Unexpected surprises in Iceland for first-time travellers
By Francisco
Before I visited Iceland for the first time, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect — volcanoes, waterfalls, the Northern Lights. But as soon as I landed, I realized this country doesn’t just deliver on the bucket-list items — it constantly surprises you in the best (and sometimes strangest) ways. Whether it was the weather changing five times in an hour, or stumbling across the world’s most charming hot dog stand in the middle of Reykjavík, I quickly learned that Iceland has its own rhythm.
If you’re planning your first trip to this incredible island, here are some of the surprises I didn’t see coming — and a few tips to help you enjoy them. And if you’re hitting the road (which I highly recommend), renting from a local company like Zero Car Rental will make your journey smoother, safer, and way less stressful. More on that later.
1. The weather is no joke
I’ve never seen weather change so quickly. One moment I was admiring the sun-drenched coastline, and the next I was driving through wind-blown snow like I’d entered a different season. The Icelandic saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” is spot-on.
My tip: Always check Vedur.is before setting out. And make sure your rental includes full coverage — Zero Car covers everything from ash to gravel damage, which really takes the pressure off when you’re out exploring unpredictable terrain.
2. Gas stations are kind of a big deal
On one of my drives through the Eastfjords, I pulled into what I thought was just a fuel stop. It turned out to be the town’s café, diner, souvenir shop, and social hub — all in one. I grabbed a coffee, chatted with a friendly local, and even got some tips for the next leg of my drive.
Travel tip: Fill up often, especially outside the capital. And having unlimited mileage (which Zero Car includes by default) means you don’t have to overthink spontaneous detours.
3. The roads are both empty and intense
Driving through Iceland is an experience in itself. You’ll go hours without seeing another car, and then suddenly hit a one-lane bridge or a gravel stretch that tests your nerves. One moment I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere; the next, I was weaving between glaciers and waterfalls.
What helped me: Choosing the right car. Zero Car has a great range of 4x4s and hybrids, and they helped me pick the perfect one based on my route. They also offer 24/7 roadside assistance — which I thankfully didn’t need, but it gave me peace of mind.
4. Icelandic hot dogs are a national obsession
I wasn’t expecting to become a hot dog evangelist, but here we are. Icelandic pylsur are everywhere, and they’re delicious. Order yours “eina með öllu” (with everything) and thank me later. My personal favorite was from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in downtown Reykjavík — messy, glorious perfection.
5. You’ll fall in love with the swimming pools
I knew Iceland had geothermal water, but I didn’t realize how central pools are to Icelandic life. Locals meet, relax, gossip, and soak year-round, no matter the weather. I spent an afternoon in a steaming hot pot while snowflakes melted on my face, watching the sun slowly dip toward the horizon. Unreal.
Pro tip: Always keep a swimsuit in your car. And yes, shower naked before going in — it’s the local custom and absolutely the right thing to do.
6. Nature doesn’t come with warning signs
One thing that hit me quickly: Iceland doesn’t pad its nature. There aren’t always fences or signs to tell you what’s safe. That stunning cliff edge? No railing. That bubbling spring? Could be boiling. You really have to stay alert and respect the environment.
Why this matters: A local company like Zero Car won’t just hand you keys — they’ll give you the kind of real-world advice you won’t get from a big international chain. That made a difference for me, especially when planning some highland routes.
7. Iceland is wonderfully empty
As someone used to city noise, the silence of Iceland felt surreal. I remember pulling over in the Westfjords and just… listening. Nothing. Just wind and waves and the occasional sheep. It’s humbling, and kind of addictive.
Want real solitude? Try heading to the Westfjords. They’re wild, remote, and unforgettable. But be careful in winter!
8. There’s Wi-Fi in places you wouldn’t expect
I didn’t expect to get great signal outside of Reykjavík, but Iceland is incredibly connected. Even remote cafés and gas stations had free Wi-Fi. Still, if you’re heading into the highlands or onto F-roads, prepare for occasional blackouts.
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Tip: I appreciated that my Zero Car rental supported mobile navigation. It made last-minute detours way less stressful.
9. It really does feel like another planet
Iceland isn’t just scenic — it’s cinematic. Driving past lava fields that look like they belong on Mars, or walking on a glacier you just saw in a movie — there’s nothing like it. It’s no surprise so many films shoot here.
If you’re into film locations, don’t miss places like Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Lake Mývatn. They feel unreal in the best way.
10. No tipping required
This was a pleasant surprise — no awkward moments calculating tips. In Iceland, service is included in prices. It’s not rude to skip tipping — it’s just the norm.
11. English is everywhere
I tried to learn a few Icelandic phrases before my trip (Takk! means “thanks”), but honestly, everyone I met spoke perfect English. Locals are friendly and often curious about your trip, so conversations are easy.
Still, I recommend trying to pronounce Eyjafjallajökull at least once — just for fun.
12. Local news hits different
Instead of international headlines, people talk about road closures, weather warnings, or whether a volcano is acting up. For day-to-day updates, I found Iceland Review to be super helpful, especially when I wanted to know what was happening beyond the tourist bubble.
13. The midnight sun is amazing (and weird)
I arrived in June and didn’t see real darkness for a week. At first, it messed with my sleep. But then I realized I could go sightseeing at 11 p.m. and still have daylight. Magical.
Tip: A sleeping mask is your friend. And if you rent from Zero Car, you can pick up your car from their keybox at any hour, which is perfect if you land late or want to hit the road before sunrise (even if it never really gets dark).
14. Iceland is way more eco-friendly than I expected
Geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, and a love of nature shape daily life here. I was genuinely surprised to see EV chargers in small towns, and even some remote guesthouses running entirely on geothermal heat.
What I loved: Zero Car’s EV and hybrid options made it easy to explore responsibly without sacrificing performance.
15. You’ll want to come back
This was the biggest surprise. I thought Iceland would be a one-time “bucket list” trip. But before I even left, I was already thinking about coming back. There’s just something about the light, the silence, the rawness of the place — it stays with you.
Final thoughts
If you’re heading to Iceland for the first time, embrace the unknown. Let yourself be surprised. Trust the silence. Pack layers. Eat the hot dog. And if you’re driving (which I hope you are), go with a local company that truly understands the landscape. My experience with Zero Car Rental was fantastic — stress-free pickup, all-inclusive insurance, and no unexpected fees. Just the way travel should be.
For more inspiration, planning tips, and local insights, I recommend checking out:
See you on the road!
— Francisco
