It's no wonder Iceland is at the top of every adventurer's bucket list! With its breathtaking natural wonders, rich history and unique culture it stands out as a travel destination for good reason. If you need that final push to step outside your everyday routine, here are ten fun facts about Iceland that will have you booking your trip and experiencing all this incredible island has to offer.
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1. Iceland's Name Came from a Viking
Nothing sparks the spirit of adventure quite like the land of Vikings. While most know that Icelanders are descendants of the Norsemen who settled there in the 9th century, only some are familiar with the story behind the island's name. Picture this: a bold Viking, Hrafna-Flóki, climbs a rugged mountain and gazes at a fjord filled with icebergs. Inspired by the frozen landscape, he named the land 'Iceland,' which still resonates today.
2. Iceland Has One of the Oldest Parliaments
Iceland's rich history doesn't start with the Vikings—it goes way back! Iceland fun facts stretch all the way to 930 AD, when Iceland established the Alþingi (pronounced Al-thingi), making it one of the world's oldest continuously running parliaments. Today, Iceland's parliament is still essential to lawmaking and holds 63 members.
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3. Iceland Prohibited Beer Consumption Until 1989
Iceland's unique history extends well into the 20th century. In 1915, prohibition started, and all alcoholic beverages were banned. But here's where things get interesting: In 1935, all alcoholic drinks were legalized—except beer with more than 2.25% alcohol content. Lawmakers were concerned that cheap beer would lead to excessive drinking. If you're a beer lover, don't worry! Iceland is now home to thriving local breweries.
4. Icelanders Have No Family Name
Here's another surprising Iceland fact: Icelandic surnames differ from what you might be used to. Instead of family names passed down through generations, children take their father's first name as their surname, adding -son (for sons) or -dóttir (for daughters) at the end. This system, the patronymic surname tradition, is also found in other cultures around the world!
5. There Are No Starbucks in Iceland
Warning to all the Venti Latte lovers: You won't find a single Starbucks in Iceland! Instead, there are a variety of local shops that serve delicious brews. Make sure to plan some downtime between your excursions to enjoy some cozy moments there.
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6. Iceland's Hot Dogs Are World-Class
If you love trying new food, this Iceland fact is for you. Iceland is famous for its must-try hot dogs, which were featured on the popular Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil and even recommended by the legendary Anthony Bourdain. What makes them so unique? Many of them contain lamb, which makes their flavor stand out. For the best experience, head to the iconic Bæjarins Beztu stand, the ultimate spot to taste these one-of-a-kind hot dogs.
7. Iceland Is One of the Best Places in the World to See the Northern Lights
Iceland is a top destination for viewing stunning Northern lights. According to the Visit Iceland website, the best period is between September and April. During this time, guided tours take travelers to the best spots for viewing the aurora, and many hotels even offer an aurora alert service so you won't miss the magical light show. In Icelandic folklore, the Northern Lights are believed to be the spirits of the dead, adding a mystical touch to this already enchanting experience.
8. Icelandic Sagas Are Over a Thousand Years Old
Iceland's history is rich and carefully preserved. The Icelandic Sagas remain a key piece of Icelandic literature detailing the struggles and conflicts faced by the early settlers of Iceland and future generations. Perfect for history and literature fans alike!
9. Iceland Gets Almost All Its Energy from Renewable Sources
Another impressive fact about Iceland is that almost all of its electricity is generated from sustainable sources. Part of its energy production is linked to the country's volcanic activity. Iceland has one of the largest geothermal plants in the world, Hellisheidi.
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10. Iceland's Dramatic Landscapes Make It a Popular Movie Set Destination
Get ready to feel like a movie star! Iceland is a popular destination for movie sets, with its dramatic landscapes featured in blockbusters like Batman Begins and Interstellar and hit TV shows like Game of Thrones. Iceland's striking scenery sets the perfect stage for your favorite heroes' adventures and yours too! You can even take guided tours to visit iconic filming locations.
Ready to see it for yourself? Whether marveling at Iceland's volcanic landscapes or enjoying a hot dog in Reykjavik, you'll want to stay connected during your adventure.
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