Iceland Local Customs

 
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  •   Local Customs
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  •   Local Customs
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  • A cat by the ocean in 107 Reykjavík
      A cat by the ocean in 107 Reykjavík
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  • It was very friendly, jumping up on me and meowing
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Most Viewed Local Customs in Iceland

126.

Icelandic food   Reykjavík Region

Icelandic food, Reykjavík Region

 6 Reviews  Don't be fooled, the only time someone eats sheepheads and shark are at the "Thorrablot", annual festivals in january/february to celebrate the month of Thorri (according to the old calendar). Then... 

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127.

Language   Reykjavík Region

Language, Reykjavík Region

 6 Reviews  Icelandic is considered difficult and archaic - the least developped of the modern Germanic languages (to which, among others, belong the Scandinavian languages, German, Dutch, Afrikaans, Frisian and... 

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128.

Festivals/ Holidays   Reykjavík Region

Festivals/ Holidays, Reykjavík Region

 4 Reviews  Reykjavík is probably not the first place people think about when looking for special places to ring in the New Year, but other major cities have nothing on the small capital of Iceland. Around 8:30... 

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129.

Fishing   Reykjavík Region

Fishing, Reykjavík Region

 2 Reviews  Fishing is Iceland's most important industry. There economy depends heavily on fishing yet only a small percentage of the population actually work in the fishing industry. Nonetheless, almost every... 

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130.

Icelandic horse   Reykjavík Region

Icelandic horse, Reykjavík Region

 2 Reviews  The ICELANDIC HORSE - A completely pure breed. Horses from other countries may not enter Iceland, nor may horses return once they leave the country. Horses are seen everywhere including the city and... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

If you don't like the weather now, wait 5 minutes

by marielexoteria

That's a saying that you might hear a lot. Weather in Iceland changes quickly: it can go from sunny to windy to rainy to sunny again, all in one day - which is why I say that their weather is temperamental hehe. The first 2 days we were there it was gloomy, cloudy, a little windy and rainy during the morning and early afternoon. During the late afternoon and evening then it'd be less windy and the clouds would clear up, making it good for picture taking. We had one day of sunshine with little to no wind, and the day we left it was going back and forth between sunny and cloudy/windy.

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Flavors of Iceland: skyr

by marielexoteria

I have read about it while preparing for my trip and perhaps so have you. Skyr is a dairy product that has a slightly thicker yogurt like consistency, and according to a guide I got in Iceland it's a fresh cheese. I tried 2 different flavors from the brand skyr.is: vanilla, strawberries and one from KEA: blueberries and raspberry. The best one of the three was the latter. The vanilla flavor had a heavy aftertaste of soap, while the strawberry one had a less soapy aftertaste. In my opinion, this is (1) an acquired taste or (2) a love it or hate it snack hehe.

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Try Svarta Döden.

by Dizzyhead

It is a vodka from iceland called Black death. You should try it when you are in Iceland. I just want to remind you that alcohol is very expensive on this island. So, buy so much in the taxfree before you enter Iceland.

Tipping

by brazwhazz

In a country where everything seems so expensive, it was a relief to find out that tipping in restaurants is not customary.On our first night in Reykjavík, we asked a waitress what the customary tipping in was Iceland, and she told us that we were not expected to leave a tip.

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Cinema in Iceland

by steinninn

The cinema i Iceland is bouth very comon and very good. Almost all have THX standards and Dolby Digital sound. They have Icelandic subtitle, exept childrens movies may have been dubbed into Icelandic.But the biggest difference are the intermissions. They stop the film when the movie is half over so that they can sell more candy at the kiosk. They might skip it if there are only a hand full of people at the cinema, but around 95% of the time you can expect an intermission.

Skyr

by Saagar

Skyr is a cheesy youghurt, and it's everpresent on the icelandic menu. It's a bit of an aquired taste, and as with youghurt it gets too sour for me. I am no fan of milk cured products much beyond cheeses.It is made from thickened - that I figure is sour... - skimmed milk. Iliter of milk makes 2 dl of skyr.The Icelanders use skyr for any purpose anytime anywhere, but primarily for eating... But also in skin products and as health food. It is low-fat, high-protein, but Ihaven't figured out the cholesterol part yet. Rather, could you pass another beer?

On tipping

by Kittenish

As an Icelandic waitress I tell you this: Tipping is not rude. Really. We don't expect you to, but it is in no way considered an insult. Many of my friends are, or have been, waitresses/maids and we are really very thankful for all tips that people leave/give us. Um, I don't have anything specific to tell you more...But if you have any questions you'd like a local to answer, feel free to email me ataliceinweirdoland AT gmail DOT comHave a nice vacation, y'all

Hakarl (the Shark)

by tarabo

I hate fish! But I was offered a piece of this stuff.Even though I had read that it was disgusting ... sorry ... an "acquired taste", and that it was to be chewed and swalled with the help of Brennivin and it was only 9 am and the only thing to wash it down was a non readily available coffee ... I tried it.I confirm it being an "acquired taste" and I am now very proud of my self.I hope you'll have the brennivin or even a shot of Topas or Opal.

The Lights Festival

by tarabo

It is incredible how traditions can be carried all the way to our times for our enjoyment since their beginng some 5 years ago. (Badly remembered great sentence from a fantastic tour-guide!) So, it's not really traditional but it's nice. Museums are free, free Hydrogen or Methane powered shuttles take you around, fireworks, music, talks (in Icelandic), and lots of happy Icelanders! Great to be there.Get yourself a copy of the Grapevine: it's a more reliable source of information than any sober and English speaking Icelander.At the end of it you'll probably get the feeling that they over do it in marketing their creativity but they do have long and dark winters and the result is unoffensive if not appreciated. I liked it.

Brennivin

by lazyman_1

This drink is known to Icelanders as the black death due to its all-black label. To give some idea of the strength of Brennivin, its usually taken after Hakarl to rid your mouth of the taste. I recommend buying a small bottle of your own to bring home so you can watch your family and friends squirm as well.

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Reviews and photos of Iceland attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Iceland sightseeing.

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