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Ingólfur Shahin

Certified Travel Expert

English

I was born on the west side of Reykjavík and grew up downtown, so Iceland has been my back yard for most of my life. I'm a father of two, I've traveled on five continents, and I still haven't found a country that holds my attention the way this one does.

That's why I co-founded Guide to Iceland. We connect travelers directly with Icelandic operators, guides and hosts, so the advice and the services both come from people who actually live here.

I write about the practical side of a trip: what eating out in Reykjavík really costs, whether to pick Sky Lagoon or Hvammsvík, where to stop for food along the Ring Road, and which regions give you the best odds of clear skies for the northern lights. If you're planning a trip and something doesn't add up, message me.

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My articles

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Icelandic Phrases: A Traveler's Guide to Everyday Icelandic
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

Icelandic Phrases: A Traveler's Guide to Everyday Icelandic

Learn helpful Icelandic phrases and words you'll hear and use on any trip. From greetings to quotes and funny sayings, this is all you need to know before your trip to

How Icelandic Names Work: Iceland’s Unique Naming System
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

How Icelandic Names Work: Iceland’s Unique Naming System

Learn how Icelandic names work, a system so different from the rest of the world. Find out why Icelandic phone books are sorted by first name and why the prime minister

How To Pronounce 50+ Icelandic Place Names
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

How To Pronounce 50+ Icelandic Place Names

Learn how to pronounce Icelandic place names with phonetic spellings and audio for 50+ destinations. Master the basics before your trip to Iceland.

Icelandic Moss: The Complete Guide
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

Icelandic Moss: The Complete Guide

Learn what Icelandic moss is, where to see it, and how fjallagros has been used in food and remedies for centuries. Read on before your Iceland trip.

Iceland and the European Union: A Complete Guide to the 2026 Referendum
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

Iceland and the European Union: A Complete Guide to the 2026 Referendum

Discover why Iceland isn't in the EU, how its EEA & Schengen membership affects travelers, and what the 2026 referendum could mean for the country's future.

On What Continent Is Iceland? The Unusual Geography of a Mid-Atlantic Country
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

On What Continent Is Iceland? The Unusual Geography of a Mid-Atlantic Country

Iceland is in Europe, but sits between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Find the boundary and plan a visit to 2 continents in 1 country.

The Icelandic National Costume: A Guide to Traditional Icelandic Clothing
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

The Icelandic National Costume: A Guide to Traditional Icelandic Clothing

Learn about Iceland's national costume, Þjóðbúningurinn, its traditional styles, history, and where to see it on your trip to Iceland.

Why Is Iceland Called Iceland? The Story Behind the Name
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

Why Is Iceland Called Iceland? The Story Behind the Name

Why is Iceland called Iceland? Find out how a 9th-century Viking gave the country its name, and why the place looks nothing like it suggests.

Trolls in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Icelandic Troll Folklore
Ingólfur Shahin
Ingólfur Shahin

Trolls in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Icelandic Troll Folklore

Discover Icelandic troll folklore, famous troll locations, and legendary rock formations across Iceland’s Ring Road, and beyond.

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