Top 10 Most Popular Sports in Iceland

The Top 10 Most Popular Sports People Play in Iceland

Iceland may be small on the map, but when it comes to sports, it packs a punch. Whether it’s kids mastering football in turf halls or adults sweating it out in CrossFit boxes, sports bring people together.

That’s because playing isn’t just for winning. It’s part of growing up and staying connected to your community.

Icelandic handball icon Aron Pálmarsson. Image credits: MBL

But what are the most popular sports in Iceland? Here’s a list of the 10 most loved sports in Iceland, each backed by real numbers and shared experiences among local communities!

1. Football

Football is the heartbeat of many Icelandic towns. There are nearly 200 full-sized pitches, both indoor and outdoor, and over 100 mini pitches at local schools. These “football houses” allow kids to play even when Winter is in full swing.

According to a report from Statista, around 23,000+ people in Iceland are registered football players. This is an incredible number of people for a country with a population of just over 375,000.

When Iceland’s national team made it to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 and then the 2018 World Cup, the buzz wasn’t just about football.

It was about community. It felt like every family had a stake in it. In towns like Akureyri or Keflavík, youth football isn't just for the talented—everyone plays, and the coaching is top-tier.

2. Handball

Handball’s grip on Iceland is hard to miss. The country may not have a lot of indoor arenas, but nearly every town has a hall where kids and adults take part in this fast-paced sport. Around 6,200 adults are actively involved in handball through 33 clubs under the Icelandic Handball Federation.

The men’s team winning silver at the 2008 Olympics was an iconic moment for Icelandic handball, but it wasn’t a fluke. The foundation had been laid for years.

Handball builds decision-making, agility and team chemistry. Families watch it, talk about it and play it together in local communities.

Handball is also popular in other European countries like Germany, Spain and France.

3. Basketball

Basketball doesn’t have the legacy of football or handball in Iceland, but it has carved out its own path. In Reykjavik and towns like Hafnarfjörður, indoor courts are often booked solid.

Participation in basketball has grown steadily, especially among teens. Valur and ÍR are the go-to clubs for many young players.

It’s one of the few indoor sports where you can walk in, shoot around with friends, and end up playing a casual game. That openness has helped basketball become a year-round option for many Icelanders.

4. Athletics & Running

Track and field doesn’t always get the headlines, but it quietly keeps Iceland moving. Reykjavik’s marathon attracts thousands, with roughly 7,000 runners joining the 10km race alone. Schools also play a part, and PE remains a requirement in Iceland until age 19.

Some of Iceland’s most celebrated athletes have come from field events. Vala Flosadóttir won Olympic bronze in pole vault, and Vilhjálmur Einarsson brought home silver in the triple jump back in 1956.

Even if you're not chasing medals, running by a glacier is a kind of joy that's hard to explain until you’ve done it.

5. Strength Sports & Glíma

This one’s about grit. Iceland has nine World's Strongest Man titles under its belt, with athletes like Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson making the headlines for their immense strength. The numbers speak for themselves - Icelandic athletes have previously deadlifted over 450kg!

Then there’s glíma, Iceland’s traditional wrestling style. It’s a mix of balance, grip and skill, passed down for centuries. It may not be in every gym, but at festivals and cultural gatherings, glíma showcases Iceland’s history. You’re just as likely to see strength competitions in a town square as you are in a fancy stadium.

6. CrossFit

CrossFit in Iceland isn’t just a gym activity - it’s a scene. Athletes like Anníe Mist Þórisdóttir and Katrín Davíðsdóttir put Iceland on the map, and the number of CrossFit boxes keeps growing. Iceland is second globally in lifetime podiums at the CrossFit Games.

Many join CrossFit not to win medals but to be part of something. Early morning workouts turn into group coffee chats. Personal records get cheered. It’s competitive, yes, but it’s about so much more than that. It’s about community and connection. You’re seen and supported, whether you're a beginner or a beast.

7. Horse Riding

Icelandic horses are their own kind - strong, small and famous for their unique tölt gait. Equestrian clubs and guided tours thrive, especially in rural areas. You’ll find locals riding for sport, work and weekend escape.

The connection people have with their horses is all about trust. Many families have horses that have been in the fold for generations. Riders of all ages take part, and the rhythm of hooves is almost like a heartbeat in the countryside.

8. Golf

Golf in Iceland comes with a view. The Arctic Open takes place under the midnight sun, and courses like those in Akureyri and Reykjavik see a spike in play during Summer. Even with the weather, the country has over 60 golf courses and around 17,000 registered players.

It’s not an elite sport in Iceland, rather something families play together. And yes, you can tee off after 10pm in June and still see your ball.

9. Ice Hockey

Hockey has been quietly growing in Iceland. The country ranks around 38th internationally, and has more players per capita than Slovakia. You’ll find rinks in Akureyri and Reykjavik buzzing with weekend leagues and evening practices.

Hockey isn’t trying to copy Canada or Sweden. It’s finding its own flavour, one that’s fast, full of grit and getting more fans by the year.

10. Climbing & Adventure Sports

Climbing, whether it’s frozen waterfalls, volcanic cliffs or hiking into remote trails, is part of how people connect with nature. You won’t always see organised clubs, but you’ll meet climbers with ropes in their trunk and big tales to tell.

Some say climbing in Iceland feels spiritual. That may be a bit poetic, but when you’re hanging from basalt rock overlooking a black sand beach, it’s hard not to feel something big!

What Are the Most Popular Sports in Iceland?

In Iceland, sports are woven into the way of life. Kids play early. Towns make space. Neighbours join in. It’s not about big stadiums. It’s about showing up, moving your body and doing it together.

From football to climbing, each sport adds to a rhythm that Icelanders live by. Not to impress. Not to go viral. Just to be part of something.