Honest Iceland Talk
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -This project is finished, and the website is offline. Alli and Steffi have no control over older episodes not working anymore.
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Episodes
The secret waterfall hike and dark tourism at Kárahnjúkar Dam (almost)
June 22, 2022 15:04 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBDay 6: Waterfall hikes, Seyðisfjörður, and the start of the Horror Road Hi lovely people, it has been so long, I know. But here is the next episode from our 2021 summer ring road trip. This is the other half of the recording from the Google Horror road where we talk about day number 6. waking up at https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/blabjorg-guesthouse.de.html?auth_success=1 (Blábjörg Guesthouse) and getting an early breakfast Visiting the small harbor - https://www.borgarfjordureystri.is/en/...
Google sends us on a horror road in East Iceland
December 03, 2021 21:30 - 29 minutes - 23.5 MBDay 5: Flat Tire and driving back and forth As usual, we record on the next day, talking about the day before. You will get an intimate insight into our car conversation and how completely creeped and freaked out Steffi was while Google maps send us on a horror road. #sheepseverywhere #creepy #ohno Exploring Hallormsstaðaskógur national forest Visiting Skriðuklaustur museum and eating an amazing vegan meal there Visiting Snæfellsstofa Visitor Centre free exhibition Visiting Móðir Jörð organ...
Traveling back in time in East-Iceland & Indiana Jones vibes
October 31, 2021 14:00 - 39 minutes - 72.1 MBDay 4: Culture and Museum Day Petra's Stone and Mineral Collection: https://www.steinapetra.is/ https://en.visitfjardabyggd.is/things-to-do/museums/details/the-french-museum (The French Museum )in Fáskrúðsfjörður: Finding wild blueberries and eating them Finding a bench without sun Talking to very friendly locals Visiting the https://en.visitfjardabyggd.is/things-to-do/museums/details/the-icelandic-wartime-museum (Icelandic Wartime Museum) Visiting Helgustaðanáma mine near Eskifjörður No Sh...
The East Fjords: Unique Stones, Viking Film set & breweries
September 24, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 39.5 MBThe road trip continues... Day 2 (Part 1): Drive to Fjallsárlón (the better glacier lagoon) Drive to Jökulsárlon (no more vegan hot dogs for us) Sleep at Lambhús Cottages with glacier tongue view Visit to the restaurant and brewery Jón Ríki Day 3: Drive to Vestrahorn (and Viking Village) J.F.S. Handcraft (fantastic stone museum) Natural hot pool in the middle of nowhere but too hot Camping in Breiðalsvík and visit brewery Beljandi We also tell you what we see on the road while recording. ...
Ring Road Adventure: Beautiful Glacier Hike & Rainy Camping Night
September 17, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 19.9 MBHiya, lovely listeners! We are back for a new season: Ring Road Adventure. We take you on a trip around the country. Get ready for sheep making love on the road, windy nights in the tent, pasta from a can, and of course, lots of nature! Day 1: Drive from Reykjavík to Vík, getting coffee from the lovely Skool Beans bus Stopped at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (the one we forgot the name of in the episode) Camped at Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Kleifar Visited Systrafoss and Systravatn (hike to the waterfall ...
Final Episode: Our amazing Trip to Katla Ice Cave
February 04, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBHonest Iceland is taking a break. Will it be forever? We don't know yet. But we are proud to say that this episode took the least editing work ever; hopefully, you enjoy it. Thank you for your support! Alli & Steffi TQwieFckqwZ4NqrquKMi
Reykjavík on one day: 8 Free Things you Can Do
January 28, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBStrolling through the streets of Reykjavík while seeing a few important landmarks is a great way of exploring the capital either at the beginning or at the end of your Iceland visit. Read the full blog post here!
Everything you need to know about Traditional Icelandic Food
January 21, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBWe look beyond the plate and tell you what Icelanders really love to eat, which dishes are offered mainly for tourists, and where you should go to jump on a culinary journey through Icelandic Foods. Disclaimer: We apologize for any disturbing sounds throughout the episode. We had a few issues with our microphones. As promised: A Link with more info about the history of forests in Iceland and Deforestation. Read our blog post. There you can find all the links and sources for this episode, a...
Moving to Iceland: How to get started
January 14, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBPlaying with the thought of moving to Iceland? Many visitors fall in love with Iceland and consider living here either for a while or even long term. In this episode, I will tell you some facts and numbers, how to get a job, average salary, and much more. Even if you don't consider moving to Iceland, I invite you to listen to the episode and discover a few unknown facts. Read our blog post for more info. Moving to Iceland - Offical Website of the Icelandic Register Iceland votes for Gay M...
Easy ways to save money on your Iceland Trip
January 07, 2021 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBPlanning a Trip to Iceland in 2021? While Iceland is rather expensive when it comes to traveling around the country, it doesn´t have to burn a hole in your wallet. If you plan ahead, use discounts, avoid overpriced grocery stores, and spend money at the right places, your trip will be enjoyable while not as costly. Read our blog post for more info and details about the apps and savings we mention in the episode. As always, if you like our podcast, you can support us by leaving a review: Lov...
How Travelers rate Iceland's Popular Attractions - The Good, The Bad, and the Funny
December 31, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBAll of us been there: Scrolling through Tripadvisor reviews to find out if a place is really worth visiting. In this episode, we read some of the most fun, scary, and ridiculous reviews for you and tell you what people get right and what some of them get wrong. We take off the rose-colored glasses and help you adjust expectations for your future Iceland Trip. As always, if you like our podcast, you can support us by leaving a review: Love The Podcast - Honest Iceland
How to celebrate New Year's Eve in Reykjavík, Iceland
December 24, 2020 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBIf you are looking for a place to spend New Year's Eve, you will find Reykjavík on many top lists. With its bonfires, wild parties, and incredible fireworks display, Iceland's capital is not far behind New York or London. In this episode, you will learn: Where to go for New Year's Eve How to schedule the evening like an Icelander What is behind our famous sketch show "Áramótaskaup" We also give you an update on the Covid situation, and we tell you about the disaster that struck Seyðisfjörðu...
Bonus in German: Weihnachten in Island & 13 Isländische Weihnachtsmänner
December 23, 2020 15:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBLiebe Island Freunde, um euch das Weihnachtsfest 2020 ein wenig zu verschönern, veröffentlichen wir heute eine Episode in Deutscher Sprache! Hier könnt ihr noch einmal alles über isländische Weihnachtstraditionen und die isländischen Weihnachtsmänner erfahren. Natürlich kommt die Weihnachtskatze nicht zu kurz. Erfahrt wie Isländer die dunklen Tage erhellen, und welche Weihnachtsgerichte typisch um Weihnachten gegessen werden. Buchquelle: Íslensku Jólasveinarnir mit deutschem Text zu finden...
Meet the (rest) of the Icelandic Yule Lads & their parents
December 17, 2020 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBMeet the other even creepier Yule Lads. This episode is probably one of the most fun and distracting as Alli and Steffi discuss the weird character of the Yule pranksters and go deeper into unexpected topics like the Icelandic Skyr and why we have farms in which you can watch the cows while eating beef. Iceland stays weird and never gets boring! Last but not least: Thank you all for taking part in our Giveaway. Handmade Christmas cards are on the way to you. You guys are awesome! Don't for...
Meet the Icelandic Yule Lads
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBNo, Iceland does not have a Santa Clause. Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses. But instead of bringing gifts, the Yule Lads play tricks with the children, steal their presents, and behave mischievously during their stay in town. Meet the Santa Clauses and learn more about their characteristics in this episode. Please support our show by leaving an honest review. This time, we randomly select five winners who will receive a personalized postcard from us. Submit until the next episode airs on Decembe...
Celebrate Christmas like an Icelander
December 03, 2020 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBChristmas time is finally here! Have you ever wondered about Icelandic traditions and how Icelanders celebrate during the darkest time of the year? We invite you to join Icelandic Christmas this year! Find the blog post HERE. Almost everyone knows about the Christmas Cat who eats children that did not receive new clothes before Christmas Eve. But what about the 13 gifts, Ice Skating, Remembering your loved ones, and finding the almond in the cake? Join us through this episode and learn abo...
The Golden Circle in Iceland - All you need to know + Bonus
November 26, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBOne of the most popular routes in Iceland: Easy to drive all year round; A day trip from Reykjavík. Bonus in this episode: How to complete your Golden Circle trip in the most enjoyable and relaxing way: We offer three options, tried and tested, for you to choose from. Read more HERE. Don't forget to subscribe to get our FREE planning Guide. If you like our podcast and would like to support us please leave a review.
The best time to visit Iceland: Summer vs. Winter
November 19, 2020 12:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBMost people will tell you that summertime is the best time to visit Iceland. But what about Northern Lights, Ice Caves, and special prices that are only available in the wintertime? Read our latest blog post: https://honesticeland.com/when-is-the-best-time-to-visit-iceland/ If you like our show, please give us a review! Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/honest-iceland-talk/id1525999592 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422
Traveling with Icelandair during COVID-19 - Our Experience
November 12, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBSome people miss traveling internationally and the pure feeling of sitting in an airplane, looking out the window. But in 2020, it is almost impossible to travel abroad. To see my German family again, Alli and I took several challenges and obstacles to reach our destination. In the end, we almost did not make it back to Iceland. Listen to our experience with health centers, testings, misinformation from authorities, and how we spend 14 hours at multiple airports to get back to Iceland. Bi...
Packing for Iceland - What you really need!
November 05, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBCan't wait to travel again in 2021? Packing smart for your Iceland trip is essential if you want to have an amazing time. But there is no need to buy heavy and expensive equipment. Save time planning and space in your luggage with our tips in this episode. For more info, check out Packing Guide with PRINTABLES: https://honesticeland.com/quick-packing-guide-for-iceland-with-printables/ Also, check 11 Things you need to pack for your Iceland Trip: https://honesticeland.com/things-you-need-to-...
Halloween Special Part Two: Icelandic Ghost Stories & Folk Tales
October 29, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBWhat happens to Helga's mother after the elves visit her? Hear the rest of the story now. Listen to two more creepy ghosts stories from Iceland and find out how those tales still connect to Icelands society today. Books: Elves, Trolls and Elemental Beings by Alan Boucher 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson We look forward to reading your feedback. You can rate the episodes here https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/honest-iceland-talk-1372422 or on Apple Podcasts https://...
Halloween Special: Icelandic Ghost Stories & Folk Tales
October 22, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn the old days, most Icelanders believed in ghosts, and some do until today. Iceland has a great variety of folk tales, giving you a distinct picture of the life and beliefs of past generations. In this episode, we bring you three stories: Redhead from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson The Monster of Látrabjarg from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson Helga the Farmers Daughter and the Elves from the book Elves, Trolls and Element...
Halloween Special: Icelandic Ghost Stories & Folk Tales
October 22, 2020 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn the old days, most Icelanders believed in ghosts, and some do until today. Iceland has a great variety of folk tales, giving you a distinct picture of the life and beliefs of past generations. In this episode, we bring you three stories: Redhead from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson The Monster of Látrabjarg from the book 25 Icelandic Folk and Fairy Tales by Jón R. Hjálmarsson Helga the Farmers Daughter and the Elves from the book Elves, Trolls and Element...
Honest Iceland Trailer
October 15, 2020 14:00 - 4 minutes - 2.82 MBFor Iceland lovers and explorers - every Thursday, we share with you great stories, little known mysteries, and how to explore Iceland like a pro! Visit our website: https://honesticeland.com/ Steffi from Germany and Aðalbjörn from Iceland deliver you more Iceland wisdom every week! From geological history, mystical stories, funny tourist faux pas, personal experience to packing advice and travel tips, we got you covered! If you have suggestions for a future episode, fill out the short sur...
Iceland's Volcanoes - Is the next eruption just around the corner?
October 15, 2020 14:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBIceland is situated right between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and its geology is nothing short of extraordinary and fascinating. The inhabitants live with the constant threat of a sudden volcanic blow with a volcanic eruption on average every three to five years. In this episode, we tell you how past volcanos threatened the nation's survival and what we can learn from them for future eruptions. We also explore which volcanos show signs of erupting soon and take you on a ...
Iceland's Volcanos - Is the next eruption just around the corner?
October 15, 2020 14:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBIceland is situated right between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, and its geology is nothing short of extraordinary and fascinating. The inhabitants live with the constant threat of a sudden volcanic blow with a volcanic eruption on average every three to five years. In this episode, we tell you how past volcanos threatened the nation's survival and what we can learn from them for future eruptions. We also explore which volcanos show signs of erupting soon and take you on a...
5 Stunning Must-Visit Places in Iceland
October 08, 2020 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBI was very overwhelmed figuring out which places I should visit in Iceland when I came here for the first time. Alli and I chose our favorite places that every Iceland visitor should see. One with a creepy ghost, story, two unique islands, a very remote cliff, and the biggest glacier in Iceland. Check out our website https://honesticeland.com/honest-iceland-podcast/ where be publish a blog post about this episode soon. While you are there, fill out the short survey on our podcast page, so w...
I come completely from the mountains - Fun & Weird Icelandic phrases explained
October 01, 2020 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBComing completely from the mountains? We get it, Icelandic is pretty hard to understand. The Icelandic language did not change much in the last couple of centuries, which is why most Icelanders can still read ancient books and texts. Preserved with the language are many phrases that the old Vikings used, and are still used by many people today. We explore these phrases and put them into a present-day context. Let's get on with the butter!
Challenges of Living in Iceland - What no one tells you
September 24, 2020 18:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBThe darkness in the wintertime? High prices? While the nature in Iceland is breathtaking, living in the country can be challenging. Although we wouldn't choose anywhere else to live, in this episode, we explore several reasons that might throw you off form your plan of moving to Iceland.
Reasons for moving to Iceland - Why we love this little island
September 17, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBEver played with the thought of moving to Iceland? From the point of view of a native Icelander and an immigrant, we explore what we appreciate the most in this country.
Rotten Fish & Dirty Business - Political Scandals in Iceland
September 10, 2020 17:00 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBWhen it comes to corruption and tax evasion, Iceland is no exemption. While there are a few rotten apples amongst politicians, one MP manages to rise from the ashes, again and after. In this episode, we explore what impact the three main scandals of the last couple of years had in Iceland. Listen to learn more about The Fishrot Files, Panama Papers, and the Klaustur Scandal. Sources for this episode The Fishrot Files: https://www.ruv.is/kveikur/fishrot/fishrot/ https://wikileaks.org/fishrot...
How to catch Northern Lights in Iceland
September 03, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBFascinating and mysteries, seeing Northern Lights in Iceland, is every travelers' dream. The new hunting season just started, and we tell you everything you need to know: How to read Autora forecasts, best spots to watch Northern Lights, and what are your option if you encounter a Northern Lights no show? Check these websites: https://auroraforecast.is/ https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/ Visit our website and read how to catch Northern Lights: https://honesticeland.com/guide-to-n...
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland - is it worth the hype?
August 27, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 65 MBThe Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. But is it a must-do, or can you skip it? We tested it for you in August 2020: Pros and cons, and what you need to know before you visit. Would you like to know more about Iceland's geology and the Blue Lagoon? We recommend the book "Exploring Iceland's Geology" from Snæbjörn Guðmundsson. In this episode, we also review the Silica Hotel, the Blue Lagoon Premium access, and Moss Restaurant. New episodes are published...
Don't do this in Iceland - Tourist Mistakes and what you can learn from it
August 20, 2020 18:00 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBGetting lost on an ice sheet, driving a 6-hour detour, or literally finding yourself after an intense search, all this happened in recent years since Iceland became such a popular tourist destination. We talk about different mistakes and mishaps that travelers made on their vacation and what you can learn from it for your upcoming Iceland adventure. Please support the Search and Rescue Team in Iceland! See the pictures and read more about the stories we discuss in the episode: Don't trust...
Things you did not know about Iceland
August 13, 2020 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThe ban on alcoholic beverages, strict shower rules, and how the president of Iceland addressed the nation after collection rubbish around his estate: all these are topics we talk about in this week's episode. Things are done differently by the people inhabiting the small island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Icelanders don't joke around if it comes to their swimming pool culture. And what is best after a long soak in the hot tub? Right, ice cream. But most people in Iceland don't go for gelat...
Things you did not know about Iceland
August 13, 2020 15:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBThe ban on alcoholic beverages, strict shower rules, and how the president of Iceland addressed the nation after collection rubbish around his estate: all these are topics we talk about in this week's episode. Things are done differently by the people inhabiting the small island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Icelanders don't joke around if it comes to their swimming pool culture. And what is best after a long soak in the hot tub? Right, ice cream. But most people in Iceland don't go for gelat...
Jaja Ding Dong - Fact Check on Netflix's Eurovision movie
July 30, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode, Steffi and Aðalbjörn discuss the new Netflix movie "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga." Eurovision is very popular in Iceland although they never won the competition. This year, Daði Freyr's Song Think About Things was tipped the favorite. Unfortunately, the song contest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The movie follows Sigrit and Lars from the small town Húsavík. Together they go on a journey to win the famous song contest. Through the story,...