One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers when they arrive in a new destination is whether the water is safe to drink. So, can you drink the water in Iceland?
As on any island, the question of drinking water arises. But Iceland is an island like no other. It has some of the most intriguing natural conditions on the planet.
The hidden gems of Iceland, the land of fire and ice, include volcanoes, free hot springs, glaciers, black Sand beaches, or even some of the weirdest rock formations.
💬 So, can you drink the water in Iceland? What is that weird smell when you shower?
We tell you all you need to know to have the best Iceland road trip.
Can we drink tap water in iceland?
YES, you can drink cold tap water in Iceland. This country actually has one of the cleanest tap waters in the world. Most of it comes from the island’s natural springs and glaciers. It means it is fully untreated and doesn’t contain chlorine, calcium, and nitrate.
However, we recommend always carrying a bottle of water on you for a completely different reason: the lack of taps! Since there are only a few towns every now and then, you’ll mostly be in the middle of nature.
Let’s say you are thirsty after walking an hour to get to the famous Iceland plane wreck, in the middle of the desert… Don’t expect it to have a tap where you can refill your water bottle!
Can You Drink Bathroom Tap Water in Iceland?
Technically, you can drink the bathroom tap water in Iceland. However, we recommend choosing the kitchen’s one if you can instead as the water pipe and tap are always cleaner.
Why does water in Iceland smell?
No, this is not just you. Iceland hot tap water does have a rotten egg smell.
You may have noticed, this only applies to hot water. That smell comes from geothermal hot water. It contains a small amount of hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring gas that smells like sulfur or eggs.
On the other side, cold tap water comes from untouched natural springs. Therefore, it does not smell and is perfectly clean and safe to drink.
So if you’re wondering, “Can you drink bathroom tap water in Iceland after that eggy smell?”, yes you can if it’s the cold tap. However, if you need hot water, it’s better that you boil the cold tap water.
Where does the tap water in Iceland come from?
95% of cold tap water in Iceland comes from pristine natural sources: glacial meltwater, springs, and underground aquifers.
The hot water, on the other hand, usually comes from geothermal sources, which explains the occasional sulfur smell. But that’s only in the hot water and doesn’t affect the drinkable cold water.
Drinking water in Iceland tips
Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. This way, you will be able to fill it up at your hotel or a restaurant. It’s sustainable, convenient and helps reduce your Iceland trip cost!
You should also think about hydrating yourself often. As the weather is never too warm, you might not feel the thirty feeling as much as in other destinations.
However, it’s very important, especially while hiking or in geothermal areas! The dry air and long daylight hours can dehydrate you faster than expected.
Final thoughts on the tap water of Iceland
So, can you drink the water in Iceland? Yes, definitely. It’s some of the purest in the world. The eggy smell from some taps is just harmless geothermal gas in the hot water. Stick to cold tap water or bottled water from Iceland and you’ll be good.
Another of the most frequently asked questions concerns the Northern Lights in Iceland. Long story short: your best chance to see auroras, especially on a short visit, is to go on private northern lights tours in Iceland.
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