what are 10 interesting facts about iceland?

Oskjuvatn is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and kayaking, and is a great spot for nature lovers to explore. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland Iceland. Only an office building in the . Or in case you want to explore it on your own, check our amazing day tours, where well tell you even more. It's the 4th largest glacier in Iceland. The Icelandic Language Is Actually Really Weird. In fact, the original site of the Althing marks the first parliament grounds in European history. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland | MapQuest Travel 15 Interesting Facts About Iceland - Discover Walks Blog Volcanoes and other seismic activity have changed areas of the nation on a regular basis. Located among the Westman Islands is the island of Surtsey thought to be the youngest place on earth. As a result, the air remains fantastically pure, and the harsh, unspoilt landscapes are still ready for exploration and remarkable adventures. Currently, one volcanic eruption occurs every four to five years, on average. Travel and lifestyle in Europe with a focus on Norway & Scandinavia. How's that for a close-knit community? Its topped with onions, ketchup, brown mustard, and a mayo-caper-mustard-herb remoulade. Solheimajokull means "home of the sun glacier". The thinking behind the ban was quite simple: A city is no place for a dog. | Webdesign by, Icelandic Travel Agency D-Travel And Our Story. It is believed that the first settlers arrived in Iceland around 874 AD, and since then the country has gone through a remarkable transformation. 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, Iceland doesnt use last names. "10 Interesting Facts About Iceland" 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. 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. There is some confusion about how many Icelandic people truly believe in elves and trolls. Viking culture is still reflected in the language, the art, and even the land, itself. Elves are part of the Icelandic belief 2. There Aren't Many People If you're like me, you love traveling to places that aren't overly crowded. Until March 1989, Iceland was a country where beer was strictly prohibited. Cheers! The dried fish was also a symbol of the country's rich fishing industry, which has been a major part of the Icelandic economy for centuries. Even Icelandic horses have been bred from Vikings' horses that were brought over from mainland Europe hundreds of years ago. Over the past years, international media like CNN, travel magazines, and websites like Cond Nast and Lonely Planet have named Reykjavk everything from the best place to visit for Christmas or the best place to spend New Years Eve, to simply the most interesting city in the world to visit. The Althing is Icelands national parliament and it is one of the longest-running parliaments in the world. Outside of this region, however, most of the places people live are small towns and villages; Iceland is highly rural. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. Many of the traditional Icelandic dishes are made with ingredients such as lamb, fish, and dairy, and they are often organic and locally sourced. These 10 interesting facts will help you get to know Iceland a little better. 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. 5. But because the paper limits were not too strict, books were excellent Christmas presents. Fun Facts About Iceland Culture & Customs: 6. 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. The country makes great use of all that energy just below the surface. Lopi is used to make lopapeysa, traditional Icelandic sweaters, which are renowned for being light and warmeven when wet. It is said that if you wish upon their light, your wish will come true. Iceland is one of those extraordinary places with traits found nowhere else on the planet. And even the remaining 2 hours and 49 minutes are not completely dark! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 30 Interesting & Fun Facts About Iceland - The Sophisticated Life The island was formed by a volcanic hotspot beneath the ocean, and, due to its age, most of the volcanoes are still active. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland By: Ashley Rayner In recent years, Iceland's gained a reputation among backpackers, hikers and travelers seeking a little bit more adventure. 13 strange and interesting facts about Iceland Glaciers Play a Role in Icelands Unique Topography, 11. 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. The overwhelming majority of the cats in Reykjavk are domestic cats. 8) A very small big city. While Iceland doesnt produce many stars, Icelandic music itself is known around the world, thanks to performers like Bjrk, Of Monsters and Men and Sigur Rs. Be aware that some of the most famous hot springs (ie the Blue Lagoon) are actually manmadealthough the water is naturally heated. Required fields are marked *. So much so that the country celebrates Beer Day on March 1st every year. Icelandic food is known for being delicious and healthy. Tel: (+354)-849-3466, (+354)-764-5192 | Email: dtravel.dusan@gmail.com, https://dtravel.is/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/939188.jpg, http://dtravel.is/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/dtravel-logo-new2018-340x156px-300x138.png. Viking history is so strong in Iceland that their language is quite similar to the Old Norse language of the Vikings. Unlike countries with world-renowned cuisines, Icelandic fare has its roots in survival and is more likely to seem like homey comfort food than a five-star gourmet meal. Read more:Watch: What did the bleak outpost of Reykjavk look like in WWII? Alingi, the current parliament, was established in 1845 as an advisory body to the Danish monarch. 9) Only Western European capital without a Starbucks or a McDonalds 6) People in Reykjavk lived in turf houses into the 1960s Want to find it on a compass? The geothermal heat in Iceland is also responsible for a range of other great natural attractions, such as hot springs and natural hot pools. 1. However, if you are visiting Iceland, you may want to try out some of their exciting and unusual cuisines. The reason was that no lime deposits had been found, meaning it was not possible to make mortar. If you are planning to travel to Iceland, it is a good idea to bring a passport just in case. Did you know that Iceland experiences up to 23 hours of darkness during the month of December and approximately 22 to 24 hours of daylight in the month of June? Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copyright 2023 MapQuest Holdings LLC, a System1 Company. Even more crucially, following the 2008 financial meltdown, the price of goods imported to Iceland skyrocketed, with McDonalds cuisine following suit. Iceland Offers a Unique Tectonic Plate View, 7. As Icelands capital and, really, its only major city, Reykjavik is the de facto center for all cultural happenings in Iceland. If making travel arrangements in another country stresses you out, dont worry. Also Tonga: A Small Island Nation With a Big Fishing and Tourism Industry. It is one of only two places on the planet where you can physically see the split between two of the tectonic plates. 18 Interesting Things You Didn't Know About Iceland The practice began during WWII when monetary limitations limited the quantity of imported giftware available in Iceland. Theres all sorts of volcanic activity occurring underground in Iceland, which becomes geothermal activity. 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. This meant that Icelanders could not build wooden houses. 1. 19 Interesting Facts About Iceland I Bet You Didn't Know - BuzzFeed Majority of Icelanders still believe in elves . In fact, the residents of Iceland dont really pay for many things. Lake Tjrnin Reykjavk manages to be both at the same time: A quaint small town and a proper city Photo/GVA. In fact, Iceland has over 125 volcanoes spread around the country. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland Iceland Located at the southern tip of Europe, Iceland is a fascinating country that has a lot to offer its visitors. One option for exploring Iceland is to rent a car for several days to a week and drive across the nation, including a tour around the Ring Road. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland - Facts Ghost 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. The Icelandic horse is are known for their unique gait known as the tolt. A country known mostly because of its incredibly beautiful and unique nature. Because of this, it has a very bizarre grammatical structure. Check out: How to Visit The Blue Lagoon in Iceland Is it Worth It? 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. Is there any tree growth? Historical facts 1. Scientists believe that this lack of mosquitos is caused by Icelandspeculiar weather patterns. The Althing is housed in the Ingvellir National Park, which is also geographically significant and isnt one of the amazing facts about Iceland? Iceland is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the entire world. The suffix -vik, meaning bay, is a common feature in place names throughout the Nordic region. Icelandic horses nowadays are remarkable in that they are direct descendants of the horses brought over by the Vikings from mainland Europe. Icelands only native mammal is the Arctic Fox. In Iceland, you dont have to worry about those particular pests, because they simply dont have any. Established in 930 AD, the Althing is a unicameral legislature that has been in continuous operation for over 1,000 years. There are many active volcanoes in Iceland. 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. Scientists believe that when the first Nordic immigrants arrived in Iceland, the country had anywhere from 25% to 40% wooded territory. There is no denying that Reykjavk has its charm. No wonder we hear Son of Odin or Dottir (daughter) of Ragnar. Many Icelanders believe in elves Between 30 and 40% of Icelanders will not deny the existence of elves. Despite plans to build a high-speed rail line between the city and Keflavik Airport, a national railroad network has never been developed in Iceland due to the small population and complicated geology. It also features a very strange alphabet, which has no uppercase or lowercase letters. Despite being a small city on the world scale, Reykjavik punches way above its weight due to its capital city status. Beer could sometimes be found stashed away in a fisherman's garage, but was less than 2.25% alcohol. As well as a history of Vikings, double gaited horses and folktales! Since 2008 Iceland has topped the global peace index, and once again it has achieved first place in 2018. Danes drank a lot of beer. Journey to this picturesque country, take in all of its natural beauty and cultural experiences and maybe even spot an elf or two! In recent years, Icelands gained a reputation among backpackers, hikers and travelers seeking a little bit more adventure. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. One of the youngest landmasses formed by volcanic activity The most distinguishing aspects of the Icelandic scenery include active volcanoes, vivid green valleys, glacier-cut fjords, black sand beaches, and roaring rivers. You never know if you might have any issues at the border, and having your passport with you will help you in any situation. Its primarily prepared with Icelandic lamb, with a bit of pig and beef thrown in for good measure. Interesting facts about Iceland . A full 85% of Icelands energy is renewable and the country is also the worlds largest energy per-capita producer. The other issue is that many portions of Icelands lava-ridden topography lack the soil depth required for long-standing vegetation like trees to take root and grow. Iceland is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on literature, music, and art. Only an office building in the suburb Kopavogur is taller. Most languages change over time. Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. The tallest building in Reykjavik is a church. The Reykjavik City Library issued 1.2 million book loans in 2009, despite the fact that the city has a population of barely 200,000 people. This left turf as the only easily available domestic building material for houses. It is located on one of the main streets downtown. 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. In the traditional sense, Icelanders do not have surnames. Most (more than 80%) of the foreign troops were stationed in Reykjavk and its immediate vicinity in the southwestern corner of the island. If youre brave, you can try harkarl, fermented shark that is considered by some to be Icelands national dish. Wash it down with brennevin, a potent type of vodka flavored with caraway seeds or angelica. Weather: Surprisingly Iceland has very temperate weather throughout the year. Where is Iceland? While there are many wonderful foods to try in Iceland, the skyr (pronounced skeer), a type of curd cheese, is definitely a must-eat. 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. Iceland is home to the deepest lake in the country, Oskjuvatn, which plunges to a depth of 220 meters. They ran on a small railroad used to help build the harbour breakwaters in the early 20th century. More than half the worlds puffins nest in Iceland each year, so its perhaps no surprise that many make their way to the capital. 10 Fun Facts about Iceland : Nordic Visitor Iceland, island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. First time cruising? Here are 18 interesting things you didn't know about Iceland. Icelanders have had to make do with their surroundings since they arrived on the island over a millennia ago. 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. Beer was banned. Iceland is a beautiful country that simply cant be compared to anywhere else on earth. In 2015, there were 211,282 people living in the capital region. Do you want to know more about this subject? 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. 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. One of the things Iceland is abundant in is geothermal heat, as evidenced by continued volcanic activity on the island. Subscribers are even listed by their first names in the phone book. Iceland in the 20th century was a curious country and Reykjavk was the capital city of this curious country! Reykjavik is the worlds only capital city with a major puffin breeding colony. It is now the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country! 1. Its no secret that Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. This national custom is known as Jolabokaflod, or Christmas Book Flood. The books are given out on December 24th, and everyone spends the night reading. Fishing has been a more reliable source of food and income for Icelanders than agriculture, which helps explain the apparent preference for coastal locations. However, it is still functional today, and tourists can see the place where one of the earliest democracies took shape. 10 Things You Should Know About Iceland | HISTORY In most countries, spending time out in nature means getting bit by mosquitos. 2. Make sure to check out Veena Worlds Iceland tour package in order to get the best deals. 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. The last . One thing Iceland is known for is its wool industry. You can also expect to see many incredible photo opportunities, as Iceland is known for its beautiful scenery. 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. Iceland was still predominantly a rural society and the overwhelming majority of people living in Reykjavk were either first or second generation migrants from the countryside. Type in any location in ourdestination finderand get started learning about it today. Icelands natural environment transforms the mundane into the spectacular, from staring at the northern lights to resting in a geothermal pool surrounded by volcanic scenery. Check out Incredible Greenland The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel. However, there are plenty of midges to contend with, which might be confused for mosquitoes. Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling. Read more:US considering restationing troops in Iceland. | All rights reserved. Are you ready to explore Iceland? Or did you know that dogs were banned in Reykjavk from 1924 to 1984? This has enabled Iceland to become one of the world's leading exporters of seafood, with a wide variety of fish products being exported to countries around the world. By Magns Sveinn Helgason Take for example the story of why Inglfur Arnarson, who is often said to be the first settler, chose Reykjavk. The Icelandic parliament has undergone changes over the years, particularly after Iceland became unified with Norway. The Althing is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and electing the president of Iceland. Iceland relies on an extraordinarily small amount of fossil fuels to power its infrastructure. This is due to the fact that Iceland is a volcanic island, and the harsh climate makes it difficult for trees to survive. Also Azerbaijan: A Country of Stunning Natural Beauty. Some couples have even been known to get married outside in the middle of an active volcanic eruption! Between 875 and 1125 CE, the Vikings devastated most of these naturally wooded areas. Here are a few things that make Reykjavk surprisingly awesome and interesting: 1) The Puffin Capital: In the meantime, lets get started with 15 cool facts about Iceland that will inspire your next vacation! What is Iceland known for? Interesting Facts About Iceland - Scandification Iceland has one of the world's oldest democracies 3. The majority of Icelanders dont pay for health care, university, or electricity. 20 Best Things to do in Reykjavik in 2023, South Coast of Iceland: 31 Best Things to doand See in 2023, The Blue Lagoon Iceland Your Ultimate Guide. It's an island isolated from the other parts of Europe, famous from the amazing nature, awesome landscapes and (since recently) a place where the Game of Thrones was filmed. One surveyfound that many people in Iceland will neither confirm nor deny their existence because theres no proof either way. Legends Abound and Blend With History, 14. Iceland is home to an impressive 270 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. To find out more, check out these 10 fun facts about Iceland! Outside of Reykjavik, there are relatively few urban areas; much of Iceland remains rural, with small towns and villages scattered around the shores of the island. 4) Permanent settlement in Iceland began in Reykjavk 1. However, after the initial honeymoon phase, sales slowed. 18 November 2015. Puffin taking off Akureyisland west of the old harbour is home to as many as 60,000 adult puffin Photo/Viljelm Gunnarsson, Read more:5 Things you need to know about Puffins. We like to boast about Icelands being the worlds oldest parliamentary democracy. All names that have not previously been accepted must be presented to the Icelandic Naming Committee, which either accepts them if they comply with Icelandic name rules or rejects them, requiring parents to select another name for their child. A year later, America took over the military protection of Iceland. As a result, Iceland has its fair share of hot springs that people enjoy swimming in all year round. Located at the southern tip of Europe, Iceland is a fascinating country that has a lot to offer its visitors. Iceland is considered geologically active, with approximately 130 volcanic mountains, about 30 of which are still active today. As many as 3 or 4 million pairs of puffins nest in Iceland each year. At the time of writing, the eye-catching 244 feet high Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in the city proper. In a way, they achieve this low carbon footprint by default. You can even look up the phone numbers for the prime minister and the president in the phone book. 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. Said to be inspired by the steam rising from hot springs, early settlers named the bay Reykjavik, which means Smoky Bay in Old Norse. Have you had an experience related to the contents of this article? 22 Interesting Facts about Iceland - Fact City These 13 Santas, known as the Yule Lads, are said to descend from the mountains each year to bring gifts to children who have been good. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, Iceland is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. The street used to be painted like this during the annual Pride celebrations. Iceland is also one of few nations that has hydrogen filling stations for cars powered by fuel cells, lessening the transportation industrys reliance on imported fossil fuels. Today, Iceland is a modern, vibrant nation with a population of over 360,000 people. Although not quite as popular as it once was, Iceland is still one of thetop 50 most popular destinationsfor American tourists. Let us know! 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. In fact, only 1% of the entire country is covered with trees. Of course, there were always people who flouted the ban by keeping illegal dogs. 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.
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