The Basics
Iceland was first explored by Norwegian vikings and maintains a strong sense of Nordic traditions, customs, and language.
Geographically, it offers varied landscapes, from coastlines, glaciers, hotsprings, volcanoes, and lava deserts. Due to the rugged landscape, much of the culture revolves around enjoying the outdoors through activities, such as swimming, hiking, skiing, and more. Fun fact: much of the power and heat in this country is generated naturally – 90% of Icelandic houses are heated by hot springs!
The national language is Icelandic, but many also tend to speak English, along with other languages, such as Danish, German, Spanish, and French. The country still maintains familiarity with Old Norse, the language that was spoken by early Viking settlers.
Iceland is known as the land of the midnight sun (in the summer) and the northern nights (in the winter). In the winter (November to January), Iceland only gets about 4-5 hours of daylight each day. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared for less vitamin D than you may be accustomed to! In the summertime, on the other hand, it’s light nearly all day – although you’ll still need a jacket.
In recent years, Iceland has become a massive tourist destination. In 2021, the number of foreign visitors increased by 44% from the previous year. Due to this, you can expect some of your destinations to be quite busy, particularly if you go during the busy season, which ranges from June to August.
The currency in Iceland is the krona, which equals 0.0069 USD. About 2,000 krona is about $20 USD.
The Places You’ll Visit
Reykjavik: this is the capital city in Iceland and where you’ll be spending lots of time. In comparison to many other cities you may visit, Reykjavik is actually quite small, spanning just over 105 square miles. It’s home to about 60% of Icelandic residents and known for its unique architecture, traditional cuisine, and art scene.
Blue Lagoon: located nearby Reykjavik, this geothermal spa is one of Iceland’s most well known tourist attractions. The water, naturally heated by Earth’s geothermal energy, is a milky-blue color and runs between 98-102 degrees F. Bring your swimsuit and towel to relax and rejuvenate at this incredible destination.
Lake Myvatn: This is a volcanic lake in Northern Iceland that’s home to more naturally heated lagoons.
Akureyri: This town is known as the capital city of the North, as it’s the largest town in the remote area (even though it only has 20,000 inhabitants). Akurekyri is known for its incredible nature, from waterfalls, to volcanoes, and black sand beaches.
Key Cultural Norms & Guidelines
The Icelandic language is notoriously difficult to learn. Check out this pronunciation guide, along with the following common words and phrases:
- Halló = Hello
- Góðan daginn = Good morning
- Vinsamlegast = Please
- Takk = Please
Many Icelandic lore shares stories of magic and mystery – in fact, 45% of native Icelanders believe it’s possible elves still roam the land. Learn more about Icelandic folklore here.
Icelandic people are known for being very friendly and courteous, while holding a direct and straight-forward communication style
Unlike much of Europe, Iceland is ethnically homogenous. Over 80% of residents are Icelandic, with growing Polish and Danish populations as well.
Iceland, one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, is committed to using less plastic. According to the locals, purchasing a plastic water bottle is a touristy thing to do. The tap water is clean and fresh, with no added elements.
One of the top attractions in Iceland is the geothermal pools, like the Blue Lagoon. It’s important to note – swimming culture in Iceland is quite unique. Be sure to abide by the rules, such as always showering before entering pools!
Despite its ethnic homogeneity, Iceland is known as a socially progressive country, particularly when it comes to gender roles. In fact, they have been ranked first in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for consecutive years.
Iceland ranks high for prosperity, freedom, and safety. The country was ranked number one in the world when it comes to the Global Peace Index. Unique among Iceland’s NATO allies, Iceland does not have a military.
You Don’t Want to Miss
Try the foods: pylsur (Icelandic hot dog), Skyr (described as a “marriage between yogurt and cottage cheese”), hárkarl (fermented shark). Also – embrace ice cream in all temperatures, including the cold!
Look up towards the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis. They can be seen in Iceland when the nights are dark enough, typically between September and April.
