The History Behind Icelands Name

The most popular myth about Iceland’s name goes something like this: settlers in Iceland gave it that name so that pirates would go to Greenland instead, thinking Iceland was full of ice and Greenland was full of green pastures, when in actuality, it was quite the oppposite.

While this myth is debated, it is definitely true that Iceland could have been given many other alternative names, and with such a stringent language and naming culture, it seems a lot of thought would have been given to the name of Iceland. It could have just as easily been named Fireland, or Lavaland, or Glacierland. Some say the name ‘Iceland’ was just the first name that came to mind for the first settlers and it just stuck after a while.

Iceland is said to have been named by a Norwegian called Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson. As stated in The Book of Settlements, or Landnáma, Hrafna-Flóki sailed to Iceland from Norway with his family and livestock with the intention to settle in the new country that was now on everyone’s mind during Viking times. The story goes that he was named Hrafna-Flóki, which means Raven-Flóki, because of the three ravens he brought with him on his journey to Iceland to help him find his way to the island around 865 AD. That first winter, all of his livestock died, causing him to decide to leave the island. However, before leaving, he looked over the fjord of Vatnsfjörður and saw that it was full of ice, leaving him to name the place Iceland. He later returned and became a permanent settler.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.