On one of the Facebook groups about travel in Iceland, someone recently asked for advice from locals on what not to do in Iceland. Here we have gathered a list of things not to do in Iceland.
- Do not create new stone cairns in Iceland
- Do not drive in the countryside without checking the weather forecast and road conditions first. Useful links:
- The Met Office
- Safetravel
- The IRCA (Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration)
- Do not enter any pools or spas without showering naked with soap first
- Do not walk on moss, make patterns nor “write” in moss. That is damaging sensitive ecosystems that have taken years to grow.
- Never stop in the middle of the road to take photos
- Do not leave any trash in nature, including toilet paper and organic waste like banana peel. Take everything with you and dispose of trash where it belongs.
- Never drive offroad
- Do not cross barriers at attractions, stick to paths as soil can be very sensitive
- Do not collect rocks of any kind. They belong in nature. This has been a problem at e.g. Grænihryggur (“Green ridge” literally translated) which is essentially like a big pile of small green stones. If people keep taking stones for souvenirs with them, there will be no Grænihryggur in some years time, only tiny traces of it on people’s shelves around the world which would be an absolute shame. It is not allowed to walk on the ridge either.
- Do not feed or pet horses unless you have permission from their owners.
- Do not get close to the waves at Reynisfjara and respect all signs and warnings when there. Too many people have already died in Reynisfjara after underestimating the waves.
- Do not buy bottled still water, drink from the tap
- Do not throw coins into pools and hot springs
- Do not leave a tip at restaurants and bars. Tipping is not customary in Iceland
