Be Safe in Reykjavik

There are very few health or safety concerns for visitors to Iceland. The extreme weather conditions in the wilderness areas can pose a threat, and these are areas you should not visit on your own. The most significant safety issue you might encounter is the drunk and disorderly crowd around the bars in Reykjavik in the early hours of the morning.

Health

Iceland has negligible amounts of pollution, and overall is one of the healthier places you could visit: even surface water here is generally potable. The worst worry is exposure to extreme weather conditions. In wilderness areas, high winds and blizzards can arise with little or no warning. You are advised not to go into the wilderness alone or unequipped. 

EU citizens temporarily visiting Iceland are entitled to emergency medical care on presentation of a passport and a European Health Insurance Card. There is, in addition, a fee charged for each consultation and service received, which is set by government regulation. This fee is the same amount that is charged to citizens of Iceland.

Emergencies services: 112

Safety

This is one of the safest destinations you could choose to visit. Crime does exist, but it's not a significant problem for tourists. That said, if you’re out and about around 04:00 or 05:00, you may run into some drunk and disorderly types near the bars in central Reykjavik. There shouldn’t be any problems as long as you avoid confrontations and political arguments. 

Many of the drinkers you encounter may have been drinking landi at home before coming out to the bars. This is a dangerous and potent type of moonshine, created from rubbing alcohol. It may be cheap, but it can cause numerous health problems, blindness and death. You may also see some homeless people around the Hlemmur Bus Station, and although they may act in a bizarre manner, they most likely won’t bother you at all.