Author: Iceland Mag

What is Unique to Iceland Arts and Culture?

Iceland Mag General ,

Iceland has a varied and rich culture. It has been known for its literary heritage, which started in the 12th century. Other different Icelandic traditional arts include silversmithing, wood carving, and weaving. The Reykjavik area has different and many professional theaters, which consist of an opera, a symphony orchestra, and several art galleries, cinemas, bookstores, and museums as well.

There are about four active dance ensembles for people in Iceland. Iceland’s literacy rate is among the highest internationally. They love art, literature, and many intellectual pursuits as widespread as they could be. These are what makes Iceland’s arts and culture so special.

More About Iceland’s Arts and Culture

Having a closely-knit population, a unique nature, and an enterprising spirit, these have all contributed to an original cultural scene that is dynamic. From the sagas that are ancient to award-winning movies, Icelanders are generally writing, composing, acting, designing, painting, sculpting, and practicing other arts and cultural activities.

A lot of locals have various creative professions, or they may have a creative hobby like playing an instrument, singing in the choir, knitting, designing clothing, or another wonderful method of displaying their innate creative energy.

ÚTÓN, which is Icelandic music, introduced itself all over the world. Check it out and know how they organized their music according to the genre and lets you get a little taste of a tiny slice of everything.

Reykjavik Arts Festival

This is a multidisciplinary festival that has a specific focus on the creative intersection of the arts and new commissions. For about two weeks annually, it presents arts and culture events to a huge audience with performances, exhibitions of classical and contemporary works in major cultural venues and spaces that are unconventional all around the city.

Reykjavik serves as a host to about hundreds of openings, workshops, exhibitions, and events that spread across the city from the harbor to the fields of lava that surrounds it. The day begins with international talks about design and showcases highlighting the best local creative scene stars, ranging from architecture to fashion, furniture, fonts, and the culinary arts.

It is known that Icelanders have a tradition, which is a Liberal Nordic outlook. This resembles other Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway. Icelanders are extremely proud of their Viking heritage and their Icelandic language. This is why they take their time in preserving their traditions.

What is Diamond Beach, Iceland?

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Welcome to this wonderful coal-black beach, which shines with beautiful icebergs there. It gets its name from the icebergs that lie around the volcanic dark sands, which shine like lovely diamonds in the rough. Diamond Beach in Iceland is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You can’t take an ugly photograph here.

What was the Formation Process of Diamond Beach?

The sand found at Diamond Beach comes from the dark volcanic rock which wears and flows down by the ocean and glacier rivers over centuries. These waves break up and they make lava fragments dissolve into the beautiful black sand, giving us our beautiful sand beach.

Why Do Diamond Beach’s Icebergs Have Different Colors?

The color an iceberg gets is defined by how old the ice is and the pressure of compression. At Diamond Beach, there are three different colors of icebergs. We’ve got blue, white/clear, and green icebergs. Some icebergs have grey/black strips that run through them.

Translucent or white icebergs are made when bubbles are created within the ice. As the snow begins compression, the bubbles show all wavelengths of light, this makes the ice look white.

Green or blue icebergs are created when the iceberg forms under the ocean and air bubbles get trapped in between. Denser ice gets a red and yellow light, but it shows green and blue light. This is why it gives them their wonderful color.

Icebergs with gray or black streaks running within them are a direct result of the volcanic past of Iceland. These icebergs were created during a volcanic eruption. It trapped some ash inside the pressurized snow.

When is the Best Time You Should Visit the Diamond Beach?

We can assure you that the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon never freezes over, which means that at any time of the year, you can visit Diamond Beach. But there is a slight difference in the weather from winter and summer.

The Weather in Summer

One of the merits of visiting in summer is because there is an ease of comfort and access while you are on the beach. The roads in Iceland are not as challenging in the summer; this lets visitors pack more things to do while they visit. You would be warmer while you spend time on the beach ,and you would enjoy spending your time there as a result of the sunlight.

The only disadvantage is that during the summer the iceberg melts a little bit quicker. But summer in Iceland isn’t that hot. The difference is not one you should bother yourself about.

The Weather in Winter

The disadvantages of spending a break in Diamond Beach in winter include an important need to spend more time in winter, because the road is quite challenging during winter than in summer. There isn’t as much daylight as you’ll get in summer, but this could be a chance to enjoy the beautiful colors of the northern lights as they shine on the icebergs.

All Natural Bug Sprays for Outdoor Activities

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There’s always that time of the year that seems as if the den of bugs were opened to come and feast off your blood. When this happens, there’s every chance that you’d start looking for a means to scare them off in no time. There’s also a great chance that you wouldn’t want to cling onto chemical-based products, and you’d be running around while looking for something natural to use.

If this is you, then, I’d suggest you stick to this blog as I reveal to you some of the best natural bug sprays that you can use as a repellent against bugs.

Here they are!

1. Hyalogic – Bug Armour Natural Bug Repellent Spray 

Hyalogic’s Bug Armour Natural Bug Repellent Spray has been made to fight against all sorts of pests which include mosquitoes, insects, and gnats.

Using this product will only mean that you do not need to face the problem of bugs, as it’s going to repel every sign of bugs on your skin. It’s DEET-free, non-oily, and dries faster.

It’s been formulated with the best range of natural ingredients, such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, and orange, which won’t hurt any part of your skin.

The hyaluronic acid is present to ensure that you maintain good smooth skin. Hyalogic’s Bug Armour Natural Bug Repellent is very portable and can fit into your bag at any time.

2. Repel ­– Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

The Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is specifically produced for children that are quite older than three (3) years of age. It’s also great for adults.

It’s a bug repellent that was made from plant-based ingredients, so this means that it’s going to hold a maximum effect on the skin.

This product is very active because of the lemon and eucalyptus plants that the oil was derived from. It repels everything ranging from mosquitoes to insects to flies and more.

With Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, you are going to be safe from bugs for the next six hours after you’re done spraying.

3. Hello Bello – Organic Bug Spray

To be able to clear off signs of bugs from your body, Hello Bello Organic Bug Spray is one of the top natural bug sprays to cling onto.

It has been made with the best of natural ingredients to help scare away every sort of pest that might want to find its way to you.

This wonder product was tested and confirmed to be a good repellent for bugs. The positive reviews garnered in recent times is a testament to that.

4. Burt’s Bees – Herbal Insect Repellent

I’m sure you don’t want to go around holding a big party.

Here, Burt’s Bees’ Herbal Insect Repellent will help keep them all away from you in no time. It’s formulated with some of the most natural ingredients, which include citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary.

Spray onto your body and have a bug-free time!

9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Iceland

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You might live in Iceland or you might have visited, but you may not know about these 9 interesting facts!

9 Facts You Didn’t Know About Iceland

1.     Almost everyone is named Magnús.

People in Iceland believe language is highly important, and it serves as your identity. The language there has not changed from the beginning of their existence. Many of their family names are Magnus.

2.     Beer was not allowed in the country until 1989.

All alcoholic drinks were banned for political reasons until March 1, 1989, from their struggles for independence from Denmark.

3.     Radiators are filled with water.

About 85% of the energy used in Iceland is from renewable sources. About 66% is from geothermal sources.

4.     There are no mosquitos found in Iceland.

There are no mosquitoes in Iceland due to the high amount of cold.

5.     There are not many trees in Iceland.

If you go to Iceland, you won’t find many trees. This was not always the case, but the Vikings axed down many forests for timber and to get space for the farms. Also, it’s due to the soil there. Since then, the government has made an effort to bring back the forests.

6.     Iceland does not have a railway system.

Typically, you wouldn’t be surprised that a small island nation does not have a railway system. But if you get stuck in a car on the road and you run out of gas, your next thoughts will veer towards other modes of transportation. But here you can’t do that because it doesn’t have a single rail for you to even think of getting a train ride home.

7.     It’s only a step/swim away from North America.

Iceland is only a 30-minute drive away, and you’ll reach an intersection of Europe and North America. In 2000 during the summer, the South of Iceland experienced two dangerous earthquakes, which resulted in North American and Eurasian to shift and the shifting of these tectonic plates ran through Iceland.

8.     Fast food restaurants are few in Iceland.

Before some years back, Iceland only had about three McDonald’s. And then after the financial crisis, the country arranged its economy and got more fast food restaurants, because McDonald’s could not handle the population that had more than 300,000 denizens.

9.     Iceland does not joke with marriage and divorce.

In Iceland, you have to settle and decide with the whole of your heart that you want to get married to your spouse, because it is extremely difficult to get a divorce in the future. They do the whole “till death do us part” properly. If you visit the homes of families in Iceland and look at their family portraits, you’ll get to see a photo of the parents, siblings, aunties, uncles, and all spouses on the photograph.

These are 9 facts you didn’t know about Iceland. We hope you enjoyed them!

Best Beaches in Iceland

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Forget the fact Iceland is named Iceland, it has one of the most beautiful beaches you can imagine. These beaches have one of the best views. Be it the Blue Lagoon’s stunning beaches or the Northern Lights. It is a once in a blue moon sort of experience. What more could you ask for?

Iceland can be found at the edge of the Arctic, and you can’t select just one beach that would be the best. This is because Iceland will captivate your mind. It is a destination that will leave you stuck on its beautiful beaches.

List of Best Beaches in Iceland

1.     Black Sand Beach

This can be found on the south coast of Iceland. It is famous for its well-known Black Sand Beach. Its color is from the ash from the volcano. It is safe to say that you’ll feel like you are on another planet when you are on the black sand beach.

This is one of the reasons a lot of tourists flock these beaches in Iceland from different parts of the world yearly. Whenever you decide to visit Black Sand Beach, make sure you check the weather and make sure you take enough supplies and clothes that are waterproof, a tent, phone, blankets, flashlights, food, and your camera.

2.     Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in Iceland. It gets this name from the huge blocks of ice around, and they wash-up on the beaches shore from the Glacier Lagoon close by. These chunks of ice look like big huge diamond rocks. This place is one of the most special places on Earth. Where else would you see a beach that’s filled with large ice diamonds?

Since the beach can be found close to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, you could pay and visit the lagoon on your way. It is owned by the Vatnajökull Glacier National Park. These huge ice blocks are quite old; some are past a thousand years old.

3.     Nautholsvik Beach

This is one of the popular beaches that could be found in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. One of the best things about this beach is that it is a thermal beach, which gains its heat from the water that flows straight from the bay. You should be comfortable taking a dip into the water without worrying, because the water is hot enough for you to enjoy your bath and swim without any stress.

The beach has public amenities and two freshwater pools that are well suited for entire families. You are not allowed to surf on the beach for your safety. You should visit this beach if you want to relax and take your bath in this warm water.

4       Kirkjubol Beach

This is located in the west part of Iceland. This beach is created for family travelers and people that love staying outdoors. There are buses and airplane services available at this beach.

Enjoy your time at these best beaches in Iceland.

What Kind of Fish Can You Catch in Iceland?

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If you are in Iceland and you want to fish, but you don’t know what kind of fish you can catch in Iceland, then this article is for you!

Kinds of Fish You Can Catch in Iceland

There are about 5 types of freshwater fish that could be caught in Iceland. Three of them are from the salmon family – the Atlantic salmon, the Arctic char, and the brown trout.

The other available species include the popularly known three spine stickleback and the eel. They can live in the sea. It is a necessary part of their life cycle.

Captured from fish farmers, the rainbow trout and the special humpback salmon can be found in Iceland too. They originated from the Eastern seaboard of Canada and Russia. These two species are not usually bred in Iceland, but you could get lucky to catch them here.

Fish Life Cycles

Species that change locations between freshwater and marine areas have different life cycles.

The salmon spends most of its life in freshwater before it leaves to the sea where it spends a year or two before it comes back to the freshwater to spawn more salmon.

The brown trout and Arctic char have two different life cycles. Both of them could either spend their entire life in freshwater or move to the sea every summer and then return to their rivers during the winter.

Both sea-bound Arctic char and landlocked versions are quite common all around Iceland, where the sea trout is usually found in the west and south of the nation. Though the journey to the sea could be hazardous and long, there are advantages to spending a lot of time in marine water. The sea has an ecosystem that is varied when compared to freshwater and a higher amount of things larger fish could eat; this enables a better growth rate in fish from marine regions than those from freshwater.

Organization of Fish You Can Catch in Iceland

As a result of the choice of habitat, there is a different organization of Icelandic salmonids. Though the species compete and they are similar to each other for food, they all have different requirements for their habitats.

The char is quite tough and it can live in inhospitable cold waters. They are quite adapted to spending and spawning their first years on lake beds or fine gravel rivers and in calmer water than salmon or brown trout.

Salmon are normally found in rivers filled with nutrients, where they choose to live on stonier river beds and stronger currents.

The brown trout is between the salmon and the char in its habitat requirements, which relate to the level of nutrients, the strength of current, temperature, and the type of river bed.If you love catching fish, you may also be a fan of fish for nutritional benefits as well. Try Marine Fish Oil by Klaire Labs for all-natural omega-3s for overall health support!

How to Grow Vegetables Inside

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The land of fire and ice is known for its beautiful scenery and natural attractions, but some locals are still wondering how to grow vegetables inside Iceland? The question isn’t out of place, because it’s a thing of wonder on how the Icelanders always manage to grow their vegetables. Nonetheless, to grow your vegetables in this nation, you have to implement the use of a greenhouse

Why Use a Greenhouse?

To manufacture the greenhouse, the first thing the Icelanders consider is getting the right glass. The glass helps to provide your vegetables with excessive light. Someone might argue, but vegetables get more light this way than when they are outside? Here are the reasons why Icelanders adopt a greenhouse.

1.  Light

Oftentimes, the trees, fence, and some parts of buildings might contribute to the prevention of light and cause a shade for your vegetables while you sit there thinking they are getting enough light. The Icelanders understand this, and this is why they adopted this means of vegetable growing. Placing vegetables in the greenhouse ensures that they get the best treatment, especially if they are strategically placed under a direct source of the sun.

2. Temperatures

The vegetables need a certain degree of temperature to survive. If the temperature is more there’s a problem, if it’s less, then there will also be a problem so why not keep it at the normal level? Great! The greenhouse ensures that the amount of temperature that comes into the house to touch the tables are absolutely normal. Also, there’s a provision for using the greenhouse heater, which can be used to set up a sort of temperature for the vegetables to provide them with a better atmosphere to grow in.

3. Greenhouse Gases

The greenhouse helps the vegetables to get carbon dioxide at a more normalized level.

4. Control Pests

The greenhouse ensures that pests that come to destroy the crops are not contained as you can easily fish them out and kill them at sight.

The greenhouse uses geothermal technology. In Fridheimar, Iceland, greenhouses are often found. There, the owners of Iceland tend to grow and harvest a huge number of tomatoes about a total of 370 rounds all through the year every year. The greenhouse helps the people of Iceland to grow their vegetables inside and reap bountifully during the harvest.

The greenhouses in Reykjavik are almost like a different world, because the tons of tomatoes grown there would make you think twice about if it was from this typically cold country.

The greenhouse remains the biggest way through which the Icelanders grow their vegetables, in their seemingly not-so-good weather. A greenhouse can work almost anywhere, but it takes determination and a better approach to succeed at it.

How Long Does It Take to Get Around Iceland for the Most Scenic Drives?

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Getting around Iceland could be one hell of fun stuff since the best way to get around it is through road drives. For people who haven’t been to Iceland and would want to go there, I assure you that it’s going to be one of the best drives you’ve taken your whole life.

Now, the next question on your mind should probably be, how long does it take to get around Iceland? Well, hang in there, you are about to find out.

How Long Does It Take to Get Around Iceland?

Everyone who intends to embark on a journey, especially if it’s the first time, always has to prepare their minds for the total number of hours the journey is going to take. Well, for that of Iceland, if you are looking to have the most scenic drives, you will have to take out 6 to 7 days, as this will enable you to drive around and get the best out of your journey as well as see everything there is to see.

Sometimes, it might be longer depending on the condition of the weather, how familiar you are with the place and the places you’d love to visit. If you are willing to go through the urban areas or rural areas, everything solely depends on you.

While on your scenic drive you can decide to take the Iceland Ring Road which is always better but longer, you can also choose to drive through a shorter route, but it’s oftentimes not advisable. Before you start this journey, you should get familiar with Iceland’s Ring Road.

The Ring Road

Otherwise known as Route 1, the Ring Road is the major route of Iceland. It’s like the integral part through which other routes are connected. When you want to go on your scenic drive, take the Ring Road, because it lets you tour the nation from your comfort and on your pace. The driving scenes are as beautiful as you’ve read them to be. Be sure to be met with lots and lots of things that naturally attract.

Driving on, you will be met with mountains, which are also known, as the highlands of Iceland are located in the interior part of the country, which always poses an obstacle for the vehicles to pass through.

It is advisable that you place your speed on a limit of 50 km/h (roughly 30 mph) while driving through the urban areas, and 90km/h when you drive through the rural areas.

In conclusion, Iceland is a beautiful nation filled with so many attractions, and before you can drive through the scenes that exist, I advise you to conduct your studies and get fully prepared because the journey is always a long one. You can also take a tour guide along with you, because it’s oftentimes necessary. I hope you get the fun you crave for.

What Kind of Fish Can You Catch In Iceland?

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Fish are found in their numbers in the seas of Iceland. From a recent study, a total of about 340 species of fish exist in the Icelandic seas and waters. On the northern coast of Iceland, 70 species are found in the seas.

Some species of freshwater fish that can be found in the Icelandic seas include:

●      Salmonidae; the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salary), the Arctic Char and the brown trout

●      Gasterosteus aculeatus and the eel

●      The rainbow trout

●      Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Fish have been known to be loaded with lots of benefits, which positively impacts our general wellness. Benefits of fish consumption include:

●      It helps in lowering the risk of heart attacks.

●      It is filled with nutrients that help in body development and brain boost.

Despite its high number of species, fish in Iceland might prove to be a huge task to get at times, and that’s why people tend to settle for fish supplements because they also provide you with the same benefits that you are bound to get from the fresh ones. Talking about fish supplements, we recommend that you try Klaire Labs’ Marine Fish Oil or Nordic Naturals’ Nordic Omega-3 Gummy Fish.

Klaire Labs’ Marine Fish Oil

Klaire Labs’ Marine Fish Oil is highly active with the omega 3 EPA and DHA fatty acids that are usually found in fresh fishes. Some of the uncommon benefits of the fish oil include:

1. It helps in building and boosting your immune system, effectively regulates inflammation and your mood.

2. It is made with distilled water, so as to be sure that heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and zinc are removed entirely, as well as other contaminated elements.

3. It also regulates lipoprotein metabolism and brain function.

4. It is concentrated and is sure to supply you with 50% of EPA and DHA contents which is a great deal, considering the affordability.

5. Each soft gel of Marine Fish Oil contains a 300mg amount of EPA and 200mg amount of DHA.

Note: It’s unflavored, and you are sure to get the taste and smell that comes with fish.

Nordic Naturals – Nordic Omega-3 Gummy Fish

The second option is the Nordic Naturals’ Nordic Omega-3 Gummy Fish. The beautiful thing is that this product is suitable for both adults and kids alike. It is loaded with nutritional values and a tangerine flavor that your kids would absolutely fall in love with. Some of the beautiful things you stand to gain from this product include:

1.  It provides you with a 103 mg omega-3 EPA+DHA that comes In fish-shaped chewable tangerine-flavored gummy, soft gels.

2. There are no colors, flavors, or preservatives from artificial sources.

3. Nordic Omega 3 Gummies are free of yeast and dairies.

4. Kids from the age of 2 and above can be part of this goodness.

Fish are packed with similar benefits no matter the form they come in. Increase your intake of it and maintain your overall wellness.

A Brief History of the Viking in Iceland

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The history of the Viking in Iceland is vast. Find out more below!

The Early Days of Iceland

The residents of Iceland came from ancient Vikings. The Irish monks had been the inhabitants of Iceland before the Vikings broke in and forcefully took charge of the country, leaving the Irish monks empty and greatly distanced them. This caused them to give up on the country, so they had to leave it for the Vikings to continue to occupy.

Following the entrance of the Vikings, so many names were put into consideration to give to the great land of fire and ice. The land was almost called Snaeland or Thule, but none were a good fit for the land.

While these thoughts were put into place, Hrafna-Flóki visited and inhabited the land during the winter. He had gone up to one of the mountains close to Flókalundurone. There he stood looking at the fjords that were filled with ice, and he had the realization and called it The Iceland. And that was how the country started, and the name Hrafna-Flóki became one of the most known Viking in Iceland.

The Term ‘Viking’

Many have different perceptions of the term “Vikings,” who they were and what they represent. In the real sense, it’s quite difficult to tell in clear terms. In some languages, it’s used to describe a person who sails often. For some other persons, it’s some sort of occupation or profession. According to history, Vikings is a term used to describe one who is violent, judging from the fact that they attacked, kidnapped, and forcefully robbed several villages towns amongst several other atrocities as they journeyed across the sea to Iceland. A lot of the male inhabitants are from Nordic countries from Norway, while a lot of the females are from the British isles. 

Fast forward to the later days of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarsson was recognized as the first man to settle in Iceland, because he settled there permanently together with his brother and his followers.

Facts about the Viking in Iceland

1.  A lot of people believed that the Vikings in Iceland wore hats with horns fixed on them, but that’s on the contrary because they didn’t. Instead, the helmets they wore were made of metals, having the same features as that of those work in northern Europe.

2. Vikings didn’t hold anything against divorce, so their women freely divorced their husbands, and they were able to inherit their husband’s properties at the time. Unlike now.

3. The Vikings had hobbies such as racing, chess, wrestling, drinking competitions, horse riding, amongst many others.

3. When the Vikings newly came to the land, they built their houses with turf materials.

4. Viking women of Iceland then wore pieces of jewelry to show wealth.

5. The Irish monks were the first to settle down in Iceland, but the entrance of the Vikings made them leave.