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 3020

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

9 Days From 5193

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

5 Days From 1161

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

6 Days From 1900

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

8 Days From 3435

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 2135

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

7 Days From 1288

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

15 Days From 10850

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

18 Days From 13050

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

15 Days From 11350

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

9 Days From 8850

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

15 Days From 10850

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

14 Days From 10200

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

12 Days From 9900

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

11 Days From 10200

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