When we think of Iceland we tend to think of elves, trolls and Vikings. However, this is not an incomplete list of the marvels that await in this country. In this article, we have selected for you the 8 most interesting and amazing facts about the far and enigmatic island state.
1. Volcanic Energy
The people of Iceland actively use renewable natural resources. Volcanoes and geothermal
waters have determined the country’s energy development, making the economy
independent of the oil and gas we are used to. For the same reason, Iceland does not need
artificial heating.
Geothermal energy provides heat to most Icelandic homes. Hot water from the springs is used not only for heating, but also makes it possible to operate 150 public city swimming pools. Entrance to the pools costs about 25 euros, a robe can be rented for 9 euros, and a towel for 5 euros.
2. National Cuisine
The culinary traditions of Iceland are amazing. For example, a traditional Icelandic dish
called "Haukal" is rotten shark meat cut into pieces. If you decide to try it, the taste of such a rotten delicacy may smell like urea.
This is explained by the fact that the meat of the Greenland shark, which has no urinary tract, is used to prepare the dish. Such meat contains poisonous ammonia. Before eating, the shark is sent underground or to basements for three to four months so that it rots well.
3. Security
The people of Iceland do not care about national security at all. The country has no army, air force or navy. Even the police in Iceland do not carry weapons. Of all the security agencies, the most influential is the Coast Guard. And if any Icelandic man wants to serve, he can serve in the Norwegian army under an agreement concluded between the countries. Convenient, right?
4. Trust
Iceland has an unprecedentedly high level of trust among its people. This is directly
reflected in everyday life. When traveling around the country, you can see farm produce exchange points for money.
They are standing with eco-products, where anyone can exchange products for the appropriate amount of money. There are no sellers, surveillance cameras, or control systems. Everything is based on honesty. You just take the products and put money in a special box in return. That’s all the trade!
5. Tolerance
Iceland is famous for its tolerant attitude towards various minorities. Six years ago, a law
was passed legalizing same-sex marriages. Among the first lucky couples to formalize their
union was the country’s Prime Minister and his girlfriend.
This case not only shocked the entire world but became the first time in history that a head of government entered into a same-sex marriage.
6. Capital of Wales
One of the amazing places in Iceland is Husavik. This is a small fishing town – a port, which
is located south of the Arctic Circle. Due to this, in the summer there is light almost around
the clock. This place became truly famous thanks to whales, Husavik is called the "whale capital". There is a whale museum in the city, and from the port you can go on a tour and watch whales in natural conditions. Thanks to modern equipment, the organizers of such tours promise a 98% chance of tourists meeting these huge sea inhabitants.
While exploring Iceland’s stunning nature, you might want to relax with some entertainment. Many travelers enjoy visiting TonyBet Casino for a fun experience when they’re not out chasing waterfalls and geysers. If you’re curious, you can find a Tonybet casino review online to learn more about their exciting offers and bonuses.
7. Kingdom of Ice
More than 10% of the country’s territory is glaciers. The age of the ice is several hundred thousand years. The largest glacier in Iceland has an interesting name Vatnajokull. It is a skeleton with a four-hundred-meter layer of ice, inside which, like many other glaciers in Iceland, active volcanoes are hidden.
In terms of volume, the glacier is the largest in Europe. Vatnajokull feeds on unique glacial lakes, and sometimes icebergs break off from it, which
float away on an open voyage.
8. Unique Nature
Iceland is the largest island in the world of volcanic origin. The country is home to real
natural monuments: huge waterfalls, geysers, ice floes that go 30 meters under water.
Iceland is an incredibly interesting place. An island where thousand-year-old ice coexists
with the heat of volcanoes.
