Looking for fun Iceland facts for kids? Look no further. Just south of the Arctic Circle, in the North Atlantic Ocean, sits the tiny island nation of Iceland. It is a truly gorgeous country with breathtaking glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal energy sources.
With its unique culture and history, Iceland is an ideal destination for families and kids looking for a fun and educational holiday. From its world-famous natural wonders to its vibrant cities, Iceland offers something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT ICELAND
Capital: Reykjavik
Population: 372.520 (2021.)
Major Cities: Reykjavík, Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður.
Most Prominent Religions: Church of Iceland (Lutheran) (60.90%)
Highest Point: Hvannadals- hnúkur (2110 m / 6900 ft)
1. Where is Iceland?
Iceland is situated between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Greenland Sea. It is a small state and is located northwest of the United Kingdom.
2. Why is Iceland Famous?
Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it has become increasingly popular among tourists who want to experience its unique natural beauty.
Families and kids love to explore Iceland’s diverse landscape, including glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Not only that, but Iceland also offers plenty of activities for kids and families to enjoy, such as whale watching, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and more.
With its stunning scenery and array of fun activities for all ages, it’s no wonder Iceland is quickly becoming a top destination for travellers worldwide!
3. Iceland’s Economy is Thriving
Iceland boasts a thriving economy with a strong focus on sustainable industries such as tourism, fishing, and renewable energy. The nation’s economic success ensures the preservation of its pristine environment and high living standards for its citizens.
4. Iceland’s Flag Represents Natural Elements
The national flag of Iceland is a striking symbol that encapsulates the country’s natural beauty. With its colors of blue and white, it artfully represents the crystal-clear skies and vast icy glaciers that make Iceland a unique destination.
The blue signifies the boundless skies that often display the enchanting Northern Lights, a mesmerizing phenomenon that draws travelers from around the world.
5. Aurora Borealis Lights Up Iceland’s Skies
One of the most magical experiences in Iceland is witnessing the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. These mesmerizing lights dance across the Arctic skies, creating a dazzling display of colors. Iceland’s location near the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness this natural wonder.
Iceland Horse Facts
Icelandic horses are a unique breed known for their small size and friendly nature. They are popular among children and families because they offer an opportunity to learn about horse care while riding a smaller, more manageable horse.
6. Why are Iceland Horses so Small?
Icelandic horses have been bred to be small and sturdy, making them ideal for young riders. In addition, the Icelandic Horse is known for its intelligence, making it easy to train and bond with. With these traits, Iceland Horses make for an enjoyable experience for kids and families of all ages!
7. What Kind of Horses Live in Iceland?
The Icelandic Horse is the only breed of Horse allowed in Iceland and is known for its unique gait. This tölt makes it easy to travel long distances without becoming tired. The breed is highly valued by Icelanders, and around 80,000 registered horses are in the country.
Iceland Vikings Facts
Iceland is home to many unique Viking facts and artefacts. There is the Viking settlement at Reykjavík, the capital city, and many Viking artefacts and sites around the country.
There are also many Viking-related museums and attractions in Reykjavík and other parts of the country.
If you want to explore the Viking culture more, you should visit the Viking World museum in Reykjavík or the Viking Settlement museum in Hafnarfjörður. Many Viking tours also take you to some of the most famous Viking sites in Iceland.
8. Was Iceland settled by Vikings?
Vikings were known as fierce warriors, but did you know they also settled in Iceland? Vikings explored unknown lands for hundreds of years and made a life for themselves in Iceland.
While there were some violent clashes with the native population, overall, the settlement had relatively low levels of violent crime.
So if your kids or family are looking for a historically interesting place to visit or learn about, why not consider Iceland and its Viking settlers!
9. Was Ragnar Lothbrok in Iceland?
Ragnar Lothbrok, the legendary Viking warrior, is believed to have visited this cold country.
Blue Lagoon Iceland Facts
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa located just outside Reykjavik.
It’s a beautiful destination that offers an incredible array of natural wonders and attractions. This place is like no other, from the stunning geothermal pools to the magnificent views. But what makes it even more special is its location within the Arctic Circle.
That’s right, this amazing destination is located within one of the most extreme climates on Earth! Come explore with us and learn all sorts of fun facts about Blue Lagoon Iceland.
10. What’s So Special About the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
It has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique mineral-rich waters, which are said to have healing properties. The Blue Lagoon is also a great spot to view the famous Northern Lights, making it an unmissable experience for anyone visiting Iceland.
11. How Deep is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is approximately 9.8 feet (3 meters) deep. If you’re looking for other geographical facts about Iceland, you can visit the official website of the Icelandic Tourist Board at www.visiticeland.com. They have a wealth of information about the natural wonders of the country.
12. How hot is Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon’s water is heated to a temperature of between 37 to 40 degrees Celsius (98-104 F).
Iceland Volcano Facts
Well, kids and families can learn more about these fascinating wonders with our Iceland Volcano facts! Collection From their formation to their effects on the environment, we cover all aspects of these natural phenomena.
13. How many volcanoes Does Iceland have?
Did you know that Iceland is unique among European Countries? That’s right! Iceland has over 130 volcanoes! While some of these volcanoes are active and have erupted in recent years, most are dormant or extinct.
14. When was the last time a volcano erupted in Iceland?
Iceland is a land of fire and ice and has frequently been affected by volcanic eruptions in Iceland’s history. In fact, the last time a volcano erupted in Iceland was just last year! The volcano, named Fagradalsfjall, first began to erupt on March 19th, 2021.
15. Why is there an active volcano in Iceland?
Every child is fascinated by volcanoes, and Iceland is one of the few places in the world with an active volcano. Iceland Facts can help them understand why this small country has an active volcano
The country lies on the boundaries of two tectonic plates, the Eurasian plate and the North American plate. This is what causes the active volcanoes in Iceland. The two plates collide, pushing the Earth’s crust upwards and creating volcanoes.
16. Volcanic Eruptions Shape the Landscape
Iceland’s landscape is continually shaped by volcanic eruptions. With over 130 volcanoes, some active and others dormant, the island is a living testament to the Earth’s geothermal forces. Exploring volcanic landscapes and lava fields is an educational adventure for kids interested in Earth’s geological processes.
Facts About the Iceland Beaches
Iceland is the largest island in the North Atlantic Ocean and is known for its stunning beaches.
Do you know that the beaches of Iceland have an extraordinary feature? They are located right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a geological formation that runs through Iceland’s waters!
17. What are the beaches like in Iceland?
With its dramatic coastlines, stunning rock formations, and unique black sand beaches, Iceland’s shoreline is the perfect place for kids and families to explore.
18. What is the famous beach in Iceland?
The most popular beach in Iceland is Reynisfjara Beach, located near Vik. Reynisfjara is known for its black sand, dramatic cliffs, and powerful waves.
Other popular beaches in Iceland include Djúpalónssandur Beach, Seljalandsfoss Beach, and Breiðavík Beach.
19. The Gulf Stream Warms Iceland’s Coastline
Iceland’s coastline enjoys a milder climate, thanks to the tempering influence of the Gulf Stream. This ocean current transports warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico to Iceland’s shores, making the coastal regions more habitable and adding to the island’s appeal as a travel destination.
Facts About Reykjavik
From its unique Viking history to its vibrant nightlife, this beautiful city has much to explore. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure! Let’s explore some of the most interesting and exciting facts about Reykjavik that you won’t want to miss.
Read More – Reykjavik with Kids
20. Reykjavik is the Most Northern Capital City in the World
Have you ever wondered where the northern capital city in the world is? Look no further than Reykjavik, Iceland! It’s located just under the Arctic Circle and is full of fascinating things for kids and families to explore.
More Northernly Capitals to Visit with Kids:
21. What is Reykjavik known for?
Reykjavik is best known for being a beautiful and exciting city to visit.
Did you know it also has another claim to fame? Reykjavik is the proud host of the Miss World competition! Every year, contestants from all over the world come together in Reykjavik to compete for this prestigious title.
22. Dogs were banned in Reykjavík National Park
It all began when a National Park was set up in the city, and dogs were not allowed to enter. This created a stir amongst dog owners who could no longer take their furry friends to the park with them.
Thankfully, after much debate and discussion, an agreement was reached, and now dogs are allowed back in Reykjavík’s National Park!
Iceland Lifestyle Facts
Iceland is known for its natural wonders, with an amazing landscape of glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and geothermal pools. Iceland also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, galleries, and monuments to explore.
Iceland is also known for its rich and varied cuisine, with lots of seafood and traditional dishes. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year, from music to film festivals. Finally, Iceland is known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars and clubs to explore.
23. Many Icelanders believe in elves
Have you ever heard of elves living far away in tIceland’scold and magical land? Well, it’s true! Many Icelanders believe in elves; some even claim to have seen them.
24. Fishing is a Major Industry in Iceland
Iceland’s fishing industry plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy, providing delectable seafood for both domestic consumption and export. The pristine waters surrounding the island are home to a rich variety of fish, making Icelandic seafood a culinary delight.
25. It’s the safest country in the world
It’s because of its people – most Icelanders! The citizens of this small nation have a strong sense of community and are always looking out for one another.
This makes them incredibly resilient, so it’s no wonder Iceland is such a safe and secure place to live.
Random Facts About Iceland
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in a country surrounded by icy glaciers, has the most active volcanoes in Europe, and is home to the Arctic fox? Well, Iceland is that place!
26. Why is Iceland’s population so low?
Iceland has a population of approximately 358,780, making it one of the least populous countries in Europe. This is due to its small size, low birth rate, and high emigration rate.
As a result of its isolation, there are also fewer opportunities for people to move to Iceland. Therefore, its population is low compared to other European countries.
27. What language do people in Iceland speak?
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. English is spoken widely in Iceland and is the second language.
28. Glacial Ice Covers a Large Part of Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and a significant portion of its land is adorned by immense glaciers, covering approximately 11% of the island. These colossal ice formations create awe-inspiring sights, from the sparkling glaciers to the ice caves that beg to be explored.
29. Iceland Uses Geothermal Energy for Electricity
Iceland is at the forefront of green energy technology, utilizing abundant geothermal sources to generate electricity. This environmentally friendly approach not only powers the nation but also reflects Iceland’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.