Fun facts about Iceland

Fun facts about Iceland

No McDonald's in Iceland


Being an Icelander is an adventure in itself. The more we talk about our country the more we realise how unique our nature, history and culture really is. Here are a few of our favourite things share with our guests during our trips on Langjökull glacier!


Iceland is One of the Safest Countries in the World!

Iceland is renowned as one of the safest countries globally, with its notably low crime rate. This sense of safety can be attributed in part to its compact population, where residents often have familiar ties or connections, nurturing a close-knit community ambiance especially among Icelanders. This means that travelling here solo or with young families is an extremely good idea!


Join on a epic adventure on Langjökull glacier with your whole family


Iceland is Covered with Stunning Glaciers

A significant quarter of Iceland's landscape is adorned with magnificent glaciers, offering awe-inspiring vistas and ample exploration opportunities. Iceland's ice caps and glaciers, from the massive Vatnajökull to the tongue-shaped Sólheimajökull, render an otherworldly charm that's an adventurer's dream come true. We must also mention Langjokull glacier, second-longest glacier in Europe. 


Join one of our tours on Langjökull glacier next time when you visit Iceland! 


Iceland is Home to a Unique Breed of Horses

Are they ponies? Kinda!
The Icelandic horse is a unique breed, brought over by the Vikings. These sturdy, pony-sized creatures are not only known for their resilience and endurance but also for their ability to perform five gaits, a feat unmatched by any other horse breed worldwide.


icelandic horse

Folklore is alive and well in Iceland with tales of Elves, Trolls, and other mystical beings

Many Icelanders hold a belief in elves, trolls, and other mystical beings. These creatures are an integral part of Icelandic folklore and culture, with miniature wooden elf houses adorning gardens, and mesmerising basalt rock formations being attributed to trolls frozen in time. We even have specific construction laws concerning “elf inhabited areas”. 


Iceland is a Country Without a Single McDonald's

Imagine!

In a world where McDonald's is virtually ubiquitous, Iceland stands apart. After the global economic crisis in 2008 led to the closure of McDonald's outlets due to a sudden devaluation of the Icelandic króna and high import costs, the fast-food giant has remained absent. 

Dominos pizza… however…


Iceland has Naturally Occurring Geothermal Hot Springs

The country's geothermal activity feeds into another beloved local tradition - outdoor swimming pools. These pools, filled with naturally warm water, offer year-round relaxation, even in the snowy depths of winter. Visiting an Icelandic swimming pool is a must-do experience for any traveller.

Trust us on this one.

 

Ice Cream is a Popular Treat in Iceland

Surprisingly for an Arctic nation, Icelanders have a deep love for ice cream, enjoying this sweet treat in any weather. From traditional soft-serve to the Icelandic version of a McFlurry (Bragðarefur) packed with candies, fruits, nuts, and sauces, ice cream is an all-year-round comfort food here. 




Icelanders love icecream

Iceland has a Unique Naming Tradition

Icelandic names follow a unique patronymic system rather than the usual surname tradition. A person's last name usually indicates the first name of their father or occasionally their mother, followed by -son (for "son") or -dóttir (for "daughter"). This is a cherished cultural tradition, highlighting the importance of family ties in Icelandic society.


Reykjavík is the northernmost Capital City

Reykjavik isn't just the capital of Iceland; it's the northernmost capital city in the world! Despite its geographical location, it has a surprisingly mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream.


he Language of the Vikings

The Icelandic language has remained virtually unchanged from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. This linguistic consistency means that today's Icelanders can easily read ancient Norse texts.


Celebrating the Sun

The Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences the natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights. During summer, daylight can last for 24 hours, and in winter, darkness can envelop the day.



Midnight sun in Reykjavik

Renewable Electricity

Nearly all of Iceland's electricity is produced from renewable resources. Hydroelectric power supplies more than 70% of the nation's electricity, with geothermal energy contributing nearly all the rest.


A Country without an Army

Iceland doesn't have a standing army. It's a member of NATO but relies on the alliance for its defence. The only militarised force in Iceland is the Icelandic Coast Guard.


First Female President

Iceland was the first country in the world to democratically elect a woman, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, as a head of state. She served as the president of Iceland from 1980 to 1996.


A Bridge Between Continents

At the Reykjanes Peninsula, you can walk across a bridge connecting North America and Europe. This is possible because Iceland is split by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, dividing the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. You can even dive between the continents in Silfra. 


Want to learn more about Iceland?

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates @sleipnir.iceland

Icelandic Folklore   

New Paragraph

Share This Blog Post

5 Mistakes first-time travellers make in Iceland & how to avoid them!

October 7, 2025
5 Mistakes first-time travellers make in Iceland & how to avoid them!

Icelandic Folklores

By April MarsMedia • September 26, 2025
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is more than just sweeping lava fields, glacial rivers, and volcanic peaks. The landscapes are alive with stories and for centuries, Icelanders have explained unusual rock formations, remote valleys, and geothermal springs through folklore. When you travel through the highlands with Sleipnir, you won't only see nature, you will pass through areas where the trolls, elves, and the hidden people (Huldufólk) reside. Trolls in the stones An old folklore tells tales of the trolls, creatures of immense size and strength who roam the mountains after dark. The myth says that the trolls cannot survive in sunlight and if they are caught in it by dawn, they turn to stone. Many of the odd-shaped cliffs and boulders you see scattered across the highlands are said to be unlucky trolls frozen in time. The Hidden People The hidden people, called Huldufólk in Icelandic, are a huge part of Icelandic folklore. They are very mysterious, elf-like beings who live inside the lava rocks and rolling hills. They guard their homes fiercely and therefore the locals sometimes hesitate before moving boulders or disturbing certain landscapes, fearing the displeasure of their unseen neighbors. Travelers often hear stories of farmers who have had a series of misfortunes after ignoring these warnings. So when you are up in the highlands, where moss-covered stones stretch to the horizon, you can try and imagine where the Huldufólk could possibly be hiding out. Read also: Fun facts about Iceland! Hot springs & talking cows Many geothermal springs and curious rock formations in the Highlands are wrapped in folklore about elves and spirits. Locals say some hot springs are blessed with supernatural power, if you bathe with respect you may gain good health and fortune. But mistreat the waters, and you risk a curse that could follow you for life. The elves and Huldufólk carry great respect for the hot springs, as should you. One of the most enchanting traditions tells of Midsummer’s Eve, the summer solstice. On this night, the veil between worlds is said to grow thin. Elves step out from their rocky homes to dance by rivers and across open fields, cows are said to speak with human voices, and anyone bold enough to roll in the morning dew might gain luck that lasts forever. Wekk worth a try, isn't it? The myths of the mountains What makes Icelandic folklore so captivating is the way it ties the stories to the land itself. A mountain isn’t just a mountain if it’s said to hide a frozen troll, and a lava field isn’t just hardened rock with moss if it might be the home to the hidden people. As Sleipnir’s glacier trucks roll through the highlands of Iceland, every part of the drive can reveal landscapes steeped in local myth and folklore. Hearing these tales along the journey adds an extra layer of wonder as well, turning raw nature into living stories where imagination and reality meet. Read also: What does Sleipnir mean? Next time you journey into the Highlands, keep an eye on the stones and shadows around you, you never know who is lurking around…

Autumn in Iceland

September 10, 2025
Autumn in Iceland - What to Do and What to Expect

What Icelanders Pack for a Day in the Highlands (And What You Probably Forgot)

July 15, 2025
There’s a quiet art to packing for a day in the Icelandic Highlands. Most locals don’t overthink it—we’ve just learned the hard way. We’ve been caught in sideways rain in July, sunburned in September, and snowed on in August. So if you’re planning to hop in a monster truck and head toward Langjökull or the wild interior, here’s a peek into what Icelanders actually bring along—and what tourists usually wish they had. Layers. Always layers. Forget about dressing for a season. In the Highlands, you dress for every season. Most of us throw on a decent base layer (no cotton), a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof shell. We’re not trying to look cute—we’re trying not to freeze while looking at a glacier and sweat while walking 100 meters uphill. Bonus points for having a puffy jacket in your bag. Windproof gear? Essential. Most tourists nail the outer layers… but forget the basics. Bring extra socks. You’ll thank us later. A hat, gloves, and a buff — even in summer There’s something about Highland wind that goes straight to your bones. Doesn’t matter if it’s 14°C in Reykjavík. Up here, the wind doesn’t care. A lightweight hat and gloves take up almost no space, and a buff or neck gaiter is great for blocking cold air—or covering your face during a wind gust that brings a mouthful of sand with it. And yeah, we wear them year-round. That’s just how it is. Read also: W hat to wear in Iceland? Food that doesn’t need cutlery This might be the most Icelandic advice of all: pack a sandwich, an energy bar, and some chocolate. Maybe a dried fish snack if you’re feeling bold. We’ve seen tourists bring pasta salad in Tupperware and try to eat it with a fork while standing in a snowdrift. Don’t be that person. You’ll want food that’s easy to eat, doesn’t freeze instantly, and ideally doesn’t require a table. Oh, and always bring more snacks than you think you’ll need. The Highlands have a way of extending your day without warning. A full water bottle (or thermos with coffee) You won’t find convenience stores or vending machines out there. Icelanders almost always bring a refillable water bottle or, better yet, a thermos full of coffee. A warm drink hits different when you’re halfway through a glacier tour and the wind’s picking up. Want to go full local? Add a bit of hot cocoa powder into your coffee. We call it kaffisúkkulaði and it tastes like heaven in a cup!

What makes the Iceland's highlands so special?

July 15, 2025
Off the Beaten Track: What Makes Iceland’s Highlands So Special? There’s a reason people call the Highlands the heart of Iceland. It’s not just because of the location, although it does sit squarely in the middle of the country. It’s because when you’re out there—no towns, no lights, no phone signal—you feel the pulse of something bigger. Most visitors stick to the ring road, and fair enough. It’s beautiful. But ask any Icelander where they go when they need to breathe, and it’s probably not the south coast waterfalls or the Blue Lagoon. It’s the Highlands. The silence It’s not quiet like a library or a park in winter. It’s a deeper kind of silence—one that fills your head. The kind where your boots crunching in the snow is the only sound for miles. The Highlands don’t ask for attention. They just exist. And if you slow down enough, you notice everything. The strange beauty This isn’t postcard-pretty. The landscape out here is raw. You’ll drive through black sand deserts, then suddenly find yourself beside a green moss-covered mountain. Then lava. Then snow. It doesn’t make sense, and that’s what makes it brilliant. Langjökull glacier rises like a frozen giant in the middle of it all. And even after years of driving on it, it still throws us surprises—fresh cracks, new shades of blue, a sunset that paints the ice orange for five minutes before disappearing again. 

Is Sleipnir tours family friendly? Why and how?

June 27, 2025
Why a Sleipnir Glacier Tour Is a great choice for families travelling to Iceland! If you’re planning a family trip to Iceland and want to create a memory your kids will still be talking about years from now, a tour with Sleipnir on Langjökull Glacier should be high on your list. This isn’t your average sightseeing excursion. It’s an adventure that’s thrilling, family-friendly, and surprisingly easy to join — no climbing ropes or hiking boots required- even though we always reccommend good waterproof shoes. Just step aboard the world’s largest glacier truck and let Sleipnir take care of the rest! Here’s why families keep rating this experience as one of the highlights of their Icelandic journey. Big Trucks, Big Smiles For children (and let’s face it — most adults too), the excitement begins the moment they spot the Sleipnir glacier truck. These custom-built vehicles look like something out of a sci-fi movie — enormous, all-terrain monsters on giant wheels designed to handle the icy surface of Langjökull. Just climbing aboard is part of the adventure. Kids love the sheer scale of the vehicle, the view from the high seats, and the thrill of rolling over a glacier in something that feels like a moon rover. This ride alone is often the highlight for young travelers. It’s not every day you can say you crossed a glacier in a 15-ton beast with tires taller than your dad. Ages 4 years and up Welcome One of the best things about a Sleipnir tour is that it’s accessible to just about everyone. Whether you're traveling with a toddler, a teenager, or bringing along grandparents, there’s no strenuous hiking involved. The tour is designed so guests can step directly onto the glacier from the truck with minimal effort. It’s a rare way to explore Iceland’s highlands without needing special gear or training — just warm clothes and a sense of curiosity. Unfortunately, our trucks are not wheelchair accessible. Safety Without Sacrificing Adventure Glaciers can be intimidating. They’re massive, constantly shifting , and — without the right equipment or guides — potentially dangerous. That’s why Sleipnir puts safety at the center of every tour. The crew is trained in highland navigation and glacier safety, and the trucks are equipped with radios and GPS. Parents can feel confident knowing the tour is run by professionals who know the glacier inside and out. There are no narrow ridgelines or icy cliff walks. Just a smooth, well-managed route across the snow-covered landscape. Plenty to Keep Young Minds Engaged Once out on the ice, the guides don’t just drive around in silence. They’re experts at sharing stories, fun facts, and history about Langjökull and Iceland’s glaciers in a way that both kids and adults can enjoy. From Viking myths to the science of how glaciers form, the journey becomes a moving classroom with the most unforgettable views. Snowball fights? Totally allowed. Running around on the ice and marveling at how far you can see in every direction? Encouraged. It’s a safe space for kids to burn off some energy while adults enjoy the peace and scale of the glacier around them.

Sustainable travelling with Sleipnir Tours!

By April MarsMedia • June 5, 2025
Sustainable Travel in Iceland: How Sleipnir Glacier Tours Is Doing It Right!

Fun facts about summer in Iceland!

May 16, 2025
Fun Facts About Summer in Iceland – Midnight Sun, Sheep Traffic & Secret Pools

Iceland's Highlands: For beginners

By April MarsMedia • May 8, 2025
Into the Wild Heart of Iceland: A Journey Through the Highlands 

Foods to try in Iceland- that locals actually eat!

April 14, 2025
Foods to Try in Iceland That Locals Actually Eat!

You Might Also Want to Check Sleipnir's Glacier Tours