5 Icelandic insights
inspired by our return to Iceland

Our Welcome Back voyages around Iceland begin today and, to celebrate, we are sharing five fascinating facts about this captivating country. Settled by Vikings over a millennia ago, it is here where—according to legend—intrepid explorer Leif Eriksson was born. It is also home to the world’s northernmost capital, four-legged animals who can perform one-of-a-kind feats and a waterfall filled with ancient Norse treasures. Sail through these five incredible insights and get inspired for an Icelandic voyage this summer.

#1

Reykjavík,
the Northernmost Capital
in the World

First settled around 874 at a latitude of 64°08' N, Iceland's largest city, Reykjavík, is the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world—beating its nearest rival, the Finnish city of Helsinki, by nearly 4°.

#2

The World's First Parliament

Iceland’s democratic tradition dates back to 930 with the institution of the Althingi, a national outdoor assembly convened by Icelandic chieftains on the plains of Thingvellir, a rift valley east of Reykjavík.

#3

Icelandic Horses that Walk, Trot,
Canter, Pace & Tölt

Descended from Viking horses brought to Iceland between 860 and 935, the Icelandic Horse is the only breed in the world that can perform five gaits, while other breeds can only perform three to four.

#4

An Iconic Waterfall filled with Norse Idols

After Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000, the Speaker of the Parliament, Thorgeir Thorkelsson, cast his carved idols into a mighty waterfall that would later be known as Goðafoss, or "Waterfall of the Gods."

#5

Houses Made of Turf

Due to a lack of trees and resources to make mortar, many Icelanders historically lived in homes made from turf. Although limestone was discovered in 1863, these distinctive sod homes were still inhabited until the 1960s.