What does it mean to be Icelandic?
Elemental forces have shaped Iceland from the moment this little island started to form in the middle of the North Atlantic. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common on this ever changing rock we cling to, the center of our country is uninhabitable due to elevation and lack of shelter, meltwater from huge glaciers flood the lowlands, hurricane force winds sweep across it, rain beats it, and snow covers it – it’s home, and there’s no place like it on earth!
These conditions have created a curious type of people, traditions and stories.
We are aware of the dangers our country presents and we have given many of them names and faces in our folktales.
We appreciate the long, dark, winter nights when things slow down to a near standstill because they are contrasted by the endless, bright, summer days when time does not exist and the energy cracking through the air is invigorating.
Nothing has shaped life in Iceland more than wind to the extent that we align our lives to best fit the current winds and the uncontrolable, unpredictable weather conditions they blow to our shores.
Why not learn a little more about what makes us Icelandic on one of my private tours?