112Emergency number in Iceland
Call 112 when there is an immediate threat to life, health or property. Follow the emergency operator's instructions. 112.is
01 / Preparation
A calmer trip through better information
Iceland is a popular destination, but weather and natural conditions can change quickly. Check conditions immediately before leaving, choose a suitable plan and be ready to change it.
Safety by situation
Weather
Check forecasts and warnings.
Read moreDriving
Roads and wind change quickly.
Read moreHiking
Match route and equipment to conditions.
Read moreHighlands
Prepare for remote travel.
Read moreCoast
Respect surf, signs and closures.
Read moreGeothermal
Stay on marked paths.
Read moreGlaciers
Do not venture out independently without experience.
Read moreWinter
Plan for darkness, ice and closures.
Read moreWeather and natural conditions
Monitor forecasts and warnings. Wind, precipitation, visibility and temperature can differ greatly by location and elevation.
Weather in Iceland
Driving, F-roads and Highlands safety
Wind, ice, gravel, blind crests, single-lane bridges and closures demand attention. On F-roads, follow current vehicle requirements; rivers, weather and remoteness add risk. In the Highlands, plan communications, fuel, food, water and distances.
Hiking
Choose a route for your experience, weather, daylight and equipment. Consider communications, snow and rivers where relevant, and tell someone your plan.
Hiking in Iceland
Coasts, sea, waterfalls and canyons
Powerful surf and unexpectedly large waves can travel far up a beach. Also watch for cliffs, slippery or wet paths, rivers and edges. Respect signs, closures and barriers; no fixed distance guarantees safety.
Geothermal areas and glaciers
Geothermal areas can contain boiling water, steam and fragile crust; stay on marked paths. Glaciers contain crevasses, ice and rapidly changing conditions. Inexperienced visitors should not venture onto a glacier independently.
Natural hot springs in Iceland
Winter travel and northern lights
Limited daylight, snow, ice, wind and closures change travel plans. When looking for aurora, never stop in a dangerous location; be visible and account for traffic, cold and weather.
Check conditions before you go
These are official or recognised Icelandic information services. This page does not reproduce live condition data.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Iceland's emergency number?
The emergency number is 112 for an immediate threat to life, health or property.
Is driving in Iceland safe?
Well-prepared driving can be safe, but monitor weather, road conditions, closures and road type.
What should I consider in the Highlands?
Communications, fuel, food, water, weather, distance, access and current vehicle requirements.
Is it safe to hike alone?
Risk depends on route and conditions. Make a travel plan, tell someone and choose for your experience.
How do I monitor weather?
Use Icelandic Met Office forecasts and warnings and recheck immediately before departure.
How do I monitor road conditions?
Use umferdin.is for official road and driving-condition information.
Is it safe to go onto a glacier?
Glaciers contain crevasses and changing conditions. Inexperienced visitors should not venture onto one independently.
What should I consider at natural pools?
Temperature, slippery surfaces, depth, children, weather, remoteness, closures and rules.