If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while or reading my posts, you’ve probably heard me mention that Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world—and that’s absolutely true in many ways. Violent crime is incredibly rare, and the sense of community and trust is deeply woven into Icelandic society.
But today, we need to talk about a growing concern—something that’s caught many tourists off guard: a rise in pickpocketing incidents, particularly in the south of Iceland, including well-traveled areas like Reykjavík, Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and even inside churches like Hallgrímskirkja.
Iceland is Still Safe?
Let me be clear: Iceland remains a safe place to travel. But just like anywhere that attracts large numbers of tourists, it’s not immune to the realities of opportunistic crime. And recently, we’ve seen a sharp increase in reports of pickpocketing—specifically targeting visitors at popular natural landmarks.
Police in South Iceland have been investigating what appears to be a well-organised group—possibly ten individuals—who are blending into crowds at major tourist sites. These aren’t random thieves. According to local authorities and park rangers, they use a highly coordinated strategy, working in teams to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists.
How the Pickpockets Operate in Iceland
Let’s take the geyser Strokkur in the Haukadalur Valley. When it erupts, hundreds of people gather to witness the spectacle—it’s loud, dramatic, and absolutely worth seeing. But as your eyes are glued to the steam and water shooting into the sky, pickpockets might be watching you.
They blend into the crowd, posing as fellow tourists. Some act as lookouts, some distract by chatting or even offering to take photos, and others use the distraction to reach into backpacks, pockets, or crossbody bags.
Stolen items—mostly cash in euros, dollars, pounds, or krónur—are passed quickly to accomplices, making it hard to trace who took what.
And this isn’t just happening at Strokkur. Similar reports have come from Gullfoss, Þingvellir, and even Reykjavík’s iconic Hallgrímskirkja church. In fact, the church recently posted warning signs at its entrance after a string of thefts occurred inside during visiting hours.
Prevention Tips – Simple, Smart, Effective
So, what can you do to avoid being targeted?
Here are some practical, simple things you can do to stay safe:
- Use anti-theft bags. Look for ones with lockable zippers, cut-proof straps, and compartments that rest against your body.
- Keep valuables close. A money belt worn under your clothing is ideal for passports, IDs, and cash.
- Stay aware. If someone approaches you offering help, conversation, or to take your photo—especially in a crowded space—be friendly but cautious.
- Avoid back pockets. Never store your wallet or phone in a back pocket. It’s just too easy to snatch.
- Limit what you carry. Only take what you’ll need for the day—leave extra cards, cash, and your passport locked up at your accommodation.
- Be mindful in crowds. Places like Strokkur, Geysir, and the viewing platforms at Þingvellir draw hundreds of people. These moments of awe are unfortunately prime time for thieves.
And one more thing: if the worst does happen and you are robbed, call 112—Iceland’s emergency services number. Also, make sure you have digital copies of your documents in a secure, password-protected folder, ideally emailed to yourself or saved in cloud storage.
When & Where PickPocket Groups Strike the Most
According to park rangers and local authorities, these organised pickpocket groups tend to appear in February, March, and July—timing their activities around peak tourism periods. They often arrive early in the morning, scout areas like Þingvellir’s Hakið viewpoint above the Almannagjá gorge, and move on from site to site in a very methodical way.
This isn’t just some random occurrence—it’s a planned effort by individuals who know exactly what they’re doing and how to blend in. However, when and where they can do it might change so it is best to protect your belongings at all times.
How to Keep Each Other Safe
If you’re traveling with friends or family, look out for one another. And if you’re a tour guide or part of a travel group, report anything suspicious immediately to local police. The more reports that are filed, the better chance authorities have to stop these incidents before they escalate.
I’ll also include links in the show notes to recent news articles and official resources so you can stay informed and take proactive steps during your visit.
While this isn’t the most fun topic to cover, I believe it’s important to be honest and help you travel smart. Iceland is a stunning, unforgettable place—and I want you to enjoy every breathtaking waterfall, moss-covered lava field, and cultural experience without the stress of losing your wallet or passport.
Random Fact of the Episode
Petty crime in Iceland has been around for a long time but it mostly involved locals being targeted. A good example is bike thefts that have happened over the years.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Vasaþjólfur – pickpocket
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