It spewed boiling water as early as the 13th century, but it has been generally inactive since 1916 due to sediment building in the subsurface water tunnels. 16. In terms of landform, Iceland is the worlds youngest country. 37. Iceland has some pretty disgusting food available to eat. Icelands capital, Reykjavik (Reykjavik), is the worlds northernmost capital and Europes westernmost capital. School is free for all Icelanders all the way through college. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share! It is a must-see after all! The Cod Wars of 1958 with Great Britain increased Icelands exclusive fishing waters range from the original 6.5 kl ( 4 miles) to 320 kl (200 miles), boosting the fishing industry. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Iceland formed roughly 25 million years ago, is one of the worlds youngest landmasses, and as a result, it is home to some of the worlds most active volcanoes. Except for a brief interruption from 1799-1844, Icelands independent commonwealth has been governed by the Althingi parliament since 930, the worlds oldest extant parliamentary institution. It may come as a surprise for such a cold country, but they actually experience an eruption every four years or so. Lakis eruption in 1783-84 caused a famine that killed almost one fourth of the islands population. Iceland is also a great place for vegan and vegetarian dining! We hope to inspire other independent travelers and provide them with the resources to do so. 29. Europes largest glacier is here. +354 578 20 80 When shes not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. 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). Their universal healthcare system is considered top tier and is provided through taxes that are paid by the citizens. 20. The first settlers were Irish religious people who wanted to live a simple life. Fun Fact, The Series Vikings touches on this fact in the final season. This stuff is buried underground for 6-12 weeks, then hung out to dry in the sun. Leave the planning to us and come enjoy a fantastic holiday. Icelanders love their ice cream. Iceland has been the darling of adventure travel for nearly a decade with tourists flocking to its borders to see its mighty waterfalls, glaciers and fjords. 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. Strange And Interesting Facts About Iceland - All You Need To Know Are you planning to visit Iceland, read Strange and Interesting facts about Iceland, Iceland food, language, animals, and all Facts about Iceland If you travel around the Golden Circle, you will eventually visitingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. In fact, the original site of the Althing marks the first parliament grounds in European history. Greenland was colonized by people from Iceland in 986. Jhanna Sigurardttir became Icelands first female Prime Minister in 2009, and also the first openly lesbian head of government in the world. Following its closure, the United States indicated that it will continue to provide defense for Iceland, but without permanently basing forces in the country. Or, if you dont like the weather, just wait a minute for it to change. The country is governed by a president, who is elected by popular vote for a four-year term. 11. 1. Some of these volcanoes are still active while others could awaken at any time. Others are big complexes with slides, hot tubs and steam rooms. You may have already seen the photos and heard all about the famous Blue Lagoon or gorgeous Diamond Beach. Just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is considered to be part of Europe for political, historical, cultural and practical reasons. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor. The population of Iceland is only 339,462, with more than a third of those people living in the capital city. Unauthorized use is prohibited. (Bonus fact! If youre looking for cool facts about Iceland, you wont believe some of this stuff! If making travel arrangements in another country stresses you out, dont worry. Iceland's population is smaller than Arlington, Texas Statistics Iceland releases population data once per year. The arctic fox came over to Iceland from Europe way back during the Ice Age. 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. Hopefully you found it useful. Iceland was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. Another fun fact about Icelandic is that there are many, many ways to describe the weather. Weather: Surprisingly Iceland has very temperate weather throughout the year. Volcanic activity doesnt just happen above ground, where we can see it. Here's an unthinkable drinkable fact. During the final quarter of the 18th century approximately 20 to 25 percent of the population of Iceland emigrated to the United States and Canada because of famine in the country. The national sport of Iceland is handball. In most of the western world children cant wait for Christmas Day to see if Santa brought them a lovely gift. Its one of the best places to see it happen, especially between September and March when the skies are the clearest and the nights are the longest. It is also a popular tourist destination. 17. Assembly was originally held in ingvellir National Park, about a half hours drive from Reykjavk. Commercial whaling is practiced as well as scientific whale hunts, but Iceland makes more money from whale watching tours than the whaling industry. Including flying over an active eruption of the Holuhraun lava field in 2014. West Iceland is one of the islands most geologically diverse regions with one of the greatest concentration of geysers in the world as well as the famous Snfellsjkull glacier. This means Icelanders (and visitors alike) can go for a swim at any time of the year, rain, snow or sunshine. Thirty percent of their electricity is of geothermal origin (the worlds highest percentage) and the rest is generated by hydro power. According to polls, more than half of Icelanders believe in, or at least consider the existence of, the Huldufolk the hidden people. Bathing in the hot springs is complimented by various attractions such as a sunbathing area, hydro massage waterfalls, a soothing steam cave, drinking water fountains, a sauna, a steam bath and even a poolside bar! 31. All rights reserved. Over the summer season in Iceland theres daylight for 24 hours. Theyre known for their many unique gaits and have not been mixed with any other horse breeds for over 1,000 years. Spending time in the natural wonders of Iceland is especially easy without having to worry about these buzzing and biting pests. Icelands people took to the streets peacefully protesting with pots & pans, completely blocking all traffic around the capital. Iceland is by far the most progressive country. Iceland is the tiniest country to ever qualify for the super famous sporting event, the World Cup. Over 10% of its landmass is covered by glaciers and over 250 of them have been named. The memories we create for our guests arent typical every experience is unique, personal and unforgettable. I was very impressed to learn that the vast majority of Icelands power supply comes from geothermal and hydro energy. Many of the dishes still remain part of the nations diet. Photograph by subtik, iStockphoto Iceland Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the world's northernmost. Historical facts 1. To be more specific, at this location you can take a look at the North American and Eurasian plates where they meet in the Atlantic Ocean. The small fishing town of Hsavk is the whale watching capital of Europe. We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! In Iceland, children get visited by the 13 Yule Lads. Iceland is home to the worlds oldest parliament. With a net departure of 5,000 persons in 2009, Iceland had its largest exodus since 1887. The water is so clean throughout the country that you can sip it straight from the lakes, rivers, and streams wherever you find them! Icelands only native mammal is the Arctic Fox. What was one of the first things the Vikings did when they got to their new island country? Have you ever tried to pronounce the name of that famous volcano that erupted a few years back? This is referred to as the midnight sun and lasts from June to July. If you love legends and folklore, youre going to have a blast in Iceland. There are countless hot-springs and many iceland hotels feature heated pools that can maintain a temperature of at least 86 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Scientists have gotten so good at predicting volcanic eruptions that the risk to residents and tourists is minimal. Before I went to Iceland, Id never imagined that there would be an entire museum dedicated to penises. The Icelandic Horse was Brought to Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries and fun fact, the Icelandic Horse is one of the oldest breeds of horse in the world. 4. They are quite strong and have developed to survive in harsh weather conditions, but they are also extremely sociable and gentle with humans. Iceland's people watch more movies at the cinema than any other country. 14. Today its considered such a special sighting when exploring the wild lands of Iceland. After trying some of their homemade ice cream, I can see why; its delicious! The tastes of this classic country meal are derived from the methods of preservation: pickling in fermented whey or brine, drying, and smoking. Eleven percent of the country is covered in glacial ice and is surrounded by water. This is one of the reasons that so much of the natural wonders remain untouched here. The closer we get to the poles, the more the days and nights disappear, and there is a half-year period of darkness followed by a half-year period of brilliance. Take a look at these facts about Iceland to get to know this charming and mysterious land just a little bit better. Iceland is a perfect choice for summertime travel as the average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. Top 5 Interesting Facts About Reykjavk The skyline of Reykjavik, Iceland. Vigdis Finbogadttir was elected in 1980. Today, youll find plenty of microbreweries in Iceland! I was pleased by this fact, but dont worry; there are several other fast food chains in Iceland. If youre an avid reader, you will want to make a few stops at some of Icelands beautiful bookstores. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes follow each other. Geysers are caused by shallow magma bodies heating groundwater. In 2008, the countrys banking system collapsed, unemployment skyrocketed, and citizens were worried supermarkets would run out of food. Its impressive landscape is actually aUNESCO World Heritage site. Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. Her fathers first name is Gumundur. 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. With one of the smallest populations in Europe, famous people do stand out easily around Iceland. Right behind Finland and Norway, Iceland was once voted to be the third happiest nation in the world. The most famous has to be Hakarl, or fermented shark. You can thank me later! There are four national parks and more than 80 nature preserves. Be aware that some of the most famous hot springs (ie the Blue Lagoon) are actually manmadealthough the water is naturally heated. 5. Maybe youll come across Bjrkat a Reykjavk restaurant, or perhaps you'll see the president jogging at a city park nearby. It is the smallest country that belongs to NATO and is the only member not to have a standing army, air force or navy. Book Lovers Will Feel at Home in Iceland, No Naming your Baby Apple or Suri in Iceland, Go Beyond Facts About Iceland and See the Sights Firsthand, 30 of the Best Places To Visit In Iceland, What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Iceland, The Icelandic Horse All you Need to Know About this Beautiful Breed, Incredible Greenland The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel. What are 5 interesting facts about Iceland? Read more: Iceland Experience the Land of Fire and Ice. A progressive lifestyle is often one of the main draws for people to visit this country, especially for anyone identifying as a girl or woman. There are over 100 volcanoes spread throughout the country of Iceland. Its no surprise that Iceland is famous for its geysers alongside all of its other dramatic wild features. Its circular pool measures 60 feet (18 meters) in circumference and is 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep. Over 99% of their energy supply is renewable, produced by geothermal energy and hydropower. Cats roamed, and owned the streets, but it was widely accepted that the busy streets were no place for dogs. Looking to book your next trip? Picture By Bragi Thr Josefsson. However, it is still functional today, and tourists can see the place where one of the earliest democracies took shape. Did you know Icelanders leave their babies outside, they like to eat rotten sharks, and theres an app to prevent dating your cousin? But what is interesting is that because most people know each other, its not a big deal. Meaning they get their names from their parents. In the meantime, lets get started with 15 cool facts about Iceland that will inspire your next vacation! Every student is taught to speak both Danish and English in school. Traditional Icelandic music is related to Scandinavian music genres. The main source of precipitation in Antarctica is snow and, because it's so cold with average temperatures of around -50C . Vatnajkull, literally Lake Glacier, and sometimes translated as Vatna Glacier in English, is Icelands largest and most voluminous ice cap, and the second largest in Europe after the Severny Island ice cap of Novaya Zemlya. We love getting to off-the-beaten-path destinations and arent afraid to go it alone. Some things you might find on the menu at an Icelandic restaurant include puffin, fermented shark, whale, sheeps head, and dried fish. What is Iceland known for? Handball and soccer are the two most popular sports for children, but they also enjoy swimming and horseback riding. By continuing to browse our site you are agreeing to our, 4. Iceland is located between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. 1. 3. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next: What do you think about these Iceland facts? If you want to splash around in a natural hot spring, youll need to venture out into the countryside. Skyr, although similar in texture to Greek yogurt, is technically part of the cheese family. Lying on the constantly active geologic border between North America and Europe, Iceland is a land of vivid contrasts of climate, geography, and culture. The Icelandic language can be most closely compared to the Norwegian and Danish languages. Check out: How to Visit The Blue Lagoon in Iceland Is it Worth It? I had no problems communicating with everyone I encountered in Iceland. All the pools are heated with geothermal energy. Craft beer has also become a hugely popular industry here since. In the wintertime, theres no need to fret about chilly feet while exploring the streets of Reykjavkthe city has geothermically-heated sidewalks. The Althing is Icelands national parliament. Additionally, only 3 percent of the country falls outside the middle class. ingvelliris where Icelandic chieftains met in the year 930 CE to create the first parliament, the Alingi (or 'Althing' to English-speakers). Its called Vatnajokull and has a surface area of over 3,000 square miles. Seen as a very peaceful nation, Iceland does not have an army, an air force, or a navy. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. However, they needed all the trees to build homes, boats, and to clear land for farming. 1. Natasha is the co-founder of The World Pursuit. Plus, to celebrate the legalization of beer, Iceland celebrates National Beer Day on March 1st every year. Check out thiscomprehensive review of the Blue Lagoon Iceland (including visiting the Blue Lagoon . Iceland is known for explosive geysers, geothermal spas, glacier-fed waterfalls like Gullfoss (Golden Falls), and whale watching. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. It has less precipitation than any other desert region in the world. Approximately 60 percent of the countrys population lives in Reykjavik. Thats more than the typical American, and it is significantly higher than almost every other country in Europe as well. Plus, Iceland doesnt use last names. How extraordinary! The Blue Lagoon is a massive geothermal spa on a lava field in southwest Iceland. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. Eventually, the Prime Minister and former government were forced to resign, and the people wrote themselves a new constitution. Many Icelanders, however, are still dissatisfied with the state of the economy and the governments austerity policies. You should watch it its great! We inspire travelers and each other. Coming from the U.S., I was pleasantly surprised by how rare violent crimes are in Iceland. You may have wondered before why Iceland and Greenland have the names that they do when Iceland is covered in foliage and Greenland is covered in ice. Great democracies from long ago include the Greek, the Roman and the Icelandic. 1. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans. According to the most recent number, the population of Iceland is around 360,000, averaging around eight people per square mile. Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the worlds northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Iceland is a super sustainable country Iceland facts Iceland really leads the way in environmentally friendly communities. Read more: 5 Things you need to know about Puffins Puffins build their nests in burrows on islands or cliffs around Iceland. Photo: Marcin Kadziolka / Shutterstock.com 2. Icelandic horses are extraordinary and lovely creatures. 13 strange and interesting facts about Iceland. The population of Iceland is only 339,462, with more than a third of those people living in the capital city. People flock from all over to get a gander at this cosmo show in Iceland. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Iceland's lifespan averages are fantastic. Fun Fact, The Series Vikings touches on this fact in the final season. Mosquitoes can make life miserable at times in the U.S., so I was thrilled to find out that Iceland is one of the worlds few mosquito-free environments. Strip Clubs are banned in Iceland. Its one of the oldest breeds in the whole world. And had you heard that beer was banned for 74 years and that now 1 March marks Beer Day in Iceland? There Are Strict Rules Regarding the Icelandic Horses. Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. 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. According to the latest data released on 1 January, 2020, the population of Iceland is 364,134. Under Jhanna Sigurardttirs administration, Icelands economy stabilized and increased by 1.6% in 2012. 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. 13. Speak about the most famous European countries for their rough landscapes and vistas, and Iceland will fill the void. However, Iceland does have a national coast guard that has seen some military action in the past. This is probably one of those facts about Iceland you didnt know. This is one of the craziest facts about Iceland! 1. One surveyfound that many people in Iceland will neither confirm nor deny their existence because theres no proof either way. 5. Here Are 30 MUST READ Tips, 10 Things to Know About Iceland Grocery Stores & Supermarkets, What to Pack for Iceland Ultimate Iceland Packing List. The British invaded Iceland during World War II. She was elected in 2009 and was also the very first openly gay head of state in the world. As previously mentioned, Iceland leads the world in feminism. Happy travels! By Dickelbers. Icelandic vocabulary is likewise quite conservative, with the countrys language regulator actively coining phrases based on older Icelandic words rather than accepting loanwords from other languages. We also recommend timing your vacation right so that you can head to the annual Reykjavik International Literary Festival. Iceland won after attacking their enemys fishing nets with scissors. To be clear, Icelandic elves are not the diminutive, green, pointy-eared sort that assists Santa store toys at Christmas; they are the same size as you and me, but most of us dont see them. These mischievous guys each have a name based on their specific silly behavior, such as Sausage Snatcher or Pot Licker. We asked our colleagues in the Reykjavk office to share some of the weird and wonderful facts about Iceland, and they delivered. While they have recently been surpassed by the UK, they are still a book-loving nation. 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. Glaciers Play a Role in Icelands Unique Topography, 11. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavk, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town. The settlement of Iceland began in the year 874 AD when a Viking chieftain from Norway, Inglfr Arnarson, became the island's first permanent settler. You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round. Gender equality is a norm in this country. Iceland is a place like no other. 13. Foxes were the only land mammals in Iceland when it was settled. Its made up of 7 huge landmasses called continents and each one is unique from the others. Yes, that one! Something I enjoyed seeing was on Will Ferrels Eurovision, The Story of Fire Saga where Rachel McAdams character was so liked by the elves that a band of Killer Elves known as Hulduflkgave them all the help they needed to make it to Eurovision. Halldr Kiljan Laxness (1902-1998) received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955 for his vivid epic strength, which has rejuvenated Icelands great narrative art. He is the first and only Icelandic Nobel Prize winner in all categories. On this site, readers will find our experiences, gear reviews, photography, tips, and informative travel guides. The country was prosperous in the Middle Ages. Parts of Iceland reminded us of New Zealand. While visiting Iceland we were often told, theres no bad weather in Iceland, just the wrong clothes. If you're eagle-eyed or know a bit about languages, you may notice Icelandic looks like Old Norse, the Viking's tongue. 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. This silica is utilized in one of the thermal baths exfoliating facial treatments, along with algae and even lava masks! For those of us that dont speak the language, a lot of Icelandic words can look like real tongue twisters. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano at an elevation of 5,466 feet (1,666 meters) erupted, blowing ash high into the atmosphere and disrupting European air traffic for weeks. It was so cool! When constructions take place in certain lava fields of the country, there is even a special spokesperson for the elves. Yum! We ate a lot of Icelandic hot dogs on our journey around Iceland, and ice cream. 4. One in ten people in Iceland will publish a book in their lifetime, which is one of the most interesting facts about Iceland. Due to Icelands unique topography, only 20 percent of it is actually inhabited by humans. That is a fantastic experience to try when in Iceland. But their traditional dishes might produce a gag-reflex! If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. If youre like me, you love traveling to places that arent overly crowded. (Its all in the details), ingvellir National Park is home to the Althing, but it also bears some serious geographical significance. Icelands national parliament is one of the longest running institutions of its kind in the world. Read: Top 10 facts about the Blue Lagoon, Iceland. A volcanic island, Iceland experiences severe volcanic activity. Iceland became independent in 1918 and founded the Republic of Iceland in 1944. 26. Even in stormy weather, you can see people queuing up for ice cream, especially at the best shops in Reykjavk. The Icelandic horse was originally brought over by the Vikings in the 9th century. Before the Vikings plundered Iceland, 40 percent of the nation was covered in trees. Iceland is famous for its lack of violent crimes. Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Going along with this fact, Iceland was also the last European nation to be settled. Iceland has a plethora of seafood eateries. Read more: Icelandic Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Iceland. No matter what time of year you visit, you wont have to worry about these pests. 110 Reykjavk By Hippolyte de Saint-Rambert Wikimedia Commons. Instead of just one Santa Claus who comes during Christmastime, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads. Its at the top of the list for the worlds safest countries, boasting one of the lowest crime rates anywhere. Legends Abound and Blend With History, 14. Musician Bjrk provides us with a good example. On average, Icelanders work 45 hours every week which is one of the most interesting facts about Iceland. After Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, the Allies feared the Nazis would next occupy the neutral Danish territory of Iceland and use it as a. The bad news? The country was completely rocked by an unprecedented number of murders in 2017: four. Surtsey, the worlds newest island, was produced by a volcanic eruption near Iceland in 1963. The Crisis Response Unit is an expeditionary military peacekeeping force. Read more: Diving in Silfra Iceland Underwater, (Where is the other spot where you can see this phenomenon? 25 Interesting (And Strange) Facts About Iceland, Planning a trip to Iceland, but not sure when to go? Children will put a shoe in their window for 13 nights leading up to Christmas day and receive a present every evening. 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. North and south of the Azores Triple Junction, the ridge separates the North American Plate from the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate in the North Atlantic. 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. Iceland has many volcanos: Grmsvtn is the most active of them. She legalized same sex marriage while in office! The quality of the lamb meat, shellfish, and (most lately) skyr are all sources of pride. It is northwest of the United Kingdom, and is slightly smaller than the state of Kentucky. Its no secret that Iceland's weather is something to prepare yourself for it can change (for better or worse) in a matter of minutes. The average life expectancy here is a healthy 82.2 years (2017). This means we deal with all the local arrangements for you, from booking your car rental or private guide, to your accommodation, activities and even recommending our favourite restaurants. In fact, Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates! 3. Lets get started: The most distinguishing aspects of the Icelandic scenery include active volcanoes, vivid green valleys, glacier-cut fjords, black sand beaches, and roaring rivers. Bjrks full name is Bjrk Gumundsdottir, which means the daughter of Gumundur. They even have a book-giving holiday Jolabokaflod on Christmas Eve. The Northern Lights are renowned as one of the worlds most stunning natural phenomena. They gathered to make laws and make justice decisions. Parts of the country are often shaken by tremors and earthquakes of varying intensity. One thing thats really useful about having geothermal volcanicly-heated water is that you can go swimming no matter how cold it is outside. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Youll find it on your nexttrip to Africa.). The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik and its by far the biggest urban area in the country. The famous Blue Lagoon are found here. 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. Erosion by ice has created the dramatic mountain scenery you can see from the country's main route, The Ring Road, and led to unique formations such as Vatnajkull, Europe's largest glacier. When the Vikings settled the land, it appears that they may have gotten a little heavy-handed with their logging.). LEFT: ICELANDIC FLAG, RIGHT: ICELANDIC KRNAPhotograph by Asafta, Dreamstime, U.S. states and territories facts and photos. Learn about the different natural environments of plants and animals. Well Icelandic actually has over 100 words to talk about wind. Vatnajkull glacier is the largest ice cap in Europe. If you want to chat like a local, this is our best tip. I hope you enjoyed my list of interesting Iceland facts! Reykjavik is also an excellent starting point for day, weekend, or longer excursions into the countryside and all the tourist spots. Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the worlds northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Instead, their last name is derived from their father or mothers first name. For example, the English used by Shakespeares contemporaries looks and sounds different from the English we use today. The ridge runs southeast of Greenland from a junction with the Gakkel Ridge (Mid-Arctic Ridge) to the Bouvet Triple Junction in the South Atlantic. This is in part because the written word is well-honored by almost all Icelandic people! Plus some general information that can be useful for planning a trip. You can go for a relaxing dip at any time of the year here! From 1924 to 1984 there was not one adorable pup to be seen in the capital city of Iceland. How to Visit The Blue Lagoon in Iceland Is it Worth It? Put a script in front of an Icelander and theyd be able to understand the Old Norse tongue. Check out Incredible Greenland The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel. And enjoy extras such as a personalised itinerary and our very own Iceland travel guide. However, the national sport is actually handball. Much of Iceland is covered in lava fields and the nation experiences at least one new eruption about every four years. The language in Iceland, on the other hand, still looks and sounds almost identical to what was spoken centuries ago. However, if you are visiting Iceland, you may want to try out some of their exciting and unusual cuisines. Dettifoss Waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Mighty Iceland Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe, Iceland Experience the Land of Fire and Ice, Icelandic Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Iceland, 72 Funny And Interesting Facts About Canada, 11 Interesting and Fun Facts About France, Top 15 Fun Facts About Germany That You Probably Didnt Know, 11 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, 26 Fun and Adventurous Things to do in Bend, Oregon, Head Of State: The current president of Iceland is GuniTh. 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. People wait in long lines for it daily, regardless of weather conditions. It gets its distinctive milky blue color from the numerous silica particles in the water, which are extremely beneficial to the skin. 30. These studies have helped find cures for many hereditary diseases. Its pools have an average temperature of roughly 38C (100oF), making them perfect for warming up against Icelands chilly weather. We provide travel guides, useful tips, and interesting information to help you plan your vacations. Now, theres even a day that celebrates when the ability to drink booze was reinstated. We may all come from different walks of life but we have one common passion - learning through travel. The abrupt release of pressure that has been trapping near-boiling water in deep, tight conduits under a geyser causes the spouting movement. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. A few interesting facts about the Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most popular tourist attractions, that will make you want to visit as well! Hot springs in Iceland are a right of passage; even locals regularly use, Renting a camper van in Iceland is a nature lovers dream vacation. It became one of the most developed and wealthiest nations in the world and remains so today. In Iceland, prohibition of alcoholic beverages came into effect in 1915. You could say this country loves literature a little more than the average one. Icelandic folklore is still rich with stories about the Hulduflk, meaning "hidden people", who are said to live in the lava fields. Many Icelanders believe in elves Between 30 and 40% of Icelanders will not deny the existence of elves. The language is conservative in comparison to most other Germanic languages. No wonder we hear Son of Odin or Dottir (daughter) of Ragnar. Between 1915 and the 1930s, all alcohol was illegal in Iceland. Iceland can be good for this, compared to other parts of Europe, as long as you steer clear of the Reykjavik area. Heres the, If you only have a few days, a better option is to drive, Organizing an Iceland road trip, but afraid of driving? If anyone wants to change the name of their baby, they must get permission from the naming committee. 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. Additional nine seats are allocated to parties based on how many people voted for them across the country. More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik. This small island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean packs a punch with wonder. 12. 25. Icelandic children place their shoe in their bedroom window each evening for 13 days before Christmas. There are natural hot springs in almost every county in Iceland. You already know about the ice, so let's talk about the fire! Much of this dialect is dedicated to describing their unusual and erratic weather patterns, which are known to change drastically in a matter of minutes. If you want to learn about Iceland, or simply read about Iceland once you return home from your life-changing trip, make sure to pick a copy of Independent People by Halldr Laxness, Icelands only Nobel Prize winner for literature of course. Its official currency is Icelandic krna (ISK). It is located in the southeast of the island and accounts for around 8% of the country. They are typically connected with places that have previously had volcanic activity. 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. 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. They established a national assembly, called Althingi, in 930. There is also a large militarized Coast Guard with an air defense system, as well as a police agency with a police tactical squad. Playing and watching handball are both very common ways to enjoy free time in Iceland. As a result, Iceland has its fair share of hot springs that people enjoy swimming in all year round. It still runs to this day. Icelands scientists are currently working on a way to harness more geothermal energy as part of a plan that could change the entire world. August 15, 2022 All countries have their set of weird customs and laws and Iceland is no exception. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a mid-ocean ridge (a divergent or constructive plate boundary that runs over the Atlantic Oceans floor and is part of the worlds longest mountain range. Both Island nations are beautiful volcanic countries that have gorgeous landscapes. Join 10,000 others who get our weekly emails! 32. Iceland is a North Atlantic island known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly scenery and geographical wonders. This article may contain affiliate links. 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. Icelandic music has a lengthy history, with some tunes dating back to the 14th century still being sung today. 2. From 1951 through 2006, Iceland had a defense pact with the United States, which kept an Iceland Defense Force and a military facility in the country. Speaking of weather patterns, Iceland has several words to describe the weather. 3. As a local company based in Reykjavk, our travel consultants know the country like the back of their hand. Ride an Icelandic horse, admire the magnificent waterfalls, or witness the northern lights. 1. Some Icelanders still believe in elves, trolls, and other mythical characters that date back to their Celtic and Norse beginnings. You dont have to worry about buying bottled water in Iceland. The city is the heart of Iceland's political, economic, and cultural activities. More than 270,000 tourists visit each year. 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. Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country in the world. Iceland Is One of the Most Eco-Friendly Countries In the World, 8. As the two tectonic plates collide, the landmass continues to grow by around 5 centimeters every year. 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. Not only can you actually see the divide with the naked eye, which is fairly mind blowing, you can actually snorkel between them, which is one of the best things to do in Iceland! Have you ridden an Icelandic horse before, or do you intend to? Winters in these locations are quite gloomy, whereas summers are totally light. Book a trip to the Land of Fire and Ice with Nordic Visitor and youll be in good hands. 22. There Aren't Many People If you're like me, you love traveling to places that aren't overly crowded. Iceland, like New Zealand, has frequent earthquakes. Pursuit is a collection of inspiring and unforgettable experiences in iconic places including Alaska, Montana, the Canadian Rockies, Vancouver, Reykjavk, Las Vegas and Toronto (opening in 2024). You may already know this one, but its worth highlighting time and time again. 4. Its pure, refreshing, and even said to be extra hydrating. It shocks many people, but its a common practice to leave babies outside in their strollers. Its estimated that at least 80 percent of young students can understand basic English, and some people claim that as many as 98 percent of adults are fluent in multiple languages. Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. The volcanic zone in central Iceland is a constructive junction between the western part of Iceland belonging to the North American tectonic plate and the eastern part on the Eurasian plate. The Icelandic horse is are known for their unique gait known as the tolt. Come see them for yourself! Here at The Planet D, our goal is to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Iceland is ranked in the top three countries for women to live in. The Westfjords in the uninhabited northwest corner of the country are preserved as a relatively unspoiled wilderness area with a variety of geological features of their own. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. 27. About 30 percent of Iceland is lava fields. Today Geysir doesnt erupt often, but nearby Strokkur erupts every eight to ten minutes. Handball is considered the national sport of Iceland and can be a very fast paced and oftentimes brutal sport! Iceland takes the idea of equality very seriously. What makes this fact even funnier; a lot of the team members were still working their day jobs when they made the cut. 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. 34. As a result, only visitors visiting Iceland between late August and early April will be able to see the Aurora. Theyre also known for some really good seafood and lamb. From Pottasleikir ('pot-licker'), who likes to steal leftovers, to Huraskellir, who likes to slams doors during the night, each Yule Lad has their own personality and idiosyncrasies, which is reflected in their gifts and pranks. Instead, they use the names of their parents. With so many points of interest in Iceland, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. We never stop searching for the places we're passionate about, connections we value and moments that bring us joy. We can attest that its true, in the height of summer, darkness is a total stranger to the skies. This is thanks to many factors, including a greater sense of equality within the population, which is in turn helped by the small population of just over 333,000. Wikimedia Commons. Read more: The Icelandic Horse All you Need to Know About this Beautiful Breed. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. The population of Iceland is only 336, 425. Iceland is a hotbed of geothermal activity, and the benefits are plenty. If youre familiar with American history, then you know all about Prohibition (the years when alcohol was banned in America). Heres everything you should know about, Want to improve your photos? Our recommendation: be the judge and sample a few flavours! Dont worry, non-meat eaters! However, it remains a unique and well-preserved language overall. While tourism has boomed over the last 10 years, there are still plenty of places to explore where youll be mostly alone. Every night, one of the Yule Lads will visit and leave a small gift for them, depending how each child has been behaving. Iceland has more than 130 volcanoes, 30 of which are currently active. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland remains relatively mild during the winter and stays cool during the summer. Here is what we recommend: Need more help planning your trip? 1. You can find one of the most famous Geysers on the Golden Circle! In a typical year, theres an average of 1.6 murders and a very low instance of other violent or drug-related crimes. The land is plateau with mountain peaks, and ice fields, with a coastline marked by fjords, which are deep inlets carved by glaciers. Iceland has a small population and most of the people in this tiny island country live near the capital city of Reykjavik. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The taps are all safe to drink from. This is another one of the best facts about Iceland. In Iceland, something similar happened and it continued for a long time. But did you know that Iceland is home to the largest glacier in all of Europe? There is also a seven-month period from September to March when we have both dark nights and bright daylight, allowing us to see the Aurora Borealis at night. It was established in 930 at Thingvellir (the assembly fields), some 45 kilometers (28 miles) east of Icelands capital, Reykjavik. As you travel through Iceland, youll notice that you dont come across any forests. Joining the European Economic Area in 1994 further diversified the nations economy into manufacturing, finance and biotechnology and continued its prosperity. Its called the Althing. This is no surprise considering that Icelands diverse topography enables people to visit black beaches, blue glaciers, and roaring waterfalls, along with whale watching and the opportunity to see the mysterious Northern Lights. 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. Top 10 facts about the Blue Lagoon, Iceland, Top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower. Insider tips, inspiration and deals - delivered straight to your inbox. Sparkling glaciers, such as Vatna Glacier (Vatnajkull), Europe's largest, lie across its ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges; abundant hot geysers provide heat for many of the . Some are small and intimate. It tastes like ammonia (urine?) The Northern Lights really put on a show in Iceland. This is thought to be because of the peculiar weather patterns. Throughout the year, Iceland experiences three cycles of freezing and thawing, making the temperatures unsuitable for mosquito life. Iceland can be good for this, compared to other parts of Europe, as long as you steer clear of the Reykjavik area. The Icelandic Language Has Barely Changed, 13. The Reykjanes lava fields are a geothermal wonder and a beautiful place where lighthouses outnumber villages. This is the best way to get help if something goes wrong in the middle of nowhere. Type in any location in ourdestination finderand get started learning about it today. Iceland acceded to Norwegian rule after a period of civil strife in the 13th century. Icelandic students are taught their native language, along with English and Danish. Our website uses cookies. Icelanders also elected an openly gay woman as their prime minister in 2009. There are approximately 130 total volcanoes, and 30 of them are active. Vatnajkull, or Vatna Glacier, is an extensive ice field in southeastern Iceland, which covers 3,200 square miles (8,400 square kilometers) with an average ice thickness of more than 3,000 feet (900 meters). 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Not 12 or 15, but ten drops. The Althing is Icelands national parliament and it is one of the longest-running parliaments in the world. The Highlands are almost uninhabited due to harsh conditions. In fact, one of Icelands unique holiday traditions falls on Christmas Eve, when family members exchange books with one another and spend the day reading. While the largest colonies are in the Westman Islands, south of Iceland, and in Northern and Western Iceland, Reykjavk is home to a sizable puffin colony on Akurey island, west of the old harbour in Reykjavk. For many years Iceland was publishing a book at the highest rate per capita in the world, showing how much they enjoy a good read. Iceland does have sand flies, so youll still need to pack your bug spray. It is the youngest country in the world in terms of land form. Because Iceland is volcanic, almost all of their electricity and heating comes from hydroelectric power and geothermal water reserves. 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