Safety & Emergency Information

Last updated: 28 May 2026

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, but its nature is wild and changes fast. Most accidents involve weather, water, or off-trail behaviour — not crime. This page lists the numbers you may need and the warnings that matter most. Save 112 in your phone before you set out.

Emergency & Help Numbers

112

National Emergency

All emergencies — police, fire, ambulance, search & rescue, coast guard. Free, 24/7. Also reachable via SMS, web chat at 112.is, or the official 112 Iceland app.
1717

Red Cross Helpline

Free, 24/7, anonymous emotional support for anxiety, grief, depression or suicidal thoughts. English available.
1700

Health Advice Line

Non-emergency medical advice from a nurse. Also via online chat at heilsuvera.is.
1770

Læknavaktin (Off-hours Clinic)

Doctor consultations outside regular hours — evenings, nights and weekends. In the capital area.
1777

Road Conditions

Icelandic Road & Coastal Administration. Current road status, closures and weather. Hours vary — see road.is for live info.
444 1000

Reykjavík Police (Non-Emergency)

For matters that don't require immediate response. For any urgent situation, call 112 instead.

Essential Websites & Apps

safetravel.is

Register your travel plan before going into the highlands or remote areas.

vedur.is

Official weather forecasts and warnings from the Icelandic Met Office.

road.is

Live road conditions, closures and live cameras across Iceland.

112 Iceland app

One-touch emergency calls + GPS check-in that sends rescuers your location.

Install the 112 Iceland app before any hike or remote drive. The check-in feature lets rescuers find you fast if you cannot describe where you are.

Top Safety Warnings

🌊 Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara and other black-sand beaches

This is the most dangerous tourist spot in Iceland. Sudden, powerful waves can sweep visitors out to sea with no warning. People have died here. Never turn your back on the ocean. Stay well back from the water and obey the signs and warning lights.

🌬️ Weather can turn in minutes

Iceland's weather is highly localised and changes rapidly, even in summer. A sunny morning can become a blizzard by afternoon. Always check vedur.is before heading out and dress in warm, waterproof, windproof layers.

🧊 Glaciers

Never walk on a glacier without a certified guide and proper equipment. Crevasses are often invisible — covered by thin snow bridges. Glacier lagoons can be equally dangerous; do not climb on icebergs.

♨️ Geothermal areas (Geysir, Hverir, Reykjadalur)

Stay strictly on marked paths and boardwalks. The ground around hot springs and mud pots can be a thin crust over near-boiling water. Hot spring water can exceed 100°C and cause severe burns instantly.

🚗 F-roads and river crossings

Highland roads marked F-xxx are legally restricted to 4WD vehicles. Many include unbridged river crossings. Never cross a glacial river without first wading in to check the depth, and never alone. Standard rental cars are not insured on F-roads and crossings — damage is on you.

🌋 Volcanic activity

Iceland is geologically active. New eruptions can begin with little warning, especially on the Reykjanes peninsula. Always check official sources (vedur.is, safetravel.is) before visiting any active or recently active site. Volcanic gases can pool in low areas and become deadly without any visible warning.

🌌 Northern lights driving

If you stop to watch the aurora, pull fully off the road into a designated parking area and turn off your headlights only after parking. Stopping on the shoulder of a dark highway is a leading cause of accidents in winter.

🏔️ High winds at sea cliffs

At Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg, Reynisfjara and similar locations, gusts can exceed 30 m/s and physically push you over the edge. Stay well back from cliff edges and keep a firm grip on children.

❄️ Winter driving

Roads can be icy from October to April. Use studded tires (legally allowed Nov-Apr), check road.is before every trip, and never drive faster than conditions allow. If a road is marked closed, do not enter — even if it looks fine.

Tips Before You Set Out

Save 112 in your phone contacts before your trip.
Install the 112 Iceland app and try the check-in feature once at home.
Register your travel plan on safetravel.is for any highland or multi-day trip.
Check vedur.is (weather) and road.is (roads) every morning before driving.
Tell someone — your hotel, a friend, a family member — where you are going and when you expect to return.
Carry water, snacks, warm layers and a fully charged phone, even for short excursions.
If a sign says "stay on the path", "do not enter", or "danger" — believe it.
In doubt, ask a local. Icelanders are generally happy to help.

Iceland Tourist App

This page is part of the Iceland Tourist app — your guide to landmarks, trips and stamps across the country. Safety information is provided as a general reference and does not replace official guidance from Icelandic authorities. Always follow on-site signs, rangers and emergency services.

For questions about this app, contact support@vefhjalp.is.