weather
Expect everything
Sun, rain, wind, snow… all in one day. It’s part of the adventure!
Check the forecast
Vedur.is gives the most accurate and detailed updates for every region.
Layers are key
Always dress in layers so you can adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Summer ≠ warm
Even in July, temperatures can drop below 10°C — especially up north or inland.
Wind is serious
A calm morning can turn stormy fast. Always check wind warnings before driving or hiking.
Winter light
Plan activities around daylight hours (and enjoy the northern lights when it gets dark!).
driving
Watch the weather
Conditions change fast! Always check road.is and vedur.is before you go, especially in the highlands or during shoulder seasons.
Single-lane bridges
Common around Iceland! The car closest to the bridge crosses first — stay alert and courteous.
Gravel = slow down
Many Icelandic roads are unpaved. Take it easy to avoid tire damage and flying stones.
No off-road driving
It’s illegal and causes long-term damage to nature. Stick to marked roads and tracks.
F-roads need 4x4
Mountain roads (marked with “F”) are only for 4x4 vehicles and open in summer. Never drive them in a small car.
Fuel up often
Gas stations can be far apart, especially in the East, Westfjords, or Highlands. Don’t wait for the tank to hit empty!
safety
Respect nature’s power
Glaciers, waves, waterfalls, and hot springs are beautiful but unpredictable. Always keep a safe distance and follow warning signs.
Download the 112 app
Iceland’s official emergency app lets you send your GPS location to rescue teams with one tap — even with limited signal.
Stay on marked paths
Off-trail hiking can be dangerous and damages fragile moss and terrain. Stick to trails for your safety and nature’s sake.
Tell someone your plan
If you’re heading out hiking or on a road trip in remote areas, always let someone know your route and return time.
Be cautious near water
Glacial rivers and beaches like Reynisfjara have strong currents and sneaker waves. Never turn your back to the ocean.
Dress for the elements
Even short hikes can turn cold and wet. Always bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and a charged phone — just in case.
connectivity
Wi-Fi is everywhere
Most hotels, cafés, and even gas stations offer free Wi-Fi. Coverage is excellent in towns and decent along the Ring Road.
Offline maps
Download Google Maps offline before driving into remote areas.
Buy a local SIM
Companies like Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone offer prepaid data plans — cheaper and faster than roaming.
Useful apps
Vedur (weather), SafeTravel (alerts), and 112 Iceland (emergency).
Good mobile coverage
4G (and even 5G in some areas) covers most of Iceland, but expect weak signal in the highlands.
Charging on the go
Bring a car charger or power bank — distances are long, and you’ll use your phone a lot for navigation and photos.
save money
Book early
Tours, cars, and accommodation can get expensive closer to summer. Booking ahead usually means better prices and more options.
Fuel smart
Prices vary by station. Apps like “Gasvaktin” show the cheapest gas nearby.
Use promo codes
Many top-rated companies offer exclusive discounts (like the ones on Niiice.is 😉) — it really adds up over a trip.
Bring your own bottle
Tap water in Iceland is pure glacier water. Skip bottled water completely!
Cook a few meals
Eating out is great but pricey. Most guesthouses and Airbnbs have kitchens — even one homemade meal a day saves a lot.
Shop at supermarkets
Chains like Bónus, Krónan, and Nettó are much cheaper than 10–11 or gas station stores. Stock up before driving into remote areas.