The Icelandic Guide

First Time in Iceland: Essential Guide for First Visitors

· 2 min read Practical
Reykjavík city centre with Hallgrímskirkja church, perfect for first time visitors to Iceland

Contents

  1. Plan and Book Ahead
  2. Currency and Payments
  3. Getting Around
  4. What to Pack
  5. Key Safety Rules
  6. Tipping
  7. Internet and Connectivity

Iceland is a genuinely unusual destination — one of the world’s most geologically active landscapes, with an infrastructure that makes it accessible to independent travellers while remaining wild and remote once you leave the main roads. These are the key things to know before your first visit.

Plan and Book Ahead

Iceland’s accommodation and major tours book up 2–3 months ahead for summer (June–August). The Blue Lagoon sells out constantly. Popular glacier walks and Silfra snorkelling have fixed daily capacities. Huts on the Laugavegur trail book in February for the following summer.

Book before you go: Accommodation, Blue Lagoon (bluelagoon.com), glacier walks, Silfra snorkelling, whale watching in Húsavík, and any guided tours with fixed capacities.

Currency and Payments

Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Cards are accepted almost everywhere — including small farms, remote petrol stations, and market stalls. Cash is rarely needed but it’s worth having ISK 5,000–10,000 for emergencies. ATMs are available at Keflavík Airport and throughout Reykjavík.

As of 2026: approximately ISK 140–150 = £1 / approximately ISK 100 = $1 USD. Check current rates before travel.

Getting Around

A rental car is effectively mandatory for seeing Iceland beyond Reykjavík. Public buses (Strætó) connect major towns but infrequently. Tours cover the main sights but on fixed schedules.

Rent a car in advance — prices increase significantly in summer. A basic 2WD is sufficient for the Ring Road and most attractions. F-roads and highland routes require a 4WD with high clearance.

What to Pack

Iceland’s weather changes rapidly year-round. Pack:

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (not optional)
  • Warm insulating layer (fleece, down)
  • Hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter
  • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
  • Multiple base layers (moisture-wicking)
  • Eye mask (essential June–July — it doesn’t get dark)
  • Sunscreen (UV is significant, especially on glaciers)

Key Safety Rules

Reynisfjara black sand beach: Stay at least 30 metres from the waterline. Sneaker waves have killed multiple tourists. The danger is constant and not exaggerated.

Glaciers: Never walk on a glacier without a qualified guide. Crevasses are concealed.

River crossings: Highland river crossings in F-road areas can be extremely dangerous. Never cross a flooded river. Wait for water levels to drop.

Weather: Get a forecast at vedur.is before every day of driving or hiking. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

Emergency number: 112

Tipping

Not customary in Iceland. Service charges are included in restaurant prices. You won’t cause offence by not tipping.

Internet and Connectivity

Iceland has excellent mobile coverage on Route 1 and in all towns. Coverage drops in the highlands and remote areas. Most accommodations have Wi-Fi. An Icelandic SIM (from Síminn, Nova, or Vodafone Iceland — available at airport) gives the best data speeds. Airalo eSIMs work for Iceland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iceland expensive to visit?
Yes — Iceland is one of Europe's more expensive destinations. A mid-range restaurant main course costs approximately ISK 3,500–6,500. A pint of beer approximately ISK 1,200–1,800. A mid-range hotel double room approximately ISK 28,000–45,000/night. Supermarket food is expensive compared to mainland Europe but significantly cheaper than eating out. Budget ISK 25,000–35,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip including accommodation.
Do I need to speak Icelandic?
No. English is spoken widely across Iceland — at hotels, restaurants, petrol stations, and tourist sites. Almost all Icelanders under 70 speak fluent or near-fluent English. Road signs are in Icelandic but international symbols are used throughout.
Is Iceland safe?
Iceland is one of the world's safest countries by any measure. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main safety risks are environmental: sneaker waves at Reynisfjara (multiple tourist deaths), dangerous river crossings in the highlands, rapidly changing weather, and driving conditions. Take the environmental warnings seriously.