16 Unique Things That Make Iceland a One-of-a-Kind Destination

You’d think being the Land of Ice and Fire would give Iceland enough reasons to surprise us, but once you’re out there exploring its rugged land, you realize it’s got many tricks up its sleeves. This country is full of surprises that go beyond its glaciers and volcanoes. From its unique culture to its amazing natural features, Iceland has some interesting facts that will leave you in awe. Here are some surprising things about Iceland that you might not believe until you see them yourself.

There Is No McDonald’s

We’re all itching to get our hands on a BigMac whenever we travel abroad, but unlike many European countries, Iceland doesn’t have the Yellow M food chain. Although there were a few branches up until 2009, all of them shut down because it was too costly to maintain. It’s a surprise, especially since Iceland’s seafood could give the Filet-o-Fish serious game.

Babies Sleeping In Snow

If you’re out exploring Icelandic ruins in the winter and see a baby sleeping in the blistering cold, don’t freak out and call the cops because it’s just an average day. People of Iceland believe babies napping in the cold boosts immunity, protecting them from common ailments, and even helps them sleep better.

No Buzzing Mosquitoes

One of the best things about Iceland is not having to deal with the welt-creating buggers that can’t seem to fly away even after you swat them. Iceland’s extreme temperature makes it difficult for creatures like mosquitoes to survive, so you can enjoy the summer without worrying about being covered in welts.

A Defenseless Nation

Iceland falls under The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), so many people think the place would have soldiers prancing around. But Iceland has no military, army, air force, or even navy. The reason is simple: Iceland’s population isn’t big enough for an army, plus it’s also expensive. Don’t worry; the Icelandic Coast Guard does an excellent job protecting it.

Patronymic Names

Almost every man in Iceland’s name ends with ‘son’ (meaning son of), while a woman’s name ends with ‘dottir’ (meaning daughter of). Everyone in Iceland is actually named after a parent, usually the father, in a unique naming system called the patronymic. So, a person named Jon with a father, Eimar, would go by Jon Eimarson (Jon, the son of Eimar). Pretty fun, right?

Non-Reptilian Land

Iceland’s challenging climate makes it next to impossible for reptiles and other smaller creatures to survive. But they’ve gone one step ahead; all types of reptilian creatures, like snakes and lizards, are prohibited from being kept as pets. It is believed the owner of a smuggled turtle contracted salmonella, triggering the ban.

Coca-Cola Lovers

Almost every shop in Iceland is lined with Coca-Cola. Iceland consistently tops every country worldwide by consuming the most Coca-Cola per capita. According to the numbers, each Icelander drinks an average of 13.1 liters of Coca-Cola yearly, twice that of Europe and four times the average American.

The Midnight Sun

There are a few days of the year when Iceland receives so much attention from the sun that it’s blazing even at midnight. This is a yearly phenomenon because the Earth tilts along its axis toward the sun during summer, causing all of Iceland to light up. This means you can stroll its streets even at midnight, as long as you don’t disturb snoozing locals.

Sheep Roundup

Every tourist visiting Iceland will meet sheep at some point. That’s because the country hosts about 500,000 sheep in the summer season. Not only are there more sheep than humans in Iceland, but residents also celebrate Réttir, a grand party dedicated solely to rounding them up.

Huldufólk/Hidden Elves

Iceland firmly believes in the existence of Hidden People or Elves, who they think still live with us but manage to evade our eyes. Elves aren’t just folklore; the country has routinely altered multiple construction sites to facilitate these mythical creatures and prevent them from losing sleep.

Icelanders Are Book Lovers

Icelanders have a genuine love for books and literature. Their storytelling tradition is rich and celebrated with Jólabókaflóð, the “Christmas Book Flood,” where people gift newly released books to each other on Christmas Eve. This island nation, home to just over 300,000 people, boasts one of the highest numbers of writers and books published in the world.

Renewable Energy

All of Iceland’s electricity comes from renewable resources. When looking at the total energy supply of Iceland, 100% of it is sourced from renewable energy produced within the country; geothermal energy and hydropower.

Heated Sidewalks

Many of the busiest streets in Reykjavik are heated with geothermal energy to prevent ice and snow build-up. Iceland started this heating process in the early 2000s to make the streets more accessible for locals and tourists. This is a clever solution to make walking and driving safer in the country during winter.

Hot Water Smells Like Eggs

Hot tap water in Iceland has an eggy smell due to the geothermal heating process. It’s natural, and the water is safe for showering and even drinking if it’s boiled enough. Locals and visitors get used to the smell and appreciate the eco-friendly benefits and reasons behind it.

Tectonic Plates

Iceland sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This unique spot means the country experiences lots of volcanic activity and earthquakes. It’s fascinating to think that Iceland is literally being pulled apart as these plates slowly drift away from each other, creating dramatic and ever-changing geological features.

Icelandic Horses Are The Purest Breed

Icelandic horse is a breed only developed in Iceland, and hence one of the purest in the world. What sets them apart is their unique ability to perform five different gaits, especially the tölt—a smooth, fast pace that’s incredibly comfortable to ride. Because they’ve been bred in isolation for hundreds of years, their lineage remains pure, making them a rarest breed you won’t find anywhere else.

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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.