There’s nothing better than taking a deep breath and filling the lungs with healthy fresh Icelandic air.

Did you know that air quality in Iceland is among the best in the world? It is so clean and fresh that every time you take a deep breath it feels like you just brushed your teeth.

This may sound unreal but the fact of the matter is that Iceland has some of the cleanest and freshest air in the world.

This raises the obvious questions: what makes the air in Iceland so special? In this article we will uncover the truth and find out why the air in Iceland is so clean and fresh.

Large island, few people, little pollution

There are several reasons for Iceland´s fresh air. To begin with, Iceland is a very large country with a very small population.

The only real city in Iceland is Reykjavik and even there, pollution is very low. Other towns in Iceland have a population under 20.000 people and most do not even reach 2000.

Additionally, most towns are located along the coastline with more than 80% living in the southwest region of Iceland. That is in Reykjavik or within 50 km (31 mi) form the capital area.

So, there aren't enough people gathered in small areas to create massive pollution in Iceland.

Clean Green Energy of Iceland

Did you know that Iceland is purely powered by green energy? This is a key factor for Iceland´s fresh air and perhaps the main reason for the clean air in Iceland.

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice because there are massive glaciers and volcanoes all over the country.

SEE ALSO: CAN YOU VISIT VOLCANOES IN ICELAND?

Glaciers have powerful glacier rivers. These rivers do not only create amazing waterfalls, such as Gullfoss waterfall and Dettifoss waterfall, they are also used to create electricity. Hydropower produces the majority of Iceland's electricity.

Volcanic activity is not only useful to see awesome volcano eruptions like the one in Fagradalsfjall or block air traffic like the one in Eyjafjallajökull. All this heat underground is also the source for geothermal energy which in Iceland is also used to create electricity.

Hot Spring Heated Houses

The water from the geothermal area is one of Iceland's greatest natural wonders. Mostly known as hot springs and geysers. What many may not know is that the hot springs are also used to heat up almost all houses in Iceland.

As well as being an important resource for the vast number of Iceland's public pools.

This means that all the power needed for commercial and industrial uses in Iceland comes from these renewable energy resources. As a result, the air in Iceland is among the cleanest and freshest in the world.

Remote and windy island  

Iceland is an island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. This also plays an important role in Iceland's clean air. Due to its geographical position, outside pollution can't effectively reach the country.

To top this off, Iceland is a rather windy place. Most of the time it feels like the wind is constantly blowing from all directions. Although this might not be Iceland's biggest quality it however means that the air is always moving and therefore keeping it fresh.

Clean Electric Future

There are of course some factors which cause air pollution in Iceland such as a few industrial factories, but as mentioned they are all powered by green energy.

Another contributor to air pollution in Iceland are cars and other transportation which burn fossil fuel. However, with the introduction of reliable electric vehicles (EV) in recent years, this is also changing fast.

Infrastructure for driving electric cars in Iceland has developed significantly. Fast charging stations are found in every town and on various stops along the Ring Road. Therefore, it is now possible to easily travel all over Iceland using EV.

With Iceland on the fast track towards switching almost entirely to EV and other eco-friendly transportation alternatives, the air in Iceland will only get cleaner in the future.

Rent an EV in Iceland

We highly recommend getting an EV car rental in Iceland. Not only will it reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also save you money. Electricity is much cheaper than fuel in Iceland.

An EV rental car is a great option for both short and long road trips in Iceland. Whether you're planning to explore The Golden Circle, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Church Mountain on Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You can even drive the entire Ring Road on an EV rental car without any issues.  

Our most popular EV are the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y. Both have proven excellent in Iceland, and we highly recommend them as other EV´s for renting a car in Iceland.

SEE ALSO: DRIVING IN ICELAND – ALL OUT SELF-DRIVE GUIDANCE

Outdoor Adventures in Iceland

Iceland's natural scenery is generally the main reason why people visit the country. This means those traveling to Iceland expect to spend much time outside and in nature.  

With the best air in the world Iceland is ideal for outdoor activities. Just remember to dress appropriately, especially in winter.  

With all this combined it's no wonder the air in Iceland is so fresh. So, if you are looking for an eco-friendly environment and the freshest air in the world, Iceland is the perfect place for you.

Learn more about Iceland by reading Our Stories.

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