The 11 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland
The 11 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Iceland
Last updated: . This update checks current weather, road, and food guidance while keeping the family’s Iceland trip observations and 11 original tips historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.
First published August 13, 2021. These are family travel experiences and planning notes from the original Iceland guide; prices, services, road conditions, and access details can change.
As our 35th country with kids, Iceland stole our hearts! Everywhere you turn, you are greeted with gorgeous scenery and endless outdoor activities. Here are 11 important tips when traveling to Iceland:
The language. Icelandic is the national language. Visit Iceland says English is widely spoken, though that does not mean every person or service will speak it. We did feel some slight bias at times as foreigners, especially in smaller towns, but most are very kind and welcoming.
There aren’t many people outside of Reykjavik. On that trip, one tour guide estimated Iceland’s human population at about 360,000 and its sheep population at over 500,000. Those were figures shared at the time, not current counts. Most of the country is open and sparsely populated.
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Pack some groceries for your road trip. Because of tip #2, restaurants and places to eat can be tricky to find. Keeping snacks that could substitute for a meal can help between stops. Especially in the summertime, when it’s light until midnight! I liked to stop at grocery stores in the little cities and stock up on fruit, nuts, yogurt drinks, etc.
Get a hot spot with your car rental. We rented our car with Blue Car Rental and opted to add on a 4G hot spot. This was a lifesaver! We had fantastic connections on our route and could make our work calls, send emails, and post. Keep online tasks to passengers or stops. That was our experience then; coverage and available rental devices vary, so check current options and save offline maps. Check out the best car rental rates in Iceland here.
Visit pools and geothermal baths. Iceland has public pools and geothermal bathing places, but facilities and entry rules vary by venue. Visit Iceland’s pool-culture guide describes public-pool showering and shared facilities; check the specific site’s current visitor guidance.
Driving the Ring Road. We found road tripping a fantastic way to see Iceland. Route difficulty depends on the season, conditions, and your driving experience. Here are a few things you should know about driving in Iceland:
Much of our route used two-lane roads; road widths, surfaces, bridges, and tunnels vary.
The original guide noted one-lane tunnels in the northeast. Follow the signs and right-of-way instructions for the tunnel you are using.
Fill up on gas and snacks when you can. There can be very long stretches between towns.
Long summer daylight does not mean late reception hours. Confirm your accommodation’s check-in window and arrange any late arrival before the desk closes.
Traffic lights flash a quick yellow light before turning green. This is quite helpful when driving a manual car so you can get in gear! (Specify and confirm your preferred transmission with the rental company.)
Iceland can get VERY windy. In fact, they warn you that your car doors can be severely damaged by the wind. Use caution when entering and exiting your vehicle.
We did not have a 4×4 on that trip, and there were places I would have liked to explore. Off-road driving is prohibited, regardless of vehicle. F-roads are designated roads; opening status and vehicle suitability vary by route. Check SafeTravel’s highland-driving guidance before planning a route, and check current road and weather conditions before driving.
Food and Travel Costs
Iceland is expensive. Beware of this fact before arriving. Everything is expensive, especially food. The original 2021 guide quoted $15–40 per restaurant plate and about $5.50 per gallon of milk. These are historical examples, not current prices.
The most popular foods in Iceland:
The fish in Iceland is fresh and absolutely amazing.
Lamb appears in many Icelandic dishes. Hangikjöt is smoked lamb; skyr is a thick, tangy cultured dairy product.
Skyr is a thick, tangy cultured dairy product, often compared with yogurt and eaten in many forms.
Facilities and What to Pack
Bathrooms. Bathrooms in Iceland can be a bit difficult to find. Sometimes you have to pay to use bathrooms, especially around the tourist attractions. (Card payment was an option at the paid facilities described in our original guide; payment arrangements vary.) At some attractions, toilets may charge a fee and facilities vary; check posted information and carry what your family may need.
Pack warm layers. Although we were told it’s usually clear in the summer, we did have a few days of fog and rain. Weather can change quickly, so that old advice should not shape a current forecast. It’s best to pack layers and be prepared. Keep layers out and easily accessible in the car. Items you may want pack for your Iceland trip include:
Book your stay in advance. Accommodation availability and reception hours vary around the Ring Road. Book ahead for your route and confirm check-in arrangements rather than relying on a room being available when you arrive. Find the best deals on hotels around Iceland here.
Extra Road Trip Packing Notes
Bring car chargers and other road trip items. We did drive through the night on that trip. That is a historical anecdote, not a recommendation to drive tired. Plan rest and breaks; SafeTravel’s fatigue guidance explains when to stop and rest. Bring items that will help you feel the most comfortable on your trip. Car chargers are very important. You’ll be using your phone a lot to navigate Google Maps, take photos, etc. We love this charger.
Don’t forget your international wall adapter. This is a packing must for all international travel. Check Iceland’s socket type, voltage, and your device’s input rating before packing. This adapter is our go-to ; check its current plug options and your device’s voltage compatibility.
Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and these 11 tips and extra packing notes can help you plan your own trip. If you’ve been to Iceland, leave a comment below with what tips you found useful!
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