Author: - The Reykjavik Grapevine

“Hvalreki” is the Icelandic word for a beached whale. It comes from the words “hvalur”, for whale, and “reki”, meaning…

Icelandic has been global news as of late, because, like the Icelandic goat, it’s at risk of becoming extinct. The…

“Lattelepjandi lopatrefill” is a fun little phrase to say, perhaps even something of a tongue twister. It literally means “latte-sipping…

There is a peculiar story about the origin of the Icelandic word for sweater: A French fisherman saw an Icelandic…

Iceland is a country full of wonderful and often quirky traditions. In December, the Yule Lads come down from the…

In Icelandic Christmas tradition, there’s not one Santa Claus but thirteen mischievous, not always generous Jólasveinar, or Yule Lads. And…

“Fara í geitarhús að leita ullar” literally means to go to the goat house to gather wool. It’s used in…

“See the Northern Lights” is an item that commonly appears on bucket lists. Lucky for Icelanders, the country is in…

If you’ve been to Iceland, or live there, chances are you’ve probably had “skyr.” It’s a popular treat and you…

“Áfram med smjörid!” is an idiom that literally means “On with the butter!” It’s used to tell someone to quit…

Hvað gerir þú ef þú villist í íslenskum skógi? (What do you do if you get lost in an Icelandic…

The Icelandic football team has been front and centre of every sports section lately for their record-setting feat in the…

Icelanders seem to be very fond of raisins. “Rúsínan í pylsuendanum” is a mouthful to say. It’s the Icelandic equivalent…

Hallgrímskirkja is one of the most – if not the most – recognisable figure in Reykjavík’s modest skyline. The basalt…

“Ég tók hann í bakaríið” literally means “I took him to the bakery.” At first glance, it sounds rather lovely—…