Icelandic Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules You Should Know

Iceland has around 390,000 people. That is roughly the size of a small city anywhere else. You run into the same faces, your waiter turns out to be your tour guide's cousin, and someone at the hot pot will definitely know your Airbnb host. We are used to this. Visitors are often surprised by it.

That smallness shapes how Icelanders interact, and visitors who understand a few unwritten rules will have a much better time. These are not things you will find on a sign at the airport. They are just how things work here.

Take your shoes off at the door

The most important rule when entering an Icelandic home: shoes off at the door. Not halfway down the hallway. At the door.

Nobody will say anything if you forget. You will just notice everyone else's shoes lined up by the entrance and understand immediately. It is one of those customs so automatic for us that we rarely think about it, which is exactly why it catches visitors off guard. Casual visit, dinner party, quick drop-in: shoes off, every time.

Respect personal space and privacy

Icelanders are known for their reserved demeanour and value for personal space.

While this should not be mistaken for coldness, it's important to be mindful of this cultural trait, particularly when interacting with strangers.

Icelanders are not cold. But we are not going to pretend we are your best friend after one conversation either. You might have an amazing chat with someone at a bar and then pass them on Laugavegur the next day and get nothing more than a quick 'Hæ' (sounds just like 'hi'). That is normal here. It does not mean anything went wrong.

Avoid standing too closely to someone in public places, such as queues or public transport, and keep a respectful distance during conversations unless invited to come closer.

Moreover, privacy is highly regarded in Iceland, and it's generally considered inappropriate to pry into someone's personal life without a deeper existing connection.

Remember to be tactful with your questions, allowing your conversation partner to reveal more about themselves at their discretion.

Punctuality and time management

While Icelanders appreciate the importance of punctuality, their approach to time management can sometimes appear more relaxed, especially in social settings.

Do not be surprised if a casual gathering starts a little later than scheduled, but for formal events or appointments, it's best to arrive on time.

When planning trips and outdoor activities, be aware that variable weather conditions might affect schedules and itineraries. Being flexible and understanding of unforeseen circumstances is essential to ensure a smooth experience during your stay in Iceland.

Greetings and introductions

In Iceland, a simple handshake along with a smile is the customary greeting for both new acquaintances and familiar friends.

Hugs and kisses are mostly reserved for close connections and family members.

When meeting someone for the first time, address them by their first name, as Icelanders do not typically use formal titles or surnames in social interactions.

Iceland does not use surnames the way most countries do. Icelanders use patronymics, meaning your last name is your father's first name plus -son or -dottir. This is why everyone goes by first names, including the president. Calling someone 'Mr. Jonsson' would sound strange.

It's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with a few basic phrases in Icelandic, such as

"Hæ" (hello), "Bless" (goodbye) and "Takk" (thank you).

Though the overwhelming majority of locals speak fluent English, your efforts to engage with their native tongue will certainly be appreciated.

Conversation topics and humour

Icelanders take great pride in their country and often engage in lively discussions about politics, history and literature. Reykjavík itself has a fascinating history stretching back to 874 AD, when the first Norse settlers arrived, a story worth knowing before your visit.

Icelanders are happy to talk about their country, the weather (always a safe topic because it changes every ten minutes), food, travel, and music. Avoid leading with questions about how expensive everything is. Icelanders know their country is expensive. They live in it.

However, as a foreigner, it is wise to adopt a neutral stance and approach sensitive topics with tact to avoid inadvertently offending your Icelandic interlocutors.

Additionally, while Icelandic people are known for their dry wit and sardonic sense of humour, sarcasm or irony may occasionally be lost in translation for those unfamiliar with the culture.

Until you become more acquainted with their unique brand of humour, approach jokes and witty remarks with caution to prevent misunderstandings.

Tipping and hospitality

In Iceland, tipping is not a common practice, as service charges are usually included in the bill at hotels, restaurants and other service establishments.

However, if you are particularly impressed with the service or wish to show appreciation, a small gratuity will not be refused.

To be clear: nobody in Iceland expects a tip. Wages in the service industry are included in the price. Tipping will not offend anyone, but leaving nothing is completely normal and nobody will think twice.

Icelanders are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, and it is not uncommon for travellers to be invited into a local's home for a meal or gathering.

If you have the opportunity to attend such an event, remember to show gratitude for your hosts' generosity through words, gifts or an offer to assist with preparations or tidying up.

Environmental awareness and sustainable tourism

Iceland's remarkable landscapes are a major draw for countless visitors, but the delicate balance of its ecosystems is vulnerable to the impact of increased tourism.

It is crucial to respect the environment and leave no trace during your explorations, refraining from littering, disturbing wildlife or straying off marked paths.

This is especially important with moss. Icelandic moss takes decades to grow and a single footprint can destroy years of growth. If you see thick green moss, stay on the path.

To further promote sustainability, consider patronising eco-friendly establishments and participating in carbon offset programmes.

Adhering to these guidelines not only enhances your experience, but also helps preserve the pristine beauty of Iceland for future generations.

The left lane is for overtaking

This is for tourists who rent cars, which is most visitors.

On Icelandic roads, the left lane is for overtaking. Move into it, pass the vehicle ahead, and return to the right. It is not a second driving lane. Tourists who treat both lanes as equivalent and cruise in the left lane at the same speed as traffic in the right lane create significant frustration, especially on the Ring Road where that pattern backs up for kilometres.

It sounds like a minor technicality. It is one of the things that genuinely irritates us during tourist season. Stay right, pass left, return right.

More broadly: treating locals as a free tourist information service wears thin quickly. Icelanders will generally help if you are genuinely lost. Repeatedly stopping strangers to ask for recommendations, photos, or explanations of Icelandic culture is different. Book a guide if you want local knowledge. Let people get on with their day.

The hot pot is Iceland's living room

Every public swimming pool in Iceland has a hot pot: a small geothermal soaking tub where people sit after their swim. It looks like an amenity. It functions closer to a village square.

We go to the hot pot the way people in other countries go to a café or a bar. It is where we decompress after work, catch up with neighbours, and often end up in conversation with complete strangers. Our usual reserve can soften here. If a conversation is already going in the tub, it is not unusual for someone new to join in. You leave knowing something about the person next to you that you did not know an hour earlier.

This does not happen every time. If the tub is quiet, it is quiet, and you do not force it. But the hot pot is one of the few genuinely social public spaces in Iceland.

If you are in Iceland for more than a few days, visit a local pool rather than only the Blue Lagoon. A neighbourhood pool in Reykjavík, or a pool in whatever town you pass through. Sitting in a hot pot while it snows outside is one of the genuine pleasures of living here.

Bathing and swimming etiquette

Every swimming pool in Iceland requires you to shower without a swimsuit before entering the pool. This is not optional. There are signs, and the staff will send you back if you skip it. It is a hygiene rule that Icelanders take seriously, and ignoring it is one of the fastest ways to annoy everyone at the pool.

Soaking in geothermal pools and hot springs, from the world-famous Blue Lagoon to remote hillside pools, is a popular Icelandic pastime but comes with its own set of unwritten rules. First and foremost, adhere to strict hygiene standards by showering thoroughly without swimwear before entering any public swimming or bathing area. In more remote hot springs or geothermal pools, always follow posted rules and local customs concerning clothing and cleanliness.

Additionally, be aware of local opinions when using popular locations, such as geothermal spas or remote hot springs.

Avoid excessive noise and ensure to respect the tranquillity of these unique settings, allowing both locals and fellow tourists to fully immerse themselves in the healing properties of Iceland's geothermal waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tip in Iceland? Tipping is not expected in Iceland. Service charges are included in restaurant and hotel prices. Icelanders do not tip taxi drivers, bartenders, or hairdressers. Leaving a small tip is appreciated but nobody will expect it.

Is it rude not to take your shoes off in Iceland? Yes, always remove your shoes when entering an Icelandic home. This is one of the most important social customs in Iceland. Even if your host does not ask, take them off at the door.

What is the hot pot and can I join a conversation there? The hot pot is a small geothermal soaking tub found at every public pool in Iceland. It functions as a genuine social space. Strangers do talk to each other there, and joining a conversation that is already going is completely acceptable. Keep your voice down and do not be in a hurry.

What should you not do as a tourist in Iceland? Do not walk on moss-covered lava fields, drive off marked roads, leave litter, or fly drones near nesting birds. Icelanders take environmental protection seriously. Also avoid talking loudly on public transport and always shower without a swimsuit before entering pools.

Do Icelanders speak English? Almost all Icelanders speak English fluently, especially younger generations. English is taught from primary school. You will not need to learn Icelandic to get around, though locals appreciate the effort of learning a few basic words.

What is the drinking culture like in Iceland? Alcohol is only sold in state-run Vinbudin stores, not in supermarkets. Icelanders tend to drink less during the week but go out on Friday and Saturday nights. The legal drinking age is 20, and drink-driving laws are extremely strict.

What should I bring if invited to an Icelandic home? A bottle of wine or spirits from a Vínbúðin store is a standard and welcome gesture. Flowers are also a good choice.

What actually bothers Icelanders about tourists? Two things come up most: treating every local as a personal tour guide, and, for drivers, occupying the left lane at driving speed instead of using it only to overtake.

Experience Iceland's culture with confidence

Now that you're equipped with the essential etiquette guidelines for navigating Icelandic culture, you're poised to make the most of your journey through this awe-inspiring country.

By understanding and respecting the local customs, you will not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to creating a harmonious relationship between Icelanders and foreign travellers.