Is water safe to drink in Iceland?

Yes, the water is perfectly 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

Iceland Retreat: Golden Circle

4 Days From 1255

This four-day trip starts and ends in Reykjavik, includes a stay on a sustainable...

View Trip

Northern Lights Escape

6 Days From 1620

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

View Trip

Iceland Express

5 Days From 1055

Tour green Iceland on a five-day Lonely Planet Experience, visiting Reykjavik, the...

View Trip

Iceland Discovery

8 Days From 2795

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

View Trip

Ages 18 to 29

One Week Camping in Iceland

7 Days From 1296

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

View Trip

Tailor-Made trips

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

Learn More

Best of the Western Arctic: Canada and Greenland

20 Days From 28690

Embark on an Arctic expedition to remote parts of Canada and Greenland – in search of...

View Trip

East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights

14 Days From 14995

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

View Trip

Spitsbergen, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland

18 Days From 16165

Voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago, Jan Mayer Island and...

View Trip

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Northbound

15 Days From 13235

Explore some of the world’s last great wildernesses, with an Arctic expedition in...

View Trip

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

15 Days From 23690

From Oslo, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a 15...

View Trip

Essential Greenland: Southern Coasts and Disko Bay

15 Days From 13925

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

View Trip

Greenland Adventure by Sea, Land and Air

9 Days From 11240

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

View Trip

Show more trips

×