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Iceland is a country full of extraordinary natural beauty and captivating history. From its volcanic landscapes and geysers to its rich Viking heritage and unique cultural traditions, Iceland stands out as a land of wonder, with stunning natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, the midnight sun, and geothermal hot springs, there are countless fascinating facts about Iceland the incredible island nation. In this blog, we cover facts about Iceland only to know some interesting, scary, historical and surprising facts about Iceland read all the facts listed below in this blog and expand your general knowledge.
Table of Contents
10 Fun Facts about Iceland for Kids
Iceland, a land of fire and ice, is a captivating island nation; nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and rich history, Iceland offers a truly unforgettable experience. To know about its wonders read all the fun facts about Iceland listed below –
- You might casually spot celebrities or even the president in Iceland, as they live normal lives without much security.
- If you want more coffee in Iceland, locals have a fun way to ask—they simply say, “10 more drops, please!”
- Iceland is home to the Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, established in 930 CE at Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Icelanders love books so much that there’s a Christmas Eve tradition of giving books, known as Jolabokaflod, or “the book flood.”
- Iceland has very low crime rates and no standing army, making it the safest country globally for over a decade.
- Icelanders enjoy outdoor swimming year-round, thanks to geothermal energy that keeps pools and hot springs warm, even in snowy or rainy weather.
- In Iceland, instead of one Santa Claus, there are 13 Yule Lads who visit children during the 13 nights before Christmas. Each night, a different Yule Lad leaves small gifts for well-behaved kids or plays harmless pranks on those who misbehave, adding a playful twist to the holiday season.
- Icelanders enjoy outdoor swimming year-round, thanks to geothermal energy that keeps pools and hot springs warm, even in snowy or rainy weather.
- Many Icelanders believe in elves, called “hidden people,” who are said to live in lava fields. Some construction projects even consider their presence!
- The Icelandic language is closely related to Old Norse, the language of the Vikings, allowing Icelanders to read ancient texts. It also reflects the country’s weather with over 100 words to describe the wind!
Also Read – 50 Facts about Greenland, The Icy Giant
Scary Facts about Iceland
Beneath its icy exterior, Iceland hides a darker, more mysterious side. From eerie folklore and dangerous landscapes to unpredictable weather, this island nation has a captivating, and sometimes unsettling, charm. If you want to know about the second side of this country then read all the scary facts about Iceland listed below –
- Iceland’s largely treeless landscapes can feel barren and otherworldly, leading some to describe it as “creepy” or “unearthly.”
- Iceland’s abandoned farms are often linked to ghost stories and folklore, adding an eerie charm to the countryside.
- Many Icelanders believe in elves or “hidden people”.
- Iceland’s glaciers are beautiful, but they have deep cracks that can be dangerous for anyone exploring without the right guide or gear.
- Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” because of its active volcanoes. The country experiences eruptions every few years, including the massive Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010 that disrupted air travel worldwide.
- The Reynisdrangar sea stacks are said to be trolls turned to stone by sunlight, creating a spooky and dramatic sight by the crashing waves.
- Iceland’s weather can change very quickly, with strong winds and sudden snowstorms surprising travellers, especially in remote areas.
- During winter, parts of Iceland experience only a few hours of daylight, creating an eerie, perpetual twilight that can feel unsettling to some.
Unknown Historical Facts about Iceland
Do you know who settled the Iceland? and when it entered the union. To know all your answers read the historical facts about Iceland given below –
- Iceland was first settled by Norse Vikings in the late 9th century, with the first permanent settlers arriving around 874 CE.
- During the medieval period, Iceland was ruled by a series of chieftains and had a strong literary culture, producing sagas, poetry, and historical writings.
- After a long struggle, Iceland officially became an independent republic on June 17, 1944, during World War II, when Denmark was under German occupation.
- Iceland established the Alþingi in 930 CE, making it one of the world’s oldest parliaments. It was held at Þingvellir, a historical site still visited today.
- In 1262, Iceland entered into a union with Norway, which later became part of Denmark.
Surprising Facts about Iceland
Do you want to know the number of volcanic mountains in Iceland? and for which time period Iceland had the ban on the following things:
- police (except for a special unit) do not carry guns in Iceland.
- Iceland had a ban on alcohol from 1915 to 1989. Strong beer was only legalized in 1989, and people celebrate Beer Day on March 1 to mark the end of the ban.
- Icelanders enjoy an exceptional quality of life, with one of the highest life expectancy rates.
- Iceland is home to around 130 volcanic mountains, 30 of which are still active. The country experiences a volcanic eruption roughly every 4 to 5 years.
- With only about 320,000 people, Iceland has a small but close-knit population. Over two-thirds of Icelanders live in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital.
Also Read – 37+ Interesting Facts About Europe for Students
GK Quiz on Iceland Facts
Check your knowledge about Iceland! Choose the correct option for the given questions and match all your answers with the answer box given at the end –
1. What is the capital city of Iceland?
| A. Reykjavik |
| B. Oslo |
| C. Stockholm |
| D. Copenhagen |
2. What natural phenomenon can you see in Iceland during winter?
| A. Rainbow |
| B. Northern Lights |
| C. Shooting Stars |
| D. Solar Eclipse |
3. What is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
| A. A swimming pool |
| B. A geothermal hot spring |
| C. A lake with blue fish |
| D. A glacier |
4. What type of animal is commonly seen in Iceland?
| A. Penguin |
| B. Polar Bear |
| C. Arctic Fox |
| D. Kangaroo |
5. What is Iceland’s nickname?
| A. Land of Fire and Ice |
| B. The Ice Kingdom |
| C. Snowy Wonderland |
| D. The Frozen Land |
Answer Key
| Q1) A. Reykjavik |
| Q2) B. Northern Lights |
| Q3) B. A geothermal hot spring |
| Q4) C. Arctic Fox |
| Q5) A. Land of Fire and Ice |
FAQs
5 facts about Iceland – Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, the Northern Lights, a natural light display in the sky, is a major tourist attraction in Iceland, It is home to many active volcanoes, including Eyjafjallajökull. Geothermal energy is a major source of power in Iceland, Iceland is known for its unique landscape, including glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs.
Iceland is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and waterfalls. It’s also known for the Northern Lights, geothermal hot springs like the Blue Lagoon, and its unique Viking heritage.
Iceland is unique for its dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers, offering a rare blend of fire and ice. Its nearly untouched wilderness, geothermal energy, and phenomena like the Northern Lights and midnight sun make it unlike any other place on Earth.
Relevant Reads
This was all about the facts about Iceland along with some quizzes with answers. If you wish to read more such interesting facts, stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.