Planning your first trip to Iceland? Beyond its famous glaciers, waterfalls, and Northern Lights, Iceland has a few everyday surprises that delight first-time visitors.
Here are some fun facts that will definitely prove useful to know during your visit:
The delicious Icelandic water
No need to ever buy water! Iceland is home to some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. Thanks to its volcanic geology and natural filtration, tap water comes directly from pristine springs and glaciers.
It is totally safe to drink everywhere—hotels, restaurants, gas stations. It is actually delicious!
(Hot water may smell a bit like sulfur… totally normal!)
Travel tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill as you explore. It’s convenient, eco-friendly, and very Icelandic.
Why Umbrellas Don’t Work in Iceland
Rain is common in Iceland—but umbrellas are not. The reason? Wind, which makes umbrellas totally useless.
Icelandic winds can get pretty wild, an umbrella might just take you away!
Travel tip: Pack waterproof and layers.
The cats own Reykjavik city
In Reykjavík, cats are everywhere—and they’re very much part of the city’s charm. You can see them often roaming freely around the capital, spotted napping in shop windows, strolling casually into cafés, or simply looking for cuddles from visitors.
Many of these cats are well known and deeply loved by locals. One good example is Baktus. A large black and white cat that resides at one of the shops in Fiskislóð street. He is frequently seen enjoying long naps atop wool blankets in the Icewear Magasin shop window, happily overseeing passersby.
If you like to follow more of his adventures, visit his instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baktusthecat/?hl=es
Visitor etiquette: Enjoy watching and photographing them, but let the cat decide if it wants attention. You’re not visiting their city—they’re letting you visit.
The cozy outdoor pools
Iceland may be cold, but locals love their warm outdoor pools.
The thing is that these pools are warm and cozy. It is a very popular activity all year around amongst icelanders.
Heated naturally by geothermal energy, they’re open year-round and found throughout Reykjavík and nearly every town. Even in the coldest months they still open, and trust us, they are super warm and cozy!
These pools are more than just a place to relax, they are social hubs—locals often meet here for a chat instead of coffee.
Travel tip: Icelandic pools use little or no chlorine. Guests must follow the showering and hygiene rules before entering.
The Sun does it´s own thing
Due to Iceland’s unique location, daylight behaves very differently here.
In the Winter months, you will barely see the sun, specially around the Winter Solstice (December 21st). The days are always short and calm, creating a cozy atmosphere with soft, moody light.
Meanwhile in the Summer months, you will experience the opposite. The hours of light are long, expect sunsets by 11PM during the midnight season, which by the way, are spectacular!
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Contact us—we’re happy to share insider tips on the best pools to visit and the most spectacular sunset spots.
