All Things Iceland

Jewells Chambers
  • 4.8 (245)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
All Things Iceland

Giving travelers the inside scoop on Icelandic culture, nature, history and language through the eyes of an expat. You'll hear interviews, quirky facts, useful travel advice, and what it is like to live in the land of fire and ice. Additionally, there is a segment of the show dedicated to teaching you an Icelandic word or phrase. Extra resources shared during the episodes can be found at https://allthingsiceland.com. Jewells Chambers, the host of the podcast, fell in love with Iceland back in 2013 after her first visit. She moved to the country in 2016 and has been on an epic journey ever since.

  1. Katla Ice Cave vs Crystal Ice Cave – Which is Better?

    2 DAYS AGO

    Katla Ice Cave vs Crystal Ice Cave – Which is Better?

    There are two iconic and naturally formed ice caves in Iceland that have taken social media by storm. The pictures and videos have people from all over the world flocking to Iceland during winter to winter their beauty. Table of Contents: * Save Money on a Katla Ice Cave or Crystal Ice Cave Tour* Best time to see an Ice Cave in Iceland* Temperature inside an Ice Cave* What to wear on an Ice Cave Tour?* Katla Ice Cave - Price, pros & cons* Crystal Ice Cave - Price, pros & cons* Which Ice Cave I prefer Why are Katla Ice Cave and Crystal Ice Cave Different? Katla Ice Cave and The Crystal Ice Cave are relatively close to each other (2.5 hour drive apart) but they provide much different experiences. In this episode I will give a little insight about when to see naturally forming ice caves in Iceland (meaning ones that are not man-made).I will also share the temperature inside of an ice cave, how to dress for an ice cave tour, the pros and cons of each ice cave tour based on my personal experience. I thought it would also be helpful to share the cost as of January 2025  for each along with what will be included, and which one I preferred after taking both tours.Please know that both are absolutely stunning and worth checking out. Time in the country, daylight hours, the season, and cost play a huge factor for most people so I did my best to take that into account. How to Save Money on the Katla Ice Cave Tour or Crystal Ice Cave Tour Before I jump into that, I would like to thank the sponsor of this episode, Arctic Adventures. I partnered with them to recently see these ice caves in two days. So, one ice cave each day because of limited day light hours and it was such a fun experience. You can use my code ALLTHINGSICELAND10 to save 10% with Arctic Adventures on either of these ice cave tours, and use mu code Iceland10 to save 10% on glacier hikes, and northern lights tours with the same company.Please be aware that this discount codes  expires on April 1st, 2025. So if you hear this episode after that, feel free to reach out to me at jewells (at)allthingsiceland.com for the new discount code. In an effort to stop discount codes from getting on coupon sites, the company changes discount codes every few months, which I totally understand. If you do use my code, you get a % off and I get a small commission, which allows for me to keep making fun and helpful content like this. When is the best time to See Naturally Formed Ice Caves in Iceland (Katla Ice Cave & Crystal Ice Cave)? In terms of stability, safety, and stunning colors of the ice caves, winter is the best time to explore naturally formed ice caves. The ice cave season is usually from late November to March.The time frame can change based on weather conditions for that year. Sometimes we have a cooler or warmer months, so the season might vary slightly from year to year for naturally formed ice caves.I keep saying naturally formed because there are man-made ice caves here that pretty much keep the same shape and access throughout the year. I did an episode on the largest man-made Ice Tunnel in the world in 2024 called 7 Fascinating Facts I Learned Inside Iceland‘s Langjökull Glacier. Feel free to check that out if you are looking to explore a stable ice cave in a glacier anytime of year. As mentioned before, you can use my code Iceland10 to save 10% with Arctic Adventures for that experience too.

    40 min
  2. The Ultimate Betrayal: How Two Icelandic Wives Humiliated Their Husbands & Faced Consequences

    12/27/2024

    The Ultimate Betrayal: How Two Icelandic Wives Humiliated Their Husbands & Faced Consequences

    Two married women argued about which of their husbands was the bigger fool. Finally, they decided to test their husbands to see if they were as foolish as they seemed. Want more Icelandic Folklore Stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. Click Here for More Icelandic Folklore The First Wife sets up the Trick for her Husband One woman played a trick on her husband. When he came home from work, she took a spinning wheel and carders, sat down, and started to card and spin, even though there was no wool in her hands. Her husband noticed this and asked if she was crazy to scrape the teasels together and spin the wheel without any wool. He asked her to explain what she was doing. She said that it was no surprise that he couldn't see what she was doing because she was making a very fine linen that was too thin to be seen with the eye. She told him she was going to make him clothes from this invisible linen.Her husband thought this was a brilliant explanation. He was amazed by his wife's cleverness and looked forward to the joy and pride he would feel when he wore these amazing clothes.When his wife had spun enough "wool" for the clothes, she set up the loom and wove the invisible fabric.Her husband visited her from time to time, marveling at her skill. She was amused and quickly finished the trick. She took the invisible cloth off the loom, washed and dried it, and then sat down to cut and sew the clothes. The Most Invisible Clothes in the World When she finished, she told her husband to come and try on the clothes. However, she didn't let him put them on alone. She pretended to help him dress, but in reality, he was completely naked. He was so sure that his wife had made him these wonderful invisible clothes that he didn't realize he was actually naked. He was so happy with his "new clothes" that he couldn't stop jumping around with joy. The Other Wife's Trick: When her husband returned home from work, his wife asked him why he was walking around looking so upset. Startled, he asked her why she would even think that. She insisted he looked upset and told him he was very ill and should go to bed immediately. He believed her and went to bed.After a while, his wife told him she was going to perform the last rites for him. He begged her not to, but she insisted, saying, "Why are you acting like a fool? Don't you know you died this morning? I'm going to have them make your coffin right now." The poor man, believing this to be true, stayed in bed until the coffin was ready. A Fake Funeral Interrupted His wife hired six men to carry the coffin and invited the other couple to attend the funeral. She even had a window cut into the side of the coffin so her husband could watch what was happening.The friend and neighbor  of the supposedly deceased, who had on invisible clothes for the funeral, expected everyone to admire his "delicate clothes" (which were actually his naked body) as he arrived. Instead, the coffin-bearers, though sad, couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him completely naked. When he saw them laughing, he cried out, "I would be laughing too if I wasn't dead!"The funeral was canceled, and they took him out of the coffin. The consequences: It was eventually discovered that both wives had tricked their husbands. As punishment, they were publicly whipped in the parish court. Random Fact of the Episode I did a hilarious prank on TikTok a few years ago for April Fools Day that was harmless but worked pretty well. I said that the Icelandic government decided to make English an official language. Surprisingly, even some Icelanders thought it was true and were shocked to hear...

    12 min
  3. The Strange Disappearance of the Bishop’s Maid

    12/20/2024

    The Strange Disappearance of the Bishop’s Maid

    A long time ago, a bishop was traveling, visiting different areas he was designated in Iceland as part of his duties. As was common back then, he had a group of servants with him, including a maid whose job was to cook his meals. One evening, after setting up camp on a mountain, everyone went to bed for the night. Want more Icelandic folklore stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. Click Here for More Icelandic Folklore The Bishop’s Missing Maid To everyone’s surprise, the next morning the maid was missing. Naturally, this caused a lot of alarm, and the bishop’s party searched high and low for her, but she was nowhere to be found. The bishop, being sharp and well-versed in local lore, suspected that she had been taken by elves.Now, among the bishop’s servants was a man known as Jón the Giant. True to his nickname, Jón was massive and incredibly strong. The bishop called him over and said, “Jón, I need you to stay in my tent and keep watch. If the maid shows up, grab her and don’t let her go, no matter how much she struggles or begs. And be careful—she might try to trick you with lies to escape.”After giving these instructions, the bishop grabbed his staff, stepped outside the tent, and drew three circles on the ground around it. Then he walked off into the night without saying where he was going. The Strange Return of the Maid Meanwhile, Jón the Giant sat down on the bishop’s bed and waited, staying perfectly still. Time passed, and then—sure enough—the maid appeared. She wasn’t wearing any shoes and ran straight into the tent. She headed toward the bishop’s pillow, as if trying to retrieve something from underneath it. But John was quick; he stood up, grabbed her, and held on tight.At first, the maid pleaded with him, claiming the bishop had sent her to fetch something and that she needed to hurry back to him. But Jón wasn’t fooled. He ignored her begging and held her firmly, no matter how much she fought and struggled.While this was happening, the other servants outside saw something truly eerie: twelve men dressed in blue, riding on horseback, approaching the tent. But as soon as these riders reached the edge of the circles the bishop had drawn, they stopped abruptly—almost as if they’d hit an invisible wall—and vanished into thin air. The circles, it turned out, were magical barriers created by the bishop’s staff, keeping anything unholy or evil from entering. A Tale of Elves and Magic Not long after, the bishop returned. He ordered his servants to tie up the maid until she calmed down, then left again. Eventually, the maid came back to her senses, and once she did, everyone was eager to hear what had happened to her.She explained that, during the night, a man had come to her bedside, taken her hand, and led her out of the camp. She didn’t know why or where they were going until they arrived at a mound. Once inside, she found herself in a grand hall filled with people. At the far end of the hall, a group of women gave her a spinning wheel and some hemp and told her to spin it when she woke up in the morning.But things took a strange turn. She said the bishop had appeared to her in that hall and told her to hurry back to the tent to fetch his keys from under his pillow. In her rush, she hadn’t even put on her shoes before running back. Outwitting the Elves And that was how the bishop, who was not only a holy man but also well-versed in magic, outsmarted the elves and rescued his maid from their grasp. This wasn’t his first time dealing with such mischief, and those who knew him believed he could’ve pulled off the rescue a hundred different ways. The elves didn’t stand a chance against him!

    9 min
  4. A Gentle Icelandic Troll Who Left Behind Mysterious Treasures

    12/13/2024

    A Gentle Icelandic Troll Who Left Behind Mysterious Treasures

    In the rugged highlands of Iceland, a troll named Bergþór lived with his wife in a cave called Hundahellir, nestled in the slopes of Bláfell. Unlike the fearsome reputation trolls usually have, Bergþór was a gentle giant, mild-mannered and kind—though not someone you'd want to provoke. Skilled in the mysterious “black arts,” Bergþór kept mostly to himself. Want more Icelandic folklore stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024 Click Here for More Icelandic Folklore The Tale of Bergþór the Troll Not far from the cave stood a farm in Haukadalur, where an elderly farmer lived. One day, Bergþór visited the farmer with an unusual request.“When I die,” the troll said, “I want to be buried where I can hear the sound of church bells and running water. Please promise to lay me to rest in the churchyard at Haukadalur. As a sign of my passing, you’ll find my large wooden staff at your door. And as thanks for fulfilling my wish, you’re welcome to take whatever you find in the kettle by my bedside.”The farmer agreed, and with that, Bergþór left. A Mysterious Death Time passed, and one crisp morning, the farmer’s servants stumbled upon a massive wooden staff leaning against the farmhouse door. When they told the farmer, he immediately knew—it was Bergþór’s staff.Without delay, the farmer and his men prepared a coffin and set out for Bláfell. Inside the cave, they found Bergþór’s enormous body lying lifeless. Surprisingly, the troll’s gigantic corpse was remarkably light, almost as if it were hollow.They gently placed him in the coffin, still marveling at the strange sight.Beside Bergþór’s bed, they noticed a large kettle.Remembering the troll’s promise, the farmer eagerly opened it, expecting to find a treasure trove of gold. But to his dismay, the kettle was filled with nothing but dead leaves.The farmer’s anger flared. Had Bergþór tricked him? Still, one of the men decided to fill his gloves with the leaves, just in case there was more to them than met the eye. With the kettle left behind, they carried the coffin down the mountain. Leaves Turn to Gold At the base of the hill, they paused to rest. The man who had taken the leaves peeked into his gloves—and gasped. The leaves had transformed into gold coins!Word quickly spread, and the farmer, now hopeful, rushed back to the cave with his men. But no matter how hard they searched, the cave and the kettle had completely vanished. Others who heard the tale also scoured the mountain in vain. It seemed that Bergþór’s magic had hidden the treasure for good.In the end, the farmer kept his promise. Bergþór was buried in the Haukadalur churchyard, and the mound where the troll rests is still known as “Bergþór’s Mound” today. Random Fact of the Episode Haukadalur Valley, located in southwestern Iceland, is a stunning geothermal area famed for its geysers and hot springs. Part of the Golden Circle, it features Strokkur, one of Iceland's most reliable geysers, which erupts every 4 to 10 minutes, sending water as high as 30 meters into the air.Nearby is the iconic Great Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide. Although Geysir rarely erupts now, it remains a significant natural feature. The valley also boasts over 40 smaller hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, offering a dynamic and colorful geothermal landscape.Haukadalsskógur, the valley's forest, is a cultivated area that began as a reforestation project in the 1930s to combat severe soil erosion. It features marked hiking trails, including wheelchair-accessible paths, and is a serene spot for birdwatching and picnics.The forest contains various tree species, some commemorated on a totem pole,

    11 min
  5. Helgafell – A Wish Granting Mountain on the Snæfellnes Peninsula

    12/06/2024

    Helgafell – A Wish Granting Mountain on the Snæfellnes Peninsula

    From ancient times, Helgafell has been steeped in mystery and supernatural lore. Early settlers in the area believed this hill was more than just a geographical feature—it was a place of profound spiritual power. One of the first settlers, Þórólfur, held the hill in such high regard that he declared no one could even glance at it without first cleansing themselves. Helgafell was also a sanctuary, a safe haven where no person or animal could be harmed. Þórólfur and his sons were so devoted to this sacred spot that they believed their spirits would be taken into the mountain upon their deaths. Want more Icelandic folklore stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. Click Here for More Icelandic Folklore A Sacred Hill Steeped in Lore From ancient times, Helgafell (which translates to "Sacred Hill") has been steeped in mystery and supernatural lore. Early settlers in the area believed this hill was more than just a geographical feature—it was a place of profound spiritual power.One of the first settlers, Þórólfur, held the hill in such high regard that he declared no one could even glance at it without first cleansing themselves. Helgafell was also a sanctuary, a safe haven where no person or animal could be harmed. Þórólfur and his sons were so devoted to this sacred spot that they believed their spirits would be taken into the mountain upon their deaths. From Pagan Worship to Christian Reverence Before Iceland converted to Christianity, the people who revered Helgafell were pagans who worshiped the Norse gods like Þór (Thor) and Óðinn (Odin). Interestingly, the hill's sacred status endured even after Christianity became the dominant religion.Monks eventually built a small chapel on Helgafell, and though it’s no longer standing, you can still see the faint remnants of its stone foundation today. The hill’s spiritual significance seems to transcend belief systems, making it a symbol of both ancient traditions and new religious practices. The Mystical Ritual of the Three Wishes One of the most fascinating traditions tied to Helgafell is the ritual of the three wishes. For those curious to try their luck, here’s how it works: Start your journey at the grave of Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, a notable figure from Icelandic sagas, located nearby. As you climb the hill, you must remain completely silent—no words, no turning back.Once you reach the top, stand by the old chapel ruins, face east, and make three heartfelt wishes. But there’s a catch! Your wishes must come from a place of pure intentions—they can’t harm anyone, and you can’t tell anyone what you wished for. Over the centuries, many have claimed success with this tradition, swearing by the power of Helgafell to grant their desires. A Must-Visit Spot in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula If you ever find yourself in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, consider visiting Helgafell. Whether or not you believe in its mystical power, the experience is sure to leave you with a sense of awe and connection to Iceland’s rich folklore.From its ancient Norse roots to its enduring Christian connections, Helgafell offers visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of history, tradition, and spirituality—all while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Random Fact of the Episode My personal experience with climbing Helgafell was so much fun. There were even two farm dogs from nearby that followed me up the mountain. They were also silent and great companions. I honestly could not have asked for a better and more fun time hiking that mountain. Icelandic Word of the Episode

    11 min
  6. Iceland’s Tipping Culture: What Visitors Should Know

    12/04/2024

    Iceland’s Tipping Culture: What Visitors Should Know

    Today, I’m tackling a topic that often confuses visitors—tipping culture in Iceland. If you're used to tipping as a standard practice in your home country, Iceland’s approach might surprise you!This is a question I have gotten quite often in the “Ask Jewells Anything” segment of the podcast, so I am doing a separate episode on it.  Is Tipping Expected in Iceland? In Iceland, tipping is generally not expected, nor is it a significant part of the service industry. This stems from the country’s strong labor laws, which ensure that workers receive fair wages, eliminating the need to rely on gratuities.Service charges are often already included in the price you pay, making tipping unnecessary. However, showing appreciation for exceptional service with a small tip is possible but not obligatory. For instance, if you see a small tipping jar at a café, those funds might be used for the employees to have a fun social gathering or it might be donated to an organization, like the Red Cross. When Tipping Might Be Appropriate But Still Not Obligated While tipping is not the norm, there are instances where it might feel appropriate to leave a little extra. If there is not a tip jar present, which is common that there isn't, then ask the server or person if it is ok if you leave a tip. Don't be surprised if the person tells you that they don't take tips.* Restaurants: Rounding up your bill or leaving about 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated, though not required.* Guided Tours: A tip for a knowledgeable or entertaining tour guide is a thoughtful gesture. This is especially common among travelers who enjoy personalized or immersive experiences.* Hotels: Tipping hotel staff isn’t expected, but a small amount for exceptional service, such as arranging tours or special accommodations, can be a nice touch.* Taxis: It’s customary to round up to the nearest whole number when paying your fare, but even this is not mandatory. Cultural Context About Why Tipping in Iceland is not Common It’s important to remember that Iceland’s relaxed attitude toward tipping reflects the fact that unions in the country protect workers so that they can make a livable wage. The agreements made by unions ensure that workers earn enough to cover their basic living expenses, reducing reliance on tips as part of their income. Unlike in some other countries, service workers are compensated well and don’t depend on tips to make ends meet. Tips for Tourists * Don’t feel obligated to tip—your Icelandic hosts won’t expect it.* If you’d like to tip, use Icelandic krona (ISK) for convenience.* If rounding up, keep it simple and let your gesture reflect your appreciation rather than following a strict rule.Tipping in Iceland is one of those delightful cultural quirks that demonstrates the country’s unique approach to hospitality and fairness. Understanding this can help you navigate social situations and avoid overthinking the bill. Random Fact of the Episode Even though I grew up in the United States and was used to the idea of leaving tips, I have become so accustomed to not leaving tips because of living here that I sometimes get a little shocked when I am visiting the states.I was in NYC last October and I felt kind of silly  that I almost forgot to tip when we went out to eat. I don't know if that system will ever change in the US but it is very nice to go out to eat and know that the price on the menu is exactly what you will pay at the end of the meal. Icelandic Word of the Episode Þjórfé - tip Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let's Be Social a href="https://www.youtube.

    14 min
  7. Sprengisandur: Iceland’s Most Haunting and Beautiful Desert

    11/29/2024

    Sprengisandur: Iceland’s Most Haunting and Beautiful Desert

    Sprengisandur is a barren and desolate highland plateau in central Iceland, located between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. Historically, it was an infamous north-south route connecting various regions, including access to the Alþingi (Iceland's parliament) at Þingvellir during medieval times.This route, however, was fraught with extreme challenges, making it one of the most feared and avoided paths of the Icelandic interior. Want more Icelandic folklore stories? This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024. Click Here for more Icelandic Folklore Why Sprengisandur was so dangerous for Icelanders? Travelers faced vast stretches of uninhabited terrain, where no shelter, food, or water was available for miles. The volcanic ash deserts offered no forage for horses, and the journey had to be completed swiftly, often pushing horses to their limits. The route was also steeped in superstition, with tales of ghosts and spirits haunting the desolate sands adding to its ominous reputation.Today, a gravel road roughly follows the ancient trail, accessible only in summer, and is popular among adventurous travelers equipped with robust vehicles. It offers dramatic views of glaciers, mountains, and volcanic landscapes, preserving its mystique as one of Iceland's most challenging historical route. A Chilling Tale of A Man Who Tried to Cross Sprengisandur for Love There was a man named Starkaður who lived in northern Iceland but the woman he loved lived in the far south. Driven by love, Starkaður decided to make the long journey across the harsh and desolate Sprengisandur to see her.Tragically, he was caught in a fierce storm along the way and succumbed to the freezing conditions beneath a rock. That rock, now called Starkaðarsteinn (Starkaður’s Rock), marks the spot where he died. The surrounding area was also named in his memory, becoming known as Starkaðarver.Around the time of his death, his love had a vivid dream in which Starkaður appeared to her. In this dream, he recited a poignant verse:"Sorrows and harms for a woman's charmsmen have often suffered.Starkaður's bones under the stonesstill lie undiscovered." Random Fact of the Episode https://youtu.be/ogUgm3K8KVI?si=C2PWn9NRC0muBwIM"Á Sprengisandi" is a well known Icelandic song about this desolate and dangerous black sand desert in the highlands. It means "At Sprengisandur" and warns people that if they do not travel quickly through this area, they can meet their peril. Icelandic Word of the Episode The name "Sprengisandur" reflects this urgency, stemming from the Icelandic word sprengja, meaning "to exhaust" or "to burst," referring to the strain placed on horses during the crossing.Harsh weather, including strong winds and snow, compounded the danger, and travelers who ventured too late in the season risked becoming stranded or perishing from exposure. Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

    10 min
  8. Iceland Inspired Gifts – 20% Off Everything for a Limited Time

    11/25/2024

    Iceland Inspired Gifts – 20% Off Everything for a Limited Time

    To celebrate the relaunch of the All Things Iceland online store, I am doing a 20% site-wide sale. This sale is only valid through Wednesday, November 27th at 11:59 PM EST or while supplies last.Below are some examples of Iceland inspired gifts that you can get for yourself or a loved one this holiday season. Iceland Inspired Gifts for the Holidays Shop Now Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook

    6 min
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4.8
out of 5
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About

Giving travelers the inside scoop on Icelandic culture, nature, history and language through the eyes of an expat. You'll hear interviews, quirky facts, useful travel advice, and what it is like to live in the land of fire and ice. Additionally, there is a segment of the show dedicated to teaching you an Icelandic word or phrase. Extra resources shared during the episodes can be found at https://allthingsiceland.com. Jewells Chambers, the host of the podcast, fell in love with Iceland back in 2013 after her first visit. She moved to the country in 2016 and has been on an epic journey ever since.

Information

  • Creator
    Jewells Chambers
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2020 All Things Iceland
  • Show Website
    All Things Iceland

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