Iceland is not only a land of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and northern lights. It is also a place where people have learned to live close to powerful and unpredictable nature.

Icelanders are descendants of Vikings, primarily Norse settlers from Scandinavia (mainly Norway) who arrived in the 9th and 10th centuries. They have always lived in one of the world’s most extreme environments, facing frequent volcanic eruptions, daily earthquakes, brutal storms, and long, dark winters. These challenges have shaped them into a people known for their strength, adaptability, and strong community spirit.

Hardworking & Resourceful

Today, they’re a nation known for their openness, creativity, and self-reliance. They are also also famous for their hospitality.

Life in Iceland has never been easy. To survive, Icelanders had to be hardworking, innovative, and resourceful. Today, their resilience has made Iceland one of the world's most advanced and well-functioning societies.

Eating Well for Strength

A diet rich in fresh fish, lamb, dairy, and hearty soups has helped Icelanders stay strong in their tough climate. Traditional foods like fermented shark (hákarl) and lamb’s head (svið) reflect their ability to make use of every resource.

The Icelandic Motto: “Þetta reddast”

A famous Icelandic phrase is “Þetta reddast”, which means “It will all work out”. This reflects their positive and fearless mindset. No matter how tough life gets—whether it's a volcanic eruption, financial crisis, or extreme weather—Icelanders believe that things will somehow be okay.