Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland serves as a bridge between two continents linking the fissure that separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. With its diverse landscapes, massive glaciers and active volcanoes, it’s no wonder that there is a mystery and magnetism to this mystical island. Of course we all know that culture is influenced by the environment, and Icelandic culture is no exception, full of interesting habits to know and love, sometimes passed down for centuries. What should you expect on your travels to Iceland? What is the travel etiquette in Iceland? Here are 10 cultural tips for visiting Iceland.
10 Cultural Tips for Visiting Iceland
1. Icelandic Please & Thank You
Icelanders are super friendly and willing to share their stories. In fact, according to the Global Peace Index Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world and has been for 13 years running. However, their language habits make it sound like they are being stern when they're not. For example, they have a word for thank you -takk takk - but you almost never say please, vinsamlegast. So you wouldn’t say, “Can I please have” in Icelandic, you would just say the quantity and item you want. So instead of “I would like one coffee please” you would skip the please and just say “One coffee, thanks” - eitt kaffi, takk.
2. Drink the Tap Water
Photo credit: Elene Sprick
The tap water (kranavatn) that comes from the country’s 400 glaciers is fresh, clean, and never filtered. That means you can drink from any tap, stream, river, or glacier waterfall without any worries. This also means that buying plastic bottled water is heavily frowned upon. In fact, the servers in shops will actively try to discourage you from buying them. To that end, there’s an entire campaign where you can pledge to drink from reusable bottles during your travels in Iceland. A good rule of thumb: if the water is cold, it's clean.
3. Icelandic Folklore
Photo credit: Elene Sprick
Most Icelanders will say they don't believe in trolls, hidden people, or giants but that doesn't mean there isn't a certain level of superstition and pride that comes with the folklore. They can be sensitive to any ridicule about that part of their culture and will still abide by old traditions and celebrations and avoid enchanted areas. At Christmas the 13 Yule Lads spread their merry and mischievous ways by taking turns visiting children each night leading up to Christmas, leaving something good – like candy – or not-so-good, like a rotting potato. You can learn more about these folk fellows in the National Museum of Iceland.
4. Use a first-name basis
Iceland has a relatively low level of hierarchy in a society where equality is respected and communication is informal, direct, and participative. Don’t expect to use elaborate titles or formalities or even last names too often; it is much more common to address people by their first name.
5. Call an Icelandic horse by its name
Photo credit: Elene Sprick
Planning to ride an Icelandic horse on your travels there? Though they are small, they are indeed horses - so don’t be tempted to call them a pony. Icelanders will be offended! Their thick, sturdy build and long shaggy fur have adapted over the centuries since they first arrived with Viking settlers well over 1,000 years ago.
6. Tipping isn’t necessary
Service level in Iceland – whether at a coffee shop, a local boutique, your hotel, or with your local guide – is quite high and like many parts of Europe, a tip is not expected. If ever in doubt, or if you feel absolutely compelled to, you certainly can still tip but it may be met with surprise.
Photo credit: Elene Sprick
7. Icelanders are Vikings
Every Icelander is a descendant of the Vikings who settled there. The extremely low levels of immigration over the past 1000 years has meant that the bloodline and language have remained virtually unchanged. So to meet and hear an Icelander speak is to meet and hear a Viking. Many Icelanders will openly refer to themselves as Vikings and are very proud of this fact.
8. Do not litter
Photo credit: Elene Sprick
In any country, practicing responsible travel is important: ensuring proper disposal of waste, taking care to reduce and eliminate single-use plastic, staying on designated pathways, and respecting nature. Iceland is no exception, and locals take pride in their land and have a deep belief that if you take care of nature, it will take care of you. Follow “Leave No Trace” etiquette – if you’re on a hike, even just for a few hours, bring a sack for any waste and never leave it on the ground behind.
9. Follow the Icelandic pool etiquette
Iceland is renowned for its geothermal pools, and experiencing one is a must-do activity when visiting. However, taking a shower before getting in the pool is an absolute must – a local would never dare to do otherwise. Embrace the hygiene and also be aware that if you try to skip it, you might be caught by a changing room attendant who will march you back to the shower before you can enter the pool.
10. Respect – and talk about! – the weather
You’ll find one common conversational topic throughout Iceland – the weather! Icelanders have immense respect for nature and the day’s weather is bound to impact your experience. If you find yourself needing a conversation starter, the weather is always a good one to rely on!
Interested in visiting Iceland?
Check out our small group trip or self-guided Iceland itinerary!
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