Welcome Back to Iceland!
In this episode of The Radio Vagabond, I continue my journey around Iceland’s iconic Circle Route. If you haven’t listened to the first episode yet, I recommend checking that out first, as it sets the stage for this series.
Iceland is a land of contrasts and surprises, from its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating cultural quirks. Today, we’ll explore what it’s like to dive between tectonic plates, meet a couple of locals, chat with an Icelandic author, and discover how Icelandic folklore isn’t always what it seems.
Silfra: A Dive Between Continents
One of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in Iceland is diving or snorkeling at Silfra, located in Þingvellir National Park. It’s the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates – the North American and Eurasian.
I spoke to Solar, who works at the Þingvellir Visitor’s Centre, about what makes this place so unique. She explained that the glacier water feeding Silfra filters through lava rock for decades before reaching the site, creating crystal-clear water with visibility of up to 60 meters.
“It’s like flying underwater.”
And she wasn’t exaggerating. Divers and snorkelers flock to Silfra year-round despite the chilly temperatures hovering around 2–4°C. They’re rewarded with a surreal underwater landscape of deep blues and greens, narrow cracks, and the famous “Silfra Cathedral.”
Standing in the snow, I joked with a group of Dutch snorkelers who were braving the icy waters. “You’re going snorkeling in this freezing weather?” I asked. They laughed and replied:
“Yep, that’s exactly what we’re doing! We’re Dutch, so a bit crazy.”
Students on the Street:
Their View on Iceland
While exploring Reykjavik, I encountered a lively group of students celebrating their graduation. Dressed in colorful hats and full of energy, they were clearly enjoying their big day. Their excitement was contagious, and before I knew it, one of them approached me with an unexpected request: to twerk with them or give them a piggyback ride! Yes, you heard that right – these newly minted graduates were embracing the moment with playful spontaneity.
I laughed and politely declined the twerking but gave one of them a piggyback ride, and their enthusiasm left me grinning for the rest of the day.
This brief but memorable encounter gave me a glimpse into the joy and humour of Icelandic youth. It was a reminder that even amidst Iceland’s stunning landscapes and serious conversations about sustainability, moments of pure human connection can shine the brightest.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ICELAND
As I marvelled at Iceland’s natural wonders, I also dug into some quirky trivia about the country:
Powering Iceland: 100% Green Energy
Iceland leads the way in renewable energy, running almost entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power. It’s a nation where nature fuels the future.
Fire Meets Ice: The Dual Identity of Iceland
Known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland’s dramatic landscapes are shaped by glaciers and active volcanoes—a place where opposites attract in the most spectacular way.
Elves, Myths, and Icelandic Heritage
Icelandic folklore is rich with stories of elves and hidden people, but the truth behind these tales reveals more about cultural heritage than magical beliefs.
The Truth About Iceland’s Elves
Icelandic folklore is rich with stories of elves and hidden people, but do Icelanders actually believe in them? According to Alda Sigmundsdóttir, an Icelandic author I interviewed later in this episode, the answer is… not really.
While 54% of Icelanders are often cited as believing in elves, Alda calls this “at least 54% fake news.” Most Icelanders see these tales as cultural heritage rather than literal belief. Alda told me about a story widely reported in international media about road construction being halted because of elves. She clarified, “The truth is, they were checking for archaeological relics, not elves.”
In her book she writes:
”What happened was that an archaeological survey was done to make sure that there were no important relics or ruins on the site that might be destroyed during the construction. Also, there was mapping done to see if the site had been mentioned in any old Icelandic folk stories. Stories that might or might not have involved elves, but to say that the construction was paused because elves lived on the site is completely ridiculous.
There may be people in Iceland who still believe in elves. However, those folks are the exception rather than the rule. Personally, I do not know anyone who believes in elves, and, in contrast to what is presented in the international media, we Icelanders do not go around talking to elves all day long, or refuse to build anything, unless we’ve talked to them first.
By now, you may have got the idea that I find this media elf fixation a tad annoying, and you would be right.”
Alda’s perspective is refreshing and sheds light on how folklore can be misunderstood or exaggerated in global storytelling.
A Conversation with Alda Sigmundsdóttir:
Icelandic Culture and Change
One of the highlights of this episode was my chat with Alda Sigmundsdóttir, a renowned Icelandic author and cultural commentator. Alda has a unique way of explaining Icelandic culture with a touch of humor and sharp insight.
We talked about how Iceland has changed over the years, particularly in terms of tourism. Alda pointed out how the rapid increase in visitors has transformed parts of the country.
“In some ways, it’s been positive,” she said. “It’s brought in revenue and created jobs, but there are also challenges, like environmental concerns and maintaining authenticity.”
We also discussed the quirks of Icelandic society, including its famous weather obsession. “In Iceland, weather isn’t just small talk – it’s survival talk,” Alda said with a laugh.
“You could plan your day based on the weather forecast, but you’d better be ready to change those plans in a heartbeat.”
Alda’s deep understanding of her country and its culture made the conversation both enlightening and entertaining.
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Meeting Helga and Asbjørn:
A Modern Icelandic Couple
In the outskirts of Reykjavik, I met Helga and Asbjørn, a local couple with fascinating stories to share. Helga works in tourism, and Asbjørn is an engineer, but what really stood out was their passion for preserving Iceland’s natural beauty.
Helga spoke about how tourism has both benefited and strained the country.
“We’re proud to share Iceland with the world, but we also need to protect it,” she said. “That’s why sustainable travel is so important.”
Asbjørn added, “It’s about finding a balance. Iceland is unique, and we need to make sure it stays that way for future generations.”
The Growing Impact of Tourism
Tourism continues to be a major theme in Iceland, and it came up in nearly every conversation I had during this trip. From Alda to Helga and even the students, everyone had something to say about how tourism has reshaped the country.
While it’s clear that Iceland has benefited economically, there’s also a collective desire to maintain what makes it special. As Alda put it,
“We want people to enjoy Iceland, but we also want them to respect it.”
Sustainability in Iceland:
Balancing Nature and Tourism
One thing that stood out during my time in Iceland was how deeply rooted sustainability is in the national mindset. From geothermal energy powering homes to strict regulations on preserving the environment, Iceland is a global leader in sustainability.
Helga and Asbjørn highlighted this during our conversation. Helga shared,
“Tourists often don’t realize the effort that goes into protecting our natural landscapes. We’ve had to introduce measures like limiting access to certain areas to prevent damage.”
Asbjørn added, “Iceland’s nature is fragile. A single careless act, like stepping off a marked trail, can take decades to recover. It’s our responsibility, both as locals and visitors, to be mindful.”
This theme carried over into my chat with Alda, who emphasized the importance of educating visitors.
“The best thing we can do is teach people how to interact with Iceland’s nature responsibly. It’s not just about enjoying it – it’s about ensuring it’s still here for generations to come.”
The Unpredictable Charm of Icelandic Weather
No conversation about Iceland is complete without mentioning the weather. The locals often joke about how quickly it changes.
“In Iceland, we say if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.”
Helga and Asbjørn echoed this sentiment, sharing how Icelanders have learned to adapt. “You always carry layers with you – because you can start the day in sunshine, hit a snowstorm by noon, and end with rain,” Helga said.
Alda took it one step further, explaining how Icelanders have a unique relationship with their unpredictable weather. “It’s a source of constant conversation and even humor,” she said. “But it’s also why Icelanders are so resilient. You have to be, living here.”
A Final Reflection on Iceland’s Magic
As I wrapped up this episode, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the insights and stories shared by the incredible people I met in Iceland. From the thoughtful reflections of Alda Sigmundsdóttir to the passion for sustainability expressed by Helga and Asbjørn, it’s clear that Iceland is more than its stunning landscapes – it’s the people and their connection to this extraordinary place that make it so special.
This journey also reminded me of the importance of balance – whether it’s between tourism and preservation or embracing the unpredictable beauty of Iceland’s weather.
Plan Your Visit to Iceland
If you’re considering a trip to Iceland, my advice is simple: come with an open mind, respect the land, and take the time to connect with the locals. Iceland is a destination that offers more than just breathtaking sights – it’s an opportunity to experience a culture deeply connected to its environment.
Whether you’re floating between tectonic plates at Silfra, marveling at Gullfoss, or chatting with the locals, Iceland is a place that stays with you long after you leave.
Next on The Radio Vagabond
That’s all for this episode, but I’ll have more from Iceland. Asbjørn and Helga mentioned Westfjords – and in the next episode we will hear much more about that unique corner of Iceland that’s overlooked by most tourists.
I talk with all three of them about what to see, some hidden gems, plus Eurovision and football. We also talk about what Alda calls “appalling driving habits,” about the Icelanders fear of commitments, them being home-buddies, house-proud and great hosts. How they go all in celebrating Christmas, some funny words, when they were at the brink of national bankruptcy, a volcano ash cloud that put them on the map, overtourism, and what they, as Icelanders, feel about the Netflix movie, The Story of Fire Saga. Overall, an episode packed with great insights, useful tips, and a few laughs. So, hit that subscribe or follow button wherever you listen.
My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.
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