Europe

Iceland

Location

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, north-west of the UK.

There are few safety concerns in Iceland. Be aware of petty theft. Personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, cold weather injuries, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.
Do not underestimate the terrain if away from the major places.

Local water is safe to drink.

Mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, ice-fields; coast deeply indented by bays and fjords.

Temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers.

Earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Hospital: Landspitalinn, v/Hringbraut, Reykjavik 101. Tel: 560 1000

Water pollution from fertiliser runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment.

Distances between towns can be great. Narrow and winding roads with low speed limits make for long travel times. Conditions may be hazardous and roads impassable, especially in winter. Winter tyres are mandatory from November to April. Fines for exceeding speed limits are high.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.