Ten Things About Icelandic Culture that Shock Visitors
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re in Iceland! We love to help travelers prepare for their vacations, and other than telling you the best things to do, we love to share the things that will shock you upon arriving in a new destination. Today we’re sharing the top ten travel shocks of Icelandic culture.
Iceland Culture Shock #1: The Natural Beauty
The natural beauty of Iceland is stunning. Glaciers, fjords, lava fields and waterfalls are just the beginning of the beauty in Iceland. It is easily the most majestic place we’ve ever visited, in Europe, or anywhere else in the world.
Iceland Culture Shock #2: The Weather
You may think you’ll visit Iceland in the summer when it’s warm. Here’s the shocker: it never really gets warm in Iceland! We visited in July and it was 42 degrees. (Fahrenheit) No matter what time of year that you visit Iceland, bring lots of layers and warm clothes. Even if it’s warmer, there’s also a lot of wind, which makes it colder.
Iceland Culture Shock #3: Driving in Iceland
To really see what Iceland is all about, you need to drive around the country. The shock is the actual driving; from one lane bridges, dirt roads and very few guardrails, driving in Iceland can be an adjustment. If the weather changes, the roads can get a little slick as well, so be prepared for any road conditions.
Watch: Advice for Driving in Iceland
Iceland Culture Shock #4: Amazingly Friendly Residents
The people of Iceland are some of the nicest people in the world. Everyone we have met has been so helpful with recommendations and they are very thankful and appreciative of tourists. Unlike the countries of Scandinavia, where locals are usually reserved, in Iceland the residents are very outgoing and friendly.
Iceland Culture Shock #5: The OtherWorldly Feeling
Some of the sights in Iceland make you feel like you’re on another planet. The lava fields and moss-covered hills are unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world. It’s really astounding.
Iceland Culture Shock #6: Hot Springs & Thermal Pools
There are thermal spas and hot swimming pools all over Iceland. Don’t forget your swimsuits because you have to experience a thermal pool while you’re in Iceland. There’s the famous Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik, but there are also many hot springs and thermal pools all over Iceland.
Iceland Culture Shock #7: Safety in Iceland
Iceland is incredibly safe, unless you are messing around in nature and fall over a waterfall! In terms of crime, or lack thereof, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.
Iceland Culture Shock #8: Icelandic Sweaters
The Icelandic sweaters aren’t just for tourists. The locals love their wool sweaters, and they all have a story behind their sweaters. Jocelyn bought a sweater from a waitress; the sweater was woven by her mother-in-law with wool from sheep from the father-in-law. If you forgot to bring warm clothes to Iceland, Icelandic wool sweaters make a great, practical souvenir.
Iceland Culture Shock #9: Local Approach to Everything
For an isolated island nation, it’s shocking how much local production is used in the food and clothing you see around Iceland. Even produce is locally sourced around Iceland.
Watch: What to Eat & Drink in Iceland
Iceland Culture Shock #10: How Sparse Iceland Is
With fewer than 400,000 people living in Iceland, you don’t really find cities or towns around the island. Instead, what you find are small communities and villages that are spread far apart. For travelers, that means you won’t find hotels everywhere in Iceland. Most visitors stay in guesthouses as hotels are only found in a few cities.
Iceland Culture Shock #11. Sticker Shock
Iceland prices will knock your woolen socks off. From accommodation to food you need to be ready to pay a significant price premium on goods and services when you are in Iceland. So have your wallet ready.
We hope these ten shocks of Iceland culture make you want to visit Iceland, and lessen the shocks you have upon arrival. Have you been to Iceland? We’d love to hear what shocked you; just leave a comment below! For more Wolters World travel tips, check out these blog posts and videos: