Hi all,

We are traveling to Iceland next week with our 2 yr old. We’ll be driving the Ring Road for two weeks. We’re planning to stop at Hagkaup & Bonus for diapers and snacks for the car. I know the tap water in Iceland is exceptional quality, but has anyone (foreign to Iceland) given it to their young children? I know that often it’s not a matter of the water being clean/safe, but rather how it’s treated differently than what you’re used to that can initially cause an upset stomach. I have no doubt that the tap water is leaps and bounds better than what we drink at home in the states and probably the same or even better than bottled water. It is what my husband and I will drink, but I don’t want to give my toddler an upset stomach. I was just going to give it to him without a second thought, but the grandmothers keep pestering me about it so I figure I should just inquire with people that may have experience with this. Should we buy water when we stop for the other supplies?

Yes, i had heard this about the showers, but I’ve read tons of accounts where people said the drinking water tasted great. I never understood why it would be any different from the shower water...it’s all the same water. Unless there’s some other type of filter on certain faucets in restaurants and such? No idea.

I may just pick up a few bottles in the beginning and start off with that. I’m not really sure which way to go. I doubt my little one would drink water that tastes strongly of sulfur so that is a good point, thanks! Plus it’s already enough of a challenge traveling with a happy toddler let alone an unhappy/ill one so maybe I shouldn’t risk it 😂

I always drink tap water when traveling unless it’s some place like Russia or some African countries. We drank the water in Iceland on two different trips and it was fine even at our hotel in Reykjavik. Take a couple of water bottles and fill them when you’re happy with the water. Only use bottled water when absolutely necessary.

Typically we don’t either, but it depends on the country. I think I was feeling differently about Iceland since literally every article I’ve read entitled “things not to do in Iceland” lists not to buy bottled water. I’ve read some that said the tap water is such good quality that it itself is bottled but I don’t know if that’s valid.

I’ve heard that even when attempting to buy bottled water that the locals in the store will tell you not to and that it’s a waste.

I had forgotten about it potentially having a sulfur taste so that made my decision on that. It’s not as if it’s some crazy expense, so like a lot of you said, why risk it? I was worried my question would come off as ignorant and garner a bunch of eye rolls and laughter, so I appreciate everyone’s thoughtful responses. Thanks, all!

I appreciate you going back to look at this. Thank you!