health and Safety

Iceland is a very rewarding country to explore, but nature here deserves real respect. The best way to stay safe is not to be nervous, but to be prepared. Weather can change quickly, road conditions can shift during the same day, and some natural attractions are more powerful than they look from a distance.

For most travelers, health and safety in Iceland comes down to a few smart habits: check the forecast before longer day trips, look at road conditions before you drive, dress properly for the season, respect closures and warning signs, and avoid underestimating the ocean, rivers, or changing mountain weather.

Emergency help in Iceland

The emergency number in Iceland is 112. Use it if you need urgent police, fire, ambulance, or rescue assistance. The 112 system can also be reached through the 112 Iceland app, which is especially useful if you have trouble calling or explaining where you are.

For non-emergency medical advice, you can use the health hotline 1700. That can be useful if you are unsure whether you need urgent care or simply want guidance.

Apps and tools that make travel safer

One of the smartest things you can do before exploring Iceland is to download the 112 Iceland app and check SafeTravel. If you are heading out for a hike, a remote drive, or a longer day away from towns, it is also wise to leave a travel plan and make sure someone knows where you are going.

Before longer outdoor trips, check the official weather forecast and warnings, and always review road conditions before driving. For most visitors, the most useful safety routine in Iceland is simple: weather first, roads second, plans third.

Travel insurance and medical cover

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Iceland, especially if your trip includes activities, self-drive travel, or longer time outdoors. It is a good idea to carry your insurance details with you and check in advance that your policy covers the kinds of activities you plan to do.

If you are traveling from an EEA country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It can be important if you need medical treatment while you are in Iceland.

Road, weather, and outdoor safety

Iceland is often easy to enjoy when conditions are good, but the country can become more demanding very quickly when weather changes. If you are driving, always check the forecast and the road report before setting out, especially in winter, in shoulder season, or if your route includes remote areas.

If you are planning longer day trips, read our Driving in Iceland guide and check our Weather in Iceland pages before you go.

Nature safety in Iceland

Many of Iceland’s most famous places are beautiful because they are wild, powerful, and exposed. That also means they require caution. Cliffs, black sand beaches, glacier areas, rivers, waterfalls, geothermal spots, and volcanic landscapes all need to be treated with respect.

At black sand beaches, stay well back from the water and never turn your back on the sea. Sneaker waves can arrive without warning and pull people into the ocean in seconds. In hiking areas, conditions can change far faster than many visitors expect, so proper clothing, enough battery, and realistic route planning matter more than people first realize.

Simple safety tips for travelers

• Save 112 in your phone and download the 112 Iceland app before longer day trips.
• Check the weather and road report before driving or hiking.
• Respect closures, warning signs, and barriers at beaches, waterfalls, volcanic areas, and mountain routes.
• Dress in layers and pack more warmth than you think you will need.
• Leave a travel plan if you are going hiking or into more remote areas.
• Do not rely only on mobile signal in remote areas. Download offline maps before longer drives.
• Keep basic supplies with you, such as water, snacks, charged phone, and extra layers.

Frequently asked questions about health and safety in Iceland