Author: Valur Grettisson
Editorial: We Want Human Rights For Your Military Games
US Vice President Mike Pence is coming to Iceland in early September. It’s fair to say that Pence’s personal values…
Just Sayings: “Flýtur meðan ekki sekkur”
This saying is basically another version of “þetta reddast,” which is basically the motto of the Icelandic nation, translating to…
Icelandic Superstitions: A Dangerous Cup Of Coffee
Are you reading this over an innocent cup of coffee? Well watch yourself—there is nothing innocent about it. Your very…
Greenland Considering Buying US Back
The prime minister of Greenland, Kim Kielsen, said in an interview with the danish newspaper Politiken, that the Greenlandic government…
PHOTOS: Reykjavík Pride Parade 2019
The annual Reykjavík Pride Parade was held last Saturday and there, up to 100,000 guests celebrated the rights of all…
Well, You Asked: American Incest (and British)
How do you get rid of bad luck from moving a rock on the black beaches? Asking for a friend…
That Time 15% Of Iceland Went To See Ed Sheeran
When the news broke that Ed Sheeran was going to play at Laugardalsvöllur in August, Icelanders broke a national record,…
Icelandic Superstitions: Be Cool, Or The Summer Will Suck
One of the oddest traditions that Icelanders have is to look at the weather the night before the 24th of…
Grapevine’s Editorial: The County/The Country
‘The County,’ the latest film directed by our cover star Grímur Hákonarson, raises hard questions, not only about Iceland’s business…
Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood: An Odd Hate Letter To Hippies
Note: This article contains spoilers about Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood.’ You’ve been warned. Let’s start with the…
WOW Air Is Dead; Long Live The WAB!
A new low-budget airline has officially emerged from the depths of the brutal bankruptcy of WOW Air. The new airline,…
City Councillor Vigdís Hauksdóttir Accused Of Bullying: “This Is War”
Reykjavík city councilperson and municipal chair of the Centre Party Vigdís Hauksdóttir has been accused of bullying her Chief of…
Fishing At Elliðavatn: Tight Lines, Tangled Lines
I was baffled when my son came to me one day and told me that he wanted to go out…
War Of The Nerds: Iceland Has Belugas In The House!
So, Iceland has belugas now. We endeavoured to fly them over from China in the middle of June and they…
War Of The Nerds: The Odd Battle Of The Roundabouts
Let’s just be honest about it: roundabouts are nightmarish and confusing structures. It’s like a saddening metaphor for the pointless…
Making Of An Artist: Árni Már Erlingsson Is A Bit Careless And Not Too Sensible
Árni Már Erlingsson is an Icelandic visual artist who runs the fantastic Gallery Port on Laugavegur. Here is what made…
Food of Iceland: Harðfiskur
Finally! Food that is not only for the brave or foolish. ‘Harðfiskur’, or dried fish, is basically superfood. Research conducted…
Good Weather, Seagulls And Stray Dogs
So, something strange is happening in Reykjavík. There has been reporting of this strange yellow phenomenon in the sky, and…
Just Sayings: “Fram Í Rauðan Dauðann”
The 17th century idiom “Fram í rauðan dauðann” literally means “onward to the red dead.” But what, exactly, is this…
Brynhildur Karlsdóttir: The Layers Of Love On A Performance Art Drive
Brynhildur Karlsdóttir called me on a Monday evening and told me that she was picking me up. She had invited…
Well, You Asked: Say Ha?
Stuck in a sticky situation? Don’t worry, Grapevine’s advice column is here to help you. I’ve been living in the…
Game Of Thrones: Goodbye, And Thanks For The White Walkers
It’s safe to say that season eight of the epic cultural phenomenon Game of Thrones was controversial. Around one million…
Grapevine Playlist: Icelandic Music From Kira Kira, GusGus, Dadykewl & More
by John Rogers, Hannah Jane Cohen and Valur Grettisson
It’s Grapevine Playlist time once more. Like seven sea eagles shooting out of an erupting volcano, here are the latest…
Food Of Iceland: Shark and Brennivín
Scared of sharks? Well, Icelanders eat them for breakfast, and what’s more, we drink Brennivín to cleanse the palette afterwards….
Snorri Ásmundsson: The Greatest Artist In The World
Snorri Ásmundsson is perhaps Iceland’s most notorious artist. He gained notoriety when he announced twice that he was running for…