As a country that offers a variety of outdoor experiences and has a wealth of natural wonders (also outdoors), we often get asked about the creatures and critters roaming around on the island. One of the questions often asked is, “Are there snakes in Iceland?”
We get it - this is a legitimate question for anyone. Especially those who have seen videos of any Australian outdoor adventures where it seemingly doesn’t matter whether you’re hiking, visiting a lake, or just sitting at home for things that nightmares are made of to find you. But as far as Iceland is concerned…well, read on. We actually have some snakes you might want to see…
So, Does Iceland Have Snakes?
No, Iceland doesn’t have any snakes. Just like mosquitoes, they are the one thing you won’t need to worry about when visiting the island. The worst critter you’ll ever need to deal with here is probably our Yellow Jackets, which is perhaps similar to bees or wasps you get back home. These can usually be found buzzing around bins and wherever people are eating or drinking. Although their sting is painful, they are probably more annoying than an actual threat.
The Only Type of Snakes in Iceland
There is one type of snake that the island is known for, though. You may see some of our sand snakes here in Iceland whenever you visit. No, it’s not what you think. There still are no slithering creatures on the island. Our sand snakes are a rare natural phenomenon that mainly occurs on our beaches on very windy days. When the winds pick up speed here, they can blow the top layer of sand particles across the beach so they look like slivering snakes moving across the sand. You can watch footage of Iceland’s sand snakes here.
Why are There no Snakes in Iceland?
The simple answer is that it’s just too cold for them. Our winters are also simply too long for them to get through them alive. Reptiles don’t store fat well, so the combination of long, extended winters, little fat to use as energy, and no potential food to hunt until spring is a (literal) killer combo.
What About Pet Snakes?
There are none. If you ever find someone with a pet snake here on the island, they are most definitely operating on the wrong side of the law. That’s because the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) banned reptiles such as turtles, snakes, and lizards from being imported to Iceland in the 1990s. The reason was that someone’s pet turtle had infected them with salmonella. So, to protect the rest of the population, they put a stop to any future cold-blooded pets in Iceland.
Snakes and Icelandic Folklore & Legend
For countries that don’t actually have many snakes, the Nordics sure have a lot of snakes that feature in their myths and legends (although they are referred to as serpents in these tales). One of the most famous Nordic serpents is Jörmungandr (also known as the Midgard Serpent and the World Serpent). He was the son of Loki and Ngrboda and the brother of Hel and Fenrir.
It is said that Odin threw Jörmungandr into the ocean, where he grew and grew until one day, he encircled the entire earth and ended up swallowing his own tail. Thor had a lifelong feud with Jörmungandr, and one could say that they were each other’s arch-nemesis. During Ragnarök, Thor finally managed to kill Jörmungandr with his infamous hammer, but not without the serpent striking one last time, during which it poisoned Thor with its venom.
Things That Can Actually Kill You in Iceland
If you ask any local, you are more likely to get killed by an elf you’ve managed to anger than by any of our animals or insects. Nevertheless, the following are some of the actual dangers you’ll need to look out for here on the island:
Our Beaches
Our beaches are not what you expect from a typical coastal holiday. Firstly, the water may appear very calm, but underneath the surface, you can be sure that extreme currents are raging. Secondly, we also have sneaker waves that, as the name suggests, sneak up on you and, if your back is turned, will knock your feet out from underneath you and drag you into the ocean.
Our Ice
For some reason, people always want to climb on our ice, whether a floating sheet somewhere on a lake or a lagoon or a big chunk that has washed ashore. It’s not rocket science to realize that a floating sheet of ice is a very precarious balancing act on top of freezing cold water, and attempting to climb and stand on top of something as slippery as ice is an accident waiting to happen.
Our Winds
The Icelandic winds are pretty legendary. They can reach wind speeds of up to 35+ kilometers an hour, enough to rip car doors off their hinges, blow people off the edges of cliffs, and “steer” vehicles off the road.
Our Weather
Getting lost or stranded during our colder months of the year in the more remote regions of the island can quickly turn into a disaster. Without enough resources like water and food, you can succumb to the elements if not found and rescued in time.
Our Geothermal Areas
This is a hazard Ed Sheeran knows all too well. If you don’t stick to designated paths and trails, you can actually step through the earth’s surface and end up with a foot and leg being burnt by either lava or boiling hot water.
No Scary Snakes in Iceland, Means More Adventures
Anyone would be scared of outdoor adventures if creepy and scary critters were hiding anywhere underneath rocks or even in the corner of your house. Luckily, Iceland is officially scary critter-free, so there’s no excuse not to partake in the many outdoor adventures Iceland has to offer.
From kayaking the fjords, and climbing volcanoes, to hiking to various natural wonders in our national parks and going camping – you can do it all with peace of mind without constantly checking where you step. To step up your comfort when exploring the island and going camping, we suggest you rent a motorhome in Iceland.
There may not be any snakes in Iceland, but there’s no reason why you can’t cruise around our breathtaking landscapes, with road snaking (pun intended) along the coast and through the mountains, offering visitors the most spectacular views.
