All Things Iceland Podcast By Jewells Chambers cover art

All Things Iceland

All Things Iceland

By: Jewells Chambers
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 Discover Iceland’s language, history, culture, & nature©2020 All Things Iceland Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Why My Life in Iceland Will Never Be the Same

    Why My Life in Iceland Will Never Be the Same
    Jun 9 2025
    I have some deeply personal and exciting news to share with you today…I’m pregnant! 🍼💫My mind is still blown that there is a tiny human growing inside of me. It's been such a surreal, emotional, and beautiful experience. And honestly, it’s made me fall in love with this country in a whole new way.This journey has already taught me so much — about Iceland's healthcare system, the incredible prenatal care here, and yes, even the costs and cultural norms around pregnancy. So I’ll be sharing periodic pregnancy updates right here on the podcast, and also on YouTube, Instagram, and my other social channels. If you're curious about what it's like to be pregnant in Iceland — from ultrasounds to maternity leave to navigating it all as a foreigner — stay tuned.I just hit the 20-week mark, which means I’m officially halfway! How I am Celebrating Being 20 Weeks Pregnant To celebrate this life-changing milestone with you — my amazing community — I’m offering 25% off The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Iceland for a limited time. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another magical adventure, this guide is packed with tips to make your Iceland visit smoother, richer, and more meaningful.🎉 Use the code june25 at checkout to get 25% off! Share this with a Friend Facebook Email Threads Let's Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Thank you for being part of this journey with me — and now with us. 💛 Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.
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    8 mins
  • Iceland Faces Pickpocket Surge: How to Keep Your Belongings Safe

    Iceland Faces Pickpocket Surge: How to Keep Your Belongings Safe
    May 27 2025
    If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while or reading my posts, you’ve probably heard me mention that Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world—and that’s absolutely true in many ways. Violent crime is incredibly rare, and the sense of community and trust is deeply woven into Icelandic society.But today, we need to talk about a growing concern—something that’s caught many tourists off guard: a rise in pickpocketing incidents, particularly in the south of Iceland, including well-traveled areas like Reykjavík, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and even inside churches like Hallgrímskirkja. Iceland is Still Safe? Let me be clear: Iceland remains a safe place to travel. But just like anywhere that attracts large numbers of tourists, it’s not immune to the realities of opportunistic crime. And recently, we’ve seen a sharp increase in reports of pickpocketing—specifically targeting visitors at popular natural landmarks.Police in South Iceland have been investigating what appears to be a well-organised group—possibly ten individuals—who are blending into crowds at major tourist sites. These aren’t random thieves. According to local authorities and park rangers, they use a highly coordinated strategy, working in teams to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists. How the Pickpockets Operate in Iceland Let’s take the geyser Strokkur in the Haukadalur Valley. When it erupts, hundreds of people gather to witness the spectacle—it's loud, dramatic, and absolutely worth seeing. But as your eyes are glued to the steam and water shooting into the sky, pickpockets might be watching you.They blend into the crowd, posing as fellow tourists. Some act as lookouts, some distract by chatting or even offering to take photos, and others use the distraction to reach into backpacks, pockets, or crossbody bags.Stolen items—mostly cash in euros, dollars, pounds, or krónur—are passed quickly to accomplices, making it hard to trace who took what.And this isn’t just happening at Strokkur. Similar reports have come from Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and even Reykjavík’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. In fact, the church recently posted warning signs at its entrance after a string of thefts occurred inside during visiting hours. Prevention Tips – Simple, Smart, Effective So, what can you do to avoid being targeted?Here are some practical, simple things you can do to stay safe:Use anti-theft bags. Look for ones with lockable zippers, cut-proof straps, and compartments that rest against your body.Keep valuables close. A money belt worn under your clothing is ideal for passports, IDs, and cash.Stay aware. If someone approaches you offering help, conversation, or to take your photo—especially in a crowded space—be friendly but cautious.Avoid back pockets. Never store your wallet or phone in a back pocket. It’s just too easy to snatch.Limit what you carry. Only take what you’ll need for the day—leave extra cards, cash, and your passport locked up at your accommodation.Be mindful in crowds. Places like Strokkur, Geysir, and the viewing platforms at Þingvellir draw hundreds of people. These moments of awe are unfortunately prime time for thieves.And one more thing: if the worst does happen and you are robbed, call 112—Iceland’s emergency services number. Also, make sure you have digital copies of your documents in a secure, password-protected folder, ideally emailed to yourself or saved in cloud storage. When & Where PickPocket Groups Strike the Most According to park rangers and local authorities, these organised pickpocket groups tend to appear in February, March, and July—timing their activities around peak tourism periods. They often arrive early in the morning, scout areas like Þingvellir’s Hakið viewpoint above the Almannagjá gorge, and move on from site to site in a very methodical way.This isn’t just some random occurrence—it’s a planned...
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    13 mins
  • Iceland in Summer: How to Dress Like a Local (and Stay Dry!)

    Iceland in Summer: How to Dress Like a Local (and Stay Dry!)
    May 18 2025
    Summer in Iceland is just around the corner, so I’m diving into a topic that comes up a lot—how to dress and pack for summer in Iceland.Whether you're planning to explore glaciers, wander lava fields, hike to waterfalls, or just soak in the geothermal goodness, dressing right for Iceland’s unpredictable summer weather is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable. Summer Months in Iceland First things first, let’s talk about when summer happens in Iceland. While summer technically runs from June through August, things start to warm up by mid-May and stay fairly mild through early September.But don’t let the word “summer” fool you. Unlike tropical destinations, Icelandic summer is more about long daylight hours than high temperatures. Average Summer Temperatures On average, summer temperatures in Iceland range from 45°F to 60°F (that’s about 7°C to 15°C). On sunny days, it can feel warmer—especially if you're hiking or layering correctly—but the wind and rain can sneak up on you. So, the key word here is layers! What Are Layers, and Why Do They Matter? If you’re not familiar with the concept of layering clothes, here’s a quick breakdown below with my recommendations: My Free Ultimate Packing Checklist for Summer in Iceland Essentials and non-essentials to pack for your summer adventure. In addition are my favorite summer pieces from 66 North and a 10% to save on that brand & more. Click Here The Base Layer This is your first layer, the one closest to your skin. It should be moisture-wicking, meaning it pulls sweat away from your body so you stay dry. Think lightweight wool or synthetic materials—not cotton. A good base layer helps regulate your body temperature, even when you’re active.My recommendation for a Base Layer:Ljosfjöll Hoodie – Lightweight, breathable, and a perfect first layer against your skin. Keeps you warm without overheating. The Mid Layer The mid layer provides insulation. It traps heat to keep you warm, and you can add or remove this layer depending on the temperature. Fleece, wool sweaters, or insulated vests work great here. Think of this as your “cozy” layer.My recommendations for a Mid Layer:Kaldi Off White Sweater – This one is a classic Icelandic wool-style mid-layer. It’s stylish, warm, and breathable.Tindur Pelican Jacket – A technical shearling mid-layer that works well alone or under a shell.Kellir Down Vest – A lightweight puffer vest that adds warmth without bulk.Kria Hybrid Hoodie – Water-resistant, warm, and highly packable. Perfect for high-energy hikes or windy coastlines. The Outer Layer This layer protects you from the elements—wind, rain, or even sleet (yes, even in summer). A high-quality shell jacket and weather-resistant pants will block wind and repel water, helping you stay dry no matter what Iceland throws your way.My recommendations for an Outer Layer:Snæfell Shell Jacket – Fully waterproof and windproof. A must-have. I’ve used it on rainy glacier hikes and it held up beautifully.Borgir Women’s Pants – These Gore Infinium pants are water-resistant, comfy, and move with you. Want to Save 10% on 66°North? If you’d like to save 10% on 66°North clothing—including the items I just mentioned—use this link. To see my favorite summer pieces from 66 North sold via Aktiv Style, use this link.What’s extra awesome is that the link takes you to Aktiv Style, a U.S.-based company in Denver. They’re the only U.S. retailer with exclusive rights to sell 66°North clothing. That means you can shop your favorite Icelandic outerwear and get faster shipping—no need to wait weeks for it to arrive from Iceland.All of my summer faves and much more are in my free Ultimate Checklist for Summer in Iceland. It also includes the discount link, and a discount code to save 10% on 66 North and all other brands on Ak...
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    18 mins
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I truly enjoyed this episode, didn’t know that Icelanders didn’t have inside plumbing until the mid- 1900’s.

Swimming is so wonderful…

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I am going in December 2022.
super helpful! it's like the bioluminescent in PR (don't go during a full moon) . great advice.
she seems super cool

stumbled on this!!

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