Exploring Iceland’s Culture and Traditions
Iceland offers a combination of intriguing landscapes from rugged coastlines, glaciers, and hot springs to geysers, volcanoes, and lava deserts. Eleven percent of the country is covered in glacial ice and is surrounded by water. The land is plateau with mountain peaks, and ice fields, with a coastline marked by fjords, which are deep inlets carved by glaciers. It’s no wonder that much of Iceland’s culture and traditions revolve around enjoy outdoor activities like swimming in hot springs, skiing, horseback riding, and of course–looking up to enjoy the spectacular aurora borealis—the Northern lights! Iceland also offers a rich literature tradition of poetry and sagas to enjoy cold winter nights. Much of the power and heat in this country is generated naturally—90% of Icelandic houses are heated by hot springs!
Study abroad in Iceland Host an Icelandic student in the U.S.