What to Expect: A Local's Iceland Travel Guide
This video offers a straightforward rundown of five essential practices and five common mistakes to avoid when visiting Iceland, presented by Gudny from Wake Up Reykjavik. Rather than a detailed destination tour, it's a practical briefing aimed at helping visitors maximize their experience and stay safe. The advice covers everything from how to interact with Icelandic culture—including public pool etiquette and cuisine—to critical safety warnings about Iceland's volatile weather, deceptive coastlines, and driving hazards.
The video suits anyone planning an Iceland trip in 2026, whether it's your first time or a return visit. If you're the type to research local customs before arriving, or if you want to avoid embarrassing mistakes (like buying non-alcoholic beer at a supermarket expecting a real drink), this straightforward guidance from a local perspective is genuinely useful. Travelers interested in day tours and multi-day adventures will also find specific tour recommendations linked throughout.
Key Moments
Five Key Practices and Warnings for Iceland Visitors
- Venture beyond Reykjavik's city center to see waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers on day tours like the Golden Circle, South Coast, or Snæfellsnes Peninsula routes
- Pack waterproof layers and sturdy hiking shoes year-round; Iceland's weather is unpredictable and rental gear is available if needed
- Remove your shoes when entering private homes, guest houses, and certain public establishments due to Iceland's perpetually wet and muddy conditions
- Sample Icelandic dishes like fish stew, fermented shark, lamb hot dogs, and the local cheese product skyr, ideally on a guided food walk through Reykjavik
- Never stop your car in the middle of the road for photos—use designated parking areas instead, as roadside stops have caused serious accidents
- Understand that sneaker waves on black-sand beaches can drag swimmers out to sea, and the Glacier Lagoon requires a two-day trip, not a single day excursion
Essential Details Before You Visit Iceland
- Weather preparation: Dress in layers and bring waterproof everything, especially sturdy hiking shoes; rentals are available if you don't own gear
- Shoe removal custom: Applies to private homes, guest houses, and some public spaces—not restaurants, bars, or cafes
- Public pool etiquette: Shower completely naked before entering public swimming pools and local lagoons; newer facilities like the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon have private shower booths
- Alcohol availability: Grocery stores sell only non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer (under 2.25% ABV); full-strength beer is only available at state liquor stores and bars
- Northern Lights season: Visible from late August through late March/early April, but appearance is never guaranteed even during that window
- Glacier Lagoon travel: Located 5 hours away one way (10 hours round-trip driving); recommended as a two-day tour with accommodation rather than a day trip
- Tour booking: Use promo code "5DOS" when booking tours on Wake Up Reykjavik's website for a discount on the Reykjavik Food Walk and other excursions
Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland Travel Tips
Do I really need to shower naked at public pools in Iceland?
Yes. This is a mandatory cultural practice and legal requirement at all public swimming pools and natural lagoons in Iceland. It allows facilities to use fewer chemicals in the water, which is better for the environment and public health. Refusing to comply is considered disrespectful. Newer facilities have private shower booths if you're uncomfortable, but the process is standard across the country.
Is it safe to drive around Iceland on my own?
Yes, but only if you follow local rules strictly. The biggest danger is stopping in the middle of the road for photos—this is both illegal and has caused numerous accidents. Always use designated parking areas. Iceland's weather can also change rapidly, so dress appropriately and drive cautiously, especially in winter.
Can I see the Northern Lights guaranteed if I visit in winter?
No. While the Northern Lights are visible between late August and late March or early April, their appearance depends on many natural factors and is never guaranteed, even during peak season. The video recommends visiting for at least two days so you have multiple chances to see them, but you should plan your trip around other guaranteed Icelandic sights and treat the lights as a bonus if they appear.
Why shouldn't I do the Glacier Lagoon as a day trip?
The Glacier Lagoon is 5 hours away one way, meaning 10 hours of total driving with no breaks for sightseeing, food, or rest. This makes a day trip exhausting and impractical. The video strongly recommends a two-day tour instead, which breaks up the driving, includes accommodation at a local guest house with breakfast, and lets you explore other South Coast attractions like Diamond Beach and ice caves (winter) or glacier hikes (summer).
What Icelandic foods should I definitely try?
The video highlights several must-try Icelandic dishes: fish stew (plokkfiskur), skyr (a yogurt-like cheese), Icelandic lamb hot dogs, and fermented shark (hákarl) if you're adventurous. The easiest way to sample these is on a guided Reykjavik Food Walk, where a local guide takes you to handpicked restaurants, tells you stories about the dishes and their cultural significance, and explores the city's food scene in a single three-hour tour.
