Tipping in Iceland can feel a bit confusing for visitors, especially if you’re used to tipping as a big part of travel culture. The good news is that in Iceland, tipping is simple, relaxed, and never something you need to stress about.
In most cases, service charges are already included in the price you pay. Wages in Iceland are generally higher than in many other countries, and staff do not depend on tips to make a living. That means you are never expected to tip at restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, or on tours. If you choose to leave a little extra, it’s always appreciated as a kind gesture, but it’s not required.
At Ourhotels.is, we meet many guests who ask, “How much should I tip in Iceland?” The honest answer: you don’t have to tip at all. When you stay at places like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður (close to Borgarnes), The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you can simply pay the bill as it is. There’s no hidden service fee waiting at the bottom of your receipt and no awkward moment of trying to calculate a percentage.
In restaurants across Iceland, including those near our hotels, the menu prices already reflect the full cost of your meal. If you receive especially warm service or enjoy a memorable evening, you might choose to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change on the table. A simple “takk fyrir” (thank you) and a smile go just as far as a tip here.
The same applies to hotel stays. At Hvítá Inn, The Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, our teams are paid fairly, and there is no expectation that guests will leave extra money for housekeeping or reception. Some guests like to leave a small thank-you envelope or a note if someone has gone above and beyond, but this is entirely voluntary. Many Icelanders will tell you that the best “tip” you can give is a kind review online or a recommendation to friends and family.
On tours and activities, such as boat trips from Stykkishólmur, hiking excursions in Borgarfjörður, or guided experiences around Ísafjörður, tipping is also not a standard part of the culture. If a guide has truly made your day special, you can certainly offer a small tip or ask if there’s a tip jar, but you won’t offend anyone by simply saying thank you and parting ways.
This relaxed approach to tipping is part of what makes traveling in Iceland feel straightforward. Prices may seem higher at first glance, but they already include tax and service, so what you see is what you pay. There’s no need to mentally add 10–20% on top of every meal, drink, or night’s stay.
When you book with Ourhotels.is, whether you’re staying by the river at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, enjoying the harbor atmosphere at The Stykkishólmur Inn, or soaking up the Westfjords charm at Ísafjörður Inn, you can focus on the experience rather than the etiquette. Explore waterfalls, hot springs, fishing villages, and dramatic fjords knowing that the culture around tipping in Iceland is easygoing and transparent.
In short: tipping in Iceland is optional, never expected, and always appreciated only as a genuine thank you. Relax, enjoy your stay, and let us take care of the rest.
