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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.

#1

Iceland Has The Worldā€™s Highest Gender Equality

Iceland Has The Worldā€™s Highest Gender Equality

Strandjunker Report

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.

#2

Polar Stratospheric Clouds Over Iceland A Few Days Ago

Polar Stratospheric Clouds Over Iceland A Few Days Ago

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Romenriel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never seen anything like this, even in a photo. Wow! World is truly beautiful.

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#3

Without An Address, An Icelandic Tourist Drew This Map Of The Intended Location (BĆŗĆ°ardalur) And Surroundings On The Envelope. The Postal Service Delivered

Without An Address, An Icelandic Tourist Drew This Map Of The Intended Location (BĆŗĆ°ardalur) And Surroundings On The Envelope. The Postal Service Delivered

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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.

#4

This Street In Iceland

This Street In Iceland

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#5

Breathtaking Icelandic Landscape

Breathtaking Icelandic Landscape

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Sally Horrocks
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#6

Elephant Rock - Don't Miss Out The Natural Statue Of Gaint Elephant Near Heimaey Island, Iceland

Elephant Rock - Don't Miss Out The Natural Statue Of Gaint Elephant Near Heimaey Island, Iceland

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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.

#7

Beautiful Photograph Taken In Iceland Where The Blue Sea, The Black Beach, The Yellow River And The Green Fields Meet In Perfect Harmony

Beautiful Photograph Taken In Iceland Where The Blue Sea, The Black Beach, The Yellow River And The Green Fields Meet In Perfect Harmony

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Nixxy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idk why but I feel like this would be the perfect place to make yourself into a sand ursala

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#8

The Viking Sword Road In Iceland

The Viking Sword Road In Iceland

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simple, but a great effect. Wondering if there's some elevation where the picture was taken from for tourists to see it, or if it's only (decently) visible from the air.

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#9

Fun Fact Iceland Is Full Of Rainbows. Their Rainbow Paths Were Created To Show Their Immense Support For Pride, Diversity, And Acceptance

Fun Fact Iceland Is Full Of Rainbows. Their Rainbow Paths Were Created To Show Their Immense Support For Pride, Diversity, And Acceptance

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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.

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#10

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

My Hotel Phone In Iceland Has A Special Button That Will Wake You Up If There Are Northern Lights In The Sky

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#11

Information Sign Nr 1, Geysir Iceland

Information Sign Nr 1, Geysir Iceland

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#12

Iceland Does Not Want To Deal With Your Stupidity - And I Think Thatā€™s Beautiful

Iceland Does Not Want To Deal With Your Stupidity - And I Think Thatā€™s Beautiful

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Brunettechameleon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this. Iā€™ve never understood why people throw coins into fountains. Itā€™s kind of meaningless to throw coins in fountains.

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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.

#13

Modern Icelandic Houses Are Built With Geothermally Heated Water Pipes Under Their Sidewalks So Icelanders Never Have To Shovel In Winter

Modern Icelandic Houses Are Built With Geothermally Heated Water Pipes Under Their Sidewalks So Icelanders Never Have To Shovel In Winter

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#14

Town In Iceland Paints A 3D Pedestrian Crossing To Slow Traffic

Town In Iceland Paints A 3D Pedestrian Crossing To Slow Traffic

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A B C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks so cool, and I'm pretty sure I'd get pretty spooked if I drove down that road for the first time

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#15

The Arctic Fox Is The Only Land Mammal Native To Iceland

The Arctic Fox Is The Only Land Mammal Native To Iceland

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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.

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#16

Work Signs In Reykjavik, Iceland Feature A Female Worker

Work Signs In Reykjavik, Iceland Feature A Female Worker

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#17

This Is How Glacier Rivers Looks From Above In Iceland

This Is How Glacier Rivers Looks From Above In Iceland

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's how i imagine a clothing from wool would look like under a microscope

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#18

The Icelandic Pledge For Tourists

The Icelandic Pledge For Tourists

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Cecily Holland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot politer than the entry signs in Indonesia and Malaysia: Bring Drugs here and weā€™ll shoot you

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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.

#19

In HĆ³lavallagarĆ°ur Cemetery, Iceland, Itā€™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

In HĆ³lavallagarĆ°ur Cemetery, Iceland, Itā€™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

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Izzy_
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I told my family I want to be turned into a tree when I die, (they have pods that can do that). It they thought I'd be weird and creepy if a branched or leave touched them lol

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#20

This Poster Under A Camera In Iceland

This Poster Under A Camera In Iceland

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#21

Teddy Bear Quest

Teddy Bear Quest

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"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.

#22

The Coolest House I Found During My Trip In Iceland

The Coolest House I Found During My Trip In Iceland

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#23

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas, This Is Her View

My Sister Rented A Flat Here In North Of Iceland For Christmas, This Is Her View

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#24

Went To A Beach In Iceland And Took A Full-Color Picture That Looks Entirely Grayscale

Went To A Beach In Iceland And Took A Full-Color Picture That Looks Entirely Grayscale

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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.

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#25

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

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

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#26

Sheep Taking Shelter In A Tunnel In The Westfjords Of Iceland While A Bad Storm Blows Over

Sheep Taking Shelter In A Tunnel In The Westfjords Of Iceland While A Bad Storm Blows Over

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#28

Every Stop Light In Akureyri, Iceland Is Shaped Like A Heart

Every Stop Light In Akureyri, Iceland Is Shaped Like A Heart

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#29

ReykjavĆ­k Looking Extra Soft After Today's Snowstorm

ReykjavĆ­k Looking Extra Soft After Today's Snowstorm

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#31

Meet Ɠttarr ProppĆ©, Iceland's New Minister Of Health

Meet Ɠttarr ProppĆ©, Iceland's New Minister Of Health

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#32

People Gathered Around Lava, Iceland

People Gathered Around Lava, Iceland

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#33

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

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

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#34

This Is The Last McDonald's Burger Sold In Iceland

This Is The Last McDonald's Burger Sold In Iceland

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After the financial crash of 2008, the one McDonaldā€™s restaurant in Reykjavik left town. It was not very established in the first place as the local burger chain, HambĆ³rgarabĆŗllan, was so popular that people basically boycotted the foreign chain.

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#35

KrĆ³nur Coins, The Icelandic Currency, Have National Marine Species As Heads

KrĆ³nur Coins, The Icelandic Currency, Have National Marine Species As Heads

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Whatshername
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh crab, Iost my coins. It's ofishial, now I can't trout my friend a nice dinner. Cod I be any more stupid?!

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#37

No Church In The Wild. Oldest Church Of Iceland, So Cute

No Church In The Wild. Oldest Church Of Iceland, So Cute

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is beautiful and much better than a pretentious modern building. How old is it? 17th century Edit: googled https://icelandtravelguide.is/locations/grafarkirkja-turf-church/

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#38

Fun Fact The Sheep Population Of Iceland Is More Than Double The Human Population

Fun Fact The Sheep Population Of Iceland Is More Than Double The Human Population

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are more sheep than people in New Zealand, around 6 sheep per person

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#39

Icelandic Girl Watering The Rooftop Of A Restaurant In Downtown Reykjavik

Icelandic Girl Watering The Rooftop Of A Restaurant In Downtown Reykjavik

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just a common thing to došŸ˜…šŸ˜… what errands i have to do today? Grocery shopping, wash the dishes, vacuum, oh and water the roof

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#40

Laugarvatnshellar Caves. House Built Into A Hill In Iceland

Laugarvatnshellar Caves. House Built Into A Hill In Iceland

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#41

Fun Fact About Iceland

Fun Fact About Iceland

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#42

Speed Bump And Cross Walk Signs In Iceland Look Like Alien Abduction

Speed Bump And Cross Walk Signs In Iceland Look Like Alien Abduction

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#43

This "Where Are You From" Map At The Aurora Museum In ReykjavĆ­k, Iceland

This "Where Are You From" Map At The Aurora Museum In ReykjavĆ­k, Iceland

ECEguy105 Report

#45

This Gate Made From An Old Bike In Reykjavik

This Gate Made From An Old Bike In Reykjavik

Blake001 Report

#46

Remember That Icelandic Mayor Who Was Offering Signed Pictures Of Himself? Yeah. Mine Arrived Today

Remember That Icelandic Mayor Who Was Offering Signed Pictures Of Himself? Yeah. Mine Arrived Today

lpisme Report

#47

This Scuba Crossing Sign In ƞingvellir, Iceland

This Scuba Crossing Sign In ƞingvellir, Iceland

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#48

In Iceland, There's No Such Thing As The Flavour "Ranch"

In Iceland, There's No Such Thing As The Flavour "Ranch"

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#49

Today I Drank Straight From An Icelandic Glacier. The Finest Of H20

Today I Drank Straight From An Icelandic Glacier. The Finest Of H20

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#50

A Convenience Store In Reykjavik, Iceland Has A Well As You Walk In

A Convenience Store In Reykjavik, Iceland Has A Well As You Walk In

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Note: this post originally had 122 images. Itā€™s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.