What happens when a dart sends you to Iceland, one of the most mysterious lands on Earth? ????????
In this first Iceland part of Travel by Dart, I uncover the real Viking culture, explore why this country is called “Iceland”, and stand face-to-face with the Fagradalsfjall volcano — the most active in recent years. Plus, we visit the Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant for a feast.

With the help of Nordurflug Helicopters — the legendary company behind Hollywood blockbusters filmed in Iceland — I took to the skies to witness lava fields and glaciers from above. On the ground, I explored Reykjavík, from its Parliament building and historic hotel.

And to truly experience Iceland, I hit the road in a 4×4 from Geysir Car Rental, because here, the road itself is part of the adventure.

This is Iceland — Part 1 of 3. The journey’s just beginning. Next episodes: waterfalls, legends, myths & trolls.

???? Wherever the dart lands, I go.

???? Learn more → https://www.travelbydart.com

Travel to Iceland? Yes, anytime!

The breakdown of this Travel by Dart Iceland vlog:

00:00 Iceland documentary start
01:23 Dart hit Iceland!
03:23 Welcome to Iceland
05:03 Renting a car in Iceland
06:43 Welcome to Reykjavik
07:39 Parliament Hotel and Square
10:34 The Icelandic Viking culture
14:54 Viking Restaurant Iceland: Ingolfskalli
17:10 Helicopter rides: Nordurflug

Here's an overview of all the main subjects showed in this Iceland documentary:

⚔️ Viking Culture

The Vikings who settled Iceland in the late 9th century weren’t just raiders — they were explorers, poets, and lawmakers. They founded one of the world’s oldest democracies, the Althing, in 930 AD. Viking sagas, carved runes, and archaeological finds show a people driven by courage, survival, and a deep respect for nature. The truth behind Iceland’s name? Early settlers supposedly wanted to discourage others from coming — hence “Iceland” sounded cold and uninviting, while “Greenland” was meant to attract. The Vikings shaped Iceland’s fierce independence and its storytelling spirit that still lives on.

???? Volcanoes — Fagradalsfjall

Fagradalsfjall Volcano, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, erupted in March 2021 after lying dormant for nearly 6,000 years, mesmerizing the world with its flowing rivers of lava. Accessible from Reykjavík, it offered rare, safe views of an active eruption — a living geology lesson on the island’s volatile origins. Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, creating constant geothermal activity. Volcanic forces built this island — and they’re still shaping it.

???? Nordurflug Helicopter Rides

Nordurflug Helicopters is Iceland’s premier helicopter company, famed for its breathtaking aerial tours and work in Hollywood films such as Game of Thrones, Oblivion, and Star Wars: Rogue One. Their flights reveal Iceland’s raw contrasts — fiery craters, glaciers, and waterfalls that can’t be reached by road.

???? Why Renting a Car Matters in Iceland

Exploring Iceland properly requires wheels. Public transport covers only limited routes, so renting a car (ideally a 4×4 like those from Geysir Car Rental) gives travelers freedom to chase waterfalls, volcanoes, and remote fjords at their own pace. Iceland’s Ring Road circles the island, and with ever-changing weather, independence and flexibility are key. Driving through Iceland isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s part of the journey itself, every kilometer a new postcard waiting to happen.

???? Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is the world’s northernmost capital city and the heart of Icelandic culture, history, and design. Founded in 874 AD by Norse settler Ingólfur Arnarson, the city’s name means “Bay of Smoke” — inspired by the geothermal steam rising from its hot springs. Landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the Althing Parliament building blend tradition with modernity. Reykjavík thrives on creativity, geothermal energy, and an easy balance between cosmopolitan life and Arctic wilderness.

Ingólfsskáli, the Viking Restaurant

Tucked beneath the slopes of Ingólfsfjall in South Iceland lies Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant — a turf-roofed longhouse styled after the great halls of the Norse sagas. Named in honor of Ingólfur Arnarson, Iceland’s first settler, the restaurant merges Iceland’s past and present through immersive architecture and hearty cuisine. Guests chow down on traditional dishes crafted with locally harvested ingredients — think lamb, wild game, fresh sea fish — while sipping mead or schnapps from drinking horns. The interior transports you to a Viking feast: carved wood tables, animal skins, and fire-lit hallways. Beyond the meal itself, Ingólfsskáli offers axe-throwing, archery and folklore performances.

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