Is tap water safe to drink in Iceland?

Yes, the water is safe to drink in Iceland. Unless marked otherwise, tap water is considered safe, and because of where it comes from, you know you're getting it in its purest form. Nearly all of Iceland's tap water is sourced from groundwater – stored deep in wells under the earth's surface. Icelandic water is free of chlorine, calcium, and nitrate, and undergoes strict monitoring, clearing it of microorganisms and other pollutants. If you are dispensing hot water from the tap, you may notice a faint sulphur smell as most hot water in Iceland is heated geothermally. To avoid this, it is best to boil cold water from the tap if you wish to make a hot drink.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Bring a reusable bottle or canteen (we recommend at least a 1.5-litre capacity) that can be refilled as needed.

Click to read about what to drink in Iceland

Click to return to Iceland FAQs

Our tours in Iceland

8 Days From 3935

See Iceland on this eight-day tour that travels to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle,...

9 Days From 6822

Discover Iceland’s geological wonders and welcoming people on an all-encompassing...

5 Days From 1540

Tour green Iceland on a five-day trip visiting Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, Vik,...

6 Days From 2295

Discover the unique beauty of Iceland. Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, touch the...

8 Days From 4150

Explore Iceland and hunt for the northern lights on a Premium adventure from Reykjavik...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

5 Days From 2580

Set off on a five-day circuit from Reykjavik, stay on a sustainable working farm and...

7 Days From 1564

Check out Iceland’s chilly treasures on a trip through Reykjavik, Hvolsvollur,...

15 Days From 12190

Cruise to three Arctic Islands – Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland – on this 15-day...

18 Days From 14590

Cruise to four Arctic Islands – Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland – on this...

15 Days From 12790

See all the highlights of the east, south and west coasts on this Arctic voyage around...

9 Days From 9990

Discover the fjords of Southern Greenland on this nine-day expedition, flying in and...

15 Days From 12190

From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...

14 Days From 11495

An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...

12 Days From 10690

Join Intrepid on a 12-day journey along some of Greenland's most remote coastline,...

11 Days From 10990

Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...