Top 10 Apps for Traveling in Iceland

Top 10 Apps for Traveling in Iceland

Verified expert

Iceland is magnificent to explore and easy with the help of apps.

What are the best mobile applications to download before traveling to Iceland? Which apps allow you to keep track of changing weather conditions, guide you along hiking trails, or give access to the public bus? Read on to discover the most helpful apps for your trip to Iceland.

In the age of digital innovation, smartphone applications have become essential tools for every facet of life, including travel. They have drastically simplified how we navigate unfamiliar territories, making journeys more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. 

When visiting Iceland, you can make your journey easier with the assistance of some smartly designed apps. Whether you're planning to book a tour in Iceland, take your rental car to hunt for the elusive northern lights or look for beautiful hiking trails and attractions to visit, there's an app that can make your Icelandic adventure a breeze. Leveraging these digital companions can help ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and memorable. If you need a place to stay while visiting, make sure to book accommodation on Iceland's largest hotel marketplace.



The Top 10 Apps For Traveling in Iceland

Two women on the top of Glymur waterfall in Hvalfjordur, where they could have used the AllTrails app for guidence

There are a number of apps that are especially handy to have access to when traveling to Iceland. Some have even been designed with visitors in mind, providing the most relevant and up-to-date information on the country’s weather, safety, and public services.

For our top 10 list, we focused on apps that will help make your journey better, safer, easier, and more enjoyable. At the bottom, you will also find a section that includes some additional applications you may find useful during your stay. Read on to find out which apps you should have on hand for your trip to Iceland.

10. Flight Aware

Flight Aware allows you to keep up to date on the most relevant flight information, offering details on gate changes, delays and diversions, and much much more.Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Milan Nykodym. No edits made.

If there's one thing that can dampen your holiday spirit after your Iceland trip, it's sitting around Keflavik Airport because of an unexpected delay or canceled flight. One way of easing your worries is to download the Flight Aware flight tracker app.

There, you can track flights by their aircraft registration, airline, city pair, flight number, or airport code. The data received shows full flight information, the aircraft's route on an interactive map, and any diversions or gate changes that may have occurred. This interactive map is particularly engaging on its own, as flicking through the app will allow you to see the intricate net of the planet's flights in real-time.

Considering the countries aptitude for unreliable weather, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the status of your flight to Iceland and your return flight, especially during winter when conditions can change dramatically. Once you land, you can easily rent a car at Keflavik airport to use for the rest of your stay.

You can download the Flight Aware app for iOS and Android.



9. Wolt Food Delivery

The Wolt food delivery app is a convenient way to enjoy restaurant food without leaving the comfort of homeSometimes, you just want to relax in your hotel in Iceland. Whether you've just returned from a long self-drive tour around the Icelandic countryside, walked too much around Reykjavik, or just want to be cozy in your hotel room, you don't always feel up to going out for dinner or cooking for yourself. That's where the Wolt delivery app comes to the rescue.

If you're staying in the central Capital Region, you can use the Wolt app to get food delivered to you. Their delivery price is quite affordable, and you have many options to choose from, so you can answer any food craving.

Once you've ordered, you can use the tracking feature to monitor the progress of your delivery from the moment it's placed until it arrives at your door. If you're going to be staying in Reykjavik at some point, it's good to have the Wolt food app on hand, making it one of the top apps to have while visiting Iceland.

You can download the Wolt app for iOS and Android.



8. Hopp

A couple using the Hopp scooters with Hallgrimskirkja in the backgroundThe Hopp app offers a fantastic way to explore Reykjavik and the Capital Area. The app allows users to rent electric scooters around the city, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and fun alternative to traditional modes of transportation.

Once you've downloaded the app and set up your account, you can look for nearby scooters on a map. When you've found it, you can claim it and unlock it. You're then free to use it as you wish!

When you've reached your destination, you can park it anywhere as long as you do it responsibly. You lock the scooter with the app, end your trip, and pay for the journey. Make sure to leave it in a location where it won't be in the way of traffic or pedestrians.

People using the Hopp app and Hopp scooters by Hallgrimskirkja in ReykjavikThere are also certain rules that must be followed when using a Hopp scooter. It will not come as a surprise that you can't use a Hopp when under the influence. Many injuries have resulted from drunk people going for a ride, so this does sadly need to be highlighted.

Also, only one adult can operate a single scooter at a time, as it can affect the balance and breaks, possibly resulting in injury. You should also follow general traffic rules and use bike lanes when possible. In summary, just be responsible about how you use your Hopp.

Be aware that Hopp operates within certain zones, and you can not travel outside them. The zones cover most of the Capital Region and some other areas in Iceland, so the scooters are mostly intended for short trips. This means, unsurprisingly, that you can't travel the Ring Road on a Hopp scooter, but it makes for a great option when traveling within and around the city.

If you're planning on using electric scooters a lot during your visit, you can also download the Zolo app, the main competitor to Hopp. Their orange and black scooters can be found around the city, and you use their app in the same way as the Hopp one. With both apps at your disposal, you'll have access to more scooters and have an even easier time traveling around Reykjavik.

You can download the Hopp app for iOS and Android.



7. Vedur (for weather)

The weather is Iceland can be challenging to say the least; don't let the skies disrupt your travel plans with the Vedur weather app.

Given the polarity of the weather conditions in Iceland, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is just how notorious the weather can be. It's all a matter of awareness. Doing so will keep you one step ahead, allowing you the chance to modify your plans should the conditions require it.

Vedur is Iceland’s go-to weather application, managed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The app delivers real-time facts and figures on the island’s weather conditions, as well as rolling data, news, weather predictions, and hazard warnings.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office provides rolling information on the weather, be it wind speed, solar activity or weekly forecasts.

It’s always wise to keep track of what the skies are up to, given that a storm or heavy bout of snow may easily disrupt your plans. There’s an old Icelandic saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait five minutes”—sometimes, however, a five minutes wait is just too long, especially when an accurate prediction can be found, within seconds, at the flick of a wrist.

You can also find more detailed information on the Icelandic Meteorological Office's website, including long-term weather forecasts, details about yellow, orange, and red wind warnings, along with information about earthquakes, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, pollution, and much more.

You can download the Vedur app for iOS and Android.



6. My Aurora Forecast

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland's biggest attractions, drawing visitors from around the world.

One of Iceland’s biggest attractions is the chance to see the northern lights. Visible only in the winter months when the nights are dark and clear, the northern lights attract visitors from around the world, looking for a chance to witness the green, yellow, red, and purple light shimmering majestically across the sky.

Seeing the lights depends on multiple factors, like solar activity, weather, light pollution, and cloud cover. This can make it tricky to see them, but northern light hunting can be made much easier with the My Aurora Forecast app.

This app offers a number of interesting features, like the world map, showing where aurora activity is at its strongest around the planet. The app will also send push notifications when the northern lights are expected to appear in your area, readying you for any sudden opportunity to catch them during your visit to Iceland. On top of that, one can find information about different northern lights tours.

Northern lights can be spotted in the winter, early spring, and a late fall in IcelandThere is also a large amount of data to explore relating to solar wind activity and sun imagery, and hourly forecast predictions that may help you better organize your nightly excursions.

Still, even with the app, there is no sure way of telling when the northern lights will make an appearance, though all of the information is readily available for you to make an informed decision as to when and where to set out and hunt for them.

You can download the My Aurora Forecast app for iOS and Android.



5. Klappid (for public buses)

The Klappid bus app vastly simplifies Iceland's public transport system.Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Jóhann Heiðar Árnason. No edits made

Klappid is the companion app to Iceland’s city bus system, known as "Strætó," and is one of the handiest tools for both permanent residents and visiting tourists. This applies whether you have a rental car or are exploring the city on foot.

The app's most helpful feature allows you to plan the most efficient routes from a customized map. You can input your current location and your desired destination, and the app will show where you need to go, which buses you need to take, and at what time.

You'll see where you need to stop and how long the trip will be, thus simplifying the commuting process. You can also track the bus's exact location, eliminating the typical uncertainty associated with public transport.

Straeto is the public bus system in Iceland and the most convenient option for travel when you don't have a rental car in IcelandYou can buy tickets in advance along with multi-day passes in the Klappid app, which are a must when traveling around the Capital Area. If you prefer not to rely on a smartphone for your bus ticket, you can also get a refillable plastic card or a disposable ticket card from select vendors around the city.

Another choice is paying with exact cash when you enter, but be aware that you can't get change back. They also don't take cards.

If you don't have a rental car in Reykjavik but want to explore the city, taking the city bus is the obvious choice. You may also need it if you want to experience the famous Reykjavik nightlife. This makes the Klappid app one of the most beneficial to have when visiting Iceland, so it's best to set it up at the start of your trip.

You can download the Klappid app for iOS and Android.



4. EasyPark

Cars parked in Skolavordustigur, where you have to pay for parking in Reykjavik, making the EasyPark app a good choice for visitorsThe EasyPark app is an excellent tool for individuals exploring Iceland with a rental car. As one of the most popular parking apps in Europe, EasyPark simplifies the process of locating and paying for parking. You will mostly need it in Reykjavik and Akureyri, where this app can be a game-changer.

By using EasyPark, you can avoid getting fined for illegal parking or failing to pay the correct parking fees. It allows you to manage parking times and even extend your parking duration remotely, all through the app. EasyPark also incorporates GPS technology, guiding you to parking spots, thereby saving time and reducing stress. You pay through the app, making the process very easy.

Another option worth considering when in Iceland is the Parka app. Like EasyPark, Parka makes finding and paying for parking hassle-free. It's a good alternative if, for any reason, you don't want to use EasyPark. It will also be useful for select attractions around the countryside of Iceland, where you must pay a parking fee.

These parking apps are incredibly useful for a smooth and stress-free parking experience in Iceland, leaving you more time to enjoy the beauty of the country.

You can download the EasyPark app for iOS and Android.



3. AllTrails (for hiking)

AllTrails delivers hikers what they want; hidden trails, gorgeous scenery and relevant information on the environment.

AllTrails is an application developed for nature enthusiasts and hikers and an excellent tool for those planning to explore the rugged beauty of Iceland. Offering an extensive library of detailed trail maps, the app enables users to discover the perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run for their adventure level.

Whether you're exploring the icy paths of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the geothermal wonders of Geysir, or doing a hike through remote nature, AllTrails offers reviews, photos, and hand-curated trail maps to guide your journey.

You can access a part of it for free, where you can see hiking trails available and mark if you've completed them, see reviews, photos, difficulty level, length, elevation gain, and other general information. This will enable you to be well-prepared for their outdoor pursuits.

If you're planning on longer and more challenging hikes, it could also be tempting to get a premium subscription, as you'll also be able to download offline maps and have access to many other features.

Man hiking in the Icelandic highlands would likely benefit from using the AllTrails appAs an alternative to AllTrails, the Wapp walking app is another option specifically designed for walking in Iceland. The Wapp app offers topographical maps and detailed route descriptions that include local folklore and historical information, thus offering a more local and culturally enriched hiking experience. The only drawback is that you have to pay for each trail you want to take in the app, but it can be a good option if you're only doing a few hikes throughout your trip.

Both AllTrails and Wapp are fantastic aids for outdoor enthusiasts planning to explore the captivating landscapes of Iceland. They can also provide great inspiration for your travel itinerary.

You can download the AllTrails app for iOS and Android.

2. SafeTravel

Danger sign by cliff in IcelandThe SafeTravel app is an indispensable tool for any traveler venturing to Iceland. Designed to enhance your safety and convenience, it provides a wealth of resources to make your Icelandic journey worry-free and memorable. With its comprehensive features, it indisputably stands out as a must-have travel app to have when visiting Iceland.

SafeTravel app offers real-time updates on weather and road conditions. Given Iceland’s unpredictable climate, this feature is invaluable to help you prepare and adapt your travel plans accordingly. The app also offers safety alerts about storms, natural disasters, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, or other dangers that can occur.

SafeTravel is the main location to get updates about the Litli-Hrutur volcanic eruptionWhat makes SafeTravel especially important is the "Check-In" feature. This allows you to record your travel itinerary and share it with the Icelandic Search and Rescue Service. If anything goes awry, help is readily available.

This function is a game-changer for those exploring the countryside of Iceland; ensuring your safety is a priority. You can also submit a travel plan on the SafeTravel website.

SafeTravel is also a treasure trove of travel tips, local rules, and guidelines to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip. It will even help you prepare for driving in Iceland!

From navigating tricky terrains to respecting local wildlife, this app has you covered. In essence, the SafeTravel app is your reliable companion that keeps you safe while exploring the magical, raw beauty of Iceland.



You can download the SafeTravel app for iOS and Android.

1. Guide to Iceland

The sun setting over Reynisdrangar and the black sand beach in IcelandIceland is a country with so much to offer, and it can be hard to pick and choose what you want to include in your trip itinerary. This makes the Guide to Iceland app an indispensable tool for anyone planning a trip to Iceland.

As Iceland's largest travel marketplace, you can plan your entire trip in the app. Whether you want to explore the country, do day trips, or stay within Reykjavik, you can find a variety of experiences, tours, and complete packages.

Plan your itinerary, find varied accommodation options, and book a rental car or transfers as needed. To make the process even simpler, you can even book your flight in the app.

The easy-to-use booking system allows you to reserve your place on the go, ensuring that you never miss out on an unforgettable experience. You can also make better-informed choices as you can see reviews and tips from other travelers.

The beautiful Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle route in Iceland and a must-see attraction

Photo from the Best 1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Additionally, what sets the Guide to Iceland app apart is its wealth of practical information. You can access useful tips about the local weather, culture, attractions, transportation, safety measures, and even packing recommendations. The app also features detailed descriptions and images of various attractions around Iceland, allowing you to plan your drive around the country effectively.

In essence, the Guide to Iceland app helps you create your own Iceland experience in a convenient way, with all you need in the palm of your hand. This makes it the top app for your travels in Iceland.

You can download the GuideToIceland app for iOS and Android.

Other Useful Apps for Visiting Iceland

There are a number of apps that we use every day that are undeniably useful for traveling abroad. Google Maps is your faithful friend, especially somewhere like Iceland, where the road names often extend beyond the ten-letter mark.

It's also worth mentioning that most Icelanders use Facebook Messenger for communication, with apps like Whatsapp not nearly as common. This also applies to many local businesses, which can be handy if you need information but prefer not to call.

Additionally, there are many other apps on the market that can be helpful during your travels, so here are some options that deserve a mention.

XE Currency Converter

Smartphones make Iceland more accessible.

Getting used to the value of the Icelandic krona takes time, patience, and, at the very least, some ability in mental arithmetic. Given that one thousand krona is only just enough to, say, purchase a sandwich, working with greater values can quickly become a confusing route to overspending.

One simple way of avoiding having to do any math whatsoever is to download the XE Currency Converter to your phone. The app includes all currencies and offers up-to-date information on the current exchange rate. Using the app will help you have a clearer idea of how much you're actually spending during your trip.

You can download the XE Currency Converter app for iOS and Android.

Drops Language App

People can enjoy each others company during a Reykjavik food walk tour, a great time to try out the Icelandic skills you learned from the Drops app

Photo from the Guided 3-Hour Reykjavik Food Lovers Walking Tour.

If you're passionate about languages or simply want to enhance your experience when visiting Iceland, then you may want to check out the Drops app. It's an innovative language-learning tool that helps users to explore and learn a range of languages, and the main one that includes Icelandic.

Drops uses fast-paced games to make learning new words and phrases enjoyable and efficient. You'll be able to focus on common vocabulary through visual-based learning methods

While you can easily get away with speaking English during your visit to Iceland, knowing the local vocabulary can make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful. From ordering food in restaurants in Reykjavik to navigating around towns, a basic understanding of Icelandic can be beneficial and fun.

The app is mostly useful for those who want to try their hand at the basics. If you're more serious about language learning, the app it's not the perfect way to get a complete grasp of the language. It can, however, be a good tool to have as one of many in your Icelandic learning journey.

You can download the Drops app for iOS and Android.



Reykjavik Art Walk

Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat in Reykjavik by the Tjornin pond is a well known work of artOne of the highlights of exploring Reykjavik is the varied art that can be found all over the city. Located in parks, street corners, or painted-on buildings, you'll find a lot of interesting things to see as you walk around. This is when it can be good to have the Reykjavik Art Walk app.

The app is run by the Reykjavik Art Museum, and it leads you through the city's streets to discover murals, sculptures, and galleries. Each artwork on the app includes detailed information about the artist and the story behind the creation, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the local art scene.

Using the app makes for great self-guided tours, allowing you to explore the art of Reykjavik at your own pace. You can also participate in treasure hunts, the perfect way to add a sense of adventure to your exploration!

Its GPS-based features make it easy to locate art pieces in the city. It also includes audio guides, making your art discovery even more engaging. In essence, this app is like having your own personal art curator while exploring Reykjavik.

You can download the Reykjavik Art Walk app for iOS and Android.



An Honorable Mention:

Faerd og Vedur (Conditions and Weather)

Driving in Iceland requires care and attention given the difficult weather conditions and lack of infrastructure out in the countryside.

The Faerd og Vedur app would have gotten the number three place on this list if not for the fact that it will soon be discontinued. It truly is a fantastic resource for traveling around Iceland, but it has unfortunately become too costly to maintain. As of 2023, you can still use the app, which is why we're including it as an honorable mention.

This app is developed by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and provides information on weather conditions and road statuses, helping users to travel safely. The app gathers data from weather stations and road sensors across the country, ensuring that the information provided is up-to-date and accurate.

A winding mountain road in the country side of IcelandThe app features a map of Iceland, highlighting roads according to their current status. It uses a color-coding system to indicate whether roads are clear, slippery, closed, or have other conditions that may affect travel. This makes it easy for users to plan their routes and ensure a safe journey.

On many roads throughout the country, you can also find a live feed from road cameras to quite literally see how the conditions are before you head out. This will enable you to make informed decisions and changes in your itinerary, making the app a must-have travel companion for anyone on a journey around Iceland.

You can download the Faerd og Vedur app for iOS and Android.

What apps do you think will be most helpful? Have you used any of them during a visit to Iceland? Were there any applications we should have mentioned above? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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