Top unique things about Iceland you didn't know

The Íslendingabók (Book of Icelanders)

This is a genealogical database that contains information about the family history of almost every Icelander. The book has been maintained since the 12th century and is still in use today, with many Icelanders using it to trace their family history.

Icelanders don't have last names

Iceland has a unique naming system that combines the given name of the individual's father, with the suffix "-son" or "-dóttir" (meaning "son of" or "daughter of"). For example, if a man named Jón has a son named Ólafur, his full name would be Ólafur Jónsson. This system reflects the country's strong emphasis on family and community ties.

The Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of horse that has been bred in Iceland for over a thousand years. Icelandic horses are known for their strength, endurance, and distinctive gait, which is called the tölt. The Icelandic horse has played an important role in Icelandic culture and is celebrated in festivals such as the annual Reykjavik Horse Show.

Icelandic has over 100 words for wind (go figure)

Here are some for you to chew on: Vindur, bálviðri, blástur, hrakviðri, rembingur, veðurofsði, öskurok

The Vatnajökull glacier

This is the largest glacier in Europe and covers an area of over 8,000 square kilometers. It's located in southeast Iceland and is home to some of the most spectacular ice caves and glacier lagoons in the world.

Very low crime rate

Iceland has a very low crime rate, to the extent that the country has no military or armed police force. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with very low levels of violent crime and theft.

The native language Icelandic

Is one of the oldest and most pure forms of Nordic languages and has changed little since the country was settled in the 9th century. It is one of the few languages in the world that is still written in its original form and has preserved many words and grammatical structures from Old Norse.

Quick sidestory: I was in a History museum in Denmark and I came across a old carved runic viking stone. To my surprise, because I knew the runic equivalent of the latin alphabet. I could make out more than half the words. And even understand the meaning. Neat eh?

The Þingvellir National Park:

It was the site of the Althingi, the world's oldest parliament, from 930 to 1798. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in southwestern Iceland. The park is also home to the largest natural lake in Iceland and is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and fishing.