ICELAND - Selfsoss Hostel

ICELAND’S VOLCANOES – AN OMNIPRESENT FORCE OF NATURE EMBEDDED IN THE LANDSCAPE

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Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Its unique location stems from its location directly on the boundary of two tectonic plates – the North American and Eurasian – which are constantly moving apart. Furthermore, beneath the island lies a so-called magma hotspot, which makes volcanic activity not only frequent but […]

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ICELANDIC MUSIC – THE RHYTHM OF NATIONAL IDENTITY

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Music in Iceland is more than just art – it’s an expression of national identity, a way of communicating with history and nature, and a language of emotion for the inhabitants of this island nation. From a young age, Icelanders are immersed in sound – traditional songs are sung in homes, children are taught to

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CHRISTMAS BOOK TRADITION – ICELAND’S EXTRAORDINARY READING CULTURE

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While Iceland is known for its rugged landscapes, volcanoes, and northern lights, it also has another, less obvious characteristic: it’s one of the most “reading” countries in the world. Literature holds a special place in everyday life here, and Christmas becomes a true celebration of… books. Jólabókaflóð – or “Christmas Book Stream” One of the

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CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND – TRADITIONS, LEGENDS, AND 13 EXTRAORDINARY “SANTAS”

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Christmas in Iceland has a truly unique character, blending Christianity with deeply rooted folk traditions. The long winter nights, cold winds, and rugged landscapes have filled Icelandic Christmas tales with magic, humor, and a touch of darkness. The most recognizable figures of this festive season are the Jólasveinar – the 13 Yule Lads, often compared to Santa

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SELJALANDSFOSS -A WATERFALL YOU CAN WALK BEHIND ON ICELAND’S SOUTH COAST

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Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic and photographed waterfalls, located on the country’s scenic South Coast. Its elegant, narrow cascade plunges 60 meters from a former sea cliff, creating a shimmering curtain of water that is visible from afar. What makes Seljalandsfoss truly unique is the rare opportunity to walk behind the waterfall, offering

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HOW FLAVORS OF CULTURE ARE BORN

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Licorice in Iceland is not just a candy – it’s a cultural phenomenon that permeates daily life, language, and the memories of its inhabitants. For many foreigners, its intense, slightly spicy taste can be a shock. For Icelanders, however, it is the flavor of childhood, family traditions, and northern identity. It’s hard to find another

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HVERABRAUÐ – ICELANDIC BREAD BAKED IN HOT EARTH

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Iceland is famous for its dramatic landscapes, geysers, glaciers, and hot springs. One of the most fascinating culinary traditions of the island is hverabrauð – a traditional bread baked in the ground near geothermal sources. This method combines history, nature, and a flavor that is hard to forget. TRADITION AND HISTORY The history of hverabrauð

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PAFINS

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At the edge of Europe, where green cliffs meet the foaming ocean, live some of the most recognizable and charming birds of the North – puffins, known in Icelandic as lundi. In everyday speech many travelers simply call them pafins, and under this name they are often remembered. Although they spend most of the year

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CHURCHES OF ICELAND: PLACES OF TRANSCENDENCE IN A HARSH LAND

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Iceland is a country where nature itself dictates the rhythm of life. Rugged fjords, volcanic plains, glaciers, and endless tundra create a backdrop for human history, as people have struggled for millennia to find meaning and belonging in this landscape. In this context, Icelandic churches are not merely places of worship – they are symbols

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ICONIC ICELANDIC SWEATERS – A STORY OF TRADITION, WOOL, AND COMMUNITY

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For centuries, Icelanders have valued hand-knitted sweaters – for them, these garments are more than just clothing: they are part of culture, tradition, and national identity. The skill of knitting is passed down from generation to generation, and the “lopapeysa” – the classic Icelandic sweater – has become a symbol of resilience against the cold,

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