Thinking about visiting Iceland may be enough to make your teeth chatter. All the same, Iceland is becoming one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Iceland is home to some of the most stunning views and natural sites. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to the Nordic country or simply wondering what it’s like, take a look at some of the strange things this country has to offer.
Traveling To Iceland? These Are Some Of The Weird Things You Might See There
Magical Sights
During the winter, Iceland becomes home to some of the most gorgeous ice caves. These caves are created once ice freezes over and becomes this mural in stunning, vibrant shades of blue and teal.
Magical Sights
One of the most beautiful things about these caves is how they are so temporary. As soon as the weather warms up and the temperatures begin to rise, the sun melts all the ice. After that, ice caves won’t return until the next winter.
Fresh Air
Each and every year, Iceland is flooded with tourists who want to experience the unique culture and incredible natural beauty. As it tends to be with most vacations, you simply can’t return home without some kind of souvenir from the place you stayed.
Fresh Air
Weirdly enough, some of the gift shops in Iceland sell cans of mountain air. We aren’t joking. The best part is that people actually buy it. Would you want a can of mountain air from Iceland?
Proud Nation
Icelandic people tend to be rather proud in general. Locals will always display their patriotic pride, no matter what occasion it’s for. It sounds pretty great from our point of view.
Proud Nation
A lot of times people will wear the country’s official colors and hang flags outside their houses. Not to mention some people will also hang flags on their cars and even paint their faces!
Beautiful Genes
Back in 2016, Iceland gained some more popularity thanks to María Leifsdóttir’s grace and beauty. The flight attendant had won the Miss Universe contest, bringing great joy to Iceland’s population.
Beautiful Genes
It’s easy to see that Icelandic women are blessed with great genetic make-up. This usually results in icy blue eyes, milky skin, and flowing blonde hair. No wonder María was crowned Miss Universe!
Light It Up
Barbecuing is an immensely popular activity in many countries all over the world. You’d think that throwing a barbecue outside means the weather is bright, sunny, and warm, right? Well, this isn’t always the case. In Iceland, things are rather different.
Light It Up
Icelandic locals barbecue all year round. Even in the dead of winter, in the coldest weather, they adore cooking meat outside on the barbecue fire. At least being close to a barbecue can help them warm up…
Police Protection
Despite the fact that Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, they still have a great police force dedicated to protecting the people living there. In addition to having a strong connection with the people they protect, the Icelandic police have a strong social media presence.
Police Protection
Communicating with the public through Facebook, Twitter, and sometimes Instagram, Icelandic people can know just about all the time what’s happening nearby.
Once In A Lifetime
One of the greatest natural marvels of the world, Thrihnukagigur volcano is the only one of its kind. People can actually walk into the magma chamber and explore what’s inside the Icelandic volcano.
Once In A Lifetime
Believe it or not, there are other attractions just as incredible to see in Iceland, aside from the dormant volcano. This attraction is surreal, and many other places in this Nordic country are too.
Lights, Camera…
Aside from drawing in tourists, the landscapes in Iceland catch other people’s eye. More specifically, people from the movie industry. Movies like Star Wars and TV shows like Game of Thrones have had entire productions travel to the country to film.
Lights, Camera…
Game of Thrones producers made sure to take advantage of several incredible Icelandic locations while filming the show. Scenes beyond the Wall as well as scenes at the Eyrie are filmed there!
The Northern Lights
Of course, Iceland is famous for this breathtaking phenomenon. The Aurora Borealis, more so known as the Northern Lights, is something so special to see.
The Northern Lights
The reason this phenomenon occurs is due to the fact that the atmosphere in the region is thin. So thin, in fact, that electrically charged particles make the very air glow in vivid colors of green, pink, and yellow.
McDonald’s
In 1993, the very first McDonald’s opened up in Iceland to serve the country’s fast-food lovers. However, the fast-food chain wouldn’t be there very long. Many residents weren’t thrilled about the arrival of American food. Hambórgarabúllan, the Icelandic burger chain, continued to have their sales soar while McDonald’s faded into the background.
McDonald’s
Finally, in 2008, the last McDonald’s in Iceland closed for good. The last cheeseburger sold in the country can actually be found in the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik.
The Mountain
Game of Thrones fans will certainly recognize this famous face. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson is known as Gregor Clegane, AKA “The Mountain” by fans of the show. We must admit that the nickname suits him perfectly.
The Mountain
The Icelandic actor has definitely made the country very proud. This isn’t only due to his spectacular acting. He has also competed and excelled in the World’s Strongest Man and Europe’s Strongest Man competitions.
What Is Happiness?
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is rated as the most peaceful country in the world, coming in at fourth place in the happiest country list. Iceland offers its residents a low-income tax, free health care, and even free higher education to all citizens.
What Is Happiness?
Icelandic people are defined mostly by their amazing confidence, their love of the outdoors, and their commitment to family life. It sounds as if living in Iceland would become somewhat of a wintery fairytale.
Subtle Reminder
Even though the weather in Iceland can be absolutely freezing, with temperatures becoming icy, locals absolutely thrive outdoors. They love hiking, climbing, running, biking, and even swimming! Could you imagine swimming in icy cold waters for the fun of it?
Subtle Reminder
It looks like the locals have a very deep connection to their surroundings. So much so, that they need a reminder at times to refrain from relieving themselves in the great outdoors… Now we have to wonder what’s underneath all that snow…
Whale Watching
It only makes sense that the icy cold waters off the coast of Iceland are home to a wonderful array of marine wildlife. Between April and September, tourists, as well as locals, like to head out to the waters to see if they can get a look at one of the largest animals in the world.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is only one of the many magnificent things you can experience when traveling in Iceland. It must be such a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight to watch a whale swim by the boat you’re on!
Hidden People
The elves of Icelandic folklore, Huldufólk, or Hidden People, are believed to exist by many Icelanders. They are convinced that they are deserving of places to live far away from the dangerous feet of humans and prying eyes.
Hidden People
You can find these little elf houses all over the country. This habit is so ingrained in the Icelanders that some building foundations are altered and built around areas that elves are said to live. Whatever you think about elves being real or not, you have to admit that Icelanders are very considerate about the whole thing.
Equality
Considered to be one of the best countries in the world to be a woman, Iceland is well-known for this fact. The local government prides themselves on being rather progressive.
Equality
In Iceland, gender equality is something all the locals strive towards, in every way possible. Due to that fact, you can find signs like this just about everywhere in the country as they are now common there.
Viking Horses
This might be difficult to believe, but these horses are actually descendants of the original horses Vikings used. These horses have been transferred from Norway to Iceland in the ninth and tenth century. Nowadays, they’re protected in order to maintain their pure breeding.
Viking Horses
This specific breed is smaller and furrier than other horses. They’re also said to give their riders a unique and different riding experience, exuding a sense of ancient confidence and honor.
Bird Haven
Iceland is actually a haven for bird-watchers and nature lovers in general. The Nordic country is home to some of the most unique – and adorable – birds. You won’t be able to see these birds in many other places.
Bird Haven
Over 60% of the Atlantic puffins in the whole world live in Iceland’s beautiful landscape. It isn’t uncommon for excited tourists to randomly get a glimpse of puffins enjoying a walk in the summer.
Midnight Sun
During the summer months, the sun will be out until the late hours of the night. There are times when it doesn’t set at all! Some days, there are 24 hours of warm summer sunlight for the locals.
Midnight Sun
It could be rather difficult for your internal clock to readjust to the light and dark phenomenon, but summer is the most blissful time to visit Iceland. You won’t regret it.
Another Beauty
Yet another beautiful Icelander representing her country proudly, Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir is an incredibly talented woman. Just take a look at her resume and you’ll see for yourself!
Another Beauty
In 2015, she was crowned Miss Iceland. In 2017, she became Miss Universe as well. On top of all this, Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir is an accomplished national pole vaulter. Is there anything she can’t do?
Icelandic Cuisine
Foods typically served in Iceland may sound somewhat unappealing to some people from other countries, but locals can’t get enough of it. One of the most bizarre foods served in the country has to be Hákarl.
Icelandic Cuisine
Hákarl is a fermented shark dish. In fact, it’s actually the national dish in Iceland. It’s prepared by curing shark fillets out in the open for as long as five months. Would you want to try it?
Blue Lagoon
One of Iceland’s most popular and beloved tourist attractions is the Blue Lagoon. What is it, you ask? Well, it’s a natural geothermal spa that is enclosed by the frozen landscape and mountains in the distance.
Blue Lagoon
The water is steaming hot and is rich in amazing minerals that are fantastic to your health. A lot of visitors spread the lagoon’s mud on their faces to get the most benefits.
Dive Sites
The incredible and surreal Icelandic landscapes never cease to offer tourists and locals the opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments. There are dive sites in the country that are known for their vibrant-colored reefs, long-hidden shipwrecks, and a magnificent display of marine life.
Dive Sites
One interesting fact is that the land mass is split in half by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This means that part of the country is on the North American tectonic plate while the other is on the Eurasian plate. You can literally swim between both continents!
Sport Fans
While Icelanders are pretty much used to the frozen landscape they call home, there’s no doubt they know how to get their bodies warmed up. The country is fiercely proud of their numerous sporting achievements.
Sport Fans
Sports like soccer, handball, basketball, and volleyball are extremely popular among the athletic locals. The action might be on the field, but many people look towards the stands for some sideline entertainment.
Some Fun
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Iceland has been named to be the safest country in the world for the last eleven years. There is a relatively non-existent crime rate in Iceland, meaning that many officers don’t even need to carry a firearm.
Some Fun
Due to the low crime rate, the officers have lots of free time to have a little fun while on the job. This picture is the perfect example. It seems like everyone is athletic in Iceland!