Iceland Local Custom Tips by XenoHumph

Fishing tradition

A large part of the economy of Iceland is coming from commercial fishing. I found it therefore interesting to stroll along the country's harbors. You still see whale hunting boats. However, as whale hunting is now forbidden to protect these animals, the boats are now either rusting, or converted into tourists boats for whale watching.

Bathing and swimming in hot springs

Do not miss this favorite acticity of the Icelanders, hot spring dipping! It is just great to relax and warm up. The most famous place to go is the Blue Lagoon, just SW of Reykjavik.

No pict, sorry!!

The Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse or poney is unique in the world, descendant of the horses the Vikings brought over 1000 years ago. It is short and almost looks like a prehistoric horse. Riding excursions on this tough little animal are available throughout Iceland.

Sheeps

Sheeps roam free in Iceland, reminiscent of Ireland or Scotland! Watch out when you drive around.

That allows for great lamb cooking and a nice traditon of wool sweaters...

Wedding by a water fall

I do not know how much of a tradition it is in Iceland, but I saw these people getting married at Gulfoss, one of the most spectacular water fall of the country.

Houses in corrugated metal

Travelling through iceland, you will notice the bright colored houses dotting the green landscape. Well, if you go see up close, you will notice they are all covered of metal. Houses in Iceland are made of concrete covered with corrugated painted metal. One has to be fair, they have no forests, so no timber anyway!

Fish drying wood structures

Well, this is not a recent custom, on the contrary, hurry to see them, they are decaying fast in the harsh Icelandic weather! Fishermen used to dry their fish on wood structures outdoors. You can still see these here and there, haunting ruins of a very old tradition that just dissapeared.