Iceland’s many glaciers and spectacular geography combine to create some of the most attractive and bizarre waterfalls on the planet. Dettifoss waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river is reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe after the Rhine Falls.
Measuring 144 ft or 45 meters high and 100 meters wide, it’s a true sight to see. Every year huge crowds gather at Dettifoss which forms one of the sites which make up the famous Diamond Circle of North Iceland.
Iceland's Last Major Eruption
Eyjafjallaökull erupted for the first time since 1821 on the 21st of March 2010, an eruption that was destructive in more ways than one. First, and most critical, was the local population — over 600 people had to flee and abandon their homes.
Next, there were the ash clouds — they created major disruption to air travel in Europe. And finally, the complicated name of the volcano had many journalists and news reporters tongue-tied!
Iceland's Boxing Ban
Professional boxing has been banned in Iceland since 1956. The country managed to crown a champion before it happened, though. A few years before a Nordic fighter named Ingemar Johansson became the region's only heavyweight champion.
It wasn't until 2002 that amateur boxing was legalized, a concession that came after a 13-year battle, according to a 2015 article in Icelandic Review. Eventually, people will find legal ways to punch each other.
Agriculture in Iceland
Only 1% of land in Iceland is considered arable, which means it's suitable for growing crops. Not very surprising when you take the harsh weather conditions of the place. However, despite the cool climate and restricted growing season, a variety of food crops are grown, such as potatoes, turnips, carrots, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower.
Other subtropical crops (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers), cut flowers, and potted plants are grown in greenhouses heated with geothermal energy.
The Colors of Iceland's Flag
A blue flag with a red cross inside a white cross, the Icelandic flag was adopted in 1918 and represents its independence from ruling Denmark. The colors in the Icelandic flag reflect the three elements which make the little island's landscape.
Red represents the fire from the volcanoes, white symbolizes the ice and snow, and blue is for the mountains of the island when looked at from the coast.