what are 10 interesting facts about iceland?

Icelandic horses nowadays are remarkable in that they are direct descendants of the horses brought over by the Vikings from mainland Europe. Let us know! 15 Interesting Facts About Iceland - Discover Walks Blog We hope that these interesting facts about Iceland have left you intrigued and wanting more! 10 Fascinating Facts About Reykjavik, Iceland - Forbes Given the relatively limited geography of the island and the fact the population is less than 350,000, it might not be surprising that 95% of Icelanders have internet access, the highest proportion of any country in the world. Even the slightest change in the country's geology could awaken some of the most dormant volcanoes. The sagas claim that Inglfur threw his ndvegisslur, a pair of wooden poles which were placed on either side of a Viking chiefs high seat, into the sea, vowing to settle wherever they came to shore. Want to find it on a compass? With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and fascinating history, Iceland is a truly remarkable place to explore. Iceland relies on an extraordinarily small amount of fossil fuels to power its infrastructure. 19 Cool Iceland Facts Most People Go Their Whole Life Without Knowing. The street used to be painted like this during the annual Pride celebrations. However, there are two steam locomotives on display in Reykjavik. Until March 1989, Iceland was a country where beer was strictly prohibited. It also features a very strange alphabet, which has no uppercase or lowercase letters. Icelanders have had to make do with their surroundings since they arrived on the island over a millennia ago. 1. Also Azerbaijan: A Country of Stunning Natural Beauty. 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. Whether you are visiting Iceland or not, it is worth checking out the concerts that are being hosted there, as it will be an experience you will never forget! With fertile lowland, forested hills, plenty of hot and cold water, ample fishing grounds, and islands just off the coast filled with birds, Reykjavk would have been an ideal place to live. Life in a sod house in Reykjavk must have been particularly tough in the winter months! Only an office building in the suburb Kopavogur is taller. One of the most interesting facts about Iceland is that it is a parliamentary republic and a representative democracy that won independence from Denmark in 1944. Read more: Icelandic Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Iceland. Iceland is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world. 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. He then landed in Southern Iceland and sent his slaves to search for the poles. Almost two thirds, or over 64%, of Icelanders live in the capital region. Also Equatorial Guinea: Petroleum, Fishing, Sawmilling & Gas. The most high-profile case of such illegal dogs involved the conservative MP and Minister of Finance, Albert Gumundsson and his dog Lucy, a mongrel of undistinguished ancestry. Learn how your comment data is processed. 8) A very small big city. It's so much more than just the land of ice and fire. Comparatively speaking, however, Reykjavk is quite large. Glaciers Play a Role in Icelands Unique Topography, 11. Talk to anyone whos been to Iceland, though, and youll discover an entirely new perspective: Iceland is one of the most unique experiences available to travelers precisely because of its small population, harsh climate and northerly latitudes. Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Still, it is home to 20,000 to 30,000 breeding pairs of puffins, making it one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in Reykjavk! 10 interesting facts about Iceland for expats - FinGlobal From glaciers to volcanoes to hot springs, there's no shortage of breathtaking beauty to explore here. Iceland has exceptionally strong protections for freedom of speech, which extend to the internet, and were strengthened by the 2010 Icelandic Modern Media Initiative. The last cheeseburger served in Iceland is still on display as a museum exhibit. Lopapeysa are popular souvenirs for visitorsand they can be a great investment at the start of your trip if you plan to backpack around the country. Is the largest country in the Caucasus region. The Northern Lights are a staple of the Icelandic experience, but they can actually be seen year-round. To help with your trip planning, here are 10 fascinating facts about the Icelandic capital. As you travel through Iceland, youll notice that you dont come across any forests. Parts of Iceland reminded us of New Zealand. If making travel arrangements in another country stresses you out, dont worry. Why not see the sights of Iceland firsthand by making it your next big destination? They gave it a name and one that was meant to throw off potential invaders. Subscribers are even listed by their first names in the phone book. In 1956 boxing was banned here. In most countries, spending time out in nature means getting bit by mosquitos. The highest concentration is in the suburb of Breiholt, where 20% of the population is either a first or a second generation immigrant, according to the 2011 census. In Iceland, something similar happened and it continued for a long time. One brewery utilises only geothermal energy to power its brewing process, while another makes a pleasant summer lager with bilberries. It is also a day to encourage people of all ages and abilities to participate in sports and physical activities. Icelandic food is known for being healthy and delicious, as the country has a strong focus on eating nutritious foods. The Icelandic language can be most closely compared to the Norwegian and Danish languages. 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. 10 Facts About Reykjavik 1) Statistically, one in every 10 Icelanders will write a book during their lifetimes, meaning Iceland has the most books published per capita in the world. Other Icelandic artists have made contributions to the international jazz scene and you know that, with strong viking heritage, viking metal is also a popular genre. In 2015, there were 211,282 people living in the capital region. They came over from Europe during the last ice age. Read more: Best of Icelands Ring Road. In fact, the record temperature in Reykjavik is just 78.3 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in July 2008. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. Iceland is a part of the Schengen Area, which allows people to travel freely between the countries in the area without having to show a passport. Many of Icelands biggest population centers have fewer than 30,000 people; depending on the region youre in, some of the biggest towns have around 2,000 to 3,000 inhabitants! 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 suffix -vik, meaning bay, is a common feature in place names throughout the Nordic region. When processed together, the 2 coats make lopi, a type of wool only produced from Icelandic sheep. Little wonder that Reykjavk residents leave the Christmas lights out on their balconies well into January! 18 Interesting Things You Didn't Know About Iceland Read next: Mighty Iceland Waterfalls You Have to See to Believe, No matter where you go in Iceland, youre bound to notice how unique the topography is. Reykjavk is the only Western European capital without a McDonalds or a Starbucks. Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. However, thinking, that nature is the only amazing thing about this country is definitely not true. Iceland's capital city Reykjavik. It is one of only two spots on the planet where you can view the physical separation of two tectonic plates. Also Nicaragua: A Country of Natural Wonders. Silfra is, in fact, the only place on the planet where you can dive between two tectonic plates! 10 Fun Facts About Iceland - Princess Cruises Many Icelanders believe in elves Between 30 and 40% of Icelanders will not deny the existence of elves. 2022-23 Veena Patil Hospitality Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 16 Feb 2020 Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has become a popular travel destination over the past few years. The Icelandic parliament has undergone changes over the years, particularly after Iceland became unified with Norway. 3) With no dogs, cats ruled! Alingi, the current parliament, was established in 1845 as an advisory body to the Danish monarch. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copyright 2023 MapQuest Holdings LLC, a System1 Company. Although Iceland is an extremely clean place similar to most regions in Scandinavia, you might find the water has a bit of an odd smell. 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. It's the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. You probably know a bit about Iceland facts such as that, despite their names, Iceland is lush and green, and Greenland is icy but if you've never heard of hulduflk or caught a glimpse of the volcanic island of Surtsey, there's a lot left for you to discover. Because of the high quality of Icelandic food, it is worth it to splurge a little, so you can try some of the tastiest dishes in the world. These exceptions became progressively more liberal, until 2006, when the ban was finally lifted completely. Iceland Is Home to Europes First Parliament, 4. | Webdesign by, Icelandic Travel Agency D-Travel And Our Story. Mind-blowing Facts About Iceland That Will Make You Say "Wow"! Since its completion in the 1980s, the distinctive hilltop church has become one of the most recognizable images of the city. In the 1960s, there were still people living in one sod farm in Reykjavk, which stood by Suurgata street, south of the old harbour. 1. Outside of this region, however, most of the places people live are small towns and villages; Iceland is highly rural. At the edge of the world Reykjavk is the northernmost capital city in the world as well as the only capital city anywhere with a large puffin colony. Sail to almost anyplace you can dream of. Dont worry, non-meat eaters! Theres plenty of things to do in Reykjavik all year round, from diving into the Viking Age history of the island to enjoying one of the many geothermal-heated pools. Potatoes, pickled cabbage and green beans are often served, along with hearty rye bread. This means that the greater Reykjavk area has a population similar to the city of Des Moines, Iowa, in the US, or a little less than the city of Southampton in the UK. Fishing has been a more reliable source of food and income for Icelanders than agriculture, which helps explain the apparent preference for coastal locations. In the late summer of 1941, when American troops were beginning to arrive, there were already 28,000 British troops in Iceland. We dont tend to associate cold-weather countries with volcanoes, but Iceland is chock-full of them. Iceland is a beautiful country that simply cant be compared to anywhere else on earth. The Althing is housed in the Ingvellir National Park, which is also geographically significant and isnt one of the amazing facts about Iceland? Iceland, the island of fire and ice, has quickly become one of the worlds most popular tourist destinations as there are so many places to visit in Iceland, not just for thrill-seeking explorers but also for nature lovers searching for something new. Iceland offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of nature and serves as an excellent spot for those who want to get away from it all. Iceland has some of the lowest living costs in the world, and the price of living there is more than 50% cheaper than in the United States. Because of its popularity as a wedding destination, there are a number of wedding service providers in the area. Also Lake Tanganyika: Tanzania's 2nd Deepest Lake. If you are planning to travel to Iceland, it is a good idea to bring a passport just in case. Trolls and elves are abundant in Icelandic folklore and the stories youll hear are nothing if not delightful. Despite this, Iceland is home to a variety of unique and diverse plant life, including mosses, lichens, and wildflowers. Take for example the story of why Inglfur Arnarson, who is often said to be the first settler, chose Reykjavk. Much of the Icelandic population believes in hulduflk (hidden people). They considered dogs farm animals which really couldnt adapt to urban life. It has the aura of a cosmopolitan centre packed into a tiny, sparkling clean town. Taco Bell, KFC, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts have all opened stores in Reykjavk. "10 Interesting Facts About Iceland" By the summer of 1942, there were as many as 55,000 American and British soldiers in Iceland. You can even look up the phone numbers for the prime minister and the president in the phone book. The sheep has a dual coat: a long outer coat and a fine inner coat. If you want to visit an active volcano, there are two that you can access: The Krafla Volcano and the Hverfjall Volcano. Fun Fact, The Series Vikings touches on this fact in the final season. This set off a chain reaction that resulted in the closure of all McDonalds locations in Iceland. And while Icelanders are known for their longer (43- to 44-hour) work weeks, they also possess one of the longest life expectancy rates (Iceland is also famous for its exemplary literacy rates). The reconigiton highlighted the outstanding literary history including the incredible importance off the Norse sagas but also the central role literature plays in the modern day. Fish, lamb and dairy products feature prominently in the traditional Icelandic diet. In recent years, Icelands gained a reputation among backpackers, hikers and travelers seeking a little bit more adventure. Iceland is home to an impressive 270 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Plus, Iceland doesnt use last names. Beer was banned in Iceland for 74 years! As you can imagine, a landscape that was shaped by volcanoes and glaciers can be a harsh environment for natural growth. Although its the largest city in the country, Reykjavik isnt the only place Icelanders live; a good many of them (almost 1/3 of the population, actually) live outside of Reyjavik and the Capital Region. Plus, to celebrate the legalization of beer, Iceland celebrates National Beer Day on March 1st every year. Five submarine communications cables connect Iceland to the rest of the world, and almost all internet connections in the country are broadband, with most using DSL. Of those, 121,822, or just over half, lived in Reykjavk proper, with the rest living in other municipalities in the metropolitan area. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. To find out more, check out these 10 fun facts about Iceland! Are you ready to explore Iceland? 2. Yes. Did You Know That Iceland is The Oldest Parliamentary Democracy? Despite the international popularity of Icelands Nordic noir crime writers, Iceland itself is very different from its fictional sibling. While there are many wonderful foods to try in Iceland, the skyr (pronounced skeer), a type of curd cheese, is definitely a must-eat. Iceland offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of nature and serves as an excellent spot for those who want to get away from it all. Volcanic activity doesnt just happen above ground, where we can see it. You never know if you might have any issues at the border, and having your passport with you will help you in any situation. Iceland is a North Atlantic island known mainly for its abundance of otherworldly scenery and geographical wonders. Be aware that some of the most famous hot springs (ie the Blue Lagoon) are actually manmadealthough the water is naturally heated. Also The Stunning Lake of Chad: A Natural Wonder of the World. Immigrants of 131 different nationalities make up 8.5% of the total population. Another interesting way to experience it is by visiting the Smralind Folk Museum, which is a village that uses authentic language from the past. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland - Things That Will Surprise You One of the fun facts about Iceland for all the tourists is that beer was outlawed in Iceland from 1915 until 1989 as a result of a vote in 1908. Its nearest countries are Greenland to the north west, Norway to the east and the Faroe Islands, Ireland and the United Kingdom to the south east. Since the island sits over an ocean hotspot, theres plenty of energy to be harnessed. Although approximately 90,000 citizens own guns, there is very little crime in Iceland and guns are primarily used for licensed hunting and sport. On the other hand, Icelanders have used this geological disaster to their advantage, using geothermal energy to heat their homes and businesses and enrich their leisure time. Required fields are marked *. Since Reykjavk is located at 6408N, just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle, the darkest days of winter are both very dark and very long. Top 10 Interesting Facts about Solheimajokull, Iceland No wonder we hear Son of Odin or Dottir (daughter) of Ragnar. This was a unique form of money, as it was not only a valuable commodity, but also a practical one, as it could be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. Facts about Reykjavik 3: the coastline. This is due to the fact that Iceland is a volcanic island, and the harsh climate makes it difficult for trees to survive. Its no secret that Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, Iceland is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Krafla is a bit more accessible, as it can be reached via car. These were the top 10 unknown but interesting facts about Iceland. 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. To be more exact, you can see the North American and Eurasian plates colliding in the Atlantic Ocean at this position. 18/2018 Z.z a NARIADENIA EURPSKEHO PARLAMENTU A RADY (E) 2016/679 ) vykonva v naej spolonosti ZODPOVEDN OSOBA : p. Duan HARBIST , emailov kontakt dtravel.dusan@gmail.com na ktor sa me obrti kad dotknut osoba, ktorej osobn daje s spracvan v naej spolonosti. Because of this, it has a very bizarre grammatical structure. Icelanders love their ice cream. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? Interesting Facts About Iceland | Iceland Statistics | Iceland Flag : Reykjavik, Iceland. The third element contributing to the gorgeous landscape is glacial activity! A 2 Week Itinerary for a Holiday in Africa Trace Your Roots in the Cradle of Mankind! Established in 930 AD, the Althing is a unicameral legislature that has been in continuous operation for over 1,000 years. Taking into consideration cloud cover and the endless rain, sleet, or snow, those four hours barely register as day. Of course, there were always people who flouted the ban by keeping illegal dogs. 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. Were certain that when you learn more about this gorgeous cold-weather country, itll make your list of must-see places! Top 10 interesting facts about Iceland - Depth World The island was formed by a volcanic hotspot beneath the ocean, and, due to its age, most of the volcanoes are still active. A country known mostly because of its incredibly beautiful and unique nature. Hydropower and geothermal energy is harnassed from the volcanic activity and hot springs to power an estimated85% of the nation. A massive operation in 2000 to eradicate the remaining feral population found only a handful of cats who didnt have a warm windowsill to return to. Historical facts 1. If you are lucky, you may even get to see lava flowing into the water while visiting. Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle; as a result, the country experiences long summer days and perpetually dark winter nights. 1. Even though most Icelanders dont eat it, it is the countrys most famous meal. 8) A very small big city It is believed that the first settlers arrived there around the 9th century, and they began to clear away the lava and ash to create the landmass that is now Iceland. There are some fast food chains such as Dominos, KFC, and Subway, but you wont be seeing the Golden Arches as you drive around the Ring Road. You should watch it its great! Here are 10 interesting lesser-known facts about IOD: International Olympics Day is a day to promote the values of the Olympic Movement , including friendship, respect, and fair play. In fact, the only other European capital without a McDonalds is Tirana, the capital of Albania, while Reykjavk shares the distinction of being Starbucks-free with Rome, the capital of espresso. Fishing and fish processing is the main economic activity in Iceland, accounting for around 80% of the country's exports and providing employment for around 10% of the population. Required fields are marked *. 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. But neither could Icelanders build stone buildings. 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. Instead, they go out for lunch, and it is common for people to eat out for a quick bite during the workday. The only difference is that they are at their most spectacular during the dark winter months. It has 24 hours of darkness and beautiful lights. Iceland, known as the land of Fire and Ice, has a lot of unknown facts, so keep reading for interesting facts about Iceland. Your email address will not be published. Top 10 Places in China Discover The Land of Oldest Living Civilization! Discover the depth of world Top 10 interesting facts about Iceland Anum Khawar June 16, 2020 0 Comments Iceland is a Nordic island state near the North Atlantic Ocean. Try skyr, an Icelandic dairy product similar to yogurt, but with a milder flavor. The children are given a first name, then the father's name plus the Icelandic version of "son" to serve as the child's second name if it is a boy or the Icelandic word for "daughter" if it's a girl. If anyone wants to change the name of their baby, they must get permission from the naming committee. However, there are plenty of midges to contend with, which might be confused for mosquitoes. Youll find it on your nexttrip to Africa.). 25 Fun Facts About Iceland That Most People Go Their Whole Life Without Many bars and clubs function as cafes during the day, then transform in the evening. Iceland Country Profile - National Geographic Kids Whether you love folklore, the study of language, or breath-taking scenery, Iceland has something for you. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts About Iceland - The Sophisticated Life