When you think of Iceland, the images that come to mind are of the aurora borealis, volcanoes, the Blue Lagoon, and endless snow and ice. But when it comes to "immigrants"When this key word is added, all the details of real life must be carefully considered.Iceland in 2025, still representing Nordic welfare, but is its climate, food and culture suitable for long-term residence, especially for immigrants from China? This article will take youA full range of revealsImmigration to IcelandWhat Real Life Looks LikeThe

I. Climate: Warmer and darker than you'd expect in Iceland.

The biggest misconception many people have about Iceland's climate is, "Will it be too cold to live in?"

In fact, although Iceland is located at about 66°N latitude, due to theNorth Atlantic warm currentThe influence of the winter is not as extremely cold as in Siberia.The average temperature in Reykjavik (the capital) is about -1℃ ~ 2℃ in winter and 10℃ ~ 15℃ in summer.I'd say it's "cold". It's "cold", more like cold and damp than bone-chillingly cold.

✅ Climate Characteristics:

• The long darkness of winterIn the summer, there are only 3-5 hours of light during the day from December to February;

• The summer "white nights" are noticeable., dawn barely sets from June to August, and sunset can still be seen at 11pm;

• It's very windy.and with frequent snow and wind, first-timers may find it very uncomfortable;

• Extremely clean air and almost zero pollution, good for the respiratory system.

🧣 Adaptation recommendations:

• Be prepared with good quality wind and waterproof clothing;

• Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by scheduling a winter indoor recreation program;

• Use the long summer days wisely and get out and feel nature.

II. Diet: fresh and healthy, but possibly "unappetizing"

If you're used to the flavorful world of Sichuan, Hunan, Shandong and Guangdong, Icelandic food may feel "bland" at first.

Icelanders pursueIngredients, the diet is on the lighter side and common foods include:

🍽 Common ingredient in Iceland:

• seafood: Cod, salmon and lobster are fresh and meaty;

• goat meat: Icelandic sheep are grass-fed and raised without stink, and are a daily staple;

• dairy products: Skyr (a high-protein yogurt) is the national health food of Iceland;

• rye bread: Sweet mouthfuls of steamed toasted bread with butter or fish;

• Dependence on imported vegetablesThe price is on the expensive side, and greenhouse cultivation is gradually being developed.

🤢 Hard to adapt to the "dark cuisine":

• Pickled Shark Meat (Hákarl) - with a strong ammonia flavor that challenges the palate;

• Traditional foods such as sheep's head and vegetables cooked with offal may not be acceptable to the Chinese stomach.

🔥 Tip:

• Bigger cities like Reykjavik have Chinese restaurants and Asian supermarkets, but they are expensive;

• Most immigrant families choose to cook their own meals, carrying spices or rice cookers in moderation.

III. Cultural differences: freedom and equality, but focus on personal space

Iceland is the world'sMost equal, most open, most secureThe country is one of the most important in the world, but there are significant cultural differences, especially for Chinese people who come from a background of a "humane society" and may initially be a little "cold".

🧍‍♂️ Key Cultural Features:

• Privacy is highly valued, neighbors will not be disturbed frequently;

• No blind obedience to authority, children can question teachers at school;

• trust system, such as self-checkout at supermarkets and few ticket checks on public transportation;

• The culture of equality is deeply rootedHigh level of female participation in society;

• Environmentally consciousThe waste is strictly segregated and the energy is mainly based on geothermal and hydroelectricity.

📌 Immigrant Adaptation Recommendations:

• Respect personal space and avoid "warm" conversations;

  

• Rules are valued, and tardiness, cutting in line, etc. will be seen as extremely rude;

• Involvement in community or volunteer activities leads to quicker integration into society.

IV. Rhythm of life: slow life, low stress but slightly "boring"

Iceland has a slow pace and clear work-life boundaries, with most companies closing at 4-5pm and almost all stores closed for the weekend.

Life in Iceland may seem a bit "empty" to those who are used to the high intensity of life.

🧘‍♀️ Everyday Iceland through the eyes of immigrants:

• Work at a steady pace with little overtime;

• Ideal for raising children and retirement, with plenty of family activities;

• There are fewer cultural activities, but plenty of natural activities: hiking, hot springs, chasing the aurora borealis;

• Large cities have small populations and small social circles, making it easy to get lonely.

V. Real cost of living: not cheap but manageable

The overall cost of living in Iceland is high, especially the cost of imported food, eating out, and housing.

👍 The good news is:

• Medical care is virtually free;

• Education is free;

• Government subsidies are reasonable;

• The wage level is high, with a minimum wage of around €2,400 per month.

✍️ Summary: For people who like nature, quiet, and have goals for family life

Iceland is not a "good for everyone" destination for immigrants, butIf you are looking for nature, tranquility, quality education and life security, and are willing to take on cultural and linguistic challenges, it could be the ideal home for you!By 2025, more and more Chinese families are choosing toIcelandic immigrants, not because of the hustle and bustle, but because of the appeal of life as it really is.