Did You Know? Fun Facts About Iceland from AdventureWomen

Posted on: Tuesday, February 24th, 2015

Posted in: Did You Know?

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The dynamic Scandinavian expansion in the Middle Ages, from about AD 800 to 1100, called the Viking Age, brought the Vikings to the island of Iceland. In 930, the Vikings living in Iceland set up what is often called the world's first parliament, the Althing, the location which is still an interesting site to see outside of Reykjavik

The dynamic Scandinavian expansion in the Middle Ages, from about AD 800 to 1100, called the Viking Age, brought the Vikings to the island of Iceland. In 930, the Vikings living in Iceland set up what is often called the world’s first parliament, the Althing, the location which is still an interesting site to see outside of Reykjavik

  1. Iceland is nicknamed the Land of Fire & Ice – about 11% of the country is covered with glaciers and 30% is lava fields.
  2. There is no best-location Oscar. But if there was, it would surely go to Iceland. Here are just a few movies recently filmed there: Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Interstellar, Game of Thrones, 2 James Bond films, Prometheus.
  3. Iceland is pure, natural, and unspoiled, with raw, dramatic landscapes born from volcanic eruptions and carved out by glaciers.
  4. Even though Iceland is quite green, it does not have many trees. Because of Iceland’s harsh, ever-changing climate and erosion, the only trees native to the country are spindly and stunted birches, most of which were chopped down by the first settlers to build homes.
  5. Iceland was settled by Vikings from Norway sometime in the 800’s.
  6. Over 85% of all energy used in Iceland is produced from natural resources. Well over half of that is geothermal produced from volcanic activity. Hydro-electric production from big waterfalls are another natural energy source.
  7. Most Icelanders believe in elves. Roads have been re-routed to avoid disturbing areas where elves are thought to live.
  8. Icelandic culture fosters a high level of gender equality and civil rights.
  9. The world’s first female president, Vigdis Finnbogadottir was elected as Iceland’s president in 1980. She won re-elections in 1984 and 1988.
  10. An international study done in 2006 ranked Iceland as the “Fourth Happiest Nation” in the world.
  11. In Iceland, people buy the most books, life expectancy for men is the highest in the world, and it’s the only country in NATO with no armed forces.
  12. During the months of June and July, Iceland has days with a full 24 hours of precious, beautiful sunlight.
  13. Iceland is one of only TWO places in the entire world where you can see two of the earths tectonic plates meeting above the earth’s surface.
  14. Iceland is the USA’s closest European neighbor – only 4.5 hours from Boston by plane.
  15. The phenomenon of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can be seen here November-December.
  16. Sheep are the most common farm animal and the Artic Fox is the only native mammal.
  17. And last but not least…Iceland is home to the Icelandic horse – a very special breed brought to Iceland by the Vikings between 860 and 935 AD.

Join our Iceland Discovery adventure in July to experience the wonders of the Land of Fire & Ice!