What is Læknavaktin? A Guide to Medical Services Outside Regular Clinic Hours in Iceland

10/5/2026

What is Læknavaktin? A Guide to Medical Services Outside Regular Clinic Hours in Iceland

Community

Iranian Community in Iceland

What is Læknavaktin?

Læknavaktin is an out-of-hours medical service in Iceland. It provides primary medical care, telephone advice, in-person consultations and, in certain cases, home visits when regular health centres and clinics are closed.

When should you use Læknavaktin?

If you need non-emergency medical care outside the regular opening hours of your local health centre, such as in the evenings, at night, on weekends or public holidays, you can contact Læknavaktin or visit the clinic.

Contact numbers

For medical advice by phone, an initial assessment of symptoms or information about a consultation, call 1770. Trained nurses answer the calls and provide guidance.

Within Iceland: 1770
From outside Iceland: +354 544 4113
Administrative office: 544 4113

Opening hours

In-person reception:
Weekdays: 17:00–22:00
Weekends and public holidays: 09:00–22:00

Home visits:
Weekdays: 17:00–23:30
Weekends: 08:00–23:30

Administrative office:
Weekdays from 10:00–12:00.

Important:
The clinic can be very busy. The doors are closed before opening hours, and patients may have to wait in a long queue in the stairwell. For an in-person visit, it is recommended to arrive at least 40 minutes before opening time.

What services are available?

Læknavaktin provides:

• Telephone advice from trained nurses
• In-person consultations with a general practitioner
• Home visits in special and necessary cases
• Certain medical certificates
• Emergency renewal of some essential medication prescriptions

Læknavaktin vs. emergency number 112

112 is for serious emergencies, life-threatening medical conditions, severe accidents and sudden incidents requiring emergency assistance or an ambulance.

1770, on the other hand, is intended for non-emergency medical problems that may wait until a regular health centre opens but still require medical assessment on the same day.

What conditions can Læknavaktin help with?

Examples include:

• High fever, influenza or sudden infections
• Mild to moderate pain requiring medical assessment
• Minor injuries
• Superficial burns or small wounds
• Medical concerns involving children outside regular clinic hours

What options are available in Reykjavík?

In the Greater Reykjavík area, the Læknavaktin in-person clinic is located at Austurveri:

Háaleitisbraut 68, Reykjavík

In addition to visiting the clinic during evening and night hours, you can contact 1770 or use the Heilsuvera online health service for advice and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a prescription by telephone?

No. Prescriptions cannot be obtained solely through a telephone consultation.

Can I make a telephone appointment with a doctor?

No. Telephone consultations are provided by nurses.

Is there a dentist at Læknavaktin?

No. Læknavaktin does not provide dental services. For dental care, call 426 8000.

What types of tests are available?

Depending on the doctor's assessment, rapid tests may include:

• Streptococcal throat testing
• CRP/inflammation testing
• Urine tests
• Haemoglobin testing
• Blood glucose testing
• Pregnancy testing

Can wounds be stitched at the clinic?

Small cuts in adults may be stitched at the clinic. Deeper wounds and children's stitching cases may be referred to the emergency department at Landspítali.

What types of medical certificates are issued?

Medical certificates for sudden illness or injuries on the same day, such as absence from school or work, may be issued.

Specialised certificates, such as those related to driving licences or firearm permits, must be issued by a family doctor at a health centre.

How are service fees calculated?

Fees are charged according to Icelandic government regulations. Children and people with disabilities may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions according to applicable rules.

Note:
Check your insurance coverage before visiting.

Official and related links:

Læknavaktin:
https://laeknavaktin.is

Heilsuvera:
https://heilsuvera.is

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