Not only do Icelanders have the lowest violent crime rates in the world, but the laws also actively work to protect the population. There is nothing too strange about driving laws in Iceland. But you might get caught up in a few simple things if you`re not careful. Well, with all the confusion that brings me – do they know where they are? Are they trying to go home? – I cannot blame all the blame on my compatriots. In truth, every country has a handful of ambassadors who, unfortunately, cannot help but represent the less appropriate qualities of their homeland. So these are the fun facts about Iceland – sausage-stealing Santas, elves, beer bans and old democracies. There`s no denying that it`s a land steeped in original folklore, strange traditions, and a touch of otherworldly magic. We have a selection of guided tours and activities to help you get to know this strange but wonderful country in the wild North Atlantic. It is even known that 10-11 increases its prices by 8% at night, which means that those looking for a convenient snack after the party will pay a rather immoral price.
(This turned out to be the case for a third of the companies` outlets). Even in broad daylight, visitors can expect an additional 50% on their purchase invoice. And who needs that? If, during your stay here, for reasons you know best, you are accompanied by a troop of Icelandic scouts, you may hear the statement “Ávallt viðbúinn!” German: “Always ready!” However, the Ringstrasse continues to lead to a variety of unique and fascinating attractions. Guests from the east can visit well-known sites such as Lake Lagarfljót, Stórurð (“The Giant Rocks”), Víti Crater Lake, Hengifoss Waterfall, Dome-shaped Búlandstindur Mountain, and Hallormsstaðaskógur National Forest, to name a few. There is also the naturally warm Laugarvellir waterfall (with accompanying hot pool) and the spectacular coastal mountain scenery of Vestrahorn. Technically, pornography is also illegal in Iceland. It is illegal to make and distribute porn, but police do not actively search for people who watch sex videos. In fact, it`s one of those laws that can be overcome, as the police don`t seem bothered by the fact that you can buy porn in Icelandic bookstores and sex shops. Depending on where you`re from, some of these laws may seem a bit restrictive.
But in general, Icelanders approve of the government and the rules it establishes. Iceland`s most famous fish dish is undoubtedly hákarl, also known as fermented shark. Served with a pinch of Icelandic brandy, Brennivín. Many who visit Iceland for the first time consider it a challenge to try a sip of this “delicacy”. A test of fire, if you will. Hákarl is part of þorramatur, a tradition of seasonal Icelandic cuisine. Secondly, the laws against drinking and driving in Iceland are very strict. When Icelanders get together after a party or meeting, we say “takk fyrir síðast” or we say thank you for the last time.
It may sound strange, but it`s a way of acknowledging that we really enjoyed the last time we spent together. Those who let their cookie wrappers float in the wind. Those who use both armrests on the plane. Those who shorten queues, demand their own language, make fun of menus, and are generally suspicious of locals. You know the tourist breed I`m talking about, I`m sure. Call it a break from the monotony of everyday life, call it a fear from the outside, it doesn`t matter. They exist, and they need to be trained. Reading and researching a place, as you do before you travel, is a great way to gain basic knowledge of your destination, so you can plan itineraries, record useful information about its history, culture, and people, and even maintain the impression that you are already there. This quickly became a popular drink, and other bars began to make their version of this artificial beer.
Icelanders who knew her agreed that the imitation beer was nowhere near as good as the original beer. In 1985, after complaints about the uncleanliness of the bars serving this fake brewed beer, the government decided to ban artificial beer as well. Apart from light beer, alcohol is not sold in grocery stores or gas stations. In fact, the state has a monopoly on the sale of alcohol and only sells in shops called “Vãnbð”, also known as the “state” among Icelanders. Think of high prices (a one-liter bottle of 40% absolute vodka costs 6,998 ISK – about 60 USD) and a black market for “Landi,” as moonlight is called in Iceland. Fun fact: All alcohol was banned from 1915 to 1935 and beer until 1989. I was once asked when I told someone I was from Iceland if it was a city in Utah. This person did not know that it was not only his own country, but also an important island in the far north of the Atlantic Ocean. All countries have their strange customs and laws and Iceland is no exception. From elven legends and the decades-long beer ban, to the flood of Christmas books and state-owned dairy stores, there are many quirks and strange facts about Iceland`s history. Did you know that it is considered one of the first democracies in the world? Or that it`s one of only three European countries without McDonald`s? We`ve compiled the most fascinating facts about Iceland to get you ready for your visit. Once you get acquainted with the strange and wonderful folklore and legends, we have many tours and activities in Iceland that can bring these great stories to life.
Guides from all over Iceland, regardless of discipline, are competent, passionate, experienced and skilled in their work as well as in first aid and emergency response. This ensures that tours to Iceland are as safe as possible and is one of the main reasons why it is forbidden to participate in certain activities without the presence of a guide. Glacial trekking, for example, requires extensive knowledge of the terrain, including the location of hidden crevices, thin ice, and canyons. It is common knowledge that Icelanders are linguistically savvy.