What Is Iceland Known For? 17 Things Iceland Is Famous For + 9 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Iceland isn’t just a stopover on your way to Europe—it’s a place that leaves a serious impression. From steaming lava fields and otherworldly landscapes to midnight sun hikes and geothermal pools, there’s a reason more and more people are adding Iceland to their bucket list.

What is Iceland known for? On my recent trip, I was surprised at the number of things Iceland is famous for… especially for a country with a population of less than 400,000 people!

In this article:

• What is Iceland Known for? Top 17 Things
• 9 Little-Known Facts about Iceland
• Famous Landmarks of Iceland
• Famous People from Iceland

What Is Iceland Known For?

Surprisingly, Iceland is known for quite a lot of cool and interesting things! As it’s nicknamed “land of fire and ice” it’s probably not a huge shock that volcanos and glaciers top this list, but did you know it’s also a cultural hot spot?

1. Volcanoes (Yep, Lots of Them)

Iceland sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, making it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. There are over 130 volcanoes across the island, some dormant and others very much alive.

Names like Eyjafjallajökull, Katla, and Fagradalsfjall might ring a bell if you follow volcano news. Volcanic eruptions are fairly common in Iceland.

TIP: You can hike around still-warm lava fields from recent eruptions, especially on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

2. Glaciers and Ice Caves

Roughly 11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, including the massive Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier by volume.

You can actually walk inside these glaciers by booking a tour through one of Iceland’s seasonal ice caves. This Ice Cave tour was the highlight of my trip to Iceland!

TIP: Winter is best for exploring the crystal-blue ice caves (November–March). If you’re visiting Iceland during the summer the only accessible Ice Cave tour is in Katla.

3. Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the top places in the world to see the aurora borealis. During the darker months (September through April), all you need is a clear sky and low light pollution—and a bit of patience.

While the Northern Lights are still active during the summer months, the long daylight hours significantly impede your ability to see them.

TIP: If you’re arriving on a night flight book a window seat (left side of the plane if coming from the US), the lights from above the clouds are incredible to see!

4. Geothermal Hot Springs

From natural rivers to luxurious spas, hot water is everywhere in Iceland. The most famous are the Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths, but there are hundreds of other hot springs—many of them free and in wild, scenic locations.

Some other popular hot spring spots:

• Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
• Sky Lagoon (near Reykjavík)
• Reykjadalur Hot River (near Reykjavík)

5. Epic Waterfalls

Iceland is a waterfall chaser’s dream. Thanks to glacier melt and consistent rainfall, the country has thousands of waterfalls—many of them easy to reach from the Ring Road.

Some of the best waterfalls include:

• Skógafoss (walk right to the base)
• Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it!)
• Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful)
• Gullfoss (a must-see on the Golden Circle)

6. Midnight Sun and Long Summer Days

During peak summer (especially around the solstice in June), the sun barely sets in Iceland. This gives you more time to explore, drive, hike, and soak in hot springs without racing the sunset.

TIP: Pack an eye mask if you’re visiting during the summer! The constant daylight makes it really hard to get quality sleep.

7. Unique Language and Place Names

Icelandic is a living language that’s barely changed since the Viking era. Place names like Jökulsárlón, Þingvellir, and Snæfellsnes might be hard to pronounce, but they often describe exactly what you’re looking at (for example, jökull means glacier, foss means waterfall).

8. Puffins, Whales, and Icelandic Horses

Iceland isn’t known for big animals like bears or moose—but its wildlife is still fascinating. While there aren’t any bears in Iceland, the occasional polar bear hitches a ride over on floating ice. Even more interesting, there are no snakes in Iceland!

Wildlife you can spot in Iceland:

• Puffins nest along coastal cliffs from May to August
• Whale watching tours run year-round, especially from Húsavík
• Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and known for their special gait called the tölt

9. Road Trips and the Ring Road

Driving Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is one of the best ways to see the country. It circles the island in about 825 miles (1,330 km) and gives you access to most major sights—waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and sleepy fishing villages.

With 4 days in Iceland you can road trip from Reykjavik to Vik and see some of the most iconic spots in the country!

TIP: If you’re up for an even bigger adventure book a 4×4 vehicle and explore Iceland’s F-Roads!

10. Black Sand Beaches

Formed by volcanic rock and ash, Iceland’s black beaches are stunning and moody. Reynisfjara is the most famous, with basalt columns and towering sea stacks—but watch for sneaker waves, which can be dangerous.

During my trip, I rode horseback on Reynisfjara beach and it was incredible!

Other noteworthy black sand beaches in Iceland:

• Diamond Beach (scattered with icebergs)
• Stokksnes (with views of Vestrahorn Mountain)

11. The Golden Circle

This is the most popular day trip from Reykjavík, covering three major stops:

• Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO site)
• Geysir (home of the original geyser)
• Gullfoss Waterfall

It’s doable in half a day and great for first-time visitors. The road is well maintained and easy to drive, or you can book a day tour of the Golden Circle and leave the driving up to someone else!

12. Viking History and Folklore

Iceland was settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, and their legacy lives on in the sagas, place names, and museums. Plus, a lot of locals still believe in elves and hidden people—seriously.

Some roads have even been rerouted to avoid disturbing elf habitats!

13. Eco-Friendly Energy

Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable energy, with 100% of electricity produced from geothermal and hydropower sources.

This also means you can expect naturally heated swimming pools in almost every town.

14. Reykjavík’s Art and Culture

For a small city, Reykjavík has a vibrant arts scene, colorful architecture, and some funky attractions (like the Icelandic Phallological Museum).

Don’t miss these other things to do in Reykjavik:

• Hallgrímskirkja church
• Harpa concert hall
• Laugavegur shopping street

15. Skyr and Icelandic Cuisine

Skyr is a thick, protein-packed dairy product similar to Greek yogurt—and it’s basically a food group in Iceland.

Additionally, Icelandic cuisine includes fresh seafood, lamb, and (if you’re feeling brave) fermented shark (called Hákarl).

16. No Forests (Well… Not Many)

One of the first things people notice driving around Iceland is the lack of trees. While the country was once heavily forested, Viking settlers cut most of them down for firewood and farming.

Reforestation efforts are underway, but today, Iceland is still one of the most sparsely forested countries in Europe.

17. Filming Locations for Major Movies and TV Shows

From Hollywood blockbusters to cult TV hits, Iceland’s raw, rugged landscape is a filmmaker’s dream. You might recognize it from:

• Game of Thrones (scenes Beyond the Wall)
• Interstellar (filmed near Svínafellsjökull Glacier)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Weird, Wonderful & Little-Known Facts About Iceland

Want to impress your travel buddies or just learn something quirky about this epic island? Here are a few fun facts that even some Iceland visitors don’t know:

1. Iceland Has No Mosquitoes

Despite having plenty of standing water and a mild summer climate, Iceland is mosquito-free. Scientists aren’t 100% sure why, but locals aren’t complaining. This also makes camping in Iceland much more pleasant!

2. There’s an App to Prevent You From Dating Your Cousin

With such a small population (about 380,000 people), it’s easy to be related without realizing it. Yikes!

The Íslendinga App lets you check if your date might also be your cousin—because, well, awkward.

3. Icelanders Still Use Patronymic Names

Most people in Iceland don’t have traditional last names. Instead, they use their father’s (or sometimes mother’s) first name + “-son” or “-dóttir.”

For example, if Jón has a daughter named Anna, her name will be Anna Jónsdóttir.

4. The Country Once Elected a Comedian as Mayor

In 2010, comedian Jón Gnarr was elected mayor of Reykjavík after creating a satirical political party.

He promised free towels at public pools and a polar bear for the zoo—and somehow still won.

5. You Can Mail a Letter Without an Address—Just a Hand-Drawn Map

Iceland’s postal service once successfully delivered a letter that had no address—just a drawing of a map and a few descriptive notes about the recipient’s home.

USPS has a hard enough time delivering my mail with an address.

6. There Are More Sheep Than People

Sheep population: ~800,000.
Human population: ~380,000.

In the summer, sheep roam freely around the countryside. In the fall, there’s an event called Réttir where farmers on horseback round them all up.

7. Beer Was Illegal Until 1989

That’s not a typo. Iceland banned beer for nearly 75 years, and it didn’t become legal again until March 1, 1989—a day now celebrated annually as Beer Day.

8. Iceland Has Elf “Consultants”

About half the population believes in elves or huldufólk (hidden people), and construction projects have been rerouted to avoid disturbing supposed elf habitats.

Some people even work as elf communicators to help negotiate.

9. No Santa! They Have Yule Lads Instead

The Yule Lads are one of the most uniquely Icelandic holiday traditions—equal parts mischievous, charming, and a little weird (in the best way).

If you’re used to one jolly Santa Claus, Iceland’s got a surprise for you: 13 Yule Lads, each with their own personality, name, and habit of causing playful trouble.

The Yule Lads (Jólasveinarnir in Icelandic) are 13 troll-like brothers who visit children during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. Each Lad arrives one per night starting December 12 and departs in the order they came after Christmas, ending on January 6.

Every night, one Yule Lad comes down from the mountains to leave a small gift in children’s shoes—if they’ve been good. Naughty kids? They might just get a raw potato.

Yule Lads are basically Iceland’s version of Santa Claus—but a bit rowdier and with a deeper tie to local folklore.

Famous Landmarks Of Iceland

Iceland is packed with unique landmarks that are often natural rather than manmade. From iconic waterfalls to lava fields and one quirky spaceship-like church, these are the most famous landmarks of Iceland.

8 Natural Famous Landmarks Of Iceland

1. Gullfoss Waterfall

Located on the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss (meaning “Golden Falls”) is a two-tiered waterfall that crashes into a deep canyon.

It’s one of the most visited natural attractions in Iceland—and easy to access year-round.

2. Þingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits in a rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

It’s historically important too—home to the world’s first democratic parliament, founded in 930 AD.

3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

One of Iceland’s most surreal sights. This icy lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash ashore on black sand.

4. Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls

Both of these dramatic waterfalls are right off the Ring Road in the south.

Seljalandsfoss is famous for the path that lets you walk behind the water curtain.

Skógafoss is taller and more powerful—and often accompanied by a rainbow on sunny days.

5. Vatnajökull Glacier

The largest glacier in Europe by volume, Vatnajökull is more than just ice. It covers active volcanoes, glacial tongues, and ice caves.

It’s the crown jewel of Vatnajökull National Park, which covers about 14% of Iceland’s landmass.

6. Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Located near the Keflavík airport, this volcano made headlines with its eruptions in 2021, 2022, and again in 2023.

Hiking to the lava fields (when safe) is one of Iceland’s most unforgettable experiences.

7. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Near the village of Vík, this beach is famous for its jet-black sand, towering basalt columns, and roaring waves.

The nearby Reynisdrangar sea stacks are the stuff of Icelandic legend.

8. Mývatn Geothermal Area

Up in North Iceland, Mývatn is home to craters, boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and a landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Highlights include Hverir, Krafla volcano, and Dimmuborgir lava fields.

5 Manmade Famous Landmarks Of Iceland

9. Hallgrímskirkja Church (Reykjavík)

This iconic church towers over Reykjavík’s skyline with a design inspired by basalt columns.

You can take an elevator to the top for panoramic city views. It’s easily one of the most recognizable buildings in the country.

10. Harpa Concert Hall

Located on the Reykjavík waterfront, Harpa is a modern architectural marvel with a glass façade that reflects the light and sky. It hosts concerts, plays, and conferences year-round.

11. Sun Voyager Sculpture

This sleek, steel boat sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason sits by the water in downtown Reykjavík.

It’s meant to symbolize discovery and is a popular photo spot—especially at sunset.

12. Víðgelmir Lava Cave

One of Iceland’s largest lava tubes, located in West Iceland.

Guided tours take you underground to explore the colorful rock formations created by flowing lava over 1,000 years ago.

13. Blue Lagoon

Part spa, part geothermal marvel, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous manmade attraction.

The milky-blue water is rich in silica and minerals and stays warm year-round. It’s located in a lava field near the airport, making it a great first or last stop on your trip to Iceland.

6 Famous People From Iceland

While Iceland has a small population, it’s produced a surprising number of world-famous artists, athletes, and cultural figures. These are 6 of the most famous people from Iceland—including names you’ve probably heard of and a few you might not expect.

1. Björk

Hands-down the most iconic Icelander on the global stage. Björk Guðmundsdóttir is a singer, songwriter, producer, and all-around creative force known for her experimental music and unique visual style.

She first gained fame with the band The Sugarcubes before launching a wildly successful solo career.

2. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (The Mountain)

You might know him as The Mountain from Game of Thrones, but Hafþór is also a professional strongman and former basketball player.

In 2018, he won the title of World’s Strongest Man.

3. Of Monsters and Men

This indie folk-pop band exploded internationally with their hit “Little Talks” in 2011. They’re one of Iceland’s biggest musical exports and are known for incorporating Icelandic nature and folklore into their work.

4. Ásgeir Trausti

Often just known as Ásgeir, this singer-songwriter blends folk and electronic influences.

His debut album became one of the fastest-selling records in Icelandic history—and was later released internationally in English.

5. Eiður Guðjohnsen

A former soccer player (footballer) who played for big European clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona. He’s arguably the most famous Icelandic soccer players ever.

6. Aron Gunnarsson & Gylfi Sigurðsson

Both played key roles in Iceland’s national football team, especially during the historic run to the quarter-finals at UEFA Euro 2016.

That “Viking Clap” celebration? These guys helped make it a global phenomenon.

FAQs About What Iceland Is Known For

Is Iceland known for being expensive?
Yes. Food, fuel, and accommodations are pricey, but you can save by camping in Iceland, booking guesthouses, and shopping at grocery stores like Bónus or Krónan.

Is Iceland safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates and friendly locals. This also makes it a great place for traveling alone as a female!

Do I need a 4×4 to drive in Iceland?
For regular summer Ring Road travel, no. But if you plan to drive F-roads (mountain roads), a 4×4 is legally required.

What Is Iceland Known For?

Iceland is more than just Instagram-famous landscapes. It’s a place where nature still calls the shots, where people swim outside in winter, and where you can see a volcano, glacier, and waterfall in the same afternoon.

Whether you’re here for the hot springs, dramatic coastlines, or hoping to spot the northern lights, Iceland will absolutely live up to the hype.

Planning a trip to Iceland? You might also like:
4 Day Iceland Itinerary: Reykjavik To Vik
Iceland F-Road Guide for First-Time Visitors
Mývatn Nature Baths vs. Blue Lagoon