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23 Interesting Facts About Iceland Did You Know?
Iceland is a country full of contrastsFire and ice, landscapes that seem like they're from another planet, peculiar customs, and unique natural phenomena. It's no wonder visitors leave feeling like they've been somewhere unlike anything they've seen before.
In this article we have collected 23 interesting facts about Iceland that will help you better understand their culture, their nature, and their way of life. Some will make you smile, others will surprise you… but all of them will bring you closer.carThey went a little further to this very special corner of the north of the world.
1. The origin of the name “Iceland”
According to the Norse sagas, the name Ísland ("land of ice") was given by the Viking Floki after seeing enormous blocks of ice floating in a fjord. This translation has been retained in other languages, such as Iceland in English (ice = ice, country = land).
2. Reykjavik, the northernmost capital in the world
With about 122.000 inhabitants, Reykjavik It is one of the least populated capitals on the planet and also the furthest north.
3. Did you know what Reykjavik means?
The name translates as "smoking bay" because of the steam that rises from its hot springs. It's also considered one of the cleanest and safest cities in the world.
4. Teenagers also work
In Iceland, you can work in low-income jobs from the age of 13. It's not uncommon to walk into a supermarket and see only teenagers at the checkout.
5. An island bigger than it seems
Iceland has more than 103.000 km², making it the second largest island in Europe (after Great Britain) and the 18th largest in the world. It is comparable in size to Cuba or Portugal.
6. The meaning of its flag
The Icelandic flag has been in use since 1915. The azul represents the sea and the mountains, the Red volcanic fire and the white ice and snow.
7. The carRoute 1: a complete circuit around the island
Iceland is a driver's paradise. Not because of the speed (the limit is 90 km/h), but because of the scenery. carRetera 1 surrounds the entire island with some 1.300 km of pure scenic wonder, due to its shape it is called Ring Road and you can make a route of 10 days around Iceland to complete it
8. Alcohol is carI am controlled
It can only be purchased at Vinbudin, government-run stores. Even so, Icelanders are fans of beer, which was banned until 1989. If you enjoy a beer or wine on vacation, this is something to keep in mind. How much does it cost to travel to Iceland?.
9. One of the best places to see auroras
Thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see Aurora borealis, especially in autumn and winter there are many nights where it is possible to see northern lights in iceland.
10. There is no McDonald's
Iceland doesn't have any McDonald's restaurants. The last one closed during the 2008 crisis and never reopened.
11. Húsavík, whale watching capital
Iceland is the best country in Europe for whale watching. From Húsavík, you can see up to 12 different species. However, it's not our favorite place for a whale watching tour. We tell you all about it in our article. where to see whales in iceland.
12. Hot springs everywhere
You can bathe outdoors all year round. There are Hundreds of thermal baths spread across the island, both paid and Blue Lagoon o GeoSea where you can live an experience of pure relaxation, but there is also free hot springs in iceland in the midst of nature.
13. No mosquitoes or ants
in iceland there are no mosquitoes or antsBut in areas like Lake Mývatn, there are plenty of small, rather annoying flies.
14. One of the safest countries in the world
According to several rankings, Iceland is the safest country on the planet. The president doesn't have bodyguards, and many domestic airports don't even have security checkpoints.
15. Could your partner be your cousin?
Iceland has a genealogical database (Íslendingabók) listing 95% of the population born since the XNUMXth century. It's useful, among other things, to find out if you and your partner are related.
16. Between two continents
The tectonic plates are located in its territory North American and EurasianIt's the only country where you can stand between two plates... and even dive between them!
17. Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe
It covers 8% of Iceland and can be seen from space. That's how immense the Vatnajökull glacier. And one of the best things to do in Iceland is a glacier trekking or visit ice caves during the winter.
18. An island of fire (as well as ice)
Iceland is full of volcanoes. The Eyjafjallajokull It became famous in 2010 for causing air traffic in Europe to collapse, but the most dangerous is the one under Vatnajökull, which could emit lethal gases if it erupts.
19. Hot water doesn't smell like roses
Geothermal water is used for heating in 90% of homes. Hot water usually comes directly from hot springs, which can generate some heat. smell of sulfur in the showers.
20. Almost all of its electricity is renewable
Over 99% of Iceland's electricity is generated with renewable energy., primarily geothermal and hydroelectric. Reykjavik has been recognized as one of the most sustainable cities in the world.
21. Surnames follow the Viking tradition
Family names are not used. The surname is derived from the father's (or mother's) name plus "-son" or "-dóttir." For example, Stefan's son would be Stefánson and his daughter Stefándóttir.
22. The oldest parliament in the world
El althingi It was founded in 930 and is the oldest active parliament on the planet. Its first meeting was at Thingvellir, a place where history and geology intertwine.
23. There are more sheep than people
Iceland has around 600.000 sheep and just 380.000 people. If you come in summer, be prepared to see them everywhere… including the carreteras!
What did you think of the curiosities of iceland? Here you can read others articles from Iceland that you might find interesting. If you are going to travel to Iceland and have any questions you can join the group of WhatsApp and together we will try to help.
