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Big news for our friends in the South—Icelandair has launched a brand-new direct flight from Nashville to Iceland! And here at Hotel Rangá, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome travelers from Music City to our breathtaking corner of the world.
To celebrate this exciting connection, we sat down with Brenna Elizabeth Scheving, a Nashville native who has called Iceland home for nearly seven years. She shared her insights on how Iceland compares to Tennessee and offered her top tips to help fellow Nashvillians feel right at home in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Whether you’re drawn to Iceland for its majestic landscapes, geothermal wonders, or vibrant culture, Brenna’s advice will ensure that your journey is as smooth as Tennessee whiskey. Read on for everything you need to know before you swap Broadway’s neon lights for the northern lights!
How did a Nashvillian end up in Iceland of all places?
Not to get all cheesy on you, but the answer is love. I visited Iceland for the first time in 2016 and met my now-husband on that trip. He grew up in Fljótshlið, a lovely area located just a few minutes away from Hotel Rangá. In 2018, I moved to Iceland to be with him. Now we have two beautiful kids!
Funny story—I actually have a teeny tiny bit of Icelandic heritage myself. My great great grandfather and great great grandmother were born in 1850 and 1860 in the southern Múlasýsla area of Iceland. They later moved to the United States in 1879. My Icelandic heritage is actually what motivated my initial trip to Iceland. I wonder what my forbears would say if they learned that I moved back to Iceland after so many years!
From Southern Twang to Icelandic Slang
Let’s talk about language. You might be wondering, “Should I brush up on Icelandic before my trip?” While Icelandic isn’t available on Duolingo (yet!), there’s no need to worry. Nearly all Icelanders speak excellent English, making it easy to navigate, order food and chat with the locals. On my first visit to Iceland, I was surprised by how effortless it was to get around.
That said, I’m currently learning Icelandic, and let me tell you—it’s a challenging but fascinating language. If you want to impress the locals, learning a few basic phrases goes a long way. Here are some of the most useful ones:
- Góðan daginn – “Good day” (a common greeting)
- Takk fyrir – “Thank you”
- Sjáumst – “See you”
Want to learn more? Check out Hotel Rangá’s blog post on 7 helpful Ielandic phrases to enhance your experience!
Country Roots and Nordic Beats: Exploring Music in Nashville and Iceland
Nashville is known for its incredible music scene. An epic concert or intimate jam is at our fingertips every night of the week. We can go on Broadway to hear country crooners in the honky tonks, head out for a night of classical music at the Nashville Symphony or listen to hometown favorites in a bar filled with undiscovered talent.
Did you know that Iceland is also home to a diverse and eclectic music scene? That’s right–the combination of Iceland’s natural beauty with a close-knit music community has produced some incredible artists. I highly recommend listening to the Iceland Eclectic Playlist while you are planning your trip to Iceland. It’s an amazing way to connect with the culture before you arrive.
What Every Nashvillian Needs to Know Before Visiting Iceland
In Nashville, we are known for our southern hospitality. It’s normal to walk down the street and smile at everyone we meet. Chitchat with strangers, cashiers and waiters is common, even expected! It’s a special southern form of friendliness that I truly treasure.
Now, Icelanders are just as friendly as Nashvillians. However, they are a tad more reserved. Don’t hesitate to ask a question or strike-up a conversation with a local. They are always more than happy to help!
Where Country Meets Viking: Iceland’s Cultural Quirks
Cultural differences aren’t always huge, in-your-face moments—sometimes, they’re the little things that catch you off guard. Take grocery shopping, for example. In Iceland, everyone bags their own groceries. Yep, Icelanders are all about that self-sufficiency!
Most locals bring their own reusable bags (sustainability is big here), but if you forget, no worries—you can always buy one at the store. And be ready to pack up your haul quickly—the checkout line moves fast!
Hot Chicken Meets Fermented Shark
Let’s be honest—Iceland has a bit of a reputation when it comes to food, and yes, fermented shark is totally a thing. But don’t let that scare you off—there are so many Icelandic dishes that are downright delicious.
The local produce is simple but impressive: earthy potatoes, crisp carrots and hearty turnips. In south Iceland, near Hotel Rangá, local farmers use geothermal energy to heat greenhouses—how cool is that? Thanks to that clever innovation, you’ll find super fresh lettuces, tomatoes and cucumbers even in the middle of winter.
And of course, Iceland is famous for its incredible lamb and fresh-as-it-gets fish—both must-tries. These days, Iceland has also become really vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Dining out is one of my favorite ways to experience a new culture, and Hotel Rangá knocks it out of the park. Start your meal with a handcrafted cocktail—my go-to is the Nordic Bramble, made with locally crafted crowberry liqueur. Hotel Rangá’s famous salmon is super fresh, and whatever you do, don’t skip dessert—it’s always something deliciously decadent.
Savor the Difference: Dining out in Nashville vs. Iceland
Eating out in Iceland comes with a few quirks that might surprise you. For one, your waiter will never just drop the bill at your table. Nope, you’ll have to ask for it when you’re ready. In fact, in many restaurants, you might even need to get up and pay at the host stand yourself.
Why? Because in Iceland, dining is meant to be relaxed and unhurried. No one is subtly nudging you out the door to turn the table. Want to linger over dessert and another round of drinks? Go for it! Here, meals are about savoring the moment.
I’ve also noticed that Icelanders are all about contactless payments. You can of course pay with your credit card, but most of the locals pay with their phone. Thinking about taking out cash? 99.9% of shops and restaurants in Iceland accept payments via card. In fact, I’ve seen more cash being handled by tourists than locals!
Southern Hospitality Meets Icelandic Charm
Icelanders have a special saying that goes, “Þetta reddast.” This basically means, “It will work out.” You could say it’s the Icelandic version of, “Don’t worry, be happy.” There is no point in stressing about the far-off future. Life happens, and we can’t always plan every exact outcome.
As a tourist, you might experience this mentality when interacting with locals. They have a way of being calm and positive even when faced with uncertainty. If you find yourself in a jam, Icelanders can find a solution practically out of thin air.
Check out the video below to learn more about the “Þetta reddast” mentality from hotelier Friðrik Pálsson himself!
Summers in Iceland: From Hot and Humid to Glacial Air and Cool Breezes
We Nashvillians know everything there is to know about heat and humidity. Summer in the south can be a hot sweaty mess! Well, heat is not something you will find in Iceland–except in a hot spring or volcano, that is. Icelandic summers are pleasantly cool, even chilly. The average temperature is about 10-13°C (50-55°F). My parents love to escape the Nashville heat and enjoy the fresh Icelandic air. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you get off the plane–take a deep inhale and start to relax.
What’s more, Icelandic summers are known for being filled with midnight sun. That’s right–our summer nights are as bright as day, making it possible to hike, swim or even mow the lawn late into the night!
Explore the beauty of Fjallabak Nature Reserve on a super jeep tour.
Winters in Iceland: Snow, Rain and Everything in Between
Now, I’m going to tell it to you straight: Nashville winters are mild as can be compared to what we call winter in Iceland. Growing up in Nashville, snow was a magical sight–the city would shut down at the merest hint of slushy streets. This is not the case in Iceland!
Icelandic roads stay open during snowstorms and snow days are almost unheard of. So it is important to drive carefully and pay attention to the forecast. Unlike Nashville, main roads are cleared regularly. However, if the snow and wind is really bad, roads might be closed until conditions improve.
My advice? Always check the weather forecast, drive carefully, and if things look sketchy, ask the amazing staff at Hotel Rangá for advice. They know Iceland’s wild weather better than anyone and can steer you in the right direction (literally).
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Dress for the Weather: What Should We Wear?
There’s a saying in Iceland that I absolutely love: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” And honestly, it couldn’t be more true! If you dress well, you can enjoy Iceland’s stunning beauty no matter how wild the weather gets.
Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Think rain one minute, sun the next, followed by a brief snow shower and then completely clear skies. So your best bet is layering up. Even in summer, you’ll want some warm base layers—trust me on this one. Next, throw on waterproof pants, a solid rain jacket, and of course, a cozy wool sweater. Don’t forget to accessorize with a cozy hat, gloves, and warm socks. Yes, even during the summer months! If you get lucky with sun and clear skies, you can peel off a layer or two and bask in the rays—but it’s always better to be prepared.
When it comes to shoes, go for waterproof or water-repellent walking shoes. Iceland can be wet, and soggy feet are never a good look.
In the winter, you will definitely need a warm jacket, extra cozy socks and gloves. If you want to fit in with the locals, buy a handmade lopapeysa sweater from the Hotel Rangá online store. These cozy sweaters are distinctly Icelandic. I’m actually knitting my first lopapeysa now—wish me luck!
How Long is the Flight from Nashville to Reykjavík?
The fact that you can get from Music City to the Land of Fire and Ice in just 7 hours and 20 minutes blows my mind! This new flight is a total game-changer, and I am so excited.
From Honky Tonks to Hot Springs
If you’re looking for adventure, I highly recommend hopping on a super jeep tour to explore the Icelandic highlands. The landscape out there is rugged, raw and truly breathtaking—nothing like the rolling hills of Tennessee. The Icelandic nature reserve Landmannalaugar is especially beautiful and comes with its very own hot spring, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!
Speaking of hot springs, you have to try this essentially Icelandic experience. I like to take my friends and family on a hike to the Reykjadalur hot spring river or for a steaming soak at Hrunalaug. I’ve also heard that the geothermal hot tubs at Hotel Rangá can’t be beat! Stellar views, geothermal water and the Rangá Bar just steps away? Sounds perfect to me.
Exploring Iceland on horseback is a classic adventure that just doesn’t get old. The Icelandic horse is a special part of the country’s unique history. Did you know that these horses have been isolated for centuries and even have a special gait? Fascinating stuff! There is something magical about riding an Icelandic horse across mossy fields while imagining generations of Icelanders traveling the same paths before cars came into the picture.
Since moving to Iceland, I’ve fallen in love with hiking. My personal favorite is a hike up Mount Þríhyrningur — the views from the top are amazing. I also love the winding river walk just outside the town of Hella. In my eyes, hiking is the best way to see Iceland’s natural beauty up close.
As you trade Nashville’s honky-tonks for Iceland’s hot springs, we hope Brenna’s insider tips help you feel right at home. From cultural quirks to weather wisdom, a little preparation goes a long way in making your Iceland adventure unforgettable. So pack those layers, charge your camera and get ready to experience the magic of the Land of Fire and Ice. We can’t wait to welcome you to Hotel Rangá!
Other helpful articles:
- A Guide for Americans Traveling to Iceland
- Summer in Iceland: Top 12 Things to Do
- Top 10 Hot Springs and Pools in South Iceland
