Iceland is an island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its unique landscapes, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From its stunning waterfalls to its geothermal hot springs, Iceland has plenty to offer visitors. In this article, we will explore the 10 most interesting facts about Iceland that will leave you wanting to book your next trip there.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.
Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a peaceful society. It’s not uncommon to see children playing outside alone or for locals to leave their doors unlocked.
Iceland has no mosquitoes.
One of the most surprising facts about Iceland is that it has no mosquitoes. This is due to Iceland’s cold and windy climate, which is not suitable for mosquitoes to thrive. So, you can enjoy the beautiful Icelandic nature without having to worry about pesky mosquito bites.
Iceland has a high number of bookstores and publishes more books per capita than any other country.
Icelanders love to read, and the country has a high number of bookstores per capita. In fact, Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country in the world. Each year, Iceland celebrates the “Jolabokaflod,” or “Christmas Book Flood,” where books are exchanged as gifts on Christmas Eve.
Iceland is home to the world’s oldest parliament.
Iceland has the world’s oldest parliament, the Althingi, which was established in 930 AD. The Althingi is still in operation today and is located in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland.
Iceland is a leader in renewable energy.
Iceland is a leader in renewable energy and produces almost 100% of its electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal and hydropower. Iceland’s geothermal hot springs and volcanic activity make it an ideal location for harnessing renewable energy.
Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier.
Iceland is home to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, which covers an area of 8,100 square kilometers. Visitors can take a tour of the glacier, where they can explore ice caves and admire the stunning views.
Iceland has a unique Christmas tradition.
Iceland has a unique Christmas tradition where 13 “Yule Lads” visit children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has their own personality and leaves small gifts or pranks for children.
Iceland’s language has remained relatively unchanged for over 1,000 years.
Icelandic is a unique language that has remained relatively unchanged for over 1,000 years. Icelanders are proud of their language and work hard to preserve it, with laws in place to prevent foreign words from entering the language.
Iceland is the only country in the world where you can see the Northern Lights from the capital city.
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is one of the few cities in the world where you can see the Northern Lights. The lights are visible from September to April, and many tour companies offer Northern Lights tours for visitors.
Icelanders believe in elves.
Icelanders have a strong belief in elves, trolls, and other mystical creatures. Many Icelanders believe that these creatures live in the rocks and mountains and work hard to protect them.
In conclusion, Iceland is a unique country with a rich culture and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or learning about Icelandic traditions, there’s something for everyone in Iceland. So, book your next trip to Iceland and experience these 10 interesting facts for yourself!
