Visiting Iceland was definitely a once in a life time experience for me. I learned so much about the people and the culture, I’m definitely ready to head back for more. The history and culture of Iceland was very unfamiliar to me before visiting. I learned things that were both interesting and surprising. Here’s a list of 7 surprising facts about Iceland that may just blow your mind.
1. Norwegian, Irish/Scottish Gaelic Origins:
The people of Iceland have a strong sense of pride in their history and the origins of Iceland’s settlement. These stories of their past are called Sagas. Many people would be surprised to know the origins of many Icelandic people come from Norwegian men who settled in Iceland. But these origins also include the Irish and Scottish women they kidnapped from their homelands and brought to Iceland as wives.
2. No Indigenous Population:
I like to do tours when I visit a new country. I think they’re a great way to learn more about the people and their culture. What I didn’t expect to learn on my walking tour with City Walk was the fact that Iceland is a country of no indigenous people. Although Greenland has a large Inuit population, the people of Iceland descend from Norwegian settlers.
3. A Belief in Elves, Fairies and Trolls:
As quirky as it may sound, most people in Iceland believe in elves, fairies and trolls. Even our guide around the Gold Circle told us of local folklore’s pertaining to the elves, trolls and fairies. Stories she heard as a child. You can even find this troll below and his wife roaming around Reykjavik.
4. Swimming Between Two of Earths Tectonic Plates:
Here at Thingvellir National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site you swim between the North American and Eurasian plates at Silfra. I didn’t get a chance to experience it myself, but I met one of the snorkel instructors in Reykjavik while getting food of course. It’s definitely on my list of things to do next time around.
5. Men and Women’s Unique Last Names:
Names are very important to the people of Iceland. As a way to preserve their language and culture first names must be approved by the Icelandic Naming Committee. Most people in Iceland do not have family names that are Icelandic. Last names are also very different than they are in other western nations. Names for children would be the fathers first name with (son) attached to the end like Jonsson or (dottir) would be Jonsdottir. I found this to be the most interesting thing and surprising thing I learned in Iceland while we were touring the Golden Circle.
6. No McDonald’s:
I’ve been to several countries over the past few years and the one food chain that is always a constant was definitely McDonald’s. But you won’t find one in Iceland. They do have Dunkin Donuts though.
7. Female Leadership:
Iceland definitely takes the lead when it comes to equal rights for women. The were the first country in the world have an elected female leader. There are many monuments and shrines around the country celebrating Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.
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Wow, some really unique facts about Iceland that I didn’t know! And that’s so crazy about the naming committee!
now i love iceland even more! it’s so fantastic Icelanders believes in elves and fairy tales. We have similar things with surmnames in Lithuania 🙂
Been reading about Iceland so much these days that I really want to visit soon. Thanks for sharing interesting facts. Have to check on the fact where you mentioned that they elected the first female leader in the world, can you tell me to what political post/designation. I always thought Sri Lanka was the first to elect a female leader.
Iceland is great. You would enjoy your time there. I never knew about Sri Lanka but thanks for letting me know.
It is my dream to travel to Iceland. Those wonderful facts are really amazing. It makes travelling to Iceland more interesting. I admire your being observant and keen on your travel experience too.
Wow! I knew about some natural wonders about Iceland that are so very unique to this place like the hot geysers, the midnight sun etc. But I didn’t know most of these facts. It makes me want to visit here all the more. But no Mac Donalds is a little worrying to me because being a vegetarian normally I get some options here when I travel to western countries. What is the scene with vegetarian food in Iceland?
There are many vegetarian and vegan options in Iceland, especially in Reykjavik.
Iceland is a beautiful land. In fact, some of my friends who have been there are coaxing us to visit, knowing that we would love the natural wonders there. Personally, I’d like to go there so I will have all the inspiration I need to write a collection of original fairy tales; it would be perfect because Iceland has a strong belief in fantasy and folklore.
Wow you have a really cool blog! I better start working on mine to get it as well presented as yours. I’m visiting there soon so I’ll definitely keep these facts in mind as I travel Iceland!
Thank you so much Matt. This means a lot. I’ve been slacking the past month, but I do enjoy blogging, so I really put a lot into it. Many sleepless nights.
Iceland is indeed the stuff of dreams. Initially I used to associate the Northern Lights always with Iceland, but there is so much more to it. I am fascinated by the fact that Iceland was where the first Parliament existed as early as the year 930. I found the fact about the Icelandic names really interesting. Also surprised to know that there is no McDonald’s in Iceland.
It’s a very interesting country. I really hope people come away from visiting Iceland with as much as I have.
This is an interesting read. I like how they believe in elves like how people in Switzerland believe they were dragons 🙂 I am a believer too of such things and cant wait to explore this country.
Wow, this is very interesting! The unique names of the locals is definitely something I haven’t heard about before. Fairytales and elves are one of the reasons I want to visit Iceland. Thanks for all the tidbits on Iceland.