What Not to Do in Iceland: With its dramatic landscapes and welcoming culture, Iceland has become a hugely popular destination. But this delicate island needs to be treated thoughtfully.
Follow these tips on what not to do when visiting Iceland. By traveling responsibly, you can treasure this magical country while minimizing your impact.
Jökulsárlón, Iceland
1. Don’t Spend Your Whole Trip in Reykjavik
While Reykjavik serves as a convenient arrival point, don’t make Iceland’s capital your sole focus. Venture into the countryside where you’ll experience the island’s true spirit.
Spreading tourism across the country helps reduce strain on crowded spots. Discover serene fishing villages, thundering waterfalls and volcanic craters by road-tripping the Ring Road.
2. Don’t Book Last Minute
Given limited capacity, reserve rental cars, campsites and tours several months in advance. Lock in early bird discounts, too!
Booking last minute risks missing out on Iceland’s top sights during peak season. Be prepared so you can relax and enjoy vs rushing around.
3. Don’t Forget Essential Gear
Pack for dynamic weather by bringing layers, waterproofs, hiking boots and sandals. Iceland’s climate shifts rapidly so prepare for anything.
Also bring a Grayl or Lifestraw water filter to avoid buying bottled water and an eye mask for midnight sun in summer.
4. Don’t Skip Research
Read up on Icelandic customs, traditions, history and etiquette beforehand. Knowing some basics enriches exploring this distinct culture.
Research your route as well. Advance planning helps maximize your time rather than needing to search options while traveling.
5. Don’t Touch the Moss
Iceland’s mystical moss blankets lava fields and cliffs, but it takes decades to grow. The fragile plants can’t recover if trampled, so admire without touching.
6. Don’t Hike Off-Trail
Veering from marked paths, even briefly, damages delicate vegetation and erodes landscapes over time. Protect Iceland’s otherworldly beauty by staying on trail.
7. Don’t Drive F-Roads Without a 4×4
F-roads are rugged, unpaved mountain tracks with deep river crossings. Attempting them without an equipped 4WD vehicle risks dangerous mishaps.
Exercise extra caution by only driving F-roads in a convoy and researching road conditions. Better yet, book a super Jeep tour!
8. Don’t Drive Off-Road
Adventure beckons beyond the tarmac, but refrain from off-roading. This damages fragile ecosystems and is illegal. Stay on marked roads and tracks only.
9. Don’t Speed
Iceland strictly enforces speed limits with cameras and fines. Slow down, enjoy the journey and pull over for photos! Driving Iceland’s roads is an attraction in itself.
10. Don’t Disregard Warning Signs
Use caution at every turn. If a sign says don’t pass, don’t stand too close to the cliffs or don’t feed the horses, take that guidance seriously to avoid mishaps!
11. Don’t Get Too Close to Volcanic Activity
While mesmerizing, lava, steam vents and geothermal pools are unpredictably dangerous. Appreciate Iceland’s raw geologic power from designated viewing areas only.
12. Don’t Buy Bottled Water
Skip disposable plastics. Iceland’s tap water is perfectly safe, delicious and free. Just refill your reusable bottle wherever you go.
13. Don’t Leave Any Litter
Pack out everything you pack in, however small. Leave no trace by keeping garbage with you until reaching a proper bin.
14. Don’t Wild Camp
Camp only in designated campgrounds, never randomly pulled off the roadside. This protects the land and avoids potential fines for illegal camping.
15. Don’t Light Campfires
Fires pose risks in Iceland’s dry environment. Never light campfires, even on beaches. Instead, enjoy bonfires only at facilities that provide them safely.
16. Don’t Disturb Wildlife
Puffins, arctic foxes and Icelandic horses delight visitors. But resist touching or engaging closely with them for your safety and theirs. Just snap photos from a distance.
17. Don’t Take Natural Souvenirs
Iceland’s stunning geology tempts taking lava rocks and other natural souvenirs. But this is illegal, removing pieces of the landscape over time.
18. Don’t Skip the Pools
Make time to soak in Iceland’s famous geothermal swimming pools, like the Blue Lagoon. These are ideal spots to unwind after long days exploring.
19. Don’t Try to Forecast the Weather
Iceland’s weather shifts almost mystically from dark clouds to sunshine in minutes. Pack properly and then just embrace the elements rather than trying to predict them!
20. Don’t Turn Your Back on the Ocean
Stay high up the beach and never turn your back on the sea. Rogue sneaker waves can surge unexpectedly and sweep victims out. Respect the power of the North Atlantic!
21. Don’t Take Out Cash
Cash is rarely used in Iceland. Leave your króna at home and pay seamlessly via credit card throughout your trip.
22. Don’t Forget Insurance
Protect yourself with travel insurance covering medical emergencies, lost baggage, trip interruptions, rental vehicle excess and adventure sports. Iceland’s environment demands proper coverage.
23. Follow Alcohol Laws
Abide by Iceland’s strict regulations. Don’t drink and drive, don’t imbibe in public spaces, and only purchase alcohol at licensed Vínbúð stores or grocery stores selling low-alcohol beer.
Final Thoughts on Responsible Travel in Iceland
When visiting this unspoiled island, tread lightly and engage mindfully. Iceland will reward you with indelible memories if you explore responsibly!
Did you find these Iceland tips helpful? Let me know if you have any other questions below!
FAQs
What are some key things tourists should avoid doing in Iceland?
Avoid hiking off-trail, driving off-road, touching moss and wildlife, littering, and camping outside of designated campgrounds. Also don’t turn your back to the ocean due to sneaker waves.
Why is it important to be extra cautious when driving in Iceland?
Iceland’s roads contain loose gravel, potholes, and unbridged rivers. Obey speed limits, only drive F-roads with a 4×4, and watch for sheep. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
What tips help protect Iceland’s fragile environment?
Stay on marked trails, leave no trace, and refrain from removing lava rocks or other natural items. Follow rules in national parks and reserves. Be mindful of geothermal features.
How can tourists respect Icelandic culture and customs?
Research etiquette beforehand, follow guidance at attractions, avoid commodifying traditions, and abide by strict alcohol laws. Be courteous and open-minded.
What essentials should you pack for Iceland’s variable weather?
Bring waterproof and warm layers, hiking shoes, medications, eye masks for summer’s midnight sun, and filtration bottles to avoid purchasing bottled water. Check forecasts daily.
