Wherever you travel, it's important to know that you're not at risk. Iceland has for many years been a safe country to visit, thanks to its excellent healthcare standards, low crime rate, and other key factors.
So is it safe to travel to Iceland? Why is Iceland safe generally? Read on for information about visiting Iceland safely.
- For the latest Iceland volcano information, visit our eruption update page
- Discover our Book With Confidence plan to visit Iceland with peace of mind
Iceland is voted the world’s safest country (again)
Did you know that Iceland ranks highly in the global peace, safety and happiness indexes, year after year?
The Institute for Economics and Peace carries out the Global Peace Index study each year to decipher which nations are the safest. Iceland has been the most peaceful country in the world for over 15 years now.
Iceland is also the one of the happiest countries according to the World Happiness Report, which evaluates 6 cornerstones of wellbeing. These are income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity. This is good news for you as a visitor!
Iceland continues to rank highly in these indexes due to its strong healthcare system and one of the lowest crime rates in the world. What’s more, this Nordic nation is one of the best destinations for LGBTQ+, female and solo travellers thanks to its liberal outlook and welcoming atmosphere.
Iceland's volcanic activity
You may have heard Iceland being called the “Land of Fire and Ice”. And it’s the perfect nickname, as the country has plenty of volcanic sites and glaciers to marvel at.
Volcanic activity is normal in Iceland, and authorities are highly prepared to deal with events like earthquakes and eruptions. Scientists are always keeping on top of seismic and volcanic activity, so they can have a good idea of when eruptions will occur.
Needless to say that you must always follow local guidance to stay safe during your time in Iceland. Keep on official hiking trails when you’re exploring volcanic sites on foot.
Good to know: When you visit Iceland with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have a dedicated travel consultant who will keep you informed about any volcano eruptions or earthquakes. And you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip.
- Read this Iceland volcano update to stay on top of the latest activity
Why Iceland is the perfect refuge
Iceland’s patchwork of wild, untamed landscapes is unlike anywhere else you’ve been. The country’s raw elemental beauty is composed of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and waterfalls. You’ll soon realise why it is known as the Land of Fire & Ice!
Nature takes centre stage
Roam Iceland and you’ll be greeted by clean, unpolluted scenery. The wide, open landscapes reinvigorate your soul, with dramatic sights to behold, such as thundering waterfalls and explosive geysers.
Breathe in the fresh air as you immerse yourself in these remote, awe-inspiring surroundings.
Active pursuits are abundant
You can have as much adventure as you please here. Iceland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a huge range of activities in Iceland to choose from.
You could trek through a national park, hike on a glacier, or snorkel between two tectonic plates. You may also like the idea of snowmobiling, kayaking, climbing or ice caving.
Restorative moments await you
It isn’t all about the action, though. You’ll find in Iceland that nature is wonderfully soothing, so if you’re looking for a slower-paced experience, you’ll get that here too.
You might come here to relax and reconnect with yourself, whether that’s by bathing in hot springs, or taking a mindful stroll along a black sand beach like Reynisfjara. Another example is watching the northern lights flicker and dance – an extremely humbling experience.
There’s no “off-season”
You can escape to Iceland at any time of year, as there really is no “bad time” to go. Each season has its own charm, so you’ll always be treated to special experiences and make unforgettable memories.
Visit in summer and you could make the most of long daylight hours and better weather. Perhaps drive around the Ring Road and reach the hidden corners of Iceland.
Come to Iceland in winter and you can see the spectacular scenery sprinkled in snow and frost. You could hunt for the northern lights, enjoy activities in the snow, and admire the Golden Circle in its wintry splendour.
- View our most popular Iceland tour packages or check our Special Offers for Iceland
Travel tips for visiting Iceland
Here are some key tips for travelling to Iceland.
Check your eligibility to travel
Check with your local travel advisory to see if you are eligible to visit Iceland. Stay updated on this via the Icelandic government’s website.
Get travel insurance
It is very important that you have travel insurance before beginning your tour of Iceland. If you are from an EEA country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.
Travel responsibly
During your time in Iceland, you should respect local rules and pay attention to safety advice. With Nordic Visitor, you'll have a personal travel consultant who will share their local knowledge with you, so you're prepared for your visit.
If you’re on a road trip around Iceland, we recommend you download the 112 Iceland app. This will track your location in case of a breakdown, for example. It’s also a good idea to read these tips on driving in Iceland.
- Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour of Iceland, with your rental car and accommodation included
- During your trip, our local travel experts will be just a call away 24/7
If you’re ready to plan a trip and want to visit one of the safest countries in the world, Iceland awaits you. Our Book With Confidence travel plan provides you with the most flexible booking terms around, designed to give you peace of mind.
Cancellation Protection is available so your money is protected. During your tour, you can relax knowing that you have our support around the clock thanks to our 24/7 helpline.
Get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan your trip to Iceland with peace of mind, so you can look forward to travelling again.
