Icelandic culture — sagas, volcanoes, elves, folklore. Land of fire and ice that has produced world-class poets, musicians and writers.
Language and Literature
Icelandic — one of oldest still-spoken European languages, little changed from Viking times. Icelanders still understand 1000-year-old texts. Snorri Sturluson — Edda and king sagas (13th c.). Halldór Laxness — Nobel Prize 1955 (Independent People).
Saga Heritage
Icelandic sagas — world champions. Njal Saga, Egil Saga — 13th c. Every Icelander is descendant of a Viking. Halldór Laxness said: Sagas were Iceland contribution to humanity. World book capital — 10 books per capita per year.
Music
Björk — international artist, unique voice. Sigur Rós — world-famous post-rock band. Of Monsters and Men, Kaleo, Ásgeir Trausti. Iceland Airwaves — international music festival.
Nature and Mysticism
Belief in elves and huldufólk (hidden folk) — 54% of Icelanders believe or are open to (polls). Roads have been changed to avoid elf stones. Northern Lights — spiritual experience.
Food Culture
Hákarl — fermented shark. Þorramatur — winter customs with smoked lamb, slátur. Lamb — Icelandic lamb roams free all summer. Skyr — ancient dairy product, now international brand. Brennivín — Icelandic schnapps.
Traditions
Yule Lads — 13 Christmas folkloric figures, each comes one day before Christmas. Þorri and Góa — winter months. Lopapeysa — Icelandic wool sweater, unique circular pattern. Hot springs — swimming pools in every neighborhood.
Modern Culture
Trapped, The Valhalla Murders — Nordic Noir from Iceland. Baltasar Kormákur — international film director. Reykjavík — UNESCO City of Literature.