History & Traditions of Iceland Archives | Your Friend in Reykjavik

March 9, 2023

Easter in Iceland

So, how is Easter in Iceland? Despite having a state church, Icelanders are not particularly religious people. Those who believe in God describe it as a childlike faith...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirFood & Drink in Iceland, History & Traditions of Iceland, Things to do in Reykjavik, Traveling in Iceland

A Curtiss-Wright P-40C Warhawk Iceland 1942 San Diego Air & Space Museum

March 1, 2023

Air crashes in Iceland during WWII

Unlike naval battles around Iceland during WWII, few, if any, Icelanders died in air crashes in Iceland during the same period. From 1940 to 1945, more than 300...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland, Things to do in Reykjavik

February 8, 2023

The Wonderful Quern – Folktale

This folktale shows that making a deal with the devil in a folktale sometimes turns out well for you. But you better put your affairs in order before...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland

February 3, 2023

Pirate Attack in Iceland – The Turkish Abductions

In the summer of 1627, pirates from northwest Africa kidnapped people in Grindavik, The Westman Islands, and the East Fjords and sold them into slavery in Barbary. Barbary...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland, Traveling in Iceland

February 1, 2023

Naval Battles Around Iceland During WWII

There were a few naval battles around Iceland during WWII, with a few Icelandic fishing vessels sunk by German submarines. Iceland’s strategic location also allowed the British fleet...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland

January 25, 2023

The Icelandic Language – What Makes it Special?

The Icelandic language is a fascinating and unique language spoken by around 330,000 people, primarily in Iceland. With roots in Old Norse, Icelandic has managed to maintain its...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland, Traveling in Iceland

January 19, 2023

Iceland in World War II – How it Began

On May 10, 1940, the quiet island of Iceland was abruptly thrust into the global conflict of World War II. Operation Fork, a code name for the British...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland

January 5, 2023

Winter Sports in Iceland

Iceland has a unique and varied landscape, offering visitors a range of winter sports and activities. Some popular winter sports in Iceland include skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating,...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland, Things to do in Reykjavik, Traveling in Iceland

January 5, 2023

ICE-SAR – The Icelandic Search and Rescue

ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue) is a voluntary organization in Iceland that provides search and rescue services throughout the country. It was founded in 1937 and...

Helga Dís BjörgúlfsdóttirHistory & Traditions of Iceland, Holidays in Iceland, Traveling in Iceland