12 fun facts about Iceland

The mountains, geyser fields, and coastlines of Iceland certainly feel vast. But even so, its population is relatively small and closely connected. About 394,000 people live in the country, with many residents in and around Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. That gives Iceland a rare mix: wide-open landscapes by day and a lively capital scene close at hand.

Iceland has a long tradition of lively debate… and it’s been going on for more than 1,000 years. The country’s national parliament, the Alþingi (Althing), was first established in the year 930 at Þingvellir. Back then, local chieftains gathered in the dramatic rift valley to settle disputes and pass laws. Today, the Alþingi still operates in Reykjavík, making it the oldest continuously functioning parliament in the world.

For most of modern history, Iceland held a curious distinction: It was one of the few places on Earth without mosquitoes. Scientists believe the island’s unpredictable climate and frequent freeze-and-thaw cycles disrupted mosquito breeding patterns. That streak lasted for centuries, though in 2025 researchers documented the first confirmed mosquito sighting on the island. Even so, Iceland remains one of the least mosquito-prone destinations you’ll ever visit, which makes exploring its waterfalls, lava fields, and coastal trails all the more pleasant.

Despite its surprisingly green landscape, Iceland is still very much a land shaped by ice. Glaciers cover roughly 11 percent of the country’s surface, carving valleys, feeding rivers, and creating some of the island’s most dramatic scenery. The largest of them all, Vatnajökull, is the biggest glacier in Europe (according Nationalparks.org). Beneath its vast sheet of ice lie volcanoes, ice caves, and landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. It’s a not-too-subtle reminder that in Iceland, fire and ice are never very far apart.

Icelandic culture has a few traditions that might surprise visitors, starting with how people are named. Rather than using traditional family surnames, most Icelanders follow a patronymic naming system, where a person’s last name is based on their father’s (or sometimes mother’s) first name. For example, if Jón has a son named Erik, the child’s last name would likely be Jónsson, meaning “son of Jón.”Add in other beloved traditions like the 13 mischievous Yule Lads who visit children during the Christmas season, and it’s clear that Iceland’s customs are every bit as memorable as its waterfalls and volcanoes.

絵画のように美しいこの国での旅行では、その美しい自然と文化をすべて体験しましょう。小妖精の1人や2人も見られるかも知れませんよ。アイスランドにいる間に楽しいファクツがあれば書き加えましょう。帰宅したらアイスランドについて伝えることができます。An Iceland cruise offers an easy way to experience the island’s dramatic landscapes and Nordic culture.