Iceland trips

In Iceland, almost everyone speaks English fluently, but the national language is Icelandic. Here are some basic phrases you can brush up on before leaving. Most importantly: how to toast! And no, we don’t mean your bread. Say, “skál!”

• Hello: Halló (Hah-loh)
• Goodbye: Bless (bles)
• Please: Vinsamlegast (vihn-sahm-lay-gast)
• Thank you: Takk (tahk)
• Pardon me: Afsakio (Af-sah-sith)
• Yes: Já (yah)
• No: Nei (nay)
• Cheers: Skál (sk-ohl)

From towering volcanoes and black-sand beaches to 200-foot waterfalls and everything in between, Iceland is an adventure lover’s dream. No wonder the locals stick around. Keep the following in mind when you’re out exploring:

• Hot springs, bathhouses, and lagoons are coveted relaxation places in Iceland. Because so many locals and tourists go in these calming waters, there are attendants there to make sure you fully shower in your birthday suit before you go in to ensure cleanliness. Yes, it may be a little awkward but, when in Iceland, right?
• Weekdays are quiet, and the real party starts when the locals end their work week and hit the bars on Friday and Saturday around midnight.
• Running hot water, you may experience a rotting-egg smell. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal and the water is safe to drink and use. It’s just sulfur.
• Iceland is an island, so that means products may be more expensive than you’re used to.

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Pylsa: Hot dogs are quite popular in Iceland, and "the works" on top of a traditional one include raw and fried onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and remoulade.
• Skyr: This Icelandic yogurt is likely thicker and creamier than you're used to.
• Lamb: From stews to kebabs, you could probably eat lamb a different way each day of your trip. Sheep here are range-free and feed off of the grass, berries, and seaweed spanning the island, which help give it it's mid flavor and tenderness.
• Ice cream: Even in the dead of winter, the people of Iceland love a good scoop of ice cream. You might even find some unique flavors, like licorice or rye bread.
• Icelandic rye bread: Speaking of rye bread, Iceland's take on this classic is pretty hardcore, considering it's made by baking it in a pot buried underground near a geyser. The thick, sweet results is commonly topped with pickled herring, smoked lamb, or simply butter. It also pairs well with fish stews!
• Seafood: Cod, haddock, salmon, and monkfish are some of the most popular dishes you'll find in the countless seafood restaurants across the country.
• Icelandic beer: Though Iceland's craft beer scene is relatively new, you'll find a great variety to sample throughout Reykjavík.