How to use the SafeTravel app for photographers in Reykjavík: alerts, travel plan, and GPS share
March 5, 2026 · Travel Tips
Getting Started with the SafeTravel App
As a photographer in Reykjavík, safety and timing are key. The SafeTravel app from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue helps you share your plans, receive real-time alerts, and let friends or local guides track your GPS location. Follow these simple steps to set it up:
- Download SafeTravel from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create your profile and add emergency contacts.
- Enter your itinerary: shooting spots, estimated times, and accommodation.
- Enable GPS sharing so your trusted contacts can follow your route.
- Opt in for weather and road‐condition alerts, especially in winter.
Why Photographers in Reykjavík Will Love It
The unpredictable Icelandic weather and sudden changes in road conditions can make or break a shoot. SafeTravel sends you:
- Weather Alerts: Know when a sunny day turns stormy.
- Road Updates: Find out if the Ring Road or mountain passes close.
- Emergency Notifications: Contact rescue services with a tap.
With the app’s live GPS sharing, your studio away from home feels secure—freeing you to focus on capturing Reykjavík’s colorful street art, Hallgrímskirkja at dusk, or the dancing Northern Lights above the harbor.
Practical Travel Tips
- When to Go:
- Summer (June–August) for the Midnight Sun and vibrant city festivals.
- Winter (October–March) for the Northern Lights and frosty landscapes.
- What to Pack:
- Waterproof layers and sturdy boots
- Portable battery packs for long shooting days
- Wide-angle and telephoto lenses
- Extra memory cards and a compact tripod
- How Long to Stay: Plan at least 3–5 nights in Reykjavík to explore downtown and nearby coastlines. Then consider a road trip along Snæfellsnes or Borgarfjörður for an extra 2–3 days.
Extend Your Journey Beyond the Capital
After capturing Reykjavík, head west to unlock new perspectives:
- Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður: a riverside retreat near Borgarnes, perfect for golden‐hour riverbank shots.
- The Stykkishólmur Inn: base yourself on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for iconic lava fields and coastal vistas.
- Ísafjörður Inn: venture to the Westfjords, where fjord light and rugged mountains offer dramatic compositions.
Book Your Stay via Ourhotels.is
Whether you’re in the heart of Reykjavík or exploring West Iceland, Ourhotels.is has you covered. Secure a comfortable room close to your next photo adventure—and enjoy free Wi-Fi to upload your latest masterpieces. Book now on Ourhotels.is and turn your Iceland photo trip into an unforgettable journey!