5 DOS and DON'TS in Iceland 🇮🇸 Tips for visitors from a local Icelander 💡

[@catiewitt2621]

I booked all my tours through Wake Up Reykjavik and I’m so thankful that I got to work with local small businesses and guides! I had only amazing things to say about all my tours and guides. And the food tour was MY FAV!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

And we are sooo thankful to hear that you came and joined our fun tour! 🧡

[@chrispease6939]

About how much did you spend total Getting there. Staying there and coming back. I’m definitely wanting to go so bad but idk how much to save

[@catiewitt2621]

@ I stayed four nights and 5 days. With my flight, hotel, and all the excursions plus food, I think I spent roughly $2000. That was flying out of Chicago!

[@brettelizabethspore]

I find your videos concise and entertaining. Thank you for giving me so much insight into Iceland.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Oh thank YOU for the sweetest comment! 🧡 We sure hope to see you here one day!

[@karenjohnson5634]

My mom, my aunt, and I have booked our trip to Iceland for the end of January 2025!!! I cannot wait! My dream is to see the northern lights and pray I can see them! I can’t wait to explore your beautiful country and meet people! I still can’t believe I’m really going!!! Pinch me!! 😂😊❤

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Oh wow hooow cool!!! There is so much fun to do here in January, definitely check out or Winter in Iceland video for more information on that 🥳

[@karenjohnson5634]

@@WakeUpReykjavik.thank you for responding! I’m heading over to that video now!!❤❤😊😊

[@olajanus9328]

Hey, I’m also planning to go in January 2025. Hope you enjoy

[@Purple-Family-88]

Have fun enjoy & take alot of pictures & videos. Once in a lifetime adventures.

[@bammalife8387]

Have fun

[@a90.a.todas.partes]

I'm really looking forward to moving to Iceland to work and live. The language is proving to be a bit challenging, but I'm putting a lot of effort into learning it. Greetings from Argentina.

[@HuxtableTV]

How nice.

[@enduringbird]

The sneaker waves are no joke. We watched someone almost get taken at that beach. There hadn't been a wave for a while so some people got bold. Then, bam, a wave out of no where and everyone ran but an older gentleman fell and we watched the wave completely wash over him and I expected him to be gone but when the wave receded he was clinging to the sand with his finger tips. It was scary. Don't get complacent. The ocean will swallow you.

[@asbisi]

It happens so fast. People die there. I wish they would listen to the guides and read the warning signs - instead of putting smiley stickers on them!

[@valkyr8]

I did the food tour my first day and had the best time!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

That's awesome to hear! 🧡 Thanks for joining in and watching!

[@CyndiTroke]

Iceland has always been a dream of mine So excited my dream is going to come true April 28

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

How awesome! We sure can't wait to see you then! 🥳

[@terrykuhl]

See you Monday!

[@jackglabere6653]

I had fiens who were stationed in Iceland in the service. They all remarked about the beauty and friendliness of the people.

[@Ranfla64]

We take our shoes off in Canada as well

[@throughthewindowpane]

We did a glacier walk last week. Although there are no ice caves in summer, there was a possibility to go down into the glacier and see the blue ice. It was incredible!

[@john82490]

I booked my food tour with your team yesterday. I can't wait to be in Iceland!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Yaaayy! Thank you so much! ☺️🧡

[@tagretz]

thanx for informations, now I´m even more excited to visit iceland in january...Best wishes from germany, Marco

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

You are so welcome! And we can't wait to see you soon!

[@semit638]

Ich war zweimal in Island. Das erstemal für 1 woche im 2022 und das zweitemal für 2 wochen in 2023. Nun lerne ich Isländisch, im selbst studium mit einer App und einem Heft für anfänger. Island gefällt mir so sehr, dass ich nach Island auswandern möchte.😊

[@The_RedVIII]

Ich spiel mit dem Gedanken seit Jahren, obwohl ich noch nie dort war. Aber ich weiß nicht wie viele Jahre ich die Hitze in meiner Heimatstadt noch aushalte, und mit Island liebäugle ich schon immer. Aber naja, ist halt alles nicht so einfach...

[@fredwardfortyhands7928]

One more thing about the road- look up how roundabouts work in Iceland. About 1/4 of all accidents that happen in roundabouts involve tourists. The gist is that the inside (left) lane has right of way, so if you are on the outside lane trying to go straight (2nd exit), you must yield to anyone on the inside trying to turn right (1st exit). I bring this up because I was the tourist who didn’t know the rules and I got into a fender bender before even reaching Reykjavík from the airport 🥲

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

A great point! ⭕️ Driving here sure can be tricky 🚙

[@chezellis]

I'm glad KZbin brought up your videos. Unfortunately, we're coming into Iceland on a cruise ship, so 7 hours in Akureryi, 6 hours in Isafjordur (assuming we can even tender in) and then a day and a half in Reykjavik doesn't leave room for much except little samplers, but your videos are very informative. Thank you.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

I'm so happy to hear you found us! But there is plenty to do in Reykjavík with a day and a half, you could probably do a Food Walk + Puffin tour and then check out some landmarks like Perlan museum 🥳

[@islemkarmous4273]

thank you ❤

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

thank YOU for watching 🥰

[@charlottethornton3343]

Another great video! Have learned so much from your videos. All my tours with your agency are booked and counting down the days until we get to explore your beautiful country!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Thank you so much for watching, we really appreciate it! And we can't WAIT to see you here soon 🇮🇸

[@robertwhite-photography]

Thank you... see you in early December 2024!

[@meszaros-doboskory9493]

We are here now also.

[@hulda4ever]

How was it??

[@robertwhite-photography]

@@hulda4everit was unbelievable… I’ve put out two videos on the trip.

[@Heyyy746]

I may move to iceland if everythimg goes to plan😂I always watch your vids so i can learn more!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

How fun is that! Thanks for watching 🧡

[@thierrypauwels]

I went four times to Iceland, and every trip with guaranteed polar lights, at least 2 nights out of the 4 or so nights in Iceland.

[@anna-lenascl6150]

Do you also have vegetarian options or specialties for food from island ?😍

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Yes we do!! Just note it as you book! ☺️

[@Dave-pz6vs]

great info!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Glad it was helpful!

[@texasgrillchef8581]

I’m going this summer and doing a 14 day off road 4x4 journey into the middle of the country.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Awesome! Stay safe and have fun! 🤩

[@Genesis_06178]

Thank you so much for all of this wonderful information!! Can’t wait to visit Iceland for the first time In May !!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

You are so welcome! We can't WAIT to see you this May, enjoy it so much 🧡

[@blackpudding1000]

Icelandic cuisine: I survived 4 weeks in spring and another 4 weeks in Autumn on lamb soup. The best was at the N1 garage in Egilsstadir. ;-)

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

It's so good always!!!

[@terrykuhl]

We are going to Iceland, Madrid, and Rome. We don't want to haul our winter gear all throughout Europe. Any tips for that? We were thinking of shipping our winter coats home before we left Iceland.

[@deadendqueen5886]

I haven't done this, but I heard on another creators video that you can rent winter clothing and gear upon landing in Iceland. Shipping the coats back could be cheaper; something to look into though!

[@andrewlaurence8274]

I didn't know about the non-alcoholic beer and bought one. It was delicious. Now that my liver is kind of suboptimal and I've quit drinking, I like a good nonalcoholic beer.

[@beasamuel6050]

Thank you for all of your information l was in reykjavik on February l didn't see the northern lights but it was fantastic food people stunning coming back next year

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

You are so welcome! And we would LOVE to have you here again 🇮🇸

[@Barbiyaify]

I love this, thank you!

[@lairisyapping]

Iceland has been a dream trio of mine since I was 14 And I finally booked the trip for my 20th birthday in October 🥹🥹 I’m really hoping to see the northern lights but it wasn’t what originally made me fall in love with Iceland in the first place so if I don’t see them I know everything else I’ll see will be just as breath taking Now I’m just obsessively watching videos about Iceland to prepare for the trip 😅

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Oh WOW! How exciting! We can't wait to see you here soon! 🥳🧡

[@SondicoDenann]

I’ll be coming in Dec this year. I’ll definitely be reaching out to book trips with you!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

How exciting! We can't WAIT to see you here soon! 🧡🥳

[@mistermanager226]

I visited Iceland in 2018 and the local cuisine was great. I still dream of the rye bread ice cream at Cafe Loki. 11/10 would raid the European coastline for some.

[@UKBDTV1]

I like to visit Iceland 🇮🇸 summer time

[@rogerarthur6571]

I have had 3 holidays in Iceland, love it there, you should have mentioned whale watching trips from Reykjavik, that is a must, I drove from Reykjavik to Akureyri, I will never complain about the weather in England again, also in restaurants make sure you are not eating whale meat.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

We have some videos that talk about the Whale tours on our site! I agree - they are fantastic 🐳

[@alicialafetra9838]

Guđný, you all are the best! We miss you and Iceland!!! Takk fyrir! ❤

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Noo, you guys are! We sure hope to see you here again one day! 😍

[@alicialafetra9838]

@@WakeUpReykjavik. Same here, Guđný! Hugs from California to you, Dan, and the whole team!!! 🥰

[@zachfife7907]

Ms Gueny please tell us how they ferment the harkarl 🥰

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

That might be an interesting video! I'll add it to my list of topics ✍️

[@sulalee7413]

All sounds interesting. Subscribed for further videos, thanks :)

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Awesome, thank you! 🥳

[@rebeccaalvarado6595]

Appreciate the helpful hints and tips!!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

You are so welcome! 🧡 Thanks for watching!

[@sattursenthil]

Hai can you provide information regarding money exchange whether it is best to change money at airport or at a local money changer who gives better rate.

[@1103beka]

Do all your grocery stores have signs in German? 😂 Great video, as always.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Haha, there was a bit of a problem with finding b-rolls for this video hehe 🙈

[@heathertomczyk2822]

Weather sounds like North Carolina lol. 20s then 70s rain then shine

[@winnie24isis]

Fab video, off to Iceland in a couple of weeks❤

[@ShellieGonzalez-r5g]

I want to live in Iceland, seriously!

[@tanasay]

I just got back from Iceland two weeks ago. My daughter and I were on the way to the airport and were able to view lava from the eruption that took place on 22.8.24. I feel like that made the trip complete. The only bad thing was that the airline lost the suitcase containing my cold-weather gear. I had to make do in high winds with just a sweater and a borrowed windbreaker. Next time I go I'll pack much better!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Wow how special! And we sure are sorry to hear about that, a great tip is to check out icelandcover.com and simply rent the stuff you need - no need to worry about the packing hassle and even if the luggage gets lost, your still covered ✈️

[@stugotz20]

Gudný’s video’s are the absolute best. Every one gets me excited to visit Iceland on our trip this summer. Along with our many plans for our travels along the Ring Road, we cannot wait for our Reykjavik Food Walk Tour. I, not so much my wife, am looking forward to trying fermented shark. Well, maybe not so much but I am not leaving Iceland without try this local “delicacy”. Thanks again Gudny for the great videos.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Wow, how nice are you! 🥹 Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to commend 🧡 We sure are excited to see you here soon! 🧡

[@russlemarr398]

I'm hoping to get it there by the end of September

[@larrylutsky181]

I'll be there in early September. I can't wait to see your beautiful country!

[@pokecon886]

I am booked in to Iceland for September I can’t wait!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

And we can't wait to see you! 🥳

[@TracyAnderson-p6g]

We are also planning to visit Iceland in September. Thanks for the informative and entertaining video.

[@oscarfernandez1416]

Spend a week in iceland. Still trying to convince my wife to move to iceland. At least for the summer. Lol

[@sundark6503]

terrific video, ive signed up for the Reykjavic Spring Marathon in April. looking fwd to get there & explore. thinking of renting a car to explore the island.

[@sundark6503]

how do I book the 3 hour tour with a local Icelander? :)

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

How AWESOME! We can't WAIT to see you then and good luck! 🥳 you can book it here: wakeupreykjavik.com/tour/the-reykjavik-food-tour 😍

[@maidensviewmaidensview5669]

Luv your videos...hilarious and vvvvvvv informative...currently in Iceland and heading to blue lagoon tomorrow...thank u for all the tips.....iceland STUNNING .

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching! 🧡

[@DennisManlangit-hd4mz]

Iceland, here I come!

[@joanneherrman4437]

I hope you are our food tour guide!

[@delphiniapickett2934]

Pretty much like Tennessee the weather is unpredictable one week it'll be 60 the next week could be 42

[@HuxtableTV]

Thank you, excellent!

[@heathertomczyk2822]

These do and don’t are logical things for me lol but I suppose not for many others 😂

[@leonardbutler2231]

She very right about sneaker waves, they are dangerous. If you go to the black sand beach, you can walk safely far from the shore and still experience the waves, but don't venture to the edge of the shoreline. Be safe!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

This commenter knows what's up!

[@RM-vf3rn]

absoutley brill advice

[@SuperChicken666]

Sneaker waves. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.😮

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

As long as you watch the water and are careful - you will be safe! ☺️

[@selaymanarabi9012]

Goooooooooooood ❤

[@hailervaldivia6000]

Just booked my trip with my boyfriend for may 2025, 7 days. I’m so excited please tell me what is a way I can take advantage of the 7 days and see as much as possible

[@samueldickson5589]

Hi thank you for the fantastic video can please ask what is the best time to come to Iceland we planning for next year

[@nicholasgucz5729]

I am researching different countries to move to. Any advice on where to start? Iceland is a top contender for me.

[@michaelmellor]

Where is the link for recommendations on where to rent waterproof clothing? Thanks!

[@willonthewing2860]

Thanks for the tips. Will you be making a video about the 2026 solar eclipse? I'm wondering about the feasibility of seeing the eclipse on August 12 and then staying to try to see the Northern lights. I know from one of your videos that mid to late August may be too early to see the northern lights. I suppose there will be big crowds for the eclipse. What do you think?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

We are thinking about doing a Solar Eclipse event for 2026, perhaps we should do a video with that!? That might be cool! I think there will definitely be people who travel here for it - so I think booking early will be a wise move ☺️

[@alphaomega154]

are all the rules in skyrim applies in iceland? should i be worrying of encountering imperial soldiers or stormcloaks? does "thu'um" skills matters at all in iceland?

[@minookalantari]

Thank you

[@thierrypauwels]

Bets are open: which one will make you wait longer, wait for an eruption of Strokkur, or wait for someone to be caught by a wave at Reynisfjara ?

[@JanetSchroeder-cs6td]

We have booked 2 tours through you in June. One is the Blue Lagoon. We are coming from the US so get in at 7:00 am so we are stopping first at the Blue Lagoon. What is the best and fastest way to get from the Blue Lagoon to our hotel in the city? Thanks.

[@Specklewingdun]

More easily

[@adrianafw3727]

I am planning yo drive from vik i myrdal driving by our own to diamond beach? I need to be back in Kaltla for a tour, is it possible? Thank you for the advise

[@dougwahr4086]

I heard that the hotel shower water might have a sulfur smell?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Yes! Since the hot water comes directly from the ground, nothing added and nothing taken out - so it's naturally and geothermal heated. With that, you can get a slight sulfur smell but that's just the hot water faucet ☺️

[@boltyk1]

2:34 - what was that? hatna? what does it mean?

[@purpletc1]

Great tips!!! One more personal tip… if possible..Do see the puffins in season! The highlight of my holiday

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

That's a great add on tip, I will have to add it on when we do this video part 2 haha!

[@louisle9162]

I tried reading the sign in the clip when u mentioned read the signs for swimming... I failed to read the sign.

[@karenjohnson5634]

This may be a dumb question, but will I need to do anything different for cellphone service? I will be coming from the United States. Will I still be able to call back home while in Iceland?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Heyy there! No, it should work juuust fine 📞😍

[@MeghFitzpatrick]

Thanks for the great tips! Do you also have any tips for foreigners about how to plan bathroom breaks when self-touring around the country? I have heard it can be a challenge!

[@udaykumarangadi9279]

Indeed it is a task...just returned from Iceland 😢

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Hey there! Hmm not quite, I mean, most towns have gas stations with bathrooms? 🤔 so if you aim for those you should have them quite frequently!

[@crezborgia7253]

I was there 2 weeks ago. Absolutely spectacular country & the Icelanders were a blast! Great humour, friendly & so proud of their beautiful home. Loved it there!

[@FourthWayRanch]

Save your money and visit edmonton or labrador if you like cold weather

[@karensimon876]

That was rude.

[@M_Ladd]

Where does one stay when in Iceland?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Hey there! We always recommend staying in Reykjavík 101 downtown area to be close to all the action! The bars, restaurants and close to any pick up locations! 🥳

[@e3projects435]

Ok. So my first question and most probably the only important one I have. Is there Vodka?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Yes. Yes there is. p.s. I recommend Reyka 🧊

[@TrinidadSpinola-c4v]

Auer Plains

[@catiewitt2621]

I got to see someone be silly at the black sand beach.. so scary!

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Oh no! Not the way to go ☹️

[@BillLaBrie]

When I see a beautiful place with its own culture I stay away out of respect. I feel this way about Tibet, Japan, Iceland, and Disney World.

[@julesjma]

I will NEVER understand why people don't automatically remove their shoes when going into someone's home? Even if they say I don't have to, I do. Its just the right thing to do. I grew up in North Michigan, people ALWAYS walked into my parent's home with wet boots/shoes on. JUST RUDE.

[@Kait-mx6th]

I grew up on a farm with dogs and a wood stove. The floors remained clean for about 10 minutes then were always a mess. Removing your shoes was a great way to ruin your socks. As an adult with large dogs (and no carpets because they are so difficult to clean - house training a puppy anyone?), I do not remove my shoes or ask visitors to do so. To each their own!

[@lanuca73]

Qui in Italia è considerato maleducatissimo chiederlo. E sinceramente io preferisco il fango alla puzza di piedi altrui in casa...

[@NovaRoboticsJ6]

Do wear a seinfeld puffy shirt

[@ywueeee]

where to rent clothes or shoes?

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Check out IcelandCover.is they are also on KZbin! 🥳

[@fjordking]

How to order a alcohol drink in island? May i have a bank loan

[@azh374]

А ещё в Исландии нельзя есть желтый снег.

[@lewis376]

I like your accent

[@taiwojemilehin4465]

I wish to relocate to Iceland but I am not financially buoyant

[@clivewilliams3661]

We spent 2 weeks visiting friends in Reykjavik in 1981 and it was a stunning and memorable experience. 3 days was spent off-roading in the interior with our friends and their family that was an adventure in its own right. On the first day we had a lot of catching up to do with our friends and by 3am I was ready for a walk as it was still daylight and besides the kids were still playing football! When we entered Iceland via Keflavik I naturally picked up a case of beer at the duty free only to be told that it was only legal for air and ship crews to purchase, I think things have changed. We still have our Icelandic sweater and the pony pelt is still hanging on the wall and there is a 1/2 bottle of Brennivin aka 'Black Death' in the drinks cupboard.

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

What a nice comment 🧡 Thanks for sharing! And yes - beer is legal now since 1989 haha! If you ever come back - you have to hit us up! 😍

[@ricardoestee-wale1798]

More easy is correct; more easier is not.

[@99Zforgetaboutit]

DO check the chapter title spellings.

[@TheMistyCoast]

I would love to visit Iceland someday, but the fermented shark... absolutely not.

[@kailynnerexler890]

I love that your grocery store non-beer is almost the same amount of alcohol as actual American beer sold in bars 😅

[@WakeUpReykjavik.]

Haha right! 😅

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

This young woman is charming

[@bobbrown6430]

such a nice lady

[@rutalapenaite]

Nothing compares to you