Fun Facts about Iceland and Icelanders

12/10/2020 10:10

AN EGALITARIAN NATION

Iceland became the first country in the world to democratically elect a female president in 1980 Vigdís Fimbogadóttir and then an openly gay prime minister Jóhanna Siguraðrdóttir in 2009.

MOST ECO FRIENDLY

Roughly 90% of Icelandic homes enjoy heating and electricity from renewable energy and natural geothermal resources. This is one of the main factors that make Iceland rank one of the greenest environments in Europe. This is also the reason why Icelandic people love outdoor swimming pools in the winter just as much as in the summer as they are all heated geothermally all year round.

NO MOSQUITOES

You can relax and enjoy a summer evening in Iceland without worrying about getting bit.

WE SPEAK ON THE INHALE

This may be a surprise to some Icelanders (only because it is so natural) but we often speak on the inhale, mostly when saying Já (yes). The reason is a mystery but if you pay attention; you’ll notice and hopefully get a giggle.

WE ALL LOVE ICE CREAM

You can find an ice cream parlor in almost every neighboorhood and cold temperature does not discourage us from standing in line for ice cream regardless of the season.

WE PUT OUR BABIES OUTSIDE TO NAP

Again, no matter the season, it is very normal to see strollers and prams outside a coffee shop (or an ice cream parlor) as parents often let their babies nap outdoors (bundled up of course).

THE SMALLEST NATION TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUPS

A mere year after making it into the quarter finals at the 2016 Euro cup with an epic win against England, the Icelandic football team beat the odds again by qualifying for the world cup finals.

NO SURNAMES OR FAMILY NAMES

The Icelandic phone book lists people by their first name and the reason is that Icelanders do not use family names. Instead they use the traditional Nordic naming system where the last name is taken from their father’s (or mother’s) first name with the addition of -dóttir (-daughter) or -son. Jón Ólafsson’s offspring, for example, might be Einar Jónsson and Sigríður Jónsdóttir.

NOT A SINGLE McDONALDS OR STARBUCKS

Fast food restaurants do exist in Iceland but you will not find a McDonalds or Starbucks anywhere unlike in most other cities.

ICELANDIC POLICE FORCE DO NOT CARRY GUNS

The only officers permitted to carry firearms are on a special force called the Viking Squad, and they are seldom called out. One man has been shot by the police, ever.

Spring melts into summer in Reykjavik

19/05/2025

Spring has finally settled in Iceland with all that it brings. While our ancestors traditionally only marked two seasons, winter and summer, we’ve caught up with modern times and now recognize all four. That said, spring in Iceland is fleeting, mostly revealing itself in May.

Discover Iceland by Car with Blue Car Rental

05/05/2025

Iceland is one of those places you simply have to experience at least once in your lifetime. With its dramatic landscapes, untouched nature, and unique way of traveling, it stands out from many other European destinations. While public transport options exist and guided bus tours can take you to some popular sights they often limit how much of the country you can explore.

What’s On in Reykjavík – May 2025

30/04/2025

May is blossoming with creativity, culture, and a dash of playful rebellion in Reykjavík. Whether you're a music lover, art enthusiast, innovation nerd, or just looking for something fun to do, there's plenty to explore this month. Here's a curated selection of exciting events happening in the city this May.

Sumardagurinn Fyrsti: Iceland's Unique Celebration of Summer's Arrival

16/04/2025

Despite being still a way off from summer, the month of April signifies the transition from winter to summer, marked by a distinctive holiday known as Sumardagurinn Fyrsti, or the First Day of Summer,. This day is celebrated annually on the first Thursday after April 18th and has both historical and cultural significance for us in Iceland.

April in Reykjavík: Culture, Cocktails & a Hint of Summer

01/04/2025

As the snow begins to melt and daylight stretches longer into the evenings, Reykjavík slowly wakes up from its winter slumber. April brings with it a fun mix of creativity, celebration, and quirky Icelandic traditions, from world-class festivals and cocktail tastings to comedy nights and early summer parades. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or living here year-round, here’s what not to miss this April in the city.