The Icelandic Youth Environmentalist Association is a non governmental organisation with the primary objective of giving young people a platform to positively influence the way society interacts with nature.
Visiting Iceland?
Be a good tourist.
Welcome to Iceland, and thanks for choosing to visit our beautiful country.
We are Ungir umhverfissinnar, the Icelandic Young Environmentalists. We know you care about the environment and want to reduce your environmental impact, so we partnered with the Reykjavík Youth Climate Action Fund to develop this fun guide on how you can be a good tourist while you are in Iceland.
Responsible Consumption (að neyta / “to consume”)
Packing for your trip to Iceland? Better pack a reusable water bottle. Iceland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, and companies producing those single use plastic bottles don’t want you to know that. This video explains Iceland’s goals for zero waste and how you can reduce the amount of waste you produce during your visit.
Be a good tourist: recycle waste, drink tap water, and carry a reusable water bottle while traveling in Iceland.
Learn more: Kranavatn,, Veitur, Sorpa, Umhverfisstofnun, Íslenska Gámafélagið
Responsible Behaviour (að haga sér / “to behave”)
The landscapes in Iceland are extremely rugged but also incredibly fragile. Simply driving off road or stepping off the trail to get a better photo can destroy delicate moss and lava fields. This video discusses how you can behave responsibly in Icelandic nature, only taking memories and photos with you when you return home.
Be a good tourist: drive only on roads, walk only on marked paths, and leave nature exactly as you found it. Respect Iceland’s fragile landscapes, wildlife, and communities.
Learn more: Landvernd, Náttúruverndarstofnun, samtök landvarða, Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður, Ungir umhverfissinnar
Responsible Economy (að kaupa / “to buy”)
When you spend money in Iceland, you contribute to our economy. But every krona you spend is a choice about what kind of businesses you want to support. This video explores how thoughtful spending supports small businesses and local economies that align with sustainable practices, including avoiding whale and puffin consumption.
Be a good tourist: eat, drink, and shop in a way that does not harm the environment, animals, or local communities. Do not fall for the tourist trap of eating endangered species, such as whale or puffin meat.
Learn more: Hvalavinir, Fuglavernd, Náttúruverndarstofnun
