Here's What You Need To Know About The Philosophy That Icelanders Live By

Perhaps it is the centuries of difficult colonial rule by Denmark – compounded by the harsh landscape and even harsher weather conditions – that makes the slogan of contemporary Iceland relate to the relaxed temperament personified in the statement: Þetta reddast. Read on to find out what it means.

The statement could literally be translated as, “it will all work out in the end”. It is also implied that it will work out on its own, with little management from anyone. This Zen-like stance may not be the fuel to start a huge project, but it definitely assuages any disappointments, frustrations, or difficult situations one may find themselves in.

In Iceland, the statement is used for anything from getting a flat tire to playing paper chase in a bureaucratic manoeuvre, and even to something you tell your best friend when a relationship has failed: Þetta reddast.

It also has a similar sense as the idiom: “it is no use crying over spilled milk”. However, this statement is more about moving on towards some productive action to fix the problem rather than lamenting. Þetta reddast is more of an attitude that it is all out of our control anyways.

It can be most reflected in the weather that Icelanders love to constantly talk about as it greatly affects daily life, and has done so for centuries. In Iceland, they say, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five seconds”. The weather is so unpredictable and changing that it obviously influences the way things are done. When there is so much unpredictability, as well as constant change, there is no better stance than þetta reddast.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.