Iceland, with its stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes, has become a hot destination for travelers seeking adventure and breathtaking experiences. Whether you’re exploring glaciers, chasing waterfalls, or relaxing in geothermal pools, the right tools can greatly enhance your Icelandic journey. In this article, we’ll present some of the most essential apps for trips in Iceland that will help you navigate the land of fire and ice with ease.
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TAKE ME THERE ICELAND
This is undoubtedly the best app for independent travelers looking for a comprehensive solution for trip planning, booking accommodations tailored to their itinerary, and activities along the way. The app offers a wide range of routes and allows easy point-to-point navigation during the trip. It’s very user-friendly and, of course, free to use.
Itineraries – A vast selection of 50 ready-made and updated itineraries with all the points of interest and recommendations for each day, including hotels, restaurants, and guided activities. You determine when, for how many days, and the nature of the trip; the app takes care of the rest!
Navigation – Navigate through the app using Google Maps. Simple and easy navigation to any point on the itinerary.
Hotels – Easily and quickly book hotels for each night according to the chosen route.
Guided Activities – For each day in the itinerary, you’ll receive recommendations for guided activities such as whale watching, Zodiac boat tours in glacial lagoons, snowmobiling, and more. Through the app, you’ll know exactly what to book and when, making it easy to secure your activities quickly and securely.
A complete trip plan including all the waypoints, hotels recommendations, activities and more.
- TAKE ME THERE ICELAND – Web
- TAKE ME THERE on Android
- TAKE ME THERE on IOS
Icelandic Meteorological Office (Vedur)
Iceland’s ever-changing weather can be unpredictable. To stay safe and make the most of your trip, the Icelandic Meteorological Office app is essential. It provides real-time weather updates, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation forecasts. It also offers alerts for severe weather conditions, which can be crucial when traveling in this rugged environment.
A trusted source for ensuring safety and efficiency in society. IMO serves as a crucial hub dedicated to enhancing safety and efficiency in society. Diligently monitor, analyze, and interpret natural processes and hazards, providing valuable insights and information to the public.
Offering informed advice, counsel, and timely warnings and forecasts empower individuals and communities to make well-informed decisions.
Issuing alerts for natural hazards, including volcanic ash, extreme weather, and flooding, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public and aviation safety.
Risk Assessments: Undertaking risk assessments for natural hazards, contributing to informed decision-making and proactive safety measures, upon government request.
Detailed and reliable weather forecast for days and regions in Iceland.
Vegagerðin
The website displays real-time road conditions. At any given moment, you can check the status of each road in Iceland – whether it’s open or closed, the level of traffic, the condition of snow and ice on the road, and more. In the Road Network Viewer, additional data can be found, such as wind strength and direction on the road, and whether it’s a paved or gravel road. You can also view cameras scattered throughout the country and receive alerts about road closures and specific events on certain roads. During the transitional seasons and in winter, it is essential to check the road conditions every day. Before any journey on F roads, make sure the road is open and passable.
SafeTravel
Safety is paramount in Iceland, especially as the harsh terrain can pose risks even to the most experienced travelers. SafeTravel Iceland is a crucial app for ensuring your well-being. It provides real-time travel alerts and information on road conditions. You can also use it to share your travel plans with authorities, providing a safety net in case of emergencies.
Reliable weather alerts and road conditions notifications.
Parka
Parka is a useful app for explorers in Iceland, providing a convenient solution for parking in the country. With a user-friendly interface, Parka helps you locate and save parking spaces, making navigation easier. The app provides valuable information about available parking options, whether you’re in Reykjavik or in the wilderness. Parka simplifies the parking process, allowing you to focus on exploring Iceland’s breathtaking sights without the hassle of searching for parking spots.
Easy parking solution in Iceland
My Aurora Forecast Iceland
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a small but enchanting experience, yet catching the subtle auroras can be challenging. The My Aurora Forecast Iceland app provides real-time aurora predictions, increasing your chances of seeing this magical phenomenon. It offers information on cloud cover, solar activity, and the best viewing points.
Accurate forecast for the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Appy Hour Iceland
A journey in Iceland can work up an appetite, and dining out can be expensive. Appy Hour Iceland is a useful app that helps you find the best happy hours and discounts at bars and restaurants throughout the country. It’s an excellent way to save money while still enjoying local cuisine and drinks.
Google Maps
While Google Maps is a universal tool, its value is particularly significant in Iceland due to its vast and often unmarked landscapes. It provides detailed maps, directions, and real-time traffic information. A unique feature is the ability to download maps offline before your trip, ensuring you can navigate even in remote areas without a data connection.
Google Maps offers comprehensive and accurate maps that cover virtually every corner of the globe. Users can zoom in to street level, exploring neighborhoods, landmarks, and even the interiors of select businesses. The maps are enriched with data on points of interest, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and more.
Street View: One of the standout features of Google Maps is Street View, allowing users to virtually explore streets and neighborhoods. This immersive experience provides a visual understanding of a location before you even arrive, making it easier to recognize landmarks and destinations.
Offline Maps: A particularly useful feature, especially for travelers, is the ability to download maps for offline use. This is a game-changer in areas with limited connectivity or high roaming charges. Users can download maps for entire cities or regions, ensuring access to navigation even without an internet connection.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is renowned for its vast database of reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more. Users can access real opinions from fellow travelers, providing invaluable insights into the quality and experiences offered by various establishments. The app provides detailed information about destinations, including popular attractions, historical sites, and hidden gems. Users can explore articles, photos, and travel guides curated by both experts and fellow travelers, making it easier to plan a well-informed itinerary.
Traveler Forums and Community: A unique aspect of TripAdvisor is its active traveler community. The app features forums where users can ask questions, seek advice, and share their own travel experiences. This community-driven approach adds a personal touch to travel planning, allowing users to benefit from the collective wisdom of seasoned travelers.
A Few More Essential Apps to Have on Your Iceland Self-Driving Journey:
Strætó
The largest and central bus company in Iceland, the company operates urban lines in the metropolitan area of Reykjavik and intercity lines connecting various destinations across the country, including direct routes to Akureyri, Hofn, and Borgarnes. Through the application, users can view timetables, plan routes using the Route Planner, track the arrival times of nearby buses, and purchase travel tickets.
112.is
The Icelandic equivalent of 911 is 112. In case of emergencies of any kind, you can call this number or reach out via chat on their website or through the app. Telephone: +354 570 2000
Icelandair
Icelandair, the national airline, has been connecting Iceland with North America and Europe since 1937. Standout features include the “Stopover Buddy Program,” letting you explore Iceland during layovers for an unforgettable experience.
With a commitment to sustainability, Icelandair operates a modern fleet, offering various travel classes from Economy to Saga Premium. The airline prioritizes passenger safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
For convenient travel, Icelandair provides a user-friendly website and mobile app. Easily book flights, manage reservations, and access essential travel information.
Wapp
Outstanding Icelandic App for Hiking Exploration
Experience the beauty of Iceland’s diverse landscapes with this excellent Icelandic app dedicated to providing information and navigation for hiking trails across the country. Offering a wide range of both popular and lesser-known routes, the app caters to various fitness levels.
Explore all available trails in your area through the map view and download your desired hiking route for offline navigation during your journey. The app also provides intriguing information about points of interest along the trails, enhancing your hiking experience. Discover Iceland’s breathtaking scenery with this comprehensive hiking app.
Several Useful websites for Traveling in Iceland:
Herjólfur – A Ferry to Westman Islands
Ferry from Landeyjahöfn Harbor in southern Iceland (or alternate harbor) to the largest island in the Westman Islands. On the website, you can view the ferry schedule and pre-book a spot (highly recommended, especially in the summer). The site also provides updates regarding the departure point of the ferry (in case of challenging weather, the departure may relocate to Þorlákshöfn Harbor. Additionally, there are fixed hours when the ferry departs from this harbor).
Seatours – Western Fjords-Snæfellsnes Ferry
The company operates the ferry from the Western Fjords to Stykkishólmur Harbor in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (and vice versa). On the website, you can check the ferry schedules and pre-book a spot (highly recommended, especially in the summer) for passengers and vehicle transport. It is also possible to book a ferry with an extended stop at Flatey Island. The ferry is the shortest and most convenient way to travel from/to the Western Fjords without the need for a long drive on gravel roads.
Airport direct – Buses and Shuttles from the Airport
A company that operates buses and shuttles from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik and vice versa. They offer pick-up or drop-off services from hotels.
Airport taxi
Taxi Station in Keflavik that operates taxi services from the airport to Keflavik, Reykjavik, and surrounding towns.
