Our Hotels
Keahotels is one of the largest hotel chains in Iceland operating ten hotels. Together the hotels provide over 800 rooms and service travelers, local and foreign, all year round.
Reykjavík — Capital
Vík — South Iceland
Akureyri — North Iceland
Siglufjörður — North Iceland
Grímsnes — South Iceland
Icelandic Water: Why You Should Ditch the Bottles and Drink from the Tap
Welcome to Iceland
Here the waterfalls are majestic, the air is crisp, and—believe it or not—the best drink in the country comes straight from the tap. That’s right, while tourists are busy spending money on bottled water, Icelanders are happily refilling their reusable bottles straight from the sink. Why? Because Iceland has some of the cleanest, purest, most delicious water on Earth—and it’s free.
Yet, every year, confused travelers walk into Icelandic convenience stores searching for bottled water like it’s a luxury item. But before you drop $5 on something that literally comes out of every tap, let’s talk about why Icelandic water is so special.
The Purest Water You’ll Ever Drink
Icelandic tap water doesn’t just meet international drinking water standards—it laughs in their face. It comes from pristine glaciers, underground springs, and natural filtration systems made of volcanic rock. No chemicals, no weird aftertaste—just crisp, fresh water straight from nature.
In fact, if you buy bottled water in Iceland, chances are it’s the exact same water that’s coming out of the tap. But hey, if you enjoy paying for something you can get for free, we won’t judge.
Why Does the Hot Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
Okay, let’s address the one thing that confuses every tourist: why does the hot water smell… weird?
Answer: It’s the geothermal energy. Iceland heats its water using natural hot springs, and that means a little sulfur sneaks into the mix. It’s totally safe, but yeah, your hot shower might have a slight "boiled egg" vibe.
But here’s the trick: only the hot water smells like that. The cold water is pure, fresh, and completely odor-free. So don’t let one whiff of sulfur scare you into buying bottled water. Icelanders have been drinking this stuff for centuries, and last we checked, they’re doing just fine.
Save the Planet, One Sip at a Time
Icelanders take sustainability seriously. Plastic waste is a big no-no, and buying bottled water in Iceland is basically an environmental crime. Icelanders might not say anything, but if they see you chugging store-bought water, they’ll probably give you that polite but slightly disappointed Nordic stare.
Do yourself (and the planet) a favor: bring a reusable bottle and refill it as you go. Your wallet, the environment, and your Instagram followers (who will love your “I’m drinking straight from a waterfall” selfie) will thank you.
Bottom line? If you’re thirsty in Iceland, just turn on the tap. Your taste buds (and your budget) will thank you.
