Can You Drink River Water When Hiking in Iceland?

The short answer

Iceland has very clean water. Tap water across the country comes largely from springs and groundwater and is safe to drink without treatment. In the backcountry, clear, cold, fast-flowing streams fed by springs or snowmelt are generally safe, especially high up and away from people and animals. The risks come from three kinds of water: glacial rivers, geothermal water and water downstream of sheep, horses, campsites or huts. Avoid those or treat them, and you will rarely have a problem.

Clear springs and mountain streams

The best sources are springs emerging from the ground and small, clear streams running over rock or moss. Look for water that is cold, clear and moving quickly. Collect it above trails, roads and any signs of livestock. Many Laugavegur hikers drink from clear side streams along the route, and day hikers often refill on Esja or in Þórsmörk. If you are unsure about a source, it costs little to filter or treat it.

Avoid glacial rivers

Glacial rivers are grey, brown or milky with fine rock flour ground off by the ice. This silt is not toxic in the way bacteria are, but it is gritty, can upset your stomach and quickly clogs water filters. Drinking large amounts is not recommended. Glacial rivers are easy to spot by their colour and are common on routes like the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls. Walk a little further and you will usually find a clear tributary.

Avoid water near grazing and campsites

Sheep roam freely across much of Iceland in summer, including in some highland areas. Streams running through grazing land, past farms or below campsites and huts can carry bacteria. Treat or avoid this water, even if it looks clear. As a rule, collect water above any human or animal activity, not below it. Look upstream before filling: fences, sheep droppings or tents nearby are a sign to move on or treat the water first.

Never drink geothermal water

Water from hot springs, warm streams and geothermal areas can contain sulphur and other dissolved minerals, and may be scalding hot. Even after it cools, it is not suitable for drinking. In places like Landmannalaugar, Reykjadalur and Kerlingarfjöll, rely on hut taps or cold streams away from the geothermal field. Warm or steaming streams are a clear signal to look elsewhere.

Tap water at huts

Mountain huts on routes like the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls have running water in summer, which is usually the easiest and safest source. Fill up fully before leaving each hut, since there can be long dry stretches, particularly across the black sand deserts between Emstrur and Þórsmörk. Wardens can tell you if there are any local issues with the water supply, so ask if you are unsure.

Do you need a water filter?

Not strictly, but a lightweight filter or purification tablets add peace of mind on multi-day hikes and in areas with grazing animals. Squeeze filters and filter bottles are light and quick. Avoid filtering glacial water, which clogs filters fast. If you prefer tablets or drops, allow the full treatment time stated on the packet. Whatever you choose, the simple habits below cover most situations and keep you well hydrated on long days, which matters more than people expect in cool, windy weather.

• Carry at least 1–2 litres of capacity on day hikes.
• Fill up at huts and clear springs whenever you can.
• Treat water below farms, grazing land, campsites or huts.
• Never drink glacial or geothermal water.