Iceland Travel Tips From A Local & Traveler

In this post, you will find helpful information for travelers in Iceland—both basic travel tips and good links to have when planning your trip. If there is something specific you want to know about Iceland or if you have a hard time finding information online, don’t hesitate to contact Tiny Iceland on any social media or leave a comment below the post. This post is a collaboration between Tiny Iceland & Jenna @wanderthemap.

Weather

Icelandic Met Office is a good website where you can find info about the weather in all of Iceland as well as weather predictions. The Norwegian website Yr.no is great as well.

Pack so you can wear layers! Don’t bring big bulky items that take up too much room in your suitcase– the weather can change quickly, so it’s easiest to put on or take off a layer accordingly. You will be more comfortable and can pack lighter which is a win-win, right?

Budgeting For Food

Bónus is the cheapest Icelandic supermarket. There are 24 stores around the country. They offer the lowest product price so if you need to buy a lot of food, we recommend stocking up here, especially for a road trip.

If you are on the road and find you need a snack (because you want something different or didn’t stop to buy groceries), the N1 stations are great for a bite to eat as well.

If you are looking for supermarkets that are open around the clock we recommend Hagkaup & 10/11. Hagkaup has three stores that are open 24 hours and they are in residential suburbs: Garðabær, Skeifan and Seltjarnarnes. All the 10/11 stores are open 24 hours.

In some of the smaller towns in the countryside the stores and gas stations don’t always open early in the morning–just be aware that you might encounter towns were not much is open until 9 or 10.

Estimation of food costs: Hamburger and fries from 1200 ISK, hot meal of the day from 1,100 ISK, appetizer from 700-800 ISK, main course from 1,500-2000 ISK, coffee from 300 ISK, beer from 800 ISK (can often find good deals during happy hour!) and tap water is free…and it‘s the best in the world! (These are just estimated prices, but if you do your research beforehand, Iceland can be done on a budget.)

Alcohol- Custom’s Regulation – Read the custom’s regulation before your arrival. 

Tip: Alcohol is expensive so if you want to check out Reykjavík’s nightlife or have a beer while camping around Iceland, we recommend buying alcohol at either the Duty Free when you arrive or in Vínbúðin (the only Icelandic liquor store). Alcohol is not sold in supermarkets. Don’t be fooled if you see an alcoholic beer on the shelf, it only has 2% alcohol. Also, make sure you are aware of the opening hours for Vínbúðin and here are their locations.

Bar/Nightclub – Nightlife in Reykjavík

Lebowski Bar is a great mainstream bar where you can meet fellow travelers and have a drink with locals. It’s a 50’s style diner with oldies music, and it’s a great place to go have a beer or try their famous White Russians.

Den Danske Kro is a bar with a Danish theme. There is live music every night, happy hour every day from 4-7pm and during winter there is often a pub-quiz or beer bingo. It’s fun, cozy, and often filled with Icelanders hanging out with their friends. A perfect spot to chat with the locals!