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Explore Iceland
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Icelandic Animals

Because Iceland is an island and because it is situated in the middle of the Atlantic ocean the development and breeding of the Icelandic animals reflect this isolation. The only mamal to inhabit Iceland before the onset of viking settelers in the 8th century was the arctic fox. All other animals were braught by people and introduced into the environment with varying results. From the many animals the viking settlers braught with them special Icelandic breeds of pigs, cattle, cats, dogs, hens, goats, sheep and horses have developed. The characteristics of the Icelandic horse and the unique wool produced by Icelandic sheep have become national symbols. The knitted Icelandic sweater made from Icelandic wool is a popular souvenier and a practical one too.

Icelandic dog

Icelandic horses

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic reindeers

Icelandic cows

Icelandic sheep

Icelandic horses

Icelandic goat

Icelandic reindeers

Icelandic fox

Icelandic cows

Icelandic sheeps

Icelandic dog

Icelandic puffin

Icelandic cat

Icelandic reindeer

Icelandic puppies

Icelandic seal

Icelandic cow

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic fox

Icelandic whale

Icelandic puffin

Icelandic fox

Icelandic horse

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic seal

Icelandic horses

Icelandic goat

Icelandic horses

Icelandic sheep

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic whale

Icelandic sheep

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic reindeer

Icelandic goat

Icelandic sheep

Icelandic puffins

Icelandic whale

Icelandic sheep

Intresting Facts

The Icelander Leif Eriksson (Leif the lucky) was the first European to set foot on the North American continent in the year 1000, almost 500 years before Columbus!

Interesting Facts

The Icelandic currency, króna (ISK) is the smallest independent currency in the world.  The Icelandic Krona has lost 99,7% of it´s value since the foundation of the Icelandic Central Bank in 1961!

Interesting Facts

There are between 35 and 50 active volcanoes in Iceland.  There is generally an eruption every 3-4 years.  There have been 40 volcanic eruptions in Iceland in the last 100 years!

Interesting Facts

The Icelandic horse has a unique gait, tölt, and is the only horse in the world that can do 5 gaits.  There is a horse for every four Icelanders and there are twice as many sheep as people!

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