Rebecca Manzi Iceland is the only place in the world where mosquitoes do not exist, partly due to the island's climate: however, climate change could soon affect this too.
If you’re one of those who can’t stand mosquitoes, Iceland might just become your dream destination. In this Nordic country, mosquitoes simply don’t exist. It may sound like an urban legend, but it’s absolutely true: no buzzing at night, no itching, no frantic slipper fights to get rid of them in your bedroom.
Many might think it’s due to the cold. And while that’s partly true, the explanation is more complex. Iceland has an oceanic climate with long winters and short, cool summers. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 59°F, making it difficult for mosquito larvae to complete their life cycle.
Moreover, mosquitoes need stagnant water to reproduce and lay their eggs. In Iceland, despite the presence of lakes, the volcanic terrain and the chemical composition of the water make these habitats unsuitable for mosquito proliferation. Additionally, the melting of ice occurs in a single phase each year and happens very quickly, preventing larvae from finding a stable environment.
Climate change threatens this “paradise”
The only specimen of “Icelandic” mosquito is preserved in a jar at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. It was caught in the 1980s by Gisli Mar Gislason, a biologist at the University of Iceland, inside an airplane coming from Greenland. The insect wasn’t native to the island; it arrived accidentally on board.
However, the future could change. Due to global warming, the average temperature in Iceland has risen by about 3.6°F over the past 20 years. This has allowed about 200 new insect species to arrive, which previously couldn’t survive in the country’s conditions. Mosquitoes, once excluded, may someday make their appearance.
For now, though, Iceland remains the only country in the world truly free from mosquitoes. A small paradise for travelers who want to enjoy the wild nature, volcanic landscapes, and summer nights without the annoyance of pesky bites. As long as it lasts, it’s definitely worth taking advantage of!
