Author: Iceland Mag

Dangers of Drinking a Blue Green Algae Shot

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Have you heard of blue green algae? It turns out that drinking a blue green algae shot may have potential dangers to your health. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Blue Green Algae?

Blue green algae is not algae at all! In fact, it is a plant-like bacteria called cyanobacteria that produces a bluish green colored pigment. It is found majorly in saltwater and some lakes.

These plants have been used by humans as food in some parts of Africa and Mexico, as well as in supplements. However, recent reports suggest this type of bacteria (also referred to by some as pond scum) can be deadly. It contains algal toxins and should never to ingested or exposed to sensitive areas of the body such as the skin or eyes.

Is There Safe Algae?

Unlike blue green algae, there are other types of living organisms that are helpful to the body. For instance, chlorella and spirulina are safe and nutritious types of green algae that are considered superfoods. Often consumed in drink mixes or protein shakes for additional vitamins and minerals, they are dried into a powder and then mixed with a beverage to consume. While you should never try a blue green algae shot, you can safely ingest a shot of chlorella or spirulina as part of your balanced daily diet. For other supplements that support overall wellness, try Algalife USA’s Icelandic Astaxanthin, which promotes healthy vision.

Interesting Facts on Iceland

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There are a number of interesting facts on Iceland that you may not know. We have put together some interesting facts on Iceland for tourists and locals alike. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Interesting Facts of Iceland

Viking Ties

The Vikings settled in Iceland in the 800s. When settlement is concerned, Iceland can be said to be a somewhat young country. This country has a great and peculiar cultural background that is not common. The horses in Iceland are said to be descendants of the horses that Vikings used. They were imported from mainland Europe.

Sometimes, we wonder who misnamed both Greenland and Iceland. We want to know the logic behind the misnaming.

Do you that the Vikings named both Iceland and Greenland? Greenland has ice, while Iceland doesn’t have as much ice. The Vikings misnamed them purposely to confuse their enemies.

This was done so that their enemies could head to the ice-covered Greenland when they wanted to attack them, instead of heading to Iceland. 

First Parliament

The first parliament in Europe is said to have happened in Iceland. This occurred in 930 AD. They met at Thingvellir National Park. Today, this place is seen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because of the great geographical, historical and cultural significance linked to the site. 

Tectonic Plates

The Thingvellir National Park is seen as a UNESCO site, because it is one place that you can see two tectonic plates close to each other visible. Most times, these tectonic plates are under the ground. There are two places that tectonic plates being visible above the ground is possible.

You can see the North American and Eurasian plates minoring from the ground. They are said to move about 2 km away from each other annually.

If you want, you can have fun close to the plates. You can dive or even snorkel in the Lake Thingvallavatn.

Volcanoes

Iceland is one place that is active geographically. This is not far from the fact that it is sited on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In this country, you will see at least 125 volcanic mountains. Only a few are still considered active.

A volcano erupts once every four or so years. This may not have been true in the past few years.

Glaciers

Another part of Iceland has many glaciers. They are covered by the lands that were not formed by earthquakes and magma and earthquakes. This landscape is out of this world.

Achievements of Miss Universe Iceland 2019

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Miss Universe Iceland 2019 is a phenomenal lady that we all know deserved the title. She is no other person but Birta Abiba Þórhallsdóttir. She was born on Sept. 1, 1999, and is a beautiful model at a height of 5 ft 10 in, with black hair and brown eyes. When she was made the Miss Universe Iceland 2019, we had no choice but to agree with the choice, because she deserved to win.

As Miss Universe Iceland 2019, she went on to represent Iceland during the Miss Universe 2019 contest, and she was amongst the top ten.

Some of the achievements of Birta are as follows.

4 Achievements of Miss Universe Iceland 2019

She is a published author.

Many people may not know that she is more than the winner of a prestigious title.

She has written a novel and hopes that one day, she will be a renowned author all over the world. She is interested a lot in America and war History. We can’t wait for the next book that she publishes.  Could that be what her next book is about?

She teaches cultural diversity.

Do you know that Birta is an educator that is focused a lot on cultural diversity? She is interested in letting the world know that Iceland is filled with incredible cultures. She teaches young people about these cultural practices and preaches for diversity. She preaches cultural acceptance.

She is a volunteer for the Icelandic Red Cross Study Aid program.

Birta, like earlier mentioned, is an educator that teaches children mathematics, Icelandic language and even English language. She helps people prepare for their standardized testing.

She is not only beautiful; she is highly intelligent. She loves improving the confidence of those around and showing them that they can do anything they wish, if they put their minds to it.

According to her volunteering has made her understand that more compassion is necessary in this world. Empathy is important, and it can help people, no matter what condition they may be in.

She is the first biracial woman to win Miss Universe Iceland.

It is no news that Birta is biracial. Many biracial people tend to be bullied as kids because of their mixed race, and Birta was one of them. According to her, she was kicked in the ribs because of her race.

She grew up loving her heritage, and that was one reason she decided to compete for Miss Universe Iceland. It wasn’t easy, because many people felt that the contest was solely for those with Caucasian skin of the typical Icelandic girls.

She didn’t have the skin, but she ended up winning.

Birta won it when she was only 20 years old, and this was the first beauty contest that she ever won. We can’t help but state that she is a phenomenal lady.

Best Weatherproof Iceland Boot Options

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If you are heading to Iceland or live in Iceland, you need awesome weatherproof Iceland boots. It is no news that if you don’t use one that is made properly, you may end up feeling sorry (and have wet feet!)

If you love spending time hiking or taking up the sun, these Iceland boot options will help you.

4 Iceland Boot Options

Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX

This boot is loved by a lot of guides, as it can stand the test of time on rough terrain. If you are planning on exploring Iceland’s rough terrain, you need a boot as sturdy as this.

This boot comes with a sticky Contagrip TD bottom sole. The sole is able to hold onto loose terrains, as well as bigger rocks.

It has a nubuck leather exterior that prevents the shoe from ripping. Apart from that, it has an industry-leading waterproof Gore-Tex lining.

If you want a boot that reduces blisters, you should consider getting this because it possesses a molded OrthoLite sock liner, ensuring that your foot is coddled.

La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX

This boot is breathable and light. It is great for backpackers. It ensures that your feet are dry through its Gore-Tex Surround lining. It ensures that you move around easily via a 3D Flex ankle. To ensure that you have an awesome grip, it possesses a Vibram Nano sole with Impact Brake System. They also reduce shock.

It gives you a protective fit via the Nubuck exterior, as well as the Nano-Cell upper wrap.

Before you buy, try a pair to see if it fits. This is a great boot for the weather and terrain.

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX

This is a boot that can be said to be both flexible and soft. When you see this boot, you will expect it to be bulky, but that is far from the truth.

The fact that the boot has Waterproof Gore-Tex Performance Comfort and Vibram Drumlin sole means that the shoe is great for the terrain and weather in this country.

It is sturdy and made from Suede Perwanger, a durable material. You don’t have to worry about dirt or gravel entering the shoe.

It is light and sensitive. If you have decided to hike or backpack around Iceland, you will love this.

Hanwag Tatra II GTX

This is a comfortable material and is known to be lightweight. This is great for any hiker because of how comfortable it is.

It is created from Nubuck leather. The footbed is out of this world.

If you want a snug boot, do not look elsewhere.

This boot is awesome for hiking, but may not work well in multi-day treks. It is important to note that though the Tatra is an awesome Iceland boot, it may not stand the test of time.

Which Iceland boot option will you choose?

How to Fish in Cold Weather in Iceland

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Fishing in Iceland is a popular sport and hobby. Generally, cold weather fishing is a very rewarding hunting task, and there are so many reasons for that. When the temperature is cold, many anglers, most especially, the fair-weather ones, will be forced to stay home or go into the woods during hunting seasons.

When it is winter, many of the freshwater species always group up, meaning that there will be more fish to catch for the cold-weather fishers.

If you are interested in cold-weather fishing, you’ll need the right tools. Keep reading so that you will be fully equipped when its wintertime and learn how to fish in cold weather in Iceland.

Tips for Fishing in Cold Weather in Iceland

Choose the right spot.

Before you embark on your cold-weather fishing trip, the first step you need to take to be successful is to know the right place to go, no matter the kind of species you are targeting. If you go to the lakes that are overflowing or the high one, then you will be left with very low chances to succeed, most especially in the months when the water is cold. So, avoid this kind of river or lake and go for the ones that their winter condition is normal with a natural/stable current.

Go at the right time.

Finding the right time to angle is another factor that should be put into consideration before you go. You should bear it in mind that the best time for cold weather fishing might not be okay for fishers, but some conditions have high odds of catching. For many confirmed reasons, the best time for you to go fishing in winter in Iceland is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Gather the right fishing equipment.

Generally, more strain comes on the fishing equipment during winter. After you have gotten the right spot and the right time to fishing in cold weather, you should also ensure that the whole equipment you are going with will be able to do the job. First, ensure that your reels are intact. If they are already stiff they will disappoint you. So clean the reels and lubricate them. The same applies to other equipment, such as the fluorocarbon line and the monofilament. Fix them in a way that suits the cold water to prevent them from freezing or twisting.

Go with the right bait.

In cold weather, live baits will be the best for you. You can decide to go for worms, minnows, or shiners. Ensure that the lures you use can catch more than one species. For plastic baits, use the soft ones. You can choose silver, transparent, or white straight-tail worms.

Stay safe.

The last and most important thing to do is to stay safe during the cold weather fishing. Be dressed in layers and let people know your timing. This will be helpful when there is trouble. So try to tell your family member or friend about your location, the route you are expected to take, and the time you are expected to return. This will make the search process easy and fast.With all these in mind, you will be sure to have one of the greatest cold-weather fishing experience in Iceland. Be sure to take some fish oil supplements with you from Nordic Naturals too, if you don’t catch any fish but still want the nutrition they offer!

What Food Do They Eat in Iceland?

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There are so many things in Iceland that tourists and travelers enjoy. Not only does this landscape pack on icy glaciers, volcanic systems, and hot springs that bring tourists from all over the world, but Icelandic food is also a must-try for travelers whenever they are visiting this natural wonderland.nevermoi

Icelandic food is incredibly delicious; their cuisines and dinner menu is something you want to look forward to. Even though Icelandic foods are not as popular as its landscapes, the chefs have stepped up their game by infusing various ingredients into their local cuisines.

The private food tours that Iceland offers is a great way to try out these finger-licking dishes. So if you don’t know what foods Icelanders eat and you plan on touring Iceland, here are some few Icelandic foods you need to try.

4 Popular Foods in Iceland

Lamb

This is one Icelandic meat that is always available anywhere in the country. Icelanders love the meat of lamb and sheep more than beef. One fun fact about Iceland is that there is three times more lamb than Icelanders on the island.

The meat of Icelandic lamb is usually roasted or made into a scrumptious meal. Some steak houses in Iceland usually prepare lamb steaks, which are more tender than a beefsteak. Lamb meat is also used to prepare traditional Icelandic lamb soup. This lamb soup is made from the tough bits of lamb and Iceland’s vegetables and herbs. During the cold months, this is surely a dish you would want to try out when you visit Iceland.

Fermented Shark

This traditional Icelandic cuisine called Hákarl is fermented sharks containing green land sharks and sleeper sharks. Due to its certain ammonia taste, most tourists have classified this dish is one of the worse things they have ever tasted, even though this dish is eaten around Iceland all year long. For a traditionalist, try this cuisine and see for yourself.

Skyr

This dish is something you are going to see whenever you visit Iceland. Even though it looks like yogurt, the taste and feel when it melts into your tongue tastes a bit different. The skyr is made from pasteurized milk and bacteria culture, this creamy delicacy leaves a sour cream taste after the taste of yogurt.  Skyr is high in protein and low in fat, and it packs on a lot of vitamins, so Icelanders eat this all the time.

Seafood

It’s no wonder how fish and seafood, in general, occupy a great portion in Icelandic cuisines. Due to the island’s location in the middle of the ocean, fishing has helped the country’s economy greatly since time past, and there are various species of saltwater fish available to Icelanders like catfish, halibut, lumpfish, cod, Greenland shark, and mackerel. These fish are served in any Iceland restaurant, they are always fresh, since fishing is done at any time of the day. Lobster is also another thing Icelanders enjoy, although it is on the more expensive side.

If you’re traveling to Iceland, be sure to also pack some healthy snacks like nuts and seeds from NOW Foods. They have enough protein to give you the energy you need to explore this beautiful, vast country.

Which traditional Icelandic food will you try first?

Iceland Travel: Visit the Geothermal Spa at the Blue Lagoon

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What is a trip to Iceland without a visit to one of the most visited tourist sites in Iceland, the geothermal spa at the Blue Lagoon?

How Did the Blue Lagoon Come About?

Contrary to what you may be tempted to believe, the Blue Lagoon is actually manmade and not a natural phenomenon. It is actually wastewater from the geothermal plant of Svartsengi; however, in 1981 a young man called Valur Margeirsson who had psoriasis decided to take a bath in the water in his desperation for a cure for his skin condition.

Seeing his positive results, he named the site Blue Lagoon after the color of the algae in the water, and a couple of years later the site was open to people suffering from a variety of skin conditions. But as of now, it is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, attracting tourists year -round.

The Benefits of Bathing in the Blue Lagoon

While it is not exactly known why the water is so good for the skin, it is believed to be due to the mix of the blue-green algae, dissolved minerals in the water (which include chloride, natron and calcium), and a type of bacteria that has only been found in the Blue Lagoon. Since 1994, the Blue Lagoon has offered skin treatments for people suffering from psoriasis with varying positive results.

There is also a mud bar at the site, where a silica mud mask is applied to your face for a few minutes before it is washed off. You may also want to enjoy the manmade waterfall and feel its power pounding down your shoulders relieving any tension or stress. If you are into massage, you can book one here as well.

The Northern Lights and Other Attractions at the Blue Lagoon

The Northern Lights are a special feature of the Blue Lagoon all year round, lighting up the backdrop of the night sky just around sunset. What better place to watch nature play with colors and light if not from a warm geothermal pool?

Other features on the site include the Blue Lagoon Bar, which is inside the Lagoon. Here, you can purchase both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages without getting out of the water.

The Blue Lagoon Lava Restaurant has a beautiful view of the Blue Lagoon, a surreal ambiance, gourmet meals, and a lava cliff behind the floor to ceiling windows of the upscale restaurant.

The Retreat Hotel opened its doors in 2018 to guests and is an exclusive luxury hotel only offering 62 private suites. It guarantees access to the Blue Lagoon, the Retreat Spa, and free Wi-Fi.

The Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon Retreat is another must-see attraction here, as it offers an ever-changing seasonal menu and a view of the surrounding lava landscapes.

With its many charms and attractions, it is no wonder that the Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland and was bestowed the honors of been named one of 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic in 2012.

Planning a trip to Iceland? Don’t forget to book a visit to the geothermal spa of the Blue Lagoon and take a deep in its warm therapeutic waters.

Must-See Tourist Destination: Crystal Cave Skaftafell Iceland

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Ice caves are one of the most enchanting beauties in nature formed in Iceland. Just imagine yourself standing inside a glacier, the feeling is entirely amazing and makes you appreciate nature all the more. It is no secret how Iceland’s magnificence has drawn tourists from all over the world. The thermal pools, glacial mountains, icy waterfalls, and even the Crystal Cave Skatafell Iceland have certainly made Iceland nature wonderland. Keep reading to learn about the Crystal Cave Skatafell Iceland.

Why Visit the Crystal Cave Skatafell Iceland?

The frosty serenity of the Crystal Cave is astounding and is one of nature’s phenomenon. In the national park of Skatafell Iceland, there’s so much diversity and stunning terrains, the glaciers, valleys, peaks, lakes, ice caves and so much more.

The Crystal Cave in Skatafell is not one to miss if you plan on visiting Iceland. The immensely breathtaking glacier created by the exceptional forces of Vatnajokull ice caps were formed as the endpoint of the glaciers meeting the Icelandic coastline. The Crystal Cave Skatafell Iceland is truly magnificent. Its brilliance, texture, and varieties in color makes it truly out of this world.

The height clearance narrows to about 4 feet at the far end. The Crystal Cave can be assessed through a 22-foot entrance at the waters. The magnificence of this Crystal Cave when the glaciers move making pop and snap sounds shows the great power of nature.

Why is the Crystal Cave So Beautiful?

Even though the blue ice of the Crystal Cave is not always seen. For the sparkling beauty and vibrancy hues of indigo and aquamarine to occur, rain is needed to wash away the layers of snow that build-up at the surface of the glacier.  he light passing through the thick heavy blue ice is extremely otherworldly that never-ending photographs from this ice caves have won major prizes in photography contests. That’s why to Crystal Cave in Skatafell is a must-see tourist destination in Iceland.

The Crystal Cave’s beautiful cavern-like interior is large and can be able to accommodate up to 100 people comfortably. Tours do not begin until the temperature is low enough for the ice caves to be stable and safe. These caves are tested for safety on a daily basis starting from early November, so when the tours start there’s an assurance of the stability of these caves. Even with the safety of these ice caves, it’s still important to go with a tour guide for safety. Many private tours are also available.

The tour guides have thoroughly assessed the safety of these caves, and they provide all the important ice caving pieces of equipment to make the tours more enjoyable and safer.If you want to visit the cave, check out where to stay in Iceland!

What You Need to Know About the Volcanoes in Iceland

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Nature’s wonderland known as Iceland is popularly known as the land of fire and ice. The dramatic contrast between the freezing glaciers and active volcanoes brings forth a unique landscape that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

These volcanic systems in Iceland expound its landscape, creating an endless stream of red hot molten lava, uneven peaks, steppes of black sand, and boundless pits. Though an island where active volcanoes exist may sound scary, without these geothermal activities in the volcanoes there’ll be no hot springs or even thermal pools. 

Icelanders know their volcanoes very well, so they are swift in executing eruption plans once there are any forewarning signs of an eruption. These volcanoes are not only one of nature’s beauty, but they also pack a lot of knowledge. 

3 Things About What You Need to Know About the Volcanoes in Iceland

How many volcanoes are there in Iceland?

Iceland has approximately 130 active and inactive volcanoes. In all parts of the country other than the Westfjords, Iceland has 30 active volcanic systems. The only reason Westfjords no longer has any geothermal activity is that it’s the oldest part of Iceland that has been pushed off the Atlantic ridge. The main reason why there are so many volcanoes in Iceland is that it sits directly across the magnetic ridge, since these tectonic plates pull away from each other it causes hot molten lava from the mantle to rise and fill up space thus leading to volcanic eruptions.

How often do volcanic eruptions occur in Iceland?

Volcanic eruptions are unpredictable in Iceland but the occurrence of these eruptions is relatively regular. Whether eruptions are spaced apart or whether eruptions go off in succession, not one decade has gone by without one of these volcanoes erupting since the 19th century. The 1783-1784 eruption of Laki is recorded to be one of the greatest volcanic eruptions. The 2014 eruption of the Bárdabunga is the second greatest volcanic eruption ever to be recorded. These two eruptions that occurred in Iceland were the biggest ever to be recorded in history.

Are these volcanic eruptions in Iceland safe?

The impart these volcanic eruptions have on human lives is small. Iceland seismic stations around the country are effective in predicting eruptions especially in more active volcanoes like Katla or Askja. Most of the active volcanoes are out of town, so when the volcanoes show any sign of rumbling, the area is sealed off and monitored. Even though the threat to human life is low, it still has vast consequences since the elements brought out from the Earth are poisonous to plants and animal life.

Volcano tours are one of the thrilling experiences that you get to enjoy no place in the world other than Iceland. Volcanoes tours allow you to descend into a brightly colored lava chamber of a dormant volcano using a lift. These volcanic tours provide once in a lifetime experience that truly portrays Iceland’s magnificence.

What is the Elephant Stone in Iceland?

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There is a great chance that you may have heard about Elephant Stone, Iceland. The Elephant Rock is known to be in the Westman Islands’ Archipelago. It is a string of natural rocks that are located in Iceland and visited a lot of visitors regularly. 

Have you been to the Westman Islands? There is a great chance that you will notice that it is a league of 15 islands, as well as that reefs. These features came about because of volcanic activity that occurred under the water.

These islands are over 13 square kilometers. Out of all these islands, only one of them is inhabited by humans, and it is the Heimaey. It is said that Elephant Stone, Iceland came into existence because of a number of volcanic eruptions. This is one reason that there are a lot of rock formations in these islands. Keep reading to learn more.

What is the Elephant Stone, Iceland?

When you see the Elephant Stone, Iceland, there is a great chance that you will be amazed. It reminds us of a large elephant’s head. Can we say it is nature’s way of playing with us? It seems like its trunk is underneath the water, trying to take a sip of the ocean. This rock formation is made from basalt totally, which has forced the creature to seem to be suffering from wrinkles. 

If you are thinking of flying to Iceland and you do not touch down at the Elephant Rock, it will be disappointing. You should consider taking a tour of the islands and the rock formations that they have on them. There is a great chance that if you are coming to Iceland to have fun, you will have access to numerous cheap flights that you should consider embracing. These flights are affordable, meaning that you do not have to use budget constraints as a reason not to see Elephant Rock, as well as other rock formations in the different Islands.

Over the years, the number of those who have come to Iceland seems to have increased from 200,000 visitors in 1996 to more than 400,000 visitors in 2010. The changes occurred because of the numerous volcanic eruptions and the awesome rock formations that had been created in the process. Would it be wrong if we said that the Eyjafjallajökull volcano helped to improve the tourism sector of this country?

How It Came About

It is believed that this rock formation came into existence when some eruptions occurred in Mt. Eldfell. The eruptions that occurred in 1973 forced Heimaey to send its inhabitants out of the region. The aftermath was not as bad as expected, because the fishermen ended up showering cold seawater on the flaming lava. Only a part of the town was devastated. Now, 4,000 indigenes live in this place.

If you are looking for a perfect place to go to in Iceland, you should consider going to this place. You’ll be glad that you did!