Iceland is close, but still not quite in Europe. Going there, we expect a Scandinavian country, but many details may surprise us. Let’s shed some light on these possible doubts.
International issues, border crossing, access
What Covid restrictions apply to entry into Iceland?
Currently (since March 2022) all COVID-19 restrictionshave been lifted on Icelandic borders. This means that you don’t need to present your COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or testing certificates. Yoc cross the border just like before the pandemic.
Is Iceland a EU member?
Formally Iceland is NOT a EU member state. But if you’re coming for a holiday and you are a EU citizen, arriving from a EU country, Iceland very much feels like a EU member. Great many laws and regulations make it “walk and talk” just like all the EU countries.
Even though Iceland applied for EU membership on July 17 2009, on March 12 2015 it withdrew its candidacy. So it is not a EU member state.
In practical terms, Iceland is part of the European Schengen Area, it shares a lot of duty and immigration policies with EU, it uses 220V current and European plugs and with virtually every European mobile operator it is among Zone A countries. So traveling to Iceland you feel much as if you were inside the EU (or entering EU, if you’re coming from elsewhere in the world).
Iceland also accepts European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC).
Does Iceland belong to the Schengen Area?
Yes, Iceland does belong to the Schengen Area.
Iceland is one of four non-EU countries that belong to Schengen. The remaining three are Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Monako, San Marino and Vatican, although not formally in Schengen, do not do border control.)
Do I need a visa to fly to Iceland?
Visa requirements depend on where are you coming FROM, of course.
Citizens of Schengen Area countries in Europe as well as US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore citizens can enter Iceland without visas.
Tourist stays can extend up to three months. If you plan to stay longer, you can extend your visit at a local police precinct.
Will I need a passport to go to Iceland, or will an ID card suffice?
If you are a EU citizen, then an identity card will suffice.
Iceland is part of the Schengen zone. All citizens of the European Union and other Schengen countries can enter Iceland with a valid ID card. Of course, you can also cross the border on the basis of a passport.
Everyone coming from outside EU (Schengen, specifically) needs to present a valid passport.
Do you need to know at least a little Icelandic when going to Iceland?
No. It is enough to speak English. Most Icelanders speak English fluently and because there are many migrants living and working here who don’t know the local language, it makes even more sense to use English instead of Icelandic.
Can I bring my own food to Iceland?
Personal import of meat and dairy products from non-EU/non-EEA countries to Iceland is prohibited. So if you are coming from outside of EU/EEA, you are not allowed to bring almost any food to Iceland.
However, if you are a EU citizen, you are arriving from a EU state AND the food in question was produced in EU/EEA, than your situation is very different.
For tourists coming from EU and bringing European food with them, the only restriction is its maximum weight: 10 kg and value: 25,000 ISK. Above these values, you have to pay customs duties. Additionally it is not allowed (duty-free) to import more than 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of strong alcohol, 0.75l of wine and 3l of beer. [source: mast.is, skatturinn.is]
We would also advise to avoid bringing uncooked/raw meats. In practice, anything vacuum-packed goes through the customs with no problems (again: if you’re arriving from within EU), but the official line on these articles is rather blurry, to say the least.
Read more: Food import restrictions to Iceland.
How much does roaming cost in Iceland?
Free GB roaming in Iceland (2023)
And when the roaming does work, it is pretty fast indeed – 35 Mpbs is a usual standard.
For everyone coming from outside EU, local SIM cards are quite cheap and they allow you to make calls and transfer lots of data (several dozen gigabytes) for one affordable fee (e.g. Simmin networks) cost 2,900 ISK (about $21) for 5 GB, 50 minutes and 50 SMS.
Is it worth buying a local SIM card in Iceland?
LTE roaming speed in Iceland
Hence, if you have a large family and everyone needs to use internet while you’re driving: a wifi router makes all sense. But for personal use, navigating the country with satnav and – obviously – making calls etc, a local SIM in your phone is the best solution. Or you can get both and be double-protected.
If you’re using a really old phone (10+ years old), you might want to double check if it will handle the Icelandic LTE bands: B3 (1800 MHz) and B20 (800 MHz). All modern phones (iPhone 7 and later) should work with no problems.
And if you are coming from another EU country then no, getting a local SIM doesn’t make too much sense, if you’re already on any EU mobile plan. Currently (2023) data roaming already works very well. According to our measurements (image), download speeds are typically around 40 Mbps and upload speeds around 5.5 Mbps. These are very good results, typical for LTE networks in local use as well (with good coverage).
There are sometimes problems with proper connection to the data network, but (from our experience) it is enough then to switch to airplane mode for a moment and back to ordinary mode to regain LTE connection.
Only in the highlands, interior, or in deeply indented valleys, coverage may be poor or non-existent, but this applies just as much to phones with a local card as to those on roaming plans.
Additionally there’s free Wi-Fi in many restaurants, cafes as well as in plenty of tourist information points, buses and even in supermarkets. The whole of Reykjavik is covered with free Wi-Fi, too.
As you can see in the image above – the speeds of free wifi reach up to 280 Mbps, which is an almost perfect result (measured in one of the hostels in the Vik region, so far away from Reykjavik).
How long is a flight to Iceland?
Flight duration depends on where you’re flying from.
A direct flight from most of European destinations will take between 3 and 5 hours, with Oslo, Copenhagen and London being the ones closest to the 3h mark.
Direct flights from the US take about 6 hours (from Boston, Chicago, New York and Minneapolis) or about 8 hours (from Denver, Orlando and Seattle).
Flights from Toronto and Vancuver are just under 6 hours long.
Is it possible to go to Iceland by car?
Yes, to some extend.
You’ll have to take a ferry to get to Iceland with a car and the only service is by Smiril Line, operating from Hirtshals, Denmark. So first you need to get to Denmark.
The ferry service works every Saturday from March to November and also every Tuesday from June to August. Return service during peak season is on Wednesdays, and off season – on Thursdays. Ferries set out from Hirtshals in northern Denmark – “opposite” from the Swedish city of Goteborg. The ferry makes a stop on Faroe Island and arrives in Iceland (Seydisfjordur in the east) after 2 days. The price for 2 people with a vehicle is about 2500 EUR (return ticket, no meals included, bunk beds, everything else is available, but paid extra).
Faroe Islands is a wonderful place and it is worth visiting on your way to Iceland. Smiril Line offers special tickets that allow you to do a stopover for 2 days.
What is the time difference in Iceland?
Iceland is in the Greenwich Time Zone (UTC) and doesn’t switch from winter to summer time (no daylight saving zones etc).
This means that throughout the summer Iceland is 2 hours ahead most of Europe and in winter 1 hour ahead. In other words: if it’s 10 AM in Europe (in summer), it’s 8 AM in Iceland (and 9 AM in winter).
Conversely EST is 4 hours ahead, so that same 8 AM in Iceland is 4 AM in New York. And PST is 8 hours ahead, so it’d be midnight in California.
Can I bring my pet / dog to Iceland?
In practice: No. Tourists essentially can’t bring their pets.
Bringing animals into Iceland is regulated and monitored by Matvaelastofnun (MAST) – the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST).
Iceland does not ban importation of live animals, however, the authorities require a special certificate or permit and additionally, animals must undergo a minimum of 14 days of quarantine starting from the date of entry. So in practice this is not possible for a regular trip.
You can find detailed regulations on MAST website above.
Money, payments, shopping, prices
What is the currency in Iceland?
Iceland’s monetary unit is the Icelandic krona, denoted by the local abbreviation kr or the international abbreviation ISK. The hundredth part of the krona was the eyrir (plural: aurar), but it has long been out of circulation, and since 2003 banks have stopped accepting coins denominated in aurar.
In 2023 1 USD is worth about 140 ISK.
Coins come in the following face values: 200, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 kr.
Notes are as follows: 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500 kr.
In practice, cash is used very rarely here, and practically everywhere and for everything we pay in Iceland by card. Just make sure you know your PIN to the card or you have it uploaded to Apple/Google Wallet in your phone. Swiping the card and signing the slip (usually) isn’t enough – you need to confirm the transaction electronically (so with a face ID, finger print ID or PIN).
Many retail and service outlets and accommodations (especially in Reykjavik) accept payment in euros, pounds or dollars.
Can I pay by card in Iceland or should I carry cash?
It is not worth taking and carrying cash with you. You can pay by card everywhere and for anything. Visa and MasterCard are accepted everywhere, and there are no issues with AmEx and other international cards either.
In more and more situations (many parking lots, buses) you need to register your card in an app (Klapp for buses, Parka for parking lots) and then pay via the app.
Small stores and remote campsites – they all accept cards. Small payments by card, like when you just buy chewing gum or matches, are also accepted.
Cash is hardly ever needed and IS NOT accepted by self-service gas stations, which are quite popular out of towns.
Your best bet is to get a Revolut card on your phone, and take an ordinary plastic bank card as collateral (again: make sure you know the PIN).
Cash is only useful as back-up for when you go to the interior / highlands. On rare occasions if there’s some issue with the mobile coverage you might be saved by a bit of cash. 5,000 ISK should cover you and 10,000 ISK is absolutely more than enough.
But again: if you’re not going into the interior, chances are you will not even SEE a coin or a paper bank note, much less need them.
Is it possible to exchange foreign currency for krona in Iceland. Can it be done at the airport in Keflavik?
Yes, of course you can change your currency to Icelandic krona.
Exchange offices have practically disappeared (as almost no one is using cash at all), but you can still do it at banks or withdraw cash from an ATM.
There is ATMs at Keflavik Airport, where you can withdraw Icelandic kronas.
Can I pay with a card on my phone in Iceland, or do I need a physical card?
In the vast majority of places in Iceland, it is possible to pay contactless, and therefore also with a payment card on your phone.
Almost the only, and certainly the biggest, exception to this rule are the automated N1 gas stations. These are equipped with rather old payment terminals that do not support contactless payment, so you need a traditional, physical card with you (and you need to know the PIN to that card!).
At larger N1 stations it is possible to pay contactless at the cash register inside the station’s store, but at strictly self-service stations this is not possible. N1 is the most expensive gas station chain in Iceland, but sometimes it is the only one in the area, so best do carry at least one physical card (and the PIN to it).
Can I pay with a debit card in Iceland?
Yes. Virtually everywhere and for everything you will pay in Iceland with a card, including almost always with your phone – a card uploaded to the payment application on your phone.
AmEx, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but there are no problems with accepting other cards either. However, many outlets require you to enter your card’s PIN (or validate your payment with your fingerprint on your phone, etc.), so if you want to use a physical card remember its PIN (this mainly applies to credit cards, for which we often don’t know/remember the PIN).
You can successfully pay by card even in a small store or at a remote campsite in the interior. Small card payments (for chewing gum, matches, etc.) are also perfectly. accepted.
Cash (especially coins in the popular denomination of 100 ISK) comes in handy very rarely, but even then the staff of a given point on the spot will give you coins in exchange for a card payment.
Cash, on the other hand, IS NOT accepted at automated gas stations.
Can I pay by Revolut card in Iceland?
Yes. As a rule, with the Revolut card you can pay in any place where card payments are accepted, that is, practically everywhere.
Some restrictions apply to a virtual card – one that you do not physically have in your wallet, as a plastic card, but only uploaded to the corresponding payment application on your phone. Phone payments (so-called contactless) are accepted in the vast majority of places, but not everywhere.
Among the exceptions is the N1 station network, where automated payment terminals do not accept contactless payments (regardless of whether it’s a Revolut card or another). The N1 network is the most expensive gas station network in Iceland, but also the most widely developed, so sometimes there is no other station in the area and (as long as it is a strictly self-service station) we have to pay there with a physical, plastic card. (Such stations also do not accept cash payments!)
The second, rather surprising, restriction is payments on board some flights. Some airlines (WizzAir for example) do not accept Revolut card payments regardless of whether you have a physical or just a virtual card, because – as they claim – these are pre-paid cards.
You can get a virtual Revolut card very quickly and free of charge by clicking this link: Open a Revolut card
When are Icelandic stores open?
Opening hours of stores in city centers can vary, however, most of stores work from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays. Some stay open for longer on Saturdays and most stores in the city center remain open till 18:00 on every first Saturday of the month. Stores in shopping malls are open everyday, also with longer hours.
Alcohol is only sold by the state-controlled Vinbudin chain, whose stores usually have much shorter opening hours. For more about shopping and stores see this article: Zakupy w sklepach spożywczych na Islandii.
Is Iceland expensive?
As a general rule: yes, Iceland is quite an expensive country.
It has been widely reported that both Iceland, and Reykjavik itself, are among the most expensive countries (and respectively, cities) in terms of costs of living.
According to Numbeo report Iceland is THE most expensive country in the world.
In practice you’ll see that many things in Iceland indeed cost more than elsewhere in Europe. The prices here are generally comparable to those in Norway and Israel.
Daily rate for a mid-sized car in high season is about $120. That’s about the same as a night in the least expensive hotel. Hotel prices will go up to about $500 per night in high season and a night at The Retreat hotel at Blue Lagoon is about $1500 per suite, but you have to book two nights minimum…
One liter of gasoline is about 330 ISK ($2.36), so a gallon is about $8.92.
The least expensive hot dog you can get in Reykjavik is 600 ISK, so about $4, but it’s really simple and plain. A ‘fancy’ hot dog in one of the local restaurants is about 2000 ISK, so ca. $14. Main course in the same place is between 3000-4000 ISK, so $20-30, but a 6-course dinner at a Michelin star restaurant will cost you 13,900 ISK ($100) per person, plus wine (11,500 ISK / $80).
To learn more about prices of food and top spots to get it, see our dedicated guides:
– Ceny na Islandii: ile kosztuje jedzenie, paliwo, atrakcje,
– Zakupy na Islandii: ceny jedzenia i godziny otwarcia sklepów spożywczych,
– Co warto zjeść na Islandii – ciekawe dania i ceny w restauracjach.
Do you leave tips in Iceland?
Not really. No one in Iceland expects tipping.
Icelanders earn decent salaries and tips have never become a big part of their service culture. Today, a service charge is sometimes added to your bill, but if it isn’t, you’re not expected to leave a tip.
Of course there is nothing to say that you cannot tip your waiter or guide (10% is totally enough), especially if you are really happy with the service.
Geography, culture, form of government
What is the surface are of Iceland and the size of its population?
Iceland is a small country with a surface area of 102 775 km2 (to ok. 1/3 terytorium Polski). In 2019 it had a population of 356 991 people (as of 1st January 2019), and population density was only 3,2 pers./km2.
What is the capital of Iceland?
Iceland’s capital is Reykjavik – a city in the southwester part of the island, on the Atlantic and the Faxa Bay (Faxaflói).
The name Reykjavik in Icelandic means “the bay of smokes”, which probably reflects the fog that often shrouds the city or, as some legends have it, comes from fumes released by volcanoes and steam from hot springs.
These days the population of Reykjavik is approximately 130 000 people, which is more than 35% of the island’s total population. Together with neighboring municipalities the metropolitan region is home to nearly 250 000 people, which constitutes almost ⅔ of the entire population of Iceland.
First settlers came here in late 9th century, while the first census was conducted in 1703. At that time Reykjavik has a population of 150 people. The 1897 census already shows 3800 residents.
Who is the prime minister of Iceland?
Since 2017 the prime minister is Katrin Jakobsdottir, who represents the Left-Green Movement. She is the second woman in Iceland’s history to hold this position. The first one was Johanna Sigurðardóttir, who was prime minister in 2009-2012.
The official website of the Icelandic government: https://www.government.is/
What are the date of Iceland’s most important bank holidays/festivals?
Before you plan your trip to Iceland it may be good to check various bank holidays and festivals when Icelanders have days off to celebrate. Although most stores and restaurants in Reykjavik are open on national holidays, in smaller towns these are usually closed. On some national holidays (like the Icelandic National Day) there are concerts, street parades and various festivities organized across the country.
1 January – New Year (Nýársdagur)
Movable feast (in 2020 9-13 Apr.) – Easter (Skírdagur, Föstudaginn langi, Páskadagur, Annar í páskum)
23 April – First Day of Summer (Sumardagurinn fyrsti)
1 May – Labor day (Verkalýðsdagurinn)
21 May – Ascension Day (Uppstigningardagur)
1 June – Pentecost (or Whit) Monday (Annar í hvítasunnu)
17 June – Icelandic National Day (Lýðveldisdagurinn)
The first Monday of August (in 2020, 3 August) – Merchants Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna)
25-26 December – Christmas (Jól)
What is the Icelandic healthcare like?
Iceland has a modern healthcare system, especially developed in the Reykjavik region. All major cities have their medical facilities and hospitals with GPs and specialists. In case of minor infections or injuries, you can call 1770 to talk to a nurse or get direction to the nearest medical facility. In case of emergencies and life-threatening situations the international number 112 also works here in Iceland.
More details about healthcare can be found on the website of the Icelandic national healthcare system operator: https://www.sjukra.is/english/tourists/
Does my EHIC work in Iceland?
Yes. Although Iceland is not formally an EU member state, EHICs are accepted here. If you do not have a valid EHIC, all medical services you’ll be charged the full amount for medical services.
In a health emergency situation, with EHIC, you will receive all necessary care just like any Icelandic national.The attending doctor will decide which services/procedures are necessary for you. They will take into account your condition and intended length of stay in Iceland.
Some medical services that are free of charge in other countries, may require payment in Iceland. For such services you’ll need to pay regardless of whether you have EHIC or not. Such services include:
- primary care appointment: 1200 ISK (ca. $8.50);
- home visit: 3400 ISK (ca. $25);
- specialist appointment: 5000 ISK (ca. $35);
- dental care – depending on service;
- medical transport, including air transport: 6200 ISK (ca. $45).
EHIC does not cover the cost of any special arrangements of return to your country.
It may be wise to purchase extra travel insurance to cover possible medical treatment costs.
For more information, see here: www.sjukra.is.
What is Iceland best in the world at?
Iceland is top of the list when it comes to economic growth, democracy, social stability and equality. This is how it currently ranks:
- No. 1 according to the Global Peace Index
- No. 1 worldwide in terms of high cost of living (according to Numbeo)
- No. 1 worldwide in terms of median wealth per adult (but no. 5 by GDP per capita)
- No.1 worldwide in terms of the number of bookstores per capita and the number of books and magazines published per capita
- Reykjavik is the northernmost capital of the world.
- No. 3 worldwide in coffee consumption per capita (2016 r.)
- above crowds of people;
- less than 50 m / 165 ft from private buildings;
- less than 150 m / 500 ft from public and private buildings outside urban areas;
- less than 2.0 km / 1.2 mi from an airport that operates regular flights;
- beyond the drone operator’s line of sight (BVLOS).
Iceland is also one of the most environmentally sustainable countries in the world. Virtually all its electricity and 85% of all energy comes from renewables, mainly thermal and hydropower. In 2010 Iceland was No. 1 in the Environmental Sustainability Index, having earned 93.5/100 points.
Despite that the main industry in this country is the very “dirty” aluminum production, Iceland only releases some 6 tons of CO2 per capita, which is one of the lowest levels in Europe (to compare: Poland’s CO2 emissions reach 11 tons per capita).
What is the prevailing religion in Iceland?
It is Lutheranism – about 73% of Icelanders claim to belong to this church.
To be exact, the dominant religion in Iceland is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, one of the main Lutheran denominations. The Icelandic constitution guarantees religious freedom for all its citizens as well as support and protection for this particular religion (Article 62).
The full text of the Icelandic constitution (inEnglish) can be found here: https://www.government.is/
Does Iceland have McDonald’s?
No. Iceland is one of the few European countries without even a single McDonald’s restaurant.
Are there trees in Iceland?
Yes, but not as many or as tall as before.
In the initial period of settlement, forests covered about 30% of the surface of the country. In the 12th century Ari the Wise in his book Íslendingabók described Iceland as “forested from mountain to sea shore”. One of the most popular Icelandic valleys is named, traditionally as Thor’s Forest (Thorsmork).
However, human and volcanic activity destroyed a lot of the forests and Iceland’s once deep soil where tall trees could grow. Today, although many areas, especially in the east and north west, are considered forested, trees the size that we know from the rest of Europe are very rare. One of the places where you can still see them is near the town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur on the south coast, east of the city of Vik. This is where the country’s tallest tree is found: a 25 meters tall Sitka spruce (but in more friendly conditions, such as in Alaska, this species can grow even up to 100 m!).
Which volcanic eruption has been the most explosive in the history of Iceland?
Among documented volcanic eruptions in Iceland’s history the most explosive one was that of Bardarbunga in 1477 (explosivity level VEI = 6).
The highest level of emissions of so-called pyroclastic materials was discharged during the Oraefajokull eruption in 1362 (10 km3 of tephra).
The largest outflow of lava (14.7 km3) in a single explosion was caused by Grimsvotn-Laki in the years 1783-84. And Katla is the volcano that produced the most lava in its history of activity – as many as 25 km3 in total.
The most costly explosion (losses were estimated at 1.5-2.5 bn euro) was that of Eyjafjallajokull in 2010.
The latest eruption that has become an immensely popular tourist attraction is that of Fagradalsfjall that lasted from March till Spetember 2021 and then again for 3 weeks in August 2022.
Tourism regulations and practical things to consider
Do I need a socket converter/adapter in Iceland?
No, if you are coming from continental Europe. Yes, if you’re coming from the UK, USA and many other parts of the world.
Type C plug
Most modern appliances and their chargers are universal and they will work with the 230V / 50 Hz current, even your home standards are different. Your phone, tablet, computer, powerbank or headphones should not have a problem here. Look for markings like “110-230V, 50-60 Hz” that should be printed on them. In this case you only need a plug converter. Otherwise you’ll need a voltage converter too, and that might be more challenging.
Is wild camping allowed in Iceland?
As a general rule wild camping IS ALLOWED in Iceland. But conditions apply, which limit this significantly.
According to the law, you spend a night in a ground tent anywhere in Iceland as long as it is not private property or a national park. If it is private property, you have to get permission from the land owner and if it’s a National Park, you need to know and follow the park’s specific rules.
The most important part of the above rule is the “ground tent” part. It is ILLEGAL to spend a night outside of a designated camping area in anything else, than a ground tent. So RV’s, campervans, caravans, cars with rooftop tents, etc are all out. Only ground tents are allowed.
Additionally, very few places that you could reach by car are not private property, nor a National Park. So in practice wild camping is for backpackers only, and limited to the highlands/interior.
There are special signs at most tourist attractions reminding tourists that overnight stays in nearby parking lots are prohibited.
We understand that there is a lot of confusing information about this in the internet, so please see a confirmation of the above on the Icelandic Environment Agency (isl. Umhverfisstofnun) website: Where can you camp.
Is off-road driving legal in Iceland?
Both yes and no.
It is PROHIBITED to drive off marked roads, however, many mountain roads (with their number preceded by F, like F208) are quite rough, sometimes really difficult to drive on (like the western section of F910). The most common and serious obstacle you will encounter while driving in Iceland are rivers you need to ford. The most notorious one (as in tough and dangerous) is F88 to Askja and fording Krossa on northern branches of F249 in Thorsmork.
Driving off the designated roads usually results in the destruction of Iceland’s unique (and difficult to restore!) nature and fines of up to several thousand dollars!
Mountain roads are closed for traffic from early fall till early summer, usually from mid-September till at least mid-June. The exact map and news on the condition of each road can be checked on the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) website: www.road.is.
Can you fly a drone in Iceland?
As a general rule: yes, you can, with very few general limits and requirements. But – similarly to wild camping – most of the tourist attractions feature “no drone zones” where it is prohibited without a special permit.
Apart from said no drone zones, you are not allowed to fly drones in the following cases:
Flying drones in national parks is allowed only with a special permit.
You will also need a permit when you want to fly your drone over protected areas that are managed by the Environment Agency of Iceland. Currently there are 114 such areas (generally: all top tourist spots).
Important note: If you are planning to use a drone for a commercial project, you must register it first. You can do it for free on the website of the Icelandic Transport Authority This mandatory registration applies mostly to professional photographers, journalists, scientists doing research as well as engineering and real estate companies, etc.
For more about regulations concerning drones go herehttps://www.icetra.is/aviation/drones/.
Are there any dangerous wild animals in Iceland?
No.
Iceland is very safe. You’ll not find any wild animals that could pose a threat to tourists. Land animals, that is. Ocean life can be dangerous, but you don’t want to get into the near-freezing waters around Iceland anyway.
Is there any serious danger or risk for a tourist in Iceland?
Unfortunately yes. It is very rare, but there are chances for fatal accidents in Iceland and once every few years tourists do die in Iceland in accidents.
Ocean and wind is what can kill a careless tourist here.
Iceland is a small island in the middle of the – often rough – Atlantic Ocean. If a big wave forms in the Atlantic, there is nothing that could stop it or weaken it, before it reaches Iceland’s south shores. And south shore is one of the top tourist regions, with beautiful black beaches. One among them: Reynisfjara – a Beautiful but Dangerous Black Beach, is especially dangerous and has claimed many lives already. There is an alarm system there, there is signs describing the risks, but it is all commonly ignored, until an unexpected wave pushes someone over and pulls them back into the ocean depths. Unfortunately other tourists are not always able to help in time, and so some tourists do end their lives in this scenic place. Stay alert.
RV blown off a road under yellow weather alert
[photo source: ruv.is]
