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10 Best Documentaries About Iceland (For 2024)

• by Jonny Duncan
• January 10, 2024 January 17, 2024

These documentaries about Iceland, a land of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural heritage, capture the imagination of travellers to the country.

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, this island nation is a place of stark contrasts, where volcanic fury meets glacial serenity, and where ancient sagas echo through its dramatic terrain.

Documentaries About Iceland

In this selection of documentaries about Iceland, you will discover the wonders and mysteries of the country, a land often described as a realm of fire and ice. From the breathtaking waterfalls and glaciers to the intriguing stories of its Viking past, Iceland’s allure is undeniable.

On a personal note, I have visited Iceland two times for a total of 8 weeks in the country, once in winter and once in summer, and it’s truly one of the most magical places I have been to.

Some of these documentaries are free to watch on YouTube whereas others you will have to find online to watch such as Amazon, etc.

Tip: You can get a  1-month free trial of Amazon Prime  (get with that link) where you can watch some of these documentaries about Iceland if you don’t already have an account.

Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire (2016)

Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire is one of the best documentaries about Iceland and explores the stunning landscapes, geology, and natural wonders of Iceland.

The film showcases Iceland’s unique features, including its glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. It delves into the geological processes that have shaped the country and highlights the dynamic forces of nature at work in this remote island nation.

Iceland: Land of Ice and Fire not only focuses on the natural beauty of the country but also provides insights into the cultural and historical significance of Iceland’s landscapes. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the land’s contrasts, where ice and fire coexist in a delicate balance.

This documentary is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Iceland’s geology, natural wonders, and the sheer magnificence of its untamed landscapes. It’s a visual feast that captures the essence of Iceland’s unique character.

Iceland With Alexander Armstrong (2021)

This documentary series follows the presenter Alexander Armstrong as he travels across Iceland exploring the landscapes, meeting the locals, and learning about the unique culture of the country.

This is an excellent and up-to-date series that gives really good insights into Iceland and is great fun to watch.

Under an Arctic Sky (2017)

Under an Arctic Sky follows a group of surfers as they embark on a journey to the remote and icy waters of Iceland in search of the perfect wave.

The documentary captures the challenges and the breathtaking beauty of surfing in the Arctic Circle, where the surfers encounter extreme weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and the unique landscapes of Iceland .

The film not only showcases the surfers’ quest for adventure but also explores the environmental and cultural aspects of the region. It blends elements of adventure, nature, and the human spirit, making it a great watch for both surfing enthusiasts and those interested in visually striking scenes of Iceland in winter.

This is a personal favourite of mine. The cinematography of Iceland in winter is simply breathtaking.

Watch on Amazon:

Fire & Iceland (2022)

Fire & Iceland is one of the more recent documentaries about Iceland that shows the people who live in the shadows of the mighty volcanoes of the country.

They talk about the challenges involved and the sheer beauty of the volcanic life that Iceland is famous for. This documentary has some excellent volcano scenes to watch.

BBC – Volcano Live, Iceland Erupts (2010)

Volcano Live: Iceland Erupts is a documentary that was part of a BBC series exploring volcanic activity and eruptions. The program specifically focused on the eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland in 2010.

The documentary aimed to capture the unfolding events and the scientific aspects of the eruption. It included live broadcasts and interviews with experts to provide viewers with a real-time and in-depth understanding of the volcanic activity.

The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull led to the closure of airspace over many European countries for several days, affecting millions of travellers.

Iceland – Majestic Natural Paradise on Top of the World 

There are some great full free documentaries about Iceland on YouTube that you can watch, with many about nature given the stunning scenery and unique geological formations in the country.

This is one of the best for nature:

Iceland, Experiencing the Raw Forces of Nature

Iceland, Experiencing the Raw Forces of Nature follows some Icelanders in the country as they explore different landscapes and show how having a sense of freedom and self-sufficiency that is truly unique is a way of life for the local people.

Some amazing raw nature scenery in this one.

Another free documentary to watch on YouTube:

The Ancient Sagas of Iceland

Another one that is free on YouTube and is especially good if you want some of the history of Iceland from the time of the Vikings.

Description from the video: Hundreds of years ago in faraway Iceland the Vikings began to write down dozens of stories – called sagas. These sagas are priceless historical documents which bring to life the Viking world.

This is one of the best documentaries about Iceland for the history of the Vikings in Iceland.

Breathtaking Iceland – The Stunning Beauty of Vatnajökull National Park

Europe’s largest glacier, the gigantic Vatnajökull, is located in Iceland and covers an area of around 9,000 square kilometres. Beneath it lie the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes.

This extreme landscape is as dangerous as it is fascinating: glistening white glacier tongues, lagoons covered with icebergs, bizarre green lava mountains, snow-covered volcanic cones, solidified lava flows and imposing waterfalls overwhelm everyone who gets to see them.

In 2008, Icelanders declared the glacier and adjacent areas a national park, the largest in Europe. In this documentary, the team meets people who live, work or do research here: a life with the dangers of fire and ice in the overwhelming landscape of Vatnajökull National Park.

This is another free one on YouTube to watch:

Nat Geo Wild Islands Iceland

Another free one to watch on YouTube, and again about the wild nature in Iceland.

These documentaries about Iceland offer a captivating glimpse into the enchanting world of the country. They take us from the rugged beauty of its untamed landscapes to the heart of its ancient myths and modern challenges.

Also, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Norway .

For more on Iceland take a look at the 10 best books about Iceland to read .

Whether you seek the thrill of volcanic eruptions or the serenity of icy vistas, the tales of the Viking sagas or the modern struggles of its people, Iceland continues to be an extraordinary and endlessly fascinating destination for both filmmakers and travellers alike.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland you can find hotels in Reykjavik here .

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• 11 Films And Shows About...

11 Films and Shows About Iceland to Watch on Netflix

With Iceland on everyone’s destination list, what better way to introduce yourself to the nature, culture and society than through its films? You can also get to know the island’s landscapes pretty well by getting to know the popular fantasy series that use the epic backdrop as a landscape for a timeless drama series. Here are the films, documentaries and series that will help you prepare for or reminisce about your trip to Iceland.

Under an arctic sky, 2017.

This documentary follows surfers who take on the waves in the North of Iceland in the dead of wintertime. This will take you on an adrenaline ride with these surfing experts as they dazzle under the Northern Lights.

Bokeh, 2017

Out of thin air, 2017.

This documentary film investigates a chilling murder tale that took place 40 years ago in Iceland that left more questions unanswered than answered.

Into the Inferno, 2016

Directed by legendary German filmmaker Werner Herzog this epic investigation of Icelandic volcanoes is as much about the natural history of this phenomenon as about placing the human history into the tale. With Herzog, you can expect nothing less than legendary, and this film is no less.

Innsaei, 2016

This documentary explores the Icelandic concept of innsaei, which roughly translates to ‘intuition’. Posing the explanation of the term to spiritualists, physicists, authors and other thinkers, the documentary gives a well-rounded explanation of how human empathy, mindfulness and intuition are interrelated.

Frozen Planet, 2011

Narrated by David Attenborough, this nature documentary series explores the inhabitants and wildlife of the Arctic North with Iceland featured, of course.

Sense8, 2017

A group of eight people can somehow telepathically experience each others’ lives in this thrilling British science-fiction series . The link to Iceland appears when one episode takes place at Harpa Concert Hall.

Norsemen, 2016

Although not historically accurate, this sitcom series is based on a group of Vikings in the late 8th century and follows their trials as they take on the typical Viking narrative that most people imagine: plundering, murdering and pillaging.

Islands of the Future, 2014

This documentary series looks at different islands off the coast of Europe that are rethinking energy consumption. The islands surveyed include Iceland’s geothermal energy, Madeira, Orkney, Samso and El Hierro.

Hostel: Part II, 2007

This horror franchise series directed by Eli Roth features a sweeping scene at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. The series follows Americans traveling and checking into hostels that end up being private torture chambers.

Planet Earth, 2006

Of course, Iceland is featured in a documentary showing the incredible landscapes that exist all around the world. Watch the complete series to be sure you don’t miss the parts featuring Icelandic volcanoes, glaciers and lagoons.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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10 Iceland Movies And Documentaries Worth Watching

1. Angels of the Universe

2. children of nature, 4. stormy weather, 5. 101 reykjavik, 6. dreamland, 7. metalhead, 8. screaming masterpiece, 10. cold fever.

Iceland has an outstanding cinema film industry, with a good number of Icelandic artists who received attention and regard from all over the world. Also, Icelandic movies have been nominated or won many international awards.

• See Also: The Story of Icelandic Cinema .

For people who are looking to watch great Icelandic movies and get inspired to visit Iceland, below you can find a few good options:

It is a very good Icelandic movie that was released in 2000, produced and directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson. Angels of the Universe is a story about a young man and his fight with a dangerous mental disease and the people in his ordinary life. The movie is funny and sad at the same time and the characters are very good.

This movie was released in 1991, directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson . It is the only Icelandic movie that has ever been nominated for the best foreign language film Oscar at the 64th Academy Awards.

The movie is about Thorgeir who has grown too old to take care of himself and his farm. He also is not welcome at his daughter and son in law's urban house, so he ends up alone in a home for the elderly people. There he meets an old woman called Stella and the story of the movie begins.

The movie was released in 2002, directed by Baltasar Kormákur. It is a story of a rich Icelandic family that is famous in a small town. They have a fish company to run and family problems to deal with.

The movie was released in 2003, directed by Sólveig Anspach. It is a story of a relationship between French psychologist called Cora and her unclear and confused patient Loa who has returned back to Iceland from France. Cora begins to notice some changes in Loa's attitude and the weird scientific questions she held in her mind.

Wanna know more about the unpredictable Iceland weather? Check this out!

This movie was released in 2000, directed by Baltasar Kormákur, starring Victoria Abril and Hilmir Snær Guðnason. It is a story of Hlynur, an ordinary 101 rat (rat is the name of the people who live in 101), that is lost in his life. One day his mother comes out as a lesbian and she comes home with her girlfriend. Since then Hlynur's life has changed and never remain the same.

This movie was released in 2009, directed by Andri Snær Magnason and Thorfinnur Gudnason, it is a documentary that searches about the importance of keeping the Icelandic nature protected . And generally, talks about the bad things that happened when the Kárahnjúkar dam was built and how people and nature have been influenced by the aluminium giants.

The movie was released in 2013, written and directed by Ragnar Bragason. It is a story of a girl who has lost her brother so she has very hard days dealing with his death. She spends her time playing metal music, the only thing she is good at.

The movie was released in 2005 written and directed by Ari Alexander Ergis Magnússon. It is a documentary film about the music life in Iceland. It searches about the facts and reasons why Iceland has so many kinds of musical talent.

A drama movie was released in 2011, directed by Rúnar Rúnarsson. It is a story of Hannes, an old man who has lived far away from his kids, his wife gets sick so he retires and starts trying to reconnect with them.

A comedy, drama movie was released in 1995, directed by Friðrik Þór Friðriksson. It is a story about a Japanese man who travels to Iceland and the troubles he's got while going to a remote area to execute a traditional ritual where his parents died seven years ago.

The Icelandic movie makers are very creative and smart they have made the cinema a leading part of the Icelandic culture and economy. They produce many films each year.

Also, Iceland has a beautiful landscape which is a strong reason to make the country a popular location for filming Hollywood productions . Also they help the film companies to shoot in the country. Here are some Hollywood movies that were made in Iceland: Die Another Day, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Flags of our Fathers and Batman Begins.

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8 Documentaries about Iceland: The Land of Ice and Fire

Explore the best documentaries about Iceland, the land the Ice and Fire

Intro: Documentaries about Iceland

Iceland is a destination that many people have never heard of. It is located in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, about three hours north of Scotland or six hours from mainland Europe. Iceland’s history dates back to the 9th century and was governed by Denmark before becoming an independent nation in 1918. Today, Iceland has its own flag and currency. Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, it experiences annual cycles of daylight and darkness with about 24 hours of sunlight throughout the summer followed by around 3 months without any daylight during wintertime. The country's landscape ranges from volcanoes to glaciers, making it one of Earth's most geologically diverse countries. Some of the most unique aspects of Icelandic culture are its traditions surrounding family life; how they live according to "the law which governs human relations between man and woman"; how they celebrate their national holiday, Flag Day; how they treat animals; and how they consume seafood as part of their diet.

1. History of Iceland Documentary

Iceland is a small country in the North Atlantic Ocean, with an area of 103,000 square kilometres (39,000 sq mi). It lies between latitudes 64° and 68° N, and longitudes 21° and 29° W. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The name Iceland is derived from the Icelandic word Ísland (Iceland), which means "island". The island was settled by Viking explorers in 874 AD and subsequently settled by Norwegians which became the dominant people until the late 14th century. It became a Danish colony in 1662. Denmark-Norway ruled the island for almost 150 years until its independence in 1918. Since then, Iceland has remained a democratic republic.

2. The Ancient Sagas of Iceland - History of Iceland Documentary

What is the most important root of European civilization? It would be Greece and Rome, with their renowned ancient civilizations. But there is one culture which may have had an even more profound effect on our history - Iceland! Hundreds of years ago in faraway Iceland, Vikings began to write down dozens of stories called sagas. These sagas are priceless historical documents that bring life to Viking society.

3. Nat Geo Wild Islands Iceland - Documentaries about Iceland

The ice caps have melted over the years, and people can now walk on glaciers for miles. The melting is so rapid that scientists are not worried about rising sea levels – yet. But it does mean that Iceland could be completely uninhabitable within 50 years – with only one glacier left!

4. Chasing Light - Documentaries on Iceland

The film explores how Icelanders and tourists perceive the Northern Lights, how Icelanders have used light as a major source of power and to maintain their way of life. It also explores the continuing use of light by artists, writers and photographers in an age when it is harder than ever to live with nature.

5. The Giants of Iceland - Iceland Documentary

Despite its small population, Iceland has a reputation in the World's Strongest Man competition that stands higher than perhaps any other country. This is because of Viking heritage dating back to when Thor was competing. Trekking out there to investigate our reporter met all sorts of Icelandic strongmen at the gym run by ex-champion Magnus Ver Magnusson and even caught up with Hafthor "Thor" Bjornsson, who many know from Game of Thrones!

6. Iceland Erupts: Iceland Volcano Documentary

The Lakagígar fissure eruption in 1783-85, the Eldfell fissure eruption on Vestmannaeyjar in 1973 and Ejafalajökull (Mýrdalsjökull) erupted in 2010 are all featured. Also included: The visit of Katla (Mýrdalshkkukul), which is located south of Reykjavik. Kate Humble delves into the world of fire and ice - its beauties and dangers!

7. Iceland: Home of Europe's Strongest Horses - Documentaries about Iceland

Iceland, the island of longing in the North. The largest volcanic island in the world is known for its grandiose landscape and geysers but it's even more famous for its horses . Icelandic horses are considered by many to be lively, with great stamina; they love jumping over mossy banks and lava rock unfazed by rivers or scree slopes. In Nordic mythology these horses never seem far behind warriors- no one could imagine Siefgried without his horse Grani or Odin without Sleipnir! From first colonisation through today "awake early" and "very quick" pull their chariots like everyone else here on Iceland: a close relationship with our very own near-equine companions that has only happened among other peoples living around Central Asia.

8. Iceland, Experiencing the Raw Forces of Nature - Iceland Documentary

Venturing near the Arctic Circle, Iceland enchants with its captivating beauty and unique community. Here, people exude sincere authenticity while they remain aware of nature's steadfast authority. Embracing a humble lifestyle, Icelanders depend solely on the earth's offerings to carve out an unrivalled life of self-sufficiency and liberation. This island is a place where the raw forces of the planet unleash their full potential.

Conclusions: Documentaries about Iceland

Iceland is a country with a unique culture and landscape. It’s the land of fire and ice and has some pretty unique animals. These are some documentaries that capture the essence of this beautiful country.

If you enjoyed this list, share with your friends!

Images credits: Unsplash.com

• Cast & crew

Iceland with Alexander Armstrong

• TV Mini Series

The presenter embarks on a journey across Iceland, traversing the full breadth of the country to discover more about Iceland's unique culture, wildlife and landscapes. The presenter embarks on a journey across Iceland, traversing the full breadth of the country to discover more about Iceland's unique culture, wildlife and landscapes. The presenter embarks on a journey across Iceland, traversing the full breadth of the country to discover more about Iceland's unique culture, wildlife and landscapes.

• Alexander Armstrong
• Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson

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• Trivia Following on from the success of this programme, on Monday 13th June 2022 Channel 5 Television announced that they have commissioned Burning Bright Productions to produce a 3-part travelogue entitled Alexander Armstrong in South Korea (2022) .

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The Great Tours: Iceland

Begin your adventure into a fascinating world of fire and ice with an introduction to what makes Iceland such an unparalleled place to visit and explore. Discover how Iceland’s people have existed throughout its history and learn how they were inspired to explore the land in many ways, including through beautiful poetry and epic sagas.

Iceland was born from volcanoes erupting in the ocean roughly 25 million years ago—and its story continues to be shaped by them. Explore how the various types of volcanoes, active volcanic zones, history of eruptions, and the continued expansion of the mid-Atlantic ridge make Iceland a geologically active region like few others on our planet.

Beyond capturing the hearts and minds of photographers, geologists, and mountaineers, Iceland’s glaciers are deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. First, look backward in time to learn how Iceland came to have so much, well, ice. Then, plunge into a world of ice tunnels, ice caves, and other extreme features.

The waters hugging Iceland’s coasts play an important role in the country’s culture and economy. Investigate some of the many lakes, rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, hot springs, and geysers to be found. Among them are the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; Gullfoss, the most visited waterfall in the country; and the thriving business of the Blue Lagoon.

Travel back in time to the cultural birth of Iceland, which began with the arrival of the first humans. Where did these people come from? What ancient documents help scholars understand early Icelandic settlements, and how do modern tools corroborate these sources? And another thing: What happened to all the Icelandic sheepdogs?

Iceland represents a great example of how, when humans arrive at a new place where none presumably lived before, their footprint is large—and often destructive. Follow along as early Nordic settlers grow grains and cereals, then turn to sheep farming. Also, explore the impact of early settlers on the extinction of the Icelandic walrus.

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Iceland With Alexander Armstrong

Iceland’s unique isolated position has created an equally individual culture. Actor and presenter Alexander Armstrong sets out on the adventure of a lifetime in the Land of Ice and Fire. He soon finds that there’s more to Iceland than just Vikings and violently erupting volcanoes. Traversing the full breadth of the country he discovers a land of geysers, very expensive beer and even rotten shark.

Watch Iceland With Alexander Armstrong and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.

Iceland With Alexander Armstrong on BBC Select

EP 1: Reykjavik Get ready for a dramatic volcanic eruption followed by a trip to the Penis Museum! Iceland, and its capital Reykjavik is filled with wonders of both a natural, and a slightly more bizarre persuasion. Alexander Armstrong daringly hovers over a volcanic eruption in a helicopter before learning more about these deadly emissions. He then finds out about the Icelandic belief in elves, meets an Icelandic rock band and then takes a trip to the legendary Penis Museum.

EP 2: The North Rotten shark is on the menu as Alexander Armstrong continues his journey around Iceland. Northern Iceland and the port of Husavik is beloved of whale watchers and Will Ferrell fans (as it’s the locale of his film Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga). In this laid-back town, Alexander Armstrong meets, and eats, a huge Greenland shark, considered one of the world’s most disgusting food dishes. He also tries to knit, plays golf at midnight, and learns to ride an Icelandic horse.

Ep 3: The South Get ready to revel in the glory of southern Iceland’s spectacular natural wonders. In a land of natural wonders, the south of Iceland contains some of the country’s most spectacular, breathtaking scenery. On the last leg of his adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice, Alexander Armstrong heads south and visits a worryingly thinning glacier, takes a trip to an island nearly destroyed by volcano, walks on a dangerous beach before spending the night in a capsule hotel.

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From Iceland — ‘Fire & Iceland’ Documentary Is Out Now

‘fire & iceland’ documentary is out now.

Published February 23, 2022

The ‘Fire & Iceland’ documentary that was filmed in Iceland last year is now available on Amazon Prime in the United Kingdom and the United States . T he World Theatrical Premiere will take place on March 19 at the Bíó Paradís theater in Reykjavik at 18:30. 

The documentary follows the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption, featuring the people who live and work ‘in the shadows of volcanoes’. Valur Grettisson, the Reykjavík Grapevine Editor-in-Chief, appears in the film, together with a number of other Icelanders, including actress and musician Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð (best known by her stage name, GDRN); creator of the Icelandic Lava Show Júlíus Ingi Jónsson; award-winning author and photographer Ragnar Th Sigurðsson; geologist and Ph.D. candidate Helga Kristin Torfadottir; helicopter pilot Sandra Ólafsdóttir; artist and musician Guðmundur Óli Pálmason; tour operator Adam Kaczuba, and many others.

The film was directed by April Anderson and Martin Chytil. The trailer is available here and below.

The World Theatrical Premiere at Bíó Paradís will include a number of guest speakers and the documentary screening. The admission is free of charge.

• documentary

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Take an Epic Road Trip Through the Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland's Ring Road is steeped in natural wonder and mythical lore.

Iceland is one of the warmest cold countries you’ll find—especially so toward children. It seems everywhere you look there are pram-pushing moms and blond-haired kids swarming the capital of Reykjavik. The big hit for children (and adults) will be the city’s 18 mostly open-air geothermal pools (82–109°F); most also have slides and fountains. Use a pool visit to introduce the concept of renewable resources. Iceland is on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a belt of mountains and rift valleys where periodic eruptions widen the ocean floor. One of the world’s most tectonically volatile places, it feeds more than 200 volcanoes and 600 hot springs and heats 85 percent of Iceland’s homes. Add to this energy produced by the nation’s rivers and streams, and the country essentially gets all its electricity from nature.

The other thermal experience kids will love is a visit to the Blue Lagoon —40 miles from the city. This geothermal spa is built over and around what could be described as the world’s biggest Jacuzzi—a large pool with white mud that kids can smear all over their bodies (for the health benefits and to make a joyous mess). Much of the lagoon is shallow enough for them to stand on the bottom, heads above water.

Next comes the grand journey—the Ring Road (aka Highway 1), 830 miles of majesty that encircles the country and skirts black-sand beaches, volcanoes, imposing fjords, crater lakes, thermal fields, and some of the world’s largest glaciers. Prepare your kids for more than eye-filling scenics. But you’ll be in the car a lot—so stock up on some Icelandic tapes and books (maybe even some Björk music) to help while away the hours and give your passengers an earful of Norse sagas and eerie folktales. This is a place of the imagination, where we can all have permission to make things up, pretend, and make believe. The locals indulge in that—and you should, too. “We have thousands of stories,” says Reykjavik-based guide Geir Rogwaldsson. “Stories of people visible and invisible; giants mean and ugly; dwarfs, gnomes, and little fairies who live in rocks. That’s how people entertained themselves in the old days—telling stories through the long winters.”

A mother and daughter apply mud masks in the geothermal waters of Iceland's Blue Lagoon.

So as you go, invite your kids to imagine the route populated by ice trolls, guardian spirits in the shape of birds and bulls, mermen and mermaids in offshore waters, ghosts, elves, and other creatures. To Icelanders these are more than mere myths. Building projects in Iceland are sometimes altered to prevent damaging the rocks where they are believed to live. And throwing rocks is discouraged—you might hit a huldufólk , gray-clad “hidden people” said to hate churches, crosses, and electricity.

From Reykjavik the Ring Road can be tackled either way, but driving counterclockwise (starting along the south coast) provides a faster introduction to what makes Iceland so special. Reaching the town of Selfoss, detour inland to the steaming thermal field at Geysir and the Gullfoss, a churning wall of water that plunges more than 100 feet into a narrow crevice. The tectonic forces that give the country its thermal energy are also responsible for its dramatic landscape, the basaltic columns, the tortuously rumpled topography, and the kind of volcanic activity we saw when Eyjafjallajökull blew its top and darkened Europe’s skies in April 2010.

Back on Highway 1 continue to Dyrhólaey, a black-sand beach shadowed by volcanic cliffs, and home to one of the island’s strangest attractions—an old military amphibious vehicle now used for tours. “Glaciers cover about 12 percent of Iceland and there are quite a few volcanoes beneath,” says skipper Thorsteinn Gunnarsson, as he plunges his vessel through whitecaps into the chilly Atlantic. “Over the years the volcanic ash has turned this coast into a black-sand desert. We . . . must be prepared for a volcanic disaster at any time—evacuating our homes, schools, or work in one hour or less.”

Continuing along the south coast, the drive culminates in a stretch of blue called Jökulsárós, a lagoon filled with hundreds of icebergs calved from the Vatna Glacier. A boat ride brings you to within reach of the bergs, crossing waters that have appeared in such movies as Batman Begins .

The fire and ice fade away into majestic fjords as the Ring Road banks along the island’s east coast. With its old wooden buildings and family-friendly Skálanes nature center featuring seals, reindeer, and puffins, Seydisfjördur is the place to take a break from driving and arrange a hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, or fishing trip in a local fjord.

North of Seydisfjördur, the road cuts across a vast volcanic desert and more natural wonders. Among possible detours are the Askja caldera field, Dettifoss waterfall (Europe’s most powerful by volume), and the unearthly Leirhnúkur lava field, where kids can traverse the lunarlike landscape where the Apollo astronauts practiced for moon landings. Akureyri, on the north coast, provides a welcome splash of civilization, as well as a rare chance for children to golf under the midnight sun (in summer).

Round a corner, to the west coast, and the landscape becomes green and lush, rather than cold and stony. Just west of Highway 1 awaits the long and fertile Haukadalur Valley, where Erik the Red settled after his family was banished from Norway. “Erik was a bit of a troublemaker,” says Alma Gudmundsdottir, one of the living-history actors at a reproduction Norse homestead on the site of Erik’s farm. “He was always arguing with his neighbors ... After murdering three of them, Erik was ‘outlawed’—meaning he could be killed without punishment. Rather than await certain death, he took his family and his livestock and sailed away to Greenland.” One of those family members was son Leif Eriksson.

At Haukadalur kids can see a bit of what Viking life must have been. Alma and others, clad as medieval peasants, sit around a smoldering hearth inside a sod house, chatting in Old Norse as if the modern world never happened. “Iceland offers connections to the past found almost nowhere else,” says National Geographic fellow Jonathan Tourtellot, who has been to the country six times. “Just tell your children that Icelanders have two letters in their alphabet (thorn and edh) that we don’t have but used to, in Old English. And that people go by a first name plus that of the father. Iceland will fascinate kids. They can have a wild adventure in a literate, safe, sophisticated country. And they can hike all day and wind up in a thermal pool.”

Know Before You Go

Fast facts:.

• Glaciers cover more than 12 percent of Iceland, though the Gulf Stream and warm southwesterly winds moderate the climate.
• Foxes were the only land mammals in Iceland when it was settled. Newcomers imported domesticated animals and reindeer.
• Vatnajökull, or Vatna Glacier, covers 8 percent of the country (3,200 square miles) and is Europe’s largest glacier.
• Iceland contains about 200 volcanoes and produces one-third of Earth’s total lava flow.
• The colors in Iceland’s flag represent the elements that comprise the island: Red is for the island’s volcanic fires; white for the snow and ice fields; and blue for the surrounding ocean.
• Nat Geo Expeditions

Insider Tip: Iceland is home to nearly two dozen waterfalls. On sunny days, the cascades will catch the rays to create single or even double rainbows.

Books for Parents: Iceland: Land of the Sagas by Jon Krakauer and David Roberts (1998): Icelandic heritage comes to life as the authors walk, climb, and photograph their way through Iceland’s majestic terrain.

• Takk by Sigur Rós (2005): This Icelandic quartet is known for its ethereal sound. Bridging the gap between ambient and pop, the band has magnetic force in both its English and Icelandic renditions.
• Gling Gló by Björk Guðmundsdóttir and Guðmundar Ingólfssonar (1998): This collaboration of the acclaimed vocalist and a trio playing piano, drums, and bass allows Björk’s voice to enrich the group’s smooth jazz sound and warms the Icelandic lyrics for a soothing listening experience.

Movie: Wrath of Gods (2006): This award-winning documentary tells the story of the extremes a cast and crew endured to film Beowulf & Grendel in the wilds of Iceland.

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• On February 25, 2015
• IN Iceland History & Culture

My Top 5 Favourite Icelandic Documentaries

There aren‘t a lot of Icelandic documentaries, I‘ll admit that right off the bat. The oldest Icelandic documentary I’ve seen (Rokk í Reykjavík) was made in 1982, and only about a half a dozen others were made between then and 2000. So there isn’t really a strong tradition for feature length documentaries here, although a lot of great documentary TV programs have been produced over the years. Since the new millennia, however, times have changed, somewhat—a lot of films have been produced and a lot of them great. Since I love documentaries, I’ve seen most of them and decided to compile a list of my five favorite all time Icelandic documentaries.

I’ll admit to one thing, my favorite kind of documentaries are the ones that focus on people, rather than events or times in history. This preference might shine through in this list.

Okay, okay. This isn’t technically an Icelandic documentary—it’s Canadian. However(!), its subject is very much Icelandic as it is about our pride and joy, The Icelandic Phallalogical Museum and pursuit of the final member needed to complete the penile collection—a human penis. Now, one might think that this would be a problem, acquiring such an intimate limb, but the film actually follows the two men who were racing to get their Johnson on display. One, a very old man whose penis has seen better days (it worked hard when he was young, the hopeful donor noted) and the other an American man, full with American erectile pride and a fancy new flag tattoo to match.

At times, the film almost feels like a Christopher Guest mockumentary flick—I mean, we are talking about a penis museum here and the men who want achieve immortality by being forever there on display. One might think that the most peculiar person in the film would be the museums founder, Sigurður Hjartarson—an obsession with collecting body parts and organs can easily be seen as weird—however, his enthusiasm and gusto when we see him discussing the peckers, really makes you want to visit the museum.

Can you believe I’ve lived here in Iceland all my life and I’ve never been there? Outrageous.

[ IMDB /  Trailer  ]

Jón Páll Sigmarsson was the world’s strongest man, again and again, during the 1980s and is seen as an Icelandic icon of the highest caliber. A lot of people remember where they were when he died in 1993 (I remember when he died, but I was too young to remember the place). The documentary follows his life from his childhood to his death (there are reenactments with actors playing him at various ages) and friends and family members are interviewed. Very interesting subject that I revisit from time to time.

Lalli is probably Iceland’s most famous convict—he was once arrested when he was found asleep in a home he broke into (he started reading poetry, it puts me to sleep too). He has spent a couple of decades behind bars for petty crimes, is (was, perhaps, I don’t know where he is today) addicted to drugs and alcohol and homeless. The documentary crew follows Lalli for a few years, while he goes in and out of jail and follows his routine while free, which is mostly going to pubs, where everybody knows his name, drinking and visiting social services. After the film, Lalli became a cult icon of sort, but the film does a good job of showing how sad the lifestyle he lives is, and how trapped he is in it.

An intimate portrait of Helgi Hóseasson, Iceland’s most famous protestor and atheist activist, who battled to get his baptismal covenant annulled in the 1960s. He became a fixture in Reykjavík, where he stood at Langholtsvegur most days, holding a handmade sign, protesting war or human rights violations. Helgi was a man of his convictions/obsessions, and the documentary gives an honest view on his daily life. Warning, gets very sad.

Along with The King of Kong (2007), this is my all-time favourite documentary. I’ve made most of the people I know watch it, and often I’ve watched it with them. It is one of the most earnest documentaries I’ve ever seen, and probably the saddest. It follows a few of the people that spend a lot of their time in downtown Reykjavík, mainly the main bus stop, Hlemmur.

We have the homeless alcoholics, who spend their time wondering how they ended up in a jail cell the night before or concocting (horrible) cocktails of Sprite, Fanta and rubbing alcohol; a rehabilitated alcoholic, who is turning his life around; a man battling crippling depression; a couple with learning disabilities who want to remain independent; a very smart man suffering from a neurological disorder of some sort, and many more.

At no point are these people portrayed as something to make fun of or laugh at, but one cannot but pity some of the more unfortunate souls. The documentary explores how life can be futile when there is no purpose, and how hard it can be to get out of a rut. Some reach rock bottom and get help, others are not as fortunate. The film is beautifully shot, handled with care and the mood is set with music by Sigur Rós.

A must see.

[  IMDB  / Trailer ]

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What the Heck Happened to the Documentary ‘The Sixth’?

I’m used to efforts to whitewash American history, but this just doesn't smell right.

Politico Magazine has a fascinating piece about a well-financed and well-received (by test audiences) documentary film called The Sixth , an account of the violence on January 6, 2021, from the viewpoint of several people who were swept up in it. The documentary was made by two Academy Award–winning filmmakers, Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, under the umbrella of A24, one of the hottest production companies in the business, and a massive campaign was planned for its release. Then things got weird.

Three years after the insurrection, with A24 sitting atop national box-office rankings thanks to Civil War, the documentary about a real domestic clash was unmentioned on the list of A24 films on the company’s website right before its release. Though The Sixth is scheduled to go public on May 3, the film is also weirdly absent from A24’s ordinarily robust social media accounts. Late on Wednesday, after I called to ask, the listing for The Sixth suddenly appeared on the site....People who were interviewed for the film were also told that it would be streaming on its release day as part of Amazon’s Prime Video service. But now that’s not happening either, and may not happen until after the election. An Amazon Prime spokesperson told me that no date had ever been scheduled, and the issue would be determined in due course by A24 and Amazon. You’ll still be able to rent it as of May 3 on Apple, Amazon and a variety of other platforms, but the lack of a distribution channel like Prime tends to severely constrict the attention to a movie.

Congressman Jamie Raskin, one of several people who share their memories in the film, is suspicious about what appears to be a collective act of looming cowardice.

“The subjects were all told that the movie would be available on Prime starting at the beginning of May, and I was certainly telling that to people because the premiere was completely sold out,” said U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, one of the six subjects. “I was telling people they’d be able to access it on Prime Video. And then the Fines told us that although that was the original understanding, it was now not going to be available for streaming on Prime Video and people would have to pay for it. That obviously will change by millions the number of people who will see it.”

And Raskin is not alone. Some of the other participants in the film have similar questions about the apparent lack of support.

“I’m very disappointed in the lack of publicity and the lack of promotion that’s coming from A24,” said Mel D. Cole , a photojournalist whose day among the crowds represents another of the film’s story lines. “I love their films and I think they always put their all into what they accomplish. I thought that this would have that same kind of push. To be honest, I turned down a few offers of being in documentaries. It was A24 that reached out to me initially and asked me to be in this film. It’s the reason I did it. The Fines are great, but I didn’t know them.”

Raskin suspects—and I agree with him because, well, he’s been right about January 6, 2021, since about January 7, 2021—that the slow-hyping of The Sixth may be part of an ongoing campaign to minimize what happened that day until it appears to be little more than a historical blip in time. This effort includes everything from Trump’s pitching the participants as “political prisoners” to the multi-pronged effort to thwart Jack Smith’s investigation to the whole damn ongoing Republican presidential campaign.

In fact, the contrast with A24’s current runaway hit is telling: While Civil War reflects the vibes of a country on edge, the fuzzy specifics of the film’s fictional war appear unrelated to the familiar red-blue divide. Neither Republicans nor Democrats are apt to walk out of the film feeling like they’re being blamed. On the other hand, even though The Sixth is about workaday Washingtonians grappling with the riot, it’s hard to walk away from any Jan. 6 artifact without feeling the real divide over Trump. You can see why any big company might want to avoid something likely to enrage 40 percent of viewers (not to mention the man currently leading several presidential polls).

I’m used to efforts to whitewash American history. Hell, we’re arguing about that all over the country right now. But this is different. This is an attempt to apply the ancient historical principle of “Who you gonna believe, me or your own lying eyes?” to something we all saw on television. And the stakes are immeasurable. We can’t afford the narcotic of historical amnesia this time.

Uh-0h. There’s more trouble at Dogkiller Base.

First came Noem’s disclosure about shooting and killing her 14-month-old wirehair pointer, Cricket, for misbehaving. Then, just as the dog-killing news cycle was cresting, the Dakota Scout reported on an anecdote in “No Going Back” that on its face is highly improbable: Noem’s claim that she met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un while serving as a back-bencher in Congress. “Through my tenure on the House Armed Services Committee,” Noem wrote, “I had the chance to travel to many countries to meet with world leaders. I remember when I met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. I’m sure he underestimated me, having no clue about my experience staring down little tyrants (I’d been a children’s pastor, after all).”

Noem’s spokesperson took time out from updating his résumé to cop to the charge.

Noem’s spokesperson, Ian Fury, seemed to concede that the Kim story was false Thursday night: “We’ve been made aware that the publisher will be addressing conflated world leaders’ names in the book before it is released.”

The book also contains a fanciful tale of Noem’s facing down the insidious blandishments of...Nikki Haley?

“After what seemed to me a bit of an awkward pause, she added, ‘I…just…also want you to know one more thing.…I’ve heard a lot of really good things about you. But I also want you to know that if I hear something bad…I will be sure to let you know.’

“There was a long pause. ‘Um, well, thanks for that, Ambassador.’

‘Let me be clear,’ she added. ‘I’ve heard many good things about you. But when I do hear bad things, I will make sure that you know. I’ve enjoyed talking to you. We will visit soon. Goodbye.’ Click.”

In the book, Noem recounts feeling the cold, clammy hand of political threat reaching up to South Dakota from South Carolina. She talks to an aide.

“ ‘Yeah, I’m pretty sure I was just threatened by Nikki Haley. It was clear that she wanted me to know that there was only room for one Republican woman in the spotlight. It was weird.’ “Unsurprisingly, I never received any calls or ‘mentoring’ from her, but the message was clear. I’m the alpha female here, and you should know your place. I actually felt a little sad for her.”

According to Haley’s camp, this encounter also was the sheerest moonshine.

“Nikki has long called and written notes supporting other women when they go through challenging times,” Denton said. “She called Governor Noem in 2020 to encourage her when she was criticized for keeping her state open during Covid. How she would twist that into a threat is just plain weird.”

And, on the other side of the rainbow bridge, Cricket—and the goat—look down and see Kristi Noem’s political career slouching slowly toward the gravel pit.

Weekly WWOZ Pick to Click: “Crow Jane” (Tuba Skinny) : Yeah, I pretty much still love New Orleans.

Weekly Visit to the Pathé Archives: Here, from 1965 , is a performance from a husband and wife in the family business of fire-eating. And glass-walking. And glass-jumping. And flaming-arrow-catching. I guess this is what the old folks in Great Britain did on an evening when the kids were all screaming over the Beatles. History is so cool.

The anti-choice crew never sleeps. (Once again, Justice Sam Alito’s deep concern about future unintended consequences in the presidential-immunity case dries up when it comes to the actual, and perhaps not entirely unintended, consequences of this opinion in Dobbs .) In where-the-f*ck-else Texas, a man has engaged a lawyer to pursue a wrongful-death action against his partner who obtained a legal abortion in Colorado. From T he Washington Post :

The previously unreported petition was submitted under an unusual legal mechanism often used in Texas to investigate suspected illegal actions before a lawsuit is filed. The petition claims Davis could sue either under the state’s wrongful-death statute or the novel Texas law known as Senate Bill 8 that allows private citizens to file suit against anyone who “aids or abets” an illegal abortion. The decision to target an abortion that occurred outside of Texas represents a potential new strategy by antiabortion activists to achieve a goal many in the movement have been working toward since Roe v. Wade was overturned: stopping women from traveling out of state to end their pregnancies. Crossing state lines for abortion care remains legal nationwide. The case also illustrates the role that men who disapprove of their partners’ decisions could play in surfacing future cases that may violate abortion bans — either by filing their own civil lawsuits or by reporting the abortions to law enforcement.

"Men disapproving" with the force of law behind them is pretty much the basic definition of patriarchy, not that it would occur to the aspiring patriarchs in the Texas government.

Discovery Corner. Hey, look what we found . From Smithsonian :

Two metal detectorists, Finn Ibsen and Lars Danielsen, were searching a field outside of Ringsted, a city on the island of Zealand, when Ibsen came across the unusual object. “I stand and jump on the spot and…wave Lars over,” Ibsen recalls to Kristoffer Koch of the Danish news outlet TV2 Øst , per Google Translate. “He comes running, and we can see that it is unique. It is a face.” The friends handed the portrait over to Denmark’s Museum West Zealand . Archaeologists aren’t certain about the small disc’s function, but they say it could have been a decoration attached to a shield or sword belt.

Freerk Oldenburger , an archaeologist at the museum, tells Live Science ’s Jennifer Nalewicki that the disc is “almost identical” to a silver artifact found several years ago in Jutland, Denmark. "It’s quite a remarkable piece,” he says. “When it showed up on my desk, I nearly fell out of my chair because it’s almost the exact same portrait as the other, but this one is a little more coarse and is made of cast bronze and not gilded silver.”

So how did an image of a Macedonian conqueror end up in Scandinavia? One word: fanboy.

The metal disc was made some 500 years after Alexander’s reign, and researchers speculate that it may be linked to the Roman Empire. According to the museum, Alexander was a “great role model” for Roman leaders—and a particularly influential figure for the emperor Caracalla , who reigned from 198 to 217 C.E. The disc dates to “around the same time as Caracalla,” Oldenburger tells Live Science. “We know that he was completely obsessed with Alexander the Great and was interested and inspired by him, since he was the greatest conqueror of that time period.”

Memorabilia is an ancient art. Or an ancient scam. Anyway, Caracalla was something of a bloodthirsty madman whose own imperial guard did him in while he was attempting some Alexander cosplay against the Parthians in Mesopotamia. He deserves to have somebody make a buck on him after a couple millennia.

Hey, ScienceDaily , is it a good day for dinosaur news ? It’s always a good day for dinosaur news!

In a study published last year, it was claimed that dinosaurs like T. rex had an exceptionally high number of neurons and were substantially more intelligent than assumed. It was claimed that these high neuron counts could directly inform on intelligence, metabolism and life history, and that T. rex was rather monkey-like in some of its habits. Cultural transmission of knowledge as well as tool use were cited as examples of cognitive traits that it might have possessed.

However the new study, published today in The Anatomical Record, involving the University of Bristol’s Hady George, Dr Darren Naish (University of Southampton) and led by Dr Kai Caspar (Heinrich Heine University) with Dr Cristian Gutierrez-Ibanez (University of Alberta) and Dr Grant Hurlburt (Royal Ontario Museum) takes a closer look at techniques used to predict both brain size and neuron numbers in dinosaur brains. The team found that previous assumptions about brain size in dinosaurs, and the number of neurons their brains contained, were unreliable.

Tough call for the ol’ T. rex. For a while there, we thought the T. rex was smarter than the groaning, city-stomping beast of our movies. Now the best it gets is “monkey-like.” Good plot twist for those Godzilla v. Kong movies, I guess. They lived then so we could have fun at the movies now.

I’ll be back on Monday for whatever fresh hell awaits. Be well and play nice, ya bastids. Stay above the snake line. Wear the damn mask. Take the damn shots, especially the boosters, and especially the most recent boosters. Watch out for the damn bird flu. And spare a moment for the good people of Baltimore, and for the people of Israel and of Gaza, the people of Ukraine, of Lewiston, Maine, and for the victims of monkeypox in the Republic of the Congo, and of the earthquake zones in Taiwan , Iraq, Turkey, Morocco, and Colombia, and in the flood zone in Libya, and the flood zones all across the Ohio Valley, and on the Horn of Africa, and in Tanzania and Kenya , and in the English midlands, and in Virginia, and in Texas and Louisiana, and in California, and the flood zones of Indonesia, and in the storm-battered south of Georgia, and in Kenya, and in the flood areas in Dubai (!) and in Pakistan, and in the flood zones in Russia and Kazakhstan, and in the flood zones in Iran, where loose crocodiles are becoming a problem, and in the fire zones in Australia, and in north Texas, and in Lahaina, where they’re still trying to recover their lives, and under the volcano in Iceland, and for the gun-traumatized folks in Austin and at UNLV, and in Philadelphia, and in Perry, Iowa, and especially for our fellow citizens in the LGBTQ+ community, who deserve so much better from their country than they’ve been getting.

Charles P Pierce is the author of four books, most recently Idiot America , and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston and has three children. 

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