Do They Speak English in Iceland?
Worried about getting lost in translation in Iceland? You can relax — English is spoken fluently in Iceland, from Reykjavík’s bustling streets to the remote Westfjords.
Whether you’re ordering coffee in a Reykjavík café, checking into a hotel, asking for directions, or picking up your rental car in Iceland, you’ll find English widely understood in everyday situations.
Many visitors are surprised at just how comfortable locals are with the language, even in rural areas far from the capital. Communication is rarely a challenge for English speakers.
How Common Is English in Iceland?
Icelandic is the official and native language, spoken by the vast majority of the population. According to Statistics Iceland (2025), the country is home to just under 390,000 inhabitants, and WordAtlas reports that 93.2% speak Icelandic as their mother tongue. This makes Icelandic one of the smallest national languages in the world.
Because the Icelandic-speaking population is so small, locals do not expect visitors to learn it. English, however, is used extensively in Iceland, not only in tourism but also in business, education, and popular culture.
In Reykjavík and other towns, young Icelanders tend to be completely fluent in English thanks to early schooling, exposure to international media, and global cultural influences. Older Icelanders may have a stronger Nordic accent and a slightly smaller vocabulary, but it is still rare to meet anyone who cannot hold a basic conversation in English.
The travel industry operates almost entirely in English. From hotel reception desks and restaurants to guided tours and self-drive car rentals, it is the primary language of communication with visitors. In rural areas, you might meet someone who speaks less confidently, but it’s uncommon to be unable to get your message across.
Why Icelanders Speak Such Good English
English proficiency in Iceland is among the highest in the world, with the EF English Proficiency Index consistently ranking the country in the top ten globally. Here’s why:
Early Education in English
Formal English instruction begins at around age eight in Icelandic schools. However, most children arrive in class already knowing basic vocabulary and grammar. This is thanks to the country’s strong exposure to English through media, gaming, and music.
Subtitled, Not Dubbed
Unlike in many European countries, films and television programmes are rarely dubbed into Icelandic. Instead, subtitles are used. This means Icelanders hear the original English audio from a young age and naturally absorb pronunciation, idioms, and tone.
Tourism and International Visitors
Tourism has become one of Iceland’s biggest industries, attracting millions of visitors annually. In 2025, 29% of tourists came from the United States and 11% from the United Kingdom, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board. As English is the shared language for these travellers, and for many others from Europe and Asia, locals use it daily.
Global Connectivity
From social media and streaming services to international work opportunities, Icelanders are deeply connected to global culture. This keeps their English skills fresh and up to date with modern expressions and slang.
Immigration and Working Language
As of 2025, 17.4% of Iceland’s population are immigrants. Since learning Icelandic takes time, English often becomes the shared working language in multicultural workplaces, further increasing its use.
Getting Around Iceland Without Speaking Icelandic
Travelling in Iceland is straightforward for English speakers. English is widely used in Iceland’s transport and tourism services, making it easy to navigate from day one. Even if English isn’t your first language, you can still manage with ease — signage, booking systems, and most public information are available in English.
Some Icelanders speak other Nordic languages such as Danish, though it is not universally understood.
For travellers who prefer minimal interactions, self-service options are expanding rapidly, from hotel check-ins to fuel stations, making it even easier to travel without needing Icelandic.
For example, Lava Car Rental provides 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off. You can book your car online, collect your keys from a secure locker, and start your journey without needing to speak to anyone in person — ideal for late-night arrivals or contactless travel.
Is English Changing the Icelandic Language?
With English so widely used, some wonder whether it is replacing Icelandic. It is true that English words are creeping into everyday speech, particularly among younger generations who consume most of their media in English. Online gaming, YouTube, and social platforms often encourage a mix of the two languages.
However, Icelanders are deeply proud of their linguistic heritage. Icelandic has changed remarkably little since the Viking Age, and it remains one of Europe’s oldest living languages. Schools, media, and cultural institutions actively work to preserve it by creating Icelandic equivalents for new words rather than adopting English terms outright.
While English is a practical tool for communication, Icelandic remains a symbol of national identity. Visitors who make the effort to learn a few local words are always welcomed warmly. Even a simple “Takk” (thank you) or “Góðan dag” (good day) can spark a friendly smile.
For a list of helpful travel phrases, see our Icelandic phrases guide.
Tips for English-Speaking Travellers in Iceland
Use English Confidently
Do not hesitate to start conversations in English. In most cases, Icelanders will reply without skipping a beat, and you will rarely need to slow down or simplify your speech.
Keep an Eye Out for English Signage
Road signs, menus, and attraction guides often include English translations, especially in tourist areas. This makes driving around Iceland in a rental car straightforward, even if it is your first visit.
Book in Advance Online
Whether you are reserving a self-drive tour, booking accommodation, or hiring a vehicle, online booking forms are almost always in English. This makes trip planning easy long before you arrive.
Final Thoughts: Travelling in Iceland as an English Speaker
Language barriers aren’t something you need to worry about here. English is spoken with ease across Iceland, giving you the freedom to focus on exploring the waterfalls of the South Coast, the volcanic craters of the North, and everything in between.
If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, a rental car in Iceland is the best option. Lava Car Rental offers essential insurance included in all rentals, accepts debit cards for bookings, has no young driver fees, and provides the convenience of 24/7 self-service pick-up and drop-off. With these options, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the road trip of a lifetime.
Pack your bags, practise saying “Takk,” and get ready to discover Iceland, knowing you’ll be understood wherever you go.
