Iceland is a land known for its stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty which has made it a popular destination over recent years. But did you know some quirky and fun facts about Iceland make it even more fascinating to visit?
Not only is it a place where volcanoes and glaciers coexist, earning it the nickname ‘the land of fire and ice’, but it’s also a country steeped in history, traditions, and folklore.
Because Iceland is isolated in the North Atlantic, its unique position has shaped the landscape and preserved its culture, making it unlike any other place I’ve seen across the globe.
These 21 fun facts about Iceland are sure to make you want to visit and discover the island’s unique charm.
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you purchase something from a link, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site running and free.
If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
1. Iceland’s Parliament Is The Oldest In The World
Iceland’s parliament, the Althing, dates back to 930AD which makes it the longest-standing parliament in the world!
Founded in the stunning Þingvellir, which is not only a national park but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Althing ran continuously until 1800.
After this period, the Althing took a 45-year break, only to reconvene in 1845, which marked a new chapter in Iceland’s legislative history. This time, it found its home in Reykjavik, the nation’s capital, where it still is to this day.
2. Beer Was Banned Until 1989
Yep, you read that right! Up until 1989 beer was completely banned in Iceland!
This peculiar law stemmed from the prohibition era, which started in 1915 and originally banned all alcohol. Although prohibition was lifted in 1935, beer remained as contraband.
This continued prohibition of beer was largely due to its association with Denmark, Iceland’s former colonial ruler. It wasn’t until March 1, 1989, that beer finally became legal, and this day is now celebrated each year in Iceland as ‘Beer Day’
3. It’s Classed As One Of The Safest Countries In The World
You’ll be pleased to know that Iceland is classed as one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it has continuously topped the World Peace Index since 2008!
Because of the low population, everyone pretty much knows everyone, and there is a strong sense of community and trust. It’s considered so safe that it’s not uncommon for Icelanders to leave their babies outside in their prams to nap!
Thanks to its low crime rates and exceptionally friendly locals, it’s easy to see why many people choose Iceland for solo travel.
4. Iceland Is One Of The Last Places On Earth Where Humans Settled
Another one of the fun facts about Iceland is that it was one of the last places on Earth where humans settled.
It’s believed to have been found in the late 9th century by Viking settlers, and until then, it remained untouched by human presence.
Iceland’s remote location in the North Atlantic Ocean is believed to be the reason it stayed off the explorer’s map for so long.
5. The Word Geyser Is Icelandic
Did you know that every time you say ‘geyser’, you’re actually using an Icelandic word?
That’s right! The term ‘geyser’ originally comes from ‘Geysir’ which is the name of a very famous spouting hot spring in Iceland.
The word itself ‘geysa’ is Old Norse meaning ‘to gush’, which seems like a pretty fitting description for the dramatic eruptions of water and steam.
6. There Is No Standing Army
Is it any surprise that the most peaceful country in the world has no standing army, navy or air force? In fact, it’s the only member of NATO that doesn’t have any of these!
They do however have a national coast guard who defended Iceland’s waters in the aptly named Cod Wars. This was a series of confrontations in the 1960s and 70s with the United Kingdom over fishing rights in the North Atlantic.
You’ll be glad to know that Iceland won each and every one of these disputes!
7. Iceland Can Experience Nearly 24 Hours Of Daylight
In the summer months, Iceland can experience nearly 24 hours of sunlight!
This phenomenon is known as the Midnight Sun and it’s a great time to explore the country without the restriction of dark nights.
The longest day in Iceland is usually around mid to late June when the sun only dips below the horizon before coming back up again.
Visiting Iceland in July, August, or even as early as May you will still experience these unusually long days.
8. You Can See The Northern Lights From September To April
There isn’t really a time in Iceland when there isn’t the chance to experience one natural phenomenon or another!
If you visit Iceland between mid-September and early April you’ll have the chance to see the stunning Northern Lights! Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see these green, red, and sometimes purple lights dance across the sky.
If seeing the Northern Lights is a must when you visit, the worst time to visit Iceland will be in the summer months as the sky won’t be dark enough.
9. Over Half The Population Believe In Elves
At least half of the population embraces the idea of the mystical Huldufólk, which translates to hidden people. While it might not mean that everyone is certain of the existence of elves, many Icelanders believe it’s highly likely or at least possible.
According to local legends, elves are believed to reside in natural rock formations, concealed caves, and Iceland’s remote landscapes, staying out of sight from humans.
One of the fun facts about elves in Iceland is that there’s even an ‘elf whisperer’! This unique individual inspects construction sites to ensure no elves are hidden before the building commences.
10. Icelandic Is One Of The Oldest Languages In The World
Did you know that Icelandic is one of the oldest languages still spoken today?
It’s a direct descendant of Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings, which Icelanders do their very best to preserve.
The language has changed so little over the centuries that Icelanders today can still read the ancient sagas written over a thousand years ago!
11. Bathing Is A Social Activity
It’s no secret that Iceland is famous for its many hot springs, and one of the fun facts about this is, that for Icelanders bathing in them is a social activity!
This tradition has deep roots in Icelandic culture, stretching all the way back to Viking times. These geothermal pools, filled with mineral-rich water, have always been communal gathering spots and are a great place to warm up during those cold winters!
12. The World’s Largest Puffin Colony Lives Here
If you’re visiting Iceland in the summer months, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be able to see puffins. This is because Iceland is home to over one-fifth of the world’s puffin population!
There are multiple places dotted around the island where you’ll be able to find the puffins, but the largest colony is found on the Westman Islands.
This is where you’ll find a whopping 1.1 million birds nesting along the sea cliffs and boat tours run daily so you can catch the spectacle.
13. Icelanders Have Impressive Life Expectancies
On average, Icelanders enjoy an impressive life expectancy of 83.66 years (to be precise!).
This places them among the top-ranking countries in the world when it comes to how many years are lived. This is due to a combination of a high standard of living, a strong healthcare system, and a lifestyle that promotes well-being, all contributing to this pretty impressive statistic.
14. Once An Icelandic Horse Leaves The Country, It May Never Return
This may seem like an odd law but it has been in place since Iceland’s early parliament which banned the importation of other horse breeds. This also means that once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it may never return.
Because of this, Icelandic horses are one of the purest breeds in the world as they have been isolated for over 1,000 years!
15. Iceland Has Over 130 Volcanoes – And 32 are classed as active!
This doesn’t mean they are all erupting right now, although a volcano does erupt every 5 years on average in Iceland. These are all closely monitored by scientists to give locals and tourists fair warning of any potential eruptions.
This high number of volcanoes is due to Iceland’s placement on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where tectonic activity is a constant part of life. Iceland’s unique landscape and geothermal springs are another outcome of this location.
16. Baby Names Have To Be Approved
Iceland has a naming committee and they’ve got some rules about what you can and can’t name your baby. First off, parents have to pick names from a list that the Naming Committee has approved and they’re pretty strict about it!
The committee’s criteria for approving names is all about language and culture. Names have to follow Icelandic grammar and pronunciation rules, and letters such as C, Q, W, and Z can’t be used as they aren’t part of the Icelandic alphabet.
17. It’s One Of The Best Places For You To See Whales
Iceland’s location plays a big part in this fun fact also!
As Iceland is positioned between two ocean currents, it makes it the perfect feeding ground for whales! Although you can see these gentle giants all year round, the summer months are classed as the peak whale-watching season.
You can see a whole range of whales depending on the time of year, ranging from Blue whales, Fin whales, Sperm whales, Minke, Humpback whales, and sometimes even Orcas.
18. You Won’t Find Any Big Macs In Iceland
Although there once were a few McDonald’s scattered around Iceland’s capital, the last branch closed its doors in 2009 after the financial crash of 2008.
Food and many other items have to be imported to Iceland which means prices are already pretty high and this was the final nail so to speak.
Icelanders rushed to the last remaining store on its final day before it closed its doors for good and over 10,000 burgers were sold!
19. Over Half The Population Live In Reykjavik
Iceland has a very small population of around 375,000, and to put that into perspective, London’s population alone is 9 million!
Although this seems like a fairly small number for the whole of Iceland, over half of Icelanders, approximately 60%, call the cosy city of Reykjavik their home. That’s around 225,000 people!
But Reykjavik is not your average capital, it’s nestled in beautiful surroundings and proudly holds the title of the world’s northernmost capital city.
20. There Is More Than One Santa
This has got to be one of my favourite fun facts about Iceland! What’s better than one Santa? 13 of course!
These festive characters are known as The Yule Lads and are a unique twist on the traditional Santa Claus story. Each Yule Lad has his own distinct personality and role, ranging from the mischievous to the generous.
They visit children across Iceland in the 13 days leading up to Christmas, leaving gifts for the well-behaved and playing harmless pranks on the others.
One of these pranks for those on the naughty list often involves leaving a potato in their shoe!
21. Iceland Is Home To The Largest Ice Cap In Europe
Did you know that Iceland houses the largest ice cap in all of Europe?
It’s called Vatnajökull, and it’s not just big, it’s colossal, covering a massive 8% of the country’s surface. It has around 30 outlet glaciers spilling away from it, each carving its own path through the Icelandic landscape.
Glacier hikes, ice cave tours, and snowmobiling are all popular activities in Vatnajökull National Park and it’s a great addition to an Iceland itinerary.
Final Thoughts: 21 Fun Facts About Iceland
From its ancient parliament, unique language, and even the absence of Big Macs, Iceland is a land brimming with surprises.
Not only will you find the landscape stunning and the locals friendly, but the many fun and quirky facts about Iceland make this beautiful country’s charm even more unique.
Its history, culture, and nature intertwine in the most fascinating ways and I really don’t think that there is another place like it.
Read More about Iceland
Important Tips for Visiting Iceland
16 Beautiful Landmarks in Iceland to Visit
Best Stops While Driving from Reykjavik to Vik in South Iceland
Visiting DC-3 Plane Wreck in South Iceland
Save “21 Fun Facts About Iceland” for Later
Author Bio: This is a guest post by Charlie of She Roams the Globe. Charlie is a UK-based travel blogger with a passion for road trips, photography, and vegan food. Over the past decade, she’s explored over 40 countries, sharing her adventures through detailed itineraries and travel guides.
Such a great post! I had no idea they didn’t have beer until 1989. Actually, I didn’t know many of these fun facts!
We didn’t have a chance to see the puffins while in Iceland–that always tops of our list of things to see on a return trip.
I went to Iceland on a school trip years ago and it was so amazing, can’t wait to return
This post is so much fun! I absolutely knew none of these things about Iceland and now I want to go there even more. If nothing else to find some elves! Thanks for the smiles!
This is a great informative post, learnt a lot about Iceland before my visit. Thanks