Tips to travel sustainably in Iceland

Sustainable travel is the key to the future of tourism. As travellers we need to be aware of the impact our holidays have on the places to which we travel and to the planet as a whole. The good news is that there’s plenty we can do to travel more mindfully. Follow our tips and adopt some of these practices for your next trip.

Concentrate on one area of the country

In a country as beautiful and well documented as Iceland, it can be tempting to cover as much ground as possible and try to see everything in one trip. That’s not only a recipe for travel burnout, it’s not in the spirit of sustainable travel. Instead of dashing here, there and everywhere, focus instead on one part of the country. In Reykjanes, for instance, you won’t need to venture far from the airport to stroll along wild, unspoilt beaches, hike through dramatic volcanic scenery and visit quirky museums.

Visit for longer

It’s been all too easy to hop in a plane and fly over to Iceland for a long weekend in Reykjavik. However, if we must fly, then doing so less frequently and spending longer at our destination is a better option when it comes to sustainable travel. Consider travelling outside peak season and support local businesses with strong eco-credentials. Iceland’s the kind of place that gets under your skin so it will be no hardship at all to stay for longer and enjoy that breathtaking scenery for a few weeks rather than a few days.

Consider how you travel there and around

If you can, don’t fly. Travel more sustainably to Iceland and take the ferry instead. If that’s not practical, concentrate on how you’re going to get around once you arrive. Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for shared forms of transport such as buses rather than private transfers. If that’s just not practical for where you want to go, holiday as a group so you fill all the seats in your rental car and consider the type of vehicle you hire to ensure it’s as fuel-efficient as possible. Choose a car rental agency that offers electric or hybrid options so that you minimise your impact on the environment.

Be mindful of the natural environment

Nature is a big draw in Iceland. The incredible natural beauty is one of the country’s main attractions yet it’s surprisingly fragile. Be aware of the damage you can do simply by stepping off the marked trails; delicate plants and surfaces can take years to recover if trampled by thoughtless visitors. Be sure to take all your litter away with you. In fact, you should aim to leave no trace that you were thereat all; avoid the temptation to pick flowers, pocket stones as a souvenir or move cairns.

Pack thoughtfully to reduce your dependence on plastic

Single use plastics are one of the world’s biggest polluters, yet many of us when we travel have got into the habit of buying plastic bottles of water which are discarded once empty. The good news is that in Iceland, the water that comes direct from the tap is just as drinkable. Carry a refillable bottlewith you and use it each day instead of heading to the store. Pack a bamboo toothbrush and a solid shampoo bar. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to embrace alternatives to those everyday items we’ve been throwing in our suitcase without a second thought. Think really carefully about how much you pack and travel as light as possible.