29 September 2023

The month of Thorri - The ultimate Icelandic cultural experience

Þorri, also spelled Thorri, is an old Icelandic month that falls between January and February. It is a time when Icelanders celebrate their heritage and culture, and it's a great time to visit the country if you're interested in experiencing the unique traditions and customs of Iceland.

Þorrablót Feast of Traditional Icelandic Food

Þorri is traditionally celebrated with a feast called Þorrablót. This celebration is a tribute to the ancient Norse gods and is a time for Icelanders to enjoy traditional foods such as fermented shark, smoked lamb, burned sheep heads and ram´s testicles.

These foods are typically served with a variety of condiments, such as mashed potatoes, mashed beets, and white sauce. It is also tradition to drink Brennivín, also called Black Death, an Icelandic spirit.

There is also special beers called Þorri-beer. Just like the food served it is available during the month of Þorri. And just like the food, some of the beers are stranger than others. The the smoked whale testicles flavour beer probably being the strangest of them.

Sheep head is a traditional Icelandic dish served on Þorri.

Starts on Men´s day – Ends on Women´s day

The month of Þorri starts on Men´s day which takes place on the first Friday of the month. It ends on the third Sunday of February, a day called Women´s day. Both these days are celebrated in Iceland, where is it tradition to pamper the men and women of the house as well as giving each other flowers and small gifts much like couples do on Valentine’s days around the world.

Celebration of Iceland´s heritage

The month of Þorri with the Þorrablót feasts traces its roots to the Vikings settlers in Iceland. The celebration became popular in the 19^th century and has been the biggest cultural event in Iceland ever since.

The people of Iceland not only celebrate their heritage during Þorri. Þorri is also a celebration of midwinter. Meaning winter has reach its highpoint and Icelanders can look forward for brighter days and better weather.

Another tradition during Þorri is the "Þorri singing", where groups of friends and family gather together to sing traditional songs and recite poetry. These gatherings often take place in private homes but can also happen in local bars and restaurants.

Witness Amazing Winter Scenery

During the month of Þorri, the weather in Iceland can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C. The days are also very short, with only a few hours of daylight. But don't let that discourage you! Iceland is known for its beautiful winter landscapes, and during Þorri, you'll have the chance to see the Northern Lights, as well as snow-covered mountains and frozen waterfalls.

Seeing the spectacular Northern Lights should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, can only be seen under certain conditions. Mainly cold weather and most importantly a clear sky. To find such as spot you need to make your own travel plan and be able to adjust accordingly.

There is no better way to explore Iceland and see all its natural beauty than cruising around in your own rental car in Iceland. Only by having a rental car Iceland, will you have the freedom and opportunity to experience all that Iceland has to offer.

Having a rental car will undoubtfully increase the chance significantly of seeing the auroras in Iceland.

Northern lights over Church Mountain at Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Prepare For a Winter Travel in Iceland

For a winter road trip in Iceland, we recommend a 4x4 as roads will most likely have snow and ice on them. Therefore, rental cars such as the Suzuki Vitara, Dacia Duster or even the mighty Land Rover Defender are ideal for visiting Iceland during the midwinter month of Þorri.

If you're interested in experiencing the culture and traditions of Iceland, then the month of Þorri is the perfect time to visit. You'll have the opportunity to try traditional Icelandic food, hear traditional music, and see the beautiful winter landscapes. Just be sure to pack warm clothes!