Safe Travel - 112 app in Iceland: Staying Safe on Iceland's Hiking Trails

Iceland's hiking trails are among the most spectacular in the world — but they demand respect. The weather can change from sunshine to blizzard in minutes, trails cross glaciers and unbridged rivers, and mobile phone signal disappears the moment you leave the main roads. Every year, search and rescue teams respond to hundreds of incidents involving unprepared travellers.

The good news: Iceland has world-class safety infrastructure in place to protect hikers and campers. This guide covers the two most important tools — Safe Travel Iceland and the 112 Iceland app — along with everything you need to know about Iceland's weather warning system and how to hike safely on the country's most popular trails.

Safe Travel Iceland: safetravel.is

Safe Travel Iceland is a collaborative safety initiative run by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR), the Icelandic Tourist Board, and other organisations. Its mission is simple: to help travellers make informed decisions and return home safely.

The Safe Travel website provides:

• Itinerary registration: Register your travel plans before heading into remote areas. If you don't check in on time, rescue teams know where to start looking.
• Real-time alerts: Weather warnings, road closures, and safety notices updated continuously.
• Trail and destination information: Difficulty ratings, access conditions, and safety advice for Iceland's most popular hiking areas.
• Trusted gear and service partners: Safe Travel works with vetted Icelandic companies to connect travellers with reliable equipment and services.

Always register your itinerary at safetravel.is before heading into the highlands or on any multi-day trail. It takes two minutes and could save your life.

The 112 Iceland App: Your Emergency Lifeline

The 112 Iceland app is one of the most important things you can download before any outdoor adventure in Iceland. It's free, simple, and potentially life-saving.

What the 112 App Does

• One-tap emergency alert: Press the emergency button and your exact GPS coordinates are sent directly to Iceland's emergency services (112). No need to know where you are or describe your location.
• Check-in function: Linked to your Safe Travel itinerary registration. Check in at regular intervals so rescue teams know you're safe. If you miss a check-in, an alert is triggered.
• Offline GPS: The app works without mobile signal — it uses your phone's GPS to pinpoint your location even in areas with no coverage.
• Weather and safety alerts: Receive real-time weather warnings and safety notices directly to your phone.

How to Set Up the 112 App

1. Download the 112 Iceland app from the App Store or Google Play (free)
2. Allow location permissions — this is essential for the emergency function to work
3. Register your travel itinerary through the app or at safetravel.is
4. Set your check-in schedule and share your itinerary with someone at home
5. Keep your phone charged — carry a power bank on all multi-day hikes

Download it before you leave Reykjavik. Don't wait until you're in the highlands with no signal.

Understanding Iceland's Weather Warning System

Iceland's Met Office (vedur.is) issues colour-coded weather warnings that every hiker and camper must understand. These warnings are not suggestions — they are serious advisories that should directly influence your plans.

🟡 Yellow Warning: Be Aware

A yellow warning means potentially hazardous weather is expected. Conditions may include strong winds, heavy rain, reduced visibility, or significant snowfall. Outdoor activities can continue but require extra caution and preparation.

• Check conditions frequently and be ready to turn back
• Ensure your gear is up to the conditions (waterproofs, warm layers, wind-resistant tent)
• Inform someone of your plans and expected return time
• Avoid exposed ridges and summits

🟠 Orange Warning: Be Prepared

An orange warning means dangerous weather is expected. Conditions may include severe storms, very high winds (60+ km/h), heavy snowfall, or significant icing. Many outdoor activities should be postponed or cancelled.

• Reconsider any planned highland or exposed hiking
• Do not attempt river crossings — water levels rise rapidly in storms
• Stay at your campsite or seek indoor shelter
• If already on a trail, descend to lower ground and find shelter
• Check road.is — F-roads may be closed

🔴 Red Warning: Take Action

A red warning is the highest level — extreme and potentially life-threatening weather. Red warnings are issued for conditions that pose a direct risk to life, including hurricane-force winds, extreme blizzards, or severe flooding.

• Do not go outdoors unless absolutely necessary
• Abandon any hiking or camping plans immediately
• Seek solid indoor shelter — a tent is not adequate in red warning conditions
• Follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services
• Monitor the 112 Iceland app and safetravel.is for updates

Rule of thumb: Yellow — proceed with caution. Orange — seriously reconsider. Red — stay inside, no exceptions.

Safety on Iceland's Main Hiking Trails

Laugavegur Trail (Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, 55 km)

Iceland's most famous multi-day trail crosses high-altitude terrain, glacial rivers, and exposed ridges. Key safety considerations:

• River crossings: Several unbridged river crossings require careful assessment. Never cross alone — link arms with a partner. If the water is above knee height or moving fast, wait or turn back.
• Weather windows: The trail crosses exposed highland terrain where conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Always check the forecast before each day's hiking.
• Navigation: Trail markers can be obscured by snow or fog. Carry offline maps and a compass.
• Emergency huts: Several emergency huts are located along the trail. Know their locations before you set off.
• Register your itinerary at safetravel.is before starting the trail.

Fimmvörðuháls Pass (Þórsmörk to Skógar, 25 km)

This dramatic high-level route crosses between two glaciers and the 2010 eruption craters. It's one of Iceland's most spectacular day hikes but also one of its most exposed:

• Snow and ice: The pass retains snow well into summer. Crampons or microspikes are often required even in July.
• Wind exposure: The pass is extremely exposed to wind. Do not attempt in orange or red warning conditions.
• Visibility: Cloud and fog can reduce visibility to near zero. Do not proceed if you cannot see the trail markers.

Landmannalaugar Area Hikes

The rhyolite highlands around Landmannalaugar offer stunning day hikes but sit at high elevation with rapidly changing weather:

• Always carry full waterproofs and warm layers regardless of morning conditions
• The geothermal hot spring at the campsite is a great place to warm up after a cold day on the trails
• Inform the campsite warden of your planned route before setting off on longer hikes

Snæfellsjökull Glacier Hikes

Hiking on or near the Snæfellsjökull glacier requires specific equipment and awareness:

• Never hike on a glacier without crampons — the ice is far more slippery than it looks
• Guided glacier walks are strongly recommended for those without glacier experience
• Crevasses are present — stay on marked routes and never hike alone on the glacier

Iceland Camping Equipment & Safe Travel: Trusted Partners Since 2011

We are proud to be a trusted partner of Safe Travel Iceland. Since our founding in 2011, Iceland Camping Equipment has been committed to ensuring that every traveller who rents gear from us is properly equipped for Iceland's conditions — not just comfortable, but safe.

Safe Travel Iceland features our PLB Emergency Beacon directly on their website, linking to our product page as a recommended safety device for travellers heading into Iceland's remote areas. This reflects the trust that Safe Travel places in our expertise and the quality of our equipment.

Our PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can carry in Iceland's highlands. Unlike the 112 app, a PLB works completely independently of your phone and mobile networks — it transmits your location via satellite directly to rescue coordination centres worldwide. It is the ultimate backup when everything else fails.

Why Rent a PLB for Your Iceland Trip?

• Works without phone signal or battery: Operates independently via satellite — no mobile network required
• Instant global rescue alert: Activating a PLB triggers an immediate response from rescue coordination centres
• Lightweight and compact: Easily carried in a daypack or jacket pocket
• Essential for highland and remote hiking: Strongly recommended for the Laugavegur Trail, Fimmvörðuháls, and any off-trail adventure

Rent a PLB Emergency Beacon from Iceland Camping Equipment — available as part of our hiking and trekking gear rental range. We've been equipping Iceland's adventurers safely since 2011.

Your Pre-Hike Safety Checklist

• ☐ Download the 112 Iceland app and allow location permissions
• ☐ Register your itinerary at safetravel.is
• ☐ Check the weather forecast at vedur.is — know the warning colour for your hiking day
• ☐ Check road and trail conditions at road.is
• ☐ Share your itinerary with someone at home who knows when to raise the alarm
• ☐ Carry a fully charged phone and a power bank
• ☐ Carry a PLB emergency beacon for remote or highland hiking
• ☐ Pack full waterproofs, warm layers, and a map regardless of the forecast
• ☐ Carry crampons or microspikes if your route crosses snow or glacier terrain
• ☐ Know the location of emergency huts on your route
• ☐ Never hike alone in remote areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 112 Iceland app?

The 112 Iceland app is a free emergency and safety app that sends your GPS coordinates to Iceland's emergency services with a single tap. It also links to Safe Travel itinerary registration and delivers real-time weather warnings. Download it before any outdoor activity in Iceland.

What does a red weather warning mean in Iceland?

A red warning is the highest level of weather alert in Iceland, indicating extreme and potentially life-threatening conditions. All outdoor activities should be abandoned and solid indoor shelter sought immediately. Do not attempt to hike or camp in red warning conditions.

Do I need a PLB for hiking in Iceland?

A PLB is strongly recommended for any hiking in Iceland's highlands or remote areas. Unlike a mobile phone, a PLB works without signal or battery power and transmits your location via satellite directly to rescue services. It is the ultimate safety backup. You can rent a PLB from Iceland Camping Equipment.

Is it safe to hike in Iceland alone?

Solo hiking in Iceland's remote areas is not recommended. If you do hike alone, always register your itinerary at safetravel.is, carry a PLB, use the 112 app check-in function, and share your plans with someone who knows when to raise the alarm.

How do I register my itinerary with Safe Travel Iceland?

Go to safetravel.is or use the 112 Iceland app. Enter your planned route, start date, expected return date, and emergency contact. It takes about two minutes and is one of the most important things you can do before heading into Iceland's wilderness.