You’ve got your tickets booked, dusted off suitcases, and downloaded a packing list so you won’t forget anything. Well, don’t forget your smartphone. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, checking the latest weather updates, or finding the best local spots, these must-have apps for Iceland travelers will help you make the most of your adventure. From essential navigation tools to the best travel apps for Iceland, here’s everything you need to stay informed and make your trip stress-free.
Essential Apps & Websites
While Iceland’s roads are relatively easy to navigate, many remote areas lack reliable signage. Google Maps is essential for driving directions, hiking trails, and locating essential services like gas stations, restaurants, and accommodations. It will also help you access our itineraries, campsite map, and map of pools and hot springs.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps before your trip in case you find yourself in an area with no signal.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Vedur – Iceland’s Official Weather App
Icelandic weather can change in an instant. The Vedur app, developed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, provides accurate and up-to-date weather forecasts, wind speeds, and road conditions. It’s a must-have to ensure you’re always prepared for sudden shifts in the weather.
Download: Google Play | App Store
This is a website that should be bookmarked in every traveler’s browser. It contains a lot of useful information and tips on how to prepare for your trip. You can leave your travel itinerary if you want to be safe. It is recommended, especially if you are traveling alone or exploring off the beaten path. Always keep an eye on their alert & warning section, or you can request SMS updates to be sent your way.
Bookmark: safetravel.is
Download: Google Play | App Store
Road.is / Færð og Veður – Road Conditions & Traffic Updates
It is not uncommon for roads to get closed during storms, especially in wintertime – even the main roads. Road.is has all up-to-date information about road conditions so you can plan your trip and safely reach your destination. You can either bookmark road.is or download the Færð og Veður app (it means travel and weather app) for easy access anytime.
Bookmark: road.is
Download: Google Play | App Store
Parka – Easy Parking & Campsite Payments
Parka is an app used to pay for parking in downtown Reykjavik, Akureyri, as well as tourist destinations. Another useful thing is that you can pay for many campsites in Iceland (you can find the list on their web page). Their mobile web page is well-designed, so even without the app, you can easily navigate and make a payment. Another popular app is EasyPark. In most places you can choose which app to pay with.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Icelandic Coupons – Save on Tours and Restaurants
Want to save money on your trip? Icelandic Coupons provides discounts on attractions, restaurants, and activities across the country, making it easier to explore Iceland on a budget. Some coupons are available for free, or you can unlock the full catalog for $9.99
Download: Google Play | App Store
Gasvaktin.is – Find Cheapest Fuel
Speaking of savings – gasvaktin.is is a great tool to locate the cheapest gas station in the area you are in. Gas prices in Iceland vary significantly. Gasvaktin.is helps you locate the cheapest fuel stations near you, saving money on your road trip. Check out our blog to learn about more ways to save on gas in Iceland.
Bookmark: gasvaktin.is
Spotify – Your Ultimate Road Trip Soundtrack
No Iceland road trip is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Spotify allows you to create playlists, listen to local Icelandic music, and stream your favorite tunes on the go.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Other Useful Apps
Klappid – Navigate Public Transport System
Klapp is a public transport app for both – the capital area and busses going around the island. In Iceland, you won’t find kiosks that sell single tickets, and on a bus, you can only pay cash and the exact amount – drivers do not carry any change. The Klapp app is a great way to avoid the hassle, and you can connect your bank card and pay directly through the app. You can also find timetables and live maps to help you plan your trip.
Download: Google Play | App Store
My Aurora – Track the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many travelers visiting Iceland. If you are traveling in wintertime and plan to chase the northern lights – get the Aurora app. The Aurora app provides real-time aurora activity predictions, cloud coverage updates, and the best times to view the lights in different parts of the country. Those who enable notifications will be alerted if there is a high chance of seeing northern lights in the area. The map also shows the forecast so you can drive towards the best locations to see Northern Lights.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Barhopp – Find the Best Happy Hour Deals
Don’t waste money on drinks in Iceland. Download the Barhopp app if you plan to grab a beer or a glass of wine downtown. It lists all happy hours so you can choose the bar with the best deal at any given time. You can also find events happening nearby if you are looking for ideas on how to spend your evening in town.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Wapp – Hiking Trails & Maps
Trust me, you don’t want to spend all your vacation in the car. On those days when you want to get out of the car to walk around Reykjavik or hike in nature – check out the Wapp app. It has many cool routes you can take; many of them are guided, so you can put on your headphones and learn about Iceland’s nature, history, and culture.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Waze – Real-Time Traffic & Road Updates
For travelers renting a car, Waze is a great alternative to Google Maps. It provides live updates on traffic conditions, speed limits, and police alerts. Since Iceland’s main roads can get busy, especially in peak tourist seasons, Waze helps you plan your routes efficiently.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Thingvellir – Your Virtual Guide to the National Park
Thingvellir is a national park inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list and one of the most visited places in Iceland. It has unique and spectacular views, but it also is a significant place in Icelandic history. You can learn all about nature, history with this virtual guide, listen to Icelandic poetry and explore the park using their maps.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Kringum Iceland – Learn Fun Facts about Iceland
I saved my favorite app for the end. Kringum is your digital guide to Iceland’s interesting sites and events. The app shows a map with icons for nearby attractions. Tap an icon to learn about the location and get directions. You can also view a list of sites sorted by distance. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Kringum helps you discover and explore Iceland’s hidden gems.
Download: Google Play | App Store
Conclusion
With the right apps in your pocket, navigating Iceland becomes a seamless and enriching experience. From real-time weather updates to finding the best local deals, these digital tools will help you stay safe, informed, and entertained throughout your journey. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking through volcanic landscapes, or enjoying Reykjavik’s vibrant nightlife, these apps will enhance every aspect of your adventure.
Download them before you go, stay prepared, and make the most of your time in this stunning country.
Happy travels and enjoy exploring Iceland!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Happy Campers provide WiFi in their camper vans?
All new campers include Wi-Fi hotspots in their rental. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi is available as an add-on for 10 EUR/day for the EX models.
Is mobile data coverage reliable across Iceland? Should I get a local SIM card or rent a hotspot?
Mobile data coverage in Iceland is generally reliable, especially in populated areas and along major travel routes like the Ring Road. However, there might be some intermittent coverage in mountainous or remote areas.
While having internet access is important, you might also want to consider getting an international plan or a local SIM card to ensure you can make calls when an internet connection isn’t enough.
Can I park and sleep anywhere in Iceland, or do I need to stay at designated campgrounds?
Wild camping is not allowed in Iceland. Camper van travelers must stay at designated campgrounds, which are widely available across the country. Apps like Parka can help you find and pay for parking in urban areas.
Is mobile data coverage reliable across Iceland, or should I download offline maps?
While mobile coverage is good in urban areas and along major roads, remote regions—especially in the Highlands—may have little to no service. It’s highly recommended to download offline maps via Google Maps or Wapp before heading out.
Do I need a 4×4 camper to access most locations, or is a standard camper van enough?
A standard camper van is suitable for most of Iceland’s Ring Road and major attractions. However, if you plan to explore the Highlands or drive on F-roads (mountain roads), a 4×4 vehicle is required by law.
How do I find gas stations and plan fuel stops along my route?
Use Gasvaktin.is to locate the nearest gas stations and compare fuel prices. Since gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, it’s best to fill up whenever you have the chance, especially before venturing into remote areas.
Further Reading
Happy Campers Publishes the Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide!
This free eBook, available to all Happy Campers customers, is packed with insider tips, must-see destinations, and essential travel advice to make the most of your road trip
Our New Extended Hours for 2025
From April 1 to October 31, 2025, we’re extending our opening hours to make your Iceland adventure more convenient and enjoyable. That’s right – we’re adding three extra hours to our day, just for you!
Driving in Iceland: Parking Fees and Road Tolls
We compiled all information on parking fees and road tolls across Iceland, covering payment methods, specific costs in various locations, and the use of parking apps, to help travelers avoid unexpected expenses and fines while driving in the country.