More than 2 million people visited Iceland annually in the years leading up to the COVID pandemic.
Although tourist attractions were closed for a while, they are now open and thriving, making it a perfect holiday destination.
If you’re planning a vacation to Iceland, there are a few things you’ll want to know about the beautiful country’s history.
Continue reading to discover some of the most interesting Iceland facts that will make your trip more enjoyable!
1. It’s a Great Place to See the Northern Lights
If you’ve always dreamt of watching the skies dance above you, Iceland is one of the best places to visit.
While reviewing Iceland facts, you may discover that you can see the Northern Lights practically every day of the year. When you’re at a particular location, near the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, they are almost always visible.
With Iceland being so far north, the light movements are more frequent and complex. Photographers often travel to Iceland to snap magical shots of the blue and green lights.
2. Viking Settlers Paved the Way
Stories, shows and artwork often portray Vikings, but they don’t always get the details right.
Since the ancient Vikings were one of the original settlers of Iceland, their history is important in Icelandic culture. If you want to learn about the Old Norse Language and Vikings, Iceland is a great place to visit. There are plenty of museums and artistic outlets to discover in Iceland that is based on a once-powerful group.
Aside from Vikings, trolls and elves also play a big role in Iceland’s culture. There are plenty of stories to discover that are thrilling and mystical.
3. Reykjavik Is Home for Most Icelandic People
It’s hard to believe, but more than 60% of Iceland’s population resides in its capital city.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital, it has more than 320,000 people. This is an abnormal statistic when you consider how small the capital is. It’s no wonder that the capital is such a popular place of residence, however, since it offers wonderful views of the water and mountains.
There are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers in town, making it a perfect stop on a vacation. With all of the people, you can absorb the culture and diversity that Iceland has to offer.
4. There’s Outdoor Swimming Yearround
Although Iceland is located near the North Pole, residents and tourists can swim in the outdoor hot springs at any time of year.
Watching the Northern Lights in a hot spring will create an unforgettable vacation memory. Many facts and discoveries about Iceland prove that the Vikings used hot springs centuries ago.
The hot springs are located all over the country, but the best ones are near the volcanos. You can unwind in the hot springs after a long day of exploring the land and hiking. The best part about the hot springs is that there are so many to choose from, some are small while others can fit a hundred people.
5. Settlers Saved the Best for Last
Most people are unaware, but Iceland is the youngest land to be settled by humans.
It’s believed that Norwegian Vikings once discovered and ruled the land, but there are still many unanswered questions. This beautiful country sits in the center of the Norwegian Sea, which is likely why it took so long to be found.
Since Iceland is northeast of the United Kingdom and Ireland, it wasn’t seen as desirable. The cold temperatures and rough seas kept settlers away for a large portion of history.
6. You Can Float to the Island
One of the best ways to travel to Iceland is on a ferry.
From Denmark, you can board a ferry and travel the seas to a beautiful and remote country. This Source maps out all of the ferry routes so you can plan your trip accordingly. Although the seas can get rough at times, trips are limited in the off-season and the boats are controlled by experienced captains.
If you aren’t a fan of ferry boats, you can fly to Iceland. The flights are typically short if you’re coming from the EU. Pay attention when you book your vacation, winter can lead to dangerous traveling conditions.
7. Iceland Is Eco-Friendly
Being so far north has helped the people of Iceland discover the importance of climate change.
The country is one of the most eco-friendly countries around the globe. Iceland takes pride in its use of renewable energy sources and strives to be carbon-neutral. With all of the laws and regulations in place, the country is very clean and you could get in significant trouble if you’re caught littering.
While you’re traveling to Iceland, make sure you follow all of the customers and don’t contribute to irresponsible waste. You can learn about recycling in the area or discuss it with someone you know in the country.
Are You Inspired by These Iceland Facts?
Finding Iceland activities for your trip can be a challenge if you don’t know what the country has to offer.
The Iceland facts mentioned above can help you appreciate the culture and beauty of the land. When you know about the destination you’re traveling to, each step becomes more engaging. Whether you want to gaze at the stars and twinkling Northern Lights or enjoy the city, you can appreciate the beauty of the island.
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Make sure you check out our page for more content about things to do in Iceland and how to plan a spectacular trip!
