Iceland has a way of looking simple on Instagram—waterfalls, black sand beaches, glowing lagoons—but actually traveling there is a different story. After visiting Iceland more than once, I realized how many things to know before traveling to Iceland never show up in glossy travel guides.
This list is exactly what I wish I’d had before my first trip. These are real Iceland travel tips for first time visitors, honest lessons learned the hard way, and a few Iceland mistakes to avoid if you want a smoother, less stressful trip.
If you’re planning your first visit, here’s what I wish I knew before going to Iceland—laid out clearly, without fluff.
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1. Iceland Is Expensive (But Not in Every Way)
Yes, Iceland has a reputation for being pricey—and it earns it. Restaurants, alcohol, and tours add up fast. But groceries, gas stations meals, and bakeries are more affordable than people expect.
Iceland travel advice: budget for food strategically, not emotionally.
Pro Tip: You can save some money by buying alcohol at the airport before you leave.
We stayed in a cabin with a view, outside of Selfoss, with a hot tub. A dreamy rental, with a kitchen to prepare meals (great way to budget food prices) and perfect location for the Golden Circle and South Coast.
2. Gas Station Food Is Actually Good
This surprised me the most. Gas stations aren’t just fuel stops—they’re coffee shops, lunch counters, and restrooms all in one. Hot dogs, soups, sandwiches… all solid.
Skipping gas station food is one of the classic Iceland mistakes to avoid.
Speaking of coffee… This Stanley Travel Mug (with Integrated French Press) has quickly became by favorite travel companion. For those who love a fresh cup of hot coffee while on the road touring, this one is for you. I didn’t have this my first time to Iceland and I missed it on our long road trip day, where all I wanted was a hot cup of coffee. Whether you’re watching waterfalls or cruising the Ring Road, it’s a practical travel essential that makes great coffee easy on the road.
3. You Don’t Need Cash
Iceland is almost completely cashless. Cards work everywhere—from gas pumps to tiny cafés in the middle of nowhere.
I have been to Iceland twice and I have never even SEEN cash.
4. Weather Changes Hourly (Sometimes Faster)
You’ll hear this a lot, but until you experience it, it doesn’t fully click. Sun, rain, wind, clouds—sometimes all in the same hour.
Layering isn’t optional. It’s survival.
5. Waterproof Gear Matters More Than Warm Gear
This is one of the biggest things to know before traveling to Iceland. You’ll get wet—waterfalls, rain, mist, wind-driven drizzle.
A waterproof jacket and pants matter more than a heavy coat.
Pro Tip: Take this packing list seriously and bring the essentials, layers and waterproof outerwear.
6. Wind Is the Real Villain
Cold is manageable. Wind is not. Icelandic wind is aggressive and unpredictable. It can knock car doors out of your hands and make short walks feel exhausting.
Always hold onto your car door. Always. And leave the umbrella at home.
7. You’ll Want a Waterproof Phone Case
Between lagoons, hot springs, and waterfalls, you’ll want photos—but you won’t want to risk your phone. This was one of my biggest upgrades between trips.
Honestly, this alone changed my experience.
8. Hot Springs Aren’t All Like the Blue Lagoon
Some are luxurious. Some are rustic. Some are literally concrete tubs in the ground. And they’re all worth experiencing in different ways.
Don’t judge Icelandic hot springs by one visit.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs was seriously one of my favorite hot springs experience. This no-luxury natural hot spring is a 2 mile hike to the middle of a valley. No changing rooms, no amenities, just an authentic natural experience.
9. Showers Before Hot Springs Are Mandatory
Yes, really. And no, swimsuits don’t stay on for the shower. This is non-negotiable Icelandic etiquette.
Knowing this ahead of time saves awkward moments.
10. Driving Times Are Longer Than They Look
Distances may seem short, but weather, road conditions, and photo stops slow everything down.
This is huge for itinerary planning—and one of the most common Iceland mistakes to avoid.
11. The Ring Road Is Easy, Side Roads Are Not
The Ring Road is well-maintained and straightforward. But gravel roads and F-roads are a different story.
If your rental agreement says no F-roads, listen to it.
12. You’ll Stop for Photos Constantly
Even when you swear you won’t. Iceland is distracting in the best way. Build buffer time into your days.
Rushing in Iceland is a recipe for frustration.
13. Summer Still Feels Cold Sometimes
Even in July, mornings and evenings can feel chilly—especially near the coast or glaciers.
This is one of those things first-time visitors underestimate.
14. Coffee on the Go Is a Game Changer
Coffee shops can be spread out outside cities. On my second trip, I brought a travel French press, and it made early mornings and road days so much easier.
Small comfort, big impact.
15. Food Stores Close Earlier Than You Think
Outside Reykjavik, grocery store hours can be limited. Plan ahead or risk dinner being gas station soup (which, to be fair, isn’t terrible).
16. You Don’t Need a Jam-Packed Itinerary
This was a mindset shift for me. Iceland rewards slower travel. Fewer stops, more time soaking it in.
Trying to see everything usually means enjoying nothing fully.
17. Some of the Best Spots Aren’t on Social Media
Yes, the famous sights are incredible. But random pull-offs, unnamed waterfalls, and quiet stretches of road often become the most memorable moments.
Leave room for spontaneity.
18. You’ll Want More Time Than You Planned
Almost everyone leaves Iceland wishing they’d added one more day. Or five.
If you’re debating between squeezing things in or slowing down—slow down.
19. Iceland Is Safer Than You Expect
Crime is low, people are helpful, and solo travel feels comfortable for many visitors. Still, nature is not forgiving—respect signs, weather warnings, and closures.
Safety here is about environment, not people.
20. You’ll Start Planning Your Return Trip Immediately
This might be the most predictable thing to know before traveling to Iceland. One trip is rarely enough.
You’ll leave with unfinished plans, bookmarked locations, and a quiet urge to come back.
Final Thoughts: What I Wish I Knew Before Going to Iceland
Iceland isn’t hard to travel—but it is different. And knowing these things to know before traveling to Iceland ahead of time makes the trip smoother, calmer, and far more enjoyable.
If you’re visiting for the first time, focus less on perfection and more on flexibility. That’s the real Iceland travel advice most people learn too late.
And if you’re already dreaming about going back? Yeah… that tracks.