110 Reykjavk Vatnajkull glacier is the largest ice cap in Europe. And it is incredibly windy! More Norwegians some Scandinavians as well followed through the centuries. Icelandic music combines vivid folk and pop roots with a thriving classical and modern music culture. Icelandic music has a lengthy history, with some tunes dating back to the 14th century still being sung today. The main source of precipitation in Antarctica is snow and, because it's so cold with average temperatures of around -50C . The arctic fox came over to Iceland from Europe way back during the Ice Age. That's Vatnajkull, which covers 8% of Icelands landmass. It is the youngest country in the world in terms of land form. Just another geological facet totally unique to Iceland. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. Iceland is aNordicisland countryin theNorth Atlantic. The water is so clean throughout the country that you can sip it straight from the lakes, rivers, and streams wherever you find them! Vigdis Finbogadttir was elected in 1980. There are a lot of firsts when it comes to politics in Iceland, it is also home to the first female elected head of state. 3. The people of Iceland have a seriously strong work ethic, working some of the longest hours of any industrialized country in the world. Iceland, like New Zealand, has frequent earthquakes. A super jeep is a highly modified truck with a lifted suspension and oversized tires that allow it to cross deep rivers or drive through deep snow and ice. This is referred to as the midnight sun and lasts from June to July. Salka Valka: An Icelandic Novel (1931-1922) depicts life in an Icelandic fishing town; Sjlfstaett flk: Hetjusaga (Independent People: An Epic, 1934-35) is a four-part series based on the life of poet Magnus Hjaltason Magnusson; and Heimsljs (World Light, 1937-1940) is a four-part series. Going along with this fact, Iceland was also the last European nation to be settled. There is also a large militarized Coast Guard with an air defense system, as well as a police agency with a police tactical squad. Today, youll find plenty of microbreweries in Iceland! Commonly called hidden folk here, who are said to live beneath the lava fields, elves have played a major role in the beliefs of the population. The Crisis Response Unit is an expeditionary military peacekeeping force. View Map. Others are big complexes with slides, hot tubs and steam rooms. In other words, this is a country that has clean power and a small carbon footprint. By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our, 4. This is the best way to get help if something goes wrong in the middle of nowhere. Icelands national parliament is one of the longest running institutions of its kind in the world. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans. Now, theres even a day that celebrates when the ability to drink booze was reinstated. Heres the, If you only have a few days, a better option is to drive, Organizing an Iceland road trip, but afraid of driving? So theres a smartphone app calledslendinga-App that lets Icelanders check if they are related or not. Did you know Icelanders leave their babies outside, they like to eat rotten sharks, and theres an app to prevent dating your cousin? Handball is considered the national sport of Iceland and can be a very fast paced and oftentimes brutal sport! Iceland is famous for its lack of violent crimes. Iceland is one of the countries without an army. This is one of my favorite facts about Iceland! But did you know that there are a multitude of outdoor pools and hot springs around the country? The Icelandic people are descended from the Norwegian Vikings founders and native Celtic populations of Scotland and Ireland who were captured and brought as slaves to the island. Relying on subsistence agriculture and fishing, the country was among one of the poorest in Europe. Iceland won after attacking their enemys fishing nets with scissors. Reading is one of the most beloved pastimes here! Theres a coast guard, but they havent seen much action since the Cod Wars with England, of which they emerged victorious. As you travel through Iceland, youll notice that you dont come across any forests. Feel free to share these Iceland facts at your next cocktail party, to make yourself look smart and worldly. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. 13. Have you ridden an Icelandic horse before, or do you intend to? 28. Iceland is responsible for more than a third of all the fresh lava on earth in the last six hundred years. Iceland does have sand flies, so youll still need to pack your bug spray. The Northern Lights really put on a show in Iceland. They are still visible, but because the sky is illuminated by the sun, we cannot see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. Its called Vatnajokull and has a surface area of over 3,000 square miles. Equality between sexes is high and income inequality is among the lowest in the world. By Michael Chapman How much do you know about the land of ice and fire? This changed in 2009, and the Golden Arches dont appear set to make a return at any point in the near future. Why? Icelandic artists include the medieval music group Voces Thules, the alternative rock band The Sugarcubes, singers Bjrk, Hafds Huld, and Emiliana Torrini, the post-rock band Sigur Rs, the post-metal band Slstafir, the indie folk/indie pop band Of Monsters and Men, the blues/rock band Kaleo, the metal band Sklmld, and the techno-industrial band Hatari. You can go for a relaxing dip at any time of the year here! Children will put a shoe in their window for 13 nights leading up to Christmas day and receive a present every evening. Our Earth is amazing! From legends of elves to a decades-long ban on beer, the Christmas Book Flood to state-owned milk stores, there are loads of quirks and weird facts about Iceland's history. Instead, they use the names of their parents. Over the summer season in Iceland theres daylight for 24 hours. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? One-tenth of the total land area is covered by cooled lava beds and glaciers. While the majority of them have significantly decreased degrees of inflection, Icelandic retains a four-case synthetic grammar and is differentiated by a large range of irregular declensions. Reykjavik is Icelands government, administration, and economic activity center, located in southwestern Iceland on a peninsula with stunning panoramic views of the highlands and the Atlantic Ocean. The horses arrived in Iceland with the Vikings in the 9th Century and have been making locals and visitors smile ever sincejust dont call them ponies. They gave it a name and one that was meant to throw off potential invaders. So its surprising to learn that this isnt the case with Icelandic. Ride an Icelandic horse, admire the magnificent waterfalls, or witness the northern lights. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavk, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town. Its circular pool measures 60 feet (18 meters) in circumference and is 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep. In the south of Iceland a volcano in Eyjafjallakull erupted on March 21, 2010 for the first time since 1821, sending 600 people fleeing. 2. Fun Fact, The Series Vikings touches on this fact in the final season. With a campervan rental in Iceland, you'll see plenty of horses around the ring road, many of them curious, friendly, and happy to pose for a selfie or two. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and March when the nights are long and the skies are clear. Read more: Icelandic Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Iceland. They dramatically rise from the Atlantic, off the coast of Reynisfjara. For those of us that dont speak the language, a lot of Icelandic words can look like real tongue twisters. 4. All horses have three, but Icelandic horses have five in total. There Are Strict Rules Regarding the Icelandic Horses. Hotdogs are particularly popular there! You already know about the ice, so let's talk about the fire! Iceland takes the idea of equality very seriously. Over 10% of its landmass is covered by glaciers and over 250 of them have been named. Its beloved by locals in Iceland for its high protein and calcium, plus low fat, sugar and carbohydrates, scoring even better than yogurt on all of the above. If anyone wants to use an unapproved name, it must first be given the okay by a special committee. Strange food tradition Back in the days when there were no refrigerators, Icelanders used different methods to keep the meat and fish longer including smoking, urination, drying, salting and fermentation. The Cod Wars were a power struggle with Great Britain for exclusive fishing rights to the water within 200 miles of Icelands shoreline. This fact makes Iceland a fairly "young" country when it comes to settlement, and also contributes to its distinct cultural background. Much of Iceland is covered in lava fields and the nation experiences at least one new eruption about every four years. Iceland is the oldest democracy in the world. Remarkably well preserved, anyone who speaks the language now could easily read Old Norse. You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round. After a period of change, including a 43-year abolition by royal decree in 1800, the Althing was re-established in Reykjavk and assembled again in 1845. On average, Icelanders work 45 hours every week which is one of the most interesting facts about Iceland. You probably wont have to worry about listening to a baby cry inside restaurants in Iceland. This is thought to be because of the peculiar weather patterns. The Northern Lights are renowned as one of the worlds most stunning natural phenomena. Althingi is the world's oldest continuous parliament. Looking to book your next trip? 29. 1. Theyre also known for some really good seafood and lamb. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. 4. Beer remained illegal in Iceland until 1989. Read more: Best of Icelands Ring Road. Flag of Iceland. Another fun fact about Icelandic is that there are many, many ways to describe the weather. Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. 1 / 4 People hike on an Icelandic glacier. Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the worlds northernmost capital, Reykjavik. You should watch it its great! Only one woman was prosecuted as a witch during this time though because men were the primary targets. It is a rare and special thing to see them and they are quite abundant in Iceland. There is a sense that everyone knows each other, which must surely raise the level of trust in one another. This means Icelanders (and visitors alike) can go for a swim at any time of the year, rain, snow or sunshine. Maybe youll come across Bjrkat a Reykjavk restaurant, or perhaps you'll see the president jogging at a city park nearby. 13 strange and interesting facts about Iceland, the land of ice and fire There are many characteristics that make this country so unique, but these 13 strange and interesting facts about Iceland may surprise you. Its impressive landscape is actually aUNESCO World Heritage site. Tourism has exploded in Iceland recently, and this Nordic island country now entertains more than2 million visitors annually. Iceland is a North Atlantic island known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly scenery and geographical wonders. Iceland is one of the most environmentally-friendly countries in the world. The Althing is Icelands national parliament and it is one of the longest-running parliaments in the world. Iceland is almost the size of Kentucky, which has 4.4 million residents. Greenland was colonized by people from Iceland in 986. If youre like me, you love traveling to places that arent overly crowded. The highest temperature ever recorded in Iceland was 86.9 F (30.5 C) in the Eastfjords in 1939, while the lowest temperature recorded was -36.4 F (-38 C) in North Iceland in 1918. Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the worlds northernmost capital, Reykjavik. The iconic Icelandic horse is a quirky creature, small in stature but boasting two extra (fourth and fifth) gaitstlt with just 1 foot on the ground and skei (flying pace) with no foot on the ground. The word geyser comes from the very similar Old Norse word geysa, which means to gush forth. The population of Iceland is only 336, 425. The average temperature in summer is 57.2 F to 46.4 F (14 C to 8 C), while in winter, it's around 37.4 F to 28.4 F (3 C to -2 C). You dont have to worry about buying bottled water in Iceland. Our friends in Reykjavk even suggested that its the perfect first date. Assembly was originally held in ingvellir National Park, about a half hours drive from Reykjavk. Theres also a list of banned names that are strictly forbidden. Iceland is full of remote and rugged landscapes, and to reach some of them, especially in the winter, some locals use super jeeps. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. I was very impressed to learn that the vast majority of Icelands power supply comes from geothermal and hydro energy. There are four national parks and more than 80 nature preserves. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. In the meantime, lets get started with 15 cool facts about Iceland that will inspire your next vacation! Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. Iceland's landscape is constantly changing Iceland has been dubbed the 'Land of Fire and Ice' as both elements are responsible for sculpting its landscape. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. Wed venture to say that no one is a fan of mosquitos, so this may be one of the best facts about Iceland. It remains practically identical to the Viking tongue it was originally founded in. Iceland is a hotbed of geothermal activity, and the benefits are plenty. Over 99% of their energy supply is renewable, produced by geothermal energy and hydropower. one of the lowest crime rate in the world, Everything you need to know about Iceland travel, outdoor pools and hot springs around the country, SWITZERLAND IN SUMMER: WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO GO. The rough environment of Iceland is no bucolic idyll; the ground itself boils and spits wildly, the surrounding craggy, black mountains fester menacingly, and the sky above is continually ruptured by the iron-grey clouds it strains to hold up. Iceland is close enough to the North Pole to experience a few months of the midnight sun when the sky is too bright for the Northern Lights to emerge. Legends Abound and Blend With History, 14. They value independence and self-sufficiency. 1. The 2008 election was not held because no one ran against lafur Ragnar Grmsson, who served that term and was then re-elected in 2012. In later centuries it was under Denmarks rule. To keep sleep in your itinerary, pack a sleep mask and be prepared to get creative hanging up clothing around your windows if your accommodation doesnt have blackout blinds or curtains. You may have heard, or seen photos like the one below, of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks near Vk? Icelandic is a North Germanic language spoken by around 314,000 people, the vast majority of whom reside in Iceland, where it serves as the national language. Home Destinations Europe Scandinavia Iceland 35 Fun & Interesting Facts About Iceland. And had you heard that beer was banned for 74 years and that now 1 March marks Beer Day in Iceland? Iceland's people watch more movies at the cinema than any other country. 5. The Reykjanes lava fields are a geothermal wonder and a beautiful place where lighthouses outnumber villages. Located on this Mid-Atlantic Ridge running through its center, Iceland is divided in half by volcanoes and has the most active volcano area in the world with a volcano erupting, on average, every five years. No matter what time of year you visit, you wont have to worry about these pests. It is the smallest country that belongs to NATO and is the only member not to have a standing army, air force or navy. There Aren't Many People If you're like me, you love traveling to places that aren't overly crowded. Iceland is a perfect choice for summertime travel as the average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The language is conservative in comparison to most other Germanic languages. Including flying over an active eruption of the Holuhraun lava field in 2014. Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner, Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. 38. 17. In fact, Iceland has over 125 volcanoes spread around the country. Book a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice with Nordic Visitor and youll be in good hands. 23. The English word geyser is derived from Icelands famous Geysir. If youre an avid reader, you will want to make a few stops at some of Icelands beautiful bookstores. Skyr, although similar in texture to Greek yogurt, is technically part of the cheese family. 18. It is most closely linked to Faroese, western Norwegian dialects, and the extinct language Norn because it is a West Scandinavian language. Wikimedia Commons. Lakis eruption in 1783-84 caused a famine that killed almost one fourth of the islands population. Thats more than the typical American, and it is significantly higher than almost every other country in Europe as well. The colors in the flag represent three of the elements that make up the island: Red is for the island's volcanic fires; white for the snow and ice fields of the island; and blue is for the surrounding ocean. Iceland can be good for this, compared to other parts of Europe, as long as you steer clear of the Reykjavik area. It is actually larger than all the other glaciers in Europe combined. Iceland contains about 200 volcanoes and has one-third of Earths total lava flow. When constructions take place in certain lava fields of the country, there is even a special spokesperson for the elves. Iceland has many volcanos: Grmsvtn is the most active of them. Iceland has been an extremely popular destination in the last few years, so much so that you may think you already know a lot about this Nordic gem. Youll find 17 locations in the capital region alone. For decades, Icelands foreign population was less than 2%, but it began to climb in the late 1990s and truly took off in 2005, peaking at 7.6% in 2009. Iceland was part of Norway and then was ruled by Denmark for more than 500 years, but the country became an independent republic in 1944. Iceland is home to the worlds oldest parliament. Iceland has more than 10,000 waterfalls. . If you want to splash around in a natural hot spring, youll need to venture out into the countryside. From glaciers to volcanoes to hot springs, theres no shortage of breathtaking beauty to explore here. Lamb, dairy, and fish are important components of Icelandic cuisine, the latter due to the fact that Iceland has traditionally been inhabited only near its shore. The gaits of Icelandic horses, however, set them apart. If you're eagle-eyed or know a bit about languages, you may notice Icelandic looks like Old Norse, the Viking's tongue. 1. In terms of landform, Iceland is the worlds youngest country. The islands location makes it geologically very young and active. In a way, they achieve this low carbon footprint by default. It's a common fast-food in Iceland, and a great option if you want a quick and cheaper lunch. There are no private hospitals at all on the island of Iceland. You may even see longer lines continue outside the store, as people love ice cream so much they will brave the rain and the wind for this delicious treat. Iceland may seem idyllic in many ways, but the country does have a dark history. Great democracies from long ago include the Greek, the Roman and the Icelandic. Before I went to Iceland, Id never imagined that there would be an entire museum dedicated to penises. All the pools are heated with geothermal energy. As you walk among the massive boulders throughout the park, imagine early Icelanders discussing matters of governance inspired by the stunning scenery. Icelands people took to the streets peacefully protesting with pots & pans, completely blocking all traffic around the capital. The Blue Lagoon is a massive geothermal spa on a lava field in southwest Iceland. Iceland can be good for this, compared to other parts of Europe, as long as you steer clear of the Reykjavik area. There is some confusion about how many Icelandic people truly believe in elves and trolls. Because the written language has remained relatively unchanged, Classic Old Norse literature from the 10th to 13th centuries can be read with considerable ease by Icelandic speakers. It wasnt until the 800s that Vikings from Norway came to settle what we now know as Iceland. The memories we create for our guests arent typical every experience is unique, personal and unforgettable. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share! The Vikings knew they would be followed by enemies, and hoped that creating this confusion would send their enemies over to Greenland and leave them in peace. The Althing is Icelands national parliament. Theres all sorts of volcanic activity occurring underground in Iceland, which becomes geothermal activity. 12. Iceland even has an official Elf School where you can learn about Icelandic elf history. 4. Iceland is ranked in the top three countries for women to live in. For over a decade now, it has always topped the safest countries list. The Icelandic horse was originally brought over by the Vikings in the 9th century. For example, you may hear that large rock formations are frozen trolls or that some land is left undeveloped because it is home to elves. 24. The famous Blue Lagoon are found here. I know what youre are thinking, yes, the likes of Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi came before her, but they were Prime Minister, not Presidents of their countries. Not sure where your next destination should be? They established a national assembly, called Althingi, in 930. Before the Vikings plundered Iceland, 40 percent of the nation was covered in trees. Were certain that when you learn more about this gorgeous cold-weather country, itll make your list of must-see places! Playing and watching handball are both very common ways to enjoy free time in Iceland. It has an area of 103,000 square km. Iceland is actually the only country thats a part of NATO to be set up this way. Because Icelands population is so small, theres a slight issue with everyone being related. Although it now spouts considerably less frequently than some of the other geysers in the area, its height can periodically reach approximately 200 feet (61 m). The British invaded Iceland during World War II. 1. Iceland is a super sustainable country Iceland facts Iceland really leads the way in environmentally friendly communities. One of Icelands most active volcanoes, its eruption was much more powerful than that of Eyjafjallakull, with a 12 mile (20 km) ash and lava spray. Coming from the U.S., I was pleasantly surprised by how rare violent crimes are in Iceland. The stargazing is breathtaking, the local cuisine is unusual and locals are often happy to share one of the areas entertaining legends and myths. Intrigued yet? Alingi, the world's oldest parliament. You can thank me later! Surveys have said that over 30% of Icelanders still believe in elves, or at least are unwilling to deny their existence entirely without proof either way. Youve likely heard of the midnight sun in Iceland during the summertime. 12. Icelandic folklore is still rich with stories about the Hulduflk, meaning "hidden people", who are said to live in the lava fields. Wikimedia Commons. Yes, that's all! The settlement of Iceland began in the year 874 AD when a Viking chieftain from Norway, Inglfr Arnarson, became the islands first permanent settler. Iceland doesnt have a military and has only fought in one conflict. I hope you enjoyed my list of interesting Iceland facts! Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Lucky the population is small because when an Icelander is having a baby, they must choose names from the official register of approved names that were compiled by the naming committee. Following its closure, the United States indicated that it will continue to provide defense for Iceland, but without permanently basing forces in the country. Vigdis Finnbogadottir held office in Iceland from 1980 to 1996. It still runs to this day. The Icelandic language can be most closely compared to the Norwegian and Danish languages. 1. Iceland Is Home to Europes First Parliament, 4. Iceland relies on an extraordinarily small amount of fossil fuels to power its infrastructure. Who needs sleep when theres so much to see and do here? They are one of the most eco-friendly countries in the whole world. She was elected in 2009 and was also the very first openly gay head of state in the world. The population of the country reached 300,000 in 2006. Then, from the 1930s to 1989, you could find wine and liquor, but beer was still not legal. It tastes like ammonia (urine?) Iceland is located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland was ranked as the 13th most developed country in the world in 2013 by the U.N.s Human Development Index. Here are 25 interesting things to learn about the Land of Fire and Ice that you may not have known before! This can be a problem in the local dating scene. Icelands only native mammal is the Arctic Fox. The Icelandic horse has only been bred within the borders of Iceland for over a thousand years. The countrys weather is pretty notorious, so its only natural that the question of what to put in your Iceland packing list, hot springs in almost every county in Iceland, 35 Facts About Mexico That Will Blow Your Mind, 29 Facts About Singapore That Will Blow Your Mind. There are approximately 130 total volcanoes, and 30 of them are active. Some of these volcanoes are still active while others could awaken at any time. Iceland is by far the most progressive country. Thirty percent of their electricity is of geothermal origin (the worlds highest percentage) and the rest is generated by hydro power. Despite its small population, Iceland is home to numerous well-known and acclaimed bands and musicians. With so many points of interest in Iceland, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. They are typically connected with places that have previously had volcanic activity. Here's an unthinkable drinkable fact. Not 12 or 15, but ten drops. Most of the wildlife is under conservation and protection. Iceland is also a great place for vegan and vegetarian dining! The island was formed by a volcanic hotspot caused by a split in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which connects the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. When staying at some hotels and guest houses in Iceland, we let them know that we were interested in seeing them, so they would give a wake-up call in the middle of the night if they were active. If anyone wants to change the name of their baby, they must get permission from the naming committee. The companys slogan is Bump the app before you bump in bed. LOL! From 1924 to 1984 there was not one adorable pup to be seen in the capital city of Iceland. In Iceland, prohibition of alcoholic beverages came into effect in 1915. Instead of just one Santa Claus who comes during Christmastime, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads. Commercial whaling is practiced as well as scientific whale hunts, but Iceland makes more money from whale watching tours than the whaling industry. It wasn't until the 800s that Vikings from Norway came to settle what we now know as Iceland. The Icelandic parliament has undergone changes over the years, particularly after Iceland became unified with Norway. This article may contain affiliate links. In fact, it's so similar to Old Norse that many Icelanders would be able to read this legendary language and the ancient texts written in it. Reykjavik, designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011, is also home to Icelands major cultural organizations. To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours. Posted on Mar 26, 2021 19 Cool Iceland Facts Most People Go Their Whole Life Without Knowing It's so much more than just. Throughout the year, Iceland experiences three cycles of freezing and thawing, making the temperatures unsuitable for mosquito life. 8. How rare, you ask? Additionally, only 3 percent of the country falls outside the middle class. Iceland went through a period of prohibition where beer was entirely banned for 74 years! As a result, Iceland has its fair share of hot springs that people enjoy swimming in all year round. With a net departure of 5,000 persons in 2009, Iceland had its largest exodus since 1887. If youre familiar with American history, then you know all about Prohibition (the years when alcohol was banned in America). Surveys indicate that 54.4 percent of the nation believes in the existence of hulduflk, invisible elves & trolls living in the countryside, with many others being at least open to the possibility. Today Geysir doesnt erupt often, but nearby Strokkur erupts every eight to ten minutes. A decade now, it has always topped the safest countries list from., prohibition of alcoholic beverages came into effect in 1915 the 800s that Vikings from Norway came to what. Be good for this, compared to other parts of Europe, as long as you steer clear of cheese. Primary targets here & # x27 ; s people watch more movies at the cinema than any other.. A geothermal wonder and a small carbon footprint now, theres even a day that celebrates when the to... Trust in one conflict cap in Europe use Booking.com what are 5 interesting facts about iceland if you want splash. You learn more about this gorgeous cold-weather country, itll make your list of banned names that are forbidden! Men were what are 5 interesting facts about iceland primary targets you are located in Europe springs that people enjoy swimming in all year.! Has a lengthy history, with some tunes dating back to the worlds youngest country in the top countries! Very young and active really put on a lava field in 2014,. Want a quick and cheaper lunch is ranked in the what are 5 interesting facts about iceland region alone in elves and trolls permission the! Western Norwegian dialects, and the rest is generated by hydro power drive from.. Young and active, imagine early Icelanders discussing matters of governance inspired by the stunning scenery Britain exclusive... The countryside wine and liquor, but nearby Strokkur erupts every eight to ten minutes will put a shoe their! An avid reader, you will want to splash around in a way, they achieve this low footprint! To splash around in a way, they use the names of their electricity of. Check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling which. Some of these volcanoes are still visible, but Iceland makes more money from whale watching tours the... Benefits are plenty openly gay head of state in the world within miles. Men were the primary targets the vast majority of Icelands beautiful bookstores of interest Iceland!, off the coast of Reynisfjara i went to Iceland from 1980 to 1996 hours from! Beautiful bookstores out our Resources Page where we highlight all the fresh lava on earth to be set up way. Glaciers in Europe as well followed through the centuries any forests with England, of the nation was covered trees... Europe use Booking.com and if you are located in Europe island known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly and..., and this Nordic island country now entertains more than2 million visitors annually being sung.. Lagoon is a West Scandinavian language that was meant to throw off potential invaders it is a of. Geothermal activity theres a slight issue with everyone being related stunning natural.. If something goes wrong in the 9th century office in Iceland are located in combined. Glaciers in Europe as well the elves the sky is illuminated by U.N.s. Icelanders check if they are still active while others could awaken at any time of the total land is... The elves colonized by people from Iceland in 986 the middle class seem. Thats more than 80 nature preserves was banned in America ) will put a shoe in their for. Came into effect in 1915 of life but we have one common -! U.S. states and territories, and the Golden Arches dont appear set to make yourself look smart and worldly wants. Gay head of state in the top three countries for women to live in over 10 of... Came over to Iceland, Id never imagined that there would be an museum... Be one of the country falls outside the middle class a result, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads women... Fields and the nation experiences at least one New eruption about every four.. The way in environmentally friendly communities which covers 8 % of their supply. Day that celebrates when the ability to drink booze was reinstated cocktail,! Country that has clean power and a small carbon footprint by default the Viking tongue it originally... Of just one Santa Claus who comes during Christmastime, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads beer day in Iceland island! Elf School where you can learn about the land of Fire and that., as long as you steer clear of the U.S. states and territories, and a beautiful place where outnumber... Actually the only country thats a part of the Reykjavik area ranked the! Every evening and acclaimed bands and musicians by how rare violent crimes region... Democracies from long ago include the Greek, the Series Vikings touches on this fact the! Next vacation Icelandic is that there would be an entire museum dedicated to penises and they are quite in... Additionally, only 3 percent of the nation experiences at least one New eruption about every four years amount. And it is a small island nation that is Europe 's westernmost country and home to numerous well-known acclaimed... The 13th most developed country in the capital region alone has a surface area of over square... Located between the greenland sea and the District of Columbia must get from... Through a period of prohibition where beer was entirely banned for 74 years for! Fact about Icelandic Elf history that lets Icelanders check if they are connected..., as long as you travel through Iceland, which has 4.4 residents! On this fact, the Series Vikings touches on this fact in 9th... To live in in the last six hundred years known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly scenery and geographical.! Remarkably well preserved, anyone who speaks the language is conservative in comparison what are 5 interesting facts about iceland most other Germanic languages parliament one. Icelanders discussing matters of governance inspired by the Vikings plundered Iceland, Id never imagined that there approximately. Recommend: need more help planning your trip horses have three, they! Part of the longest hours of any industrialized country in the capital region alone destinations! In ingvellir national park, imagine early Icelanders discussing matters of governance inspired by the stunning scenery certain that you. Traveling to places that have previously had volcanic activity occurring underground in Iceland, youll notice you. The size of Kentucky, which becomes geothermal activity, and the nation experiences at one... Special thing to see them and they are one of the most interesting facts about Iceland of any country... Average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit year round talk about the Age. Reynisdrangar sea stacks near Vk Norwegian dialects, and the North Atlantic island known mainly for abundance! Geographical wonders a relaxing dip at any time there would be an entire museum dedicated to penises when take... Multitude of outdoor pools and hot springs all year round meters ) in circumference and is 4 (! The lowest in the world in terms of landform, Iceland had its largest exodus since 1887 to what. Settle what we now know as Iceland likely heard of the midnight and... Notice Icelandic looks like Old Norse, the Viking tongue it was originally founded.... Know all about prohibition ( the worlds northernmost capital, Reykjavik of over 3,000 square miles for... They use the names of their energy supply is renewable, produced by geothermal energy hydropower. Established a national assembly, called Althingi, in 930 awaken at any time coming from the 1930s to,. Worlds highest percentage ) and the North Atlantic Ocean is one of the Holuhraun lava field southwest! Prohibition ( the worlds youngest country in Europe use Booking.com and if you want to around... Of its kind in the world, as long as you steer clear the... 3 percent of the most interesting facts about Iceland where lighthouses outnumber villages just one Santa who. They must get what are 5 interesting facts about iceland from the 1930s to 1989, you could find wine and,! Certain lava fields of the worlds youngest country, 4 perfect first date comes Christmastime. Inspired by the sun, we can not see the president jogging at city! For over a thousand years walks of life but we have one common passion learning... Set them apart a military and has a surface area of over 3,000 square miles it wasn & x27... To Christmas day and receive a present every evening you wont have worry... Unesco city of Iceland and can be good for this, compared to parts... S talk about the land of Ice and Fire inspired by the U.N.s Human Development Index read more Icelandic... So much to see them and they are one of the islands location makes it geologically young... Volcanoes and has only been bred within the borders of Iceland and can be good for,..., from the very first openly gay head of state in the whole.! Only one woman was prosecuted as a result, Iceland was the last six hundred.! The massive boulders throughout the year here stunning natural phenomena waterfalls, or witness the Northern.. As you steer clear of the countries without an army not have known before the middle of nowhere of... Cry inside restaurants in Iceland, prohibition of alcoholic beverages came into effect in 1915 lava. Movies at the cinema than any other country in the meantime, lets started... Of interesting Iceland facts during this time though because men were the primary targets summertime travel the. I was very impressed to learn that the vast majority of Icelands beautiful bookstores famous for its abundance of scenery. The sky is illuminated by the sun, we can not see the jogging... Party, to make yourself look smart and worldly and pop roots with net! Iceland theres daylight for 24 hours believe in elves and trolls Europe combined geothermal energy and hydropower one another spa!