Iceland is a land of Vikings, volcanoes, and sagas, with one of the world's oldest parliaments and a beer ban that lasted until 1989. Whether you are planning a trip or just curious, these 12 fun facts about Iceland will give you a whole new appreciation for this remarkable island.
1. A Viking Gave Iceland Its Name
According to the sagas, the Viking Hrafna-Flóki climbed a mountain after a hard winter, saw a fjord full of drift ice, and named the land Ísland, "Iceland." Ironically, much of the island is green in summer.
2. Iceland Has One of the World's Oldest Parliaments
The Alþingi was founded in 930 at Þingvellir, now a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest parliaments in the world still in existence.
3. You Can Stand Between Two Continents
Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. At Þingvellir, you can walk through the rift, and in the Silfra fissure, you can even snorkel between the plates.
4. Beer Was Banned Until 1989
Iceland introduced prohibition in 1915. Wine and spirits were legalized again in 1935, but strong beer stayed illegal until March 1, 1989. Icelanders still celebrate Beer Day on that date.
5. Most Icelanders Do Not Have Family Names
Icelanders traditionally use patronymic names: a child takes their father's (or sometimes mother's) first name plus -son or -dóttir. So the son of Jón might be called Magnús Jónsson. Even the phone book is sorted by first name.
6. The Sagas Are Over 700 Years Old
The Icelandic sagas, written mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, tell the stories of the first settlers and their feuds and adventures. Icelanders can still read them in the original, as the language has changed remarkably little.
7. Almost All Electricity Is Renewable
Nearly all of Iceland's electricity comes from hydropower and geothermal energy, and most homes are heated with geothermal water. The Hellisheiði plant near Reykjavík is one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world.
8. Iceland Has Around 130 Volcanoes
Iceland has around 30 active volcanic systems, and eruptions are a regular part of life. In recent years, a series of eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula has drawn visitors to see lava from safe viewpoints.
9. Hot Dogs Are a National Favorite
Icelandic hot dogs, made mostly with lamb and served with raw and crispy onions, sweet mustard, and remoulade, are a beloved snack. Order one "with everything."
10. It Is One of the Best Places to See the Northern Lights
Between September and April, the aurora borealis regularly lights up Iceland's dark skies. You do not have to go far from Reykjavík to see it on a clear night.
11. Iceland Has Starred in Many Films and Shows
Its otherworldly landscapes have appeared in films such as Interstellar and in the series Game of Thrones, which filmed many scenes beyond the Wall in Iceland.
12. Iceland Has No Army
Iceland is a founding member of NATO but has no standing army. Its coast guard handles defense and search-and-rescue at sea, and the country regularly ranks among the most peaceful in the world.
See Iceland for Yourself
Plan your trip with our Iceland travel guide, our 5-day Iceland itinerary, and the best time to visit Iceland. Stay connected for road alerts and aurora forecasts with an egoViet Iceland eSIM.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Iceland
What is Iceland most famous for?
Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons, the northern lights, and its Viking history.
Is Iceland really icy?
Glaciers cover about a tenth of the country, but coastal areas are green in summer, and winters in Reykjavík are milder than many people expect, thanks to the Gulf Stream.
What language is spoken in Iceland?
Icelandic, which is closely related to Old Norse. Almost everyone also speaks English.
How many people live in Iceland?
Iceland has a population of around 400,000, and about two-thirds live in and around Reykjavík.