But Why – A show for curious kids
Are there really no trees in Iceland?
3/13/2026 | 1m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
A gorgeous country full of majestic and sweeping beauty, but it feels like there are no trees!
Iceland is a gorgeous country full of majestic and sweeping beauty - but all those popular tourist sites indicate something must have happened in the past because it feels like there are no trees ANYWHERE! How could this have happened?!
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
But Why – A show for curious kids is a local public television program presented by Vermont Public
But Why – A show for curious kids
Are there really no trees in Iceland?
3/13/2026 | 1m 16sVideo has Closed Captions
Iceland is a gorgeous country full of majestic and sweeping beauty - but all those popular tourist sites indicate something must have happened in the past because it feels like there are no trees ANYWHERE! How could this have happened?!
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Fun facts about the Earth and beyond!
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Why is Iceland green and Greenland icy? Asks a number of viewers. (2m 39s)
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Are there animals or plants that can live forever? Asks Eleanor from New York. (2m 25s)
Why does Iceland have so many volcanoes?
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Why does Iceland have so many volcanoes? (1m 46s)
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Why are continents so big? Asks Oscar from New Zealand. (2m 16s)
Can I run on the rings of planets?
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Can I run on the rings of planets? Asks Iola from New York. (2m 13s)
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How do seeds grow into trees? Asks Job from Conecticut (2m 13s)
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How are geodes made? Asks Esther from Massachusetts. (1m 53s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipAre there trees in Iceland?
Well, as you can see, obviously yes.
But whether there are a lot of trees or not, very many trees here depends on whether you're comparing to ancient times or more recent.
When the first Viking settlers arrived here more than a thousand years ago, vast birch forests blanketed the landscape from the mountains down to the sea.
In fact, as much as 25% to even 40% of the land was covered in trees.
But these early Iron Age settlers clear cut them, using the trees for fuel, for building ships and homes and clearing them to graze animals.
Within about 300 years, nearly all the trees were gone.
Iceland will probably never again see 40% of its landscape covered in trees.
But even reaching a 5% goal will help the country prevent erosion and increase the health of its soil.
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But Why – A show for curious kids is a local public television program presented by Vermont Public