12 Useful Apps
|For a Trip to Iceland
What an age we live in! Everything you need to know you can have in your pocket! Down below I’ve gathered the most useful apps for your visit to Iceland with a short description. I chose all of the apps to help you make the most out of your trip to Iceland, from road access to saving money on the road. So here we go, 12 apps to download for your Iceland trip.
1. Safe Travel
This should be the number 1 app to download when in Iceland, especially if you’re renting a car and driving. It shows road conditions and you can easily see if roads are closed, slippery or if there is anything you need to consider when driving.
For Android
For iOS
2. Vedur
The Icelandic weather app is provided by the Icelandic Meteorological office. In the app you can find the weather forecast for Iceland. They also issue warnings of avalanches, ice, earthquakes and sea floods. Do note though, the weather forecast is only a forecast. You may have heard about how the weather can change in five minutes and that is so true!
For Android
For iOS
3. Klappið – Public Bus App
If you’re going to use the bus in Iceland this app is necessary. You can buy tickets in the app and then you just scan the QR code when boarding. The app also allows you to plan your trip and see where buses are located. Note that this is for the capital area only. One other thing to note is that public buses do not offer change or take credit/debit cards so be sure to have the correct amount when boarding the bus if you don’t have the app.
For Android
For iOS
4. 112 – Emergency/Neyðarlínan
112 is the emergency number in Iceland. The app is essential for hikers, you open the app, go to location and follow the instructions. When you get back from the hike you open the app again and confirm that you are back and safe. Hikers in Iceland do get lost and if you haven’t confirmed you’re back within the timeframe you have given 112 will be alerted. The app is also useful for people who have difficulties communicating verbally or have difficulty calling in for assistance.
For Android
For iOS
5. My Aurora Forcast & Alerts
Northern Light hunting in Iceland? This is the app to use! It shows the forecast for Northern Lights. We may not be able to turn them on and off but we can predict if they can be seen! Note that throughout the summer months it’s not useful at all because you need complete darkness for them to be visible.
For Android
For iOS
6. Þingvellir Natural Park App
Doing the Golden Circle? Þingvellir is probably the most historic place in Iceland. In the app you can find services, places of interest, guided tours, images, maps and even treasure hunts!
For Android
For iOS
7. Wapp
The walking app! In this app you can find walking and hiking paths all around Iceland. You can choose a difficulty (easy, medium and hard). Some of the paths are guided, some are free and some paid for. There is even a beer walk where you can get to know a bit about the history of beer in Iceland!
For Android
For iOS
8. Bensin/Eldsneyti Gasoline Prices
For people renting a car in Iceland these are the apps to have. They both list all the gas stations in Iceland along with prices so you can find the cheapest option closest to you. The Bensin app is available for iOS only and can be found here.
Eldsneyti: Bensín + Díselverð is available for Android only and can be found here.
9. Parka/Easy Park
Both of these apps are to pay for parking in Iceland where it’s required. Just follow a simple check-in/check-out procedure! Easy enough – and you really don’t want to get a parking fine.
Parka for Android
Parka for iOs
EasyPark for Android
EasyPark for iOS
10. Hreyfill Taxi App
Went out for a beer or two and didn’t plan to? Did you miss the last bus back to your accommodation? This taxi app gets you home safe and sound!
For Android
For iOS
11. Hopp
An electric scooter rental! Really easy to use, just scan the QR code on the scooter and start riding. Really convenient to go sightseeing around Reykjavík or if you have to go a short distance but don’t feel like walking! Note, do read and follow the instructions both for your safety and others. Accidents do happen and they can result in bad accidents.
12. Icelandic Coupons
We know Iceland is an expensive destination but you can make it just a little bit cheaper using the Icelandic Coupons app, it offers various discounts in restaurants and experiences.
For Android
For iOS
Honorable Mentions
Some other apps that might be useful in Iceland or just for fun!
Google Maps! – You know it!
Buzz – Charging banks available at several locations
Hopp – Electric Scooter Rental
Waze – Don’t waste your time in Iceland stuck in traffic!
The Reykjavík Culture Walk – Audio guides, text, photographs and map about culture in Reykjavík
The Reykjavík Art Walk – Audio guides, games, images and text about art in Reykjavík
These are in my opinion by far the most useful apps to download before a trip to Iceland! As a local I even have most of them on my phone, except the gas and parking apps, I use public transport!