Living in Iceland as an American, I can honestly say this place has completely stolen my heart. 🧡
It didn’t take long before I became completely charmed with the Icelandic people and their way of life.
Of course, moving here meant I needed to get used to how things work in Iceland pretty quickly… though I’ll admit, I’m still learning!
But I love how history and traditions are still very much woven into Icelandic culture today. There’s a certain depth you can really feel when you visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and are curious about what the people are like, how traditions show up in everyday life, and a few fun things I’ve noticed over the years, this guide will give you a helpful heads up before you go.
Let’s get into it!
Icelandic Culture Is Deeply Connected to Its History + Landscapes
Some places you visit feel incredibly modern. Think Tokyo, with its neon lights and futuristic energy.
Iceland is definitely modern and progressive, but there’s also a quiet sense of age here.
(Not in a crumbling or outdated way… but in the sense that the past is still very present in everyday life.)
The landscapes, traditions, and language haven’t been swept aside by modern life. Instead, life here seems to have been shaped by them.
Iceland Sagas + Folklore
Supernatural stories of elves, sea monsters, and trolls… they are all part of Icelandic folklore.
It goes far beyond just old legends. Even today, there are people who believe that elves still roam the land!
The Icelandic Sagas are another important part of the country’s cultural history.
They’re stories that range from historic accounts of the settlement of Iceland to dramatic medieval tales.
It’s all so interesting, and history buffs will absolutely love looking into this.
There are quite a few museums in Iceland that explore the sagas and Viking history. A popular stop is the Saga Museum in Reykjavík, where you can learn more about it.
The Landscapes
When you live on a volcanic island filled with glaciers, lava fields, and roaring waterfalls, it’s kind of impossible for nature not to influence everyday life!
For centuries, the landscape affected everything from how people farmed to how they survived the harsh environment.
And it still shows up in daily life today.
Take Iceland’s pool culture, for example. Geothermal pools and hot springs are a big part of how people socialize here. Friends meet up, families hang out, and a lot of conversations happen while soaking in hot water. (If you’re visiting the capital, check out these 👉 pools in Reykjavík.)
You can even see the landscape reflected in Icelandic art and architecture. Just look at Hallgrímskirkja, whose design was inspired by the country’s basalt lava columns.
Psst…If you’re planning to visit the geothermal pools and museums, I’ve pinned all my favorites on a digital map. With this 👉 Iceland Travel Map and Guide, you’ll get detailed regional breakdowns, local gems, insider planning tips and so much more!
What Are Icelandic People Like?
I don’t like to play into stereotypes, but in general, people from different countries are often seen as having certain traits:
Italians are lovers…
Canadians are polite…
Americans are… well…. loud… (What can I say? We make an entrance!)
So, what can you expect from Icelandic people?
Icelanders are a bit reserved. They’re still warm and friendly, it just might take a little longer to crack the shell.
But once you’re in, they’d wrestle a bear for you…if there were bears in Iceland. 😉
How Icelanders Communicate
The main language spoken here is Icelandic, but the good news is that English is widely spoken.
As a visitor, you probably won’t have much trouble communicating, especially in the larger towns and cities.
That said, there are a few things I’ve noticed about the way Icelanders speak.
Icelanders Speak with Ingressive Speech
This one really threw me for a loop, and I had to do a double-take when I first heard it.
You know how we normally exhale when we speak? Well, Icelanders sometimes say certain words while breathing in instead. Words like yes or no (já /nei)
It sounds like a gasp… but with words.
Sometimes they’ll even use full phrases to express surprise or emotion.
For more interesting facts about the Icelandic language, check out this post. 👇
➡️ READ: Icelandic Language: Fun Facts, Quick Phrases, and Tips for Travelers
Icelandic People Insert English Words + Phrases
Icelanders are fiercely proud… and protective of their language and culture.
There’s even a baby-naming committee regulating what you can name your kids in Iceland!
Icelandic has remained largely unchanged, and it’s pretty much the same language the Vikings spoke.
That’s why I was surprised to hear Icelandic being spoken and then, suddenly, an English word or phrase would pop up…. sprinkled into the sentences like confetti!
With a population of about 400,000 people, you can understand why there’s some concern about protecting the language for future generations.
💥 All these language quirks can feel a little confusing and overwhelming for first-time visitors, especially at the airport…
Thankfully, my 👉 Free Iceland Arrival Guide shows you exactly what happens at Keflavík Airport, step by step, so you’re not standing there wondering what to do next.
I’ve also included estimated wait times, a simple arrival day plan, and a few VIP discounts.
Get it here. 👇
Social Norms + Everyday Culture in Iceland
It’s often the little, everyday habits that stand out most in Iceland, like these. 👇
Icelanders Seldom Use Titles
Don’t expect anyone to act superior – Icelandic people are very down to earth.
It’s completely normal to address your doctor, teacher, or even the president by their first name. In the U.S., that might feel a little disrespectful, but here it’s not meant that way at all.
They genuinely view everyone as equals… even if you have a fancy-schmancy title!
Babies in Iceland Sleep Outside
Here’s a little Icelandic parenting hack: babies nap outside.
Parents have special prams made just for outdoor sleeping. Wrap ’em up, pop them outside, and let nature do the rest.
The idea behind this is that fresh air helps babies sleep better. In fact, many parents swear by the benefits of babies sleeping outside, saying that with fewer indoor distractions and less stimulation, their babies often nap longer and more peacefully.
I think Icelandic people are definitely on to something here. 😉
Of course, the babies are bundled up properly and protected from the elements, and yes, they are safe. Parents are always keeping a close eye nearby.
So if you’re sitting at a café and happen to see a stroller parked outside with a baby napping inside, don’t panic.
And no need to call the police! It’s totally normal here.
Icelandic People Often Shop Abroad
This one made my jaw drop.
It’s not uncommon for Icelanders to arrange trips abroad for the sole purpose of shopping.
Some products, like baby items, are significantly more expensive here, so Icelandic people will justify booking flights, accommodation, etc., just to buy them elsewhere at a lower price.
Certain items will be marked up exponentially more in Iceland, which is definitely one of the downsides of living on this island!
Food Culture in Iceland
Food says a lot about a place, and Iceland is no exception. Here are a few interesting things about the food culture in Iceland.
They Put Sauce on Everything
When you visit Icelandic grocery stores, there aren’t a whole lot of options or brands when you’re shopping for products.
…Except for sauces.
The sauce aisle is something else. Béarnaise, cocktail, pepper-cheese… and that’s just the start. Icelanders will put sauce on just about anything.
If you love experiencing a culture through its food, why not take it one step further?
Taste your way through Reykjavík on the Reykjavík Food Walk Tour.
Sample authentic Icelandic dishes and hear insider stories from a knowledgeable local guide. This small-group experience is a fun and delicious way to dive into Icelandic culture.
Book a 👉 Reykjavík Food Walk Tour using the code: ICEVIEW for a 10% discount!
People from Iceland Love Sugar
Icelanders look like they’re in pretty good shape, so it came as a big surprise to me just how much they looove their candy, sweets, and sodas.
If you were impressed by the sauce aisle in the grocery stores, step aside for the candy selection! 😂
There’s even a Candy Day on Saturdays, where you’ll find sales on bulk candy.
A good example of this sweet obsession is when ordering ice cream. I expect to get the flavor I want, and that’s it. But in Iceland, they’ll often jam several whole candy bars right into it!
Sweets also make regular appearances in the workplace. It’s not unusual for someone to randomly bring a cake or pastries to share.
That said, Icelanders are generally very active… so I guess it balances out!
And here’s a fun fact: Iceland is the country that consumes the most Coca-Cola in the world. Who knew?
Sweet treats do make the perfect Iceland souvenir. Omnom chocolate is a favorite, and if you’re visiting over Easter, you’ll also see how Icelandic traditions show up in the celebrations. Icelandic Easter Eggs, for example, come packed with hidden surprises!
Geothermal Baking
Here’s a classic example of nature influencing culture, even baking.
Obviously, most Icelanders don’t bake this way at home anymore, but you’ll still spot it at tourist spots, specialty bakeries, and the occasional local home, keeping the tradition alive.
At places like Laugarvatn Fontana or in the town of Hveragerði, traditional rye bread (rúgbrauð) is baked right in the geothermal soil.
In the end, you get a sweet, dense bread with a uniquely earthy flavor.
Yum!
Holidays, Traditions + Celebrations in Iceland
Icelanders love a good celebration, especially when it brings people together. From festive traditions to unique local events, there always seems to be something happening.
Festivals + Events Celebrating Iceland Culture and Traditions
Icelandic people have a wonderful sense of community.
Throughout the year, there are many festivals and celebrations where locals come together to enjoy music, food, art, and religious traditions.
I highly recommend checking out any festivals and events happening during your visit.
Some notable ones include:
Þorrablót (Thorrablot): Definitely one of the more… interesting festivals in Iceland. The Þorrablót festival is often referred to as the “rotten food festival.” You can sample traditional Icelandic foods, including standout dishes like fermented shark and ram testicles. When in Rome! 😅
Winter Lights Festival: This festival usually takes place over a few days in February. Bright lights shine onto the major landmarks in Reykjavík. There are usually around 150 events happening in the city, featuring a number of different artists.
Menningarnótt (Culture Night, Reykjavík): You can expect a day full of activities in downtown Reykjavík during Menningarnótt. There are concerts, food trucks, bread-decorating contests, and all kinds of events happening throughout the city. It usually takes place on the 3rd weekend in August, so be prepared for a FULL day because there’s a lot to do.
Here’s what you can expect.👇
Christmas Decorations in Iceland Are Put Up Early
Christmas in Iceland is a BIG deal! I’ve seen Icelanders put up Christmas decorations out as early as mid-September.
It’s like the switch flips on: summer… summer…. summer… Christmas lights!
I’m convinced it is because the nights are longer and the twinkly lights make everything more spectacular, so I’m not complaining.
There are so many things to look forward to when you visit over the festive season, check it out.👇
➡️ READ: Christmas in Iceland: Your Go-To Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip
FAQs
Here are a few questions you had about Icelandic people and culture.
Are Icelandic People Descendants of Vikings?
Yes, Iceland natives are descended from Vikings. Interestingly, though, a large portion of their ancestry comes from Celtic people who were brought to Iceland by them.
The first people in Iceland as temporary settlers were Irish monks who arrived a few decades before the Vikings made it a permanent settlement.
What Are Iceland’s Ethnic Groups Today?
The largest ethnic group in Iceland are Icelanders. Other large groups include Poles and Lithuanians.
Do Icelanders Speak English?
Icelandic is the official language in Iceland, but Icelanders learn English in school, and most of them speak it well.
Who Are A Few Famous People From Iceland?
Famous Icelanders include the singer Björk. President Vigdis Finnbogadóttir was the first democratically elected woman in the world.
Other celebrities from Iceland are Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson who plays The Mountain in Game of Thrones and footballer Eiður Guðjohnsen.
Check out this video where I answer more of your FAQs about Icelandic culture. 👇
How Do Icelandic Men Feel About Gender Equality?
Iceland is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, and Icelandic men largely support that culture of equality. Sharing parenting duties, household responsibilities, and supporting women in their careers.
Learn More About Icelandic Culture
There is such a depth to Icelandic culture that one blog post would never cover it all.
Here are a couple more posts if you’d like to learn more:
👉 Iceland vs U.S.A.: Iceland vs USA: 15 Surprising Cultural Differences You’ll Want to Know
👉 Interesting facts about Iceland: 20 Interesting Facts About Iceland: Traditions, Culture & More
Want the Latest Iceland Travel Tips Before Everyone Else?
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You’ll get details about upcoming festivals, holidays, and helpful planning resources.
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Happy Planning!
