New Rule In Iceland Makes It Illegal To Camp Outside Designated Sites

Iceland has definitely been on the tourist map recently. When it comes to finding the right balance in caring for the needs of the locals and the increasing amounts of tourists at the same time, there have certainly been some trials and tribulations along the way.

In fact, a new study found that tourists outnumbered locals 7 to 1 last year. With such a small population – merely 330,000 to be exact – it is no wonder that the new tourism industry has had to make some changes.

While the Icelandic landscape, with its majestic waterfalls, dreamy expanses of moss, and seemingly endless lava fields, is definitely a huge part of the draw to visit, that also means that the most needed infrastructural changes are related to camping and the transport required to reach these beautiful locations.

One change made recently has made it illegal to camp outside designated sites in Iceland. Enforced by the police in the south of Iceland, tourists are now not allowed to sleep in tents, RVs, or caravans outside these sites. Before, the rules varied greatly depending on the location, which led to many discrepancies and complications with locals.

The new rule also includes a ban on relieving yourself in public or on a private property and anyone caught will have to clean up after themselves. This, too, comes after increasing complaints from locals. As most tourists do not intentionally want to disregard the law or be disrespectful, these new rules will hopefully serve to clear up some confusion.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.