Who does not want to switch off and relax after a long week of work? Sometimes it is difficult to do so in ones own home and hence Iceland found the perfect solution: Summer houses, which especially people from the capital area value greatly. Many Icelanders own their own summerhouses, which are often shared between...Read More

  “Have you tried Icelandic rotten shark or sheep testicles and sheep head?” This is one of the most common questions that tourists in Iceland have been asking. Now it is the season of Þorrablót festival during which we can experience this kind of weird food in Iceland. The festival starts on a Friday of...Read More

Today is Husband’s day in Iceland which is more commonly known as Bóndadagur. It is celebrated on the first day of þorri (the fourth month of winter according to the ancient Norse calendar) and dedicated to “the man of the house”. Wives and girlfriends pamper their man, giving him small presents, preparing a good meal...Read More

„How on earth did you end up in Iceland for your internship?“, “Where is it even located?”, “Is it not extremely cold there?”, “Will you be able to see trolls and elves?”, “Are you not afraid of the volcanoes?” and “Do Icelanders really only eat fish and whales?” These are just a few questions I...Read More

Satellite Maps of Iceland (present) At GJ-Travel, we always had a passion with maps. Guðmundur Jónasson, the founder of the company, contributed to change the way we understand Icelandic cartography in the highlands and central Iceland in general. By venturing with his first buses on unknown paths he opened for all Icelanders and tourists’ new...Read More

BUSINESS/SHOPPING/BANKING HOURS Office hours are generally 09:00-17:00. Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat from 10:00 to 13:00/14:00/15:00 or 16:00. Some supermarkets are open to 23:00 seven days a week or even 24 hours in the largest towns. Banking hours are Mon-Fri 09:15-16:00.   CURRENCY EXCHANGE The Icelandic monetary unit the “króna“. Coins are in denominations...Read More

Until recently, Icelandic food used to mean fish and lamb, potatoes and canned or frozen vegetables. Thankfully the country has moved on since then and is now a centre for excellent cuisine. If you’re looking to try a few typically Icelandic goodies, try hangikjöt (smoked lamb to eat in sandwiches), skýr – a delicious high-protein...Read More

HERE ARE OUR TIPS FOR WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO ICELAND Pack for activities first!  Start by studying your itinerary to see what you’ll be doing on your trip to Iceland. Most outdoor activities (horseback riding, caving, hiking, glacier walking, etc.) will require basically the same gear (with the outfitter providing any specialized gear that’s...Read More

FACTS ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND The northern lights occur in the northern hemisphere from mid-September to mid-April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. The northern lights, also called Aurora Borealis, can only be seen when there are Dark nights (it is not possible to see the northern...Read More

It is not expected to tip in Iceland contrary to other countries. Most of the bills already have the gratuity or service charge added into the total and most of the workers make decent wages in Iceland. Even though tipping in Iceland may not be expected, it is still always appreciated, and it is up...Read More