Do and don'ts in Iceland?

The Do's and Don'ts to Traveling Mindfully in Iceland
  • Do's. Please be considerate and mindful of the locals. Be open-minded and don't yuck their yum. Rent a car! Walk around the city of Reykjavik.
  • Don't. Do not be an ugly tourist and stay safe. DO NOT hike glaciers without a guide. Don't assume their horses are ponies.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theadventuresofpandabear.com


What's considered rude in Iceland?

He also pointed out that there are things that seem rude and unhygienic to us when we travel abroad, for example to use our outdoor shoes indoors. That is considered rude in Iceland; guests should leave their outdoor shoes at the front door and wear socks indoors.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on icenews.is


What should I not do in Iceland?

What NOT to Do in Iceland: Tourist Traps and Stuff to Avoid
  • Don't do things just because everyone else is doing it. ...
  • Don't assume that everything you'll do in Iceland will be expensive. ...
  • Don't tip. ...
  • Don't buy bottled water. ...
  • Don't expect that you can see everything during your stay. ...
  • Don't get speeding tickets!
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on wonderguide.com


What should I be careful of in Iceland?

Other dangers in Iceland include falling into cracks on glaciers, getting stuck inside unstable ice caves, or burning yourself on hot springs. Remember never to go hiking on a glacier or enter an ice cave unless you're with someone that knows the area and the landscape extremely well.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on guidetoiceland.is


What are some strange laws in Iceland?

In Selfoss, it was unlawful to whistle or sing outside between 1939 and 2007!
  • Mjólkurbúð - Milk Store. ...
  • Beer was banned until 1989. ...
  • Imitation beer was also banned! ...
  • No TV on Thursdays and in July. ...
  • Dogs are forbidden. ...
  • Takk fyrir síðast. ...
  • Film intermission. ...
  • Single lane bridges.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on re.is


Iceland for First-Timers | 5 tips you need to know!



Why are there no dogs in Iceland?

In 1924, Reykjavik banned locals from having dogs as pets in an attempt to control the spread of a disease. The ban was enforced to minimise the risk of locals being affected by the outbreak of echinococcosis, a type of tapeworm spreading on the island.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theculturetrip.com


Does Iceland smell like a fart?

Everything smells like farts

But it's undeniable that when you run a tap in Iceland, out flows a stench like rotting eggs mixed with hangover farts.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on matadornetwork.com


What can you not bring to Iceland?

Smoking, salting or drying without boiling is not accepted. It's for example not permitted to import bacon, sausages (salami and any kind of smoked uncooked sausages), saddles or pork, poultry, uncooked milk and uncooked eggs.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on icelandprotravel.co.uk


What are the dangers in Iceland?

Iceland is an unusally dynamic country in terms of weather and tectonic forces. This means that Icelanders have to be prepared for a multitude of natural hazards: Storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on government.is


Can you drink tap water in Iceland?

Yes, it is safe to drink the tap water and 95% of all water in Iceland comes from springs. It is in fact one of the cleanest and most delicious drinking water in the world. Unlike in many neighbouring countries, the Icelandic water is free of chlorine, calcium, and nitrate.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hostel.is


What are some of Iceland's taboos?

People in Iceland Have a Unique Sense of Humor

When it comes to Icelandic jokes, nothing is too dark; there are no taboos in Iceland.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on guidetoiceland.is


Do they speak English in Iceland?

English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills. Hope to see you soon in Reykjavík.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on visitreykjavik.is


Are Icelanders friendly?

As well as being open-hearted and kind, Icelandic people are consistently rated as the happiest in the world! That happiness translates into how locals treat each other and how they welcome the many seasonal visitors. Most Icelanders are non-judgemental, laid back, and down to earth.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on playiceland.is


Why is beer illegal in Iceland?

The somewhat shaky logic behind the beer ban was that access to beer would tempt young people and workers into heavy drinking. The ban's opponents argued that only allowing people hard liquor instead would do just that.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on icelandtravel.is


How can I be respectful in Iceland?

Guide to Icelandic Culture Etiquette
  1. Don't complain about the local delicacies. ...
  2. Shower first before entering a pool or sauna. ...
  3. Tipping is not required in Iceland. ...
  4. Always take your shoes off when entering a private home. ...
  5. Punctuality is not a big deal. ...
  6. Iceland has an active whaling industry.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on circlecarrental.com


Do you shake hands in Iceland?

One should always make sure to shake hands with Icelandic business partners at the beginning and at the end of the business meeting. It is recommended that the handshake is firm, eye contact is made and no one is left without a handshake. It is also common to exchange business cards when meeting business acquaintances.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on businessculture.org


What is Iceland's biggest predator?

Are there any dangerous animals in Iceland? Not really, the island is thankfully free of large predators. The only native mammal in Iceland is the Arctic fox, which due to its isolation in Iceland for 10000 years is now its own species called Alopex lagopus fuliginosus.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cozycampers.is


How safe is Reykjavik?

Safety in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a friendly and very safe capital city, which is why it's heralded as a great destination for families and solo travellers in Iceland. Crime rates are low and there are no “bad” neighbourhoods in Reykjavík, but petty theft and pickpocketing – though rare – can occur.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on iceland.nordicvisitor.com


Is Iceland expensive to visit?

Iceland is super expensive for travelers, but its best-kept secret is free. Iceland is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. But the land of the dazzling northern lights and multicolored mountains is also the land of steep prices.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on cnbc.com


Can I wear jeans in Iceland?

Yes, you can wear jeans in Iceland. The summer and shoulder seasons are especially good times to travel in your most comfortable pair. If you plan to go on an adventurous excursion, we recommend wearing the appropriate, activewear clothing.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nordicvisitor.com


Can you wear leggings in Iceland?

Leggings are ideal for Iceland, being both easy to layer and good for moving around in when you're doing some of the adventure activities. And unlike jeans, they dry easily.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bridgesandballoons.com


Can I use my cell phone in Iceland?

Yes, you'll be able to use your mobile/cellphone in most of Iceland's main cities and towns. Remote and isolated areas may have inferior mobile reception.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on intrepidtravel.com


Is hot water free in Iceland?

Electricity prices are low in Iceland, especially for the aluminum smelting industry. But there's also the benefit of nearly free heat. After the steam has turned the generators, the super-hot water is used to heat freshwater that goes into the pipe to Reykjavik.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theglobeandmail.com


Is the water in Iceland warm?

The warm water comes from the ground and is supplied by geothermal power plants, it is ideal for bathing but not drinking. Due to this, Icelanders have hot and cold water from two different sources. The drinking water runs straight from our natural springs and is as we say, the best in the world.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theculturetrip.com