The 10 Most Unusual Aspects of Icelandic People and Culture

Discover the peculiarities of Icelandic individuals and their culture. Explore the truth behind the unconventional characteristics often associated with Iceland and its people. Like every nation, Iceland has its unique traits that may seem odd to outsiders. These idiosyncrasies, however, contribute to the allure of Icelandic society.

Common narratives about Iceland often highlight the continued belief in elves among native Icelanders, the presence of 13 ominous trolls in lieu of a traditional Santa Claus at Christmas, and the consumption of peculiar foods.

While these aspects hold some truth, they are somewhat outdated. Moreover, residents of Iceland grow weary of the perpetual portrayal of their cuisine as “disgusting,” preferring to view it as traditional fare with a unique flavor profile.

As a result, this compilation will focus on lesser-known and contemporary eccentricities within Icelandic society. To delve deeper into this intriguing aspect of Iceland, consider booking accommodation in the country and exploring the diverse culture tours on offer.

Your perception of the items listed here may vary based on your cultural background. Individuals from different regions often have contrasting perspectives on what constitutes peculiarity in Icelandic people and their way of life. Embark on a journey exploring the nation with a self-drive tour and discover the intriguing quirks along the way.

Exploring Icelandic Culture: Top 10 Traits That Make Iceland Unique

Discovering the distinct features of Welcome To Iceland and its culture can be both fascinating and intriguing. Here is a curated list of the top 10 characteristics that set Iceland apart and capture the world’s attention.

10. Iceland’s Unique Naming System and Culture

While Iceland does have some family names, they are rare and mostly come from foreign origins due to intermarriage with Icelandic families.

Typically, Icelanders use a patronymic naming system where their last name is formed from their father’s first name with the addition of -dottir (-daughter) or -son. This custom results in individuals having different last names from both parents and siblings of the opposite gender.

Another distinctive aspect is that women in Iceland do not change their last names upon marriage, unlike in many other cultures.

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Max Naylor. No alterations were made.

In Iceland, everyone, from teachers to celebrities like Bjork (Gudmundsdottir), is commonly addressed by their first name. This practice, including the omission of formal titles like Mr., Mrs., or Dr., helps create a more egalitarian and communicative society.

Therefore, it is not unusual for Icelanders to refer to others by their first names, even if they know the person’s last name, as a sign of familiarity and a less hierarchical approach to societal interactions.

9. Icelanders Banned Beer Until 1989

It may come as a surprise, especially to the younger generation, that Iceland, a nation known for its fondness for alcohol, had enforced a prohibition on beer throughout the entire country for almost 75 years until March 1, 1989.

The lifting of this lengthy ban on beer is now commemorated every year on Iceland’s “Beer Day,” known as Bjordagur, celebrated on March 1. This day marks a festive occasion where locals gather to enjoy a few pints of this beloved beverage.

Alcohol Sales in Iceland

Currently, alcohol sales in Iceland are limited to designated spots such as Keflavik International Airport and Vinbudin, the state-controlled alcohol stores, humorously referred to as “Rikid” or “The State.” If you want to explore Icelandic beer further, consider joining various food & drink tours available throughout the country.

8. People in Iceland Have a Passion for Condiments

Icelandic cuisine embraces a love for sauces, with locals enjoying gravy, bearnaise sauce, and a variety of other flavorful condiments to enhance their meals. Sauce plays a significant role in the day-to-day dining experience in Iceland.

In Iceland, there is a unique sauce for almost every type of food. Whether it’s meat, fish, or vegetables, adding your preferred dressing elevates the flavors. Icelandic people have distinct sauces for a range of dishes, including pizza, pitas, fries, chips, vegetables, hamburgers, hot dogs, as well as specific sauces tailored for fish, meat, and poultry.

Surprisingly, even desserts in Iceland are not spared from sauces. From chocolate and luxury chocolate to caramel, licorice, and various fruit-flavored options, there is a sauce to complement almost every ice cream flavor choice.

Sauces in Iceland

Sauces play a significant role in Icelandic cuisine, with a variety that may overwhelm even sauce-loving cultures like the Brits. For example, a simple hot dog in Iceland is adorned with three different sauces: ketchup, sweet mustard, and remoulade, a mayonnaise-based sauce specifically crafted for this delicacy.

Icelandic Hot Dog Toppings

When enjoying a hot dog in Iceland, be prepared for a unique topping experience. In addition to the trio of sauces, Icelanders add two types of onions for extra flavor and texture – raw and crispy. To savor a traditional Icelandic hotdog, opt for “everything” when asked about your preferred toppings for a delightful culinary experience.

7. Unique Speech Habit of Icelandic People

In Iceland, it is common for people to speak on inhalation, where the initial breath taken when opening the mouth to speak is used. This practice is particularly noticeable when Icelanders say “já” or “nei,” meaning “yes” and “no,” or “jæja,” a versatile word with different meanings based on the context.

Visitors to Iceland often observe this unique speech habit, especially on their first visit. It should not be a cause for surprise if encountered; it is simply a linguistic characteristic, not a sign of offense.

Typically, Icelanders employ this speech pattern when stating something they believe is self-evident or should be understood without needing to be explicitly stated. For example, responding with an inhalation “já” when asked if one has the house keys before leaving the house conveys a sense of obviousness.

For those unfamiliar with this speech practice, it can be quite challenging, but it is just one of the many distinctive features of the Icelandic language.

6. Icelanders Grill All Year Round

Regardless of the freezing and stormy weather, individuals in Iceland are renowned for their love of grilling, almost as if they were basking under the scorching Australian sun rather than the chilly Nordic sky.

Whether it’s raining or sunny, Icelanders prefer lamb, fish, and skewers cooked over a sizzling grill. They find a stove or oven inadequate for the task. These grilled delicacies are then generously coated in their preferred sauces.

Aside from traditional barbecues, ice cream plays a significant role in Icelandic daily life, not just because of its name. Yes, Icelanders indulge in ice cream throughout the year. In a place as changeable as Iceland in terms of weather, there’s no need to wait for a hot and sunny day in July to relish favorite treats with loved ones.

Icelandic Tradition: Ice Cream Joyride

One popular tradition among Icelanders is the “isbiltur” or Ice Cream Joyride. This charming custom often involves couples or families heading to an ice cream parlor for a delicious treat, which is then enjoyed in the cozy confines of a heated car. To experience this authentic Icelandic tradition for yourself, consider renting a car in Iceland and embarking on your own Ice Cream Joyride!

5. Icelandic Humor: A Light in Dark Times

Icelandic humor is often likened to their long and dark winters. Making friends in Iceland will introduce you to their unique sense of humor, where dark jokes reign supreme without many taboos. In fact, the darker the joke, the more it is appreciated, reflecting the Icelandic way of life.

Historically, even during the Viking era, humor was used to lighten the mood in challenging times. An example from the past includes the outlaw Gisli Sursson, who, in the Gisla saga, fatally speared his nemesis Vesteinn. Rather than reacting with pain, Vesteinn humorously utters “hneit þar,” which can be loosely translated to “you got me there.” This witty and unexpected response adds a touch of humor to an otherwise grim situation, showcasing Icelanders’ unique and enduring sense of humor.

Therefore, if you have any jokes that you believed were too dark or grim to share publicly, you might want to try them out in Iceland initially.

4. Iceland’s Abundance of Monster Trucks

Many visitors to Iceland are surprised by the prevalence of monster trucks in the country. While small two-wheel city cars are common in urban areas, the sight of large Super Jeeps with massive tires is striking. These oversized vehicles, often associated with places like Greenland and Alaska, are a necessity in Iceland due to its challenging terrains, especially during the winter months.

Exploring Iceland’s Remote Regions With a Super Jeep

If you venture off the well-trodden path of the Ring Road in Iceland, you may encounter rugged dirt tracks riddled with potholes, covered in ice, or crisscrossed by glacial rivers. It is in these challenging conditions that the utility of a Super Jeep becomes apparent.

During the summer months, Super Jeeps are indispensable for accessing the remote Highlands and navigating the F-Roads, unpaved gravel routes that wind through the mountainous terrain. This is especially crucial if you intend to explore the wonders hidden within the Icelandic Highlands.

Super Jeep Tours in Iceland

Many individuals in Iceland own Super Jeeps, but the majority are owned by tour operators. Super Jeep tours are incredibly popular, taking visitors to remote and otherwise inaccessible locations like Landmannalaugar, Thorsmork, and Eyjafjallajokull, which famously erupted in 2010.

One activity you won’t witness, or rather shouldn’t, is monster trucks off-roading. Off-road driving in Iceland, whether it’s across lava fields, mossy terrain, snowy landscapes, or black sands, is strictly prohibited with severe penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment.

Stay on the Road to Protect Iceland’s Pristine Nature

It is crucial to always stay on designated roads and paths while driving in Iceland. Straying off can not only result in significant financial penalties but also lead to irreparable damage to the untouched beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes.

3. Icelanders Embrace Natural Bathing Traditions

While the practice of showering nude before swimming is common globally, in Iceland, it is a requirement, sometimes in a communal setting. This practice ensures the cleanliness of the pools, as they are not heavily chlorinated.

There is no indecency or impropriety associated with this tradition. Most individuals simply follow the protocol, shower, and proceed with their activities.

If this custom makes you uncomfortable, the best approach is to embrace it with resilience, acknowledging that it is a shared experience where everyone participates and looks forward to enjoying the warm geothermal waters of the pool or lagoon.

Respect Local Customs Regarding Nudity

Fortunately, in popular pools like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, there are designated areas for private washing and dressing for those who prefer more privacy.

It’s not just in changing rooms where locals shed their inhibitions. Many Icelanders freely bathe naked in natural hot springs or even take a dip in the sea au naturel. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience Icelandic culture in full, ensure that the hot spring you choose is empty and safe for nude bathing (not everyone may share your level of openness).

Embrace Nudity and Cultural Norms

In Iceland, the locals have a relaxed attitude towards nudity in pools and showers, often breastfeeding in public without judgment. A noteworthy incident involved a member of the Icelandic parliament who breastfed during a session, causing little uproar locally but catching global attention.

When visiting Iceland, be prepared to encounter nudity in various contexts, whether in pools or public spaces. This cultural aspect may differ from what you’re accustomed to, but it’s a small price to pay for immersing yourself in the unique Icelandic experience.

2. The Origins of Iceland’s Population Traced Back to Viking Settlers from a Millennium Ago

All contemporary Icelanders trace their ancestry back to the Viking settlers who first inhabited the island. Norse Vikings arrived in Iceland during the late 9th and early 10th centuries, and the population remained relatively stable between 10,000 and 50,000 for the next thousand years. Despite a recent uptick in numbers, native Icelanders today number around 380,000.

Due to this historical population trend, the majority of modern Icelandic individuals stem from a limited genetic pool, resulting in a significant genetic homogeneity. This feature, coupled with Iceland’s meticulous genealogical records, notably its distinctive surname system, makes the country a compelling subject of study for genetic researchers.

Intriguing Genetic Traits of Icelandic People

In the early 1900s, research into the genetic characteristics of Icelandic individuals piqued the interest of scientists. However, it was not until the advent of digital technology and genome mapping that researchers were able to fully explore and leverage this field of study.

The Truth Behind the Dating App Misconception

Contrary to popular online rumors, Icelanders do not use a dating app that reveals their familial connections. Rather, Iceland boasts an extensive genealogical database meticulously crafted from historical records dating back to the settlement era.

Historical Census Records: A Wealth of Genealogical Information

In a remarkable feat, Iceland conducted the world’s first comprehensive national census in 1703, followed by ten more censuses in the 19th century. These historical records, now available online, offer invaluable insights into genealogy. The database, known as Islendingabok (The Book of Icelanders), was made accessible to all Icelanders in 1997.

1. Iceland Ranks Among the Best in the World! (per capita)

“Per capita” is a commonly used term in Iceland, a nation with just over 380,000 individuals. Icelanders often exhibit a small nation complex, compensating by asserting that they are, indeed, “The Best Country in the World” for various reasons.

Asserting the truth of this statement, Icelandic residents humorously express dismay if anyone disagrees, backing their claim with articles where Iceland excels, typically focusing on statistics “per capita.”

Iceland is said to have the most stunning women globally per capita, having secured victory in the Miss World competition four times. Additionally, Iceland boasts the strongest men per capita, with three champions in the World’s Strongest Man competition, winning a total of nine times.

Unique Aspects of Icelanders and Icelandic Culture

Icelanders are known for excelling in various fields on a per capita basis, boasting the best handball and soccer teams globally, the highest music and band production per capita, and the most books read and written per capita. A popular saying, “Ísland, bezt í heimi,” humorously highlights this excellence, with the letter “Z” playfully added as a nod to the past when it was removed from the Icelandic alphabet in 1973.

While often said in a lighthearted manner, Icelanders have legitimate reasons to claim superiority without needing to cite per capita statistics. Iceland frequently leads global rankings as the most gender-equal, peaceful, and gay-friendly country, with top rankings in clean energy production and natural beauty.

Reflections on Icelandic Culture

What aspects of Icelandic culture and the Icelandic people struck you as unusual during your visit? Do any of the peculiarities listed resonate with your own country’s norms? Conversely, what characteristics of your nationality might Icelandic locals find peculiar?