If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, there are a few things you should be aware of to make sure you don’t embarrass yourself and have the best experience possible.
Firstly, Iceland’s weather can be extremely unpredictable, even in the summer. It can go from sunny to wet, windy, and cold in a flash. So, make sure you are always prepared with windproof, waterproof, and warm clothing. Trust me, good clothing will be your best friend.
Despite not being a typical sunny holiday destination, you should definitely pack your swimsuit. Iceland is famous for its fantastic swimming pools and hot springs, which are enjoyable year-round.
Protecting Icelandic nature is a big deal for locals. The country’s lava fields, moss, glaciers, and black sand beaches are fragile and need to be treated with care. If you venture off designated roads, you could face hefty fines up to 500,000 ISK (about 4,000 EUR), possible jail time, and a stern lecture. Always stick to the roads for both environmental and safety reasons.
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most dangerous spots despite its beauty. The waves in this area are highly unpredictable and have caught many visitors by surprise, leading to several fatalities. There are plenty of warning signs and cordoned-off areas to keep you informed and safe, so heed these warnings and stay away from the water.
Icebergs present another serious hazard. They are constantly moving, rotating, and breaking apart. Standing on one is highly dangerous because if they shift while you’re on them, you could easily fall into the freezing water and get trapped beneath the immense weight of the iceberg.
Defacing or damaging nature in Iceland is a big no-no. Iceland’s natural beauty remains intact largely because of minimal human impact. If you’re caught disrespecting the environment, be prepared for fines, a stern talk, and some seriously bad karma.
Don’t go to Iceland expecting to see polar bears or penguins in the wild. Polar bears reside in colder regions like Norway, Finland, and Canada, while penguins are found exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. You won’t see either of these animals in Iceland.
Bringing bottled water to Iceland is unnecessary. The country has an abundance of fresh, clean water sourced from natural springs, and the tap water is among the purest in the world. There’s no need to buy bottled water; what flows from the taps is as good as it gets.
Lastly, have you noticed that the labels on bottled ‘Icelandic Mineral Water’ are usually written in English? There’s a reason for that which you might want to ponder.