If you want to visit an active volcano, there are two that you can access: The Krafla Volcano and the Hverfjall Volcano. Taking into consideration cloud cover and the endless rain, sleet, or snow, those four hours barely register as day. The geothermal heat in Iceland is also responsible for a range of other great natural attractions, such as hot springs and natural hot pools. By Magns Sveinn Helgason Or, if you dont like the weather, just wait a minute for it to change. Reykjavik is a good place to live for this city is safe, green and clean. The island was formed by a volcanic hotspot beneath the ocean, and, due to its age, most of the volcanoes are still active. 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. Read more:How long are the summer days in Iceland? 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. Huge lava fields, thousands of waterfalls, active volcanoes and majestic glaciers. When processed together, the 2 coats make lopi, a type of wool only produced from Icelandic sheep. Iceland, island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. But the city decided to keep the street painted year-round to celebrate joy . Your email address will not be published. Facts Ghost is full of the facts you are curious to know. While there are many wonderful foods to try in Iceland, the skyr (pronounced skeer), a type of curd cheese, is definitely a must-eat. 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! Although not quite as popular as it once was, Iceland is still one of thetop 50 most popular destinationsfor American tourists. The concert hall also hosts many different shows, bringing in many different musicians from around the world. One reason for musics importance in Icelandic culture may be its roots in rimur, rhyming ballads that can be traced back to the tradition of skaldic poetry of the 12th and 13th centuries. 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. Then, head to the turtle-shaped National Library of Iceland to round off your book-themed travels! This UNESCO World Heritage site and volcanic island was formed in 1963 as the result of volcanic eruptions. 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. 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. Also Equatorial Guinea: Petroleum, Fishing, Sawmilling & Gas. Read more:News report: The Viking Age settlement that is emerging in downtown Reykjavk. It is one of only two spots on the planet where you can view the physical separation of two tectonic plates. Parts of Iceland reminded us of New Zealand. The Icelandic Language Has Barely Changed, 13. 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. 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. Iceland is also one of the world's five least militarised countries. The sheep has a dual coat: a long outer coat and a fine inner coat. Reykjavk is the only Western European capital without a McDonalds or a Starbucks. 6) People in Reykjavk lived in turf houses into the 1960s And heres another Iceland fact for you: the Vikings gave both Iceland and Greenland their names on purpose, hoping that their foes would follow them to ice-covered Greenland rather than where they really established themselves in Iceland. 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. Reykjavk is the only capital city in the world that is home to a major puffin breeding colony! Icelanders have wholeheartedly embraced the internet. This article will highlight 10 interesting facts about Iceland that you may not have known before. A year later, America took over the military protection of Iceland. What is Iceland known for? Interesting Facts About Iceland - Scandification It is said that if you wish upon their light, your wish will come true. Did You Know That Iceland is The Oldest Parliamentary Democracy? 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. Are you ready to explore Iceland? (Bonus fact! If parents want to give their child aname, that hasnt been used before, it has to be approved by the, Another thing that has been banned for along period of time was, Icelandic police officers dont carry any, Iceland was the first country in the world having a, There are many weird dishes you may find in Iceland, but one of the most bizarre is definitely r. Icelanders didn't wan to be like the Danish. The location of Reykjavik is at the southwestern part of Iceland. 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. 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. Almost two thirds, or over 64%, of Icelanders live in the capital region. 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. The northern lights are visible during the long winter nights and in the summer the sun sets for just a few hours. However, after the initial honeymoon phase, sales slowed. 18 November 2015. However, it is still functional today, and tourists can see the place where one of the earliest democracies took shape. Join 10,000 others who get our weekly emails! Iceland is a Nordic island located in north west Europe. Iceland is a stunningly beautiful country, but it is surprisingly sparsely forested. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. Reykjavk underwent a transformation which is probably only rivalled by the present explosion of tourism with new cafs and restaurants opening up all over town. 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). There are no official figures on the number of cats in Reykjavk, but the Icelandic Cat Protection Society, which operates a cat shelter, has estimated that there might be as many as 20,000 cats in the capital regionor one cat for every ten people. Settled by Norse Vikings who arrived from Norway in the 800s CE, Iceland has a unique cultural background full of history and colorful tales. Iceland may be a small country, but the effect of their music industry has been felt far and wide. 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. 2022-23 Veena Patil Hospitality Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Icelanders are voracious readers. is a mountainous landlocked country in Central Asia. The majority of Icelanders dont pay for health care, university, or electricity. This lake is located in the central highlands of Iceland, and is the second largest lake in the country. Between 1915 and the 1930s, all alcohol was illegal in Iceland. And this is odd when you consider that the same volcanic debris has actually managed to enhance what soil there is. Its primarily prepared with Icelandic lamb, with a bit of pig and beef thrown in for good measure. Even though most Icelanders dont eat it, it is the countrys most famous meal. They ran on a small railroad used to help build the harbour breakwaters in the early 20th century. Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle; as a result, the country experiences long summer days and perpetually dark winter nights. Of those, 121,822, or just over half, lived in Reykjavk proper, with the rest living in other municipalities in the metropolitan area. 2. Your email address will not be published. Photo/Stefn Karlsson. Said to be inspired by the steam rising from hot springs, early settlers named the bay Reykjavik, which means Smoky Bay in Old Norse. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. To find out more, check out these 10 fun facts about Iceland! If you've ever wanted to experience the famous "midnight sun," when the sun remains visible as late as midnight, or stand beneath the sparkling northern lights, this is the place to be. If you want a really good chance of seeing them, you should visit Iceland between October and February. 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. As many as 3 or 4 million pairs of puffins nest in Iceland each year. It is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Both Island nations are beautiful volcanic countries that have gorgeous landscapes. Harsh conditions arent the only thing that contributed to Icelands lack of forests. More than half the worlds puffins nest in Iceland each year, so its perhaps no surprise that many make their way to the capital. We ate a lot of Icelandic hot dogs on our journey around Iceland, and ice cream. Little wonder that Reykjavk residents leave the Christmas lights out on their balconies well into January! One of the things that impressed me the most in Iceland was the Rainbow Street in Reykjavik. Much of Iceland is covered in lava fields and the nation experiences at least one new eruption about every four years. The eruption lasted for six years and created a large amount of ash and dust, which blocked out the sun and caused significant damage to the ecosystem. Vikings from Norway inhabited Iceland sometime in the 800s. For instance, it has 13 different vowels, which is more than any other language! If youre an avid reader, you will want to make a few stops at some of Icelands beautiful bookstores. Also Azerbaijan: A Country of Stunning Natural Beauty. In addition, Iceland ranks first in the world in the Global Peace Index and first in the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Report. In fact, the record temperature in Reykjavik is just 78.3 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in July 2008. Before you go, it's always fun to learn a few facts about Iceland! 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. Legends Abound and Blend With History, 14. The upside, of course, is that during the summer the sun barely sets. 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. McDonalds used to have a few stores in Reykjavik, and the renowned burger brand was a hit at first. 19 Interesting Facts About Iceland I Bet You Didn't Know - BuzzFeed In fact, Silfra is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates! However, thinking, that nature is the only amazing thing about this country is definitely not true. But for some reason, McDonalds hamburgers never really caught on, and the restaurant was closed down in 2009. You might think that the large numbers of un-collared cats must be feral, but Icelanders have a bad habit of allowing their felines to roam sans collar or bell, much to the chagrin of bird lovers who have repeatedly claimed that the cats are chasing songbirds out of Reykjavk. 2. At the time of writing, the eye-catching 244 feet high Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in the city proper. 1. Iceland Wasnt Always The Blue-Green Beauty You See Today, Discovering the Top 10 Strangest Birds in the World: A Fascinating Look at Avian Oddities, How Did Snakes Get on Snake Island? Also Nicaragua: A Country of Natural Wonders. Top 10 Places in China Discover The Land of Oldest Living Civilization! 30 Interesting & Fun Facts About Iceland - The Sophisticated Life Perhaps the first thing anyone will note about Iceland is its harsh climate. As you can imagine, a landscape that was shaped by volcanoes and glaciers can be a harsh environment for natural growth. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is between September and March when the nights are long and the skies are clear. So, if you want to eat out during the evening, youll want to check at what time the restaurants close. Scientists believe that this lack of mosquitos is caused by Icelandspeculiar weather patterns. Is an East African country officially known as the United Republic of Tanzania. Today, youll find plenty of microbreweries in Iceland! For many villages, fishing is the main industry, which helps to explain why so many establishments are located near to the ocean, leaving Icelands interior rather uninhabited. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of the best ways to experience the language is by visiting the Mm (Moom-view), which is a museum that focuses on the Icelandic language and its many different aspects. "10 Interesting Facts About Iceland" 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. If you are planning to travel to Iceland, it is a good idea to bring a passport just in case. Please send us a line at icelandmag@365.is. Or did you know that dogs were banned in Reykjavk from 1924 to 1984? The last cheeseburger served in Iceland is still on display as a museum exhibit. Many of the traditional Icelandic dishes are made with ingredients such as lamb, fish, and dairy, and they are often organic and locally sourced. Here are 18 interesting things you didn't know about Iceland. Interesting Facts About Iceland | Iceland Statistics | Iceland Flag : Reykjavik, Iceland. Let us know! A country known mostly because of its incredibly beautiful and unique nature. In fact, Iceland currently has no railways and personal car is the way to travel; car ownership is approximately 1.5 vehicles per person. Even the slightest change in the country's geology could awaken some of the most dormant volcanoes. In large part, Iceland has been shaped by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Currently, one volcanic eruption occurs every four to five years, on average. From glaciers to volcanoes to hot springs, there's no shortage of breathtaking beauty to explore here. The local language has more than 100 words for the wind 4. 10 Interesting Facts About Iceland - Things That Will Surprise You Icelandic folklore is still rich with stories about the Hulduflk, meaning "hidden people", who are said to live in the lava fields. There Aren't Many People If you're like me, you love traveling to places that aren't overly crowded. With almost two-thirds of Iceland residents living in the capital region, Reykjavik is one of the biggest small cities in the world. Calling Out The Spiritually Inclined 10 Places Of Worship Worth Visiting In India! This left turf as the only easily available domestic building material for houses. Iceland is home to the world's oldest surviving parliamentary body, the Althing. Another interesting way to experience it is by visiting the Smralind Folk Museum, which is a village that uses authentic language from the past. Dohad nad ochranou osobnch dajov ( v zmysle 44 zkona . Have questions? Read more: Icelandic Food: 15 Traditional Dishes to Try in Iceland. Facts about Reykjavik 3: the coastline. Journey to this picturesque country, take in all of its natural beauty and cultural experiences and maybe even spot an elf or two! Reykjavik is the worlds only capital city with a major puffin breeding colony. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copyright 2023 MapQuest Holdings LLC, a System1 Company. Long life expectancy. The Land of Fire and Ice has become a tourism darling in the past couple of years - and for good reason: Iceland is an incredible country, with features that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Do you want to know more about this subject? 7) The northernmost capital city in the world This is due to the fact that Iceland is a volcanic island, and the harsh climate makes it difficult for trees to survive. You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland year-round. Iceland is home to an impressive 270 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. A map showing the Viking age settlement in Reykjavk, News report: The Viking Age settlement that is emerging in downtown Reykjavk. Top 10 Interesting Facts about Iceland - Pretty Wild World The suffix -vik, meaning bay, is a common feature in place names throughout the Nordic region. Hydropower and geothermal energy is harnassed from the volcanic activity and hot springs to power an estimated85% of the nation. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its easy to imagine that Iceland, like other European countries, relies heavily on public transportation, but that couldnt be further from the truth. 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. 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 language in Iceland, on the other hand, still looks and sounds almost identical to what was spoken centuries ago. The coastline features amazing islands, straits, coves and peninsulas. Immigrants of 131 different nationalities make up 8.5% of the total population. 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. 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. 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. Danes drank a lot of beer. How's that for a close-knit community? In 2015, there were 211,282 people living in the capital region. Be aware that some of the most famous hot springs (ie the Blue Lagoon) are actually manmadealthough the water is naturally heated. 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. Weve mentioned before that Icelanders tend to go out late and stay out even later; clubs often dont fill up until around midnight, even on weekends, when bars and clubs will stay open until 4:30 a.m. For example, the English used by Shakespeares contemporaries looks and sounds different from the English we use today. To be more exact, you can see the North American and Eurasian plates colliding in the Atlantic Ocean at this position.
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