Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world and yet it’s ranked as one of the happiest nations in the world. Iceland is also the safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice,” thanks to its collection of 32 active volcanoes and 269 glaciers—a top destination for travelers who love hiking. These elements are reflected in the colors of the Icelandic flag. The red represents lava; the white, snow; and the blue is used to portray the Atlantic Ocean.
Iceland has frequent volcanic eruptions, contributing to its unique volcanic landscape. The geological history of the nation dates back to the Ice Age. It has a wealth of hot springs and national parks, as well as the remote beauty of north Iceland making the country a wonderful tourist destination.
So, are you ready to learn Old Norse and visit Iceland? Let’s read on to learn some more fun facts about Iceland!
Key Takeaways:
- Iceland is both one of the safest and happiest countries in the world, known for its dramatic natural beauty, including volcanoes, glaciers, and the Northern Lights.
- Iceland leads globally in green energy use, with 85% of its energy coming from geothermal and hydropower sources.
- Cultural identity is strong, with high book publishing rates, unique holidays like Beer Day and Jónsmessa, and deep respect for heritage sites and local customs.
12 Fun Facts About Iceland
1. Iceland has the most writers per capita of anywhere in the world
One in 10 Icelandic people will publish their own book, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Iceland has the most writers per capita, and the most books published per capita in the world.
Iceland has a tradition called the Christmas book flood, or Jólabókaflóð, in the Icelandic language. Icelanders gift each other books ahead of the Christmas holidays and they spend Christmas Eve enjoying the warmth at home and reading their new books.
2. All new first names in the country must be approved by the Icelandic Naming Committee
The Icelandic Naming Committee must approve any new names that do not already appear in the nation’s Personal Names Register. This means Icelandic children can’t be given any old name. The Committee, established in 1991, considers whether or not the proposed first name complies with the Icelandic language, alphabet and cultural customs.
Names that have been rejected by the committee include:
- Woman
- Spartacus
- Princess
- Viking
- Eagle
- Universe
Icelandic Naming Committee members are appointed by a variety of authorities including the Minister of Justice, the Icelandic Language Committee and the University of Iceland’s philosophy and law departments.
3. Only 10% of Iceland is covered in ice
Iceland is only one tenth ice. Visitors to Iceland can choose to explore lava fields, ice caves, hot springs, wilderness areas, an active volcano, or a pink sand beach. The pink and red sands of Rauðasandur beach make it a popular attraction for tourists.
Another unique feature of Iceland is that it is located where the Eurasian tectonic plates meet, which means you can snorkel between the tectonic plates in Icelandic waters. For those looking for a slightly warmer experience, visit one of the country’s hot springs, such as the Blue Lagoon, one of the nation’s most popular geothermal spas.
Extra fun fact: Iceland may not be completely covered in ice but it is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajokull, which accounts for 8% of the land.
4. Many Icelanders believe in elves known as ‘hidden people’
Many Icelanders believe in elves known as hidden people, or huldufólk. Icelandic folklore tales of these mystical creatures suggests that they live peacefully alongside people and sometimes assist those on the island in times of distress. There are many who can offer anecdotal evidence of their experiences of encountering elves or elf rocks.
In fact, a 2007 study by the University of Iceland found that 62% of Icelanders believe in the possibility of elves and other mythical beings. These beliefs in elves and other mystical creatures are so strong that it can lead to the relocation of construction projects to avoid disturbing elf rocks.
5. Iceland experiences both the Northern Lights and the midnight sun
Due to its location just below the Arctic Circle, the people of Iceland can experience both the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. It’s hard to believe that there are places where the sun never fully sets, but Iceland in summer is one of those places.
6. The Arctic fox is the only native mammal in Iceland
The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal in Iceland but the country has a rich selection of animals, both wild and domestic. Iceland is home to both the Icelandic horse and the Icelandic sheep.
Thanks to the selective breeding of these animals in Iceland, Icelandic horses and Icelandic sheep have a pure lineage that dates back over 1,000 years. There is also the Icelandic sheepdog, an adorable type of Nordic Spitz.
The Vestmannaeyjar islands are also home to the world’s largest puffin colony.
7. Iceland has unique holidays and traditions
Some of Iceland’s traditions are amazing.
- Jónsmessa: The people of Iceland celebrate the summer solstice and Midsummer Night with the festival of Jónsmessa on June 24. On this day it’s believed that cows gain the ability to speak, seals adopt a human form and people who roll around naked in the grass can heal their pains.
- Beer Day: An unofficial holiday, but a holiday nonetheless, the people of Iceland drink beer on March 1 to celebrate the end of a 74-year beer prohibition that ended in 1989. Today, the country has an impressive craft beer scene.
- The Christmas Yule Lads: Starting 13 days before Christmas, children put out a shoe for the sons of trolls, the Yule Lads, to fill with goodies. Icelandic children who don’t behave well will wake up to find a potato in their shoe.
- Husbands’ Day: This takes place on the fourth winter month. Husbands are supposed to wake up early, put on a t-shirt and one pant leg and hop around outside their house to welcome Þorri, the Icelandic equivalent of Jack Frost.
8. Iceland has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Each UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland contributes to the beauty of this nation.
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Surtsey Island | This island has only existed since the 1960s as a result of an underwater volcanic eruption. Only a few researchers are allowed to access this place. |
| Vatnajökull National Park | The unique landscape of this national park are what gave Iceland the moniker of the “land of fire and ice.” Visitors can see volcanoes, glacial rivers, deep canyons and beautiful waterfalls. |
| Þingvellir National Park | In addition to its natural beauty, this park has an important place in Iceland’s history. For 800 years, leaders and ordinary citizens would gather here for an annual parliament meeting. |
9. Iceland is a leader in green energy use
According to the Government of Iceland, the nation is the largest producer of green energy per capita in the world. Due to the geothermal heat generated on this volcanic island, Iceland generated 65% of its primary energy using geothermal energy and 20% using hydropower in 2016, meaning 85% of the energy generated in Iceland came from renewable sources. Well done, Iceland!
10. It was illegal to own dogs in Reykjavik for 60 years
It was illegal to own dogs in Reykjavik from 1924 to 1984. People feared that the dogs would spread disease and worsen the housing crisis. Strict rules on dog ownership are still in place in the capital city, including those surrounding registration and vaccinations.
Perhaps thanks to this ban, the city’s cat population thrived. People still take care of local cats, putting food out for them and providing shelters. Cats are such a popular feature of the city that people visiting Iceland can take part in the Reykjavik Cat Walk Tour, which takes participants to areas where cats spend their time and even to a cat cafe in the city.
Extra fun fact: It’s currently illegal to keep lizards, turtles or snakes as pets in Iceland.
11. Iceland has an app to make sure you don’t end up dating a relative
Students at the University of Iceland created an app to help Icelanders avoid accidentally dating a relative. The Icelandic population is surprisingly small, standing at around 384,000 and many people have families on the island that go back generations. This makes dating a tricky task in Iceland.
Thanks to the Book of Icelanders, there is data on the families and family trees of those on the island going back over 1,200 years. The Islendiga App (ÍslendingaApp) uses this information to tell users whether or not their romantic interests are somehow related to them.
12. The Cod Wars were the epic battle between Iceland and Great Britain over territorial fishing rights
The Cod Wars were a series of battles over territorial fishing rights between Great Britain and Iceland. Iceland declared its own 4-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone in 1952 and extended it by another 12 nautical miles in 1958. Britain sent warships and skirmishes ensued, with the dispute coming to an end in 1961. Today, the fishing industry forms one of the main pillars of Iceland’s economy and fishing villages and harbors can be found around the island.