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. Dogs are no longer illegal in Reykjavik (provided owners get a permit and abide by strict residency, microchipping, vaccination, deworming, and leash laws), but the effects of dog-free decades continue to this day. Cats are now the pet of choice in Reykjavik and, as long as they are microchipped, can roam the streets without consequences. Now pets are everywhere – about one cat for every ten inhabitants. Reykjavik cats can be found on the gates, begging tourists, drinking water games, rolling on the sidewalk and rattling bell necklaces. Cats are so ubiquitous on city streets that shops sell themed products proclaiming that “cats rule the city.” 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. In general, Iceland is a safe and relaxed country, so you don`t have to worry about anything drastic. But this article will walk you through some of the laws and regulations you need to know before landing on Icelandic soil. Secondly, the laws against drinking and driving in Iceland are very strict. Of course, how you strangely find the items on this list depends on your country of origin. Travelers of different nationalities often have completely different ideas about what makes Icelanders and culture unusual. Icelanders have adapted to naming regulations in their own way, mixing technology and tradition. A second phone book called Yes lists people by mobile phone number, and because many names are so similar but different, students at the University of Iceland have developed an app that can identify a user`s loved ones so they don`t fall in love. A bill to abolish name laws surfaced in August this year, but a final decision is still pending.
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. From historical bans on Basques to modern restrictions on names, Iceland`s laws leave a lasting impression. Iceland has unusual laws when it comes to buying alcohol. Although you can buy drinks in restaurants and bars as easily as in most other European countries, they are not available in supermarkets or mom-and-pop shops. You can only buy them at the airport and at state liquor stores called Vinbudin. Discover the strangest things about the Icelandic people and Icelandic culture. Learn what`s behind all the strange things written about Iceland online. Find out why Icelanders are so friendly. Like any country, the inhabitants of Iceland have different characteristics that others may find special.
Read on to find out why these quirks only add to the charm of Icelanders. 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. City cats are so ubiquitous that they even have their own Facebook page. “Cats really add to Reykjavik`s personality,” Anna Guðbjörg Cowden, administrator of Cats of Reykjavik, told Smithsonian.com. “They are popular with Icelanders and tourists. Some people even walk through the streets of Reykjavik with cat treats in their pockets. Since there aren`t many cat predators in Iceland, Cowden says, cats continue to thrive — and given the city`s still strict dog laws, many residents still prefer purring friends. TikTok video by charlotte/matti (@surxora): “Reply to @_xochy_spat_”.
1) No one is silent, people are aware of the existence of these cases 2) Trans people are not saints. Transgender people could still break the laws. Just like cisgender 3) The main problem is letting people be in a women`s prison without checking if they are really trans. Basically, the problem is that cis r4p1st men choose to pretend to be trans when caught, not real trans women (many of these cases were made by people who never claimed they were trans before they were caught). Ibitbt. 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. If you`re going on a snorkeling tour to Silfra, bring extra warm socks regardless of the season. Dry boots aren`t always padded, so freezing water will cool your toes in minutes if you`re only wearing thin cotton socks. It is also a common tradition of Icelanders to participate in the “Ice Cream Runs”. These are usually sweet dates for couples or parents taking the kids out of the house to an ice cream shop for a tasty bite.
However, ice cream is mainly consumed in the car and not during the race. I`m afraid to say that throwing a coin into a hot spring and throwing a wish will only come true if you want to release heavy metals into our nature and water supply. We therefore ask you to keep your money in your pockets; Considering the cost of the food, we`re sure you`ll end up being very grateful for it. Nevertheless, according to the UN World Drug Report, more Icelanders smoke weed than the vast majority of other countries. Just to be clear, smoking in a public place will get you in trouble. It hasn`t happened in about 400 years, but at one point an Icelander from the West Fjord who encountered a Basque had to shoot on sight. The ban on frightening the Basques dates back to 1615, when bad weather sank three Basque whalers in Iceland. Eighty survivors were stranded without food. They robbed the inhabitants, which increased tensions between the two ethnic groups. The sheriff at the time, Ari Magnússon, ordered that the Basques in the area be killed immediately, resulting in the murder of more than 30 indigenous Basques.
In fact, the law remained in place until this year. In April of this year, the Westfjords unveiled a monument to souls lost by the murder of the Spaniards, repealed the law and welcomed the return of the Basques. Image of the funniest mistakes tourists have made in Iceland Overall, Icelanders have done pretty stupid things, as stupid as expecting to see penguins and as dangerous as throwing their kids into ice water for their fun. In addition to just grilling, ice cream is also part of everyday life in Iceland (and not just because it has “ice cream” in its name). That`s right. We can also eat ice cream all year round. When the weather is as unpredictable as Iceland, there`s no point in waiting for a warm, sunny July day to enjoy your favorite treats with family and friends. While all of this is true, at least to some extent, these facts are becoming old news at this point. In addition, Icelanders are fed up with foreigners who constantly describe their cuisine as “disgusting”.
They prefer to say, “It`s an acquired taste. » • Learn about the country`s history and myths with our guided tours of Iceland Perhaps not particularly Icelandic as it happens in other Nordic countries, this quirk is something most foreigners will notice and mention on their first visit. There`s no reason to be surprised when you hear it; It`s just a way of making the language, not an offended gasp. 23. In marriage, women do not take their husband`s surname. (rare) The use of titles such as Mr., Mrs., Miss or Dr. is unusual even for foreigners. Don`t be offended if an Icelander doesn`t know your last name or continues to address you by your first name, even if they do. We just aren`t used to anything else. Until 1986, Iceland had only one television channel, operated by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service.
Before INBS started broadcasting in 1966, we had “Kana-sjónvarpið” or “American Television” from the US Army base in Keflavík. When “The TV” (as our first TV channel was called) first aired, it only aired on Wednesdays and Saturdays.