If you’re planning a trip to Iceland for vacation, use these tips to reduce nasty surprises and help your trip go smoothly.

Save these Iceland tips for travel planning to Pinterest. Graphic by Real Food Traveler.

Hungry for more? Make a taste of Iceland at home with slow cooker Icelandic bread.

Iceland is a surprising global crossroads of people enticed by the promise of raw natural beauty, wild creatures, and adventure. Iceland delivers, especially for those who venture through the island’s vast unpopulated landscapes (the population of only 372,000 lives mostly in the region around Reykavik). After a two week bucket list trip to Iceland, I have many tales to share – and tips!

Iceland’s rugged landscape is carved by magnificent foss (waterfalls), like Skogafoss.

Create your unforgettable travel experience with these 12 helpful Iceland tips!

Arrive informed
Learn about Iceland’s complex history and rich culture. Iceland’s quirky side comes out in the entertaining quick read The Little Book of Icelanders*. Practice a few basic Icelandic words and your efforts will be appreciated by the Icelanders you encounter. To get you started, here’s your first word – “Tak” (tawk) or “Tak tak” for thanks.

Connect
In addition to friendly Icelanders, the country employs many seasonal workers from around the world to work in hotels, eateries, and other tourist businesses. Make an effort to engage with locals and global guest workers alike who are friendly and eager to chat. Connecting with others adds a broader multi-cultural dimension to your Iceland adventure.

Safety
Iceland does not molly coddle visitors. When exploring and hiking around rivers, cliffs and foss (waterfalls), be mindful for your personal safety. Falling rocks, hazardous surf, trail conditions, etc., are usually not marked or fenced off – many tourists abandon common sense for the “perfect selfie” and are injured each year. Trail signage is minimal or non-existent, so be mindful and aware when hiking and meandering.

Iceland’s untamed landscape takes a toll on paths and trails, like this rockfall at Hengifoss.

Stunning waterfalls along the Skoga river create a grand setting for simple picnics.

What to Wear

In all seasons, dress in layers; always come prepared for rain, mist, and cold winds that may blow in quickly. Our late summer visit surprised us with days of sunny warm weather, and just a few chilly showers. And wear comfortable, rugged shoes – leave the fancy footwear at home!

Expenses
Iceland can be an expensive place to visit; learn how to interpret exchange rates to avoid sticker shock after your trip when you get your credit card statement! Budget carefully and splurge selectively. To save on dining expenses, choose lodging that includes breakfast (saves time, too!); for lunch, many gas stations/grocery stores serve reasonably priced to-go cold sandwiches (including uniquely Icelandic options such as shrimp salad, and smoked lamb), and hot fare like burgers, pizza, and chicken.

If breakfast is included in your hotel room rate, that can be a great way to save money in Iceland. Hotel Valaskjalf in Egilsstadir serves a plentiful breakfast buffet.

Shop Local
Keep an eye out for small shops along the roads stocked with locally made artisanal goods; when they are open (which can be tricky to figure out – sometimes a note on the door instructs you to call someone to come open the shop for you), drop by and meet the locals. For example, buying an iconic Iceland wool sweater tagged with the hand-written name of the local knitter who made it by hand during long frigid winter nights, is an impactful way to spend your souvenir dollars. In one of these local coop village shops, in an old church, I found a most unique and gorgeous sweater to give my eldest daughter.

Shop for unique Icelandic items, like these sweaters, made by local artisans near Husavik.

Hungry for more? Make this Icelandic Skyr Toffee Spice Cake.

Getting Around
English is widely spoken and used in signage in larger towns; the farther you journey away from Reykavik and the Golden Circle, the more signs you’ll need to translate. Of particular importance are road construction/detour signs that are likely not in English. Due to spotty internet/wifi, don’t rely solely on smartphone apps to translate or navigate – come prepared with paper maps and other resources.

Narrow, undulating roads and fog around Lake Myvatn can be challenging to drive.

Driving in Iceland is overall pleasant, fairly easy going, and opens up much of the country to exploration; however, road signs are often easy to miss, distances are vast and take longer than expected due to narrow and winding roads/changing weather conditions/free-range sheep/farm machinery/construction and incredible scenery that causes many drivers to suddenly slow or stop (in violation of Iceland law). Obey speed limits; Iceland uses cameras even in the remotest areas to monitor driving speed and charge speeders with costly tickets. Unpaved side roads are rugged – or impassable for 4WD rental vehicles. Gas is expensive and fueling stations are spaced widely (fuel up when you have the chance!). Remote gas stations are self-serve and a bit challenging to figure out – watch “How To” videos (before you arrive!) for fueling your vehicle. Get a good paper road map, learn how to read it, and keep it handy as you drive – do not rely on GPS when touring remote areas where wifi service isn’t available.

Paper maps are a must when driving around Iceland’s remote regions.

For people with mobility issues, visiting Iceland is a good news/bad news prospect. Many top sights are not designed for wheelchair accessibility or those with limited mobility; paved trails can be very steep and rough. Streets, even in Reykavik and other larger towns, are often steep with cobblestones or rough and have very few sidewalk ramp cuts. Buildings often have threshold barriers. The good news is that Iceland’s amazing landscapes can be enjoyed from tour buses, or when self-touring in a rented vehicle. Major tourist locations in the Golden Circle typically have wheelchair friendly paths and viewing platforms.

Iceland: Tips for real food experiences

Alcohol is very expensive in bars and restaurants; watch for daily happy hour specials to relax with locals and fellow travelers. A less costly option is to buy from the Vinbuden (state run liquor stores) for picnics and anytime happy hours.

Sundays are quiet times; in smaller towns – stores/cafes, etc., are likely closed, so plan meals accordingly. Even during the week, businesses may open later (9-10am) than many tourists would expect. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Stock up on snacks as a back-up, especially when driving outside of larger towns!

Get sandwiches and other food to go for picnics, when on-the-road, and when restaurants are closed.

Service in restaurants is often quite different than in the U.S., so adjust expectations. We found servers to be friendly, very task oriented (little chit chat), and not particularly attentive; once food is delivered, they rarely return to check on you and offer additional drinks, food, etc. So be prepared to actively ask them for what you need. For example, if you want salt and pepper, ask for it right away – it is rarely offered on the table. When asked for details about the food, servers often had no idea and always offered to ask the kitchen staff. When you wish to pay and leave, ask for your tab.

Two more before you go to Iceland:

Iceland’s official travel site is very useful for planning what sites to visit.

Take the Iceland Pledge: in addition to encouraging eco-friendly travel, it could save your life. Iceland’s wild beauty tempts you to do things that are not safe or normal… You’ve been warned. Have a great trip!

-Story and photos by Jimmy McDonough, Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor

Hungry for more? Learn more about the food to expect in Iceland.

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