Its capital and largest city is Reykjavk. Emilana Torrini is also known for her single Jungle Drum and her third album Love in the Time of Science. The main evidence that this American community ever existed is what was written in the Book of Settlements, but as it was not mentioned in wider European literature, it was considered to be a legend for centuries. Do You Know Any of Them? She has also won the2016 Dubai Fitness Championship and appeared in the documentary Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness. On the green hill Arnarhll,a statue ofInglfur Arnason overlooks central Reykjavk. The former gymnast withdrew from the 2015 CrossFit Games due to heatstroke, but baring that occasion, she has never finished below top 13. Kolbeinn Sigrsson Kolbeinn Sigrsson is an Icelandic professional footballer. His struggles are also incredibly relatable, and the themes of independence, community, capitalism and cooperation resonate to this day. What makes him even more notable as a historical figure is his relation to the aforementioned Sigrur Tmasdttir; he was the lawyer she was working with to try to save Gullfoss. The Danish records of him end here; but in the early 1990s, it was discovered what had happened. To learn more about Leif, you could visit several places around Iceland. He established Studio Olafur Eliasson in Berlin in 1995 and co-founded Studio Other Spaces in 2014. This is actually a natural phenomenon that makes Iceland popular among travelers. | Icelandmag Fkus Matur 433 Eyjan Pressan Kynning Fasteignir Kvikmyndir DV Previous skir fjlmilar missa sig yfir nju slensku strkasveitinni - Rrik Gsla samt strstu nfnunum bransanum A trained drummer and pianist, he uses his customized software to mingle classical and modern notes. Tmas would refer to the waterfall as his friend, and his sentiment was felt throughout his family. Some of the people below are celebrities born in Iceland, while others are simply notable locals. His popularity as a strongman earned him the role of Gregor Clegane in the popular series Game of Thrones. While his role in the formation of the nation was enormous, however, he did not change culture in the same way those listed above did, so just misses out on a place on the list. Who are these celebrities, you might ask well, here are a few you can get familiar with: 1. While Iceland had previously been visited, and a few others had resided on it for short periods, he was the first person brave enough to relocate from Norway, and permanently settle here with his family. 5. Icelandis small but rich in culture, so people are very used to seeing at least national celebrities around and about; many will even be related to one. The island of Grmsey is situated on the Arctic Circle. Gurn svfursdttir: Gurun is a character in the Laxdla saga who is believed to have actually existed. While it was a mighty feat that drew the worlds attention, however, it was not the first time Icelandic footballers had wiped the floor with peoples expectations of them. The businessmen, however, were savvier with the law and found a loophole that would allow them to follow their plans regardless. While those who initially chose to move to Iceland were all Norse, they brought with them many Irish slaves. She was soundly reelected three times, serving in office for 16 years. If you wish to learn more about Bret and her wider movement, check with museums before attending to see if any temporary exhibitions are on display. Tmas refused this offer completely, unwilling to sell no matter the cost. Proudly made in Reykjavk City. He has been portrayed in films like The Viking (1928). Icelandic former footballer and coach Eiur Gujohnsen began his senior career with Valur and then had successful stints with clubs such as Chelsea and Barcelona as a forward/midfielder. Many more individuals, from characters of the Sagas to the modern directors and composers, deserve a mention, just illustrating the depth of Icelands contribution to the world. During this time, Icelands oppressive democratic system, which excluded women and men without property, crumbled. Iceland may be one of the worlds smallest independent countries, but FIFA considers its teams to be rising amongst the best in the world. You might not be familiar with the talented actor lafur Darri lafsson yet, but something tells us that you will be soon enough. His most venerated novel isIndependent People. Thereafter he played with AZ, with whom he won the 201213KNVB Cup; and with Charlton Athletic before joining Burnley in July 2016. Opportunities to break out of fishing and farming communities to challenge the values of the world were practically non-existent. He returned to Iceland and resumed his role as lawspeaker from 1222 to 1232, now believing that Iceland should join the Norwegian kingdom. Her efforts seemed futile against the capitalist machine that was moving the plans forward, but she refused to accept defeat. She has put Iceland on the map regarding contemporary culture and is well-loved across the nation. Because of the fame this gave him, he was chosen for the most important role in Iceland at the time, becoming Law Speaker of the Althing in 1215. Stream songs including "Function Pt 1 (feat. She owns a band named the "Sugarcubes". He returned to Greenland to take over his fathers role upon his death, but the settlement he created was not well-maintained. Bret played a major role in propelling Iceland from a patriarchalsociety into a bastion of womens rights, literacy, universal education, and social justice. The first of these is the Bible of Old Norse mythology, Edda, now regularly referred to as Snorris Edda. Christianity at the Glacier, also called Under the Glacier, for example, is set in the shadow of Snfellsjkull glacier, and introduces readers to the nature of Snfellsnes Peninsula and the curious residents who live on it. He has been the club captain of rvalsdeild club FH .more Jn Jsep Snbjrnsson Age: 46 Birthplace: Akureyri, Iceland Olafur Eliasson is an Icelandic-Danish artist. Out of these, several have made . Ahead, however, are nine people that it would be almost impossible to exclude. There are flights connecting India to Iceland and Iceland to India. The Vikings of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark - and all Norse colonies - were famed for their seafaring skills, and their continuous desire to sail further west and explore new lands. Without a doubt, the most famouscurrentIcelandic writer is Arnaldur Indriason, author of crime fiction stories that have been translated into many languages and published in 26 countries. He first wintered on Icelands shores, then returned to live the last of his days here, in spite of how he complained of how inhospitable it was for the years between. He was baptised and brought Christianity to Greenland when he returned. He represented Iceland in UEFA Euro 2016,where he assisted the countrys first-ever goal in a major tournament;andin 2018 FIFA World Cup. The bestselling Icelandic singer-songwriter of all time, Bjork was named in Time magazine's most influential people in the world list in 2015. She is best known for her association with the now-defunct yet popular band, The Sugarcubes. Explore Reykjavik by Foot Colorful houses in Reykjavik The best way to start your trip to Iceland is by sightseeing in the capital city of Reykjavik. In June 2018, he was honored with the Order of the Falcon. Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson. Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet. In the UK, the batter is made with flour, vinegar, salt, beer, and baking soda, while the Icelandic version is made from spelt flour and without beer, making the rape seed oil-fried fish lighter and similar to tempura in texture. Snorris was raised by a relative of the Norwegian king in Iceland, which was agreed upon by his father as a way for him to receive compensation after he was attacked in a dispute at the Althing. After making multiple national records in freestyle, she retired and started studying acting. Snorrastofa Museum in Reykholt is dedicated to his works and is situated in the town where he did the majority of his writings. While his infidelities meant his marriage did not last when he relocated to Reykholt, he was well-known and loved across the country for his poetry. With a population of mere 320 thousand and having been under foreign rule up until 1944, Icelanders can be quite sensitive when it comes to measuring themselves against other (and bigger) countries. It may have been a nuisance for many air travelers, but it was a relatively minor event compared to Iceland's most significant eruptions in the past. Dav r Viarsson Age: 39 Birthplace: Reykjavik, Iceland Dav r Viarsson (born 24 April 1984) is an Icelandic footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for FH and the Iceland national team. The success drew great attention to each of the players (though it should be noted that the women's team reached the same position in 1995 and 2013 to much less furore). Although its members try their best to keep a low profile, their music has been featured in countless films and they play at sold-out gigs everywhere from Tokyo to New York. In the field of visual arts, rarinn Benedikt orlksson was one of Iceland's first contemporary painters, the first Icelander to exhibit paintings in Iceland. When it was discovered who he was, however, he went to trial to consider whether or not he was legally a free man, as it was illegal to own slaves in Denmark outside of the colonies. Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Furfur. Iceland has now just become the smallest country ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The Icelandic handball team has a longer history of success stories, and its players are well-known in countries that practice the sport. Jhann Jhannsson was an Icelandic music composer best remembered for his wide array of work for various medium like theatre, television, and film. She was popular throughout her terms and is still popular today. Famous for being one of the top three countries in the world for women to live in, Iceland was the first country in the world to have a political party formed and led entirely by women. She presided over the Womens Rights Association twice, when it was first established, then again from 1912 to 1927. He won 97caps while representing Iceland during 2007-20, which included representing the country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A trip to Iceland isn't complete wi See a selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the Northern Lights throughout Iceland. Inglfurs influence on Icelands history is indisputable. A comprehensive list of the most famousIcelanders in history is a difficult thing to compile. Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the latest news from Iceland sent to you. It was for these creations that he won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Literature thrived in the 20th century and writer Halldr Laxness went on to win the 1955 Nobel Prize in Literature. `Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by forseti.is. Stefn Karl Stefnsson was an Icelandic singer and actor. Gylfi Sigursson is an Icelandic football player who plays for the Iceland national team and Premier League club Everton. Vote for Your Favourite Icelander Musicians 1 Bjork (Famous as the Lead Singer of Alternative Rock Band 'The Sugarcubes') 58 27 Birthdate: November 21, 1965 Sun Sign: Scorpio Who is the most famous personto have come from Iceland? The roots of Iceland's cuisine comes from the Scandinavian cuisine after Norse Vikings settled here during the 9th century and onwards. Laxness died in 1998, and in his lifetime, underwent many personal changes that reflected the world around him. 1. Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Steindy. Women were permitted to participate in municipal elections, so she formed a womens party, the success of which shocked the Reykjavk establishment. She drew attention by threatening to throw herself from the falls should they be sacrificed for the profits of a few. Second to himis probablyYrsa Sigurardttir, who is becomingincreasingly known for her mysterious and macabre novels. She formed the Icelandic Womens Rights Association, or Kvenrttindaflag slands, in 1907, which still exists today. List of famous people from Iceland, including photos when available. The nation is also known for its rich musical heritage which includes vibrant folk and pop traditions. Let us know! He played for Iceland at under-19 and under-21 level and became full international in 2012. There is a growing movement in Iceland to include more herstory within the city museums and to raise a statue of Bret, although these demands are only just gaining traction. 5. It is possible that it was visited as far back as the fourth century BC; there is a vague description of a land called Thule by Ancient Greek geographer and explorer Pytheas that some suspect to be Iceland. She and her sisters laid the first path down to the falls, and would take visitors to come and see it; even in the 19th Century, it drew people from around the world. He has won the Icelandic Cup with Breiablik and the Super League Greece with Olympiacos. Considered to be Icelands first environmental campaigner, she fought for the preservation of one of the countrys most beautiful features and in doing so, inspired changes in laws that would keep so much of her land protected. He wrote essays, poetry, theatre pieces and nonfiction texts. Our roster of famous people also includes Icelandic politicians and even a professional footballer or two. Arnor Sighvatsson, economist Arts and culture Architects Gujn Samelsson Gumundur Jnsson Halldra Briem Hgna Sigurardttir Authors Arnaldur Indriason, writer Dav Stefnsson, poet Einar Benediktsson, writer, poet Einar Krason, writer Einar Hjrleifsson Kvaran editor, novelist, poet, dramatist Einar Mr Gumundsson, writer The actress resides in Hollywood with her husband and new-born daughter. Jhanna Sigurardttir, meanwhile, became the first openly gay leader in the world, serving as prime ministerfrom 2009 to 2013. 10 World Famous Icelanders. An MP since 1978, she was Iceland's Minister of Social Affairs and Social Security from 1987-1994 and 2007-2009. When Snorri returned to Norway, however, he found the King no longer to be a trusted friend, and was not permitted to leave. Recently theyve taken to boasting about their very own internationally-acclaimed celebrities. 7. Here are some honourable mentions who just missed out on the list. This is a list of notable people from Iceland, arranged in categories and ordered alphabetically by first name, following the usual naming conventions of Iceland. To learn more about the settlement era altogether, there is the excellent Settlement Centre Museum in Borganes. No edits made. No edits made. While figures like Margaret Thatcher, first elected in 1979, used their role as a wife and mother to sell themselves to conservatives who believed that women should stay traditional gender roles, Vigds was a single mother and divorcee, and unashamed of it. What is said, however, is that he settled and named Reykjavk. Read ahead, to learn of the adventurous Icelandic Vikings, incredible writers, and trail-blazing Icelandic men and women who came from this little island, and went on to change the world. He has starred in a lot of films that you may have watched. However, it is also known for the Northern Lights, whale watching, jailed bankers after the financial crisis and some very strange delicacies. On the discovery of many grapes and berries near where his ship landed, he named the new world Vnland, or Wineland. Birthplace: Reykjavk, Iceland. Ari orgilsson: As discussed earlier, without Ari orgilsson, almost all of our knowledge of medieval Iceland and the settlement era would be gone. Thus, by the time the family returned to Iceland, and Erik rallied a group of people to settle the new land, Leif was a very well-rounded young man. The election of a person in the queer community to lead the government, however, was an enormous landmark, and to this day, Jhanna remains the only openly lesbian leader of any country throughout history. No edits made. Despite this, Iceland has its fair share of several famous people. This sewed a great amount of discord between him and many chiefs across the commonwealth. Bret Bjarnhinsdttir, however, born in a developing Reykjavk in 1856, managed to make herself known. He is best known, however, for his novels. He thus led an expedition and came to North America. That does not mean, however, it was completely forgotten in this time. The most internationally famous Icelander by far is the singer BjrkGumundsdttir, better known simply as Bjrk. Prior to 2016, Eiur Smri Gudjohnsenwas Iceland's most known footballer, having played for clubs such asChelsea and Barcelona. In spite of the sweeping social reforms her government passed, which empowered women and LGBTQ people in particular, she is best remembered for helping Iceland escape economic doom following the 2008 crisis. Jhanna Sigurardttir is a former Prime Minister of Iceland. It has a dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. She also performs at the various international tours and in the music festivals of Iceland. Politician. Learn about the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, the best waterfalls to visit, and the stories behind them. Hafr Jlus Bjrnsson is an Icelandic actor and former professional strongman. Iceland's most famous witch trial, the father and son plead guilty to the use of sorcery against the minister, who . Katrn Tanja Davsdttir also won the CrossFit championshipsin 2015. Iceland is filled with interesting rock sculptures, lava form Iceland is infamous for its ever-changing weather, with mild winters and often cool and windy summers. Photo fromWikimedia, Creative Commons, by Magnus Frderberg. It is a shame it did not get such furore, but proved that the 2016 championships were not a fluke; Icelandic football is in its renaissance. He was invited to Norway, and became a hirdman, or Housecarl, for the King Olaf Tryggvasson. Two of the nation's politicians, in fact, made international history by shattering glass ceilings, dramatically changing the culture of the worldin groundbreaking ways. v t e Iceland on the carta marina by Olaus Magnus. Ragnheiur Ragnarsdttir, or Ragga Ragnars, was 19 when she became Icelands youngest swimmer at the Olympics. Because of her magazine, she was invited to the International Womens Suffrage Conference, held in Copenhagen in 1906. The only reason Snorri sneaks ahead or Ari on this list is because his texts have wider implications within European history, and because of his influences outside of his writings. She was first noticed as part of the alt-rock band the Sugarcubesfrom 1986 to 1992, before going on to becomean international music sensation and stylistic icon. Leif joined his father in these travels, learning about ship craft as he did. Vote For Your Favourite Icelander Personality, (Famous as the Lead Singer of Alternative Rock Band 'The Sugarcubes'), (Icelandic Professional Strongman, Regarded as One of the Greatest Strength Athletes of All Time), (Icelandic Actor and Singer Best Known for His Role as Robbie Rotten in TV Series LazyTown), (One of the Greatest Strongmen of All Time), (Retired Icelandic Powerlifter Who Is a 4-Time Worlds Strongest Man Contest Winner), (Icelandic Footballer-Turned-Coach Who Has Played for Chelsea and Barcelona), (Creator of the Children's Television Series LazyTown), (Icelandic Mixed Martial Artist Who Competes for the UFC Welterweight Division), (The Second Woman to be the CrossFit Champion Twice), (Icelandic Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer), (Czech-Icelandic Singer-songwriter and Actress Best Known for Starring in the Film 'Once'), (An Olympian Swimmer Who Later Became an Actor and Starred in Vikings), ( Icelandic Weightlifter and CrossFit Athlete), (The First Woman to Become a 2-Time CrossFit Games Winner), (Icelandic Footballer Who Has Had Successful Stints with Breiablik and Olympiacos), (Artist known for sculptured and large-scale installation art employing elemental materials such as light, water, and air temperature to enhance the viewer's experience), (Icelandic-American Footballer Who Plays for the US National Team), (Icelandic Footballer Who Has Had a Successful Stint as an Ajax Striker), (Icelandic Professional Footballer Winger), (Icelandic Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Right Winger or Striker), (Icelandic Poet, Lyricist, Screenwriter, and Novelist), (Icelandic Professional Football Player Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder), (Icelandic Former Professional Football Centre-Back).