All Things Iceland

By: Jewells Chambers
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  • Summary

  • Discover Iceland’s language, history, culture, & nature
    ©2020 All Things Iceland
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Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
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Episodes
  • 7 Reasons Iceland is Expensive & How to Make Your Trip More Affordable

    7 Reasons Iceland is Expensive & How to Make Your Trip More Affordable
    Feb 19 2025
    Whether you’ve visited Iceland before or you’re planning your dream trip, you’ve likely noticed that prices here are higher when compared to many other countries. From groceries and restaurants to accommodations and activities, Iceland’s cost of living and travel expenses can be a shock to the wallet. But why is that the case?I’ll break down the key reasons behind Iceland’s high prices, including geographic isolation, the dominance of a few large companies, high taxes and import duties, a small population, and the impact of tourism.Plus, I’ll be sharing details on my upcoming live webinar, “Iceland on a Budget: 30 Ways to Spend Less and Travel Smart,” where I’ll give you actionable tips to help you maximize your experience in Iceland without breaking the bank. Let’s get into it! 1. Geographic Isolation Iceland’s remote location in the North Atlantic significantly impacts its economy. With no land connections to other countries, all goods must be transported by air or sea. This means higher shipping costs, which are passed on to consumers. Everyday essentials like food, clothing, and electronics come at a premium because of the logistics involved in getting them to the island.For example, grocery stores like Bónus and Krónan import a large percentage of their products, leading to higher-than-average food prices compared to mainland Europe or the U.S. A simple item like a gallon of milk can cost around 900 ISK ($6.99 USD).The cost of fuel is also steep and can be as high as 330 ISK ($2.33 USD) per liter or about $8.85 a gallon, partly due to import costs and high taxes. This geographic isolation extends to supply chains for restaurants and retail, where prices reflect these transportation challenges. 2. High Taxes and Import Duties Iceland has some of the highest taxes in the world, and these contribute significantly to the high cost of goods and services. The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is 24%, with a reduced rate of 11% on certain goods like food and books.However, even with the reduced VAT, prices remain high. Import duties on certain items, such as clothing and electronics, add even more costs. For example, a pair of Levi’s jeans that might cost $60 in the U.S. can easily be $120 in Iceland due to taxes and import fees.Cars are also heavily taxed, with import duties, VAT, and registration fees sometimes doubling the cost compared to other countries. This means that even everyday expenses like transportation, dining out, and shopping feel significantly more expensive. 3. Market Dominance by Few Companies Iceland’s small economy means that a handful of companies dominate key industries, limiting competition and keeping prices high. The food retail sector, for instance, is primarily controlled by Hagar, which owns Bónus, Hagkaup, and other supermarkets.This lack of competition can result in inflated grocery prices. Similarly, the telecommunications industry is led by Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone, all of which maintain relatively high service costs. The same goes for banking—Arion Bank, Íslandsbanki, and Landsbankinn dominate the financial sector, and their fees for everyday banking services can be steep compared to other countries.The lack of competition in these critical industries means that consumers have limited options, and businesses have little incentive to lower prices. Even in tourism, major players like Icelandair control air travel, which can keep flight prices elevated, especially during peak seasons. 30 Budget Saving Tips for Iceland: Travel Smart and Spend Less If you are not sure how to get the most bang for your buck in Iceland, I have something that will help you out. I’m hosting a free live webinar and you won’t want to miss it! This webinar is packed with practical, money-saving strategies to help you explore Iceland without spending a fortune. Click Here to Register 4.
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    24 mins
  • 5 Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Know When Visiting Iceland

    5 Essential Do’s and Don’ts to Know When Visiting Iceland
    Feb 15 2025
    Whether you’re planning your first trip to Iceland or you’ve visited before, knowing the do’s and don’ts can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Iceland is a breathtaking country with unique cultural norms, unpredictable weather, and natural wonders that demand respect and preparation. I’ll walk you through essential travel tips—things you should absolutely do to get the most out of your visit, as well as common mistakes to avoid. From driving safely on Iceland’s rugged roads to experiencing the hot springs like a local, these insights will help you navigate your adventure like a pro. Let’s dive into the essential do’s and don’ts for traveling in Iceland! 5 Do's & Don'ts When Visiting Iceland 1. Do go to local pools, lagoons and upscale spas. Iceland’s bathing culture is such a big part of life here and it’s lovely to relax in a geothermally warmed hot tub. Most people think that when I say local pool that I mean some run of the mill uninteresting place but in Iceland, the local pools are lovely and budget friendly.For instance, the biggest one in Laugardalslaug has several hot tubs, including a saltwater one, an Olympic sized lap pool, a wading pool, a gigantic slide for kids of all ages (meaning adults too), a steam room, sauna, a cold dipping pool and lovely changing area. All of that is accessible at the cost of 1.389 ISK or $9.81 for adults, $1.41 for young adults aged 16-17 and free for children up to the age of 15. Every local pool has its own charm and there is almost 2 dozen just in the Reykjavík capital area and many around the whole country.Places like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon and other well known places to take a dip will cost a lot more. For instance, the Blue Lagoon is 9.900 ISK or about $70 for the lowest admission price for one adult. These places are extremely unique and I have enjoyed many visits to all of the lagoons and new baths around the country, so I don’t discourage going, but just know that you have local options too that are great. Don’t go into a pool, lagoon, or hot tub in Iceland without showering first One of the most important etiquette rules in Iceland is showering thoroughly, without a swimsuit, before entering a pool, lagoon, or hot tub. Iceland’s geothermal pools and hot springs are an essential part of the culture, and maintaining their cleanliness is taken very seriously.Due to the country’s limited use of chlorine in pools, washing with soap beforehand helps keep the water hygienic for everyone. Most public swimming areas have strict signage explaining the showering protocol, and some even have attendants ensuring compliance.Skipping this step is considered disrespectful to locals, and you might be asked to leave. Icelanders grow up with this rule, so while it might feel unfamiliar to visitors, it is essential for keeping the pools enjoyable for all. 2. Do Travel to different parts of the country when you visit Iceland is much more than Reykjavik and the Golden Circle. While the capital offers vibrant culture, history, and nightlife, venturing beyond reveals breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and local experiences that make a trip unforgettable. The South Coast is home to stunning waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, black sand beaches, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The Westfjords, a lesser-visited gem, offers dramatic fjords, bird cliffs, and remote hot springs. The North, particularly Akureyri and Mývatn, provides volcanic landscapes, geothermal baths, and excellent whale watching. The Eastfjords offer charming fishing villages and rugged mountains, while the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse natural beauty. Expanding your itinerary ensures you experience the true essence of Iceland. Don’t Only stay in Reykjavik While Reykjavik is a fantastic city with a lively atmos...
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    28 mins
  • Expert Advice on How to Hunt the Northern Lights in Iceland

    Expert Advice on How to Hunt the Northern Lights in Iceland
    Jan 31 2025
    In this captivating episode, I sat down with Christian Legère, the visionary behind Emerald Skies of Iceland, to delve into the mesmerizing world of the Northern Lights. As a seasoned expert, Christian has dedicated his career to guiding enthusiasts and travelers through the ethereal dance of the aurora borealis across Iceland's night skies. Northern Lights photo by Christian Legère More about Christian Legère Christian's journey began with a profound fascination for the natural wonders of the Arctic. This passion led him to establish Emerald Skies, a platform that offers real-time Northern Lights forecasts, comprehensive aurora activity information, and invaluable insights for both novice observers and seasoned chasers. His commitment is to demystify the aurora borealis, making it accessible to all who venture to witness its beauty.Throughout our discussion, Christian shares his extensive knowledge on the optimal times and locations to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland. He emphasizes the importance of understanding solar activity, weather patterns, and the significance of minimal light pollution. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to enhance their aurora viewing experience, whether embarking on a guided tour or setting out independently.A highlight of the conversation is Christian's explanation of the tools and resources available on the Emerald Skies website. From detailed solar wind data to magnetometer readings, he illustrates how these instruments can predict aurora activity, ensuring that observers are well-prepared to catch a glimpse of this celestial phenomenon.Moreover, Christian addresses common misconceptions about the Northern Lights and provides guidance on capturing the perfect aurora photograph. His insights are not only informative but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders that Iceland offers. Questions I Asked Christian Legere During the Interview Northern Lights photo by Christian Legère Where are you from and what brough you to Iceland?When did your fascination with the Northern Lights begin?There are so many different apps & websites to check out the Northern Lights forecast, what should people look for to get an accurate as possible prediction?What makes your website Emerald Skies unique?Tips you have for people who want to see the Northern Lights on their own.How should people manage their expectations when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights?What are some spots you recommend people go to and potentially see the Northern Lights?What are your favorite Northern Lights sightings?What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase? Contact Christian about the Northern Lights The best way to contact Christian about the northern lights is via his website Emerald Skies of Iceland. Share This with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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    50 mins

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Profile Image for Danielle Chambers

Swimming is so wonderful…

I truly enjoyed this episode, didn’t know that Icelanders didn’t have inside plumbing until the mid- 1900’s.

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Profile Image for laura

stumbled on this!!

I am going in December 2022.
super helpful! it's like the bioluminescent in PR (don't go during a full moon) . great advice.
she seems super cool

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