Iceland truly lives up to its nickname as the land of ice and fire, with dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanoes. From unpredictable weather to unique local food, here are my top five tips to help you prepare for your adventure in Iceland!
1. Pack Layers and Rain Gear
Even in summer, Iceland is cold and windy (especially near glaciers and at night) so bring warm layers, hats, and gloves. It also rains frequently year-round, so pack a good rain jacket (umbrellas aren’t always useful in the wind).
2. Pay for Good Car Insurance
If you’re doing a roadtrip, make sure to pay for good car insurance. Iceland’s fast changing weather is tough on the tires, and many routes are gravel, rocky, or unpaved. We actually got a flat tire during the trip and had to call roadside assistance — good thing we paid for full coverage! Note that if you plan to drive on F-roads (mountain roads), a 4×4 is required by law.
3. Be Prepared for Long Drives
Service can drop in rural areas, so download offline maps and entertainment if you’re doing long drives. Also gas stations and food stops are sparse in the countryside, so fill up on gas and stock up on snacks whenever you can.
4. Hot Water Smells Like Sulfur
Hot water in showers or sinks can smell like rotten eggs because it’s naturally heated by geothermal energy. The smell is unpleasant at first, but it’s harmless and you’ll get used to it after awhile.
5. Skip the Fermented Shark
Hákarl (fermented shark) is Iceland’s most infamous food. We decided to order it at a restaurant, but I couldn’t even bring myself to taste it due to the strong ammonia smell the moment it was brought onto the table. My husband was brave enough to take a bite — he said it tasted exactly how it smelled and did not finish eating it. It wasn’t cheap either, so we’d recommend spending your money on something else.
Looking for things to do in Iceland? Here’s my top 5 must-see spots!