5 Incredibly Fun Rainy Day Activities in Reykjavík For All Ages

Interviews are one of my favorite things to do for the podcast, so I was delighted when Laura was available to come on and share about her experience moving from the San Francisco Bay area to one of the most remote parts of the Westfjords in Iceland. Background About Laura Alice Watt Laura Alice Watt is a professor emerita of environmental history and policy at Sonoma State University in Northern California. She arrived in the Westfjords in July 2020 with a Fulbright-NSF Arctic Scholar grant to conduct historical research in Iceland, and decided to stay long-term.  She teaches occasional courses at the University Centre of the Westfjords, where she also provides writing support for graduate students with their thesis projects.Before taking early retirement from Sonoma State, she spent fifteen years as professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Planning, and also Graduate Coordinator for SSU's Cultural Resource Management masters program. She now lives on the northern shore of Dýrafjörður with her two cats, and is an avid photographer and knitter. Questions I Asked Laura During the Interview Where did you grow up in the US?What was your profession while living in the US?What inspired you to come to Iceland?When did you know you wanted to stay here?Why did you choose the Westfjords to live in Iceland?What do you like about living in Iceland?What do you dislike about living in Iceland?What do you miss from the US (if anything at all)?Do you ever see yourself moving back to the US?How has your Icelandic learning journey been since moving here?What advice do you have for people who want to move to Iceland?What is your favorite Icelandic word or phrase? Icelandic Phrase of the Episode Glöggt er gests augað - Keen is the eye of the guest Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. What is a Skuggabaldur? The Skuggabaldur is a fascinating animal in Icelandic folklore. Whether or not this type of animal really exists is hard to say but there are some interesting stories about it. A Skuggabaldur is created when a female arctic fox and a male cat or Tom cat get together and procreate.If a male arctic fox and a female cat procreate, it is called a Skoffín. However, we are just going to focus on the Skuggabaldur for this episode. These animals are known to have very intense bites that inflict a lot of pain and death. Guns are not much use against them unless you are using silver bullets. The Most Popular Skuggabaldur Story One day in the north, particularly near Blönduós, a Skuggabaldur had been inflicting a lot of damage on the livestock in the area. The farmers there decided to hunt it down. They did eventually find the animal in Blöndugil, which is a small canyon in the area. One of the hunters ended up stabbing it.Before the Skuggabaldur was killed, it said to tell the Tom Cat at Bollastaðir that the Skuggabaldur had been stabbed in the canyon. The people that were witnesses to this thought it was quite strange that this creature had a message for a cat but whatever.The person who ended up stabbing and killing the Skuggabaldur was staying in Bollastaðir that evening. As he was recounting his story about killing the Skuggabaldur, he repeated what the message the creature has said to tell the Tom Cat.Well, there was a Tom Cat listening in the rafters to the story and when he heard what the Skuggabaldur had said, it lept down to attack the man. It sunk its claws and teeth deep into the man’s neck and would not let go. The only way to stop the cat was to chop off its head. By that time, the man was already dead. I don‘t know if the Tom Cat was a relative of the Skuggabaldur but it certainly got revenge for its death. Random Fact of the Episode There is a book called “Skuggabaldur” by a well-known Icelandic poet and author named Sjón. In English, the book is called „The Blue Fox“. I have yet to read it but I want to. Apparently, knowing about the Skuggabaldur creature gives some deep insight into understanding all that is going on in this book.According to one reviewer of the book:"The Blue Fox," by Sjon, is a dark, yet playful and humorous fable about a kind man, an evil man, a simpleton, and a blue fox. It is about fate, life, and human nature. The novella deals with evil cloaked in religion and justice being delivered in mysterious ways. It is full of hidden meaning, subtlety, and delightful intellectually amusing diversions.” Icelandic Word of the Episode Skuggabaldur – roughly translates to a shadow cat Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Iceland's coffee culture is - deeply ingrained in the social fabric of Icelandic society. Along with being a drink that perks people up, grabbing a cup of coffee in Iceland is often a social interaction, where the drink is enjoyed in the company of others, many times in cozy settings. This communal aspect is so integral that offering coffee to guests is considered a basic hospitality gesture. The Icelandic Coffee Scene in Downtown Reykjavík Reykjavík, the heart of Iceland's coffee scene, is home to a plethora of unique cafés, each with its own character and offerings, but bound by the common thread of quality and creativity.Local cafes that offer high-quality coffee experiences thrive here. While there is no Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts in Iceland, even though Dunkin was here for a brief time, there is one international coffee chain called Joe & the Juice.However, local cafes dominate the coffee scene and I’m going to share some of them that might interest you if you also happen to be a coffee lover. This is not an exhaustive list by any means but it’s a great starting point for enjoying the Icelandic coffee scene. Mokka Kaffi Mokka Kaffi is a testament to Reykjavík's rich coffee history, being one of the city's oldest cafés. Established in 1958, it was the pioneer in introducing the Italian espresso culture to Iceland. Beyond its historic significance, Mokka Kaffi has been a cultural hub for artists and writers and continues to be celebrated for its classic ambiance, monthly art exhibitions, and iconic Icelandic hot chocolate and waffles. Reykjavík Roasters Reykjavík Roasters, originally known as Kaffismiðja Íslands, emerged in 2008 and has since become a cornerstone of Reykjavík's coffee culture. Their philosophy revolves around importing high-quality beans and roasting them meticulously to bring out the best flavors for coffee aficionados.The café takes pride in sourcing its beans directly from farmers, particularly in Colombia, ensuring ethical practices and respect for both the environment and the people involved in coffee production. This direct relationship with coffee farmers reflects the café's commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.Reykjavík Roasters has established itself as a hub for serious coffee lovers, offering a range of coffee without decaf options, emphasizing the pure coffee experience. The cozy atmosphere, combined with the café's reputation for quality, makes it a place where people often share tables with fellow coffee enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community among its patrons. Kaffitár Coffee House Kaffitár represents the modern evolution of Icelandic coffee, with a focus on sustainability and quality. As a leading coffee provider, Kaffitár sources its beans from renowned coffee-growing regions and is known for its espresso bars, seasonal drinks, and as a wholesaler of coffee. Their presence in supermarkets across Iceland allows both locals and visitors to take a piece of Icelandic coffee culture home. Café Babalú Café Babalú, with its eclectic charm and vibrant orange exterior, stands out as a cozy retreat offering a range of coffee, cakes, and desserts. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it's a place where one can enjoy unlimited refills of black coffee, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking a warm, welcoming space. Te og Kaffi (Tea & Coffee) Te og Kaffi is a family-owned chain, which started in 1984, that has significantly contributed to what many call the Icelandic coffee revolution, marrying tradition with innovation to serve some of the finest coffee in the region.With eight cafés spread across the capital, Te og Kaffi is renowned for its commitment to quality, from sourcing beans to the art of brewing, ensuring each cup reflects their dedication to the craft.

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing fascinating stories from Icelandic folklore on Fridays throughout 2024. Why Finnur is a Feared Sorcerer A sorcerer named Finnur that lived a long time ago. So many people feared him and when he died no one wanted anything to do with the death, such as preparing the body or sewing up the shroud, which covers the dead body. Finally, one woman said she will sew the shroud. When she was doing it, some weird stuff was happening. It seems that even in death, Finnur had found ways to terrorize people. The antics that happened while she was trying to sew the shroud made her go mad. Another Brave Woman Steps Up to Prep Finnur’s Body After that, people were, of course, even more resistant to getting involved in prepping his body. However, another woman stepped forward and said she was up to the task. While she was sewing up the shroud it came to a point where she need to disconnect the needle from the thread, she witnessed something strange.The corpse of Finnur said to her “You have yet to bite the needle free from the thread”. Instead of being scared, the woman boldly said, “I don’t plan on biting it. I plan on yanking it free.” That is exactly what she did and after that she took the needle she had used, broke it into two pieces and stuck it into the corpses’ feet. After doing that, the corpse of Finnur stopped playing antics nor did it bother anyone else.I don’t know if putting needles into a corpses’ feet has some sort of significance, but I do think it is interesting that this specific action would shut him up. Random Fact of the Episode I am pretty sure that in a previous episode, I have spoken about the Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft Museum in Hólmavík in the Westfjords of Iceland. What might surprise people is that most of the people persecuted for doing magic in Iceland were men. At the museum, they showcases the documented executions of people who did magic and most of them happened in the Westfjords. Icelandic Word of the Episode Galdramaður – sorcerer Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

This is the last episode in my series about the months in Iceland and what to expect.Visiting Iceland in December is a magical experience, often described as stepping into a winter wonderland. Here's a comprehensive guide on what you can expect, from weather conditions to the must-do activities, road conditions and more. Weather and Average Temperature During December in Iceland December in Iceland is quite cold, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). It's not uncommon for the temperature to drop below freezing, especially at night and in the more northern parts of the country. The weather can be unpredictable, with possible snowfall, rain, and windstorms, so it's essential to check the forecast regularly. Daylight Hours in December One of the most distinctive features of Icelandic winters is the limited daylight. In December, the sun rises around 11:00 AM and sets by 4:00 PM, giving you about 5 hours of daylight. This unique phenomenon is due to Iceland's high latitude. What to Wear in December in Iceland Layering is key to staying warm and comfortable in Iceland's winter weather. Start with thermal underwear, add fleece or wool layers, and top with a waterproof and windproof jacket.Don't forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf to protect against the chill. Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for navigating icy paths.Also, the ground is normally covered in snow and ice, so I highly recommend having your microspikes with you because those will come in handy. If the forecast is especially chilly, I often bring hand warmers with me because my hands get cold easily. Also, wool socks or some really good thermal socks come in clutch during this month too.The link to my microspikes and where you can rent microspikes in Reykjavík.Know exactly what to pack for Iceland by getting my free Ultimate Packing Checklist. Road Conditions & Driving Winter driving in Iceland can be challenging due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility. Roads can be slippery, and some might be closed due to harsh weather. It's crucial to have a 4WD vehicle, check the road conditions at the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) website and Safetravel.si regularly, and be prepared for winter driving. Always have an emergency kit in your car. The Best Local Company to Rent a Car in Iceland Go Car Rental Iceland If you plan to explore Iceland on your own when you visit, I highly recommend using Go Car Rental Iceland. They are a local Icelandic car rental company that has great customer service, a large variety of cars and very competitive prices. Use my code Iceland10 to save 10% off the entire cost of your rental car.I personally use them for when I go on adventures, and I’m so glad to hear that many of my listeners and subscribers are also having a great experience with them. I mentioned in a previous episode that one of my listeners switched to Go Car Rental Iceland from one of the internationally known rental car companies here and she saved $400! That was for a rental during the summer when prices can sometimes double due to demand. Go Campers If you plan to use a campervan, use my code Iceland7 to save 7% and get two free duvets with your GO Campers van rental. Also, I have a great episode coming up soon about how to choose the right camper van for your travels in Iceland, so keep an eye out for that. Expert Trip Planning Tips for December One of the best tips I have for December in Iceland is to be prepared for potential delays or cancellations because of storms. To be fair, we normally have a lot more wind and snowstorms during January and February, but they certainly can happen in December too.Having a flexible approach to your plans is key so that you can manage your expectations. As I have mentioned in previous winter episodes,

This is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing an Icelandic Folklore story every Friday in 2024.  Katla The Witch The story today is about how Katla volcano got its name. I’ve seen the name for this folklore as "Katla the Hag", but I’m not much a fan of that name.Basically, there was a woman who was known as a witch, and she worked at a monastery here in Iceland. She was housekeeper for an Abbott. An Abbott is basically a person who oversees other monks. Katla was known to be a very angry person. She probably just really needed therapy I think but the fact is that she would often take out her anger on anybody. Why Katla's Pants Were Magical People knew though that she had these magical pants. These magical pants which if someone were to put on, they could run so fast they would be as fast as the wind without losing breath or without getting tired. They were really cool pants but people knew she was never going to share them with anyone due to her anger, so most people steered clear of her.Even the Abbott, who was her boss, did not like her much but I guess she was really good at her job so they kept her around.  There was a guy named Barði who was a shepherd for the Abbott and it seems that Katla had authority over him or at least she was exerting some authority over him.Since Barði’s job was to collect the sheep, and make sure that they’re in the shed for her to be able to milk, if one of them was missing she would go berserk.  One day the Abbott and Katla were going away on a short trip and planned to be back the next day. Before leaving, Katla told Barði to have all the sheep in the shed for her when they get back or he will feel her wrath. A Fatal Mistake At one point Barði went to find the sheep but he was having a hard time finding all of them. This made him freak out a little because he knew Katla would be very angry if he didn’t get this done.So, he had the brilliant idea of putting on Katla’s magical pants and ran around to get the sheep. It worked like a charm and he put the pants away before Katla and the Abbott returned.When Katla returned, she knew immediately that he had worn her pants and her blood was boiling. In a fit of rage, she drowned him in a vat of whey and submerge the body in the bottom, which is disgusting because obviously people are using this whey.As time went on, the level of the whey in the vat was getting lower which would mean that at some point people were going to see his body. Some people said they often heard Katla say that Barði will soon appear while standing next to the whey. Why the Volcano is Named Katla It must’ve been that it got to point where she thought the body is going to surface any time now, so hightailed it out of there to avoid getting in trouble for this. So she put on her pants, and she headed towards Mýrdalsjökull glacier going as fast as possible.She threw herself into the canyon and everyone assumed that she died in there because it was a volcano that she supposedly fell into. A short time after she threw herself in there was a huge volcanic eruption that caused a massive flood because there is a glacier above the volcano.Due to this volcanic eruption, the volcano was named after Katla. Random Fact of the Episode According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, “The Katla volcanic system is the fourth most active system in Iceland and has erupted at least 21 times during the last 1100 years” Icelandic Word of the Episode Katla – kettle Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

This is part of my Folklore Friday series, where I am sharing an Icelandic Folklore story every Friday in 2024. The upcoming story is based on a description of the Ox-Whale in the book “Meeting with Monsters – An Illustrated Guide to the Beasts of Iceland” by Jón Baldur Hlíðberg and Sigurður Ægisson. It is an awesome book and I highly recommend getting if you like to read about creatures that many claim to be real around Iceland. Jón is one of the owners of The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum in the Westfjords. If you are planning to travel in that part of Iceland, be sure to visit that museum. Why The Icelandic Ox Whale is so Terrifying In the far reaches of Iceland, where the cold Atlantic whispers ancient secrets, there exists a creature as old as the sagas themselves, known among the folk as the Ox Whale, or 'nauthveli'. Shrouded in the mists of time, its tales are woven into the very fabric of Icelandic lore, emerging from the depths in hushed tones only by the light of the hearth.The first whispers of this maritime specter stirred not from ink upon parchment but from the lips of weathered seafarers, whose ancestors cast wary glances upon the churning waves. It was in the twilight of the 13th century that the earliest murmurs danced upon the winds, speaking of a leviathan, a ghostly echo of the cow-whale, its kin cloaked in mystery and shadow.As the hands of time turned to the year of 1590, a chilling portrait emerged from the veiled past. The Ox Whale, a creature of unfathomable hunger and wrath, was no mere beast of the deep but a herald of doom. Its call, a terrifying bellow, resonated like the fury of a tempest, shaking the very bones of the earth, sending ripples of dread through the hearts of those who heard it.This monstrous denizen of the abyss, driven by insatiable greed, prowled the oceans, its eyes alight with the hunger for prey, casting a shadow of fear over any who dared to venture into its domain. What an Ox Whale Does to Cows In time, tales of its dread visage grew darker still. By 1638, it was said to bear a likeness to the horse-whale, yet marked by its haunting cry, a sound so petrifying that it could curdle the blood of the bravest souls. By 1666, its enormity was unveiled, a behemoth among the toothed whales, its flesh anathema, its presence a bane to the vessels of man.The dawn of the 18th century bore witness to a new horror; its bellow, an eldritch call, ensnared the minds of cattle, drawing them, spellbound, into the maw of the abyss. This sinister enchantment was proven at Hjortsey farm, a grim testament to the Ox Whale's malevolent lure.As the mid-century approached, the enigma deepened. Though its form eluded the gaze of man, it was believed to bear the head of a bull, a monstrous aberration that bellowed with such might that the earth itself seemed to tremble in fear. It was a phantom of fog and shadow, forbidding all who heard its call from braving the treacherous embrace of the sea.The tale took a grim turn in 1786 on the shores of Grimsey, where the beast's insatiable appetite was laid bare in a macabre dance of death with a doomed cow, a spectacle of cruelty that echoed the darkest fables. The Physical Description of an Ox Whale As the 19th century dawned, a mariner's account cast a new light upon this enigma of the deep, describing it as a chimera of bull and serpent, a creature of haunting beauty and terror, a paradox of nature's design.The lore of the Ox Whale, a mosaic of fear, wonder, and the unfathomable, permeates the essence of Iceland's maritime heritage, a lingering shadow in the realm of legend and truth. And so it remains, a whispered enigma, a ghostly presence forever etched into the annals of Icelandic folklore, its legacy enduring in the silent depths, where the sea meets the sky. Random Fact of the Episode According to the book, a male born in 1879 reported that between 1890 and 1896, people who had been on a trading trip to Eyrarbakki in...

This is the second response episode for my new segment “Ask Jewells Anything About Iceland”. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions and if you would like to submit a question, you can do it here. 1. "What do Icelanders generally like and dislike about Americans?" - Garrett In general, I’d say that Icelanders don’t have a lot of dislikes when it comes specifically to Americans. It is more like dislikes of tourist in general. So, if you are respectful of the the people and language, Icelanders are very open to those who want to visit.That being said, there are some things that come up that can be a little bothersome for Icelanders that wouldn’t be considered as strange in the US.The first that comes to mind is that many Americans are not comfortable showering naked before entering the swimming pool. The changing rooms are separated by gender. In order to not use as much chlorine in the local swimming pools, showering without your bathing suit on is a requirement.Americans are the largest group of tourists to Iceland and kind of shy when it comes to this rule, so it is normally assumed that a person is from the US if they try to skip showering naked before entering the pool.Also, many Icelanders don’t agree with how the political system in the US is set up. I mentioned this in my last ask me anything answers, that only having two political parties to choose from for higher political offices is a strange and foreign thing to Icelanders.Things Icelanders like a lot about the US during World War 2 and it was shut down in 1994. During those decades, the US’s influence on Icelandic culture exponentially grew. Icelander’s like American TV shows, food like pizza, burgers and fries, as well as celebrities, other media, and trends. 2. "On my recent trip to Iceland, I didn’t see any Dolly Parton imagery. Does the amazing Ms. Parton have any major influence on the country and does Iceland have a favorite Dolly song?" - Rob Dolly Parton is certainly beloved by many in Iceland, as she is around the world. It is not often that you will see posters of American or even foreign celebrities in Iceland unless it is promoting a concert or a product.It might surprise some people to know that a decent number of Icelanders like country music. It makes sense when you think about how most of Iceland is like a rural place with lots of farmland in the US than a bustling city. My guess for favorite Dolly song is Jolene but a close second might be 9 to 5. Since Dolly Parton has been iconic as a performer and song writer, and Iceland has a ton of musical artists, there is no doubt in my mind that she has influenced many people here. 3. "Ha ha the motherland! Just stumbled upon your podcast. Most of my family lives there still! My grandpa was Air Force back when Kelkajvik had an Air Foce base. Don’t they have the best hotdogs? Have you done well watching tour yet? My cousin Owns a company that does it, haven’t been back in 8 years, need to leave America before it Darkens my soul. Watch out for them elves the old father is watching" - Nat Hi Nat. This is such a fun share. I do believe that Iceland has some of the best hot dogs, if not the best. Granted, I have not eaten a hot dog made from an animal in almost 9 years but I remember it being tasty and many visitors attest to this as well. One awesome thing is that the vegan version is delicious too.Yes, I have been whale watching in Húsavík in North Iceland with a company called North Sailing.I hope you do come back to visit in the near future.Yes, the elves are all around us. While I try to be mindful of them, the trolls are the ones I am most concerned about. 4. "Hi Jewells, I would like to know more about how you learned Icelandic. Your pronunciation sounds like native to me! :) I started learning Icelandic as well half a year ago (after I visited Iceland for the first time) but I really struggle with the pronunciation. Do you have some tips?

This modern-day folklore mixes the supernatural with Iceland’s gorgeous landscape. It all starts with a man named Dillon, a Brit that had traveled to Iceland many times. One day he claims to have been contacted by aliens who told him to gather people in Iceland on November 5th, 1993 because they were going to be on Snæfellsjökull glacier that day. According to Dillon, his information was backed up by a woman who had been abducted and saw visions of the event happening on that day.The plot thickens as a conference was held before the event that attracted over 500 people who were interested in UFOs and possibly seeing aliens. This group wasn't your average gathering. According to those who attended, there were people from the US Military, CIA, FBI, and British police. Thousands Showed Up to Possibly See Aliens When November 5th arrived in 1993, thousands of people showed up. Even a camera crew from CNN came out. As people waited, they sang songs and kept in good spirits. As time passed, it was becoming evident that no aliens had been seen.Or at least, they decided not to make themselves seen. Well, that is what some people think happens. There have been accountants of individuals saying that maybe the large crowd scared off the aliens or that they did come but decided to remain hidden. Either way, no one saw them that day. Random Fact of the Episode According to a Reykjavík Grapevine article published in 2022, “There have been at least 170 documented incidents of UFO sightings or contacts in Iceland and of those stories, The UFO Association in Iceland (Sálarrannsóknarfélag Íslands) figure that 30 of those can be said to be “credible”. Not only that, the US Army has also listed 19 cases of UFOs in Iceland.” Here is a link to the article, if you would like to check it out. Icelandic Word of the Episode Geimvera - alien Share This With a Friend Facebook Email Twitter Let's Be Social Youtube Tiktok Instagram Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega

Today’s episode focuses on the historic site of Skriðuklaustur, which offers a captivating glimpse into Iceland’s rich Icelandic culture, history, and literature. This enchanting destination, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape, serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting visitors to explore the layers of stories etched within this museum. The Origins of Skriðuklaustur Monastery Skriðuklaustur, a landmark of rural eastern Iceland, and has origins tracing back to a 16th-century monastery. Revealed through an extensive archaeological excavation from 2002 to 2012, the ruins of this Augustinian cloister tell a tale of resilience, spirituality, and compassion.Established around 1493, this monastery served as a refuge for the sick and the poor. Its existence, cut short by the Reformation in the mid-16th century, marks a significant chapter in Iceland's religious and social history. The Link Between Skriðuklaustur Monastery & Gunnar Gunnarsson The monastery's story is interwoven with the life of Gunnar Gunnarsson, one of Iceland's most renowned literary figures. Gunnarsson, born in 1889, emerged as a prolific writer whose works resonated with readers across the globe.His decision to write in Danish brought his stories to an international audience, earning him acclaim and raising questions about his cultural identity. Gunnarsson's legacy is complex, marked by his literary success and the controversies surrounding his public appearances in Nazi Germany.In 1939, Gunnarsson returned to Iceland, making Skriðuklaustur his home. The mansion he built, a testament to his ambition and unique architectural vision, now stands as a cultural beacon. Designed by the German architect Fritz Höger, the mansion reflects a blend of Icelandic and European influences.Today, it houses exhibitions on Gunnarsson's work, offering visitors a window into the life of a man whose storytelling left an indelible mark on Icelandic literature.I share some insight into Gunnar Gunnarsson's and Halldór Laxness' friendship and eventual falling out in a previous podcast episode. More Than Just a Historic Site Skriðuklaustur is more than a historic site; it is a living museum that continues to inspire and educate. The monastery ruins, accessible to visitors year-round, offer a tangible connection to Iceland's monastic heritage. The site's archaeological significance is underscored by the extensive research conducted over a ten-year period, which shed light on the daily lives of the monks, their literary endeavors, and the monastery's role as a hospital.The findings from the cloister cemetery are particularly fascinating because they reveal the hardships faced by those who sought refuge within the monastery's walls. The study of nearly 300 individuals buried on the site provides invaluable insights into the health and social conditions of 16th-century Iceland. The presence of graves belonging to patients, the disabled, and even the unbaptized stillborn highlights the monastery's inclusive approach to care and compassion.Skriðuklaustur's archaeological excavation also unearthed over 13,000 artifacts, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the time. Among the treasures discovered was a fragmented statue of Saint Barbara, symbolizing the spiritual life that once flourished within the monastery's walls.The application of photogrammetry technology has allowed these artifacts to be explored in detail, further enriching our understanding of this historic site. An East Iceland Gem As Skriðuklaustur opens its doors for the 2024 season, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the site's history and beauty. The upcoming art exhibition "Polyphony" by Björg Eiríksdóttir, alongside a new exhibit by Gunnar Gunnarsson's son, promises to be a highlight, showcasing the ongoing dialogue between past and present.Skriðuklaustur stands as a testament to Iceland's rich cultur...