Top 10 Apps for Traveling in Iceland

Best Way to Stay Connected in Iceland

Traveling to Iceland offers an opportunity to explore incredible landscapes and remote wilderness. This is why staying connected is essential! A reliable connection is important for many apps and when navigating to the next destination, contacting local businesses, or researching nearby attractions.

This is why we recommend opting for a local SIM card or eSIM for your phone from providers like Vodafone to ensure you have the connectivity needed for your time in Iceland. Purchasing is straightforward as you can simply buy a SIM card from the Vodafone website or pick one up upon arrival at Keflavik Airport, local Vodafone stores, or even convenience stores and gas stations. This ensures you're well-equipped to fully enjoy your Icelandic journey without connectivity concerns.

• Learn more with the Guide to SIM Cards in Iceland

The Top 10 Apps For Traveling in Iceland

There are a number of apps that are especially handy to have access to when traveling to Iceland. Some have even been designed with visitors in mind, providing the most relevant and up-to-date information on the country’s weather, safety, and public services.

For our top 10 list, we focused on apps that will help make your journey better, safer, easier, and more enjoyable. At the bottom, you will also find a section that includes some additional applications you may find useful during your stay. Read on to find out which apps you should have on hand for your trip to Iceland.

10. Flight Aware

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Milan Nykodym. No edits made.

If there's one thing that can dampen your holiday spirit after your Iceland trip, it's sitting around Keflavik Airport because of an unexpected delay or canceled flight. One way of easing your worries is to download the Flight Aware flight tracker app.

There, you can track flights by their aircraft registration, airline, city pair, flight number, or airport code. The data received shows full flight information, the aircraft's route on an interactive map, and any diversions or gate changes that may have occurred. This interactive map is particularly engaging on its own, as flicking through the app will allow you to see the intricate net of the planet's flights in real-time.

Considering the countries aptitude for unreliable weather, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the status of your flight to Iceland and your return flight, especially during winter when conditions can change dramatically. Once you land, you can easily rent a car at Keflavik airport to use for the rest of your stay.

You can download the Flight Aware app for iOS and Android.

• Find out more about All Airlines That Fly to Iceland

9. Wolt Food Delivery

Sometimes, you just want to relax in your hotel in Iceland. Whether you've just returned from a long self-drive tour around the Icelandic countryside, walked too much around Reykjavik, or just want to be cozy in your hotel room, you don't always feel up to going out for dinner or cooking for yourself. That's where the Wolt delivery app comes to the rescue.

If you're staying in the central Capital Region, you can use the Wolt app to get food delivered to you. Their delivery price is quite affordable, and you have many options to choose from, so you can answer any food craving.

Once you've ordered, you can use the tracking feature to monitor the progress of your delivery from the moment it's placed until it arrives at your door. If you're going to be staying in Reykjavik at some point, it's good to have the Wolt food app on hand, making it one of the top apps to have while visiting Iceland.

You can download the Wolt app for iOS and Android.

• Learn more about the Best Restaurants in Reykjavik
• See also: The Vegan and Vegetarian Guide to Reykjavik

8. Hopp

The Hopp app offers a fantastic way to explore Reykjavik and the Capital Area. The app allows users to rent electric scooters around the city, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and fun alternative to traditional modes of transportation.

Once you've downloaded the app and set up your account, you can look for nearby scooters on a map. When you've found it, you can claim it and unlock it. You're then free to use it as you wish!

When you've reached your destination, you can park it anywhere as long as you do it responsibly. You lock the scooter with the app, end your trip, and pay for the journey. Make sure to leave it in a location where it won't be in the way of traffic or pedestrians.

There are also certain rules that must be followed when using a Hopp scooter. It will not come as a surprise that you can't use a Hopp when under the influence. Many injuries have resulted from drunk people going for a ride, so this does sadly need to be highlighted.

Also, only one adult can operate a single scooter at a time, as it can affect the balance and breaks, possibly resulting in injury. You should also follow general traffic rules and use bike lanes when possible. In summary, just be responsible about how you use your Hopp.

Be aware that Hopp operates within certain zones, and you can not travel outside them. The zones cover most of the Capital Region and some other areas in Iceland, so the scooters are mostly intended for short trips. This means, unsurprisingly, that you can't travel the Ring Road on a Hopp scooter, but it makes for a great option when traveling within and around the city.

If you're planning on using electric scooters a lot during your visit, you can also download the Zolo app, the main competitor to Hopp. Their orange and black scooters can be found around the city, and you use their app in the same way as the Hopp one. With both apps at your disposal, you'll have access to more scooters and have an even easier time traveling around Reykjavik.

You can download the Hopp app for iOS and Android.

• See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Reykjavik

7. Vedur (for weather)

Given the polarity of the weather conditions in Iceland, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is just how notorious the weather can be. It's all a matter of awareness. Doing so will keep you one step ahead, allowing you the chance to modify your plans should the conditions require it.

Vedur is Iceland’s go-to weather application, managed by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. The app delivers real-time facts and figures on the island’s weather conditions, as well as rolling data, news, weather predictions, and hazard warnings.

It’s always wise to keep track of what the skies are up to, given that a storm or heavy bout of snow may easily disrupt your plans. There’s an old Icelandic saying, “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland, just wait five minutes”—sometimes, however, a five minutes wait is just too long, especially when an accurate prediction can be found, within seconds, at the flick of a wrist.

You can also find more detailed information on the Icelandic Meteorological Office's website, including long-term weather forecasts, details about yellow, orange, and red wind warnings, along with information about earthquakes, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, pollution, and much more.

You can download the Vedur app for iOS and Android.

• See more: Understanding Time in Iceland
• See also: Iceland's Weather, Climate, and Temperature Year-Round

6. My Aurora Forecast

One of Iceland’s biggest attractions is the chance to see the northern lights. Visible only in the winter months when the nights are dark and clear, the northern lights attract visitors from around the world, looking for a chance to witness the green, yellow, red, and purple light shimmering majestically across the sky.

Seeing the lights depends on multiple factors, like solar activity, weather, light pollution, and cloud cover. This can make it tricky to see them, but northern light hunting can be made much easier with the My Aurora Forecast app.

This app offers a number of interesting features, like the world map, showing where aurora activity is at its strongest around the planet. The app will also send push notifications when the northern lights are expected to appear in your area, readying you for any sudden opportunity to catch them during your visit to Iceland. On top of that, one can find information about different northern lights tours.

There is also a large amount of data to explore relating to solar wind activity and sun imagery, and hourly forecast predictions that may help you better organize your nightly excursions.

Still, even with the app, there is no sure way of telling when the northern lights will make an appearance, though all of the information is readily available for you to make an informed decision as to when and where to set out and hunt for them.

You can download the My Aurora Forecast app for iOS and Android.

• See more about the Northern Lights in Iceland
• See also: Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik

5. Klappid (for public buses)

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Jóhann Heiðar Árnason. No edits made

Klappid is the companion app to Iceland’s city bus system, known as "Strætó," and is one of the handiest tools for both permanent residents and visiting tourists. This applies whether you have a rental car or are exploring the city on foot.

The app's most helpful feature allows you to plan the most efficient routes from a customized map. You can input your current location and your desired destination, and the app will show where you need to go, which buses you need to take, and at what time.

You'll see where you need to stop and how long the trip will be, thus simplifying the commuting process. You can also track the bus's exact location, eliminating the typical uncertainty associated with public transport.

You can buy tickets in advance along with multi-day passes in the Klappid app, which are a must when traveling around the Capital Area. If you prefer not to rely on a smartphone for your bus ticket, you can also get a refillable plastic card or a disposable ticket card from select vendors around the city.

Another choice is paying with exact cash when you enter, but be aware that you can't get change back. They also don't take cards.

If you don't have a rental car in Reykjavik but want to explore the city, taking the city bus is the obvious choice. You may also need it if you want to experience the famous Reykjavik nightlife. This makes the Klappid app one of the most beneficial to have when visiting Iceland, so it's best to set it up at the start of your trip.

You can download the Klappid app for iOS and Android.

• Find out more with the Reykjavik Nightlife Guide
• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Transport in Iceland

4. EasyPark

The EasyPark app is an excellent tool for individuals exploring Iceland with a rental car. As one of the most popular parking apps in Europe, EasyPark simplifies the process of locating and paying for parking. You will mostly need it in Reykjavik and Akureyri, where this app can be a game-changer.

By using EasyPark, you can avoid getting fined for illegal parking or failing to pay the correct parking fees. It allows you to manage parking times and even extend your parking duration remotely, all through the app. EasyPark also incorporates GPS technology, guiding you to parking spots, thereby saving time and reducing stress. You pay through the app, making the process very easy.

Another option worth considering when in Iceland is the Parka app. Like EasyPark, Parka makes finding and paying for parking hassle-free. It's a good alternative if, for any reason, you don't want to use EasyPark. It will also be useful for select attractions around the countryside of Iceland, where you must pay a parking fee.

These parking apps are incredibly useful for a smooth and stress-free parking experience in Iceland, leaving you more time to enjoy the beauty of the country.

You can download the EasyPark app for iOS and Android.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Iceland

3. AllTrails (for hiking)

AllTrails is an application developed for nature enthusiasts and hikers and an excellent tool for those planning to explore the rugged beauty of Iceland. Offering an extensive library of detailed trail maps, the app enables users to discover the perfect hike, bike ride, or trail run for their adventure level.

Whether you're exploring the icy paths of the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the geothermal wonders of Geysir, or doing a hike through remote nature, AllTrails offers reviews, photos, and hand-curated trail maps to guide your journey.

You can access a part of it for free, where you can see hiking trails available and mark if you've completed them, see reviews, photos, difficulty level, length, elevation gain, and other general information. This will enable you to be well-prepared for their outdoor pursuits.

If you're planning on longer and more challenging hikes, it could also be tempting to get a premium subscription, as you'll also be able to download offline maps and have access to many other features.

As an alternative to AllTrails, the Wapp walking app is another option specifically designed for walking in Iceland. The Wapp app offers topographical maps and detailed route descriptions that include local folklore and historical information, thus offering a more local and culturally enriched hiking experience. The only drawback is that you have to pay for each trail you want to take in the app, but it can be a good option if you're only doing a few hikes throughout your trip.

Both AllTrails and Wapp are fantastic aids for outdoor enthusiasts planning to explore the captivating landscapes of Iceland. They can also provide great inspiration for your travel itinerary.

You can download the AllTrails app for iOS and Android.

2. SafeTravel

The SafeTravel app is an indispensable tool for any traveler venturing to Iceland. Designed to enhance your safety and convenience, it provides a wealth of resources to make your Icelandic journey worry-free and memorable. With its comprehensive features, it indisputably stands out as a must-have travel app to have when visiting Iceland.

SafeTravel app offers real-time updates on weather and road conditions. Given Iceland’s unpredictable climate, this feature is invaluable to help you prepare and adapt your travel plans accordingly. The app also offers safety alerts about storms, natural disasters, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, or other dangers that can occur.

What makes SafeTravel especially important is the "Check-In" feature. This allows you to record your travel itinerary and share it with the Icelandic Search and Rescue Service. If anything goes awry, help is readily available.

This function is a game-changer for those exploring the countryside of Iceland; ensuring your safety is a priority. You can also submit a travel plan on the SafeTravel website.

SafeTravel is also a treasure trove of travel tips, local rules, and guidelines to ensure a respectful and enjoyable trip. It will even help you prepare for driving in Iceland!

From navigating tricky terrains to respecting local wildlife, this app has you covered. In essence, the SafeTravel app is your reliable companion that keeps you safe while exploring the magical, raw beauty of Iceland.

• Find out more about Travel Safety in Iceland
• See also: Dumbest Things to Do in Iceland
• Plan your trip with the Complete Guide to the 2023 Eruption of Litli-Hrutur Volcano

You can download the SafeTravel app for iOS and Android.

1. Guide to Iceland

Iceland is a country with so much to offer, and it can be hard to pick and choose what you want to include in your trip itinerary. This makes the Guide to Iceland app an indispensable tool for anyone planning a trip to Iceland.

As Iceland's largest travel marketplace, you can plan your entire trip in the app. Whether you want to explore the country, do day trips, or stay within Reykjavik, you can find a variety of experiences, tours, and complete packages.

Plan your itinerary, find varied accommodation options, and book a rental car or transfers as needed. To make the process even simpler, you can even book your flight in the app.

The easy-to-use booking system allows you to reserve your place on the go, ensuring that you never miss out on an unforgettable experience. You can also make better-informed choices as you can see reviews and tips from other travelers.

Photo from the Best 1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Additionally, what sets the Guide to Iceland app apart is its wealth of practical information. You can access useful tips about the local weather, culture, attractions, transportation, safety measures, and even packing recommendations. The app also features detailed descriptions and images of various attractions around Iceland, allowing you to plan your drive around the country effectively.

In essence, the Guide to Iceland app helps you create your own Iceland experience in a convenient way, with all you need in the palm of your hand. This makes it the top app for your travels in Iceland.

You can download the GuideToIceland app for iOS and Android.

Other Useful Apps for Visiting Iceland

There are a number of apps that we use every day that are undeniably useful for traveling abroad. Google Maps is your faithful friend, especially somewhere like Iceland, where the road names often extend beyond the ten-letter mark.

It's also worth mentioning that most Icelanders use Facebook Messenger for communication, with apps like Whatsapp not nearly as common. This also applies to many local businesses, which can be handy if you need information but prefer not to call.

Additionally, there are many other apps on the market that can be helpful during your travels, so here are some options that deserve a mention.

XE Currency Converter

Getting used to the value of the Icelandic krona takes time, patience, and, at the very least, some ability in mental arithmetic. Given that one thousand krona is only just enough to, say, purchase a sandwich, working with greater values can quickly become a confusing route to overspending.

One simple way of avoiding having to do any math whatsoever is to download the XE Currency Converter to your phone. The app includes all currencies and offers up-to-date information on the current exchange rate. Using the app will help you have a clearer idea of how much you're actually spending during your trip.

You can download the XE Currency Converter app for iOS and Android.

Drops Language App

Photo from the Guided 3-Hour Reykjavik Food Lovers Walking Tour.

If you're passionate about languages or simply want to enhance your experience when visiting Iceland, then you may want to check out the Drops app. It's an innovative language-learning tool that helps users to explore and learn a range of languages, and the main one that includes Icelandic.

Drops uses fast-paced games to make learning new words and phrases enjoyable and efficient. You'll be able to focus on common vocabulary through visual-based learning methods

While you can easily get away with speaking English during your visit to Iceland, knowing the local vocabulary can make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful. From ordering food in restaurants in Reykjavik to navigating around towns, a basic understanding of Icelandic can be beneficial and fun.

The app is mostly useful for those who want to try their hand at the basics. If you're more serious about language learning, the app it's not the perfect way to get a complete grasp of the language. It can, however, be a good tool to have as one of many in your Icelandic learning journey.

You can download the Drops app for iOS and Android.

• Find out more about the Icelandic Alphabet and Language Basics

Reykjavik Art Walk

One of the highlights of exploring Reykjavik is the varied art that can be found all over the city. Located in parks, street corners, or painted-on buildings, you'll find a lot of interesting things to see as you walk around. This is when it can be good to have the Reykjavik Art Walk app.

The app is run by the Reykjavik Art Museum, and it leads you through the city's streets to discover murals, sculptures, and galleries. Each artwork on the app includes detailed information about the artist and the story behind the creation, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the local art scene.

Using the app makes for great self-guided tours, allowing you to explore the art of Reykjavik at your own pace. You can also participate in treasure hunts, the perfect way to add a sense of adventure to your exploration!

Its GPS-based features make it easy to locate art pieces in the city. It also includes audio guides, making your art discovery even more engaging. In essence, this app is like having your own personal art curator while exploring Reykjavik.

You can download the Reykjavik Art Walk app for iOS and Android.

• Discover the Top 12 Art Museums and Galleries in Reykjavik

An Honorable Mention:

Faerd og Vedur (Conditions and Weather)

What apps do you think will be most helpful? Have you used any of them during a visit to Iceland? Were there any applications we should have mentioned above? Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.