Icy Iceland: Spirit of Iceland

Facts and Figures

Mountains around Reykjavik

Here are some interesting facts that we learned about the Icelandic inhabitants and their way of life during our stay here.

Energy is one of the cheapest commodities due to the tremendous amount of geothermal activity and hydro power present everywhere. Actually, the energy is “free” since molten magma is so close to the surface. The citizens only pay a small amount to cover the infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.

Geothermal Activity on Iceland

However, not all of Iceland is blessed with geothermal activity. The really hot magma belt runs from southwest Iceland (where Reykjavik is located), diagonally across Iceland to the northeast corner. The northwest and the southeast corners are actually considered “cold.” Yes, you can find magma fields there too, but it takes deeper drilling in those corners.

Gas at 190 ISK; this equates to $6/gal

It is somewhat surprising that gasoline is sold here at $6/gallon when all other energy is so cheap. When the Icelanders finally eliminate fossil fuel from their list of needs, this could be a very cheap place to drive around.

Fish of Iceland

Iceland’s exports consist of 45% fish and fish products. White fish such as cod is a chief fish product, but many others are also on the menu. Ling, haddock, trout, herring, and salmon are common too.

Hot houses for growing plant life in Iceland

Much of Iceland's plant life is grown in hothouses on the southern coast, and the rest is imported.

Elves roam around Iceland

Power of the Huldufolk (Elves)

Icelanders are a creative and resilient people, artistic and irrepressible. They are also a bit quirky. For one thing, they believe in elves. Folklore calls them "huldufolk", or "hidden people". Seriously, now. Would you believe that the government of Iceland has rerouted highways to avoid damaging piles of lava rocks they call “Elves’ Castles?” Most recently, the suggestion to build a new domestic airport on lava land resulted in a heated debate. In the end, the proposal was voted down, and Iceland’s largest newspaper displayed the headline, “The Elves don't like it!"

More evidence that elves inhabit Iceland

Miraculous Economic Recovery

During the global meltdown in 2008, Iceland was a disaster with an economy worse than Greece. Their government seated all the players, who represented every aspect of Iceland life, at a round table and forced them to make previously unthinkable cuts. The result is that they saved their country from collapse and today the whole world is amazed by Iceland’s miraculous recovery. Iceland is now one of Europe’s top performers in terms of growth. Certainly the tourism boom has helped, but maybe actually working together pays off!

Map of Iceland

OK folks, of course there is lots more to Iceland than what we've experienced on this short 1-week foray into this island, but this is about all we have to share at this time. Thanks for following us, and we'll see you on the road next trip!