Wild Arctic Charr has been found in the lakes and rivers of Iceland since Viking settlers came to the country in the year 874.
The crystal clear waters of Iceland provide the world's most natural breeding grounds for the Arctic Charr. It can be found in very shallow waters and thrives in lower temperatures than other salmonites, even in waters below freezing.

Thousands of years ago, when the glacial ice receded from Iceland, the Arctic Charr had already established itself in harmony with the harsh, cold and challenging conditions in Iceland. The fish had evolved a migratory pattern, altering its habitat between fresh water on land and the salt water surrounding Iceland.

It is one of the northernmost freshwater fish, common around the Arctic, hence the name Arctic Charr. The Latin name is Salvelinus Alpinus, which refers to the European Alps, low water temperature, ice and glaciers.