215 episodes

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.

All Things Iceland Jewells Chambers

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 222 Ratings

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.

    Iceland’s Ox-Whale Terrified People For Centuries – Folklore Friday

    Iceland’s Ox-Whale Terrified People For Centuries – Folklore Friday

    This is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing an Icelandic Folklore story every Friday in 2024. The upcoming story is based on a description of the Ox-Whale in the book “Meeting with Monsters – An Illustrated Guide to the Beasts of Iceland” by Jón Baldur Hlíðberg and Sigurður Ægisson. It is an awesome book and I highly recommend getting if you like to read about creatures that many claim to be real around Iceland. Jón is one of the owners of The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in the Westfjords. If you are planning to travel in that part of Iceland, be sure to visit that museum.

    Why The Icelandic Ox Whale is so Terrifying

    In the far reaches of Iceland, where the cold Atlantic whispers ancient secrets, there exists a creature as old as the sagas themselves, known among the folk as the Ox Whale, or 'nauthveli'. Shrouded in the mists of time, its tales are woven into the very fabric of Icelandic lore, emerging from the depths in hushed tones only by the light of the hearth.The first whispers of this maritime specter stirred not from ink upon parchment but from the lips of weathered seafarers, whose ancestors cast wary glances upon the churning waves. It was in the twilight of the 13th century that the earliest murmurs danced upon the winds, speaking of a leviathan, a ghostly echo of the cow-whale, its kin cloaked in mystery and shadow.As the hands of time turned to the year of 1590, a chilling portrait emerged from the veiled past. The Ox Whale, a creature of unfathomable hunger and wrath, was no mere beast of the deep but a herald of doom. Its call, a terrifying bellow, resonated like the fury of a tempest, shaking the very bones of the earth, sending ripples of dread through the hearts of those who heard it.This monstrous denizen of the abyss, driven by insatiable greed, prowled the oceans, its eyes alight with the hunger for prey, casting a shadow of fear over any who dared to venture into its domain.

    What an Ox Whale Does to Cows

    In time, tales of its dread visage grew darker still. By 1638, it was said to bear a likeness to the horse-whale, yet marked by its haunting cry, a sound so petrifying that it could curdle the blood of the bravest souls. By 1666, its enormity was unveiled, a behemoth among the toothed whales, its flesh anathema, its presence a bane to the vessels of man.The dawn of the 18th century bore witness to a new horror; its bellow, an eldritch call, ensnared the minds of cattle, drawing them, spellbound, into the maw of the abyss. This sinister enchantment was proven at Hjortsey farm, a grim testament to the Ox Whale's malevolent lure.As the mid-century approached, the enigma deepened. Though its form eluded the gaze of man, it was believed to bear the head of a bull, a monstrous aberration that bellowed with such might that the earth itself seemed to tremble in fear. It was a phantom of fog and shadow, forbidding all who heard its call from braving the treacherous embrace of the sea.The tale took a grim turn in 1786 on the shores of Grimsey, where the beast's insatiable appetite was laid bare in a macabre dance of death with a doomed cow, a spectacle of cruelty that echoed the darkest fables.

    The Physical Description of an Ox Whale

    As the 19th century dawned, a mariner's account cast a new light upon this enigma of the deep, describing it as a chimera of bull and serpent, a creature of haunting beauty and terror, a paradox of nature's design.The lore of the Ox Whale, a mosaic of fear, wonder, and the unfathomable, permeates the essence of Iceland's maritime heritage, a lingering shadow in the realm of legend and truth. And so it remains, a whispered enigma, a ghostly presence forever etched into the annals of Icelandic folklore, its legacy enduring in the silent depths, where the sea meets the sky.

    • 11 min
    Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 2

    Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland – Response Episode 2

    This is the second response episode for my new segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and if you would like to submit a question, you can do it here.

    1. "What do Icelanders generally like and dislike about Americans?" - Garrett

    In general, I’d say that Icelanders don’t have a lot of dislikes when it comes specifically to Americans. It is more like dislikes of tourist in general. So, if you are respectful of the the people and language, Icelanders are very open to those who want to visit.That being said, there are some things that come up that can be a little bothersome for Icelanders that wouldn’t be considered as strange in the US.The first that comes to mind is that many Americans are not comfortable showering naked before entering the swimming pool. The changing rooms are separated by gender. In order to not use as much chlorine in the local swimming pools, showering without your bathing suit on is a requirement.Americans are the largest group of tourists to Iceland and kind of shy when it comes to this rule, so it is normally assumed that a person is from the US if they try to skip showering naked before entering the pool.Also, many Icelanders don’t agree with how the political system in the US is set up. I mentioned this in my last ask me anything answers, that only having two political parties to choose from for higher political offices is a strange and foreign thing to Icelanders.Things Icelanders like a lot about the US during World War 2 and it was shut down in 1994. During those decades, the US’s influence on Icelandic culture exponentially grew. Icelander’s like American TV shows, food like pizza, burgers and fries, as well as celebrities, other media, and trends.

    2. "On my recent trip to Iceland, I didn’t see any Dolly Parton imagery. Does the amazing Ms. Parton have any major influence on the country and does Iceland have a favorite Dolly song?" - Rob

    Dolly Parton is certainly beloved by many in Iceland, as she is around the world. It is not often that you will see posters of American or even foreign celebrities in Iceland unless it is promoting a concert or a product.It might surprise some people to know that a decent number of Icelanders like country music. It makes sense when you think about how most of Iceland is like a rural place with lots of farmland in the US than a bustling city. My guess for favorite Dolly song is Jolene but a close second might be 9 to 5. Since Dolly Parton has been iconic as a performer and song writer, and Iceland has a ton of musical artists, there is no doubt in my mind that she has influenced many people here.

    3. "Ha ha the motherland! Just stumbled upon your podcast. Most of my family lives there still! My grandpa was Air Force back when Kelkajvik had an Air Foce base. Don’t they have the best hotdogs? Have you done well watching tour yet? My cousin Owns a company that does it, haven’t been back in 8 years, need to leave America before it Darkens my soul. Watch out for them elves the old father is watching" - Nat

    Hi Nat. This is such a fun share. I do believe that Iceland has some of the best hot dogs, if not the best. Granted, I have not eaten a hot dog made from an animal in almost 9 years but I remember it being tasty and many visitors attest to this as well. One awesome thing is that the vegan version is delicious too.Yes, I have been whale watching in Húsavík in North Iceland with a company called North Sailing.I hope you do come back to visit in the near future.Yes, the elves are all around us. While I try to be mindful of them, the trolls are the ones I am most concerned about.

    4. "Hi Jewells, I would like to know more about how you learned Icelandic. Your pronunciation sounds like native to me!

    • 31 min
    Aliens on Snæfellsjökull Glacier? – Folklore Friday

    Aliens on Snæfellsjökull Glacier? – Folklore Friday

    This modern-day folklore mixes the supernatural with Iceland’s gorgeous landscape. It all starts with a man named Dillon, a Brit that had traveled to Iceland many times. One day he claims to have been contacted by aliens who told him to gather people in Iceland on November 5th, 1993 because they were going to be on Snæfellsjökull glacier that day. According to Dillon, his information was backed up by a woman who had been abducted and saw visions of the event happening on that day.The plot thickens as a conference was held before the event that attracted over 500 people who were interested in UFOs and possibly seeing aliens. This group wasn't your average gathering. According to those who attended, there were people from the US Military, CIA, FBI, and British police.

    Thousands Showed Up to Possibly See Aliens

    When November 5th arrived in 1993, thousands of people showed up. Even a camera crew from CNN came out. As people waited, they sang songs and kept in good spirits. As time passed, it was becoming evident that no aliens had been seen.Or at least, they decided not to make themselves seen. Well, that is what some people think happens. There have been accountants of individuals saying that maybe the large crowd scared off the aliens or that they did come but decided to remain hidden. Either way, no one saw them that day.

    Random Fact of the Episode

    According to a Reykjavík Grapevine article published in 2022,





    “There have been at least 170 documented incidents of UFO sightings or contacts in Iceland and of those stories, The UFO Association in Iceland (Sálarrannsóknarfélag Íslands) figure that 30 of those can be said to be “credible”. Not only that, the US Army has also listed 19 cases of UFOs in Iceland.”



    Here is a link to the article, if you would like to check it out.

    Icelandic Word of the Episode

    Geimvera - alien

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    Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega

    • 6 min
    Skriðuklaustur – A Hidden Monastery Discovered in East Iceland

    Skriðuklaustur – A Hidden Monastery Discovered in East Iceland

    Today’s episode focuses on the historic site of Skriðuklaustur, which offers a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s rich Icelandic culture, history, and literature. This enchanting destination, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape, serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting visitors to explore the layers of stories etched within this museum.

    The Origins of Skriðuklaustur Monastery

    Skriðuklaustur, a landmark of rural eastern Iceland, and has origins tracing back to a 16th-century monastery. Revealed through an extensive archaeological excavation from 2002 to 2012, the ruins of this Augustinian cloister tell a tale of resilience, spirituality, and compassion.Established around 1493, this monastery served as a refuge for the sick and the poor. Its existence, cut short by the Reformation in the mid-16th century, marks a significant chapter in Iceland's religious and social history.

    The Link Between Skriðuklaustur Monastery & Gunnar Gunnarsson

    The monastery's story is interwoven with the life of Gunnar Gunnarsson, one of Iceland's most renowned literary figures. Gunnarsson, born in 1889, emerged as a prolific writer whose works resonated with readers across the globe.His decision to write in Danish brought his stories to an international audience, earning him acclaim and raising questions about his cultural identity. Gunnarsson's legacy is complex, marked by his literary success and the controversies surrounding his public appearances in Nazi Germany.In 1939, Gunnarsson returned to Iceland, making Skriðuklaustur his home. The mansion he built, a testament to his ambition and unique architectural vision, now stands as a cultural beacon. Designed by the German architect Fritz Höger, the mansion reflects a blend of Icelandic and European influences.Today, it houses exhibitions on Gunnarsson's work, offering visitors a window into the life of a man whose storytelling left an indelible mark on Icelandic literature.I share some insight into Gunnar Gunnarsson's and Halldór Laxness' friendship and eventual falling out in a previous podcast episode.



    More Than Just a Historic Site

    Skriðuklaustur is more than a historic site; it is a living museum that continues to inspire and educate. The monastery ruins, accessible to visitors year-round, offer a tangible connection to Iceland's monastic heritage. The site's archaeological significance is underscored by the extensive research conducted over a ten-year period, which shed light on the daily lives of the monks, their literary endeavors, and the monastery's role as a hospital.The findings from the cloister cemetery are particularly fascinating because they reveal the hardships faced by those who sought refuge within the monastery's walls. The study of nearly 300 individuals buried on the site provides invaluable insights into the health and social conditions of 16th-century Iceland. The presence of graves belonging to patients, the disabled, and even the unbaptized stillborn highlights the monastery's inclusive approach to care and compassion.Skriðuklaustur's archaeological excavation also unearthed over 13,000 artifacts, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the time. Among the treasures discovered was a fragmented statue of Saint Barbara, symbolizing the spiritual life that once flourished within the monastery's walls.The application of photogrammetry technology has allowed these artifacts to be explored in detail, further enriching our understanding of this historic s...

    The Icelandic Midwife & the Elves – Folklore Friday

    The Icelandic Midwife & the Elves – Folklore Friday

    This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024.This week’s tale is about a talented human midwife who ends up with a special ability after helping some elves. Please note that there is a violent act shared in this story and you may not deem it appropriate for young kids.

    A Talented Icelandic Midwife Is Beckoned By Elves

    One day, an Icelandic human midwife was approached by elves for help with a high-ranking elf that was in labor but was having complications. For those who are not aware about Icelandic elves, we can’t see them unless they allow it. It’s said that Icelandic elves live in a parallel world to us, and they can jump in between worlds. Basically, it’s a privilege if any human gets to see and/or encounter one.The midwife was rushed to help the elf in labor, and she did such a great job that they elves bestowed a gift upon her. They rubbed some ointment into one of her eyes and that gave her the ability to see the elf world. This meant she could see any elf wherever she went. Along with the gift was a warning to never reveal to anyone that she has this gift. Not surprisingly, she was giddy and excited about this new ability she was given. As time passed by, she did get used to having this special sight and did not tell anyone.

    An Unlucky Twist of Fate Changes the Midwife's Life

    However, one fateful day she made a mistake. She saw an elf in a shop and let the elf know she could see them. The elf she spoke to was a woman and was quite shocked that a human could see her. After getting over the shock, the elf woman asked the midwife “With which eye can you see me?”After the midwife answered the question, the elf woman proceeded to poke the midwife in the eye with the special ointment until she was blind. Yea, quite intense. Another version of this story that I’ve heard is that the elf woman spits in the midwife’s eye instead of poking it, which resulted in her losing her special ability.

    Books About Icelandic Folklore

    * The Guardians of Iceland and other Icelandic Folk Tales* Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen* The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty Stories of Elves from Icelandic Folklore* Icelandic Folk Tales

    Random Fact of the Episode

    According to the Icelandic Elf School in Reykjavík, there are 50 different types of elves. Yes, you heard that right, there is an elf school.

    Icelandic Word of the Episode

    Álfheimar – elf world

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    Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

    • 8 min
    November in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, What to Pack & More

    November in Iceland – Weather, Fun Activities, What to Pack & More

    Visiting Iceland in November offers a unique and enchanting experience, blending the majestic winter landscapes with the possibility of witnessing the magical Northern Lights.

    Previous Episodes About Months in Iceland

    * January in Iceland* February in Iceland* March in Iceland* April in Iceland* May in Iceland* June in Iceland* July in Iceland* August in Iceland* September in Iceland* October in Iceland

    Icelandic Weather and Average Temperature in November

    November in Iceland marks the transition deeper into the winter season. You can expect cold weather with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). It's a time when the winter chill starts to set in, and snowfall becomes more common, especially in the northern and inland areas.

    Icelandic Daylight Hours in November

    Daylight becomes scarce in November, with the length of the day dramatically decreasing as the month progresses. Early in the month, you might experience around 8 hours of daylight. By the end of November, this can reduce to just around 5 hours. The short days and long nights create ideal conditions for viewing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, one of Iceland's most famous natural phenomena.



    What to Wear During November in Iceland

    Given the cold temperatures and the possibility of wet and snowy conditions, it's essential to pack warm and waterproof clothing. Layering is key, so bring thermal undergarments, woolen sweaters, a waterproof and windproof outer layer, gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. Sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip are also a must for exploring Iceland's rugged terrain.My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the winter list, especially toward the end of the month because it is noticeably colder and darker.





    Road Conditions & Driving

    Driving in Iceland in November can be challenging due to icy and snowy road conditions, especially on less traveled and rural roads. It's important to check the weather and road conditions frequently (via the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website) and consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for better traction. Always drive cautiously and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Also, check websites for the weather before you head, like safetravel.is and vedur.is.

    Expert Trip Planning Tip for November

    November can be a nice winter season month for people to visit who want to avoid the crowds. Driving to different parts of the country is not as difficult as in late December, January, and February, but there will be snow and ice in some areas.

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
222 Ratings

222 Ratings

StefanieUVA ,

Fun and informative for anyone wanting to learn about Iceland!

Very helpful podcast for preparing for a trip to Iceland. Jewells is entertaining and informative, and I was so glad I downloaded this show to listen to on my flight. Her packing list helped us grab what we needed at home before leaving and prevented us from having to pay the higher prices in Reykjavik. The only disappointment- not running into Jewells during my travels there!

NicDelg❤️ ,

Best Podcast on Iceland!

I ran across Jewells podcast researching a future trip for Iceland. That quickly led to me binge listening to ALL episodes! Such a lovely relaxed speaking voice that makes it such a pleasure to listen too while learning a ton about Iceland. I really enjoy how current events are melded with folklore. And also the way you include what’s going on that month in regards to traveling around the area, the weather, etc. it’s made deciding when exactly I want to go easier to decide on. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion of Iceland!

TurquoiseCat13 ,

Excellent podcast!

I found “All Things Iceland” via TikTok and wasn’t aware there was a podcast until I started searching for content in anticipation of a trip I took to RVK in October 2023 (and started planning trip #2 before I left). Jewells chooses insightful topics and keeps listeners’ interested—and often fascinated. Her voice is soothing and enthusiastic at the same time.

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