Iceland - Way Up North Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cold oceanic

The majority of Icelanders live by or near the coast. The average temperature for July is 10-13°C, although there are often warmer spells. The North Atlantic current keeps Iceland's climate relatively temperate and thus habitable.

Answer: Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja was constructed in the years 1945-1986 and takes its name from 17th century poet Hallgrimur Petursson, Iceland's most prolific writer of psalms.

Answer: Vigdis Finnbogadottir

Vigdis Finnbogadottir was elected president in 1980 and stayed in office for a full four terms, until her retirement in 1996 when Olafur Ragnar Grimsson was elected. Born in Reykjavik in 1930, Vigdis had previously worked in education, tourism and theatre. Since retiring from the presidency she has been extensively involved with matters of culture and welfare, both in Iceland and on an international level.

Answer: Akureyri

Akureyri is located in the north of Iceland, whereas the other three are all considered part of the Greater Reykjavik area, although each is an independent town with its own council.

Answer: Avalanche

In the early hours of January 16, 1995, an avalanche fell on 15 houses in the small village of Sudavik in the western fjords, claiming 14 lives in total. Several months later, in late October, an avalanche fell on another village in the west, Flateyri, killing 20 men, women and children. In a country with a population of less than 300,000, this was an immense blow.

Answer: Lýðveldið Ísland

This translates as The Republic of Iceland.

Answer: 874 AD

Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norwegian who arrived along with his brother and their people in approximately 874, is considered the first settler although there had previously been some temporary "guests".

Answer: Gullfoss

Gullfoss - "The Golden Waterfall" - is on the Hvítá River. In summertime, the average amount of water is 140 m³/s, although the highest flood ever measured was 2000 m³/s.

Answer: Halldor Kiljan Laxness, literature

Halldor Laxness (1902-1998) remains Iceland's most famous and widely read author. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. His works have been translated into numerous languages, including English, German, Spanish, French and Italian.

Answer: June

The national day is June 17th, when Icelanders celebrate with parades, music, fun fairs for children and other events. Iceland only became fully independent from Danish rule on June 17th, 1944.