List of Fun Facts about Iceland

Iceland, the enigmatic 'Land of Fire and Ice,' offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, rich history, and quirky traditions that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. While its cinematic landscapes have been attracting tourists, the island nation's unique cultural aspects equally contribute to the magic that is Iceland. Here are ten fun, intriguing facts about this Arctic wonderland, a mix of well-known and less explored tidbits to feed your curiosity.

1. Chess Champions:

With one of the highest numbers of grandmasters per capita, Iceland has a thriving chess culture. The nation's love for the game was spotlighted when it hosted the historic 1972 World Chess Championship, where Bobby Fischer triumphed over Boris Spassky.

2. Glacial River Power:

Iceland is home to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Fed by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, the falls cascade an average flow rate of 193 cubic meters per second.

3. Iceland's Unique Legal System:

For most of its history, Iceland did not have a professional law enforcement body. The country established its first and only police force in 1803, and it wasn't until 2008 that the Icelandic police carried firearms — but only in emergencies.

4. Lava Field Landscapes:

The country is covered in vast lava fields, the result of previous volcanic activity. The largest one, Þjórsárhraun, was formed about 7,000 years ago and covers an area of 970 square km.

5. High Literacy Rate:

With an almost 100% literacy rate, Iceland is one of the most literate countries in the world. This might be connected to the Icelandic Christmas tradition of gifting books and spending the evening reading.

6. Seabird Staple:

The guillemot, a seabird species, lays its eggs on cliff edges, including those in Iceland. The shape of the egg is designed to spin in a circle, preventing it from falling off the cliff edge.

7. Geothermal Power Abundance:

Iceland is a global leader in renewable energy. Almost all electricity in Iceland is produced using renewable energy sources, with geothermal power being the most extensively used. This means even heating homes and running hot water is very environmentally friendly.

8. Midnight Golfing:

Due to the extended daylight hours in the summer, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf even at midnight at courses around the country. The Arctic Open is a notable tournament played through the night.

10. Art and Music Scene:

Reykjavik is well-known for its bustling arts scene, with numerous galleries and music festivals like Iceland Airwaves and Sonar Reykjavik. The iconic Harpa Concert Hall is a prime example of Iceland's commitment to the arts.

11. Geothermal Greenhouses:

Thanks to Iceland's geothermal energy, fruits and vegetables that wouldn't typically grow in such climates are cultivated in greenhouses. These include cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and even bananas.

12. Traditional Turf Houses:

In the past, Icelanders lived in turf houses, which provided excellent insulation against the harsh Icelandic weather. A few of these traditional structures are still standing and have become popular tourist attractions.

13. Natural Jacuzzis: