools, gyms or spas, you have to be aware that in all of these places there are shared locker rooms and showers and one is required to strip naked and wash properly before using the facilities. This has, needless to say, created some problems with the cultural descendants of the Victorians..

    I can assure you however that the locker rooms are a completely non-sexual environment and that no one will pay the least bit of attention too you in there unless you start doing something strange there such as trying to sneak to the pool without washing or even more ridiculously – try to bathe with your kit on! If anything these are probably the most assured ways to arouse some strange looks and comments.. :P

    -If you mange to get to the pools though you shouldn’t be disappointed. Top quality pools with bubbling massage pots, steambaths and saunas are pretty much in every small village and neighborhood these days :-)

    There you’ll also find a nice and relaxed atmosphere with locals sitting in the hot pots and chatting, going for their swim, kids playing and even people trying to sunbathe :D

    This of course mostly replaces the beach life of warmer places. A small geothermally heated beach with facilities is still available in Nauthólsvík bay in Reykjavik. Reykjavik’s other pools are still more popular :D

    Either way a dip in the geothermal waters is a must for the “Icelandic Experience”. Of course for those with less time a single stop at the Blue Lagoon might well do the trick ;-)

    Naamiee
    Ottawa

    Exchange  — 3 weeks ago

    I am going on exchange for 8 months there! I was going to choose The Netherlands (which I’ve been to) or Norway or anywhere else but I chose Iceland!

    PassTheOpenWindows
    Philadelphia

    The first time I went to this place  — 3 weeks ago

    Worth visiting!

    Glaciers, geysers, icebergs, volcanos, geothermal pools… This is definitely one of the most amazing places I’ve been. We rented a car a saw as much of the country as we could – I would recommend it completely! (did I mention the northern lights?)

    shimniok
    Centennial

    A review of this place: short days  — 4 weeks ago

    Worth visiting!

    Well worth it even in winter. The short days were a little hard on this kid from Tucson (366 days of sun a year) but nevertheless the place is amazing in winter. Cold, sure, but that is what the hot springs (like the Blue Lagoon) is for! Wonderful people. Interesting cuisine. Great Christmas traditions.

    Dave Zawislak
    Des Plaines

    Why I want to go to this place  — 1 month ago

    I think this will also be a good place to reach by goal:

    see the northern lights

    AmyyM
    28 places

    The last time I went to this place  — 1 month ago

    Worth visiting!

    I went 20th-24th march 2008 with my school group for geography.It was amazing and I had loads of fun! The blue lagoon was definitely a highlight

    imagiag
    Liberec

    The last time I went to this place  — 1 month ago

    Worth visiting!

    it was spectacular

    Dave Zawislak
    Des Plaines

    Why I want to go to this place  — 2 months ago

    Because of the volcanoes and other geothermal activity. And the Vikings were here.

    Majjang
    0 places

    Untitled  — 2 months ago

    Worth visiting!

    love it

    ~S.C.~
    Vermont

    Why I want to go to this place  — 3 months ago

    Hiking and hot springs! Can’t wait to finally go and explore all that Iceland can offer.

    See all 257 entries

    Questions about this place


    sluggo5922 asks, “I am interested in living in Reykjavik for 3 or 4 months, although i know nothing about it except its reputation and pictures of the scenery. If anyone could help me out with a couple questions, i would greatly appreciate it. 1. Is it possible to get”
    — 7 months ago


    5 answers

    Saint Helier
    lovelyalex asks, “9th November... here I come Iceland! Any tips for nightlife? (yes I know booze is expensive)”
    — 7 months ago


    6 answers

    Istanbul
    eersahin asks, “Can you please give me a checklist of the worthwhile places to visit in a 4 day trip to Iceland?”
    — 12 months ago


    9 answers

    New York City
    wisepig asks, “Wierd question but does anyone know what "fráboer" means in Icelandic? I can't seem to find a decent online translator. Thanks!”
    — 1 year ago


    3 answers

    Philadelphia
    PassTheOpenWindows asks, “We're heading to Iceland in 10 days (YAY!) and have read some great suggestions about places that are "must see" from others questions here. We're staying at a friend's cabin outside of Geysir and renting a 4WD. What I'm wondering is how far can we reason”
    — 1 year ago


    7 answers

    New York City
    scarlett asks, “How much daylight is in Southern Iceland [Reykjavik etc] between the dates of May 25th-June 2nd? That is when we will be there.”
    — 1 year ago


    0 answers

    New York City
    wisepig asks, “Hi Folks! I'm heading to Iceland in April and am looking for a nice, relatively inexpensive hotel to stay in Reykjavik (around the $100/ 75 Euro range). Any recommendation for good places near the city center?”
    — 1 year ago


    5 answers

    Ottawa
    Naamiee asks, “I want to live in Iceland for a year. But I'm vegetarian. Would I be able to "survive"?”
    — 1 year ago


    7 answers

    Boston
    travelchica asks, “I'm returning to Iceland this spring/summer on a "solo adventure." Any advice on inexpensive places to stay? Is it possible to stay with a family or perhaps camp or stay on a farm? I really want to learn more about the culture and people. Thanks!”
    — 1 year ago


    14 answers

    Royal Leamington Spa
    jenfur91 asks, “so my friend and i decided to scratch tunisia for a later date, and are headed to iceland instead. we'll be there for six days, and i'm looking for some advice: **what is essential to see in iceland? **is there good public transportation around the co”
    — 1 year ago


    9 answers
    See all 14 questions

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