Iceland Unwrapped By Helgastina - Travel Planner

24/12/2024

Today on Christmas Eve in Iceland many Icelanders celebrate Christmas with family and friends.
What is essential on this day and has always been, is that everyone needs to get some kind of clothing before Christmas to avoid the Christmas cat. Yes, such a creature comes to towns in Iceland on Christmas Eve, searching for everyone who didn't get even a pair of socks for Christmas. If that is the case, that person will be eaten by the Christmas cat. That's the Christmas spirit, don't you think? Happy Christmas, and please make sure everyone in your surroundings gets some new clothes for Christmas.
Here is a great picture to explain better 😀 https://www.instagram.com/p/DDh7sC4PY0K/

23/12/2024

Þorláksmessa – the final day of Christmas preparations in Iceland! 🎄 On this day, many Icelanders gather to eat skata—a fermented skate fish with a distinct ammonia-like aroma—served with boiled or mashed potatoes. The skata can be so potent that just one bite can, for some people, numb your nose and throat! 🐟 Not everyone is a fan, though—especially in apartment buildings, where the strong smell often sparks lively debates among neighbors. 😅

22/12/2024

One of the joys of winter in Iceland is picking out a Christmas tree, savoring hot chocolate with cream, and browsing homemade crafts at the Christmas market 🎄

The winter sunsets add an extra touch of Christmas spirit to the experience. Plus, the days are gradually getting longer now until the summer solstice in June, leading to almost 24 hours of daylight

21/12/2024

The mother of the 13 Yule lads is called Grýla and in the past adults would scare the living death out of their children with stories of her coming and eating naughty children.
Imagine living in the countryside in Iceland, surrounded by extraordinary lava formation, darkness of winter and sounds of the weather, that can easily give all kinds of ideas of horrible creatures to the imagination of young and old.

Those were the days. Nowadays Grýla is living up in the mountains and seldom comes to towns and has stopped eating children. Or so they say....

This sign is up for us to be respectful to Grýla and her family and not to fear.

20/12/2024

This winter has been exceptionally generous with Northern Lights displays! 🌌 Whether you prefer a late-night walk, a soak in a hot spring, a stay in a glass lodge, or an evening boat ride, there are countless ways to experience the magic. Which will you choose? ✨

📸 by Mackenzie and Henry 💛

19/12/2024

Coffee with a view? Let's start planning your unique Icelandic coffee breaks ☕️🇮🇸

17/12/2024

When designing travel plans, I always recommend going off the beaten path if people have time. The Westfjords are a perfect example—a bit remote, but absolutely worth exploring. Think isolated landscapes surrounded by raw, untouched nature 🏞️🇮🇸

16/12/2024

14/12/2024

To learn a language we at Iceland Unwrapped recommend learning Icelandic through recipe. Especially Christmas cookie recopies. We don´t know of almost any home that doesn´t do those for the holiday season. Everything with licorice is eaten in Iceland so please join us in baking Lakkrís toppar.
Here is a recipe in Icelandic by my friend Albert https://alberteldar.is/2020/12/10/lakkristoppar/
and here is one in English https://www.icelandfoodcentre.com/lakkristoppar-icelandic-meringue-cookies/

Enjoy and look further on these pages for other great options for food and baking.

13/12/2024

Imagine falling asleep under the dancing aurora! 🌌 Glass lodges offer front-row seats to Iceland's most magical light show. No need to chase the Northern Lights - they come right to your window. Our wonderful clients got lucky with an incredible show during their stay! ✨

📸 by Mackenzie and Henry 💛

12/12/2024

The Icelandic Santa Clauses have arrived.
These 13 Yule lads spread joy and gifts in the shoes of the well behaved children the days before Christmas.
Did you put your shoe in the window?

09/12/2024

Iceland is the cooler summer destination.

https://icelandunwrapped.com/iceland-the-cooler-summer-destination/

06/12/2024

Every adventure is unique - what's on your bucket list? Are you an adrenaline ju**ie or a slow traveler? Want to explore hidden gems or connect with locals? Let's craft a trip that's 100% you! 🌋

We helped these travelers smash their bucket list in an epic winter journey.

📸 by Mackenzie and Henry 💛

05/12/2024

Northern lights in the north of Iceland.
Did you know that you can fly directly from the UK to the north of Iceland during autumn, winter and spring?
The north of Iceland is a gorgeous area with so many extraordinary natural beauties that it would take forever to count them all. Not to mention the Northern lights, skiing possibilities, dog sledding and all kinds of winter sports.

Contact us for more info if you would like to be cool in Iceland during winter.
www.icelandunwrapped.com

27/11/2024

Though it might feel early, now is the perfect time to start planning for next summer. If Iceland is on your list, I can help you prioritize must-see spots and uncover hidden gems. Plus, I offer unique opportunities to connect with locals for a more authentic experience 🧡

26/11/2024

2025 is just around the corner and the looking forward to your next adventure can begin.

https://icelandunwrapped.com/want-to-come-to-iceland-in-2025-maybe-you-need-a-travel-planner/

25/11/2024

A big part of my work as a travel planner includes exploring other areas of the world and experiencing being a tourist or a professional in different places.
Living in Brazil, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, and The Netherlands has made my world exciting and filled it with inspirational people and experiences.

Traveling to various locations and keeping in mind the importance of getting to know the locals through cultural experiences, music, wine, food, and art has made my travels so much more rewarding. I want to transfer this experience to my clients in Iceland. Both professionals seeking inspiration in Iceland and tourists can benefit from this way of visiting my home country.
Here is one of my favorite pictures from my travel when experiencing sunrise in the beautiful Montenegro.

23/11/2024

Imagine seeing an active volcano from above. What a privilege.

The magic of Iceland is often unbelievable.
I flew to London yesterday afternoon and when departing we had this astonishing view from the flight. Unforgettable. ´

Iceland remains open and safe as the current eruption is located in a safe distance from both the airport and the Capital. The Blue lagoon is affected but you can enjoy many of the other amazing geothermal possibilities in Iceland instead. If you are up for starting your planning process with a professional planner don´t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you.
www.icelandunwrapped.com