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By Monika

What Not to Do in Iceland – 40 Mistakes to Avoid Making to Have a Great Trip.

Iceland is a stunning country, attracting more and more tourists to its natural beauty and unforgettable experiences, like glacier hiking or snorkeling between tectonic plates. 

You’d be surprised how many of those travelers don’t do their homework and come to visit Iceland completely unprepared and therefore unable to fully enjoy their experience.

That’s why I compiled this “what not to do in Iceland list”, based on our own experiences (including our mistakes!) and things that we observed during our adventures. I hope that it will help you easily prepare for your trip to Iceland so you can make the most of it and have the best, no-stress, travel experience. 

Let’s dive right in!

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1. Planning the trip “last minute” (especially in the summer)

You may be able to pull it off, but generally speaking Iceland is not a great last-minute destination in my opinion. Whether you can successfully plan it like that will largely depend on your itinerary, the accommodations you have in mind, and the months you’ll travel in.

In the summer months budget friendly hotels and guesthouses, even hostels book out far in advance, and there aren’t that many to begin with in more remote areas of Iceland.

Popular attractions requiring a guide like glacier hiking, riding Icelandic horses or glacier lagoon boat tours will also likely sell out quickly. Renting a car or a campervan may also be difficult and likely more expensive.

However – if you’re traveling in shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or planning on camping in the summer it may happen for you.  You may just have to pay more for certain things (like a rental car) and skip the popular “tour guide required” activities.

2. Not respecting the weather in Iceland

Not respecting the weather is one of the most common mistakes tourists make when coming to Iceland for the first time. The average summer temperatures in Iceland, even in July and August, are around 55 F, so you may be surprised that on most days you’ll need something a little more substantial than shorts and a T-shirt! 

Icelandic weather is very finicky and can change from nice and sunny to cold and rainy in a matter of minutes. You want to pack clothing for 4 seasons, that you can layer and easily put in your day pack!

Follow this Budget Friendly and Practical Best Packing List for Iceland for a list of Iceland essentials!

3. Not checking the weather forecast correctly

It’s part of respecting the weather, but I feel like it needs its own separate mention.

Please don’t rely on AccuWeather or Apple weather app when it comes to the weather forecast for Iceland. Your best source for reliable weather conditions is Icelandic Meteorological Office – check it no more than 3-4 days ahead of your plans, then again, a couple of days before because – you guessed it! – it may change!

That’s how we picked when to go for our Landmannalaugar hike and ended up having a glorious sunny day. 

4. Bringing the wrong outerwear (or not bringing a jacket!)

When it comes to clothing, you definitely need a good wind/waterproof jacket and rain/wind pants that you can throw over your clothing and easily take off when no longer needed.  You want to have a light but warm packable jacket that you can carry with you in your pack in case it gets cold.  

Bringing big bulky coats is unnecessary, not practical and will just be a hassle for you. On the other hand, NOT bringing a jacket or a raincoat may leave you wet and shivering at the worst moment of your trip (like walking behind the crushing waters of Seljalandsfoss or hiking a beautiful trail in the rain).

5. Not bringing a hat and gloves

Yes, I know, it’s summertime.  But it’s also Iceland and there are days when that hat does come in handy. It’s another thing that’s always in our daypacks. And gloves are a must too, especially on windy days, like our day on Snaefellsnes Peninsula – I’ve never seen wind like this before! And it was August!

6. Not planning your outfits in layers

In order to be comfortable during your outings in Iceland you need to wear layers.

T-shirt and compression sleeves (so you can take them off when it gets hot – yes, it does sometimes get hot in Iceland, especially if you’re moving), or a light long-sleeve base layer, a lightweight or fleece sweater over it and a windbreaker, plus a packable jacket and rain pants in your pack (or in a car). That way you can switch, add/remove layers as needed, and be dressed properly for whatever type of weather you encounter that day. 

No need for super fancy outfits in Iceland. 

7. Nor bringing extra layers with you on day trips

Again, because of the ever-changing weather in Iceland, you should always have a change of clothes with you. Put it in your day pack for hikes, or at the very least keep some spare clothes and dry socks in the car – easy to do and may save the day!

If you need suggestions on what to pack for Iceland to BE PREPARED check my practical, budget-friendly packing list for Iceland – this is what I follow each time I visit this beautiful country!

8. Bringing the wrong type of footwear

Unless you only plan to only visit the sites located right next to parking lots, without much walking involved, or you plan to stay mostly in Reykjavik, you need more than just your regular sneakers.

Even for short hikes in Iceland, you need hiking sneakers/trail runners with good traction at the very least. Iceland is a rugged country beyond the paved roads and slipping on a trail because of wrong footwear is the last thing you need.  

For longer, more challenging trails hiking boots are a must.

READ MORE: Hiking in Iceland – Essential Tips for the Best Experience.

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9. Not bringing a day backpack

You’d be surprised to know how many people go on their hikes with just their phones or a water bottle in their hand. Unless you literally are just hopping out of your car to see something quick, you need a day pack to store your spare layers (see above), your snacks (more on that later – keep on reading!) and other gear you may need. 

10. Not bringing food and drink on the road 

This one is critical especially if you’re planning a road trip driving the Ring Road. The further away from Reykjavik you go, the sparser your meal-buying options become. There are stretches of the road where you’ll have nothing but that very road and jaw-dropping landscapes, but nowhere to stop for food.  

It’s a good idea to have a small foldable cooler in your rental car, stocked with sandwiches, snacks and drinks, so you can enjoy the ride and not focus on the fact that you’re hungry.

Helpful hint: There is an easy way to have hot meals and drinks on the road, too. Check my packing list for the simple, easy to get items you’ll need to make that happen.

Helpful hint: keep in mind opening/closing times of grocery stores/diners/restaurants in Iceland – they generally open late and close early, so if you’re going to be on the road late – pack your cooler! Check my “Travel tips for first-time visitors to Iceland” for more information on that.

11. Planning to eat out throughout your trip 

The best way to stay on schedule and budget is to plan on preparing at least two out of three main meals of the day and pack plenty of snacks each day.

Of course, eating out and tasting traditional Icelandic food can be an enjoyable experience and you should absolutely try the local cuisine. Just probably not every day… Keep in mind that it usually takes a bit of time to get your meal at a restaurant and it will cost you more than you think it should.

We are definitely not “foodies”, and most times make our own breakfast and plan on either packing lunch or having dinner “at home”, depending on the schedule for the day. So just consider your schedule and your budget while planning your trip. 

Helpful hint: rent accommodations with a kitchen or at least breakfast included – it will help both your budget and your travel schedule!

Keep in mind: sometimes, there just aren’t places around to eat when you find yourself hungry! Read Day 5 and Day 6 of our “10-day Iceland Itinerary” to learn about our not-so-well-planned food experiences!

12. Shopping at the wrong grocery store

Once you plan to make some of your own food, do your best to shop for it at budget-friendly grocery stores like Bónus, Krónan or Nettó.

Unless you’re stuck late with no food (like us on Day 1 of our 10-day Iceland itinerary), try to avoid stores like 10/11 or Hagkaup – open long hours or 24/7, but really expensive.

13. Buying bottled water

You’ll read many guides telling you to bring a reusable water bottle to Iceland.

Well, I never do. You’re probably thinking – aren’t you going to tell me to NOT BUY BOTTLED WATER IN ICELAND ??? I absolutely will. AFTER you buy your first set of drinks (water or another bottled drink) when you arrive.

You’re welcome to bring your own bottle, however, I found that just one bottle per person is typically not enough for a longer hike (like in Landmannalaugar) or a longer driving stretch. Yes, you can refill it in any restroom, or a natural stream as Icelandic water is the cleanest drinkable water I’ve ever had, but there are times when you just don’t come across a restroom or a stream to do that.  

So – to make sure everyone has enough water for the day we save the bottles from our initial purchase and from any juice or other drinks that we buy later and refill them with cold, clean, tap water.   That way everyone stays hydrated, we stay eco-friendly and don’t spend money on what’s free and delicious!

Helpful tip: If you have extra water bottles, you can freeze them and use as ice packs for your snack/lunch cooler I mentioned earlier.

14. Planning to buy alcohol outside of the airport

There are three places in Iceland that you can buy alcohol: bars/restaurants (very expensive!), liquor stores (called Vinboudin) and …. the duty-free store at the airport which is your best bet as far as pricing.

You won’t find any alcohol in Icelandic supermarkets; it’s just not allowed by law. So if you’re hoping to have a taste of Icelandic wine or beer, buy it at the airport when you arrive in Iceland, otherwise it will be hard to find and you’ll pay A LOT!

For more money-saving tips, read my guide to planning a budget-friendly trip to Iceland!

15. Ignoring gas station food

Gas station food counters can be a lifesaver (or a trip saver!). They often serve burgers, hot sandwiches, and hot dogs (no trip to Iceland is complete without trying a hot dog – even if it’s just from a gas station), also coffee and tea.

The food is usually really good and on the less expensive side.

Many gas stations also have small grocery sections where you can refill your snack supply. My kids’ favorite – small salami sticks sold in plastic cups – perfect savory snack for the road!

16. Not filling your gas tank when you see a gas station

This is VERY IMPORTANT.

The unspoken rule of driving in Iceland is “never let your gas gage go below half”. The farther away from bigger towns and popular destinations, the less frequently you’ll see a gas station. In the Central Highlands you have none.  So unless you have a full tank of gas, when you see one – just fill up.

Would you like a list of gas stations throughout Iceland? Get this wonderful Iceland Adventure and Travel Map – it’s a great quality, easy-to-read map, a fantastic backup to your navigation system and – BONUS – lists all the gas stations! To me – priceless!

17. Not bringing a PIN credit/debit card

A lot of gas stations you’ll find in your Iceland travels, especially in the more remote areas, are self-service unmanned pumps and for those YOU MUST HAVE a credit/debit card with a PIN.

Read my “first time in Iceland travel tips” guide, where I explain how getting gas at those stations works, but please request a PIN from your credit card company (at least two weeks before your trip so they have time to mail it to you) or bring a debit card.

Everywhere else, like staffed gas stations and stores, your regular credit card will be accepted.

18. Blindly following your navigation system

That’s a big one. Google Maps works really well in Iceland, BUT – make sure you look at where it’s taking you before you take off.

Check the roads it lists in the directions. Sometimes it will want you to follow F-roads, which are unpaved gravel roads, sometimes requiring river crossings, that you need an approved 4×4 vehicle to safely drive on. If you take an unapproved car to these roads, for one you may end up in a dangerous situation, and two – you’ll forfeit any car insurance that you have with your rental company and be solely responsible for any damages caused.

Helpful tip: Beware of Öxi Pass if you’re driving the eastern part of the Ring Road!  Although not an official F-road (it’s rt. 939, also known as Axarvegur), it’s a 20 km (12 miles) long narrow, winding, gravel mountain pass with steep inclines, drop-offs and most of the time no guardrails, so not for the faint of heart. It does shorten the distance between Egilsstaðir and Djúpivogur  by 71 km (44 miles), which translates to about 45 minutes of drive time, however unless you have good weather, a four-wheel drive vehicle and nerves of steel, I’d stick to the Ring Road.

Read more about how to find Öxi Pass or how avoid it in Day 5 of my 10-day Iceland Itinerary.

19. Trusting drive times provided by navigation systems to the minute 

Always assume it will take you longer to get places than your GPS will tell you. Sometimes you won’t be able to drive the maximum speed limit allowed due to road conditions or unpredictable weather, but most times the ride is just so pretty and the scenery outside so amazing that you will stop to take photos.

Sheep high up on a mountain pasture? Yes! Horses grazing by the road? Of course! Glaciers sparkling in the distance? Any time!

Take it slow, take it all in, and leave extra time for your drives!

BUT – with safety in mind – read the next section below!

20. Stopping your car on the road to take photos  

You never want to just stop your car on the side of the road to take a photo!

The roads in Iceland are comfortably wide to drive on but don’t have a breakdown lane so to keep everyone safe you should never just abruptly stop for any reason. Use turn-offs or pull over completely away from the road to take that gorgeous picture or to just take a break.

For more safety tips read: Driving in Iceland – essential tips for a great road trip.

21. Not renting a proper car for your trip 

To avoid unpleasant surprises, please read the description of your rental car carefully.

Will it fill all the people in your group? All your luggage? Is it 4×4 or a 2WD? F-road approved? Automatic or manual transmission?

In a nutshell, make sure it will do what you need it to do during your trip, so you don’t have to learn how to drive a “stick shift” in the rental company parking lot, come up with creative ways to fit all the luggage in (boy, did we have to do that during our first visit!) or change your plan when you find out that your 2 WD vehicle is not approved for your itinerary… 

Read more: Renting a Car in Iceland – How to Choose the Right Car for Your Trip

22. Not checking where your car rental company is located 

Carefully check where your car rental company’s location is!

Is it a quick walk from the terminal or do you have to take a shuttle to a different location? Is it in Reykjavik? Depending on how tightly scheduled your plan is for the day of arrival, this may be important. Taking the shuttle to a location outside of the airport will increase the time needed to actually get your rental car. It will also impact the time needed to return your car on departure day.

Research and plan carefully. Read more about car rental in Iceland following the link above!

23. Off-roading 

As tempting as it may be to drive off-road and explore the vastness of the Icelandic landscape, do not try driving off the marked roads!

It is not safe for you, your vehicle, the fragile environment (we want to keep Icelandic nature undisturbed) but first and foremost it’s ILLEGAL! 

24. Speeding

This one is tied to mistake #19. Allow plenty of time to get to your destinations and don’t speed! You’ll miss the beauty of your drive, and you’ll get a ticket. There are speed cameras that you may not even notice!

Stay safe and obey speed limits when driving around Iceland! 

25. Not considering hours of daylight in your plans

Make your plans according to the season in which you’re traveling. Research the amount of daylight you will have.

Are you ok with the Midnight Sun when it never really gets dark or are you going to have trouble sleeping?

Will you have enough daylight in the fall or winter months to do everything you plan for each day? Are you ok with driving at night?

These may seem like common sense questions, but we tend to skip over the obvious things sometimes, so I felt they needed to be mentioned.

26. Not considering your travel companions 

Another seemingly common-sense consideration, and yet – so much can go wrong if you and your travel buddies have different expectations from the trip.

Iceland is typically not a “luxury vacation spot”. Yes, you have the Blue Lagoon and other spas and some high-end hotels and restaurants that may provide a touch of luxury, but for the most part, it’s the rugged and raw beauty that draws people in.

So if your potential travel companions expect a resort type of vacation, this may not be the right destination for them. Do you like to get up early and hit the road while they like to sleep in? Will they mind long (very scenic but sometimes very long) drives? Do you like to hike, and they’d rather see museums?

I could go on and on, but you get the point – choose the right people to travel with!

27. Not considering flight arrival times

Know yourself and your needs. Will you be jetlagged and too tired to do a lot on the first day? Then maybe plan to just pick up your rental, soak in the Blue Lagoon, and sleep off the flight. Or you may be completely fine and running on adrenaline so you can drive, hike and generally and do a lot.

Plan your arrival day according to your needs so that you’re happy and safe right from day one. 

28. Planning too much for each day 

I was guilty of that one myself (many times!) but I have since learned that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t get it all done.

So, in order to avoid unnecessary stress that we’re not on schedule and unnecessary rush from one thing to another, we now make a list of the “core attractions” for the day and another fluid list of things we may do in addition, if time allows.

That way you get to enjoy where you are and simply add the “undone” to your “to-do next time in Iceland” list. For most travelers who visit Iceland there will be a “next time”, I’m pretty sure. After my visits, I already have the next one planned and there will still be more to come back for!

Too much good stuff to choose from? Read this guide to 15 best things to do in Iceland! Especially helpful for your first trip!

29. Planning to use public transportation 

Sooo, there really isn’t much in a way of public transportation outside of Reykjavik.  Did you notice that there is no rail system in Iceland? 

There are Strætó buses taking you to different destinations around Reykjavik and the South Coast, and the Highland Bus or the Trex bus to take you to the gorgeous raw interior Highlands region of the country, but in my opinion there aren’t enough options to plan your trip around them. 

So you shouldn’t come to Iceland thinking you’ll just get a bus to move around…

However – you CAN still see Iceland without a car. You just have to make a plan and reserve guided tours! Don’t wait till the last minute! See tip #1

30. Planning to only stay in Reykjavik 

Reykjavik is a really nice city but you should only consider staying there the entire length of your trip if you’re planning to rely on guided tours and not renting a car.

Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time driving back and forth when you could put yourself closer to the Golden Circle or other main points on the Ring Road.

Even if you’re only planning day trips from one accommodation to visit attractions within the South Coast, you‘ll be more conveniently located in one of the suburbs, like Kópavogur, or in Flúðir, Selfoss or Hella.

Not to mention that staying in Reykjavik will most likely come at a higher price than in other areas.

READ MORE: 15 Top Free Things to Do in Reykjavik.

31. Ignoring safety warnings 

Icelanders believe in common sense, so you are responsible for your own safety while visiting different places in Iceland. What do I mean by that? Simply that you won’t find many barriers near cliff edges or waterfalls or warning signs telling you what not to do. You’re just expected to know that, be a responsible tourist and behave in a way that keeps you and other visitors around you safe. 

So if you do spot a sign with a warning or a rule, it is CRITICAL that you follow it. Like – don’t get too close to the ocean at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, or to bubbling mud pools, or don’t walk on the lava fields, or don’t go into a geothermal river until you reach a designated area.  You may get seriously hurt!

The same goes for weather warnings and road closures – they are not issued without good reasons so to ensure your safety – pay attention to them!

32. Planning your trip for the sole purpose of seeing the Northern Lights

We all want to see them but even if you plan your trip in the peak Northern Lights season, it may not happen… It’s a very weather-dependent lottery. If you spend all your time and energy on chasing Aurora Borealis, you’ll miss out on so many other wonderful things to see in Iceland! 

33. Not considering attractions and the time of your visit 

This one is somewhat connected to the above-mentioned Northern Lights hunting.

Research the best time to visit for the main attraction of your trip to Iceland. You won’t see any puffins in November. Or be able to visit the Blue Ice Cave in July. Or hike in the Highlands outside of the summer months. Avoid disappointments and… BE PREPARED!

More about the best time to visit Iceland in my “First time travel tips” article.

34. Not bringing a towel for the lagoons

It seems like such a small thing and yet each time that you have to rent one from the lagoon you’re visiting, you have to pay extra and it can add up!

Plus, if you’re visiting natural hot springs, Seljavallalaug Geothermal Swimming Pool or Reykjadalur Geothermal River, you’ll need your own towel – quick drying one is best! Check my packing list for recommendations.

35. Getting your hair wet at the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is one of the hot springs where you really want to keep your head out of the famous milky blue water. While it’s rejuvenating for your body, it can make your hair really dry. 

If you can’t completely avoid contact, leave the conditioner that’s provided in the showers on your hair during your time in the spa. It’s supposed to protect your hair. 

36. Planning on doing a lot of laundry

Packing light is a great skill (one I’m still learning with varying levels of success!) but I wouldn’t pack too light for Iceland.

Doing laundry in Iceland isn’t such a big deal as most apartments and guesthouses will accommodate that. BUT – you’ll most likely only have a drying rack to dry your clothes (not a dryer).  So if you must do laundry, it’s best to pack quick-drying clothes. We learned that the hard way when we continued to dry a pair of cotton sweatpants in the trunk of our car and in every guesthouse we stayed in during our Ring Road trip for a few days after we washed it, as it stubbornly stayed damp! 

37. Bringing US appliances without plug adapters

If you’re bringing your own hair dryer, flat iron, electric shaver etc. to Iceland, please make sure they are dual voltage! 110V US appliances will break when you plug them in any European 220 V outlet! Also, you will need plug adapters as the prongs are very different – make sure to bring them with you!

I use this plug adapter for my dual voltage appliances and this one to charge our electronics requiring a USB connection.

38. Bringing cash to Iceland

With the exception of the self-service gas stations I mentioned earlier, credit cards are widely accepted and there is really no need for cash in Iceland. Especially if your itinerary mostly includes well-traveled, popular destinations.

We exchanged $20 at the airport one time, and it only came in handy to pay for restrooms in more remote areas we visited. Some tourists like to use cash to tip tour guides – that is a whole another topic to discuss 🙂 but in a nutshell, there is no tipping culture in Iceland and a good review may mean more to most guides than a cash tip. 

39. Learning Icelandic

Icelandic is a tough language to learn and pronounce and there is absolutely no need to even attempt to learn it. Most Icelanders speak really good English and I never felt a language barrier there.

So learning anything beyond the basic of yes, no, please and thank you is most likely not necessary.

40. Not buying travel insurance

Travel insurance is the one expense people tend to skip in hopes that they won’t need it. And for many years that was the case for me – I bought policies that I never used.

However, the last few years were the years that all those unused policies paid for themselves and then some. My flights got cancelled, I had to buy new plane tickets, cancel hotels and car rentals due to flight changes. Guess what? My travel insurance took care of it all! Get covered for all these unfortunate events, flight/luggage delays, medical emergencies etc. It’s peace of mind for your trip! It’s worth it!

Get a quote from AIG Travel Guard or look for other competitive quotes here.

I hope this article gave you some ideas on what to consider when traveling to Iceland and how to avoid common mistakes so that your trip to goes as smoothly as possible and the only unpredictable thing is the finicky Icelandic weather! 

READ MORE: How to Plan a Stopover in Iceland (and What to Do to Make it Epic!)

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