Iceland: 25 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Iceland is a stunning island tucked away in the North Atlantic, known for its wild mix of natural wonders — think glittering glaciers like Vatnajökull sitting side-by-side with steaming geysers, volcanoes, and endless lava fields.

Even though it’s just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland isn’t as icy as you’d expect. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the climate is surprisingly mild. This otherworldly landscape was born from volcanic activity along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which gives it that famous combo of fire and ice.

There’s probably a lot that you don’t about this country (which happens to be on my bucket list of countries to visit one day).

Here are 25 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about Iceland

1. Glaciers cover 10% of Iceland’s land

The massive Vatnajökull glacier is the biggest in Europe, and it alone is larger than all of Europe’s other glaciers combined. Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur (2,119m), sits right on its edge.

2. Volcanoes? Oh yeah, there are around 200 of them

Iceland’s got hundreds of volcanoes, many still active. Since the 1500s, about one-third of the world’s lava has flowed from Icelandic eruptions.

The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull might ring a bell — it famously disrupted European air travel.

3. There are lava fields and black sand beaches

The landscape is like something out of a fantasy film: black beaches like Reynisfjara, dramatic basalt columns at Svartifoss, glacier-capped volcanoes like Katla, and new islands like Surtsey, which popped up in the 1960s after an underwater eruption.

4. Iceland’s first settler arrived around 874 AD

A Norwegian chieftain named Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have founded Reykjavík, now the capital city. He was soon followed by more Norse settlers — and even a few Irish-Scots.

5. World’s oldest parliament? Yes it’s right here

The Alþingi, Iceland’s national parliament, was founded in 930 at Þingvellir, a historical site in Iceland. For nearly 800 years, from 930 to 1798, the Alþingi held its sessions in Þingvellir, which is now a national park. Þingvellir is considered a national shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage site, deeply significant in Icelandic history and culture.

6. From Commonwealth to Republic

Iceland transitioned from a medieval commonwealth to Norwegian (and later Danish) rule. In 1944, while Denmark was under Nazi occupation, Iceland declared full independence and became a republic. It later joined NATO — but still has no standing army.

7. It had the first female president (ever!)

In 1980, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the world’s first democratically elected female head of state. Iceland’s been leading on equality ever since.

8. From Cod Wars to Financial Crashes

In the 20th century, the country expanded its fishing rights (sparking the so-called “Cod Wars” with Britain), declared itself a nuclear-free zone, and rode a financial boom — followed by a spectacular banking crash in 2008. It’s since bounced back, though.

9. Baby names need approval

Seriously. All names must follow Icelandic grammar and alphabet rules. There’s even a Naming Committee. And forget surnames — Icelanders use patronymics or matronymics like Jónsson or Jónsdóttir.

10. The country is a leader in gender equality

In 2018, Iceland became the first country to require equal pay by law. Companies with 25+ employees must prove men and women earn the same — or face fines.

11. Strip clubs are banned

Since 2010, it’s been illegal for businesses to profit from nudity. And in 2009, paying for sex became a crime under the “Nordic model.”

12. Boxing is still banned

Yep, since 1956. Iceland is the only Nordic country where boxing is illegal.

13. Beer was banned until 1989

From 1915 to 1989, beer was illegal in Iceland. The ban was finally lifted — and now March 1st is celebrated as Beer Day.

14. Pets used to be restricted here

Dogs were banned in Reykjavík from 1924 to prevent parasites, and even today, owning reptiles like snakes or turtles is still illegal.

15. LGBTQ+ rights are strong here

Iceland was ahead of the curve, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2010 and electing an openly gay Prime Minister in 2009.

16. Iceland has quirky holidays and festive traditions

The country has a few fun ones: Bolludagur (Cream Bun Day), Sprengidagur (Explosion Day), and Öskudagur (Ash Wednesday, where kids dress up and collect candy). Then there’s Jólabókaflóð – the “Christmas Book Flood,” where Icelanders gift and read books on Christmas Eve.

17. It has relaxed culture, with lots of trust

Everyone goes by first names, even with officials. Babies nap in prams outdoors, and nobody bats an eye. Public pools are social hubs, and yes — you’re expected to shower naked before getting in.

18. The food is hearty, fresh, and unique

Traditional dishes include smoked lamb, lamb soup, seafood stews, and the famously pungent hákarl (fermented shark). Icelanders love their skyr, hot dogs (yes, hot dogs), and cream buns. Don’t miss the rúgbrauð — sweet rye bread baked using geothermal heat!

19. The Blue Lagoon is iconic

Just 40 minutes from Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is a dreamy geothermal spa set in a lava field — a must-visit spot for visitors.

20. There are a lot of must-sees

Drive the Golden Circle to see Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Other natural wonders include Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind) and Skógafoss, plus the black sand beach at Reynisfjara.

21. Northern Lights? Yes, they’ve got that too

From September to March, Iceland’s skies light up with the Aurora Borealis — a bucket-list experience for many travelers.

22. Reykjavík has a standout skyline

The capital is crowned by Hallgrímskirkja, a striking 74.5-meter-tall church that resembles basalt rock formations. You can ride the elevator to the top for breathtaking views.

23. It’s tiny – but mighty

As of 2024, Iceland’s population is just around 387,000, with two-thirds living in or near Reykjavík. It’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.

24. There are som big sounds coming from this small country

Despite its size, the country has a huge music scene. Artists like Björk, Of Monsters and Men, and Sigur Rós have made waves around the world with their unique sound.

25. People in Iceland Are Passionate About Sauce

In Iceland, sauce isn’t just a side—it’s practically a national pastime. From rich gravy to tangy béarnaise and any other condiment within reach, Icelanders love to drench their meals in flavor.

There’s a sauce for nearly everything here. Even though the country’s meat, fish, and vegetables are already top quality, they’re often made even better with a favourite dressing. Pizza, pitas, fries, chips, veggies, burgers, hot dogs – you name it – each has its own go-to sauce. And yes, there are different varieties specifically for fish, meat, and poultry.

The sauce obsession doesn’t stop at savoury dishes either. Icelanders happily pour it over their ice cream, too, with popular choices including chocolate, luxury chocolate, caramel, licorice, and almost every fruit flavour imaginable.

Well, there you have it, 25 interesting facts you might not have known about Iceland. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.

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