Trolls, Giants & Ghosts: Spooky Folktales from South Iceland
By Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta There’s a reason Iceland is often seen as the set of the next sci-fi classic, or a dark version of the Tolkien series (at least to me). South Iceland especially seems custom-designed to spark stories of shadowy creatures, ancient spirits, and mysterious happenings. Jagged cliffs, black sand beaches, misty waterfalls, […]
The Runic Alphabets Explained: Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark & Anglo-Saxon Futhorc
by Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta If you’ve ever wandered through Iceland’s moss-draped lava fields or traced your fingers across the weathered symbols carved into a centuries-old stone, you might have felt it — the pull of ancient secrets hidden in plain sight. Runes are more than just mysterious symbols used in fantasy novels, tattoos, or […]
Do Hidden People & Elves Really Exist in Iceland? Discover the Truth
by Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta If you think Iceland is only about volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, think again. There’s an unseen world hiding in the lava fields, moss-covered boulders, and misty valleys. A world of elves and hidden people, known as huldufólk. Whispers of their presence are woven into the fabric of Icelandic culture. In […]
Ásatrú Elopements in Iceland: Honoring Old Traditions in a Modern Way
Eloping in Iceland: A Ceremony Rooted in Tradition Imagine standing in a vast Icelandic landscape, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the echoes of an ancient past. Your wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a meaningful connection to nature, history, and something greater than yourself. For couples seeking a truly unique and soulful way to exchange vows, […]
Where the Sky Holds Memories: Stories from the Panorama Glass Lodge
By Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta Introduction In the heart of Iceland, where the rugged land meets the endless sky, lies the Panorama Glass Lodge – a sanctuary that brings guests face-to-face with nature’s purest beauty. Surrounded by breathtaking views, these glass-walled lodges offer more than just a place to stay; they provide a chance to […]
10 Horrible Tales of Murder, Monsters, and Witchcraft in Iceland
Introduction So, the chances are you’ve stumbled across this blog after discovering Iceland does, in fact, have a dark history, and you’re curious to learn a little more about it. If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of Iceland’s troubling tales and legends of old – […]
Your Complete Guide to the Best Icelandic Crime & Thriller Books (Krimi)
by Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta Introduction Hey there, fellow bookworms and travel enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a gripping crime thriller, especially when it’s set against the dramatic and mysterious backdrop of Iceland. Picture this: you’re at the Panorama Glass Lodge, surrounded by the stark beauty of […]
A Guide to Galdrastafir, Icelandic Stave Symbols and Runes
By Jonathan Duffy, Arctic Meta Iceland is a nation of many fascinating quirks, peculiarities, customs and traditions that captivate the attention of many travellers all over the world. Almost every facet of Icelandic culture and history holds its roots in very ancient practices. The first settlers of Iceland arrived over a thousand years ago. When […]
Famous Northern Lights Folklore
By Jonathan Duffy, Arctic Meta The northern lights are a bucket list item for many people. Every year millions travel to northern locations like Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland for a chance to see this natural phenomenon in person. Today, most people want to witness the lights dance and get a snapshot of them so […]