The World’s Most Obnoxious Creature Is Nowhere To Be Found In This Country

Most people agree that mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects on the planet. Carrying diseases, leaving painful and itchy bites, and even causing travel safety advisories to some of the most popular summer vacation spots, mosquitoes can be an irritant. However, not every destination has this problem.

In fact, there’s only one country in the world that’s entirely free of mosquitoes. Coincidentally, there are no snakes anywhere in this nation either. The only other place in the world to meet these criteria is the continent of Antarctica. And, not too far away, the only country to meet those same criteria is Iceland!

Iceland Doesn’t Have Any Mosquitoes Or Snakes

Known for its natural beauty, geysers, and volcanoes, Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. It’s also completely free of any mosquitoes. This means you camp, hike, and explore without having to worry about mosquito bites popping up and annoying you the next day.

Interestingly, Iceland also doesn’t have any snakes. This makes it a reassuring place for outdoor adventures. That’s key as it’s one of the activities that this island nation is best known for. In fact, the only “dangerous” animals in Iceland are the Arctic Fox, the mink, and some of the larger birds if you’re too close to the chicks.

While there are spiders in Iceland, none of them are dangerous. There are only a couple of countries in the world with no animal predators, including places like New Zealand. This is just one more reason Iceland is the safest country in the world to visit. You’ll need to be more wary of the elements than the wildlife in Iceland.

Why Are There No Snakes Or Mosquitoes In Iceland?

So, why are there no snakes or mosquitoes in Iceland, when neighboring nations have both? Snakes simply aren’t endemic to Iceland, and given the remote nature, it’s unlikely that snakes would be able to migrate here in the first place. If they did get here, the harsh climate would make it difficult for them to survive.

Mosquitoes are a little different. There are mosquitoes across Scandinavia, Ireland, the UK, and even Greenland. So, clearly, it’s not just the cold weather keeping them away from Iceland. There are a few theories at play. The drastic mix of climates and weather conditions makes Iceland very difficult for animals to adapt to it. It also interferes with a mosquito’s short life cycle.

Some other locals suggest that the geothermal conditions make certain areas too warm, while the icy standing water is far too cold for the breeding conditions of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need warm, not hot, standing water to breed. This rarely exists in Iceland due to the explosive volcanic nature and icy glaciers.

Things To Do In Mosquito- And Snake-Free Iceland

Other than simply enjoying a mosquito- and snake-free existence, there are many scenic destinations to visit on a trip to Iceland. From natural wonders to relaxing vibes, there’s an Iceland adventure for every type of traveler. Here are some of the top things to do here.

Soak in the Geothermal Waters

One of the top attractions in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa is located near the main Keflavik airport and has over a million visitors a year. Due to the volcanic and geothermal activities in Iceland, there are dozens of hot springs to explore. If the Blue Lagoon feels too touristy, head to the Secret Lagoon or book a hotel with its own spring access.

Chase the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for most people. Iceland is one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis in the world, with this season being one of the strongest in decades. There are plenty of Northern Lights tours to choose from, and the guides know all the likely spots.

See Waterfalls

Across Iceland, you can see around 10,000 waterfalls. That’s a huge number. However, there are some main ones that most people visit. These include Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. Many of these key natural wonders can be seen on Golden Circle tours, alongside geysers, and the gap between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

Visit Black Sand Beaches

If you’re heading to the south of Iceland, carve out time to visit the country’s iconic black sand beaches. Getting the color from the volcanic soil, they’re super striking visually. The most famous and visited is Reynisfjara, just outside Vik. However, it can be very dangerous as the swells and power of the tide here have been known to sweep people away and cause deaths.

When To Visit Iceland

There’s no bad time to visit Iceland, it just depends on what you want to do. For the Northern Lights, you need to visit in the colder, darker months, between November and March. If you want the long days and midnight sun vibes, Iceland in summer is ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring on horseback. The shoulder seasons are great for a mix of warming geothermal spas and outdoorsy pursuits, without high crowd numbers.

Considering you won’t have to contend with snakes or mosquitoes at any point in the year in Iceland, it’s pretty easy to get on board with a visit at any time.

So, if you’re looking for a vacation spot without mosquitoes or snakes, head to Iceland. The mix of climates, geothermal conditions, and water temperatures means that you’re free to have a bite-free adventure.