Do's And Don'ts In Iceland You Need To Know

Iceland is where the world goes to experience many of mother nature’s marvels. From geysers, glaciers and erupting volcanoes to beaches of black lava--you’ll find it all in Iceland. You’ll also see beautiful Icelandic horses, which are a pony-sized wild horse breed native to the island.

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It’s one of the best places on earth to view the northern lights, and the land is kept pristine and protected, making it a majestic hotspot for breathtaking views. As such, traveling and sightseeing in Iceland requires one to respect local customs and the environment, but also taking responsibility for your own safety on the terrain.

Do: Bring the right clothes & gear

Packing for your trip to Iceland is all about being safe and using common sense. If you plan to go hiking, don’t just check the forecast, but consult a proper hiking gear packing list for the time of year you’re visiting in. Even if you’re not planning to hike, you’d want to be able to keep warm outdoors if you had no access to a car or building, for safety reasons. Having the right gear opens you up to more opportunities to explore the natural environment of Iceland, such as its nature reserves where you can go camping and hiking and even see wildlife up close.


Do: Spend time in Reykjavik

Don’t leave Iceland without exploring its capital city, Reykjavik. The city has several museums and tourist destinations, such as Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, the Harpa Concert Hall and the National Museum of Iceland. You’ll also want to explore the quaint streets of Reykjavik, known for colorful rooftops, nightlife, boutique shops and good restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, you should definitely visit the world’s most famous hot dog stand in Iceland. Yes, there’s a famous hot dog stand in Iceland called BaejarinsBeztuPylsur, and in fact, it’s the country’s most frequented restaurant. People queue up for the taste of these hot dogs, so be sure to buy two.

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Don’t: Drive off-road

Renting a car for your stay in Iceland is a great idea, but when you’re sightseeing in nature, be sure to avoid driving off-road. Off-road driving is illegal, unsafe and it hurts the natural environment Icelanders wish to preserve. No matter what type of vehicle you have, it’s critical you stay on marked roads at all times.

DON’T be surprised if the weather affects your plans. 

No matter the location, Iceland’s weather is volatile, even in popular tourist spots. Always check the forecast, but also keep in mind that the sunniest of days can turn into blizzards. Despite forecasts, you can’t plan for the fog that rolls in on the day your tour is scheduled or rain that shows up when you had planned to go hiking. With that in mind, plan to be flexible and have backup ideas in case the weather cancels your original plans.