Like many visitors to Iceland, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the country and learned a lot about its history while touring around. Also like many tourists, there were quite a few facts that surprised me, including these that I bet you haven’t heard before.
1. No McDonald’s, 7-11 or even Starbucks – I think that as a frequent traveler I get used to certain staples. In particular I’m used to seeing Starbucks and McDonald’s almost anywhere I go, whether or not I actually patronize them. An interesting fact about Iceland though is that it doesn’t have a single McDonald’s, 7-11 or even a Starbucks. Actually, until just a few years ago Iceland did have McDonald’s; three of them in fact. Following the 2009 financial crisis though, the fast food giant pulled its stores with no plans to return citing the “unique operational complexity” of doing business in an isolated nation with a population of just 300,000. Iceland seems to do just fine without these giants of the consumer world, offering instead its own unique brands. There are plenty of restaurants around Reykjavik that offer quick bites, with hot dogs and hamburgers as particular favorites. Instead of 7-11, the massively popular chain 10-11 dominates the Icelandic scene and there’s definitely no need for Starbucks, coffee shops abound in Iceland, as does a robust coffee culture. So while Iceland may not have some of the signature brands we find all over the world, that’s definitely not a bad thing.
2. Experiencing one of the fastest economic recoveries in the world – In 2008, the global financial crisis hit the world with incredible force and speed, particularly in the small country of Iceland. When the global credit markets seized, the government was unable to bail out its financial sector that had grown to an incredible ten times the gross domestic product of the country. The result was massive inflation, unemployment and currency collapse. Iceland came dangerously close to total disaster. Just a few years later though, while things aren’t perfect, they’re much better than they used to be. Walking around town I could believe that unemployment is now at an impressive 6% and that the IMF has predicted a 2.5% growth in Iceland’s economy this year. Just look around the rest of the world and you won’t see anything quite so amazing. Sure, the relative small size of the country and its population helps, but so does the mindset of the populace. Icelanders were (and are) pissed off over what happened to them and are determined to rectify the mess and make sure it never happens again. Well done Iceland, well done.
3. Temperatures aren’t extreme – When you hear the word “Iceland” and note its northerly position on a map, it’s hard not to imagine a frozen tundra, buried in snow and frigid temperatures. I know I was surprised when I learned the truth though, that Iceland doesn’t really experience any extremes in temperature. Because of the warm North Atlantic Current, temperatures are generally mild in the winter and cool and pleasant in the summer. The highest recorded temperature in Reykjavik was in 2004 when the thermometer hit 24.8°C (76.6°F) and the chilliest day was in 1918 with a decidedly brisk -24.5°C (-12.1°F). On average though, the winter temperatures range from a low of 28°F/24°F (-2°C/-4°C) degrees and in the summer it’s a comfortable high of 55°F /65°F (12°C/18°C). So while extreme temperatures can happen, they usually don’t and instead the visitor typically has very pleasant conditions in which to enjoy the country.
4. Wasn’t independent until 1944 – Even though Iceland was settled in the 9th century and is home to the oldest parliament in the world, it wasn’t independent in the modern era until 1944. Iceland has changed hands a number of times throughout it’s history, but following the Napoleonic wars it became a dependency of Denmark. Denmark granted Iceland home rule in the 1870s, but what really changed the country’s political status was World War II. During the war Denmark was occupied by German forces, but Iceland was used as a base for British and then American soldiers. It was during this time that Iceland declared independence and established the Republic of Iceland, even while Denmark was still under German control. This political evolution was a long process and one that Denmark encouraged, but it’s remarkable that such an old country is still so politically young.
5. More than just the Blue Lagoon, there are hundreds of thermal pools – Because of a unique set of geological phenomena, Iceland is home to hundreds of geysers and thermal pools, although most visitors are familiar with only its most famous: the Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s top attraction, visited by hundreds of thousands of people a year and created through the generation of geothermal energy at a nearby power plant. But all around Iceland there are plenty of other spots to take the waters and enjoy both the psychological as well as medicinal benefits of the soak. Icelanders are well familiar with the benefits of thermal spas, on average every resident of the country visits a thermal pool six times a year. I just wish we had those kinds of resources here in the US; there’s really nothing better than a leisurely soak in a natural thermal spa.
These are just a few of the cool qualities that make Iceland unique – what are some of your favorite Iceland facts?
No Starbucks!!?!!!!??!?!!
[Reply]
Iceland looks beautiful but how can you say that an average temp over the year between 24*F and 65*F isn’t freezing?!
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
April 11th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
well, to put it into context we were in Banff in January where the low was -30F. So while Iceland does get cold, it doesn’t get absolutely frigid.
[Reply]
Sheryl Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 11:39 am
The temperatures may be “nice” but the wind chill is what makes it so cold.
[Reply]
Whats 7-11? We dont have those either!! Greece also doesn’t have that many McDonalds either, they have their own burger chain which is more popular. I didnt actually know anything about Iceland…apart from it might have rain deer!
[Reply]
I’m actually glad to hear it doesn’t get that cold. I’ve heard Greenland is colder than Iceland. And yes, thank heavens for the swift recovery of Iceland from near bankruptcy—that was seriously nerve wracking. Good points, thanks Matt.
[Reply]
Really, No Mc’D's in Iceland??! I don’t think we need more of them anyway. It gives you a reason to try the local cuisine and appreciate something out of the ordinary!
[Reply]
My favorite fact about Iceland is that beer was outlawed until 1989. ’89! Iceland has a fascinating (and tumultuous) history with beer, wine, and spirits. I recommend this brewery tour: http://www.grayline.is/tour/Day_Tours/AH150_Taste_the_Saga/Iceland.is to learn more about Iceland’s prohibition.
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
April 11th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Yes, that’s another great and surprising fact!
[Reply]
Love this article! Especially photo number 3 – I want to do that when I go next year
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
April 11th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Thanks!
[Reply]
That’s pretty amazing there’s no MaccyDs and Starbucks – what about the other big chains? And does it have all the high street clothes stores, or do they have their own unique shops too?
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
April 11th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Well I’m not completely sure, but everything I saw was definitely based in Iceland. They have chains, but not many international ones.
[Reply]
Tara - @Gr82chat Reply:
April 12th, 2012 at 11:25 am
I recently moved here from Australia. They have both label and unique clothing. In place of McDonalds they have Metro which is so close to McDonalds that it may as well be. It operates out of the old McDonalds store. Their Big Mac equivalent translates as a citizen burger. I love that the people of Iceland are not without a sense of humor. Great country with lovely people. VERY VERY SAFE. Kids catch bus anywhere without any worry. I am only here for another year or so.. but could easily move here permanently.
[Reply]
Barbara Reply:
December 4th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
When we were there in March there were Subway’s sandwiches and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
December 5th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Right, but no McDonalds, 7-11 or Starbucks
[Reply]
Another interesting detail re 4): Iceland has no army of its own. Until 2006 there were US forces stationed.
[Reply]
I was amazed at the beautiful home of the Iceland Symphony. The 1800-seat Reykjavík Concert and Conference Center (Harpa) opened in spring 2011.
[Reply]
I am going to iceland in coming june for 10 days and just cannot wait after seeing the hot pool next to the sea. Is is located in specific area? Any suggestion for places that one should go??
[Reply]
All is not lost!! If I remember correctly, Reykjavik does boast a Subway sandwich shop! (Or there was one back in 2001 when I was there.) But truly, the hot dogs are fantastic. They are not skinless, like American hot dogs, so they require a bit more effort on the first bite. Try one “with everything” – a combination of mustard, catsup and raw and french-fried onions. Delicious!
[Reply]
There are plenty of restaurants we know. There is Subway, Kentucky Fried Chicken and several others you can eat at..,but why would you want to when there are so much local culture to absorb??
[Reply]
Here in Norway we have resisted Starbucks too but finally gave in last year. There’s only one so far mind, at the main airport. Norwegians are some of the biggest coffee drinkers in the world and have so many coffee houses that it’s put off outsiders, but no longer. Iceland looks great, am planning to go for the first time in the Spring.
[Reply]
I needed this. I’m headed to Iceland next month and still trying to plan what I’ll do. Not that I like those fast food chains, but they’re good for a quick cup of coffee when desperate (and 7-11 is great for a quick beer in some countries).
[Reply]
Just returned to Maine after a five-day mid-December first visit to Iceland. Matt Long’s observations reflect my own. Wonderful, down-to-earth, pleasant people, unlike some of those encountered in other European capitals, who exhibit standoffishness or downright anti-American hostility. I found myself getting wrapped in understanding the fiscal crisis. Wonderful that they’re pissed off and getting back on track in fine fashion after getting caught up in the psychology of easy-credit bubbles. I suspect their experience has much to teach the world. I, for one, will continue to keep my sights on Iceland via this website and others. If I’m lucky, I’ll get back there one day to take in the natural wonders we were unable to visit on this trip.
[Reply]
Matt Long Reply:
January 7th, 2013 at 8:59 am
Thanks for the comments and I feel the same way you do. I HAVE to get back and see more of this wonderful place.
[Reply]