Essential travel tips for a vacation in Iceland
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Travel Iceland with Confidence — Stay Safe & Prepared
Heading to Iceland? Learn the essential tips every traveler should know before exploring Iceland’s wild beauty — from understanding unpredictable weather and safe driving habits to respecting nature and using the right apps and resources. My local-perspective safety guide gives you practical advice so you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
See Iceland Without Breaking the Bank
Dreaming of Iceland but worried about the costs? Our Iceland on a Budget guide breaks down smart tips, affordable activities, insider savings, and money-wise travel hacks to help you stretch your budget further. Whether it’s cheap eats, low-cost adventures, or smart planning strategies, I’ve got you covered.
Dress Smart for Iceland’s Wild Weather
Iceland’s weather can change in minutes — make sure your wardrobe is ready. Our How to Dress for Iceland guide gives you practical packing tips, layering strategies, and gear recommendations so you stay warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what nature throws your way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or wandering glaciers, dress like a local and enjoy every moment.
Master Money in Iceland — Know How to Pay Like a Local
Heading to Iceland? Make paying for things easy and stress-free. Our How to Pay for Things in Iceland guide breaks down the best ways to handle money — from cards and cash to contactless options and tips for avoiding unnecessary fees. Stay prepared and spend smarter on your Iceland adventure.
Speak Icelandic — Essential Phrases for Your Trip
Want to connect with locals and navigate Iceland like a pro? Our Phrases in Icelandic guide gives you useful, easy-to-remember phrases for greetings, directions, dining, and everyday moments — perfect for travelers who want confidence and connection in Iceland.
Read Iceland Focused Interviews
Iceland’s landscapes are only part of the story — its people, traditions, and cultural quirks make the experience unforgettable. My interviews provide insider insights into local customs, etiquette, festivals, and cultural tips so you can travel deeper and connect with Iceland beyond the postcard views.
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Plan a Carbon-Neutral Iceland Adventure
Want to explore Iceland responsibly? Our Carbon-Neutral Iceland Trip guide shows you how to reduce your footprint with smart travel choices, sustainable activities, and eco-friendly tips — so you can enjoy Iceland’s beauty while protecting it for future generations.
Respect Icelandic nature
- Make your driving and jet travel to Iceland carbon-neutral.
- Respect nature, avoid off-road driving, and avoid littering or damaging sensitive plants such as moss. Also, remember that natural formations can be sensitive.
- Take care not to disturb animals or birds.
- Take nothing but pictures. Consider renting a hybrid or an electric vehicle to minimize your carbon footprint.
- Sign the Icelandic pledge.
Be spontaneous and take your time
One of the essential travel tips for a vacation in Iceland is that you you should be spontaneous, flexible and take your time.Iceland is a big country with a lot of attractions, and let’s face it, you won’t be visiting this country every day! You will want to make sure that you have the time to enjoy the hidden gems that you come across.
Prepare for changeable weather
Another reason to be flexible is that the weather is highly variable and may disrupt your plans. This is especially true for the winter, of course.
Take your time if you are hunting for the northern lights
If you are in Iceland to see the northern lights, please know that they are very elusive and you should not stake everything on one night.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere
Iceland has come in long way toward becoming a cashless society. So you can pay with credit or debit cards almost everywhere. Please don’t forget your PIN. It is required everywhere.
Navigation
Google Maps should work almost everywhere on the ring road in Iceland. People coming from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) should consider purchasing a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, people within the EEA don’t have to worry about high data roaming charges.
Power adapters
Consider purchasing a universal power adapter, available on Amazon.
Rent a car or a camper van to explore Iceland on your own terms
Rent a car or a camper van and venture out onto the open road. Discover Iceland on your own terms.
Stay safe while driving in Iceland
Roads in Iceland are narrow. There are many one-lane bridges, so I recommend that you be careful and avoid speeding. If you see something you want to photograph, stop at a safe location. Too many travelers stop in the middle of the road to take pictures, putting themselves and others at risk. If you are driving in Iceland in winter, be ready for rough conditions. This can include low visibility, icy roads, high winds, and snowdrifts. Always follow the weather forecast closely, check road conditions, and consult the Safe Travel website and Facebook. Read the section on how to stay safe in Iceland.
Driving in winter
Check road conditions and the weather forecast before going on long journeys in winter. It is essential to verify that your tires are suitable for winter driving. Consider getting a 4×4 vehicle, especially during winter. Never skimp on renting a quality car during winter. And the final rule for driving in Iceland: No off-road driving! It is illegal ,and the police will not hesitate to slap violators with heavy fines. I wish them every success btw.
Book hotels in Iceland and find the best deals online
Book accommodation in advance, especially if you are visiting in the high season in the summer.
Booking tours online and in advance
If you are keen to join a tour, I recommend booking only tours with high review scores and high review volume. Additionally, booking online in advance can save significant stress. I have curated a list of top-rated tours in Iceland.
Use discount codes to save on tours
I have joined forces with high-quality tour operators to bring you great deals on their tours. These are people who have a real passion for what they do, and you are assured to have a fantastic experience if you book with them. I only work with high-quality operators we know and trust.
Safe money in Iceland
I have a great section on how to travel in Iceland on a budget, which helps you to make your Iceland vacation more affordable.
Advice for family travel in Iceland
Iceland is a great destination for families with children.
- To make sure the little ones stay warm, they should wear layered clothing.
- Never use cotton as a base layer, especially during winter. First, non-itchy wool, such as merino; then fleece or, preferably, thicker wool; and finish with a good windproof, waterproof snowsuit or bunting
- Warm, waterproof shoes are essential
- Wool is sensible in Iceland during summer, as are a beanie, scarf, and gloves
Use forecasts to maximize the chance of seeing the northern lights
It can be tough to catch the northern lights. Fortunately, there are many great resources for those who are hunting the lights of the north. I recommend the Iceland at Night Service
Stay safe while hunting for the northern lights
I once had a close call. I almost ran somebody over who was photographing the northern lights on the shoulder of a road in the middle of the night. It was pitch black, and the man was hunched over his camera and tripod, all dressed in dark clothes. I just saw him moments before my car hit him and was able to swerve away. If you are out looking for the northern lights in night, please wear reflective gear and be mindful of your surroundings.
Soak in public swimming pools
Visit Icelandic swimming pools. I also partner with the following baths and spas:
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Stay warm in Iceland
Iceland is called Iceland for a reason. The weather changes all the time. It is necessary to follow the weather report, but please keep in mind that predicting the weather here is sometimes near impossible. Be prepared for all kinds of weather, even in high summer. Wear layers; be prepared for strong winds, horizontal rain, and intense sunshine. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Learn more about dressing correctly for Iceland
Winters in Iceland
Winters in Iceland can be brutal. Be prepared. Again, think layers, and never wear cotton if you are out and about in the winter. Wear waterproof shoes, gloves, a warm hat, and a warm waterproof jacket. Save luggage and money by renting clothes outdoors.
Wearing jeans or other cotton clothing in the highlands during summer hiking trips has proven fatal on several occasions. This sounds like an exaggeration, but it is not. The last point about safety is that the website Safetravel.is has a lot of sound safety advice. Study and follow it.
Advice for taking photos in Iceland
Bring at least two cameras, one with a wide-angle lens and one with a long lens. You will want to switch between photographing the landscapes and the wildlife. A great book on photographing Iceland by master photographer Martin Schulz is available and offers valuable advice on capturing Iceland’s landscapes and nature.
Don’t take risks when taking photos
I have witnessed people at the edge of cliffs or right on the water´s edge at Black Beach at Reynisfjara risking their lives to take selfies. Sometimes, you see people stopped on a highway to take pictures of grazing sheep or horses. That is simply unacceptable and stupid behavior.
Advice for drone photography in Iceland
As my readers know, I am a big fan of Iceland drone videos. Check the weather forecast before flying and avoid flying in high-wind conditions. They warn you to be careful when flying near waterfalls and birds. Apparently, birds are prone to attack drones. Have extra batteries. Observe the restrictions on drone flying.
Iceland vacation planning for hiking enthusiasts
Hiking guides recommend two key things for hikers in Iceland. First, check the weather forecast, and avoid wearing cotton or denim. Good waterproof and breathable shoes are essential. When choosing clothes for stormy, rainy weather, you will appreciate wool and Gore-Tex in such weather. Cold rain with strong winds is more perilous than freezing temperatures in winter. Bring a compass, a map, and a GPS device. Have plenty to drink and eat. Ask locals for advice. Follow the advice on Safetravel.is.
Do your research for Iceland travel planning
Do your research before coming to Iceland. This can be done by watching YouTube videos or reading travel magazines such as this one. Google Maps and TripAdvisor are great tools.
More resources for Iceland travel planning
Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine is all about helping you to see beautiful places in Iceland and finding fun things to do.
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Please take advantage of my discount codes for top-rated tours, rent a car, rent a camper van, or book accommodation on this page, and help to support this independent travel magazine. Since 2012, I have helped people who want to experience Iceland plan and book their trip. I have interviewed dozens of travelers who have visited Iceland to get their unique perspectives and advice on traveling in Iceland. Many travelers have drawn inspiration from my articles on Icelandic culture and travel in Iceland.
Travel tips for a vacation in Iceland for those who want to go on an epic road trip
- Golden Circle Road Trip Itinerary – The perfect introduction to Iceland
- The Ring Road – Drive around Iceland
- Golden Circle road trip plan – see the essential sights of Iceland
- Diamond Circle road trip plan – head north and experience the incredible beauty there
- South Coast of Iceland road trip plan – the rugged south shore of Iceland has it all
Do your Iceland travel planning with these resources
- Safe Travel in Iceland – Study and follow the advice on Safe Travel.
- Buses and public transport within Reykjavik and Iceland – Save money and choose a more environmentally friendly way to travel in Iceland.
- Road conditions in Iceland: If you are driving in Iceland, please review the current conditions. Be especially careful to do so in winter.
- The weather in Iceland – Iceland’s weather is changeable, so make sure you follow the forecast, as it is essential to do so in winter.
- Forecast for northern lights – The lights of the north are elusive. This forecast can help you find them.
- Opening times and locations of swimming pools and geothermal hot tubs