Iceland has stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, ranging from cascading waterfalls and majestic glaciers to dramatic volcanoes and geysers. Tourists from all over the world have reached Iceland to experience its natural exquisiteness. At the same time, the country’s rugged terrain and often unpredictable weather can make it challenging for travelers.
Iceland tours should be very conscious of the critical weather changes and always be prepared to handle fluctuations that arrive. This guide helps you learn how to handle critical situations while on vacation in Iceland, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Understand the Unique Environment of Iceland
As the sides of a coin, Iceland’s environment is both beautiful and dangerous. Iceland is situated just below the Arctic Circle, which makes the weather change there unpredictable. This may lead to heavy rainfall, snowstorms, and high winds, which are common even in summer months.
In addition to that, Iceland’s geography also includes volcanoes, glaciers, rugged coastal cliffs, and geothermal areas that include risks such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, or accidents in the wild. While traveling, always check the weather forecast, especially when entering the wilderness, and be aware of any weather warnings or natural events like volcanic eruptions.
Ensure Proper Health and Travel Insurance
Take the proper insurance coverage. Also, ensure that your insurance covers the possibility of accidents or illnesses. Check the fine print to ensure that your policy covers specific activities that you plan to engage in, such as hiking, glacier walking, or any other adventure sports.
Know How to Contact Emergency Services
Be aware of the emergency number in Iceland 112, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. This is the only number you must remember for any type of help you need in your emergency. In addition, when hiking or traveling to remote areas, use Iceland’s national emergency app, 112 Iceland, which allows you to share your location with the emergency team, making it easier for them to find you if you are lost or injured.
Stay Informed About Weather and Road Conditions
It is better to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting out in Iceland, as the weather is unpredictable. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration provides real-time updates on road closures, construction, and hazardous conditions. Also, SafeTravel offers detailed information about travel warnings and other helpful information for travelers.
Prepare for Natural Disasters
Be prepared for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, geysers, hot springs, etc. Understand the risks and familiarize yourself with the necessary factors authorities say during such eruptions. At the time of an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on until the shaking stops. Avoid buildings and structures during an earthquake. Follow the safety signs and local guidelines when visiting geothermal sites like Geysir and the Blue Lagoon. Also, avoid the closer view of it.
Understand the Risks of Outdoor Activities
Iceland offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, glacier walks, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. It is very thrilling, but it also has risks. When hiking, dress in layers, as weather conditions can shift quickly. Also, bring enough food, water, and a first aid kit. It is better to go hiking with a guide and do other activities. Never attempt to explore glaciers or ice caves on your own.
Carefully go on with Iceland’s driving laws and regulations if you are going for off-road activities. It is better to drive on marked roads and avoid venturing into areas inaccessible by regular vehicles.
Have the Right Gear
Includes waterproof and windproof outer layers of clothes while packing for the trip. Good quality jackets, pants, hats, gloves, sturdy boots, and so on are the most important factors for the Iceland trip. Also, a reliable map, compass, and GPS device are significant for outdoor navigation. A well-qualified mobile set with a good battery capacity is necessary to handle GPS.
Together with all of these, carry a basic first aid kit, extra food and water, a flashlight, a power bank for your phone, and a multi-tool or knife. Furthermore, if you are traveling in winter, make sure your car has an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, and extra water.
Understand the Risks of Driving in Iceland
As the roads of Iceland are very challenging, especially in winter, it is essential to be aware of specific driving hazards. You can see gravel roads, narrow bridges, and unpaved paths, which are common in Iceland, especially in rural areas where you must be more alert and conscious while driving. Here, the weather conditions can turn worse, which makes driving dangerous. During winter, snow and ice make roads slippery and difficult to drive. In addition, if you plan to drive to remote areas like the highlands, be well prepared for limited cell service and isolated stretches of road. It is better to carry extra fuel, as gas stations can be limited in many places.
What All You Can Do in Case of an Emergency
It is nice to be prepared to face challenges and emergencies even after taking precautions. One’s mental ability to face unexpected events in life is very important. If you have an emergency in Iceland, stay calm. Don’t panic. Try to be as calm as possible and slowly get into the situation. Then, contact emergency services at number 112 and provide the correct details.
Patiently hear the instructions and follow them as such. Hence, there is no other option for your safety. Lastly, if you are standing in bad weather, try to find shelter in your car or the next building. Strictly avoid traveling in this worst situation.
Conclusion
From the above guide, it is clear that traveling to the dramatic country of Iceland requires you to take precautions against its unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. With good preparation, awareness of Iceland’s weather conditions, and knowledge of the emergency service number, you can have a peaceful and safe journey. With proper planning, you can have unforgettable days in Iceland and smoothly handle the emergencies on your vacation.
