Think you know some amazing facts about Iceland? I assure you that this blog post will leave you seeing the country in a whole new light!
Whenever I ask all of you what you’d like to know more about, it turns out that Icelandic culture is at the top of the list.
And honestly, I get it.
There’s so much to discover beyond the famous waterfalls, volcanoes, and hiking trails. This country has so many cool stories to tell.
So, I’ve rounded up some surprising facts about Iceland, from its culture and traditions to fun facts and more.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- 20 Facts You Didn’t Know About Iceland
- Legal Facts About Iceland
- Cultural Facts About Iceland
- Icelandic Traditions and Fun Facts
- Geographical and Natural Facts About Iceland
- The Arctic Fox is the Only Native Mammal
- Iceland Has No Mosquitoes
- The Average Temperature in January is only 31.3°F ( -0.4 °C)
- Icelandic Horses Display Two Additional Gaits
- The Main Industry is Fishing + Fish Processing
- 97% of Icelanders are Connected to the Internet
- Iceland Geothermal Energy + Environmental Sustainability
- Stay in the Know About Iceland
20 Facts You Didn’t Know About Iceland
If you love a good “Did you Know” tidbit as much as I do, I suggest you grab a cozy drink and get ready to learn a few things about the land of fire and ice that might surprise you.
Legal Facts About Iceland
Iceland has had a few pretty unique laws. From historic bans to forward-thinking policies, let’s check them out!
1. Iceland Beer Ban
Did you know that beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989?!
Back in the days of prohibition, Iceland was on a mission to gain independence from Denmark.
The Danes were big beer drinkers, and Icelanders wanted to set themselves apart – so they banned beer.
(That’s one way to do it!)
Of course, that didn’t stop a few fishermen from stashing away some low-alcohol brews (we’re talking less than 2.25%).
Thankfully, those days are long gone.
Now, Iceland is home to some seriously tasty craft beers you’ve got to try!
2. Strip Clubs Have Been Banned Since 2010
Yep, this is true.
So, what was the idea behind it?
Icelanders focus heavily on gender equality. In fact, they’re regularly ranked as one of the most gender-equal countries in the world.
Banning strip clubs was just one way they decided to back up those values with action.
Iceland is also one of the safest countries to travel solo, especially as a woman traveler. Find out more here.👇
➡️ READ: Solo Travel in Iceland: Why it’s the Best Country in the World to Visit Alone
Cultural Facts About Iceland
With such a rich cultural heritage, you better believe that there are quite a few fascinating traditions and customs that make Iceland unique.
3. Iceland Family Names and the Unique Naming System
Iceland does names a little differently.
Instead of family surnames, the child’s last name comes from their dad’s (or sometimes mom’s) first name, with ‘-son’ for boys and ‘-dóttir’ for girls.
So, if your dad’s name is Jón, you’d be Jónsson or Jónsdóttir.
Pretty cool, right?
It’s a unique tradition that’s deeply tied to Icelandic culture.
If you want to learn more about Iceland’s naming customs, I did an entire post on it here.👇
➡️ READ: Names in Iceland: Learn 6 Important Rules for Icelandic Naming Customs
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Feeling a bit overwhelmed is normal, especially when navigating Keflavík Airport and figuring out your next steps.
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4. The Original Language of the Vikings
Okay, so this is one of the really cool facts about Iceland.
Icelandic is the original language of the Vikings from over 800 years ago!
Icelanders are super proud of their language and fiercely protective of it (as we can see from their naming system earlier).
Icelandic is beautiful and complex – not exactly the easiest language to learn.
What’s amazing, though, is how little it has changed over the centuries.
Most languages evolve a ton over time. Take Old English, for example – I’d probably give up halfway through the first chapter out of boredom and because I’d be completely lost!
But Icelanders? They can pick up the Icelandic Sagas, written back in the 1300s, and read them like they were published yesterday.
These epic tales of Viking heroes, settlers, and historical events are still a huge part of Iceland’s identity today.
How cool is that?
5. Iceland Has a Strong Literary Heritage
Speaking of the Sagas, Iceland is known for its rich literary culture.
Icelanders love to read, and with one of the highest literacy rates in the world, it’s no surprise that books, literature, and storytelling are deeply woven into their identity.
Find out more by visiting the Saga Museum in Reykjavík.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Saga Museum Admission
Icelandic Traditions and Fun Facts
Now let’s get into some fun facts about Iceland, some are a bit random, but this wouldn’t be a fun fact list without random facts, am I right?! 😀
6. Annual Sheep-Sorting Tradition (Réttir):
Every September, Icelanders take part in Réttir, a fun sheep-sorting event that’s been around since Viking times.
Communities come together to round up and sort the sheep that have been grazing in the Highlands all summer long.
7. Highest Rate of Movie Attendance Per Capita
This is true and the Guinness Book of World Records proves it!
Another fun random fact about Iceland: When you go to the cinema, there’s an intermission in the middle of the movie. Everyone gets up to go to the bathroom or refill snacks and drinks!
8. Icelanders Believe in Elves
It might sound a bit out there (and it’s definitely one of the more unique facts about Iceland) but many locals believe in elves, or huldufólk (the “hidden people”).
This belief is deeply woven into Icelandic folklore and has been passed down through generations.
So, if you ever hear someone talking about elves in Iceland, don’t be too quick to dismiss it!
9. Icelandic Yule Lads
Icelanders don’t just have one Santa; they have something known as the 13 Yule Lad brothers.
They’re actually trolls, and during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, each one visits children, bringing different gifts.
The Yule Lads are a huge part of the Christmas tradition in Iceland!
➡️ READ: The Yule Lads of Iceland & Grýla: 13 Quirky Christmas Trolls And A Witch
10. There’s an App to Avoid Dating Your Cousin
Okay, brace yourself for this one!
The Íslendingabók app helps Icelanders avoid accidentally dating relatives by providing a family tree.
Definitely check out Íslendingabók.is if you suspect some Icelandic blood in your veins!
With such a small population, it actually makes sense, but it’s definitely one of the weirder facts about Iceland.
11. The National Sport of Iceland is Handball
Handball was a completely new sport to me – and until I arrived in Iceland, I didn’t even know it existed!
If I have to describe it, I’d say it’s a mix between basketball and lacrosse.
It’s played indoors on a basketball court, but the nets are more like the size of hockey nets and the ball is small enough to be held in the palm of your hand.
Similar to lacrosse, players pass the ball around, trying to score goals and rack up as many points as possible.
It’s fast-paced and intense, but looks like a lot of fun!
12. Þorrablót (Rotten Food Festival)
Iceland has this awesome food festival called the Thorrablot Festival (Þorrablót).
It’s the perfect chance to try all kinds of traditional Icelandic dishes, or Þorramatur.
An interesting fact about Iceland is that this festival is also known as the “rotten food festival.”
YUM!
You’ll find some pretty unique dishes, like fermented shark, sour ram testicles, and blood pudding.
Are you drooling yet? 😉
These foods are all about Iceland’s old-school preservation methods.
If you want to experience Icelandic cuisine, but this is a little too adventurous for you, why not sign up for the Reykjavik Food Walk Tour.
It’s been rated the top food and drink activity in Iceland!
You’ll have the opportunity to go restaurant hopping and sample some delicious dishes along the way.
Get a 10% discount when you use my special code: CODE: ICEVIEW
13. Iceland’s Pool Culture (Geothermal Pools + Hot Springs)
One thing you need to know about Iceland is that they have a HUGE pool culture!
Locals flock to these geothermal pools and natural hot springs to unwind, chat, and catch up with friends.
It’s the perfect way to connect with others while soaking in the country’s unique geothermal beauty.
This is definitely a genuine Icelandic experience you don’t want to miss out on!
Check out my favorite free hot springs in Iceland below.👇
➡️ READ: Top 10 Free Hot Springs in Iceland: Unwind & Discover These Hidden Gems
Iceland’s hot springs are a must on your itinerary, and I’m here to make sure you don’t miss out on them while planning your trip.
My 👉 Iceland Maps + Guidebooks highlight all the best geothermal pools and must-see spots, making sure you won’t miss a thing.
Plus, you’ll get planning worksheets, exclusive discounts, and helpful tips from someone who’s been there and knows the best spots.
Geographical and Natural Facts About Iceland
From its rare wildlife to its climate, Iceland’s natural world is so unique. Here are a few things about this island’s geography and nature that you might not know!
14. The Icelandic Arctic Fox is the Only Native Mammal Animal
First of all, have you seen pictures of the Icelandic Arctic fox?
Cuteness overload!
The Arctic fox is the only native mammal in Iceland, all the other mammals were brought here by the first settlers.
They feed on birds and fish to survive, but conservation efforts have also helped their numbers stay steady.
These little guys are adorable – yet tough enough to thrive in Iceland’s harsh conditions.
I gotta say, I’m impressed!
15. Iceland Has No Mosquitoes
The climate in Iceland varies from place to place, and with all the water around, you’d expect to find mosquitoes. But nope, you won’t find any of those little bloodsuckers here.
Another reason to love Iceland!
What you will find, however, are midges.
These tiny bugs can be pretty annoying, especially around the Mývatn area. So make sure you come prepared.
I recommend 👉 this head net to keep them off!
16. The Average Temperature in January is Only 31.3°F ( -0.4 °C)
Contrary to what most people might think, Iceland doesn’t get that cold in the winter!
This is because of the Gulf Stream effect which warms the South and West of the country.
The temperature depends on where you live, so towns in the Northern parts of Iceland do get colder and have more snow.
But honestly, I have experienced much colder winters growing up in Wisconsin!
That said, you must come prepared.
You absolutely need to pack the right gear if you want to make the most of your time in Iceland!
With unique terrain and unpredictable weather challenges, it’s important to dress appropriately.
Luckily, I’ve got you covered with my 👉 Ultimate Packing Guide.
Inside, you’ll find weather averages, a layering cheat sheet, what to pack for each season, plus items I personally recommend and where to find them.
I’ve also included recommendations for photography equipment, accessories, documents, and electronics.
It’s all in my Ultimate Packing Guide!
Download the FREE PDF below.👇
17. Icelandic Horses Display Two Additional Gaits
These beautiful horses, known for their gentle temperament, stand out for another remarkable reason: their unique gaits.
Gaits are the different ways a horse moves, like the walk, trot, canter, and so on.
And apparently, the tölt and the flying pace are special gaits unique to Icelandic horses.
Huh! Who knew?
18. The Main Industry is Fishing + Fish Processing
Fish makes up 70% of Iceland’s exports, plus, it’s some of the purest fish you’ll find anywhere in the world.
One of the local snacks you’ll see everywhere is Hardfiskur, which is like Iceland’s version of beef jerky – only with fish instead of beef.
And honestly, it’s so much better when you dip it in a big scoop of golden Icelandic butter.
Yummm!
19. 97% of Icelanders are Connected to the Internet
For a tiny island in the Northern Atlantic and in the most remote areas of the country, internet is surprisingly easy to find.
This is good news for travelers because you can pick up wifi at most cafes and accommodations!
20. Iceland Geothermal Energy + Environmental Sustainability
Over 99% of Iceland’s energy supply is renewable.
This energy is produced by geothermal energy and hydropower, making it one of the top 10 most eco-friendly countries in the world.
Stay in the Know About Iceland
Want to stay up-to-date on what’s happening around Iceland that could affect your trip, plus get cultural insights and insider tips for your next adventure?
Then don’t forget to 👉 SIGN UP for my FREE Iceland newsletter.
Find out about upcoming events and get exclusive discounts straight to your inbox.
Trust me, there’s always something new to discover in Iceland – and I’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Happy Planning!
