How to Live Icelandic is the ultimate insider’s guide to the northerly nation of Iceland. Written by Icelanders Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and Edda Magnus, this book is your one-stop guide to all things Icelandic,so the world can benefit from the special blend of old Norse wisdom with liberal modern attitudes. This beautiful book is full of inspiration and insight into this progressive and peaceful nation that has freedom, community and equality at its core, revealing why Iceland remains one of the happiest countries in the world.
Nina and Edda have put together their Top 5 insights that everyone should know about Iceland.
- What (Not) To Do in the Highlands
‘Icelandic nature is extremely fragile, particularly in the Highlands. Visitors must be very careful not to leave their mark, as the damage caused can be visible for decades. Icelanders are extremely passionate about protecting nature, so seeing behaviour such as someone throwing a cigarette butt out a window, tearing up moss, scratching their names onto rocks or lava, picking up stones as souvenirs, or driving off-road just breaks our hearts.’
2. Reykjavik
‘Visitors to Iceland often don’t give Reykjavík much of a chance, preferring to head straight out to the spectacular landscapes highlighted in their guidebooks – but you should take time to explore the city. If you are lucky enough to be there on a calm and clear spring evening, as the setting sun paints the sky bright pink and lights up the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier hovering on the horizon across the bay, you’ll understand the words of a much-loved 1950s tune that most Icelanders know: ‘Nothing in this world is more beautiful than a spring night in Reykjavík’.’
3. Þetta Reddast (THEH-ta RED-ast)
‘If Iceland had a phrase that summed up the population’s attitude to life, it would certainly be ‘þetta reddast’ – which roughly translates as ‘everything will work out in the end’. Throughout centuries of hunger, poverty, natural disasters and endless harsh winters, Icelanders have learned to approach life’s challenges with a combination of self-reliance, stoic acceptance of fate and a dash of optimism.’
4. Green Iceland
‘Iceland is sometimes (and quite rightly) referred to as ‘the land of fire and ice’. Indeed, 10 per cent of the country is covered with glaciers, and volcanic eruptions take place every few years. However, that ice and fire have, over time, become Iceland’s ‘gold’ – sources of renewable energy that Icelanders have learned to harness, making the country a role model for others when it comes to sustainability and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.’
5. The Christmas Book Flood
‘Christmas without a new book to read is unimaginable for Icelanders. It is like Easter without chocolate. A long-standing tradition is that everyone should receive at least one new book under the tree on Christmas Eve, the night is often spent snuggled up in bed reading. Given this strong tradition of giving and receiving books at Christmas, it is not surprising that the majority of new publications arrive in the autumn, just in time for the holiday season. New books flood the market, this annual frenzy even has its own name, Jólabókaflóð – the Christmas book flood.’
How to Live Icelandic by Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and Edda Magnus is available now for £20.
Wednesday 12th January 18:00 – 19:00
Join us for an Online Event with Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and Edda Magnus talking about their brilliant new book. BUY TICKETS.