Risks Iceland

You can read it anywhere - Iceland is repeatedly ranked as the safest country in the world! That doesn't mean you should take your safety for granted, there are a few things to consider. Thankfully, this will be the shortest "Risks and Safety" page on Secrets of Travel!

Emergency Number: 112

If you get into any emergency in Iceland, just call 112. 

SafeTravel.is Website and App

For everything you need to know while traveling, your top resource is www.safetravel.is. Stay up-to-date by signing up for their free SMS alerts, checking their weather & conditions map, or downloading the SafeTravel Iceland App. It’s the ultimate tool to help you make the most of your time in Iceland—while staying prepared for anything nature might throw your way, from snowstorms to volcanic eruptions and everything in between.

Waves & Beach Safety

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is a beautiful location to visit, but keep in mind that the waves can reach 40 metres! There are signs everywhere warning of the dangerous waves. "Sneaker waves" are also common - deceivingly large waves hidden into a normal looking set. If you get swept into the water, you may lose your life. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions both at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, and any other beach you visit in Iceland. 

Keep Your Distance from the Shoreline
Even on calm days, unexpected "sneaker waves" can suddenly surge ashore. Avoid standing too close to where the waves break—you might get caught off guard.

Swimming and Surfing Are Not Safe Here
No matter how strong a swimmer you are, the currents in this area can be deadly. For your safety, stay out of the water.

Always Face the Ocean
It may be tempting to snap that perfect oceanfront selfie, but never turn your back to the waves. It only takes one unexpected wave to create a life-threatening situation.

Make Your Own Safety Assessments
Just because others are doing something risky doesn’t mean it’s safe. Trust your instincts and evaluate the conditions on your own.

Don’t Risk Your Life to Rescue Others
In an emergency, it’s best to wait for trained rescue teams. Jumping in to help could put you in danger and complicate rescue efforts.

Hitchhiking in Iceland - Winter vs Summer

I visited Iceland in November, and can confirm that hitchhiking in winter is very difficult, generally unsafe, and not recommended. I spent three days hitchhiking around Reykjavik and it was very difficult to get a ride as it's dark, wet, people can't see you well, and it's too unsafe for cars to stop suddenly to pick you up. When it's raining, it's also a lot harder to get rides as people don't want their cars getting wet. Plus waiting on the side of the road for a few hours is not an ideal way to spend your limited daylight hours in the winter. Lastly, if you were trying to hitchhike the road on the M1 and you needed to get out of a car for safety, or for whatever reason your hitchhiking driver left you somewhere unfavourable, you could get stuck somewhere remote, very cold, and with minimal traffic. There is a genuine risk of freezing to death if you're on the road in the middle of the night and no one can see you. It's just not worth it. 

In the summer however, I've been told by many people that it is a lot easier to hitchhike and that people are happy to pick up travellers. I haven't done a summer Iceland trip (yet), but the GuidetoIceland.is page has a great Hitchhikers Guide to Iceland that you can read through!