Is Iceland Safe to Visit?

The Land of Fire and Ice is indeed the safest country in the world. And you don’t have to simply trust our word. Below we explain how and why Iceland is so safe and the measures you can take to make it even safer.

When we say that Iceland is the safest country in the world, you can rest assured that this is based on the Global Peace Index (GPI). These facts make our claims justified, right?

Every year the GPI ranks all countries in terms of safety and security. It looks at all kinds of stats from countries across the world, from appealing things like health care quality and happiness index to extreme things such as national war involvement and murder rate.

Important note: This isn’t something you need to worry about in the Nordics!

GPI is considered the leading measure of global peacefulness. So, you can trust them when they say that Iceland is at the top.

In fact, Iceland has held the title of safest country in the world since 2008. Okay, we’re bragging a little bit now… But hopefully that simple fact reassures you.

There are many factors that make Iceland a safe and unforgettable vacation destination.

Did you know that Iceland is in the top 5 happiest countries in the world? According to the 2020 World Happiness Report, it ranks high in all cornerstones of wellbeing.

A study found that this was in part thanks to the Icelandic class system. The country’s social welfare and education promote an equal society. During your travels, you’ll meet locals who are passionate about their jobs, their land and happy to show you why.

Because people are happy, there are very few social problems, including a low crime rate. Don’t trust all those Nordic noir novels and TV shows. They do not paint an accurate portrayal of Iceland! You’ll even find in Iceland that police officers do not carry guns.

Iceland also boasts one of the best health care systems in the world. According to the Healthcare Access & Quality Index 2020 and the WHO’s report, it ranks at number 15 worldwide. It is only topped by a handful of European and Asian countries.

And it has definitely been one of the best countries in the world for Covid response and management.

Another bonus point of this inclusive nation? Iceland is one of the best destinations for LGBTQ+, female, and solo travelers thanks to its liberal outlook and welcoming atmosphere.

While Iceland is already a safer country than most, you can still always look out for yourself. Whether that’s on the roads, the mountains, or in the city, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

In this section, you’ll learn our top 5 tips for staying safe during your trip.

Before you set off for Iceland, make sure you have travel insurance to cover you and your family. For safe travel, this is a must! It protects your health, your luggage, your flights, and even your bank account in case of bigger claims.

Make sure your policy is comprehensive to include all the activities you want to do as well as coronavirus-related claims.

If you are from an EEA country, don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

Driving in Iceland is an adventure you won’t soon forget. Just imagine the open road in front of you with views of the white glaciers, stark volcanoes, and the majestic sea.

Before you set off on the road trip of a lifetime, familiarize yourself with the driving laws and potential hazards you may face. These include the many sheep that populate Iceland as well as the one-lane tunnels and bridges in remote areas.

It’s also good to be aware that gas stations are sparse in the countryside. Keep an eye on your fuel levels and fill up when you have the chance.

Finally, off-road driving is strictly prohibited as it can damage the vegetation.

For peace of mind, you may want to watch this short video on “How to drive in Iceland”.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland’s climate isn’t as cold as you may think. What you should expect though is weather that can change quickly and often.

For that reason, be sure to pack and dress appropriately when visiting Iceland. This is especially true if you intend to do outdoor activities, go camping, or want to travel in winter.

You’ll also want to check the weather forecast every day before setting off. In winter this is important because the conditions could affect your route, with road closures and such.

And if you intend to look out for the northern lights, a clear sky is what you’re hoping for!

The terrain in Iceland is magnificent and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. You could go hiking in the national parks, on glaciers, and even along volcano craters. But whether you are a newbie or an experienced hiker, make sure to be ready for the Icelandic experience.

Hiking is extremely dependent on the weather and season due to the accessibility to the trails. Visit between May and September to take advantage of the beautiful hiking paths and long daylight hours. 

Never put yourself in danger! Bring the required gear, plenty of water, and always look up the mountain you’re about to hike to know what’s ahead.

Although violent crimes are few and far between, petty crimes occur, like in most countries.

Be vigilant with your possessions, especially in public. Don’t leave your belongings unattended, for example at swimming pools or in restaurants.

Generally, and with all these precautions, you can rest assured that your stay in Iceland will be safe. You can sleep soundly, just like children in prams that the trusting Icelandic parents leave outside shops.

We hope that this article answers any questions you may have had about visiting Iceland. Because yes: Iceland is a safe country for visitors. Come and experience it for yourself!

When you’re ready to book, you can browse our Iceland tours to find the one that suits you. One of our expert agents will answer any queries you may have and help you craft the trip of your dreams!