Iceland - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

by Thorgeir Freyr Sveinsson

Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people.

The volcanic island of Iceland has erupted onto the world travel scene in recent years. With otherworldly landscapes of steaming turquoise geysers set among rugged snowy peaks, miles of icy black sand beaches, and the breath-taking splendor of the northern lights, one can only wonder what took so long. But what of the people who call this island home? Behind a stoic veneer lies a proud, industrious, and egalitarian people, whose straightforwardness and ability to wing it have seen them thrive in this beautiful but unforgiving environment.

Culture Smart! Iceland will take you to the heart of this plucky Nordic nation. It will equip you with a deeper understanding of your hosts and with the tools to turn your visit into a more meaningful and enriching experience, whatever your reason for traveling.

Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

200 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2021

Reviews

[Emily Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to find out more about the people and culture in Iceland - I can't wait to go next month! I'm glad I've got more background knowledge of it now so I can get the most out of the trip.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and written in a way that held my attention- sat and read the whole book in basically one sitting.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of Iceland and I can't wait to visit the country one day. The book provides so much information and insight into the lifestyle and culture that if it wasn't so cold I'd move there! I can't wait to learn more about Iceland.

[Document Of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book, although having now been to Iceland it did have a few important cultural things missing such as Black Death (Brennivin) & Fermented Shark (Harkul) and also information on the Phallological Museum in Reykjavik! It also didn't mention how small the trees and forests are.

[Sílvia Cristóvão · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to prepare for a trip to Iceland. It provides valuable and pertinent information for travelers, making it worthwhile. However, it becomes somewhat repetitive, especially in the middle portion.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful primer on the Icelandic history and people.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of all things Icelandic. Best read before visiting. I am down an entirely unexpected rabbit hole as I next aspire to learn the language.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, very informative, but minor contradictions throughout the book with some of the numbers reported for various things

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging. I would have liked more maps, especially in the sections detailing certain regions and landmarks.

[Janet Gao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy to read and gave insightful commentary on Icelandic culture, traditions, a bit of history, and getting around. Binged it all in a few hours!