Iceland no longer changes its clocks at all – why, and what can Finland learn?
Published
Iceland gave up the twice-yearly changing of clocks as early as 1968. Since then, the country has kept the same time all year round. In summer and winter the clocks therefore stay the same, and this has been in use for almost six decades.
In Iceland, the idea of changing clocks has been part of the Nordic way of life, but the country's location and length of day make the situation different from that in Finland. Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle, and there is very little daylight in winter. When the time stays the same, the day is no darker or brighter than it was before. Because clocks are not changed, people do not have to adjust to a change of time twice a year.
In Finland, clocks are still changed according to summer time and winter time. The European Union has discussed whether clock changes should be abolished entirely, but no final decision has yet been made. Iceland's example shows that there is also another way to organise time. Experts have, however, stressed that each country must consider its own circumstances before making a decision.
Sources: Verkkouutiset
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