Slow Travel to Iceland Q&A
Iceland is a magical place because its landscape is constantly changing— it has volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, hot springs and geysers, and moss-covered lava rocks. Because of all this natural diversity, Iceland has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Not only do people come to Iceland to see its natural beauty; they also come here to experience something new. It's not just about visiting museums or ruins or historical sites—it's about finding out what makes Iceland so special to you by immersing yourself in its culture.
What is the history of Iceland?
Iceland is a country in the North Atlantic Ocean. It's located just south of the Arctic Circle and is considered part of the Scandinavian countries.
Iceland's history begins with its settlement by Vikings around 870 CE. The group of Norsemen who came to Iceland was called the "Vikings," and they were known for their skill at sailing long distances, their love of exploration, and their ability to adapt quickly to new cultures and climates.
They settled in a region called Vestmannaeyjar (or Westmen Islands), which is now home to a small population of people who live off fishing and tourism. They built homes out of stone and turf (rocks), which are still visible today throughout Iceland.
The first Icelandic parliament was established in 930 CE, making it one of the oldest parliaments in Europe.
In 930 AD, Norse settlers from Norway arrived and began establishing permanent settlements. They brought with them a harsh legal code called "the Law of the Althing," which was based on an ancient Norse religious text called "the Poetic Edda." The law dictated that murder was punishable by death unless the victim's family agreed to accept compensation in lieu of execution. This system worked well enough that many other European countries adopted similar laws during this time period as well!
As more settlers came to Iceland over time, they brought Christianity with them—but they didn't fully convert until around 1000 AD when King Olaf I Tryggvason had converted all his subjects by force (and even then, he still had trouble getting everyone onboard).
In 1262, Norway gained control over Iceland through trade agreements with Denmark. However, when Norway lost its independence to Denmark in 1814, Iceland effectively became a Danish colony. In 1918, Iceland gained its independence from Denmark but remained under Danish rule until 1944, when Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany. After World War II ended, Iceland became an independent republic within the Kingdom of Denmark. Finally, in 1944, Iceland declared itself an independent republic and cut ties with Denmark entirely.
What is Iceland known for?
Iceland is known for its extreme weather, its unique culture and traditions, and its beautiful landscape.
Iceland's weather can be unpredictable: it's generally cold and windy, with snowstorms in the winter and rain in the spring. However, it's also sunny a lot of the year—it's one of those places where you never know what you're going to get!
Because of that unpredictability in the weather, Icelanders have developed a strong sense of community over time. They rely on each other for support when times are hard and celebrate together when things are great. This sense of community is part of what makes them such an interesting people group.
Another thing that makes Iceland special is its landscape: one third of all land in Iceland is covered by glaciers (including Vatnajökull glacier), which means there are some incredible vistas around every corner!
What is the cost of living in Iceland?
The cost of living in Iceland is quite high, especially for those who come from the United States or other Western nations.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Reykjavik costs about $1,500 per month. This does not include utilities and internet service. A meal at a restaurant is about $30.
However, if you are willing to live outside of the city center and have access to your own car, then you can find more affordable options. For example, a studio apartment outside of downtown Reykjavik will cost about $400 per month, with utilities included.
If you want to save money on food while traveling in Iceland, then visit the grocery store! It's called Bónus and it has everything you need for cooking at home—and often at discount prices!
Because the cost of living is so high, it means that the government is able to spend more on social programs and infrastructure. The taxes that you pay will be used to help pay for these things, which means you'll get a lot more out of your money than you would in other countries.
The average monthly wage in Iceland is around $2,300, but if you're coming from another country, your wage might be higher or lower depending on your previous experience and education level.
What food should I try in Iceland?
Iceland is full of incredible food—you can't go wrong no matter what you try! But if you're looking for a few particular favorites, here are 3 suggestions:
- Hákarl, or fermented shark—it’s an Icelandic delicacy and it’s actually really good!
- Skyr—it tastes like yogurt but has a thicker consistency, kind of like ricotta cheese. It’s best served with a dollop of jam and some fresh berries.
- Brennivín—this locally-produced spirit is made from potatoes and steeped in caraway seeds and sugarcane alcohol (it’s kind of like vodka). You can sip it straight or mix it with club soda.
What are the best places to visit in Iceland?
- Thingvellir National Park: This is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Iceland, with a history dating back to 10,000 years ago. It's also home to some of the country's most beautiful natural wonders, like the Thingvallavatn Lake and its surrounding area.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: A stunning waterfall located on the Hvita river, which brings visitors from around the world each year.
- The Blue Lagoon: One of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, this hot spring has become a must-see for tourists who want to experience Icelandic nature at its finest.
- Solheimasandur Plane Wreck: An airplane that crashed into a sandbank in 1973 and has been sitting there ever since—now an iconic landmark for tourists who want a truly unique experience while visiting Iceland!
What are the best things to do in Reykjavík?
Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is a small city that packs a big punch. In fact, you could easily spend a week here and still not have seen everything. So what are the best things to do in Reykjavík? Well, let's start with food!
First up is the fish market, which is right across from Reykjavik harbor. There, you can pick up some fresh fish or try some local specialties like whale or puffin (if you're feeling adventurous).
If you're looking for something more upscale than that—and also want to see some of the best views in town—check out Laugarvatnslaug: it's an outdoor hot tub that sits on top of a hill overlooking the city and ocean below. You can take a dip while gazing out at sea on one side and mountains on the other!
Another great place to visit is Perlan: this building sits atop Öskjuhlíð mountain overlooking the city center and has amazing views of both mountains and sea. On top of that, it also houses an elevator museum where you can learn about how elevators work!
Does Iceland have co-working spaces?
Yes, there are co-working spaces in Iceland. In fact, there are a number of them. https://www.coworker.com/search/iceland
Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in and do business in. As such, it's important that you consider how much money you'll need to live on while you're working in Iceland. This will help you determine how much space you need and how much money you'll need to pay each month for your workspace.
Iceland has a thriving startup scene, so there are plenty of companies dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs succeed. The local government also offers some assistance with taxes and immigration issues for startups looking to move abroad.
Which airline has the best flights into Iceland?
The first recommended airline to fly into Iceland is WOW Air, which is a budget airline that offers affordable fares on flights from the United States to Iceland. They also have direct flights from a lot of major cities in Europe, like London and Berlin.
If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, then look no further than Iceland Air. They offer direct flights from several different American cities and connect through Iceland, so it's like getting to see all of Europe on your way over! Of course, this means that the price will be higher than WOW Air's fares—but if you're willing to pay just a little bit more money for an amazing experience, then this is your best bet.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, you've probably been wondering when is the best time to see the Northern Lights? The answer is: whenever!
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in Iceland all year round. However, there are some times of year that offer better conditions for viewing than others. Here's what you need to know:
The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland depends on whether you want to see them from Reykjavík or from another town or city outside of Reykjavík.
If you'd like to see them from Reykjavík itself, then November through February is your best bet—it gets dark earlier at this time of year and there's less chance of cloud cover interfering with your view.
If you'd like to view them from another location outside of Reykjavík (such as Þingvellir National Park), then May through September is your best bet—there are more hours of darkness during this time period and it's more likely that there will be clear skies on which to view them.
Is it cold year round in Iceland?
It depends on where you are in Iceland. In Reykjavik, the capital city, it gets as cold as -3°C (26°F) in the winter and can get up to an average of 13°C (55°F) during the summer.
Outside of Reykjavik, temperatures can vary quite a bit. The southern part of the island is generally warmer than the north, so you might want to plan your trip according to what time of year and what part of the island you want to visit. For example, if you go during the summer months and stay near Myvatn lake, you'll be able to enjoy some beautiful green landscapes and cool temperatures—but if you want more snow than that, head north toward Akureyri and get ready for some serious cold!
Where are the best ski resorts in Iceland?
The best ski resorts in Iceland are located in the southwest region of the country. There are three main areas: Þórsmörk, Landmannalaugar and Laugahraun.
Þórsmörk is a beautiful area that lies between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. It's full of fjords, mountains and lakes. There are also many hiking trails available for visitors to enjoy.
Landmannalaugar is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains that have been formed by volcanic activity over thousands of years. The area is also home to hot springs that bubble up from beneath the earth's surface, creating a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in Iceland.
Laugahraun is located near Mount Hekla and other volcanoes in southern Iceland's volcanic zone which makes it an ideal place for skiing because of its proximity to so many different volcanoes which can create snow cover whenever they erupt!
