25 interesting facts about Iceland that might surprise you
Did you know that Iceland has no mosquitoes or McDonald’s?
That’s just the start.
In this post, I’ll share some fun and interesting facts about Iceland for kids and curious minds that you probably haven’t heard before.
Let’s dive in!
This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more
Interesting facts about Iceland
1. Iceland is mosquito-free
You won’t find mosquitoes in Iceland.
That’s right, these pesky insects don’t exist on the island due to its consistent subarctic climate.
Consider it one less thing to worry about on your Nordic adventure.
2. Geothermal energy heats 85% of homes
Here’s a hot fact for you: about 85% of homes in Iceland are heated by geothermal energy.
Iceland taps into geothermal power like no other country, thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This makes its energy consumption incredibly green.
Read next: 21 best souvenirs from Iceland
3. Glaciers cover 11% of Iceland
Iceland’s geography is packed with glaciers.
They cover 11% of the country, and it’s home to Vatnajökull – the largest glacier in Europe.
These massive ice formations play a crucial role in the Nordic nation’s landscape and climate.
4. Iceland has about 130 volcanic mountains
With around 130 volcanic mountains, many of which are active, Iceland’s volcanic activity is a force to be reckoned with.
This is the land of fire and ice, where lava fields stretch across the North Atlantic island creating a stark yet stunning environment.
5. The northern lights are visible from September to April
The Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic skies from September to April.
You can witness this spectacular light show, thanks to the country’s high latitude in the Arctic Circle.
6. Tap water in Iceland is exceptionally clean
The tap water in Iceland is as clean as it gets.
No need for bottled water here; the natural filtration through lava rocks means you can drink directly from the tap, enjoying some of the purest water on the planet.
7. Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other nation
You might find it interesting to know that Icelanders are voracious readers and take pride in literacy.
This passion for books results in Iceland publishing more books per capita than any other country globally.
8. The Icelandic language has barely changed since the Viking Age
The Icelandic language hasn’t changed much since the Viking Age.
This means people in Iceland can still read old texts without needing translations. It’s pretty cool because it keeps the country’s history alive and well.
Basically, the way they spoke hundreds of years ago is not too different from how they speak today.
9. Home to the world’s oldest parliament, The Althing, founded in 930 AD
Iceland has the world’s oldest parliament, called The Althing, which was started back in 930 AD.
This makes it a super important place for democracy history. Imagine, they’ve been holding meetings and making laws since way before most other countries even thought about it.
10. Over 60% of Icelanders live in Reykjavik
You’ll notice that while Iceland may seem vast, over 60% of its population is nestled in the capital city, Reykjavik.
This means most of Iceland’s population is packed into this one area, making it the country’s biggest hub for work, culture, and social life.
11. Elves play a significant role in Icelandic folklore
Elves aren’t just fairy tales in Iceland; they’re a serious part of folklore.
These mythical creatures are believed to inhabit the island, and many locals might tell you they hold the elves in high regard.
12. Names must be approved from a pre-approved list
Here’s a quirky fact: you can’t just name your child anything in Iceland.
A naming committee has a list, and your child’s name has to be approved to ensure it fits the Icelandic language and traditions.
👶🏼 Find Icelandic girl names and boy names on my mommy blog.
13. Iceland has a vibrant music scene
Next up is music.
With a vibrant music scene, Iceland punches above its weight in the global arena. It’s home to internationally recognized artists like Björk, Sigur Ros, and Kaleo, and it celebrates various music festivals year-round.
14. No McDonald’s exists in Iceland
Economic factors led to the closure of all McDonald’s outlets in 2009. Since then, you can’t find the golden arches anywhere in Iceland.
15. Icelandic police do not carry guns
Your safety here is in the hands of a police force that’s virtually gun-free. They maintain order without the need for firearms.
16. Summer has nearly 24 hours of daylight
Expect nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer months, while winter brings days with just a few hours of sunlight.
17. The Icelandic horse has a unique gait, the tölt
This breed of horse isn’t just sturdy; it also has a special gait called the tölt, known for its smoothness.
18. The Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is actually man-made, not natural. It comes from water used by a geothermal power plant nearby.
Basically, they turned what could have just been wastewater into one of the most awesome spas on the planet.
19. Humans settled Iceland around 870 AD
Did you know people only started calling Iceland home around 870 AD?
Yeah, before that, it was just a big, beautiful, empty spot on the map. Imagine being one of the first to arrive, setting up shop in all that wild nature.
20. Hákarl, fermented shark, is a traditional dish
Dare to try hákarl?
It’s a traditional Icelandic dish of fermented shark, known for its strong flavor and ammonia-rich scent.
21. Iceland has very few trees
Due to extensive deforestation and the island’s harsh conditions, you’ll notice that Iceland has an exceptionally sparse tree population.
22. Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital
Navigate to Reykjavík, and you’ll be in the world’s northernmost capital city, offering cool culture in cooler climates.
23. The Icelandic flag symbolizes natural elements
The Icelandic flag is pretty cool when you think about it. Each color on it stands for a part of Iceland’s nature.
The blue is for the mountains, the white represents the snow, and the red? That’s for the volcanic fire.
24. Every Icelander has a tradition of visiting family swimming pools
Heading to the swimming pool is a big deal for families in Iceland. It’s not just about swimming; it’s where everyone catches up and chills out together.
Thanks to all the geothermal activity, these pools are everywhere, making them the perfect spot to hang out, no matter the time of year. It’s like the Icelandic version of a family BBQ!
25. Icelanders drink more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation
Icelanders really love their Coca-Cola, drinking more per person than any other place in the world.
It’s a fun Iceland fact that shows just how much they enjoy this popular drink.
Even in a country known for its natural beauty and unique traditions, Coke is a favorite.
FAQ – Iceland facts
What are 5 interesting facts about Iceland?
Here are 5 interesting facts about Iceland:
- Iceland has no mosquitoes.
- It uses geothermal energy for most of its heating.
- The Icelandic language has barely changed since the Viking Age.
- Home to the world’s oldest parliament, the Althing, founded in 930 AD.
- The Blue Lagoon is a man-made geothermal spa.
What’s Iceland famous for?
Iceland is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights.
It’s also known for its renewable energy usage, unique culture, and history, including the ancient Viking heritage and the world’s oldest parliament.
What are some interesting facts about the Icelandic people?
- They have one of the highest literacy rates in the world.
- Icelandic names follow a patronymic system.
- A belief in elves and hidden people is still present among some.
- They consume more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation.
- Icelanders have one of the longest life expectancies globally.
More posts about Iceland you might like
- How to drive the Iceland Ring Road in 5 days
- How to plan an epic Iceland road trip
- 13 epic Iceland adventure tours from Reykjavik
Save it!
