What a year 2023 was for my Stuck in Iceland Travel magazine. Over 70 thousand people read the magazine, and 5.400 readers signed up for my newsletter. By doing so, they receive discount codes from over 100 tours and travel services from over 40 travel companies in Iceland. Compare that to 2022, when 41 thousand people read the magazine, and some 2.500 signed up for my discount codes. I am stunned and grateful for your incredible feedback, my dear readers.
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Thank you
Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine
A passion project where done is better than perfect
Running Stuck in Iceland continues to be a fun passion project, but sometimes, I wish I could polish things more. But I hope my readers forgive me for having things done rather than perfect. After all, the magazine is something I can only work on in my free time, on weekends and in the evenings. Otherwise, I am busy with my day job.
Thank you interviewees
In 2023, I published 70 articles; out of these, there were 34 interviews. I especially appreciate the interviewees for taking the time to participate. They are all busy people, and it is not given that they take the time to answer my questions.
The top ten list of the most popular content in 2023 was the following:
1. The page where you sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter for over 100 Iceland tours and travel services
People love the Stuck in Iceland discount codes! I hope you like the new way of showing the tours and the travel services available with the discount codes!
2. The article about the Yule cat
The nasty ghoul of Yule is always a matter of interest over Christmas. People like to read about this ugly cat who had babies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. How to pay for things in Iceland
We all know the feeling of being nervous about paying for goods and services abroad. Well, I’ve got you covered.
4. The Dark Side of Thingvellir
Thingvellir is Iceland’s most hallowed ground. However, it does have a very dark history indeed.
5. Rent outdoor clothes for your Iceland trip
The idea of renting outdoor clothes is intriguing to many people. After all, renting rather than buying can save you loads of money.
6. Icelandic Christmas cookie recipe
We all love cookies, especially around Christmas. People seem to like this little recipe.
7. Into the Glacier
The stunning ice tunnel in Langjökull Glacier, Into the Glacier, continues to fascinate. Going there is quite an experience.
8. The best places to visit in the north-west of Iceland
Unlock the wonderful area northwest of Iceland in this guest article from Jón R. Hilmarsson.
9. Rent a Camper Van in Iceland with Happy Campers
My incredible partners at Happy Campers offer one of Iceland’s best camper van rental experiences.
10. The beautiful Gljúfrabúi waterfall
Gljúfrabúi waterfall is hidden a short distance from the popular Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Don’t miss it!
The ten most-read interviews in 2023 were the following:
1. Interview with the superstar Laufey
Laufey goes from strength to strength with their incredible music. To interview her back in 2022 was such an honor.
2. Collection of Stunning Iceland Images
This photo tour from the excellent photographer Eyrún Lydía is one of my best articles.
3. Interview with Valur Heiðar
Valur Heiðar is the man behind Your Friend in Reykjavik and a leading figure in the Icelandic travel industry.
4. How to photograph the Northern lights
The master photographer Hallgrímur P. Helgason teaches us to photograph the northern lights.
5. Meet Bessi Jónsson
The gregarious private guide Bessi Jónsson is one of the best in the business.
6. Lady Lava
Ragga Ágústsdóttir is Lady Lava. She melts lava indoors for your viewing pleasure.
7. The Flight Plan for FlyOver Iceland
Emilia Sigurðardóttir reveals the magic behind FlyOver Iceland.
8. Iceland Bikini Photo Shoot
Sorelle Amore freezes for art. Most people look at this article for a great interview.
9. The wonderful Harpa concert and conference hall
Ásta Ólafsdóttir educates us all about Harpa, the landmark building in the heart of Reykjavik.
10. Heydalur Hotel in the Westfjords
A legend in the Icelandic travel industry runs Heydalur Hotel, an oasis in the Westfjords.
2023 was a good year, but I wished I had traveled more in Iceland
On a personal note, I could not travel in Iceland as much as I wanted in 2023. That is not to say that 2023 wasn’t a good year; on the contrary, there were some memorable things in 2023.
My wife and I were asked to walk beside one of the floats at Reykjavik Pride to ensure the safety of spectators. It was quite an experience to see the tens of thousands of people cheering on the LGBTQ+ community on a hot and sunny day.
We visited the Faroe Islands for the annual Olafsvaka festival. I was impressed with the Faroese people’s hospitality and determination to hold on to their culture and traditions.
I joined Bessi Jónsson of Moonwalker fame for an unforgettable trek up the Sólheimajökull glacier. Bessi, his dog Camy, and I had the glacier to ourselves.
My daughter, Ragnheiður, and I hiked across the Leggjabrjótur trail between Thingvellir and Hvalfjörður fjord. The hike was a delightful trek across a beautiful landscape.
Hallveig and I also spent a great weekend at the Hotel Husafell; there, it was a Eurovision weekend, which made it even more fun. If you go there, don’t miss the Húsafell Canyon baths. Of course, Hotel Húsafell is one of my partners, and you have to subscribe to the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to claim a 10% discount on the room price.
It was also a blast to attend the 2023 Iceland Airwaves music festival. I cannot wait for the 2024 edition!
Anyway, thank you for reading my magazine in 2023. I wish you a peaceful and prosperous 2024.
Jón
