This year, Iceland Review celebrates its 50th anniversary. In ‘Cover Story’, the magazine’s first editor, Haraldur J. Hamar, recalls its history and discusses the work of its first designer, Gísli B. Björnsson.

The issue is packed with colorful articles, ranging from notable artists and athletes to memorable coffee and pancakes at the Reykjavík wharf. 

Zoë Robert travels with photographer Áslaug Snorradóttir to Seyðisfjörður, one of Ben Stiller’s stops in Iceland, and find out why the small East Iceland town is so popular.

Páll Stefánsson visits Iceland’s southernmost destinations and catches pictures of stunning landscapes in the sparse winter daylight.

Eygló Svala Arnarsdóttir covers the gradual influx of foreign tourists in Iceland, the promises and challenges facing the industry.

Young musician Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson, whose debut album became an instant hit, tells Nic Cavell about his inspirations, and the world’s fittest woman, Annie Mist Þórðardóttir, explains to Mica Allan what it takes to maintain her status.

Also in this issue: 150 years have passed since the National Museum of Iceland was founded and 40 years since an unexpected volcanic eruption occurred on the Westman Islands; animal stories, the 2013 general election, the country’s main skiing destination, a new fashion megastore and the latest books, music, films and art exhibitions.