30 Fun Facts About Iceland: + 5 Common Myths Debunked
Discover 30 fun facts about Iceland, from volcanoes to puffins, plus 5 common myths debunked. Explore Icelandic culture, nature, and quirky traditions!
Looking for fun, fascinating, and quirky facts about Iceland? Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about the Land of Fire and Ice, here are 30 unique things to know about Iceland plus 5 common myths we’ll clear up for you!
Iceland is the Land of Fire & Ice
With around 130 volcanoes, about 30 of which are active, and 10% of the country covered in glaciers, it’s easy to see why Iceland is famously known as the Land of Fire and Ice. You can literally hike a glacier in the morning and visit a volcanic crater by afternoon.
There Are No Mosquitoes in Iceland
That’s right — despite the lush summer landscapes and plentiful water, there are no mosquitoes in Iceland! It’s one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about mosquito bites. There are, however, biting midges (no-see-ums) or lúsmý in Icelandic, whose numbers increase every summer.
Northern Lights Were Believed to Help Ease Childbirth
In traditional Icelandic folklore, the aurora borealis was believed to reduce labor pains — as long as the mother didn’t look directly at it. Learn more about Northern Lights folklore in Iceland.
Iceland Does Not Have an Army
That’s not a typo. Iceland does not have an army. In fact, it’s one of the few countries in the world with no standing military force.
There is No McDonald’s in Iceland (since 2009)
The last McDonald’s closed its doors in 2009. Icelanders now enjoy local fast food options that are arguably even better.
The Icelandic Alphabet is Unique
With letters like Þ (thorn) and Ð (eth), Icelandic uses characters found in no other modern Latin alphabet. This preserves ancient Norse roots in the language.
There is an Icelandic Naming Committee
Want to name your baby in Iceland? If either parent is an Icelander, it must be approved by the Icelandic Naming Committee to ensure it fits linguistic and cultural norms.
Iceland Celebrates Beer Day every 1st of March
Beer was banned in Iceland until 1989 — so every March 1st, locals celebrate “Beer Day” to mark the anniversary of its legalization.
Reykjavík is the Northernmost Capital of the World
Sitting just a few degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Reykjavík is the northernmost capital city on Earth.
There’s a Penis Museum in Iceland
Yes, it’s real. The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavík houses the world’s largest collection of animal (and human) penises.
There are no Trains in Iceland
That’s right — despite its modern infrastructure, there are no trains in Iceland. Getting around is done mostly by car, making it perfect for a 4x4 road trip.
Iceland has the Oldest Parliament in the World
Alþingi (Althing) was established in 930 AD at Þingvellir. It still exists today, making it the world’s oldest continuous parliament.
Ice Cream is a Big Thing in Iceland
No matter the weather, Icelanders love their ice cream. You’ll find people lining up for that icy cold goodness even in the middle of winter.
Hot Dogs are Very Popular
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a famous hot dog stand in Reykjavík, is an Icelandic institution. Hot dogs here are made with lamb and are deliciously unique.
The Word “Geyser” Comes from the Icelandic “Geysir”
The word “geyser” comes from the Great Geysir in Iceland, which has been erupting for over 10,000 years with the last eruption occurring in 2016.
Iceland Runs Almost Entirely on Renewable Electricity
Nearly 100% of Iceland's electricity comes from renewable sources, mostly hydropower and geothermal energy.
There’s More than 10,000 Waterfalls in Iceland
Indeed. From iconic falls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss to hidden gems, Iceland is truly a waterfall lover’s paradise.
In Iceland Sheep Roam Free in the Summer
During warmer months, sheep are released to roam freely across the countryside. In fall, farmers round them up in a traditional event called “réttir.”
Apollo Astronauts Trained in Iceland
NASA trained Apollo astronauts in Iceland’s volcanic landscapes to prepare for the moon’s terrain.
Artic Fox is The Only Native Land Mammal in Iceland
There are reindeer in Iceland, but they were introduced. The only native land mammal? The Arctic fox.
The Cold War “Ended” in Iceland
United States President Ronald Reagan and President of the then Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev marked a key turning point in the Cold War, meeting at the 1986 Reykjavík Summit in Iceland.
Iceland Has the Largest Colony of Puffin
Iceland is home to over 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population during nesting season which lasts from late April to mid-August.
Iceland is the Safest Country in the World
Year after year, Iceland ranks as one of the world’s safest countries, with extremely low crime and a strong sense of community.
The World’s First Female President Was Elected in Iceland
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir made history in 1980 as the first democratically elected female president in the world.
The World’s First Openly Gay Prime Minister Was Elected in Iceland
In 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became not only Iceland’s first female PM but also the world’s first openly gay head of government.
Icelandic Horses Have Unique Gaits
The Icelandic horse has two unique gaits — the tölt and the flying pace. Learn more about these remarkable horses in Iceland.
Iceland Has its Own Native Dog Breed
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a spitz-type breed brought by early settlers. It’s cheerful, energetic, and perfectly adapted to Icelandic life.
Iceland Has 13 Santa Clauses (the Yules Lads)
Forget one jolly old man, Iceland has 13 Icelandic Santa Clauses, each with their own mischievous personality.
Iceland is a World-Famous Filming Location
From Game of Thrones and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to Interstellar, Iceland’s epic landscapes are a favorite among filmmakers.
Hot Water in Iceland Can Sometime Smells Like “Rotten Eggs”
That’s just sulfur from the island’s geothermal water sources. It’s totally safe, though smelly, and a small price to pay for endless hot water!
5 Common Myths About Iceland Debunked
Being known as a magical place means that people will often take a fact about this wondrous place and maybe stretch it into something that’s close to the truth, but not quite. Here are 5 common myths about Iceland debunked:
1. No Iceland Was Not Named “Iceland” to Trick Settlers
While the old tale that Iceland was named to keep people away (while Greenland was named to attract them) sounds like something explorers and adventurers would do, it is just that, a tale.
2. Icelanders Do Not Have Last Names
While the majority of Icelanders don’t have family names they do indeed have last names. Most Icelanders use patronymics or matronymics. This means that if your dad is Jón, your last name might be Jónsson (son of Jón) or Jónsdóttir (daughter of Jón).
3. No, Not Everyone Believe in Elves in Iceland
While folklore is important, not all Icelanders believe in elves. Some just don’t want to take any chances!
4. There Are Trees in Iceland (Just Not So Many)
It takes a very long time for trees to grow in Iceland so once a tree is cut down, it can take decades for its sapling replacement to mature. But reforestation efforts are ongoing and yes, there are trees in Iceland! As the old joke goes, “What do you do if you get lost in an Icelandic forest? Just stand up!”
5. No, There’s No App to Prevent Dating Relatives in Iceland
Yes, Iceland’s population is small and it is very easy for Icelanders to check if they are related, but the myth of a dating app that checks your family tree is a bit exaggerated (and mostly a joke!).
Are You Ready to Discover Iceland?
From hot springs and hidden waterfalls to fascinating traditions and folklore, Iceland is waiting for you. Before you go, check out our guide to Iceland etiquette — and don’t forget to book a car in Iceland for the ultimate road trip experience.
