Ah, Iceland, one of the most magical places on Earth and on this side of the Milky Way. The beauty of the country, however, goes deeper than the gorgeous fjords, (sometimes) slumbering volcanoes, and windswept tourists you’ll find on the covers of brochures (though the nature there is truly stunning and a large part of the draw).
Iceland embodies the essence of community, happiness, and health, and we hope to show this to you in this list, compiled by our travel-hungry Bored Panda team. As you’re scrolling down, upvote the Icelandic facts that caught your attention, and let us know what you think of the country in the comments. If you’ve ever been to Iceland yourselves, Pandas, then we’re itching to hear all about your adventures there!
If you’re in the mood for some more Icelandic awesomeness after this list, then you’ll want to check out Bored Panda’s earlier articles about the fabulous country here and here.
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Iceland Has The World’s Highest Gender Equality
It isn’t an overstatement to say that the Icelandic people are some of the happiest on our planet. The 2021 World Happiness Report ranked Iceland as the fourth happiest country on Earth, right behind Denmark in second place, Switzerland in third, and just ahead of the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Finland was given the number one spot in this year’s World Happiness Report update (its fourth consecutive year!) whereas Afghanistan was ranked as the unhappiest country in the world.
Polar Stratospheric Clouds Over Iceland A Few Days Ago
Without An Address, An Icelandic Tourist Drew This Map Of The Intended Location (Búðardalur) And Surroundings On The Envelope. The Postal Service Delivered
The difference between the overall happiness index in the top few countries is marginal at best, meaning that European, especially Northern European countries are consistently the best places to live. If happiness is your thing that is.
According to the World Population Review and the World Happiness Report, Iceland has the highest feeling of social support in the world, even ahead of such countries as Finland, Norway, and Denmark, which tied for second place in terms of this metric.
This Street In Iceland
#9 Fun Fact Iceland Is Full Of Rainbows. Their Rainbow Paths Were Created To Show Their Immense Support For Pride, Diversity, And Acceptance Or maybe a message for the Christian church to accept gays and others gender to can be one day married in front of God!
Load More Replies...Forget the yellow brick road. I will, definitely, follow this rainbow road. How beautiful!♥️
I wanna live there! Anyone want to rent to me, hire me, sponsor me or adopt me? Just thinking....
Follow the rainbow brick road, follow the rainbrow brick road, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the rainbow brick road....
The top(or below) comment's reply chain went outta control R E A L fast.
i saw this in a video called "the world's hardest karaoke song", and it was all about iceland. it's really good, yall go watch it!
It’s God’s promise to never flood the earth. A lot of people overlook what the rainbow really stands for.
I daresay the meaning of a rainbow is not totally the domain of the christian bible, and anyone can ascribe to it whatever meaning they like.
Load More Replies...Breathtaking Icelandic Landscape
I have walked through that landscape and yes, it is stunning beyond words. In one day we walked through that, across a snowfield and across somewhere that looked a bit like a rocky desert. The landscape is so diverse.
Elephant Rock - Don't Miss Out The Natural Statue Of Gaint Elephant Near Heimaey Island, Iceland
Currently, Iceland has a population of just 371k, according to Encyclopædia Britannica’s latest figures. That means the country is incredibly sparsely populated. Or, as Arctic Adventures puts it, that’s around 3 people per square kilometer (that’s roughly 8 people per square mile for our British and American Pandas).
They might be a small nation, but they’re tight-knit and really do know how to live a high-quality life. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the data, but it’s far better to experience the hospitality in person than to read about it or to look at just the stats and figures.
Beautiful Photograph Taken In Iceland Where The Blue Sea, The Black Beach, The Yellow River And The Green Fields Meet In Perfect Harmony
The Viking Sword Road In Iceland
Fun Fact Iceland Is Full Of Rainbows. Their Rainbow Paths Were Created To Show Their Immense Support For Pride, Diversity, And Acceptance
When we talk about Iceland being magical, it’s not all just fantasy and evocative words. According to the Nordic Visitor Blog, around a third of Icelanders believe in the existence of elves. Meanwhile, there are even spokespeople for the elves present when constructions take place in certain lava fields in Iceland.
My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky
Information Sign Nr 1, Geysir Iceland
Iceland Does Not Want To Deal With Your Stupidity - And I Think That’s Beautiful
I like this. I’ve never understood why people throw coins into fountains. It’s kind of meaningless to throw coins in fountains.
Some of the reasons why Icelanders are so happy include their strong sense of community, their focus on equality and inclusion, and their high levels of transparency. This means that the Icelandic people have very high levels of trust in their governments while they also boast a low crime rate. Statista notes that there were 167 prisoners in the entire country in 2010. This number fell to 136 in 2018.
Modern Icelandic Houses Are Built With Geothermally Heated Water Pipes Under Their Sidewalks So Icelanders Never Have To Shovel In Winter
Town In Iceland Paints A 3D Pedestrian Crossing To Slow Traffic
The Arctic Fox Is The Only Land Mammal Native To Iceland
Of course, all the natural beauty, stunning settings, and fresh air don’t help your chances of wanting to settle down in Iceland, either. Quite literally everyone that we personally know who’s been to Iceland has expressed their deep love of the country and has promised to go back. Hey, it might be an amateurish scientific study, but the sentiment is real.
Work Signs In Reykjavik, Iceland Feature A Female Worker
This Is How Glacier Rivers Looks From Above In Iceland
The Icelandic Pledge For Tourists
A lot politer than the entry signs in Indonesia and Malaysia: Bring Drugs here and we’ll shoot you
Some time ago, Bored Panda spoke about traveling etiquette and the importance of learning local costumes with Professor Christine Vogt from Arizona State University. She said that it’s vital that we do proper background research about the country we’re traveling to before setting out on the adventure itself. Analyze the customs, get to know the language. “More than likely that is what draws a person to visit a certain place. The more local knowledge a traveler has, the more a traveler can feel like a local and fit in," she said.
In Hólavallagarður Cemetery, Iceland, It’s Said Trees Are Planted On Graves As A Old Norse Tradition. You Can Touch The Trees As A Way To Connect With The Deceased
This Poster Under A Camera In Iceland
Teddy Bear Quest
"Local customs can include how a traveler dresses, eats, uses a cell phone, etc. When a traveler is out in a community such as walking in a downtown area or eating in a restaurant, these local customs can come into play. For example, in Buddhist countries, a woman who has not covered her shoulders or legs may not be allowed into temples or even a restaurant. Learn as many local customs as you can and a few key words to enhance your experience," the professor explained to Bored Panda.
The Coolest House I Found During My Trip In Iceland
My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas, This Is Her View
Went To A Beach In Iceland And Took A Full-Color Picture That Looks Entirely Grayscale
Meanwhile, Professor Vogt added that travelers should refrain from taking any historic artifacts home with them as souvenirs. Some of the ways that the locals can make sure nothing gets taken is to set up signs that discourage people from pocketing what they shouldn’t. If that doesn’t work, penalties for stealing and setting up cameras to catch rule-breakers might work. It’s also a good idea to set up a display of all the items that tourists had stolen and then returned later on.
There Are Places In Iceland Where You Can Be Standing On The North American And European Tectonic Plates At The Same Time. This Rift Was From An Earthquake
Sheep Taking Shelter In A Tunnel In The Westfjords Of Iceland While A Bad Storm Blows Over
Blue Lagoon In Iceland, A Geothermal Hot Spring
Every Stop Light In Akureyri, Iceland Is Shaped Like A Heart
Reykjavík Looking Extra Soft After Today's Snowstorm
With this snow, Athens (Greece) would shut down for about a week!
Painted On The Side Of A Little Cafe In Iceland
Meet Óttarr Proppé, Iceland's New Minister Of Health
People Gathered Around Lava, Iceland
Went To See A Volcano That Is Only A Couple Of Kilometers Away From My Home. This Volcano Has Been Erupting For The Past Months In Iceland
This Is The Last McDonald's Burger Sold In Iceland
Krónur Coins, The Icelandic Currency, Have National Marine Species As Heads
Ahh crab, Iost my coins. It's ofishial, now I can't trout my friend a nice dinner. Cod I be any more stupid?!
Black Church In Iceland
No Church In The Wild. Oldest Church Of Iceland, So Cute
Fun Fact The Sheep Population Of Iceland Is More Than Double The Human Population
Icelandic Girl Watering The Rooftop Of A Restaurant In Downtown Reykjavik
Laugarvatnshellar Caves. House Built Into A Hill In Iceland
Fun Fact About Iceland
Speed Bump And Cross Walk Signs In Iceland Look Like Alien Abduction
This "Where Are You From" Map At The Aurora Museum In Reykjavík, Iceland
Icelandic Condoms
This Gate Made From An Old Bike In Reykjavik
Remember That Icelandic Mayor Who Was Offering Signed Pictures Of Himself? Yeah. Mine Arrived Today
This Scuba Crossing Sign In Þingvellir, Iceland
In Iceland, There's No Such Thing As The Flavour "Ranch"
Today I Drank Straight From An Icelandic Glacier. The Finest Of H20
A Convenience Store In Reykjavik, Iceland Has A Well As You Walk In
This Pavement In Iceland For Wheelchairs Is Warmed Up So They Don't Slide Down
Wow, this and the good wheelchair spaces. I need to move to Iceland! Seems like they cater well for wheelchair users!
Visiting Iceland And This Is The View At Midnight
In Winter The Sun Sets At 2:00 PM In Iceland
This Sign Reminding Tourists Not To Walk On A Geothermally Active Area In Iceland
In Iceland, Handicapped Parking Spaces Have Ramps Onto The Curb
Campsite Inside A Greenhouse To Keep Us Warm (Hverinn, Iceland)
Chunks Of Ice On Iceland’s Diamond Beach
This Sign In Iceland Gives You A Smiley Face When You’re Under The Speed Limit, A Sad Face When Your Over The Speed Limit And An Angry Face If You’re Way Over The Speed Limit
They Sell Icelandic Air In A Can At Gift Shops In Iceland
My Flight To Iceland Has Aurora Style Lighting
This Oil Tank In Reykjavík Is Lit Up With LED Lights In The Colors Of The Pride Flag During The Pride Week In Iceland
My Favorite Photo From My Trip To Snæfellnes Peninsula In Iceland Last March - Búdakirkja. Surreal To Be There In Person
Windows Running On Windows (Airport In Iceland)
Hostel In Iceland Has No Elevator, But Offers Elevator Music
In Reykjavik, There Is An Old Gate For "Single Gloves Speed Dating" Where You Can Put Other People's Missing Gloves Or Look For Your Missing Gloves
A Guide To Tying A Tie, Painted On A Wall In The Shopping Street Of Reykjavik, Iceland
Facts About Icelandic Water
1-Hour-Old Rock Sample Taken From An Icelandic Volcano
Hospital Food In Iceland, The Salmon Was Surprisingly Well-Seasoned
And to think I had to buy all three meals per day down the hall in the hospital food court because of the muck they served. You suck John Hunter Hospital
In Case You Didn’t Know, The Sign Is For You
They have similar ones overseas with that, a camera and a YouTube logo
A Bra Fence In Iceland
The View From These Public Restrooms In Iceland
Bunker-Like Home In Iceland
This Recycling Bin Shaped Like A Bottle In Blonduos, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland In 1910 And 2013. The Former "Edge" Of The City. The Only House That Still Stands Is The Red-Roofed House On The Right
This Public Bike Service And Repair Station In Reykjavik
2AM In Reykjavik, Iceland. This Is A Dark As It's Going To Get Tonight
A Chair And A Living Room Setting. In The Middle Of Nowhere. Iceland
Icelandic Grass Roof (In The Summer)
The Easiest Bread I’ve Ever Made And It Turned Out Delicious! Icelandic Rúgbrauð
Ingredients 4 1/2 cups (477g) medium rye flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 cups (454g) buttermilk 1/2 cup (168g) honey 1/2 cup (170g) molasses Instructions Preheat the oven to 325°F with a rack in the center position. Weigh your flour or measure it by gently spooning into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, and molasses. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring to combine. Transfer the batter to a lightly greased 9” pain de mie (pullman) pan and smooth the top. Lightly grease the lid, and place the lid on the pan. Bake the bread for 2 hours. Turn off the oven and remove the lid from the pan. Leave the loaf in the turned-off oven for another 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and turn out of the pan onto a cooling rack
This Fish Restaurant In Iceland Had Dried Fish Skins As Lighting Fixtures
This 6-Wheeled Pickup Truck Car We Saw In Iceland
Can anyone tell me what car this is? Edit: Okay, I know what it is. It’s a Six-wheeled Ford Escort Pickup
Everything In Iceland Is Beautiful
The Phallus Museum In Reykjavik, Iceland Uses Mermaids To Gauge Size
This Water Bottle On Board Iceland Air Is Shaped Like An Iceberg
Iceland Have Some Very Amusing Condom Packaging
Icelandic Benchpress Record Being Broken On Top Of A Glacier, 1986
In Reykjavík, Iceland, Some Of The Pedestrian Lights Are Female
Icelandic Humor In Front Of A Local Bar
The Hallway To The Restroom In This English Pub In Iceland Is Made To Look Like A Tube Tunnel
That would tend to confuse people who don't know it's still going to lead to the bathroom. Especially prone to this: drunk people.
Some Amusing Graffiti I Saw In Iceland
This Artwork On A House In Reykjavik, Iceland
A Chilly Day In Þingvellir National Park. Glimmering "Good Luck Coins" In The Water
Black And White Lavastones. I Got The Black One From Iceland And The White One From Milos, Greece
On My Flight To Iceland, The Cover On The Back Of Your Seat Has A Fun Fact
Traditional Icelandic Dishes
Smoked lamb "Hangikjöt" with beetroot, yellow turnip & redcurrant. Cured Minke Whale with horseradish, blueberry & mustard.
Lamb rib eye with wild thyme, oyster mushroom and cauliflower.
Icelandic Skyr Mousse with buckthorn berry, carrot cake, carrot sorbet and lemon.
In The Iceland Airport, You Wash And Dry
Garbage Bins In Iceland Have Mini Recycling Sections
We have these in Sweden too, so that gypsies don't have to throw all the garbage out when looking for recyclable bottes (which are worth about 15 cents each).
The Water At The Blue Lagoon In Iceland Looked Like CGI
It's blue, so the poster has to get a upvote for a great picture!
This Store In Reykjavik, Iceland Has A Well In The Middle Of It
another great Icelandish picture, an up vote because you took the time to post
This Eve Online Monument In Iceland Contains All Usernames Up Until 2014
Icelandic Alternatives For Beef Jerky
Looked Up And Saw A Tiny Solder On This Street Sign In Reykjavik Iceland
Chain Bicycles That You Can Chain Your Bicycle To In Reykjavik Iceland
The Satellites In Iceland Are Almost Pointed Down Because It's So Far North
Tear Shaped Egg I Found In A Local Market In Iceland
At Reykjavik Airport, The Skylights Look Like Icicles
This Fence In Iceland Has A Glass Window
My Hostel Has Preserved The Last McDonald's Cheeseburger Sold In Iceland
Icelandic Hydrant Loves Fires
There’s A Bar In Reykjavik Iceland Called Lebowski Bar. It’s A Theme Bar Based On The Big Lebowski
Strange (Perhaps Unappealing?) Candy From Iceland
Iceland Very Often Gets Beached Whales, This Is One That Is Laying On The Beach At The Moment
DJ In Icelandic Mall Phone Store
The Bathrooms At This Dunkin' Donuts In Reykjavik, Iceland Are In An Old Bank Vault
Hotel In Iceland. It's Supposed To Tell You Which Rooms Are On Which Floor
I Found Mojito-Flavored Soda In A Reykjavik Grocery Store
This Sign For Asian People In An Icelandic Public Bathroom
The Windows In Iceland - What Is The Story Behind Them?
There Are "No Poop" Signs In Iceland
Freeze Your Left Hand And Boil Your Right Hand At This Airbnb In Iceland
This Camp Shower In Iceland Cost 300 Isk About 3 USD For Two Minutes Of Freezing Cold Water With Hardly Any Water Pressure
Go in the winter when you'll see the Aurora. It'll change your life
Load More Replies...I love this thread! I didn't want it to end. Now to go to YouTube to find videos. Such a beautiful place.
I definitely love this thread. I now want to move to Iceland. It seems peaceful and happy and accepting of everyone.
And cold lol I love the cold, usually. I don't even bother with a jacket until it gets into the 20's F. Thought I'd love to live in colder parts. Then I moved to Chicago. -15 during the day for 4 months. Day in, day out, it hurt the breath outside. Everytime I had to go outside, wether to get the mail or left something in the car, I had to suite up like I was going on an Mt Everest expedition. I like cold until it hits 10 f or below. After that it becomes a pain. Three years of this and decided that was enough and moved back to Colorado.
Load More Replies...lovely country. Breathtaking scenes and funny locals. Definetely want to go!
COVID-19 lockdown in Iceland. 2020. 5 months of an awesome Island! 🇺🇸❤️🇮🇸 Takk Chocolateviking.com
Going to Iceland in three weeks time from Ireland. My 1st time. We only have 4days and nights. Wondering whether I should rent an SUV to see the sights or is this risky with the weather?
I sure wish people here acted like those shown in Iceland. Imagine loving & caring for nature & each other.
Thank you for sharing. Island is near and dear to my heart. It will be nice to go one day and visit the village my family is from.
I was there last month and agree that has very nice views. Unfortunately it is extremously expensive. It was enought to not come back ever. I always can see a documentary from BBC or NatGeo
Go in the winter when you'll see the Aurora. It'll change your life
Load More Replies...I love this thread! I didn't want it to end. Now to go to YouTube to find videos. Such a beautiful place.
I definitely love this thread. I now want to move to Iceland. It seems peaceful and happy and accepting of everyone.
And cold lol I love the cold, usually. I don't even bother with a jacket until it gets into the 20's F. Thought I'd love to live in colder parts. Then I moved to Chicago. -15 during the day for 4 months. Day in, day out, it hurt the breath outside. Everytime I had to go outside, wether to get the mail or left something in the car, I had to suite up like I was going on an Mt Everest expedition. I like cold until it hits 10 f or below. After that it becomes a pain. Three years of this and decided that was enough and moved back to Colorado.
Load More Replies...lovely country. Breathtaking scenes and funny locals. Definetely want to go!
COVID-19 lockdown in Iceland. 2020. 5 months of an awesome Island! 🇺🇸❤️🇮🇸 Takk Chocolateviking.com
Going to Iceland in three weeks time from Ireland. My 1st time. We only have 4days and nights. Wondering whether I should rent an SUV to see the sights or is this risky with the weather?
I sure wish people here acted like those shown in Iceland. Imagine loving & caring for nature & each other.
Thank you for sharing. Island is near and dear to my heart. It will be nice to go one day and visit the village my family is from.
I was there last month and agree that has very nice views. Unfortunately it is extremously expensive. It was enought to not come back ever. I always can see a documentary from BBC or NatGeo