Things to Know Before Going to Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland is exciting, but it also comes with a few quirks that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

After spending ten days driving around the country, I’ve put together the key things I wish every traveller knew before going to Iceland.

These tips will help you save money, avoid surprises, and make the most of your time in one of the most incredible landscapes on Earth.

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The weather changes every five minutes

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, and it’s completely normal to experience sunshine, drizzle and a stiff breeze all within the hour.

Layers are essential, and a waterproof jacket will quickly become your closest travel companion. I even took waterproof pants and hiking boots, and they came in handy quite a few times.

Even in summer, it can feel chilly, especially near waterfalls – not to mention their spray – and the coast.

Fuel and food prices can vary a lot

Groceries and fuel can swing quite dramatically from town to town.

Larger places like Reykjavik, Akureyri and Selfoss usually have the best prices, and doing a small stock-up before you hit the road can make a noticeable difference to your budget.

If you’re passing the Costco near Keflavík Airport, that’s one spot where fuel is significantly cheaper. For us it was 277kr at Costco, compared to around 305-315kr as we drove around the country.

You’ll walk more than you expect

Almost every attraction in Iceland involves a bit of walking, even if it’s not far on paper.

It might be a 10-minute stroll from the carpark or a slightly longer walk over gravel and uneven ground.

Good shoes really do matter here, and don’t be surprised if a “quick look” turns into a mini hike because the scenery is just that good.

You don’t need cash

Iceland is one of the easiest places in the world to travel without using cash. Cards and phones are accepted everywhere – even tiny honesty boxes and farm stands.

I took out just 10,000kr from an ATM on arrival and I did not need cash once. Towards the end I was trying to use it up and no one would accept it.

I ended up exchanging 5,000 of it back to Euros at the airport as I was leaving and got the worst exchange rate ever.

Most people speak excellent English

One of the easiest parts of travelling in Iceland is communication.

Almost everyone you’ll meet speaks excellent English, from supermarket staff to tour guides and campground hosts. Signs, menus and ticket machines are usually in English too.

It takes the stress out of day-to-day logistics and makes it much easier to ask questions, get help or simply have a chat about the weather – which, in Iceland, is always a conversation starter.

Book popular attractions early

If you’ve got your heart set on the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, FlyOver Iceland, a glacier hike or a snorkelling tour, make sure to book in advance.

These activities regularly sell out, and some smaller tours only take a handful of people each day. If it’s important to you, lock it in early.

Remember Iceland doesn’t have a huge population so they can’t run endless tours.

Driving is easy…until it isn’t

The Ring Road is mostly straightforward, but the weather can turn quickly and some of the smaller roads become rough, narrow or windy with little warning.

Strong gusts are common and can make driving tricky, especially in a high-sided camper van. Take your time, pull over if you feel unsafe and check road.is each morning for up-to-date conditions.

Know and understand what F-Roads are and don’t venture onto them without a 4WD.

If you’re not used to winter driving, Iceland is probably not the place to learn it. When visiting in winter, book tours instead.

Parking isn’t always free

Many waterfalls, beaches and town centres now charge small parking fees.

They’re usually inexpensive – mostly from 800 to 1200kr – and paid through simple apps like Parka, but they do add up over a long trip.

It’s worth budgeting a little for parking each day to avoid surprises.

Iceland’s tap water is incredible

Bring a reusable bottle because the tap water in Iceland is some of the best you’ll ever taste. It’s pure, cold and straight from natural springs.

Save your money and avoid bottled water altogether – the free stuff is better anyway.

The hot water can smell like rotten eggs

Don’t panic if your shower smells a bit sulphuric. The hot water comes from the geothermal system and the scent is perfectly normal.

It’s completely safe – and the cold water comes from a different source, so it’s odour-free and ideal for drinking.

The Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora, but it’s still never a sure thing. Even in peak season, you might have cloudy nights or no activity at all.

And when the lights do appear, they’re often much fainter to the naked eye than the bright green photos you see online.

Think of them as a fantastic bonus rather than something you’re guaranteed to tick off.

Respect the roped-off areas

Iceland’s landscapes are wild and sometimes dangerous. Barriers are there for good reason, especially around cliffs, powerful waves and geothermal pools.

Each year, people get hurt trying to grab the perfect photo, so please stick to the marked paths and keep yourself safe.

Sadly just days before our visit a young girl was caught by a sneaker wave on Reynisfjall Black Beach and drowned, so the risk is real.

Don’t be like the tourists we saw at Dettifoss, posing past the rope right on the edge of the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A great photo is not worth that risk.

Public toilets are generally good, but not everywhere

Most towns and major attractions have clean, well-maintained toilets, but stretches of the Ring Road have long gaps with no facilities at all.

We did occasionally see them in roadside parking bays, but again, not very often.

Petrol stations and cafes are your best bet when you see them – don’t wait until you “really need” one.

Note you may have to pay for public toilets. The paid ones we saw all took tap-and-go card payments. They did not take cash.

Mobile coverage is decent but patchy in remote areas

An eSIM like Airalo works well around most of the country, but expect dropouts in the Westfjords, East Fjords and between small towns.

Download your Google Maps offline areas before you leave Reykjavik.

Opening hours outside Reykjavik can be limited

Many cafes open late and close early, and some attractions only have short operating windows in shoulder season.

It’s always worth checking hours the night before so you don’t turn up to a locked door.

Wind is the biggest safety factor

Rain is fine, cold is fine – but Icelandic wind can be next-level. Check Vedur.is daily for colour warnings and open car doors with two hands to avoid damage (it’s one of the most common insurance claims).

We were warned about the wind multiple times when picking up our camper van and they stressed being careful with the doors.

Google Maps drive times are optimistic

Roadworks, gravel sections, weather, sheep and photo stops (many photo stops 😍) can all slow you down. Add 25-50% to whatever Google says and you’ll be far less rushed.

Petrol stations sometimes require prepaid options

Many unmanned stations ask for a “prepaid” amount before the pump starts – 10,000 ISK is a common choice. If your card doesn’t work, try the prepaid button first.

Camper van logistics are simple but structured

Freedom camping is no longer allowed, so expect to stay in designated campgrounds if you are in a camper van or using a tent.

Showers might cost extra, grey water needs to be emptied at proper stations, and electricity can add $15–$20 AUD if you need it.

Winter daylight hours can be surprisingly short

In mid-winter you may only get 4–5 hours of usable daylight.

It’s still wonderful to explore, but planning your big activities around the light becomes essential.

Alcohol is only sold in special stores

Supermarkets don’t sell wine or spirits – only the government Vínbúðin shops do, and their hours can be limited.

Bars and restaurants are expensive, so many people buy a bottle in duty-free on arrival. Or just do what we did – wait until you leave the country to drink.

Jewellery can tarnish around geothermal steam

Silver, in particular, reacts to sulphur in hot spring areas. Leave it in the car if you’re visiting geothermal fields.

In fact, it’s a good idea to leave any meaningful jewellery at home altogether.

I read a story recently about a lady losing her wedding ring because she left it in the change-rooms at Blue Lagoon – what a terrible memory for her holiday.

Download the key apps before you go

Veður (weather), Parka (parking), Google Maps offline areas, and an aurora app like My Aurora Forecast (search for it in the App or Google Pay store). They make everything easier on the road.

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Iceland is one of those places that leaves a mark on you. The landscapes are otherworldly, the people are welcoming and the sense of adventure is constant.

A little preparation goes a long way here, and knowing what to expect helps you relax and enjoy the ride.

If you’re planning your own trip, you might also like my posts on waterfalls, campgrounds and our 10-day itinerary for even more ideas and inspiration.