Top5 Amazing Facts About Iceland That Will Shock You

In this article we will discover amazing facts about Iceland. Iceland is not just known for its natural beauty but also has some surprising unwritten rules. For example, once an Icelandic horse leaves the country, it cannot return. Beer was once banned, but hard liquor was not. Most children are born without a marriage certificate, and selling underwear with the national flag can lead to heavy fines. It’s mandatory to bathe naked before using a hot spring, and toilet access can be sparse. So let’s begin.

5) Marriage

One of the amazing facts about Iceland is that in Iceland, marrying someone with the same last name is avoided due to the country’s small, genetically similar population. With around 387,000 people and many sharing ancestors, having the same last name often indicates close relation. To prevent unintentional incest, Icelanders check their genetic connections before starting serious relationships.

A popular dating app called Eastlandinga allows users to see their relations by name or through phone tapping, and it alerts them if they are closely related. This app is especially favored by young people in Reykjavik, where social circles often overlap, and is sometimes even used as a party game.

4) Healing Bath

One of the amazing facts about Iceland is that in Iceland, taking healing baths involves a unique cultural practice: clothing is not allowed. Wearing a swimsuit is seen as rude, as going naked reflects cleanliness, equality, and acceptance of the human body. At public pools, such as Logard Slow and Reikavik or Mayvatin, visitors must shower nude before entering the hot springs. Failing to comply can lead to being asked to shower again.

The famous Blue Lagoon also follows this custom, and while some international guests may feel shy, many enjoy the experience of soaking in warm water amid dramatic landscapes. For locals, these hot springs serve purposes beyond relaxation, aiding in healing and social interaction.

3) Legal Father

One of the amazing facts about Iceland is that in Iceland, nearly 70% of children are born outside of marriage, a situation that is widely accepted and not judged. Unlike many countries where single mothers face stigma, women in Iceland are supported in raising children independently.

The government provides a strong welfare system, offering up to 12 months of parental leave, financial aid, health care, and education, even if the mother does not have a partner. In Icelandic culture, having a child out of wedlock is seen as a personal choice, and even marriage raises questions about traditional family structures, reflecting a belief in women’s capabilities and diverse family forms.

2) Littering

One of the amazing facts about Iceland is that Littering is seen as a serious offense in Iceland, where nature is valued greatly. Even small pieces of trash, like paper or cigarette butts, are considered disrespectful. Approximately 85% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources, and the locals practice clean living by reducing waste and using personal trash bags.

At natural sites, people often pick up trash quietly to maintain the beauty of the area. Smokers are especially discouraged from littering. Iceland also has very pure tap water, so visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and small trash bags, respecting the cultural value of no littering.

1) Icelandic Horses

One of the amazing facts about Iceland is that Icelandic horses are not allowed to return to Iceland once they leave the country. This strict rule protects the pure breed, which has been isolated for over 1,000 years. Icelandic horses are small, strong, and have thick winter coats. They are known for their smooth gait and are friendly and playful. Equestrians in Iceland must rent or buy horses for international competitions.