My Safety Advice to Iceland Travelers

Have you been wondering “Is Iceland a safe country to visit?” Iceland is a magical, breathtaking country BUT it can also be cruel and unforgiving. Recently a tourist died while hiking Glymur (this video was filmed well before that) and it just breaks my heart to see people ignoring warning signs and putting their lives at risk. If you're traveling to Iceland, you need to watch this video and PLEASE stay safe.

Remember the emergency number in Iceland is 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
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[miliba]

Coming from Switzerland, I sometimes see tourists doing stupid things too and occasionally newspapers report them dying due to being incautious.
Hiking shoes or boots are very, very important! Nobody should walk a path on difficult terrain without them

[Halli]

Iceland is a very safe country. What can occasionally be dangerous is... (drum roll, please): You yourself, the innocently ignorant or careless tourist! In Iceland warning signs REALLY mean business, and Mother Nature is VERY unforgiving if you turn your back on it!

[kgws]

Thanks for this great advice. We live on the coast and see so many visitors who just have no clue about tides, waves, wave sets, and sneaker waves. Surf is very powerful!

[kingsgaurd]

Thanks for the update, especially about the waves on the black sand beach.

[karenaerynhenney]

Such an important video, thank you ❤ Even as a tourist it is so frustrating seeing so many people shrugging off safety advice. But then I am a little protective of my heart home!

[caerdwyn]

The biggest issue are the Instagram jerks who think the rules simply do not apply to them. Ever. And that will not change until there are dire consequences, widely publicized.

[Sindrijo]

Important: If you are planning to hike somewhere, obviously check the conditions, weather and make sure you have appropriate gear but most importantly TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND HOW LONG YOU EXPECT IT TO TAKE. The rescue services can't save the people they don't know are lost/missing in the mountains!

[PMCN]

Thank you 👏🏻
Respect the place you are visiting is a good rule to follow 👍🏻
Doing this will allow many others to enjoy what you are seeing 😎

[John_Krone]

So many great tips and points in this video. I remember being mad in Iceland when seeing tourists just ignore the ropes and signs. Some standing on the edge of cliffs that clearly showed rock cracks. I know it was wrong, but I also remember imagining the crack give in sending them down to their certain death! ... (my imagination). As you said, it was frustrating. Same about those sending drones in 'No Drone' areas. People!!

[wade]

When I was in Iceland 4 years ago, saw someone beyond the chain on a rock at a waterfall. They were just 2 steps from falling off, the person was that close. Crazy.

[PMCN]

FYI… on this topic; On New Zealand’s South island, there is a place called the “Church of the Good Shepherd “ on the shores of Lake Tekapo. It is a beautiful place but they have had to put a fence barrier around it because of the disrespect show by many Asian tourists who think it’s ok to CHIP OFF a pice of the stone building!!
I’m a landscape photography enthusiast and it’s so disappointing to se what so many dumb tourists do to places they visit. Such disrespect 😢

[chriskelvin]

When travelling to another country, remember- you are an unofficial ambassador. Be kind, humble, respectful. There is no reason to be a scofflaw or rule-bender in Iceland. They live in a land filled with raw, natural beauty at he cost of...raw nature. A lot of rawness. When you see an Icelandic warning sign, you respect it. It's there for a true purpose to warn you of a real danger to avoid, not to sidestep personal injury lawsuits. This is a gorgeous place that also has sandstorms, whiteouts, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, volcanoes...to name a few. That little bubbling mudpit? It will kill you painfully, so observe it from a safe distance and don't try to see how hot it is... That slippery wet precipice at the waterfall? It is known to be wet and slippery with a killer dropoff beyond. See how this works? Having said all this, you will never be bored in this wonderful place. Every view is a postcard picture, go enjoy it safely!

[kimmoss-allen]

Great ideas. :) Don't ignore the warning signs. 😊

[iandickson]

1984. No chains, no signs. Except for at the Krossa "do not try and cross this river unless you know it" and Myvatn "this volcano will erupt without warning, we suggest you stay this side". Went back a couple years ago. "Rocks are slippery". WTF? Locals explained "too many idiot tourists. This is why we can't have nice things".

[cherylmasinelli]

Yes! A video with helpful Iceland apps would be great!

[johansund]

Thanks for the tips before going to Iceland (and Faroe Island) this summer :)

[Ebrumbach]

Always such awesome and useful info. Thank you! I'd love a list of suggested Apps if you have any to share. Been noting these and playing with them BEFORE I visit. :). Thank you for all you share!! Looking forward to your new book releases, too.

[phils]

Iceland is, without a doubt, the safest, lowest-crime country I have visited. But there is danger in its nature. Just a few days ago I read the tragic story of a woman who fell off an icy trail TO HER DEATH in Glymur. Someone was with her. That person's life has been changed indescribably 😥😰

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take any closings or warnings very seriously! DO NOT assume that 4-wheel drive or shoe spikes will allow you to go anywhere you want. Iceland is so small and isolated that nothing will stop or slow a bad weather system. Believe me, that can get dangerous fast!

Go to Iceland! Enjoy and treasure it ❤ But above all, be safe! 👍

[thorabaker]

The number one complaint I hear from my family in Iceland, is how oblivious some tourists can be to danger. Both to themselves and them causing dangerous situations for others. They are especially frustrated by tourists stopping in the middle of the road in the countryside to take pictures. MOVE TO THE SIDE! And just so you know, the Reynisfjara beach is now called “take away” beach by Icelanders…..because of how many people get flushed out to see.

[cathyspicer]

I would love a video about some helpful apps when in Iceland!