Iceland

A literature-based Iceland unit study
Updated November 2026

If you love waterfalls, Iceland is the place to go! Visiting Iceland a few years ago was our first flight with toddlers. It started out with an unhappy red-eye flight and we remained sleep deprived for the entire week… but it was totally worth it. Iceland, we will be back!

Book Lists

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Introduction to Iceland (these series have been kid approved)

Iceland by Lisa Owing (Exploring Countries series, grades 2-5)
Iceland by Alicia Klepeis (Country Profiles series, grades 3-7)
Iceland by Barbara Somervill (Enchantment of the World series, grades 5+)
D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries Alphabet
Capitals: visit the world’s capital cities! (section about Reykjavik)
The Travel Book
Prayercast.com/Iceland: Prayer Points, Country Summary, Quick Facts
**parents should preview the prayercast.com video for sensitive topics that may not be age appropriate.

Our Favorite Books

The following are my favorite books for different age groups and categories:

Elementary Picture Book: Going Fishing
Late Elementary/Middle Chapter Book: Horse Diaries #1: Elska about the Icelandic Horse
Middle School: The Guardians of Iceland and other Icelandic Folk Tales
Science Book: Life on Surtsey: Iceland’s upstart island
Mom’s Read: How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island

History Book List: Vikings and Norse Stories, Amazon Book List

Ecosystems Book List: Volcanoes and Geothermal Energy, Amazon Book List

Icelandic Food

We had fond memories of eating the Icelandic hotdog from the famous Pylsur stand in Reykjavik, so we tried making it! The kids helped make these skewered “hot dogs.”

Icelandic Pancakes are super thin, like a crepe! I also wanted to make Astarpungar (fried dough) with the kids but they had polished off the raisins, so I have that saved for another day. I remember having them in Iceland and they were amazing. (There are more recipe links and pictures in Recipes by Country: Iceland.)

Music and Folk Dance of Iceland

We listened to the music by this Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men
Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
Folk Dance, Rælasyrpa

Art Project/Handicraft

I taught the kids to needle felt. I still had some raw wool from Icelandic sheep that I had bought on our trip. Maqaroon has a tutorial of how to felt cute animals that we tried to copy.

Art Study

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is the world’s most northernmost capital. It boasts a beautiful church called Hallgrimskirkja, the architecture of which was inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns.

Movie

The How to Train Your Dragon movies are a perfect pairing with Iceland because of it’s Viking history!

YouTube Videos

Land of Fire and Ice: The Animated History of Iceland
How to pronounce the Icelandic Alphabet
Twintease goes to Iceland (our trip to Iceland!)
Travel Kids: Unforgettable Iceland Adventure!
Travel Kids: Iceland Tour! Volcano, Puffin Cave & Fishing Fun!
Travel Kids, Iceland: Natural Wonders
National Geographic: Iceland’s Volcanic World
The Secret Behind Iceland’s Geothermal Energy
Geography Now! Iceland (a fun resource geared towards adults and older kids; I recommend that parents pre-watch before showing to younger kids)