Ice
land: A Land of Cool Facts Iceland is a country like no other. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is known for its unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and neighborly puffins. However, this small country is also home to a myriad of interesting facts that many people may not be aware of. Here, we dive into some of Iceland's coolest, and coldest, bits of knowledge.
1. It's Called Iceland for a Reason Contrary to what some may believe, Iceland is not named Iceland simply because it's cold. The name actually comes from the country's rugged landscape and uninviting terrain. When the first settlers arrived from Norway in the 9th century, they saw vast expanses of ice and snow, and deemed the land to be uninhabitable. To dissuade other groups from coming, they named the country Iceland, indicating that it was a land of ice and not worth settling.
2. It's Home to the World's Oldest Parliament Iceland is famous for its history, and that includes being home to the world's first parliament, known as the Althing. Established in 930 AD, the Althing meets annually in Reykjavik and is still in operation today. It's not uncommon for tourists to see politicians and leaders walking the streets, even enjoying a pint at a local establishment.
3. Icelanders Are Fans of Bats Another interesting tidbit about Iceland is that Icelanders love bats. In fact, they're the only country in the world where bats are considered a national symbol. The reasons behind this are varied, but most Icelanders see bats as protectors and good luck charms.
4. It's a Land of Volcanoes Iceland is a volcanologist's dream-come-true. It lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a region where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. As a result, the island is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Iceland has over 30 active volcanic systems with hundreds of volcanic cones and craters, displaying the power of Mother Nature.
5. The Winter Nights Can Be Long In Iceland, the winter nights can be long, but this is to be expected when you're so close to the Arctic Circle. During the winter solstice, the sun sets around 3:30 pm and doesn't rise again until around 11:30 am the following day. However, during the summer solstice, the sun can stay up for almost 24 hours, which creates the famous "Midnight Sun".
6. It's Home to the World's Largest Glacier Iceland is also home to the largest glacier in Europe: Vatnajökull. The glacier is so vast that it covers an area of around 8,100 square kilometers, which is roughly the same size as the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Vatnajökull is over 3,000 meters thick in some places, and it's no surprise that scientists and adventurers alike hold it in high regard.
7. Icelandic Horses are Unique If you think all horses are the same, then think again. Icelandic horses are a unique breed, and they've been around for more than a thousand years. They differ from other horses in that they're small, sturdy, and incredibly versatile. They're also one of the few breeds that can perform five gaits as opposed to the normal four. All in all, they're well suited for the country's rough terrain. Iceland is a country of contrasts and surprises, and this is just a small sampling of what it has to offer. From its rugged terrain to its unique wildlife, it's no wonder that Iceland is a popular destination for so many people. So, the next time you're planning a trip, consider Iceland as your next adventure. There's no doubt that you'll leave with a few new cool and fascinating facts to share.