“The land of ice and snow” has some phenomenal things that can only be found in this fascinating country. Located in the Northern area of the Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is home to two continents, the North American and the Eurasian continent which coexist together. But this Nordic island has some pretty quirky folklore, too. Did you know that Icelanders believe in elves? In fact, Telegraph Travel’s Mike Unwin once said that “the one thing you must never do in Iceland is upset an elf.” Although Iceland is just an island of ice, it has the most beautiful and magical nature in the entire world. But that’s not all this place has to offer! Believe us when we say you’ll be pretty surprised by these unbelievable things that can only be found in Iceland.
Iceberg-Shaped Water Bottles
Have you ever seen iceberg-shaped water bottles? Neither did we. But nowadays, a water brand that goes by the name, “Icelandic Glacial” sources its water right from the Ölfus Spring which is one of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. With low mineral content, the water is so pure, that the water bottles reflect exactly what the brand represents: pure bottled spring iceberg water!
The Beauty Of The Aura
The Aurora borealis is probably one of the most magical things a person will ever get to see with their own eyes. These pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice. In fact, the aurora is so magnificent that it has become the symbol of Iceland. But what exactly is the Aurora borealis, also known as “northern lights”?
This magical display is the result of solar particles entering the earth’s atmosphere and colliding with different gases. The site, Service Aurora offers a more complex explanation: “Electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.” This spectacular light show displays a variety of colors that range from purple to red, to pink, and blue.
Heart-Shaped Stop Lights
Ever since 2008, stop lights in the city of Akureyri, (which is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord) light up in the shape of a heart. When the financial crash of 2008 took a toll on the general mood of the population, the local publishing house “Ásprent-Stíll” and “Visit Akureyi organized the “Smile with your heart project” as a way to spark a sense of joy and optimism in the hearts of people.
You Might Stumble Into “No Poop” Signs
Apparently, Iceland has a major pooping problem. Locals had had enough of tourists doing their stuff wherever they pleased. But in all fairness to these public poopers, Iceland has a shortage of public bathrooms. The situation got so bad, that the Icelandic state had to hang “No pooping” sings all over the place.
Blue Ice Cave Adventure
Iceland is home to some spectacular caves that are truly unforgettable. The ice cave in the wonders of Vatnajökull glacier, (pictured above) is one of the most challenging ones the island has to offer. The ice cave tour can take up to 6 hours, and most tours only allow a small group of people at once. Since accessing the cave is pretty challenging, participants are expected to be in tiptop physical conditions.
Female Worker Signs
In most countries, especially in the U.S., signs predominantly feature male workers. But, in Reykjavik, Iceland, worker signs are inclusive to all genders, so don’t be surprised to find signs featuring a female worker. In fact, Iceland was the first country to have a female president in the entire world in 1980.
Peculiar Crosswalks
A town in Iceland decided to paint a 3D zebra crosswalk to slow down cars, and so far, this cleverly-placed optical illusion seems to be working, as other towns are starting to catch on and follow in their footsteps.
Blue-Eyed Horses
The Norse Vikings brought these blue-eyed stunning creatures to Iceland between the 9th and 10th centuries. The government set some pretty hefty import regulations to protect this unique breed from hybridization and illness. Icelandic horses are largely restricted to North Iceland and around Hindisvik.
Marine Currency
Kronur coins, the Icelandic currency, depict several national marine species on the backside of their coins. Since fishing is one of the main industries in Iceland, this comes as no surprise. Usually, tourists spend a lot of money buying their loved ones a souvenir. But, in Iceland, the coins themselves make for the perfect memento, don’t you agree?
Grass Roof Houses
Grass roof houses, also known as turf houses, can be found all over Iceland.
These quaint little houses were a product of the difficult climate in Iceland. They’re built with earth and feature a roof that’s made out of turf and grass. Grass offers superior insulation compared to buildings that are made of wood or stone.
9-Year-Old McDonald’s Burger
You can find many things in Iceland, but the one thing you won’t be able to find in this magnificent island is a Big Mac. Iceland is one of the few countries in the world who doesn’t have a McDonald’s. But the Icelandic Exhibition still features the Country’s last McDonald’s burger that’s been there for 9 years.
I am Camila – Serial tea drinker. Professional wig snatcher. Content creator and video script writer who may or may not be John Leguizamo’s body double. If you don’t like where you are, move. You’re not a tree.
