This guide covers the design of Iceland's national flag, how it came about, and the rules for flying it.
The design
Iceland's national flag is sky blue with a snow-white cross and a fire-red cross inside the white cross.
The arms of the crosses on Iceland's flag reach right out to the edges of the flag.
The ratio of the width of Iceland's flag to its length is 18:25.
How the design came about
Matthias Thordarson, later the National Antiquarian, proposed a white cross on a blue field with a red cross inside the white cross.
The colours of Matthias Thordarson's proposal were meant to stand for the blue of the mountains, the ice and the fire.
The poet Einar Benediktsson proposed a white cross on a blue field.
The king would not confirm Einar Benediktsson's flag because it looked too much like the Greek flag.
Flying the flag
Iceland's flag may not be raised before seven in the morning.
It should normally come down at sunset and never stay up later than midnight.
Anyone may use Iceland's national flag, provided the laws and rules that govern it are followed.
On the official flag days Iceland's flag is flown at full mast, except on Good Friday, when it is flown at half-mast.
Use the Daylight Calculator to help plan your trip.
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