Safety in Iceland

Safety in Iceland

Safety should always be your priority. That’s especially true when you’re traveling in a foreign country known for remote locations, extreme weather conditions, and natural phenomena few are familiar with. Safety in Iceland has a slightly different meaning than in most other places.

• Many travel to Iceland for the sole purpose of exploring its fascinating nature. If you’re one of these travelers, make sure you follow the necessary safety precautions.
• Explore with others. Not only is it a lot safer, it is always more exciting when you get to share experiences with others.
• Heading out for a hike without proper rain gear or thermal wear can result in health issues. Always check the weather and prepare accordingly.
• Icelandic waters present different dangers. Be cautious around the ocean and geothermal springs.
• Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the world in Iceland. If you’re a solo female traveller, a family with children, or an elderly couple, you will be perfectly safe enjoying the unique atmosphere of Icelandic cities.
• Understand potential road-related challenges and drive defensively, especially in winter. Stick to main roads and avoid off-road driving.
• Be aware of strong winds, especially in windy areas. If you hear about a storm or strong winds coming, postpone your trip.
• Sheep and other animals can block the roads. Drive slowly and be patient.
• Drunk driving is strictly prohibited in Iceland. The legal threshold is 0.02%, and the consequences are severe.

Weather and Dressing

Staying safe in Iceland is synonymous with dressing for the weather. Icelandic waters present different dangers. First things first: the ocean. Don't get too close to it! It might seem like nothing from far away, but strong winds and occasional sneaker waves make it possible to be swept up from the shore.

• Always check the water first. Better yet, soak only in geothermal pools that have been designated as swimming areas.
• Get informed about what to expect and prepared to face it. Use resources like Vedur.is for hourly regional weather updates, seismic activity likelihood, and aurora forecasts.

Driving in Iceland

• Understand the risks before sitting behind the wheel, evaluate the situation and make informed decisions. Drive slowly, use 4-wheel drive, and always have a charged phone and emergency contacts in it.
• Stick to the main roads, which get cleared very frequently, so generally, the conditions are decent. However, no matter where you are you can expect ice, which sometimes hides underneath a layer of snow.
• Drive defensively. This means driving slower than you normally would, making sure you don’t make sudden movements or changes in direction and overestimating braking distance.
• Weather forecasts and road conditions are two things you should always check before you hit the beautiful winter roads in Iceland. If you see any signs of storms, winds or other types of challenging weather, it's a good idea to postpone your trip for the following day.
• Never attempt to drive off-road in Iceland, especially in winter. If you do, you risk damaging your rental vehicle and having it not covered by insurance.
• Remember these tips about driving in windy areas: Hold the wheel firmly at all times. Even if the wind does not seem that severe, one strong gust and you can end up on the side of the road. Avoid passing other cars. Counter side winds by steering the opposite direction. If side winds get strong enough, driving straight might not be enough. Drive slowly. If you need to open car doors, hold them firmly. Use one hand to hold the door and open them with the other.