travel blog iceland

The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Iceland

By: Author Monica

Categories Iceland

Not so long ago, Iceland was a relatively unheard of destination, with only the few most extreme adventurers choosing to travel there. Finding a guide to Iceland would have been a real challenge.

These days, it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations, and there are so many Iceland travel guides out there that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s a good problem to have, and it’s only happened because Iceland is one unbelievably epic destination to visit, so there’s always a lot to say when you come back from a trip there! Iceland is one of my favourite destinations and whenever anyone asks me for a weekend break suggestion I’ll always tell them Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, especially a first-time trip, it can be hard to sift through all of the information out there to find the blog posts and articles that will really help you.

That’s why I created The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Iceland, which rounds up all of my favourite blog posts on this destination so that you have everything you need to plan your trip to Iceland!

Iceland Travel Tips and Guides

Iceland offers a totally different experience in every season. To help you plan your trip, Kiki from The Blonde Abroad gives a guide to Iceland in each season, including the weather and festivals to look out for, so you can decide on the best time to visit Iceland.

Iceland is such a surprising place, full of myths and legends and customs that will confuse and delight you. These (admittedly random) facts are some of the things I learned on my first trip to Iceland (including when to celebrate National Beer Day).

Elle shares some of the lessons she wishes she’d known before visiting Iceland’s capital city, including what to expect at the famous Blue Lagoon (i.e. what no one tells you about what your hair will feel like afterwards) and the best time to arrive.

21 Things I Wish I Knew About Iceland Before My Trip – Away from the Office

Rebecca from Away from the Office shares insights that will help to make a first-timer’s trip to Iceland the best it possibly can be. This guide to Iceland offers some tips on how to save money, and shares prices you can expect for an average meal, which can be a shock for first-time visitors to Iceland.

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland – Life with a View

A lot of visitors to Iceland come in the hopes of spotting the incredible and magical Northern Lights, but it’s not as easy as just turning up and spotting them. Jeannie offers practical tips to give you the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis when you visit Iceland.

Not sure if Iceland is the right destination for solo female travel? Milly from Mini Adventures shares why it’s the perfect place to travel alone, based on her trip there, which was her first ever solo travel destination.

Iceland Itineraries

Iceland is a fantastic destination for a stopover, especially on the way from London to New York, or vice versa. Brooke shows how you can see loads in a short time thanks to this spectacular 4 day itinerary, which includes many of the country’s most famous sights.

Got a little bit longer to explore? This guide to Iceland, which includes a handy map, breaks down the two weeks day by day, including expected drive times, recommended accommodation, and what you can see along the way.

Not sure how long you need to spend in Iceland? This post shows you what you can do with a quick layover vs a week or longer, so you can plan better and work out how much you really want to see…probably all of it, let’s be honest!

This Iceland itinerary is a little bit different because it’s specific to winter, which is a season that brings its own beauty (and its own set of challenges, too). Learn how to see as much as possible, and get useful tips on how to navigate Iceland in the middle of winter.

There’s so much to see all around Iceland, but the city of Reykjavik has plenty to offer, and you can easily stay in the city and still have a whole lot of adventure. In this post, Kaelene shares how to base your Iceland holiday in Reykjavik, and offers tips to make the most of your Icelandic city break.

When I visited Iceland back in 2015 for a long weekend, I knew it would be amazing, but I was blown away by how utterly incredible this 36 hour trip really was! From champagne on black sand beaches to helicopter tours, it was the kind of trip I know I’ll never forget in my lifetime!

Iceland Road Trip Tips and Routes

The most famous driving route in Iceland, the Ring Road, is full of sights and wonders to stop and admire along the way. We Are Travel Girls break down the best stops to make as you drive the perimeter of the country, including where to go to spot puffins!

A road trip might be the most epic way to see the best of Iceland, but there are a few things it’s good to know before you hop in your car and hit the road. Marie-Eve shares her top dos and don’ts of road-tripping in Iceland here.

With a handy map to guide you and epic photos to inspire your Iceland road trip, this mega-post will probably make you want to just pack your bags and move there, because there’s so much to see that one trip just isn’t enough!

From when to travel to Iceland for a Ring Road adventure, to weather conditions and tips on knowing Iceland’s road signs, this road trip tips post by Kiki is perfect for first-timers to Iceland.

Summer is when people usually hit Iceland for a road trip, closely followed by winter (because chances are higher of seeing the Northern Lights), but what about the in-between seasons? This guide to Iceland road tripping in spring argues why it’s the best time to go.

Things to do in Iceland

This blog post is something of an Iceland bucket list for beginners. Covering all of the highlights and ‘must dos’, if you ticked everything on this list off during your first time to Iceland, you’ll have had a memorable trip indeed!

With some alternative suggestions for things to do in Iceland (like finding live music in Reykjavik, and seeing a waterfall from a different perspective), this list basically reads like a guide to having the most fun in Iceland!

There might be loads of blog posts out there about visiting Reykjavik, but this one stands out because it offers practical tips, like buying water before going on a tour, and the best way to pay for things when you’re there. If you want to really get to know Reykjavik before you visit Iceland, this is the post for you.

Yes, The Blue Lagoon might be Iceland’s most famous hot spring, but no – it’s not the only one! Some of the other hot springs dotted around the country are absolutely breathtaking, and not overcrowded like The Blue Lagoon can be.

I bet when you think of Iceland, snorkelling isn’t the first activity you imagine doing! But despite the freezing temperatures, it’s possible – and it’s incredible! Take a look at my video from the time I went snorkelling in Iceland. Would you dare?

It can be overwhelming trying to find the right tour for you, especially when there are so many available. Thankfully, Yulia from Miss Tourist has broken it down for you by choosing ten Iceland tours that are worth the money.

The Blue Lagoon is instantly recognisable, and a must-see when in Iceland – after all, we’ve all seen the stunning Instagram photos of milky blue waters surrounded by dramatic black volcanic rocks. But what is it really like to visit? I share my top tips here.

Budget Iceland Travel

Iceland is notoriously expensive. Even if you’re expecting high prices, it’s usually even more pricey than first-time visitors anticipated. This in-depth guide covers average costs of travel expenses, as well as offering 21 practical ways to save money in Iceland.

Can you ever have too many Iceland money saving tips? I don’t think so. This guide to Iceland on a budget offers some brilliant tips (including where to find cool second hand stores to look for one of those cute Icelandic wool jumpers for less).

One of the best ways to save money in Iceland is to camp, rather than paying for costly accommodation in hotels or hostels every night. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be immersed in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Here’s how to do it.

Going out to eat in Iceland is jaw-droppingly expensive, so Victoria and Terrence offer some alternative food options, as well as other money-saving tips for a trip to Iceland.

I love it when bloggers break down the exact costs of their trip – it’s so useful to understand how much to budget – and Milly does exactly this in her Iceland budget post. She doesn’t hide any expenses, and itemises each cost from food to transfers to flights, to give you a great idea of just how much you need to budget to visit Iceland.

Packing for Iceland

Iceland’s weather is rarely predictable, even in the warmer summer months, so packing can be really tricky. This post by Shana shares packing lists and tips for the city or for outdoorsy Icelandic adventures, for the whole family.

From the essential jackets you’ll need to pack for Iceland to perfecting the art of layering, this packing guide by Amalia will put your mind at ease and make sure you’re as prepared as you possibly can be for Iceland’s unpredictable climate.

After my first trip, I picked eight items that you just can’t travel to Iceland without. This guide to Iceland packing essentials covers all activities, from hanging out in the city to outdoor adventuring – and a little in between.

Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, Suzanne’s got you covered with these practical Iceland packing tips. She’s got some clever recommendations, like those tech gloves that mean you don’t have to expose your fingers to the cold when you take a photo. Genius.

Packing for a summer holiday is usually pretty easy and stress-free, but not so when you’re travelling to Iceland. Don’t get caught out without the right gear – with this guide by Greta, you won’t have to.

Food and Drink in Iceland

Sure, eating out in Iceland is famous for being expensive, but there are a few places that are worth the splurge. This list of unusual places to eat at in Reykjavik includes an establishment no trip to Iceland would be complete without visiting: Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, also known as the hot dog stand!

Don’t worry, if you’re travelling to Iceland on a budget, you don’t have to survive on bread for your trip. This guide to budget eats in Reykjavik includes local recommendations that are both tasty and easy on your wallet. That Indian street food looks incredible!

Don’t read this blog post while you’re hungry! This guide to Iceland’s best food offers some seriously mouth-watering options all around the Golden Circle region, from the best brunch to the tastiest ice cream and where to get fresh lobster soup every day.

Where to stay in Iceland

Hotels in Iceland might be expensive, but when the hostels are this amazing, who needs a hotel anyway? KEX Hostel is a quirky, friendly option for visitors to Iceland who don’t want to spend a fortune (but who also want a bit of style in their stay!).

Forget about a five star hotel…how about a five million star hotel? This bubble hotel is fully transparent, so you have uninterrupted views of the Icelandic sky. It’s perfect for watching the Northern Lights, but it would be magical even if you didn’t see the Aurora. Definitely one for the bucket list.

From luxurious hotels to cosy and comfortable home stays, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Iceland. This comprehensive guide breaks it down by region so you can plan your entire trip, night by night.

Do you have any more tips to add to this guide to Iceland?

Saturday 6th of July 2019

I just returned from 5 days in Iceland (2-1/2 day more than necessary). The scenery is beautiful, but has a certain sameness wherever you go. There are a few unimpressive geysers, some thundering waterfalls, and the sunsets are impressive (at about 12:15 AM local time). I chose the sunsets. One must chose because sunrise follows sunsets by 2-12 hours. I couldn't stay up for both.

Visiting Iceland is a great deal like blue-ocean sailing: you are always, wet, always cold, moving slowly and at great expense. Can't overemphasize the expense part: Tokyo is cheaper. Some of the much heralded hotel spas will disappoint you. Service is insipid; and there is everywhere the lingering odor of sulfur.

Been there (and nearly everywhere else). I recommend nearly everywhere else, first, then Iceland. Maybe next year, Greenland.

Top 13 Blogs About Iceland

• I Heart Reykjavik

What do you like most about Iceland?

What makes iceland stand out as a travel destination.

• What’s your favourite location in Iceland?
• The Blonde Abroad

What is your favourite place in Iceland?

• Nomadic Matt
• Miss Tourist
• CasualTravelist
• The Culture Map
• One Mile at a Time
• From Ice to Spice
• Expert Vagabond
• Hand Luggage Only
• Two Monkeys Travel Group
• Passion Passport
• Guide to Iceland Locals

Richard aka Wanda Star

• Jón Hilmarsson
• Read Even More About Iceland!

Are you looking for the best travel blogs about Iceland? Find the best and most comprehensive local and international Iceland blogs here. Read on to discover Iceland travel blogs, nature blogs, food blogs, photography blogs, lifestyle blogs and everything in-between.

• Learn more in Icelandic Literature for Beginners
• Secure your spot on this  West Iceland Sightseeing Day Tour | Nature and Culture
• On the other side of the country? This  East Iceland's Nature and Culture Super Jeep Tour  is for you

Since Guide to Iceland launched in 2012, we’ve focused on publishing informative, quality articles and helpful blogs. We’re constantly adding new content, and on our site, you can find a diverse array of articles, covering everything from  The Midnight Sun in Iceland  to  Gender Equality in Iceland .

Popular self-drive tours

10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes, best 1-week summer self-drive tour of the ring road of iceland & golden circle, best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave.

Obviously, we aren’t the only ones providing great content, and below, in no particular order, we’ve listed our favourite blogs about Iceland, just in case you want to read different voices and see even more gorgeous pictures of our beautiful country.

We got in touch with the founders of these blogs and asked them a couple of questions.

I Heart Reykjavik  

Picture from I Heart Reykjavík

I Heart Reykjavík is by far the largest local Icelandic blog you can find. It’s run by Auður, an Icelander with a passion for both her hometown Reykjavík and for Iceland’s nature. Her travel blog is completely focused on Iceland, so everything you read here is an insider tip on the country and its capital. 

I Heart Reykjavík is, in her own words “a travel blog about Iceland, seen from the eyes of the local. It’s useful for anyone planning to visit Iceland, no matter their style of travel or budget.”

"What I like most about living in Iceland is first and foremost just that it’s my home and as such, I have a strong connection to it. I love our nature, our clean air (sounds like a cliché but it’s true) and as a parent, I enjoy how safe it is to raise a family here."

"What makes Iceland a great travel destination, apart from the culture and people that live in the country, is our spectacular nature. Although many of the things you’ll see in Iceland are not necessarily unique in the world (although some of it is) what makes Iceland so special is that all these amazing things are right here in one spot in an area about the of the size of Kentucky."

What’s your favourite location in Iceland?

"I don’t have a favourite place in Iceland, asking me to name one is like asking a mother name her favourite child. However, I always think Þórsmörk is kind of magical."

• See also: Top 10 things to do in Reykjavik
• To visit Þórsmörk, see Highland Tours

The Blonde Abroad  

Picture from The Blonde Abroad

The Blonde Abroad is run by Kiersten, a Californian who left her job in corporate finance to travel the world. Her blog features more than 20 articles about Iceland, as well as a fun video of her winter trip in Iceland.

The Blonde Abroad is, in her own words, "one of the leading resources for travellers around the world. I focus on photography, curated destination guides, hotel reviews, packing guides, and travel tips for solo and female travellers, based on my own travels and experiences in over 58 countries around the globe!"

"Out of all the places I've been, I've learned that Iceland is unlike any other place I've travelled to. I've visited twice now and the second time I drove a camper van around the Ring Road and explored spots off the beaten path. The pristine landscapes, natural beauty, the variety of adventures, food and local culture is one of the best, and why I plan to return over and over again!"

"I think that Iceland offers activities for all types of travellers. If you're an adventure seeker, you can hike through ice caves and climb glaciers. If you're a photographer, you'll be blown away by the landscapes and waterfalls. If you're an outdoors person, you'll enjoy camping around the Ring Road and getting to lesser known, hidden gems. And if you just want to get away to relax, Iceland offers amazing geothermal pools and spas that would suit any taste!"

"It's hard to pick a favourite because every corner of Iceland is awe-inspiring, but my most unforgettable moment was watching the northern lights over Goðafoss ."

• See also: The Northern Lights
• Rent a camper van here

Nomadic Matt  

Picture from Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt is run by Matt, who grew up in Boston. On a holiday in Thailand in 2005 he realised he didn't need to be rich in order to travel and on his site you'll find lots of money saving tips when in Iceland, as well as several articles.

In his own words, Nomadic Matt "proves that travelling isn't just for the rich by teaching people how to travel for as cheaply as possible! My website is for anyone around the world who wants to travel on a budget and off the beaten path."

"Iceland left me spellbound as I wandered from place to place. It quickly became one of my favourite countries in the world after my first visit. It’s such a beautiful country filled with warm and welcoming people (who are also beautiful). The landscape here is like nothing else in the world. It’s magic! Everyone told me Iceland would blow my mind. It definitely did."

" The locals were warm and welcoming, took me around, and showed me their homes. They were incredibly hospitable, and I made a lot of Icelandic friends on my trip. And, while locals make any destination better, what blew my mind was the magnificence of the natural landscape. It’s bewitching.

I only managed to see a fraction of Iceland during my trips, but my visits have always lived up to my high expectations. No photo or movie I saw did it justice. It was even better in person."

"I loved visiting the Mývatn Nature Baths. These were quieter and less expensive than the famous Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik. I relaxed here by myself for over an hour mellowing out in the warm waters. I also loved seeing the waterfalls, and there are so many waterfalls to visit throughout the country. But my favourite region is probably the northwest. It's pretty empty up there and there aren't a lot of tourists or people. I love the quiet and the hiking."

• See also: 19 tips on how to save money in Iceland
• See also: Waterfalls in Iceland

Miss Tourist  

Picture from Miss Tourist

Miss Tourist is run by Yulia, a Russian girl who likes to travel in a smart way. Her blog has several articles about Iceland, covering a 14-day road trip all around the country, and some budget tips.

In Yulia's own words, Miss Tourist is "all about travelling to extraordinary destinations and making the most of your time there! I will give you tips on how to avoid waiting in the line to popular attractions; money savers tips (something that I call "smart travel"); tips on not paying if you don't need to (discounts, free days etc.); and do-it-yourself practical tips on how to organise your vacation in the best possible way!"

"Oh, Iceland is my favourite country in the world (and I have been to some)! I love the stunning nature that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, the sense of connecting with nature and diversity that Iceland has to offer—summer in one day and from geysers to glaciers again!"

"As I said, it has absolutely unique nature that I haven't seen anywhere else before and, even despite the fact that Iceland is becoming a more popular tourist destination, it is still far from being crowded. You can for example really feel the power of a waterfall without having to queue for hours to see it and needing to find a spot without people for an epic picture."

"Good question and a very hard one! I think the small hidden waterfall called Gljúfrabúi  would be a good choice!  Gljúfrabúi  is located near Seljalandsfoss waterfall and in order to get there, you need to climb through a narrow opening in the cliff and cross a small river. You can't really see it from the outside so, save a pin on a map in order not to miss it!"

• See also: 9 Worst Tourist Traps in Iceland
• See also: Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland

Casual Travelist  

Picture from Casual Travelist

Casual Travelist is run by Brianna who's written half a dozen informative articles about Iceland. Unlike many of the other bloggers, she isn't a full-time blogger, but writes about "laid back luxury, with a focus on culinary, city and nature travel."

Or as she puts it: "Balancing a full-time career with a love of travel I have been sharing my experiences and tips at the Casual Travelist since 2014 where I aim to show other working professionals how they too can get out and explore the world."

"I quickly fell in love with Iceland during a trip to Reykjavík and the south coast. Volcanoes, glaciers , mountains and the sea merge to create some of the most beautiful views on Earth. 

Climbing the Sólheimajökull glacier and witnessing the vastness of the glacier-carved landscape and how far the glaciers has retreated made me realise just how powerful and fragile the glacial ecosystem is."

"Visiting a glacier lagoon is on many people’s wishlist when they visit Iceland and while Jökulsárlón is a popular tourist destination nearby Fjallsárlón is just as stunning and you may have the entire place to yourself."

• See also: Glacier Tours
• See also: Glaciers and Glacier Hiking in Iceland

The Culture Map  

Picture from The Culture Map

The Culture Map is run by Shing from the UK. She's got a great big love for the Nordic countries and on her blog, you can find a handful of articles about Iceland.

In her own words The Culture Map "focuses on Scandinavia and the Arctic, though I feature all the destinations I visit but to a lesser extent—which is around 45 countries!"

"The list is truly endless - do you have all day? In a nutshell, I really feel that this is where Mother Nature spends most of her time, happily showing off her diversity in a vast pool of technicolour. Specifically speaking, the waterfalls in Iceland deserve a special mention too – Dettifoss, Gullfoss, Svartifoss, Skógafoss, Dynjandi, Háifoss and so many more!"

"Iceland makes an impact on you whether you are there for three days or three weeks. If you are only based in Reykjavik you can choose from a variety of day trips like the Golden Circle route , whale-watching, horseback riding and glacier hiking, that way you will see a microcosm of the country if you are restrained by time."

"Such a difficult question to narrow down. Although I suspect my answer would change depending on my mood, I think it would have to be the area around Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. It makes me feel like I’m on Mars with its bubbling mud pools, geothermal caves and gigantic craters. I can’t wait to return."

• See also: Golden Circle Tours
• See also: Mývatn Tours

One Mile at a Time  

One Mile at a Time consists of a team of bloggers, although it was started by frequent flyer Lucky, aka Ben Schlappig. The focus is on flights and aviation, and there are several blogs about new routes going to Iceland, as well as advice on what to do while you are actually in the country.

For Lucky travelling is more about the journey than the destination, so you can read up about plenty of frequent flyer programs and reviews on business class and first class on the airlines flying to Iceland. He also describes projects or initiatives such as Icelandair's Stopover Buddy Service in detail.

If there's anything you need to know about new airlines flying to Iceland or the aircraft you'll be going on to reach Iceland, you'll be sure to find the information at One Mile at a Time. 

• See also: Flights to Iceland: All You Need to Know
• See also: What to Do & Where to Go

From Ice to Spice  

Picture from From Ice to Spice

From Ice to Spice is run by Icelandic blogger and photographer Ása. She travels a lot around Iceland, but also around the world, giving a great Icelandic insight into other destinations in the world too. Besides Iceland, she likes to travel to less travelled areas.

When asked about her blog, Ása has this to say: "My blog has centred on travelling from the very start! Like so many travel blogs it all started with one year of constant travelling through Asia.

My boyfriend and I loved documenting our trip through photos and words, providing local tips and information for other travellers. This slowly evolved into a true passion for me and since then I have posted over 60 articles from various countries in the world.

Although I don’t have a specific niche, I do tend to travel to less visited areas such as the Middle East, Mongolia and North Korea. I also love blogging about bizarre things like the “Suicide Forest” and “The Bunny Island” in Japan."

"The diversity, the people, the silence. Homy feeling, nature, culture. Coming back to Iceland after a one year journey definitely gave me a new perspective on my own country and really made me appreciate it more than before. What I especially value is the complete isolation, the utter silence and the unworldly landscapes which are still unrivalled compared to the 52 countries I have visited so far."

"So many different things to see, the diversity. You don't have to travel far, there is nature everywhere. The natural hot springs . To add to the above, I’d say the immense wealth of geothermal hot water is a huge attraction here at home and has been deeply rooted in our culture for a long time.

Not only do we see farmers and small-towners bathe in the natural hot springs…we also have geothermal pools in every single neighbourhood in the “big” capital Reykjavík. Needless to say, there is nothing more rewarding than a strenuous mountain hike ending in a perfect 39°C natural geothermal pool with a view to die for, all to yourself."

"The Westfjords have always been highly valued in my heart. Along with my favourite waterfall, Dynjandi, here you’ll find Iceland’s most beautiful and most remote nature reserve, Hornstrandir."

• See also: 14 Day Self Drive Tour | Circle of Iceland and the Westfjords
• See also: The Westfjords of Iceland

Expert Vagabond  

Picture from Expert Vagabond

Expert Vagabond is run by Matthew Carsten. Unfortunately Matt was away travelling and didn't have time to answer our questions but allowed us to use his picture here.

On Expert Vagabond, you'll find half a dozen articles about Iceland, and Matt's been chasing Iceland's Northern Lights, visited crystal ice caves, visited the plane wreck on Sólheimasandur in south Iceland, driven the Golden Circle, been snorkelling and driven Iceland's ring road and to Snæfellsnes in wintertime.

He even managed to see an erupting volcano as he came during Iceland's latest eruption in Holuhraun.

In one article about photography in Iceland, he says "Iceland is the most beautiful country I've ever visited. A mysterious land of icy glaciers & fiery volcanoes that provides countless opportunities for stunning photography at every turn."

So we don't know his favourite place in Iceland but can guess that Iceland itself is one of his favourite countries and we do know that Matt will be returning to Iceland and writing more great content about it.

• See also: 15 Incredible Photographs of the Holuhraun Volcano in Iceland
• Visit the DC plane wreck in this South Coast Elements Tour

Hand Luggage Only  

Picture from Hand Luggage Only

Hand Luggage Only is run by Yaya and Lloyd from the UK. They've been to Iceland a couple of times and have lots of articles about Iceland's nature, attractions and the best food you can find in the country. 

In their own words then they set up their blog "to showcase and share advice on travelling to some of the most exciting, picturesque, pretty and immersive destinations in the world. We wanted to share our tips and help fellow travellers to find the very best places to explore."

"We love how beautiful the natural landscape is. It really is an unspoilt paradise that is so perfect for exploring. Not only that, the people of Iceland are so friendly and warm, too."

"As a travel destination, Iceland really is unique, especially for all the different experiences it offers us, travellers. From the geothermal pools of the Blue Lagoon, seeing the Northern Lights dancing, hiking up glaciers, seeing some of the world's most iconic waterfalls and whale watching in the deep seas. It's a country that's jam-packed with things to do."

"For us, it has to be the Blue Lagoon. It's so surreal bathing in the piping hot waters, all whilst in the sub-zero temperatures outside. We stayed in the Blue Lagoon hotel, that offers later opening to the private lagoon, which was perfect for laying in whilst watching the northern lights above. It really is very special."

• See also: Blue Lagoon Tours
• See also: Best Restaurants in Reykjavík

Two Monkeys Travel Group  

Picture from Two Monkeys Travel Group

Two Monkeys Travel Group is run by Kach from the Philippines and Jonathan from the UK who are currently on their year-long honeymoon and didn't have time to answer our questions as they are refurbishing a boat!

Two Monkeys Travel Group has just over half-a-dozen articles about Iceland, including tips on what to do as a first timer in Iceland, driving around yourself, chasing the Northern Lights, the Golden Circle , the Blue Lagoon, glacier hiking and a list of the best backpacker hostels.

They blend together adventure and luxury on their travels, or in their own words they seek out "the most incredible experiences on foot, mountain bike, motorbike, up mountains, through rivers and out of aeroplanes, before arriving at a luxury hotel, to be soothed back to life with a spa, a massage and some fine food! We love volunteering!

We started volunteering while investing in our Tantra Yoga certification and Ayurveda massage therapy. After getting certified, we practiced and made a living out of it. After all of those experiences, we decided to have our own travel blog as our main source of income."

We just hope that they're including Iceland in their honeymoon, as you can find a lot of romantic destinations in Iceland !

Kach travels on a passport from the Philippines and gives her readers a lot of information about visas and how to obtain them if you are travelling from the Philippines.

Find out here which nationalities need a visa to visit Iceland .

• See also: Yoga in Iceland
• See also: Top 10 Hotels in Iceland

Passion Passport  

Picture by Zeb Goodman from Passion Passport

Passion Passport is a community of bloggers, founded by Zach Houghton. On their site, you can find dozens of articles and material about Iceland, written by several people.

Britton Perelman on their editorial team says that "Passion Passport is a creative community of travel enthusiasts. Our founder, Zach, wanted to create an organisation that existed to promote meaningful and transformative travel.

We pride ourselves on producing content that adheres to these core values, whether that be in an Instagram post, a Tweet, or story on our website. In that sense, Passion Passport is for anyone who loves travel and understands the immense impact it can have on our lives."

"The phrase “there’s nowhere else like it,” is so overused, but is truer when used to describe Iceland. Geographically, it’s a country with a vastly different landscape than anywhere else in the world, and Icelandic culture developed the way it did, in large part, to match that unusual geography.

The landscape—full of waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and wide, open fields—prompts creativity. As you explore, it’s hard not to feel inspired by Iceland."

"Iceland still has an “undiscovered” atmosphere. It recently became popular with travellers and, consequently, is very much a place that is uniquely special for each person who visits. This is due partially to the fact that there’s so much open space, which gives the illusion that you are experiencing the island as a lone explorer. But it’s also part of the charm of Iceland: as a destination, it allows each person to make it their own.

Iceland is also hard to pass up as creative people, because it naturally lends itself to visual storytelling. Photos of Iceland tell a story in and of themselves—of a vast, beautiful place with a rich history and new things to be unearthed. There’s just something otherworldly about Iceland that continues to draw people in."

"Iceland is hugely popular with the Passion Passport community and the travel community as a whole. Many of our contributors have written about looping the Ring Road and exploring every part of Iceland from Reykjavík in the west to the Southern Coast and more difficult areas in the east and north. We’ve also had several stories about the search for the abandoned airplane on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur.

Personally, members of our team have an affinity for Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Akureyri in the north, Dyrhólaey Arch, and Hjörleifshöfði Mountain in the south."

• See also: Walking Inside a Beautiful Nothing
• See also: 20 Hidden Gems in Iceland

Guide to Iceland Locals  

Last, but definitely not least, are our own local bloggers on Guide to Iceland. On Guide to Iceland's site you can connect with locals from all over the country, with various interests.

Our locals are both Icelandic people, born and raised in Iceland, or people from around the world who have now decided to make Iceland their home—or their very frequent destination. As a result, the blogs are written in a myriad of languages, English, German, Spanish, Chinese, French, Taiwanese, Polish, Dutch... the list goes on and on. Mostly, however, they are written in English. 

Following are just a few of our local bloggers, but there are dozens more to discover and new ones joining in regularly!

Regína

Our local Regína is one of the most active bloggers on Guide to Iceland and has been writing blogs almost since the website started in 2012. She is born and raised in Reykjavík, and writes in English, although she also speaks Danish and Serbian (as well as Icelandic of course). She's written more than 260 travel-blogs about all sorts of topics related to Iceland! The other local bloggers refer to her as the living encyclopaedia of Iceland.

Besides Icelandic nature, she has a special interest in Icelandic turf houses , Icelandic traditions and folklore. Have a look at her popular blog about Sænautasel Turf House in the Highlands of Iceland .

She is also responsible for coining the term Diamond Beach, when she wrote Iceland Has Got a Diamond Beach . This stunning black sand beach by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon that's eternally scattered with glistening icebergs was referred to in a multitude of ways before she wrote that blog.

In her blogs, she always urges people to treat Iceland's nature with respect and be careful at dangerous locations, such as the  Reynisfjara black sand beach .

• Find all of Regína's blogs here

I myself, Nanna , keep a blog on Guide to Iceland as well as writing articles for the page. Whereas the articles have a hint of personal flair, they tend to be more on the informative and impartial side. In my blogs however I get more personal and tend to write about my interests, such as food and good restaurants, current events, theatre, dance and arts, equal rights , Icelandic humour and my favourite locations in Iceland in close to a hundred blogs.

I also try to explain Icelandic attitudes, often in a humorous way, and am responsible for writing an April's Fool blog each year for Guide to Iceland.

Although people like to read about topics such as  the best fish restaurant in Iceland , my blogs about Icelandic attitudes towards  Sex and Nudity  and What Not to Say to Icelanders are by far the most popular blogs I've written!

• Find all of Nanna's blogs here

Richard  both writes articles and blogs for Guide to Iceland. In fact Richard has 2 blogs on Guide to Iceland, since he also writes under his alter ego name Wanda Star . Whereas Richard writes about beautiful natural attractions in Iceland from a British standpoint, such as the hidden gem Brimketill on the Reykjanes peninsula , and delves into the Icelandic LGBTQ history in articles such as Gay Iceland: All you need to know , it's through his character Wanda Star that his fierce side blossoms.

Wanda is one of Iceland's harshest, most sarcastic, black-humoured writers. This drag-queen diva is also in her own words the most beautiful woman in Iceland. Her satirical blogs about Iceland have given her a large fan base—along with some haters! We find her rants hysterical, what do you think? Give the UGLY truth about Iceland  and Surviving the Horrors of Greenland a read to find out.

• Find all of Richard's blogs here
• Find all of Wanda's blogs here

Jórunn

Jórunn  is a photographer and has a few dozen blog posts on Guide to Iceland's site, mostly focusing on Icelandic nature and all adorned with her stunning photography. She has a lot of blogs centred around particular waterfalls in Iceland, but has also travelled all over the country photographing geothermal areas , hiking trails, mountains, valleys and glaciers.

Some of her most popular blog titles include Chasing waterfalls in Iceland  and Attractions by Skaftafell Nature Reserve .

• Find all of Jórunn's blogs here

Jón Hilmarsson

Our local  Jón  is another photographer who especially enjoys taking pictures of the Northern Lights . He spent a while living in north Iceland where he was surrounded by beautiful landscapes and held his first photography exhibition in Hofsós in Skagafjörður.

Have a look at his popular blogs  The Milky Way in Iceland  and  Aurora in Panorama .

• Find all of Jón's blogs here

Our local Mads is Danish and although he doesn't live in Iceland, he visits Iceland frequently. Mads' niche is also photography , and he will explain to his readers what makes locations in Iceland fantastic photographic destinations.

Take a look at Svartifoss as a Photography Destination  and Dynjandi as a Photography Location .

• Find all of Mads' blogs here

Read Even More About Iceland!  

If you want to find out even more about Iceland, then have a read through some of our articles, all written by locals as well.

Our articles are sectioned up into the  Nature of Iceland ,  Travel Information ,  Reykjavík Guide ,  History & Culture ,  Music of Iceland ,  The Northern Lights ,  Best of Iceland  and  Itineraries . 

For example, if you're wondering what's happening each week in terms of art, culture and live music, then you can find a weekly update as well as a list of all of Iceland's festivals in  The Top 10 Festivals in Iceland  in the Best of Iceland category. If you want to know what Iceland is like in a particular month, head to the Nature of Iceland section. Or if you want tips on what to do for a weekend, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days or longer, then you can find out in articles in the Itineraries section.

We’ve also recently opened up a  forum  where travellers can ask questions and find answers to frequently asked questions.   

Popular articles

Guide to Iceland | The Story of the Leading Travel Agency of Iceland

The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

22 Photos of the Aurora in Iceland

Mountains in Iceland

Other interesting articles.

The Top 10 Geothermal Spas in Iceland

The Best Places to Visit in East Iceland

Top 11 Amazing Canyons in Iceland

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27 Absolute Best Things to do in Iceland

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » 27 Absolute Best Things to do in Iceland

There are so many incredible things to do in Iceland it can be overwhelming to try and plan your trip. We’ve rounded up the top adventures, sights to see and culinary experiences so you can create your own Iceland bucket list.

With active volcanoes, black sand beaches, rushing waterfalls and glacial lagoons, Iceland is a nature-lover’s haven. And for those who get excited by culture and foodie delights, there are plenty of charming towns, historic sights and elevated culinary experiences to make your heart pitter-patter.

With so many things to do in Iceland, where is one to start? Well, we think we have a pretty darn good list to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience or you have an affinity for the finer things in life, Iceland is sure to knock your travel socks right off. Before you know it you’ll be planning a return trip to this spectacular country. (We’re already dreaming about our third visit!)

Without further adieu, let’s dive into our curated list of the very best things to do in Iceland – complete with insider tips so you can start planning your own Icelandic adventure!

Iceland Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Iceland, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• How many days do you need
• Iceland itinerary
• Best time to visit
• How to get around
• Tips for visiting
• What to pack

Top things to do in Iceland

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Iceland, here are our top recommendations: 

• Go on an epic road trip
• Soak in as many hot springs as possible
• Discover the Golden Circle
• Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail
• Chase waterfalls
• Explore Reykjavik

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Iceland. 

1. Go on an epic road trip 

Iceland is a country made for road tripping. If you have more than 3 days, we’d highly, highly recommend renting a car , or better yet, a campervan , and hit the road to explore!

Outside of Reykjavík, it’s very difficult to experience much of this country without your own vehicle. 

Pack your favorite snacks, crank the tunes and roll down the windows… well, maybe not – it gets pretty cold in Iceland – and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!

Use our Iceland road trip planning guide to help you plan your trip. 

Here are some of the top Iceland road trips we’d recommend:

• South Iceland: See the highlights of Iceland’s southern coast on this perfect Iceland itinerary
• Ring Road : If you have the time, we highly recommend doing a road trip around the entire Ring Road that encircles the country. 
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula: If you’re pressed for time, or just want to see something different, check out the beauty on this peninsula just a few hours north of Reykjavik.
• Golden Circle : An absolute must on your first trip to Iceland, see #3 for details!

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We’ve traveled to Iceland 3 times now and spent weeks living in a campervan, traveling around the country. We’ve been able to explore a lot of what Iceland has to offer!

We’ve compiled our experience to create the  perfect Iceland itinerary . Our itinerary is for 7-9 days and meant to be explored while traveling in a campervan. It includes the  highlights of the southern coast of Iceland. 

We’ll send you our complete 7-9 day customizable itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  perfect Iceland itinerary  today!

2. Soak in as many hot springs as possible  

Being that Iceland is known for its geothermal activity, it should come as no surprise that hot springs are about as numerous as sheep. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. 

From rustic hot pots in the middle of nowhere to bougie hot spring resorts where you can enjoy a massage, a facial and Prosecco all while soaking in tepid waters *Blue Lagoon, cough, cough*, there are quite a variety of hot springs to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and don’t mind a bit of effort (or algae!) or you prefer being pampered and would prefer your soaking experience be algae-free, visiting a hot spring (or 5!) in Iceland should definitely be on your itinerary. 

Our favorite Iceland hot springs

• Fosslaug : Small riverside pool requiring a short and easy walk to reach
• Hrunalaug : A very natural hot spring that looks like a scene out of Lord of the Rings
• Reyklajular Thermal River : A picturesque geo-thermal river that requires a roughly 1 hour hike in
• Sky Lagoon : Luxury bathing near Reykjavík with pools overlooking the ocean
• Blue Lagoon : Iceland’s most famous hot spring known for its milky-blue color
• Myvatn Nature Baths : Located in north Iceland, this is a great alternative to the Blue Lagoon without the crowds. 
• Secret Lagoon : Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, although far from “secret” as the name would suggest

We’ve created a list of our favorite hot springs in Iceland , including our own personal tips and things you should know before you don your bikini. 

This round-up includes an array of different soaking options — from totally free and little-known hot springs to the luxurious resorts that are known around the world.

3. Discover the Golden Circle

Driving the Golden Circle is sort of a rite of passage on most visitors’ first trip to Iceland. This route encircles three major attractions:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir 

Lucky for you, we have an entire guide to the Golden Circle , packed with useful tidbits and hidden gems along the way.

4. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail

While this suggestion may not be for every traveler, if you are an avid hiker you’ll definitely want to put this trek on your Iceland bucket list. 

This 15.5-mile trail brings you through some of the most dramatically diverse landscapes in the country , making it one of the best hikes in Iceland .

Sound like fun? We’ve written a super comprehensive guide to the Fimmvörðuháls hike so you can know exactly what to expect!

5. Go chasing waterfalls

Iceland has the highest concentration of waterfalls of any place we’ve ever visited in the world. (And that’s saying a lot for two people who live in the Pacific Northwest!)

There are waterfalls everywhere. You’ll be driving and BOOM – you’ll see one waterfall after another. 

And these aren’t just trickles, friends. I’m talking about legitimate, gushing waterfalls. 

So how do you determine which waterfalls are worth seeing? That’s a tough question to answer, but we’ll get your started with a list of our top recs.

Our favorite waterfalls in Iceland

• Gullfoss waterfall : Often hailed as the most famous waterfall in Iceland
• Brúarfoss : An off-the-beaten path attraction and possibly the bluest waterfall in all of Iceland
• Glymur waterfall : The second tallest waterfall in Iceland
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall : Can walk behind the falls⁠—best to see at sunset
• Gluggafoss : A quick detour from Ring Road and much less crowded
• Kirkjufellsfoss : A good one to photograph with a a cone-shaped mountain looming in the near distance
• Skógafoss waterfall : Another ultra-popular site, but very cool to see and you can walk right up to the water
• Dettifoss waterfall : The largest waterfall in Iceland by volume!

We’ve put together a list of the best waterfalls in Iceland – from the uber famous (and rightly so!) Skógafoss to seldom-visited falls that require a bit of effort to reach.

6. Explore Reykjavík 

Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík is absolutely packed with fun things to do. With next-level restaurants that’ll impress even the snobbiest of foodies to eclectic and colorful street art , this city is sure to charm just about any traveler.

While exploring downtown Reykjavík, be sure to wander the colorful streets , take advantage of the vibrant food and nightlife scene , and experience some free sightseeing along the way.

We’ve rounded up our top things to do in Reykjavík so all the research has basically been done for you!

7. Wake up with a view 

We may be biased, but we think camping is the best way to experience all the beauty and adventure that Iceland has to offer . Whether you choose to pitch a tent or rent a campervan in Iceland , you’re in for one hell of an adventure!

While campervanning around Iceland, we fell asleep under the stars and woke up with coffee next to waterfalls. We ventured to remote canyons and hidden hot springs. And we made memories we’ll be talking about for years.

If that sounds dreamy to you, be sure to check out our complete guide to camping in Iceland . It legitimately has everything you need to know to prepare for a trip of a lifetime. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions, so it’s good to check out if you’re on the fence.

8. Stay at unique accommodation

There are all sorts of cool places to stay at in Iceland – bubble hotels, farm stays, mountain huts, and luxurious “cabins” made of glass (perfect for *hopefully* seeing the Northern Lights!).

One of the best ways to find cool accommodation in Iceland is to search on Airbnb using their filters. You can set it up so it only shows you “unique stays” or “stays with hot tubs”, for instance. 

Want a shortcut? We rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in Iceland just for you!

9. Try Icelandic cuisine

One of our favorite things to do while traveling anywhere in the world is to indulge in the local flavors because: 

a) we like to eat (!!!) 

b) it gives you a glimpse into the culture and how locals live

And Iceland was no exception. We ate our way through the country, all in the name of “research”. 

Icelandic cuisine is heavy on seafood, lamb and potatoes, and can be described as a whole as “comfort food for a cozy fall day”. (Well, at least that’s how I like to describe it!)

We’ve rounded up all the best foods to try in Iceland so you have a go-to checklist of dishes to sample on your trip. And we’ve also explained which foods you can skip during your trip to Iceland.

Calling all foodies! If you too love eating on your travels (hey, let’s be friends!), we’d highly recommend doing a food tour with Reykjavík Food Walk . Use the discount code TWS10 when you check out to get 10% off your tour price.

10. Take a hike!

No, we’re not telling you to get lost.

Hiking in is one of the absolute, all-time, CAN’T-MISS things to do in Iceland. This country was absolutely made for exploring on foot. 

Whether you’re an avid hiker or you’re simply up for a bit of a heart-thumping adventure on your trip to Iceland, there are plenty of trails around the country that’ll make you fall head-over-hiking boots. Corny, but true.

As hiking enthusiasts ourselves, we’ve done quite a bit of trekking around this jaw-dropping country and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Iceland hikes to share with you.

11. Walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s coast is dotted with black sand beaches. With all of the volcanic activity on this island nation, it’s easy to see why. While traveling in Iceland, be sure to stroll along at least one black sand beach – there are plenty to choose from. 

One of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in Iceland is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach . Situated on Iceland’s south coast not far from the small town of Vík, this is a good black sand beach to add to your itinerary.

12. Visit the tranquil (but eerie) Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest public pools in all of Iceland (some accounts claim it is the oldest). We’ve visited this hot pool twice – once in 2016 and again in 2021 – and we enjoyed our visit both times. That said, there are a few things you should know…

Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter outdoor public pool fed by a natural hot spring . The water in the pool is lukewarm (not hot), and the bottom of the pool has algae so it’s a little slippery in places.

It didn’t bother us, but don’t expect clean, pristine water here. There was also some trash around left from other visitors and graffiti in the changing rooms when we visited. 

The facilities are minimal , changing rooms are separated by gender, but there are no doors, just stalls, so it’s not that private. There are no toilets here either. 

The “hike in” is an easy 20-minute walk along the riverbed to reach this pool. On our most recent visit, we were the only ones there for a while.

Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to visiting Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool .

13. (Try to) see the Northern Lights

Gazing up at a sky dancing in hues of green is on many-a-travelers’ bucket lists. And while seeing the Aurora Borealis in person is an experience that you will cherish forever, I’m going to pop in and be a bit of a buzzkill…

You have to be very lucky to see the Northern Lights. If you go into your trip expecting to see this natural phenomenon, you very likely may be disappointed.

But if you go in with an open mind and a few tricks to hopefully help you spot them, this may be a highlight of your trip.

Tips for seeing the Northern Lights

• Plan your trip right
• Download a Northern Lights app (it’s one of our top Iceland app recommendations )
• Watch the weather
• Try again and again
• Set an alarm

14. Go whale watching

Being that Iceland is an island nation, there are plenty of opportunities to go whale watching. The two most popular spots are in Husavik (a small town on Iceland’s northern coast) and in the waters just outside of Reykjavík.

While it is never guaranteed that you will see whales – they are wild creatures, after all – you do have a pretty good chance of spotting these gentle giants breaching. 

Our experience:

We went whale watching with North Sailing and while it was fun to be out on the water on a rare sunny and hot Icelandic day, we didn’t get very lucky with spotting whales. We saw a small minke whale from a distance, but that was it.

That said, we appreciate that laws in Iceland prevent tour companies from chasing whales or using sonar technology to find them. This makes it a much better environment for the whales, and even more special when you do get to see them up close.

Insider tip: If you tend to get seasick, be sure to take medicine or natural remedies with you.

15. See puffins

If you are traveling to Iceland during the spring and summer months, you have a good chance of spotting these cuties if you know where to look. 

Iceland is one of the best places to see these charismatic black and white birds, as more than half of the world’s Atlantic puffin population make a visit to Iceland each year. From late March to late August, it is estimated that between 8 and 10 million puffins flock to Iceland, forming large breeding colonies.

With their cute, clown-like faces and playful nature, these birds are incredibly fun to photograph. Just be sure to maintain your distance (use a zoom lens!), and never feed them (or any wild animal, on that note).

Fun fact: Did you know that puffins mate for life?!

Best places to spot puffins in Iceland:

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands): This is the largest puffin colony in the world, but it requires a bit of effort to get here as you will need to take a ferry to the island.
• Dyrhólaey: This cliffside on Iceland’s south coast is where we have seen puffins on two separate trips. While not the largest colony, this is a convenient place to spot them as most visitors driving the Ring Road will pass by this location.
• Látrabjarg: These remote cliffs in the Westfjords are a great place to see puffins if your itinerary brings you to Iceland’s sparsely populated western region. 
• Lundey & Akurey Islands: If you want the best chance of spotting puffins without venturing far from Reykjavík, this is your best bet. You can catch a short boat ride from the city’s old harbor to these uninhabited neighboring islands that are known for Iceland’s favorite bird. In fact Lundey translates to “puffin island”. 
• Borgarfjörður Eystri: This cliffside area is located in the east fjords, and 1 1.5-hour detour off of the Ring Road. Those who make the journey will be rewarded with the sight of nearly 10,000 pairs of puffins that call nesting at Borgarfjörður Eystri home each summer.

16. Wander cute Icelandic towns

For a small country, Iceland has a surprising number of super cute towns. Well, I suppose that’s a subjective statement, but if you think fishing villages flanked by mountains, colorful buildings and a quaint atmosphere is cute , then you’ll surely agree with me. And if you don’t think that’s a winning combination, you may want to check your pulse.

Here are some of the cutest towns in Iceland (in our opinion!):

• Seydisfjordur

17. Snorkel between continents

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure is an experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world. This is the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. They are pulling apart slowly and have created a rift that can be seen above ground and just below the water’s surface. 

The water hovers around around 36°F (2°C) year round (yes, this tour can be done during any season). Because of the near-freezing temps, you won’t see much underwater life, but this place boasts visibility up to 100 meters (330 feet), which is unparalleled and an experience in and of itself. 

Are you a scuba diver? This is ranked time and time again as one of the best places to dive in the world. The catch? You must either carry a certification for dry suit diving or you must have 10 logged dry suit dives (one of which must have been during the last 2 years).

18. Be wowed by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

One of the coolest – both literally and figuratively – natural  wonders in Iceland are the glacier lagoons. 

Whether you’re driving around the whole Ring Road or you’re just exploring Iceland for a handful of days, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the best stops you can make.

It is utter magic. Imagine giant chunks of ice in all shades of blue floating in a body of water in front of you as sea birds swoop down from above and seals break the water’s surface with their whiskered noses. 

While you can book a glacier lagoon kayak tour or a motorized boat excursion, simply just walking around the lagoon and enjoying the sight from shore is an experience that you won’t soon forget.

After getting your fill at Jökulsárlón Lagoon itself, be sure to make your way to the nearby Diamond Beach where you can see ice chunks that have washed up on the black sand shore

Good to know: Jökulsárlón is undoubtedly the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, but it’s not the only one. Fjallsárlón is not far from its more popular sister, but it’s pretty cool to check out this lesser-known lagoon if you have the time. 

19. Hike to Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

There aren’t many places in the world where you can see a plane wreck on a black sand beach… Come to think of it, this may be the only one.

The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is on Iceland’s south coast, not far from the town of Vík, and is popular with photographers and travelers seeking a unique sight . Near the ocean’s edge, you’ll find the remains of a 1973 U.S. Navy plane that crashed at this spot after running out of fuel. Thankfully, everyone on board survived.

Visiting this popular spot is easy. You simply park in this lot , and follow the marked path for a little more than 2 miles (3.5 km) until you reach the wreckage. In total, this is a 4.5-mile (7.25 km) walk.

Good to know: The walk to the plane is kind of long and very boring. It’s flat, so you won’t have to worry about elevation gain, but it’s important to pack plenty of layers and rain gear.

20. Explore the magical basalt columns of Studlagil Canyon

Located in eastern Iceland, Studlagil Canyon is quite a gem. With towering black basalt columns set against (sometimes) turquoise waters, this otherworldly place is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Getting here can be a bit confusing, so we created a guide to Studlagil Canyon complete with a free map, precise directions and insider tips we wished we would have known before our visit.

21. Photograph Icelandic churches

As you drive around Iceland, you’ll see quaint churches dotted all throughout the countryside and in each town, no matter how small. Some of these churches have a rich history which is typically documented on a sign outside the building. 

If you see one that strikes your fancy, pull over, get out of your car and explore a bit. Oh, and don’t forget your camera because Icelandic churches are next-level photogenic.

22. Taste rye bread that was baked underground

Experience for yourself the power of harnessing geothermal energy by sampling bread that was baked underground. This method of cooking was once used out of necessity, but today it is more or less as a way to taste history.

While on the Ring Road, you can stop at Laugarvatn Fontana, where they lead daily Rye Bread Tasting Tours. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and walks you through the baking process. As a group, you’ll uncover a pot that has been underground for 24 hours, and you’ll place a new one near a thermal spring for another tour group to collect the following day.

It is quite interesting to learn about the process, but the best part is trying the finished product. The rye bread is dense and sweet, almost like cake. And topped with a generous amount of smjor (Icelandic butter) and smoked trout, it is absolutely addicting, and definitely a food you should try in Iceland .  The details: This tour runs daily at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and costs 1700 ISK per person ($13).

23.  Meet Icelandic horses

You won’t drive very far before seeing your first Icelandic horse. These beauties are smaller than the horses you may be used to, and they have short legs and a thick coat of fur. 

Oftentimes, these horses will gather at a fence alongside the road, as if begging for a photo. If you can safely pull over, this is usually considered just fine. 

However, there are a few things you should not do:

• Don’t park improperly. Make sure that if you pull over, other cars have enough space to pass. Better yet, search for a designated pull-out as stopping on the side of the road is strongly discouraged. 
• Don’t ever cross over the fence , as this would be trespassing on private property.
• Don’t feed the horses, as this can cause them to have excess food. Just imagine if you were a farmer and 10 visitors a day fed your horses. This means you don’t have any control over what’s being fed to them and they may be developing bad habits. 

If you want a more intimate experience with Icelandic horses, you may want to look into a horseback riding tour. They run all over the country – from remote farms to those just outside of Reykjavík that can pick you up from your hotel.

24. Try glacier hiking

Hiking on a glacier is one of the most unique and adventurous experiences you can have in Iceland. Being that the glaciers are actively melting, this may not be something visitors can do in years to come, so this truly may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The best place for glacier hiking in Iceland will be at Vatnajökull National Park, which is a vast expanse encompassing the majority of Iceland’s glaciers.  

Glacier hiking is an activity you must do with a guide, and there are quite a few tour companies to choose from. 

A guided tour includes all the equipment you’ll need, like a harness, an ice axe, crampons and a helmet, as well as a guide who is experienced with the area and glacier safety.

Insider Tip: After doing a bit of research, we read many recommendations that suggested choosing a 5-hour glacier tour over a 3-hour tour, as you get to see much more of the glacier itself. Being that it does take a bit of time to actually reach the glacier, we’d agree with these recommendations.

During the tour, you’ll traverse a pretty large section of a glacier and see some pretty incredible sights. You may even be lucky enough to be (safely) lowered into a small ice cave, which feels like an entirely different world.

Are you visiting Iceland in the winter? You may want to also look into visiting an ice cave with a tour guide. This looks like a pretty incredible experience, but with the exception of a couple, most ice caves can only be visited during the late fall and winter months.

25. Learn about volcanoes

Being that Iceland is a volcanic island, it makes sense that it is a great place to learn about, well, volcanoes. 

Now how you choose to learn about them is up to you, but we have a few fun suggestions:

Go to the Lava Show in Vík

How would you like to see real lava up close? Well, this is your chance!

The Lava Show , located in the small town of Vík, boasts that it is the “only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity”. And whew, we can attest that it is quite a unique experience. During this 1-hour long show, you’ll have front row seats as you watch molten lava (1,100°C / 2,000°F) flowing right in front of you. 

The creator of this experience, Júlíus, is extremely passionate about all things volcanoes and lava, and makes it an entertaining and educational show for both adults and children.

Do the “Inside the Volcano” experience

Have you ever thought about going inside a volcano?! Yep, you read that right – inside! On this tour, guests board a cable lift and descend 120 meters (400 feet) to the bottom of the crater for an experience you can’t get anywhere else. At more than $330 per person, there’s no doubt this is a huge splurge, but the reviews seem to speak for themselves. While we haven’t personally done this tour, it does sound like a pretty cool way to learn about volcanoes.

Hike, hike, hike!

If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that Iceland has some incredible hiking opportunities. And many of the hikes in Iceland are through volcanic landscapes including lava fields. 

In our opinion, there’s no better way to learn about something than by getting up close and personal with it. Plus, it won’t cost you a thing, which is a bonus if you’re traveling Iceland on a budget .

26. Scope out traditional Turf Houses

Turf houses are quite the sight to see, but if you don’t know where they are on the map, you may just miss them. These historic relics give us an idea of how people once lived in Iceland, though their purpose today is only the preservation of the past.

Why did people build turf houses? The answer is quite simple. While much of Iceland was once forested, people cut down trees for construction, almost completely eliminating this resource from the small island nation. Since lumber was hard to find, Icelanders resorted to a different method of building. 

Turf houses were already popular in neighboring Scandinavian countries and being that the sod provided extra insulation, it was an easy choice. Turf houses were known for keeping the temperature stable throughout the year, staying cool in the summertime and keeping residents warm through the long winter months.

Where can you find turf houses? There aren’t that many remaining, but here are a handful to check out:

• Skógar Museum
• Church in Víðimýri
• Glaumbær Farm & Museum
• Laufás Museum

Note: Some of these are museums that allow visitors to enter the houses in exchange for admission. If you’d simply like to see a turf house from the outside, that’s okay too.

27. Walk the rim of colorful Kerið Crater

Perhaps the most colorful stop along Iceland’s Golden Circle is the aquamarine lake that sits inside Kerið Crater. The crater itself is a volcanic caldera, flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green moss in a shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistic side.

Good to know: Kerið Crater is pronounced “kair-ith”, as the “ð” symbol in Icelandic has a “th” sound.

After purchasing a ticket for 400 ISK ($3) at the trail entrance , you can walk the gravel trail that encircles the rim of Kerið Crater. 

This loop trail is just under a mile long and is relatively flat and easy and shouldn’t take much more than a half hour in total (including photo stops). You can also descend on a staircase down towards the water for a different perspective.

Find the stats and trail notes here.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

In order to get a good taste of all that Iceland has to offer, we’d suggest spending a minimum of one week in Iceland. If you happen to have more time than that, great! 

There is so much to see and do in this country you could spend months here and not get bored.  

We think 7-9 days is the perfect amount of time to soak up plenty of the highlights and get to know the country a bit better. 

Perfect Iceland itinerary

Raise your hand if you don’t want to spend hours of time researching and you just want all the info right at your fingertips!

If your hand is up, keep reading…

If you  like  the research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our Iceland guides for more ideas (we’ve got a bunch of them!):

• Ring Road Iceland: Can’t-Miss Stops!
• Actually Cool Things to Do in Reykjavik
• Best Iceland Waterfalls + Exact Locations
• Where to Get the Best Pictures in Iceland (+ photography tips!)
• Beautiful Iceland Hikes
• Dreamy Iceland Honeymoon Experiences
• …the list goes on! (See ALL of our Iceland content here )

But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined.  Trust us.

And we’re happy to share everything we learned  — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually traveling  in  Iceland on 3 separate occasions.

We’ve put together the perfect Iceland itinerary for your first visit. This itinerary includes day-by-day instructions, photos and tips that will help you plan your road trip through southern Iceland and the iconic Golden Circle.

In this 7-9 day itinerary, you’ll find:

• Can’t miss sights and experiences 
• suggestions for what to order
• the best campsites to stay on the route
• unique stays along the way
• Insider Tips
• Suggestions for extending this trip

We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!

In full transparency, this is a  paid itinerary  since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create. 

However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable –  just  $17 for an entire 7-9 day itinerary . We think this is an incredible value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!

Best time to visit Iceland

In general you’ll have the best weather and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities during the summer months, from June – August . 

If viewing the Northern Lights is what you seek, visiting during the shoulder seasons of September – October and February – March are when we’d recommend.

While you’ll have chances of cold weather year round (yes, even in the summertime!), you’ll most likely want to avoid traveling to Iceland in winter if you don’t do well in frigid temperatures.

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Iceland . 

How to get around Iceland

There  aren’t many options for public transportation in Iceland, outside of the capital city of Reykjavik. For this reason, we’d highly recommend renting your own vehicle to explore more of the country at your own pace. 

Having a rental car in Iceland will give you the freedom you need to explore the country fully on an epic road trip . Plus, it may be cheaper than you think, especially if you decide to tent camp along the way instead of paying for expensive accommodations. 

We’ve rented cars in Iceland on two separate occasions and found it to be incredibly convenient! 

We have an entire guide to renting a car in Iceland that will walk you through the ins and outs, including where we found the best rental deals and tips for driving (hint: you won’t want to skip this section!). 

By campervan

Exploring Iceland in a campervan was a dream trip of ours for many years. When we finally made it happen, I can honestly say it lived up to our expectations in every possible way.

The great thing about renting a campervan in Iceland is that you’ll save tons of money on accommodation costs. 

Check out our Iceland campervan rental guide where we break down all of the FAQs about traveling Iceland in a campervan, plus tell you about the best Iceland campervan rental company which we just so happen to have an exclusive discount code for .

Tips for visiting Iceland

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, here are the top tips to make the most of your visit:

• Plan your itinerary in advance. Iceland offers a wide range of breathtaking natural wonders and attractions, so it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize your time. Identify the places you want to visit, prioritize them based on your interests, and map out a realistic route. 
• Pack for diverse weather conditions. Iceland’s weather can change on a dime and it’s not uncommon to experience 4 seasons in just one day. Be prepared for a mix of sunshine, rain, wind, and potentially even snow, depending on the season.
• Download these essential apps before you go. We tested out all the recommended Iceland travel apps on our latest trip and there are a few we could not live without!
• Rent a car or campervan to explore. Renting your own vehicle is highly recommended in Iceland, as it allows you to explore the country at your own pace and venture off the beaten path. 
• Respect the environment and practice Leave No Trace .  Iceland’s natural beauty is fragile, and it’s essential to be a responsible traveler . Stay on designated paths and trails to minimize damage to the delicate ecosystems. Respect any signs or guidelines for conservation areas and wildlife protection. 
• Book an airport shuttle. If you need to get to Reykjavík from the airport, or vice versa, skip the taxis and instead book a shuttle bus. Unless you have a large group of people traveling together, this will save you money! Flybus is the most popular airport shuttle service that runs from Keflavik airport to Reykjavík and back.  

What to pack for traveling to Iceland

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from people planning a trip to Iceland seems to be what to pack for Iceland and what to wear on your trip. 

Here are some specific items we’d recommend packing for Iceland:

• bug repellant (solids are the way to go)
• insulated water bottle and thermos
• reusable straw & reusable bag ( say no to single-use plastic! )
• gloves, winter hat, scarves
• thermal long underwear (for highland activities and travels)
• sun protection
• portable charger
• travel umbrella
• backpack with rain cover
• waterproof jacket (the outer layer should be water and windproof)
• hiking pants or rain pants
• hiking boots (or winter boots depending on the time of year you travel)

Get our complete Iceland packing list , packed with insider tips and valuable information in this downloadable PDF. All you have to do is click below to enter your email and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, completely FREE!

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Perfect Iceland Itinerary
• Fimmvörðuháls Hike: Guide to Iceland’s Best Day Hike
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Exclusive Discount)

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Iceland Travel Guide

Land of extremes! Discover powerful waterfalls, natural hot springs, and the largest glaciers and most active volcanoes in Europe.

Best time to visit Iceland

Best places to visit in iceland, 6 x most picturesque churches in iceland, 6 best hot springs in iceland, 6 places to visit on snaefellsnes peninsula (west-iceland), 7 most beautiful waterfalls in iceland, map of iceland, weather in iceland.

The warmest months in Iceland are July and August, the most popular time to visit, with endless daylight perfect for exploring. For the Nothern Lights, November to March offers the best chance to witness this incredible phenomenon!

Preparing for Iceland

Iceland packing list: what to wear in iceland in summer, complete guide to camping in iceland, destinations in iceland, best things to do in reykjavik, iceland, discover the art village seydisfjordur in iceland, iceland packing list, guide to camping in iceland, best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Iceland via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Iceland worth visiting?

Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is home to stunning natural beauty! With unparalleled landscapes, geothermal wonders, and awe-inspiring Northern Lights, it’s a destination that promises adventure and unforgettable memories.

Is Iceland cheap to visit?

Iceland is definitely not a cheap vacation destination, but the experience is 100% worth it! There are ways to save money by camping instead of staying in hotels, preparing your own meals instead of eating out, and avoiding alcohol.

Can I drink tap water in Iceland?

Absolutely! Iceland has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. Enjoy it straight from the source using your reusable water bottle – it’s pure and very refreshing!

Do I need a visa for traveling in Iceland?

If you’re from the EU, US, and several other countries, you typically don’t need a visa for visits up to 90 days. Check the entry requirements for your country well in advance for peace of mind.

What language do they speak in Iceland?

The official language is Icelandic, a challenging language to read and pronounce. But don’t worry; most people are multilingual, speaking English and many other languages, making communication with locals a breeze.

Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?

Travel insurance is highly recommended for your trip to Iceland. It ensures peace of mind for unexpected events, like medical emergencies or trip cancellations, making your Icelandic adventure worry-free!

Is Iceland safe?

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is exceptionally low, and the natural wonders are well-maintained, making it a secure and welcoming destination for travelers.

Why do people love Iceland?

People fall in love with Iceland’s unspoiled nature and captivating landscapes of waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and natural hot springs. Even in the high seasons, you can always find hidden gems to explore away from crowds, offering a unique sense of tranquility.

Travel to Iceland

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is a magical land of untamed beauty, where fire and ice coexist in perfect harmony. With its rugged Mars-like landscape, bubbling hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls, Iceland is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Whether you’re a backpacking enthusiast or seeking a cozy vacation in Iceland, this incredible island will leave you in awe.

How to plan your trip to Iceland

Follow our Iceland travel guides to plan the ultimate trip! From the charming capital city of Reykjavik , where you’ll most likely start your journey, to the remote corners of the countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Iceland.

Due to the ever-changing weather conditions and terrain, check out the Iceland packing list to ensure you don’t get caught out on your trip.

Planning to camp around Iceland? Our 2-week road trip takes you around Iceland’s ring roads and to loads of hidden gems!

Iceland’s weather varies throughout the year. When planning your journey, you’ll want to consider the unique charms each season in Iceland brings.

Summer (June – August): The summer months are the prime time to experience Iceland at its most vibrant. During this period, the days are incredibly long, with the middle to the end of June experiencing the midnight sun, where it’ll never set. The summer months are also when the weather is at its mildest, at around 10 – 15°C, making it the perfect time to travel Iceland for outdoor activities and camping adventures .

Winter (December – February): The winter months offer an entirely different yet captivating experience. While the weather will be much colder at around 0°C, this is the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights, a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. The wintery landscapes, snow-covered volcanoes, and frozen waterfalls create a magical setting.

Shoulder Seasons (Spring and Autumn): If you prefer a balance between the two extremes, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn may be your best bet. In these transitional periods, prices will be slightly lower, and the climate in Iceland is a little more bearable, but still with the potential of seeing the Northern Lights.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Iceland depends on your preferences. Whether it’s the endless daylight of summer, the snow-covered scenes in winter, or a mix of everything in the shoulder seasons, Iceland’s weather and climate provide unique opportunities for every type of traveler.

Coastlines and beaches in Iceland

Iceland boasts some of the most unique coastlines and beaches in the world. While you won’t find the typical white-sand, tropical beaches, Iceland’s shores have their own enchanting allure.

The dark, volcanic sands of beaches like Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach are some of the best places in Iceland to visit, creating a surreal contrast against the frothy waves and scattered blocks of ice that wash ashore from the glacier lagoon; it’s a truly magical sight. The geothermal beaches near Geysir are just as unique, where warm hot springs meet the cold ocean waters, creating pockets of warmth, showcasing Iceland’s natural diversity.

Iceland’s beaches also offer opportunities for adventure, whether that’s exploring sea caves, observing puffins in their natural habitat, or being brave enough to surf the arctic waters. Though it may not be your typical sun, sea, and sand destination, the raw and unspoiled charm of the coastline will leave a lasting impression on your holiday to Iceland.

Food, culture and religion in Iceland

Iceland is a land of contrasts, where food, culture, and religion are as diverse and captivating as its natural beauty.

Food: Icelands cuisine today is a unique blend of traditional Nordic flavors and modern culinary influences. However, in the past, resources for food used to be sparse; the Icelandic diet used to consist of fish, lamb, skyr yogurt, and some more controversial dishes like puffin and fermented shark. While those traditional influences are still prevalent, you’ll find much more variety thanks to new technology to grow vegetables and the availability of imported food, so don’t worry if you’re vegetarian.

Culture: Iceland is a Nordic country, meaning its culture is deeply rooted in its Viking history. The locals are proud of this heritage and love to share it with visitors, being incredibly welcoming people. The country is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with literature and music playing crucial roles. This is highlighted throughout the capital city of Reykjavik, with loads of art galleries and colorful houses, and Seydisfjordur , arguably one of the most beautiful towns in Iceland.

Religion: Iceland was originally populated by pagan Norse who worshipped a variety of gods and then went on to blend with Christianity. Today, the religion of most Icelanders is the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with around 5% of the population practicing ásatrú, the traditional Norse religion. This fusion is prominent in how they celebrate various holidays, such as Þorrablót, which features traditional feasting and festivities.

Why you should travel to Iceland

Iceland, often referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice, is a destination that should be at the top of your travel bucket list. From cascading waterfalls to the rugged Mars-like terrain, every corner of this country is breathtaking. The sheer diversity and uniqueness of Iceland’s landscapes will leave you in awe.

Whether you choose to book your Iceland vacation in the spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the incredible sights that await you. The warmer months offer a chance to experience the endless sun and unforgettable activities, while the winter allows you the opportunity to see the Northern Lights or go glacier hiking.

What makes your Iceland travel unique is the unmatched collection of natural wonders. It’s a place where natural hot springs, powerful waterfalls, active volcanoes, and glaciers coexist harmoniously — a destination like no other.

Safety and travel advice Iceland

Iceland is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also as one of the safest countries in the world! However, it’s important to stay informed on your holiday in Iceland, particularly about natural disasters, weather, and road conditions.

Weather and Climate: Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes even during summer. Be prepared for varying conditions, packing layers, and waterproof gear. Monitor weather updates and road conditions, especially if you plan to venture into remote areas.

Natural Disasters: Iceland is the land of active volcanoes, and eruptions can occur anytime. The country is well-prepared for volcanic events, and the authorities closely monitor volcanic activity, so always follow the advice of the local authorities. Iceland also sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is why it experiences frequent earthquakes. Most of these are minor and go unnoticed, but occasionally, larger quakes can occur.

Tip: Register with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip, and always take advice on the conditions before you travel to Iceland.

Crime and Safety in Iceland: Crime rates are exceptionally low, and violent crime is nearly non-existent. However, like anywhere, it’s advisable to take standard precautions such as safeguarding your belongings and locking your vehicle.

Driving: Be cautious on Iceland’s narrow and sometimes gravel roads. Always obey road signs, adhere to speed limits, and exercise caution when passing animals. Don’t underestimate the impact of strong winds on your vehicle, and be mindful of sudden snow or rain showers.

Travel Insurance: To ensure a stress-free vacation in Iceland, investing in travel insurance is definitely worth it. This can provide coverage against unforeseen disruptions, lost luggage, and unexpected accidents. Check out the best travel insurance .

Heading to Iceland for the First Time? Here’s a Five Day Itinerary

by Andy | May 4, 2021 | Iceland , Travel | 2 comments

Well-known and well-traveled for its wide variety of landscapes and waterfalls, Iceland is truly a natural wonderland.  

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Iceland three separate times, and I thought I’d do you a favor and put together a sample itinerary to give you some ideas for your trip!  I’m leaving out soooooo much in this itinerary but I think it’s a good introduction to this incredible country.

Day One: Drive as far east as you can

So here’s the basic deal about Iceland: most trips (with the exception of the Golden Circle, which is, you guessed it, a circle) are out-and-backs.  The main highway, Highway 1, is called the Ring Road because it goes around the entire island, but it takes longer than 4-5 days to drive.  You’ll be landing in Keflavik, on the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest part of the country.  Pick up your rental car there and head towards Reykjavik.

The famous Blue Lagoon is between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik if you fancy a visit.  I personally have never been but I know many who have and they enjoyed it.

The plan for Day One…it’s a drive to the southeast part of Iceland.  It will be a long drive but you will see some incredible scenery along the way.

Let’s take a look at a Google Map.

Ok ok ok I know it says it’s a six-hour drive.  That’s a long drive if you’re jet-lagged.  But don’t worry, we’re going to stop along the way.

You’ll drive into Reykjavik on your way to the Ring Road.  They drive on the right side of the road and traffic laws are similar to the United States (there’s no concept of Right on Red)  It’s an easy drive, but get ready for the speed limit.  It’s 90km/h, roughly 55mph.  Do not speed.  There are cameras.  The fines are spensive.  

There are plenty of quick stops in Reykjavik you can make.  There’s the Hallgrimskirkja, an amazing Lutheran church built to resemble the basalt columns famous around many of Iceland’s waterfalls.

There are also a few Costco stores if you’re a member and would like to get some snackies for your trip, as food prices in Iceland can be very high.

Don’t tarry long in Reykjavik, we need to hit the road.  Head over to Highway 1 and point east, towards the town of Vik.

(note: I won’t judge you if the idea of a six-hour drive sounds brutal after a too-short flight across the Atlantic, feel free to grab a hotel in Reykjavik and enjoy exploring the city!)

As you’re driving, you’ll encounter incredible landscapes and some wonderful photo spots.  Stop and take some pictures!  After about an hour and a half you’ll see an enormous waterfall just off the highway, the legendary Seljalandsfoss.  Keep going, we’ll stop by Seljalandsfoss on our way back!  30 minutes later, you’ll see a mammoth waterfall back a ways from the highway.  This would be the mighty Skogafoss.  Yep, keep going, we’ll come back.

A quick vocabulary lesson: “foss” loosely means “waterfall” in Icelandic.  So the waterfall called Skogafoss is the waterfall from the Skogar River that runs through the town of Skogar.  Yep, you guessed it, Seljalandsfoss is the waterfall near the community of Seljaland

Back to the road trip.  Stop when you need to stop, get you some caffeine (for some reason I only drink Red Bulls in Iceland during road trips).  You may also see a random parking lot on your right filled with cars and people walking out towards the coast.  But we’ll get to that later.  We’re finally at our first rest stop: the lovely town of Vik.

Vik, Iceland

Vik is a great place to stop for lunch on your way east.  The best place to stop for lunch?  The Smidjan Brugghus (operating with limited hours right now from Thursday-Sunday but hopefully will open up more broadly soon).  It’s a great little microbrewery that cooks a wonderful burger and serves a wonderful beer.  

After lunch, you’ll want to stretch your legs and see some of the beauty that Iceland has to offer.  Head up the hill towards this little church, called Reyniskirkja.  There’s a parking lot at the church, you don’t need to walk.

In the summer you will see fields of lupines around Reyniskirkja, but even in the late fall like the above picture it’s just a beautiful scene.

Oh, and the view from the church isn’t bad either.

There’s more to do around Vik, but let’s keep going east instead.  After another hour or so you’ll start seeing some mountains.  “Big deal Andy, we’ve already seen a ton of mountains,” you’ll say, alarming everyone else in your car while they wonder who Andy is and what was in that Red Bull can you were drinking.  You have seen mountains, but these mountains have  glaciers on them .

This means you’re getting close.  Your first official destination of The Official Andy’s Travel Blog Intro to Iceland Itinerary.

Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon

The Vatnajökull glacier is Europe’s largest glacier.  Glaciers are in motion, carving out their path against the mountain as they slowly creep along.  Where does all that ice end up?  Well, a lot of it ends up in the Jokulsarlon lagoon.  The ice breaks off into icebergs that float through the lagoon.  The lagoon itself is the deepest body of water in Iceland and you’ll typically see a lot of seals swimming around the lagoon looking for food, dodging icebergs on their quest.

(I just realized these two pictures are of the same iceberg, sorryyyyyyyy)

There are all sort of Zodiac tours through the lagoon that you can book when you’re there.  Covid restrictions have shrunk the size of the tours a bit but they’re still running, so that’s good.  Enjoy the incredible scenery of icebergs, wildlife, and thousand-year-old icebergs floating idly by.  

Once you’re done naturing, get in your car and drive across the highway to the coast, you’ll see cars parked in the makeshift parking lot.  Get out of your car and grab your camera because you’ve arrived at Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach

What happens to the icebergs in the Jokulsarlon lagoon?  Over time they gradually make their way through the lagoon and out to the ocean.  The ocean then rudely slams them back onto the shore of the beach.  So if you’ve ever wanted to see iceberg fragments, some the size of hatchbacks, on a beach, this is the spot.

If I know my timing right, you should end up at Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach fairly close to sunset (depending on the time of year), so there are so many amazing pictures to take here.

Where to stay for Day One

Jokulsarlon isn’t incredibly close to any large towns.  There’s a town about an hour east called Höfn and some smaller villages before then.  You’re going to drive past the lagoon a bit but I think it’s worth it.  The place I recommend is actually a bit isolated from Höfn, it’s called the Viking Cafe.  It’s…well, a cafe, but they’ve built an addition onto the side of it.  The accommodations are humble, but the location is perfect, because the cafe sits next to a movie set built for a movie about Vikings which was never filmed, and that’s all well and good, but the Viking Cafe also sits next to the incredible Vestrahorn Mountain.

If you’re in the area during aurora season (October-March), there’s a great chance you can find the aurora with the mountains below!

Whether you sleep in Höfn or the Viking Cafe, get some rest, and it’s ok if you’re exhausted.  This was a long day.

Day Two: Let’s do some hiking

If you’re coming from the USA, you’ll probably be up early from jetlag.  If you are and fancy a great place for sunrise, head out to Vestrahorn!  This is much easier if you’re staying at the Viking Cafe, since the road out to Vestrahorn is on private property (it’s about $9 to enter).  Photographically the mountains look relatively isolated against the foreground of a black sand beach, just a beautiful sight to see early in the morning.  You’ll see a photographer here and there taking some pictures but there’s a lot of great views to take in, especially in colder weather when the water freezes on the coastline.

Day Two can really begin wherever you’d like it.  If you’re at Vestrahorn, go get you some Vestrahorn.  If you stayed in Höfn, grab some breakfast and some coffee and put on your favorite hiking garments.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, we’re on an out-and-back trip from Reykjavik.  I know it seems weird that we’re already “heading back” at the beginning of the second day but I promise there is so much to see along the southern coast that it’ll be fine.

Get back to Highway 1 and head west.

Optional: Revisit Jokulsarlon

Depending on when you go there (and how Covid-y things are), morning can be the best time to visit Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach again, away from the crowds.  Spend as long as you’d like here (if you’re a photographer and want to get some Streaky Water Iceberg Shots on the beach, remember your ND filters).  When you’re done, head west to Skaftafell National Park and get ready for four beautiful waterfalls.

Optional: Hike to Mulagljufur

This is a wonderful hike that feels a bit more rustic than other well-marked tracks along the south coast.  I posted a blog post about how to find the trail, which isn’t far from Jokulsarlon.

My guide to Mulgljufur is here .

Svartifoss is a beautiful and “skinny” waterfall that has an enormous chamber of basalt columns around it.  I’m continually fascinated that nature would align basalt into columns like this and, maybe apart from Aldeyjarfoss in the north, there’s no better place to see it than Svartifoss.

An Editor’s Note about calling this a “Hike”: I’m basing the classification of the hike up to Svartifoss as a “hike” because I live a relatively sedentary life and have a desk job.  Aside from my Pelaton, I don’t really get into cardio on a regular basis.  This is not a difficult hike.  

When you enter Skaftafell, park in one of the clearly marked lots and go pay for parking at the little stanchion.  Then head towards the very clearly marked trail.  The trail goes uphill pretty quickly, so be ready for that (my calves felt it for a few days).  All in all, though, it’s 1.5 kilometers and should take you 45 minutes or so.  It’s not hard.  Along the way, you’ll see three other waterfalls, but there will be no question when you’ve made it to Svartifoss.  Enjoy the power of the waterfall as it strikes the rocks below, slowly carving out a canyon over the next ten thousand or so years.  Odds are there will be plenty of other people waiting to see it, so make sure you have a plan for the pictures you’d like to take when it’s your turn and play nice with everyone.

If you’re a photographer, the rock I took this from will be pretty obvious.  It will help if you have waterproof shoes for this one but they’re not absolutely necessary.  Just be really careful on the slippery rocks, I nearly fell into the river with my $10,000 Fuji GFX100 in my hand.

When you’re done with Svartifoss, head back down to your vehicle.  There are plenty of other things to see and do in Skaftafell, so free-style and stay longer if you wish!  

Fjaðrárgljúfur

This canyon is as beautiful as the name is hard to pronounce.  It’s just off Highway 1, not far from our last stop.

This is one of the most prominent This Looks Like Another Planet locations we’ll see on our trip.

You can park very close to the canyon and the paths alongside the canyon are easy to follow (you can no longer go into the canyon, unfortunately).  The footpath will take you all the way up the sides of the canyon to the countryside beyond.  It’s worth a stop to see just how crazy the landscape becomes.

By this point you’re probably a bit hungry.  Let’s head back west to a now familiar place: Vik.

Up Next: Reynisfjara

There are two wonderful scenic places to see in and around Vik.  We’ve been to the church, the microbrewery, now it’s time for The Nature.  Two options to choose from (don’t worry, we’ll go to the other one tomorrow): black sand epic beach with basalt columns or a beautiful cliff overlooking the ocean.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is a beautiful black sand beach that runs along the coast.  It’s super close to Vik and has convenient parking right next to it.

There are other black sand beaches by Vik but Reynisfjara is by far the most well-known.  When you get to the parking lot, if you head to the left you’ll see some incredible basalt columns and a really cool cave.  If you like, you can pose in front of some of the columns and try to look majestic.

If you go to the right from the parking lot and walk for a ways you’ll end up with a great view of Dyrhólaey, the arch in the cliff.  There are some really cool lava stacks close to the arch called Reynisdrangar.  I didn’t walk all the way over to the cliff when I visited last time but I’d think it’s absolutely worth the (roughly 2-mile) walk.

Where to stay for Day Two: Vik, Iceland

Grab yourself a bit to eat somewhere in Vik (maybe a return to the Smidgen Brugghus even) and relax for a minute!  I’m saying you can get something to eat in Vik, but realistically many of you will have eaten lunch somewhere else and this will be around the end of your Day Two.  Vik is a decently-sized town, so grab a bed somewhere in Vik or nearby.  You’ve already seen way more than most people see in their entire trip and you’ve only been in Iceland for two days!

Realistic Note: You don’t have to move this fast Ok, so this itinerary is quite aggressive.  There is lots to see in this great country, and you don’t need to see everything on your first trip.  If you feel like doing everything I’ve said so far, go for it!  If you don’t feel like doing everything, rest!

Day Three: More Waterfalls

Enjoy a well-deserved good night of rest in or around Vik.  Tomorrow you don’t need to get up quite as early if you don’t want to.  Enjoy some coffee, yawn a bit.  Our first destination isn’t far at all.  In fact, it’s on top of the arch that you saw last evening.

Dyrhólaey

Going atop the cliff is very easy, but, a small warning, during some summer months, you may have to park away from the cliffside a bit to protect the mating ground of birds who nest in the cliffs.  You’re able to walk up to the cliffs but  please respect the nesting grounds and keep your distance from the wildlife.

Ok now that I’ve disclaimer’d at everyone: OH MY GOSH THERE ARE PUFFINS ON TOP OF DYRHOLAEY.  I’ve never seen them in person but they’re usually there from April-August/September.  They’re simply the most amazing and cute birds ever.  I cannot wait to see them for myself someday.

From Dyrhólaey you can see down either coast for miles, or you can turn north and see Mýrdalsjökull glacier.  There’s also a beautiful (and still active) lighthouse on top as well.  Enjoy the views for a while and then get ready to see a plane!

The DC-3 Plane Wreck

A short drive away from Dyrhólaey you’ll see a parking lot to your left.  Park there and walk about 2 miles south (the path is easy but not incredibly well-marked, make sure you don’t try to go in bad weather) and you’ll see the wreckage of a crashed airplane.  In 1973 a US Navy DC-3 was flying around South Iceland and ran out of fuel.  It crash-landed on the beach and, thankfully, everyone survived.  The plane is still there today.  It’s free to visit and you can actually go into the plane and explore through it.  It’s well worth a visit!

Now, finally, get ready for two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls!

The incredible Skogafoss waterfall is absurdly close to the DC-3 parking lot.  Like 10 minutes away.

You can see the waterfall from the road, it’s that massive.  Towering 200 feet (60 meters) above the landscape, it’s incredibly powerful and you can walk right up to it!

As you get close to the falls you’ll get wet so do be careful if you’re bringing nice camera equipment!

Skogafoss will probably be crowded, as it’s super popular, and for good reason!  You can climb the steps next to it to get a great view of the water flowing over the falls.

(Shhh…there’s a waterfall called Kvernufoss really close to Skogafoss, go there too)

From the Skogafoss parking lot, head over to the Skogar Museum (detailing the history of the small town of Skogar).  Park behind it.  Face the fence in front of you and look to the left.  You’ll see a tiny little ladder going over the fence.  Climb over that ladder and walk along the path that runs alongside the hillside.  When you can turn left, turn left.  You’ll see Kvernufoss in the distance.

I love Kvernufoss.  It’s right next to Skogafoss but is not nearly as crowded as its more popular neighbor.  Skogafoss was massively full last time I visited and there were only a handful of people at Kvernufoss.  You can even walk behind the falls like Seljalandsfoss!

I cannot recommend you visit Kvernufoss strongly enough!

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland.  It’s incredible, powerful, and boy is it popular.  You can easily see the falls from Highway 1 and there are two big parking lots around the falls.  You do need to pay for parking, as a warning.  Either way it’s a short drive over from Skogafoss.

There are going to be  a lot of people at Seljalandsfoss.  It’s so nice though, it’s definitely worth a stop.  You can walk up to the falls and walk right behind them as well for some really cool views of the countryside.  It gets very wet behind the falls, so again be careful with nicer camera gear.

(Shhh…there’s a waterfall called Gljúfrabúi really close to Seljalandsfoss, go there too)

Just like Kvernufoss and Skogafoss, there’s another waterfall by Seljalandsfoss.  It’s relatively hidden but super close by.  Odds are it will be far less crowded as well.

You don’t even need to park anywhere else.  In the picture above, if you walk counter-clockwise around the back of the falls, and go to the right, walk along the path where the hillside meets the plains.  You’re looking for a giant crack in the hill.

You’ll have to walk through some water for this one, so have some waterproof shoes or expect your shoes to get wet.  Wait your turn (it’s kind of a one-way entry) and walk 10-20 feet and you’ll see it: Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall.

It’s absolutely beautiful.  And you can climb up on that rock to the right and get some cool pictures taken.  There won’t be as many people here as there are at Seljalandsfoss but it might feel a little more crowded, as a warning, just because the waterfall chamber isn’t quite as large.

Where to stay for Day Three

When you’ve had your fill of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, guess where you’re heading next?  Back to Reykjavik!

I recommend going back into Iceland’s capital and making it your home base for the next two nights.  I know it isn’t the most local place ever, but I’ve stayed at the Hilton Nordica in the middle of town and have enjoyed it every time, even though it’s more like a typical big hotel here in the states.

While in Reykjavik, like I mentioned at the beginning of this itinerary, there are cool sights to see in this walkable capital.  The food scene, and especially the coffee scene, is burgeoning in the aftermath of the pandemic, so find some good restaurants and check them out!  If you’re not in the mood for a full restaurant vibe, there are plenty of hot dog stands around the capital (they’re inexpensive and taste great!).

You’ve been seeing so much nature, so many waterfalls, I’m sure the city is a nice change of pace.

Day Four: Golden Circle or Volcano, your choice!

One of the main reasons we’re back in Reykjavik, depending on when you’re reading this post, is that Reykjavik has plenty of COVID testing available for those who need a negative test to re-enter their home country.  Andrew at The Points Guy posted a great guide on pandemic travel to Iceland, including how he got his test, here .  I posted my experience in Akureyri, on the northern coast, here .  Starting your final full day in Iceland with a COVID test will be critical if you’d like to board your flight home!  Make sure you tell the staff that you need a printout of your test results as well and ask where to pick up the printout.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a (you’d never guess this) circular drive from Reykjavik that is easily doable in a day.  It hits three great spots: 

• Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
• Geysir Geothermal Area
• Gullfoss waterfall

The drive only takes about 3 hours round trip, but it will take you the better part of a day to do, since there are plenty of great stops along the way.

There are many great guides to the Golden Circle out there, one of my favorites (because I’ve never done it myself) is this one from Guide to Iceland .

Optional: The Blue Lagoon

Yep, the Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s super-popular geothermal tourist attraction.  It’s actually really close to Keflavik (where the airport is located) but a relatively drive from Reykjavik, about an hour away.  Their website has all the great details you’ll need, especially opening hours, which vary from season to season.  I’ve known many people who tried to go the morning that they were leaving but the opening hours did not leave them enough time to really enjoy the experience, so I recommend going the day before you leave.

The Blue Lagoon’s website has all the information you need to know.  I’ve never personally visited but I imagine I will at some point.  From everything I’ve heard, yes it is touristy but it’s still pretty cool.  I’ve visited other geothermally-heated pools in Iceland and enjoyed it, the Blue Lagoon is just a more commercialized version of it.

Where to stay for Day Four

I would stay back in Reykjavik, a great ending to a wonderful trip.  Go out to a nice restaurant and have a few drinks, and gawk at the price you paid for those drinks.  

Day Five: Fly Home!

Today will feature a drive to Keflavik Airport, turning in your rental car, boarding your flight and heading home!

Ok so what did I leave out from this itinerary?

Omg there’s so much to see in Iceland.  Next time you visit you could go up the west coast to the Snaefellsness Peninsula to see Kirkjufell and keep going into the Westfjords.  You could take the Ring Road around the entire country.  You could go to the north coast and places like Akureyri or Siglufjordur.  You could really go remote and head into the Highlands during the summer for some camping.

Iceland enthusiasts will no doubt say this is a very touristy look at Iceland, and they’re not wrong.  It’s hard to take anything other than a sip from this great country the first time you visit.  I always encourage people to travel as if they’ll visit again, and Iceland is no exception.  An area I would love to drink deeply of is the Westfjords, I just sampled its greatness in 2018 and could easily spend a week or longer in that region.

Most of all, I really hope this guide comes across as a love letter to this beautiful country.  I have many great memories here and look forward to creating more of them in the years ahead.  I hope this gives you some ideas of what to do when you visit and, most of all, gets you excited to visit Iceland!

This was my first-ever guide to a country after only 8.5 years of blogging, how did I do?  What would you like to see in future guides like this?  Tell me in the comments below!

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Really lovely guide. Thank you for the incredibly detailed maps and gorgeous photos! I spent 3 days there and it wasn’t enough. I look forward to going back with your recommendations!

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Iceland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Iceland is a magical place. It’s the land of sheep, northern lights, volcanoes with unpronounceable names (try saying “Eyjafjallajökull”), rugged landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and natural hot springs. Its stunning, scenic landscape feels out of this world.

Iceland quickly became one of my favorite countries after my first visit. It’s such a beautiful island filled with warm, welcoming people and sweeping vistas you won’t find anywhere else in the world. I have relished every subsequent visit to the country.

However, Iceland is expensive.

Traveling here on a budget is difficult as Iceland is definitely not a cheap country (and the growing influx of tourists is only increasing prices further).

Fortunately, it is possible to see a lot without going broke if you plan ahead. You won’t be living large if you’re here to backpack, but Iceland is worth the expense.

This travel guide to Iceland can help you plan your trip and see the sights without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Iceland

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Iceland

1. Visit the Mývatn Nature Baths

Mývatn is quieter and less expensive than the famous Blue Lagoon (more on that below). The water from the underground hot springs is pulled from depths of up to 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) and reaches 37–39°C (98–102°F). The pool’s iconic milky blue color is created from the reflection of the sun on silica-rich water. Grab some local geyser-baked bread that they sell at the little cafe and relax, or enjoy a cocktail from the swim-up bar. After your soak you can head in for a geothermal steam bath, naturally created from the steam that rises through the floorboards. The Northeast area of Iceland where the pools are located is abundant with wildlife, so you might even spot local birds while you swim. Admission to Mývatn Nature Baths is 6,490 ISK.

2. See the Northern Lights

Seeing this natural phenomenon was one of the most awe-inspiring things I have ever witnessed. Aurora Borealis is named after the Roman Goddess of dawn and the north wind. They are a stunning sight that is caused by electrically charged particles as they speed into the earth’s atmosphere. They’re only visible in the arctic regions of the world, as the earth’s magnetic field is weaker there. The lights are best admired in remote places away from city lights. The best time to catch them is from mid-September to mid-April. However, it depends on the weather. The longer you stay, the better your chances. If you don’t have a car, you can take a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik for 7,700 ISK.

3. Tour Reykjavik

Reykjavik is awash in cozy cafes, high-energy clubs, friendly pubs, and brightly colored wooden row houses. It’s super small and worth a few days to get a feel for the art and cafe culture of the city. Reykjavik translates to ‘smoky bay’ and was named for the steam that rises from the hot springs. It’s the northernmost capital of the world and despite its intimate size, the city is home to about 60% of Iceland’s population, making it one of the liveliest places in the country. Foodies will love the ever-expanding culinary scene where you can try options ranging from fine dining to tasty street food. If you’re a night owl, you’ll love the party scene here but be warned: they don’t go out until about midnight and drinks aren’t cheap!

4. Check out the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Located in the southeast of Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park, this ice flow is one of the most popular attractions in the country. It’s the deepest lake in Iceland and is formed from the melting glaciers. Deep blue water is littered with icebergs which move through the lagoon towards the Atlantic Ocean, and you might spot seals perched on floating chunks of ice or swimming in the frosty water. Over the past 50 years the lake has grown significantly due to rising temperatures and currently covers 18 square kilometers (11 square miles). I enjoyed just sitting down and listening to the ice crash into each other on its way out to sea. For an up-close look at the glaciers, consider exploring the lagoon by boat.

5. See the waterfalls

Iceland is the king of waterfalls with over 10,000 cascades to explore. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe with a huge volume of water cascading over the falls every minute, at 45 meters (147 feet) tall and 100 meters (328 feet) wide. Gullfoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland and is close to Iceland’s famous golden circle (its name translates to ‘golden waterfall’). Seljalandsfoss is beautiful and you can walk behind the falls to get up close and personal with the powerful water. And then there’s Skogafoss which can be found along the Skógá River, and Svartifoss, which is surrounded by towering black cliffs.

Other Things to See and Do in Iceland

1. soak in the blue lagoon.

While I found the Mývatn baths to be a more relaxing and less expensive option, you cannot deny that Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool is the country’s top tourist attraction. It might be crowded and expensive, but there’s nothing like it in the world. This huge, milky-blue spa is fed by mineral-rich heated seawater from the nearby geothermal plant. Add the silvery towers of the plant, rolling clouds of steam, and people covered in white mud, and you’ll think you’re in the twilight zone – in a good way! Admission with a drink, towel, and mud mask is 14,000 ISK.

2. Take a Game of Thrones tour

The harsh climate north of the Wall in HBO’s hit series was predominantly filmed in Iceland. Explore the film locations on a guided tour, with both single- and multi-day options available, to get a behind-the-scenes look at this epic series. An 8-hour day tour starts at 15,470 ISK.

3. Explore Thingvellir National Park

This national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site is interesting for two reasons: it’s the original site of the longest-running parliament in the world (Vikings held political meetings here in the 10th century), and it’s also where the North American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart (you can actually scuba dive between the plates for around 35,000 ISK). It’s one of the main stops in the Golden Circle and has several trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs. There are also some campgrounds here if you want to stay the night. Admission is free.

4. See Maelifell Volcano

Found in Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park north of Vik, Maelifell’s perfect cone shape gives this volcano that ‘classic’ volcano look. During the summer, snow melts to reveal a lavish green surface covered with moss. There is plenty to do and see in the surrounding park which is full of volcanoes, hot springs, and hiking trails. During the winter, a lot of the roads in the park close, so the summer season is the best time to go if you want to see the volcano up close. You can get to the volcano in 90 minutes by car from Vik.

5. Check out the geysers

Volcanic activities underneath the surface of Iceland have created a lot of geysers, underground springs, and thermal pools. Strokkur, in the southwest of Iceland, is currently the most popular geyser in the country. It erupts every 15 minutes and shoots a spray of water over 10 meters (32 feet) into the air. Geysir (from which the English word geyser is derived), was the first popular geyser known to tourists, though it no longer erupts frequently (you can still visit it though). There is no admission to see Strokkur (or Geysir, which is nearby). Arrive early to beat the hordes of tourists that come by bus as this is a main Golden Circle tourist stop.

6. Drive the Golden Circle Tourist Trail

The Golden Circle is a 230 kilometer (140 mile) route that includes some of the most popular sites near Reykjavik, including Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and Geysir/Strokkur. This is the main route for tourists visiting for just a day or two and lots of tourist buses drive this route. Other stops include the Kerið volcano crater, Hveragerði greenhouse village, Skálholt church, and the Nesjavellir or Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. If you have a vehicle, start your day early to beat the buses. You can drive the whole route in a few hours. If you don’t have your own car you can take a guided tour of the Golden Circle for 9,555 ISK.

7. Hike the Laugavegur trail

This 55 kilometer (34 mile) trail runs between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk and is a popular hike. Considered one of the most extraordinary hiking trails in the world, it offers a gorgeous variety of landscapes, including mountains in various colors, hot springs and glaciers, rivers, and lakes. Its well-worn trail, cozy huts, steady stream of trekkers, and frequent signposts make it a relatively safe and logistically easy venture. You can stay in huts for around 10,200 ISK per night, or camp in the designated areas outside the huts for just 2,500 ISK. You can hike the entire trail in 3-5 days.

8. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls Trail

If the full Laugavegur hike is too much, try your hand at the shorter (but equally as stunning) Fimmvorduhals trail. Stretching between Þórsmörk and Skógar, this trail can be done in a day or broken up into a two-day adventure. You can either camp or book one of the mountain huts located along the route. Just be aware: the huts sell out fast! The trail is moderately challenging so you’ll need to have solid footwear and be in good shape. Make sure you have rain gear as the weather can change quickly. Hiking is free if you don’t camp and there is a bus that can take you from Þórsmörk back to Skógar if you parked your car there (it’s 8,000 ISK each way).

9. Go fishing

Iceland is famous for its fish. With tons of salmon, trout, cod, and haddock, fishing here is incredibly popular and a big part of Icelandic culture and cuisine. You can find fishing tours from Reykjavik as well as more remote destinations like the Westfjords. They’re pretty much available everywhere! Expect to pay around 16,000 ISK for a three-hour fishing tour.

10. See the Skaftafell Ice Cave

These beautiful ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park attract adventurers from around the globe. The caves are part of the largest ice cap in the country and the second-largest in all of Europe. They are only accessible in winter. Guided tours take you into the caves where, armed with an ax and crampons, you can explore this otherworldly landscape. Tours start at 19,200 ISK per person and last around 4 hours.

11. Go whale watching

Iceland is home to some 20 different species of whale, as well as dolphins and harbor porpoises. Minke, fin, and humpback whales are the most commonly seen, and orcas and sperm whales appear regularly as well. The prime whale-watching season is from April to September, with most tours leaving from the south (Reykjavik) or north (Akureyri). Tours start at 10,000 ISK and go up from there. They usually last 2-3 hours.

12. Visit Landmannalaugar

Located in the interior highlands, these multicolored rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and volcanoes are a popular tourist destination for anyone looking to get off the main tourist trail. The striking landscapes look like a different planet. Horseback riding trips can be done here, starting at 11,000 ISK for a one-hour guided tour. For a short day hike, try the Sulpher Wave Trail. It takes around two hours. Note: to get here you need to drive on F-roads, which means you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle.

13. See Kirkjufell Mountain

Near the small town of Grundarfjörður in western Iceland, this iconic mountain juts out from the landscape. Surrounding this striking mountain are a bunch of waterfalls. If you come in the winter, it’s a gorgeous place to spot the northern lights. The mountain is one of the most photographed sights in all of Iceland (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram).

14. Hike the Snaefellsnes peninsula

Stretching out from the west coast, this peninsula is topped by a large national park. It’s a great place to take a hike or a stroll along the windy and winding coast. There are numerous hills and mountains to climb, including Snæfellsjökull. If you’re feeling adventurous (and have the money!) book a glacier walking tour for 17,000 ISK. These tours take you out over the remote glacier where you can hike, peer into crevasses, and learn about this martian landscape.

15. Search for puffins

Puffins can be spotted nesting all over Iceland between mid-April and mid-August. The larger populations are found on the Westman Islands and in the Westfjords, as well as in certain parts of the East Fjords. While you can try and spot some yourself (ask locals for help!) you can also book a tour to see them up close. Tours cost around 8,900 ISK.

16. Take a culinary tour

If you want to learn more about Icelandic cuisine and try some local favorites, take a culinary tour in Reykjavik. Companies like The Reykjavik Food Walk take you to 5-6 local restaurants for a 3.5-hour tour for around 16,000 ISK. You can try local dishes, learn how they are made, and get first-hand experience of Iceland’s unique cuisine.

17. Visit the National Museum of Iceland

This museum in Reykjavik contains informative exhibits about the first settlers to the island, Christianity in Iceland, the island under both Norwegian and Danish rule, and the independence movement. While not terribly large (you can probably get through it in a couple of hours at the most) it’s a great visit if you are interested in knowing more about the history and culture of the people. General admission is 2,500 ISK.

18. Take a course at the Icelandic Elf School

The Icelandic Elf School is a school that teaches students and visitors about Icelandic folklore. They teach about the “hidden people” and the 13 different kinds of elves that the school believes inhabit the country of Iceland. This is probably one of the strangest things to check out while in Reykjavik, which makes it one of the best. While the 9,058 ISK cost might be a little high, you also get a meal of pancakes and jam, teas, and chocolates to go along with the 3-4-hour lecture!

19. Visit the Penis Museum

The Phallological Museum, colloquially known as the Penis Museum, is a small institution home to the world’s largest collection of penises and penis-themed art. There are almost 300 items in the museum, including whale penises and (allegedly) troll penises! It’s a small museum but it’s incredibly informative — if you’re not too shy! Admission is 2,500 ISK.

Iceland Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a hostel dorm with 8-10 beds costs around 4,500-7,500 ISK per person per night. Private rooms cost 18,000-28,000 ISK. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

Many hostels in Iceland charge extra for linens/blankets. You can bring your own, however, you cannot use a sleeping bag instead. Additionally, many of the hostels around the country are HI hostels which offer 5-10% discounts to members.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds are available all around the country costing 1,600-2,700 ISK for a basic plot for two people without electricity. Wild camping, while technically legal, is frowned upon by locals.

Budget hotel prices – Expect to pay between 13,500-20,000 ISK per night for a double room with a private bathroom (usually with breakfast included). Free Wi-Fi is usually included, as well as other basic amenities like AC and a coffee/tea maker.

Since hotels are so expensive in Iceland, I much prefer to rent a room or apartment on Airbnb. Private rooms can be found for around 13,000 ISK while entire homes/apartments cost at least 19,000-25,000 ISK. Prices double when not booked early.

Food – Fish, lamb, and dairy are the main staples of Icelandic cuisine. Food here is very similar to what you’ll find across Scandinavia. Smoked lamb, cured meat, dark bread, and skyr (a local yogurt) are all incredibly popular. Haddock and herring are some of the most widely eaten fish. Shrimp is very common too. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try snúður (a cinnamon roll with chocolate on top).

If you are going to eat out here, expect to pay around 2,500 ISK for a cheap meal of local cuisine. You can find kebabs, soups, and other quick eats for around 1,500 ISK or less. Fast food (which is rare here) usually costs around 2,000 ISK for a combo meal.

For cheap meals, consider grabbing a hot dog (you can find them in every city and at gas stations). They cost around 500-650 ISK. Surprisingly, a decent place to eat cheaply in Iceland is at the gas stations. Most gas stations sell everything from deli sandwiches, pizzas, Icelandic soups, hot meals, fruit, and they have whole aisles of candy! It’s decent fast food and some of the cheapest you’ll find (albeit not the healthiest).

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink costs around 6,500 ISK.

Beer costs around 1,400 ISK. A latte/cappuccino is around 615 ISK. Bottled water (which you won’t need here) is around 270 ISK.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 9,500 ISK. This includes basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and a little bit of meat.

Backpacking Iceland Suggested Budgets

On a bare-bones backpacker budget of 7,000 ISK per day, you can camp, cook all your meals, hitchhike to get around, skip drinking, and do free activities like hiking or visiting waterfalls. If you plan on drinking, add 1,000-2000 ISK per day to your budget.

On a more reasonable backpacking budget of 10,500 ISK per day, you can stay in hostel dorms, cook most of your food and have a couple of cheap fast food meals, enjoy a drink here and there, take public transportation to get around and do a couple paid activities like museum visits in Reykjavik.

On a mid-range budget of 23,000 ISK per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat fast food with the occasional traditional meal, split a car rental to get around, drink a little more, and do more paid activities like a puffin tour or whale watching.

On a “luxury” budget of 36,000 ISK per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out at cheap restaurants serving local cuisine, drink out at the bar a few times, rent your own car, and do more expensive excursions like glacier hikes or scuba diving. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ISK.

Iceland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Iceland is an expensive country to visit. Almost everything is imported, taxes are high, and there’s not a lot of local industry. But that doesn’t mean the country has to break the bank. In fact, there are many ways to save money in Iceland thanks in part of all the free outdoor activities you can do! Here are a few ways to cut down your costs:

• Hitchhike – Iceland is one of the easiest and safest countries in the world for hitchhikers (in fact, it’s the safest country in the world!). You can find rides throughout the country, though it’s especially easy in the southern part of Iceland. While harder, it’s also not impossible to find a ride in the off-season or in the less populated northern regions. One way to find rides is by asking around in hostels — people are usually driving the main Ring Road (M1) that circles the country. That’s how I found my rides.
• Bring a water bottle – The water in Iceland is incredibly clean and drinkable. In fact, you can fill up directly from streams and rivers! LifeStraw is my go-to company for reusable water bottles as their bottles include built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Camp – Camping is available everywhere in Iceland. You can camp in designated campgrounds for under 2,400 ISK per night and some hostels allow you to put up tents too. You’ll need to have your own gear and sleeping bag. If you plan on camping often, consider purchasing the Campingcard as it can save you quite a bit of money.
• Bring your own sheets – Like in other Scandinavian countries, many hostels in Iceland charge you a fee for bed sheets if you don’t have your own (pillows are free!). Linen fees usually begin at 1,350 ISK; however, some hostels are starting to include them for free. Usually, they will allow you to bring your own blankets but not a sleeping bag.
• Don’t drink – Due to high taxes, it’s very expensive to drink in Iceland. Save money and don’t drink. Ok, maybe once in Reykjavik since its nightlife is world-famous. But other than that, don’t. You’ll save a bundle and feel a lot better. No one wants to hike a volcano with a hangover!
• Cook your own food – With dining out being so pricey, I found the best thing to do is go grocery shopping. Buy everything you need (such as eggs, cereal, pre-made sandwiches, and pasta) and cook it yourself. Most hostels, guesthouses, and campsites have kitchens. Shop at BONUS food stores as they have the cheapest prices.
• Eat hotdogs – If you are going to eat out, eat at the sandwich and hotdog stalls you find throughout the cities. They offer the cheapest (although, not the healthiest) food in the country. You can also find cheap hotdogs at many gas stations, too.
• Stay with a local – Iceland has a very active Couchsurfing community. I stayed with hosts in Reykjavik and Akureyri. Getting involved with the community here is a surefire way to save money, get local insights, meet wonderful people, and get a free place to stay.
• Use Samferda – This website can help you find passengers (or rides). It’s especially popular in the larger cities and it’s cheaper than the bus.

Where to Stay in Iceland

Iceland has tons of hostels all around the country. They are the cheapest form of accommodation. My favorite places to stay are:

• KEX (Reykjavik)
• Hafnarstræti Hostel (Akureyri)
• Akureyri HI Hostel (Akureyri)
• Start Hostel (Keflavik)

For more recommendations, check out this list of my favorite hostels in Iceland

How to Get Around Iceland

Public transportation – The larger cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri both have a reliable public bus network, although both cities are small enough that you can walk just about everywhere. Strætó is the public bus network and you can plot your route on their website. Bus fare is 490 ISK.

Bus – Using buses to travel around the country is the best option if you don’t have a car. The Strætó bus network goes all around the country (though some regions aren’t covered and routes can be a little infrequent).

A bus from Reykjavik to Akureyri costs 7,100 ISK, while Akureyri to Husavik is around 2,500 ISK. Reykjavik to Vik is 3,850 ISK. Keep in mind though that these are public buses that will get you from point A to point B — there are no stops at attractions. You can look up routes and schedules on the Strætó website or download their app.

There are other bus/tour companies geared specifically towers travelers in Iceland, however, including:

• Reykjavík Excursions
• SBA-Norðurleið

Reykjavík Excursions departs from Reykjavík and offers tours and day trips, but they also have an “Iceland On Your Own” deal where you can buy passes and be more flexible with your route (prices depend on where you’re going).

Trex Hiker is catered specifically for hikers and runs people between Reykjavik and popular hiking routes like Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk.

Flying – The two main domestic airlines within Iceland are Icelandair and Eagle Air. Destinations covered include Reykjavík, Akureyri, Grímsey, Ísafjörður, and Egilsstaðir (among others). The biggest airport outside of Reykjavík is in Akureyri. A flight here would allow you to cross the entire country in about 30 minutes. If you’re short on time but still want to visit the north, flying is your best option. Expect to pay 15,000-17,500 ISK for a one-way ticket.

Car rental – Renting a car is the best way to travel to Iceland. Small cars cost as little as 6,200 ISK per day and you can split the costs with traveling companions. SADcars and Iceland Car Rental are two of cheapest car rental companies in the country.

If you’re on a budget and have extra space in your car you can use the website Samferda to find passengers.

When to Go to Iceland

Your experience in Iceland will be largely influenced by the time of year you visit. June to September is the best time to visit, as temperatures are pleasant and average between 10-15°C (50-59°F). The days are long and the sun only sets for a few hours. This is also when tourism is at its busiest.

The spring and fall months (shoulder season) are both excellent times to visit as well. The crowds have thinned out, and although temperatures are chilly — ranging from 4-7°C (40-45°F) — there’s still a lot of sunshine. You’ll also get cheaper accommodation too.

Winter (from October to April) can be harsh, but it’s still an interesting time to visit. The days are short and temperatures drop below freezing. However, there are plenty of opportunities to see the northern lights. Driving conditions are hazardous though so this isn’t a good time to rent a vehicle.

How to Stay Safe in Iceland

Iceland is the safest country in the world! You will not be the victim of any crime here. There’s no murder here and no petty crime. I mean I wouldn’t leave your valuables unattended but that’s not beause of locals but because of travelers! Your biggest concern here is the elements. Iceland’s environment can be harsh and unpredictable, especially in the winter. The Iceland Meteorological Office and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration are two valuable websites to check in with as you travel.

If you go out hiking, bring water, sunscreen, and rain gear. The weather can change rapidly.

If you rent a vehicle, make sure you are careful with the doors. The wind here is extreme and can rip car doors right off your vehicle (this is surprisingly common). Always make sure you have comprehensive insurance coverage when you rent a car.

F-roads (rugged dirt roads) should only be driven on with a 4×4 vehicle. Don’t try driving on them without one!

Scams here are non-existent, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Iceland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Get My Guide to Iceland!

It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world.

• My favorite things to see and do
• Money-saving tips
• Budget advice
• Transportation advice
• My favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars
• And much more!!

Details: Over 190 pages of budget travel advice Return policy: No risk, 7 Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee

Get the Iceland Guide Now!

Iceland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Iceland travel and continue planning your trip:

13 Iceland Road Trip Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The 9 Best Hostels in Iceland

The 7 Best Tour Companies in Iceland

Visiting Iceland: Detailed Itineraries for the Land of Fire and Ice

22 Free (Or Cheap) Things to Do in Reykjavik

The 13 Best Things to Do in Iceland

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Best Iceland Winter Trip Itinerary for One Week (+Map & Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

Planning a trip to Iceland in winter and wondering where to go and what’s the best way to plan your Iceland winter itinerary? This article features the best one week Iceland trip itinerary for winter months. Find out!

On our first trip to Iceland in June, we were caught up in a terrible winter storm with icy roads and road closures in the Northern part of Iceland.

So when planning a winter trip to Iceland, I figured that doing the entire Ring Road and visiting the Eastern and Northern parts of Iceland in winter is probably not the best idea. I decided to look for a winter trip itinerary focusing on the South Coast of Iceland, and it turns out that, indeed, this is the best area that you can visit in the winter.

Below is our Iceland winter trip itinerary with suggestions of what you can see and do on a road trip in Iceland in winter months, from about October to March – April. We made this exact trip in November.

This 7- day Iceland winter itinerary brings you to all the main landmarks along Iceland’s South Coast . It takes into account short daylight hours in Iceland in winter and leaves you sufficient time for sightseeing, some winter activities, and even some hiking. Find out!

Top Experiences in This Iceland Winter Itinerary:

• Sky Lagoon .
• Natural Ice Caves .
• Glacier Hike .
• Blue Lagoon .

7 – day Iceland winter trip itinerary and map

Just one note before I start with our Iceland winter trip itinerary. The days are short in Iceland in winter, so you cannot do as much sightseeing as in summer. You really have to keep this in mind when creating your perfect Iceland self-drive itinerary during winter!

We visited Iceland in mid-November and we always started our day at 8.30 AM, before sunrise. By the time we were back at our hotel (at the latest at 5 PM), it was already dark. It was light from approximately 9 AM till 4 PM in November in Southern Iceland.

The days are even shorter in December-January, so keep this in mind when planning your winter trip to Iceland.

READ ALSO: Iceland in Winter: Useful Info & Travel Tips

You will need to rent a car for this trip! You can find some of the best deals for car rental here .

Important! If you do not have winter driving experience, do yourself a favor and join a tour instead of driving. Here you can find more information about driving in Iceland in winter . Here you can find a great 3-day winter tour of South Iceland that covers all the ‘must-see’ places from our winter itinerary.

In addition, you can stay in Reykjavik on the first and the last days of your trip and visit the main Reykjavik attractions including the geothermal baths of the Blue Lagoon and/or Sky Lagoon . That way you visit most places from this itinerary without having to drive.

TIP: If you absolutely want to do the entire Ring Road of Iceland in winter , do yourself a favor and go with an organized tour and a local guide. The roads in the north of Iceland are even more challenging than in the south! Here you can find some 6-day trips like this one that could help you visit most of the best places without driving.

And if you are planning to drive – read on for the best self-drive Iceland winter road trip itinerary!

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

DAY 1 – Arrival in Reykjavik Keflavik Airport and Drive to Hveragerdi

Since our flight arrived in the afternoon, we drove straight to our hotel in Hveragerdi. Hveragerdi is a small town that is better situated for Iceland winter trip than Reykjavik as it will save you quite some unnecessary driving in the dark. Furthermore, it has a great geothermal swimming pool. This is an ideal way to spend your first evening in Iceland!

If your flight arrives early and you have more time to spare, you could opt to spend several hours at the famous geothermal pool Blue Lagoon (it’s located close to the airport). However, the Hveragerdi pool is a much cheaper and less touristy option.

There are several restaurants in this little town and I recommend eating out as there is more choice and the prices are lower than at the hotels.

Note that we didn’t stay in Reykjavik at the beginning of the trip and drove straight to Hveragerdi where we would stay for 2 nights. Hveragerdi is well located for a visit to the Golden Circle and it saves quite some driving time for the rest of your journey further down the South Coast of Iceland.

We stayed at Hotel Eldhestar for 2 nights. It was pretty basic, but we were only there to sleep, so it was ok. You can find more Hveragerdi accommodation options here.

The real reason I traveled to Iceland in winter was my long-time dream to see Northern Lights . So on the first night already we went ‘hunting’ for auroras. They were very vague and better visible in the pictures than in reality, but it was just the first night, so it gave us hope.

DAY 2 – Golden Circle: Thingvellir NP – Geysir area – Gullfoss Waterfall

Iceland’s must-do day trip is the visit to the famous Golden Circle . It’s possible to do it as a day trip from Reykjavik as well.

The Golden Circle refers to three main attractions – Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

We started our day at Thingvellir National Park . It was just magical in the soft morning light of a never-ending sunrise…

We then continued to the Geysir area where we also had an early lunch.

Strokkur Geyser is the main attraction here and one of the must-sees in Iceland. This geyser erupts every 5-7 minutes, so you can watch it in action several times.

If you have more time, you can walk around and explore this geothermal area deeper. Near Strokkur Geyser, you can also see Geysir . This is the original geyser that was first mentioned in written sources in Europe and it gave name to all others. However, this geyser is dormant and there hasn’t been an eruption for years.

In the afternoon we visited one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss .

The area around this waterfall is quite large and can be explored via a series of boardwalks and staircases. In the summer, you can walk really close to the waterfall, but in the winter, it’s very icy and the path is closed. Don’t worry though – the best views are accessible, just be careful as it can be very slippery everywhere (that’s why we recommend packing snow traction cleats for your winter trip to Iceland).

TIP: End your day in one of the nicest geothermal pools of Iceland, Secret Lagoon . It’s ideally located on the way from Gullfoss back to your hotel in Hveragerdi. Alternatively, there is also a more expensive option – Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths , which is also located in this area.

DAY 3 – Skogafoss Waterfall – Glacier Hiking – Reynisfjara (Vik)

Our first stop on day 3 of our Iceland winter trip was at another iconic landmark of Iceland – the Skogafoss Waterfall .

This is one of the most impressive landmarks along the South Coast of Iceland and no pictures do it justice.

The best view is from the base of the waterfall which is just near the car parking. However, if it’s not too cold or slippery on the stairs, I encourage you to make an effort and go all the way to the top of the waterfall. The views are well worth the steep climb!

After a visit here, we had a quick lunch on the way and continued to Solheimajokull glacier for a guided glacier hike .

TIP: Book your glacier hike in advance – this will help you plan your time better and you will be certain you can do this activity. Otherwise, it might be difficult to even know where to look. Most companies have their offices in Reykjavik and so there is no one around to even ask for information.

• You can book a short guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull . This tour fits this itinerary the best as it starts at Sólheimajökull Café, not too far from Skogar Museum.
• Vatnajökull Glacier Blue Ice Cave Tour is another good option for those who want to visit a natural ice cave. It starts from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and can best be done on day 4 of this itinerary.

If glacier hiking or ice caving is not your thing, you can visit the Skogar Museum .

It is divided into three parts: folk museum, turf houses, and transport museum. The turf houses are well worth seeing.

In summer you could easily do both – glacier hiking and Skogar museum, but in winter your sightseeing time in Iceland is limited and you have to choose and plan well.

After the glacier walk, we drove to the beautiful black sand beach at Reynisfjara (near Vik) . This beach is famous for its black sand, rock formations, and impressive basalt columns. It’s one of the places that’s included in all Iceland itineraries, so it attracts lots of people.

This is really one of the must-sees in Iceland and the beach is beautiful and worth a visit in any season and in any weather.

Good to know: The waves here are very sneaky, often flooding the entire beach unexpectedly. It often happens that people are swept off their feet and there have been quite a few serious accidents too. So never walk close to the water here and never turn your back to the sea!

TIP: There is a small cafe where you can get some warm drinks and hide from the wind and the cold for a couple of minutes.

It was so beautiful on the beach that we stayed until the dark. Sunsets are truly out of this world in Iceland in winter!

TIP: There is a new attraction in Vik – Icelandic Lava Show – that wasn’t yet open when we visited. It’s indoors, is open late every day, and it would be a very nice addition to this winter itinerary. If you want to see and feel the heat of real lava, don’t miss this unique opportunity. Book your tickets in advance!

We recommend staying in the Kirkjubaejarklaustur area. On this trip, we stayed at Hotel Laki . Some other recommendations based on our other trips in the area include Glacier View Guesthouse in Hrífunes or Magma Hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur .

DAY 4 – Vatnajokull Glacier – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Diamond Beach

On the fourth day of this winter trip, we continued along the South Coast all the way up to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Our first stop was at Svinafellsjokull Glacier where we made a short walk to one of the many tongues of Vatnajokull Glacier .

This is just a short walk from the parking and is normally doable in winter too. The views are worth it.

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon .

If there is one place you don’t want to miss in Iceland, it’s Jokulsarlon! I’ve been here so many times, in different seasons and all kinds of weather, and it never disappoints.

On this winter trip, we were extremely lucky with the weather and the glacial lake was simply spectacular.

In the summer, you can take a boat trip between the icebergs, but these tours don’t run in the winter. You are not missing much though. You can walk along the coastline of the lagoon and the scenery is just as stunning.

TIP: Don’t miss the so-called Diamond Beach just across the road from Jokulsarlon, and certainly when visiting Iceland in winter.

This beach is located just where the floating icebergs from the nearby lagoon reach the sea. With the wind, many of the icebergs are washed ashore. The cold temperatures and the wind turn this coastline into an amazing winter wonderland.

In the summer, the beach is often empty, or there are just a few smaller pieces of ice. In the winter, you can sometimes see huge chunks of ice here. It’s like walking between the giant diamonds. Absolutely breathtaking!

We stayed on Diamond Beach till sunset and seeing all those icebergs lit up with the setting sun was an unforgettable experience.

I found Jokulsarlon Diamond Beach even more impressive in the winter than the famous Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon itself.

Good to know: There are two beaches here, one on each side of the bridge. Depending on the wind direction, there might be more ice on one side than on the other. So look around when you are there before deciding which one to visit. And if both look nice and you have time, visit both!

Our hotel for the night was Hotel Smyrlabjorg . If I were to go now, I would recommend staying at the newer Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – it’s the nicest hotel in the area! Alternatively, you can find more information about Jokulsarlon accommodation here .

PRO TIP: This area has very limited accommodation options, so you really have to book a hotel here as soon as you know your travel dates!

The amazing Northern Lights display we witnessed that night exceeded all our expectations. But so did all the rest! I loved Iceland in winter and would have loved it just as much even if we hadn’t seen any auroras.

READ ALSO: All You Need to Know for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

DAY 5 – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

We started our day early and made a quick stop at Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon at sunrise . We just couldn’t get enough of the scenery here!

We then continued to the nearby Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon , a short drive further. It’s a smaller and (much) less visited glacial lagoon than Jokulsarlon, but it’s also not to be missed!

If you travel here before mid-November, you can do boat tours between the icebergs. Unfortunately, boats don’t run in the winter months (some stop in September, others in October, and some run till mid-November).

TIP: If you are doing this trip earlier or later in the winter (October or February – April) when the days are longer, you could easily add Stokksnes headland to this itinerary as well.

It’s located a bit further east of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, about 75 minutes drive one-way. So going there will add at least 3 extra hours to your day.

Stokksnes is very scenic and many people find it worth a detour. But don’t try to squeeze in too much if you are traveling in the darkest months! Keep in mind that the roads might be icy too.

If you decide to do that, you could drive there first thing in the morning on day 5 or in the afternoon on day 4 of this itinerary.

On this trip in November, the days were too short for a detour to Stokksnes.

We continued back west to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park . Summer or winter, you should not skip Skaftafell. It’s a beautiful area with lots of hiking trails.

During this Iceland winter trip, we hiked to the famous Svartifoss Waterfall and continued on the Sjónarnípa trail . The views were simply amazing!

During our previous trip, years ago in summer, we did the Svartifoss – Sjónarsker – Sel walk and the walk to the glacier Skaftafellsjökull.

There are many hiking trails in Skaftafell National Park and quite some of them can be accessible in winter. But it’s best that you ask about current conditions at the visitor center before starting any walk. They will be able to advise you on the best hikes for that specific moment.

The weather is unpredictable in Iceland and even more so in the winter, so what you can do here will depend on the situation at the moment of your visit.

Alternatively, if you want more certainty, book an ice cave tour at Skaftafell . These tours run from October to March – mid April and are one of the best things you can do in Iceland in winter! Because you hike on the glacier and are equipped for walking on ice anyway, it’s a bit more reliable than planning regular hikes.

We stayed in the Kirkjubaejarklauster area, in the same hotel as on DAY 3 of this itinerary.

DAY 6 – Fjardrargljufur Canyon – Eldhraun Lava Field – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

We started our day at another iconic landmark of Iceland – Fjardrargljufur Canyon .

Here, you basically walk on the ridge of the canyon enjoying the views below. There are a few viewing areas too which are probably a safer choice if there is snow or ice on the trails.

It was so cold when we were here, that I can’t even try to explain it in words. But we braved the wind and made a short walk at this majestic canyon.

Afterwards, we drove through Iceland’s largest lava field – Eldhraun – and made a short stop to admire this surreal landscape.

Eldgjárhraun, to the east of Mýrdalssandur, is one of the largest lava flows that ever occurred, during a massive volcano eruption in 974.

The dimensions of this lava field are immense – some 700 km2. For comparison, the total area of Singapore is 648 km2.

Continuing our journey back in the direction of Reykjavik we visited Dyrhólaeyjarviti Lighthouse and made a coastal walk from there to Kirkjufjara beach below.

If you are short on time or if it’s very cold, you can just drive to the lighthouse and enjoy the coastal scenery and the views from there.

The last stop today was another famous South Coast waterfall – Seljalandsfoss . It had been freezing cold over the last few days and the area close to the waterfall was completely frozen. We could hardly walk or even stand here. This is the reason you should pack ice cleats when visiting Iceland in winter!

Needless to say, the path behind the waterfall was closed, but it was still unbelievably impressive. Maybe even more so because it was frozen in winter.

We ended our day with the last stop of our Iceland winter trip – Reykjavik .

We stayed at the Fosshotel Reykjavik for 2 nights. Here you can find our complete guide to the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

DAY 7 – Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Now I’m not going to make myself popular with Icelanders I suppose, but in my honest opinion, one day is enough for Reykjavik, especially if you have limited time in Iceland. So on this winter trip, we didn’t spend too much time in the city. Here you can read my observations if Reykjavik is worth visiting .

Update: As I’m updating this post after several more recent trips to Iceland, I have to admit that Reykjavik has changed a lot. There is so much more to see and do in the city than before (check out Perlan or the Whales of Iceland exhibition !). Still, if you are short on time, half day to one day is sufficient for Reykjavik because the real beauty of Iceland is in its natural wonders.

One thing you really shouldn’t miss in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja. The view from the church tower is really worth it, but also the church itself is really special, so definitely worth seeing.

TIP: Take a look at our Reykjavik 1-day itinerary for suggestions on what to see and how to plan your time in the city.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

During this winter trip in Iceland, I found that a couple of hours were sufficient to see Reykjavik. I chose to visit the geothermal pool of Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.

Blue Lagoon is extremely popular and touristy, but it’s kind of a must in Iceland so I decided to check it out. After all, there is no better way to end your Icelandic winter trip than sipping a drink while sitting in a hot thermal pool with a mud mask on your face. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a picture of myself with a mud mask…

TIP: If you go to the Blue Lagoon, you’ll have to book your tickets in advance . Here you can book bus transfers to get there from Reykjavik.

Another really nice pool is the recently opened Sky Lagoon . It’s much closer to the city than any others and the views are amazing! Many of our readers say that they much prefer the Sky Lagoon experience over the Blue Lagoon.

TIP: Also for the Sky Lagoon, it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance . You can also opt for a ticket that includes a transfer from the city .

Alternatively, go swimming in one of the local swimming pools in Reykjavik, at a fraction of the cost, and just as fun.

Blue Lagoon has become so busy and quite expensive in recent years. If you are looking for quieter alternatives, you can also visit Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana . Both can be visited by car from Reykjavik or you can join tours that go there.

So this is our Iceland winter trip itinerary for one week in a nutshell. It brings you to the nicest places on the South Coast of Iceland while leaving plenty of time to explore and even do some winter hiking on the way. You could probably squeeze the same Iceland winter road trip itinerary in 4 or 5 days as well, but then you’d have less time left for hiking and sightseeing…

When the days are longer, you can visit pretty much all the same places in 4 days. For more information, please check our very detailed itinerary for the best of Iceland in 4 days .

If you decide to visit Iceland in the warmer months instead, check out this 7 days Iceland itinerary . It covers all the places mentioned in this article and so much more. Because the days are endless in summer and the roads are good, you can indeed see a lot more in the same amount of time. We also have a suggested self-drive Iceland Ring Road itinerary , but we really only recommend doing in summer – early fall.

If you are interested in getting a pdf copy of this winter trip itinerary, complete with daily maps and more details, you can download it by filling in the form below. However, please note that we are not able to update this file on a regular basis, so for the most recent information, please consult this article on our website.

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

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Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

If you are not keen on driving in Iceland in winter, consider one of the organized small group multi-day tours, such as this highly-rated South Coast & Blue Ice Cave 2-day tour .

It’s often easier and cheaper to book a multi-day tour in Iceland than do it on your own, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are not used to driving in extreme winter conditions. Furthermore, organized tours often have winter excursions like glacier hiking or ice cave already included in the price.

TIP: If you are visiting Iceland for just a few days, you can base yourself in Reykjavik and book some day trips and excursions from there. Driving up and down to all these places from Reykjavik on your own is not something I would advise in winter. Here you can find our hand-picked selection of the best winter day trips and short tours from Reykjavik .

Good to know: We recommend booking all your tours via a reputable company like GetYourGuide . Their customer service is second to none and they have the most flexible 24hr free cancelation policy. After seeing how some local providers in Iceland refused to reimburse people for canceled tours during the recent crisis, while GetYourGuide reimbursed everyone even within 24 hours, I’m more convinced than ever before that booking tours directly with small providers isn’t ideal.

Update: I received many questions from readers in regard to Iceland itinerary suggestions for shorter or longer trips. Here you can find suggested Iceland itineraries for any trip between 1 day and 2 weeks . Check it out!

Some Practical Tips for Your Iceland Winter Trip

Below are some tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

✓ Planning to rent a car and do a self-drive trip in Iceland following this itinerary? Normally, you don’t need a 4WD for this trip, but I would advise not to rent the smallest car either. And the price difference with 4WD isn’t that big, so if you are in doubt just go for the latter, especially if driving in Iceland in winter . You can find some of the best deals for Iceland car rental here . No matter where and what car you hire, make sure that you take full insurance. It’s a must in Iceland in any season, but even more so in winter.

✓ Traveling to Iceland in winter? Don’t forget good travel insurance for yourself as well!

✓ Wondering what to pack for your Iceland winter trip? Below are some of my hand-picked essentials for Iceland. Here you can find the complete Iceland packing list for winter .

✓ Don’t forget a travel adapter! Iceland uses European plugs .

✓ Looking for the best accommodation deals in Iceland? Check this guide for the best places to stay in Iceland and also this guide for the best places to stay in Reykjavik .

READ ALSO: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

I hope that you found this Iceland winter itinerary useful. Because of the unpredictable weather and chances for road closures, the South Coast of Iceland is one of the best regions to visit in Iceland in winter.

I hope that this article and our tips help you plan an unforgettable winter trip to Iceland! Make sure to also read our other articles that contain many more tips and practical information for your trip. Take a look below!

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Good to know: Tips for Visiting Iceland
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Reykjavik & Where to Stay in Iceland
• Near Reykjavik: Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik
• Winter tours: Best Iceland Winter Tours from Reykjavik
• Nice to see: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
• Auroras: Northern Lights in Iceland (all your questions answered)
• Photography: How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights
• More: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and tips

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Friday 9th of February 2024

hi , if I were to follow exactly of this 7 days road trip in March will it still be ok to self drive ? THANKS

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Hi Jessey, March is still winter in Iceland so you never know in advance how the weather or the road conditions will be. It can be dry and beautiful or you can get caught in a snowstorm... So only do a self-drive trip if you have winter driving experience and understand that conditions can change at any time. Otherwise, stay in Reykjavik and book day tours or consider a multi-day trip with a local guide/driver, as already explained in the article above. Have a great trip!

Tam Harrell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

Hi there, I’ve been dreaming of going to Iceland for 10 years! We’re finally able to go this year. I love you article on where to visit. Can you please help me where to stay for and how long I should book for each attraction? That’s where I have a hard time planning.

Thank you so much! Tam Harrell

Hi Tam, all this info is already in the article including the hotels that fit this itinerary. Since it looks like you are planning on traveling in the winter, I strongly encourage you to read the following guides as well: Iceland winter travel tips and driving in Iceland in winter. If you would decide to stay in Reykjavik and make day tours, please see the following guides as well: Where to stay in Reykjavik and Best winter tours from Reykjavik. Hope this helps.

Bineet Desai

Saturday 16th of September 2023

Hi...were the northern lights visible from Jokulsarlon area where you stayed or did you have to book a separate tour for the same. We are a family of 4 planning to visits in Dec.

Sunday 17th of September 2023

@Jurga, Thnx. Your blog has made it super easy for us to plan our trip.

Hi, if the Northern Lights show up and it's not cloudy, you can see them anywhere. So if you are doing a road trip and are staying in rural areas, keep an eye on the aurora forecast every night and you always have a chance to see them. We only recommend taking tours if you are staying in the city (because of the light pollution, weaker auroras are often not visible in town but might be visible in the darker places). You can find more information in our guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland. Have a great trip!

Monday 4th of September 2023

We’re going for 7 days at end of sept to 1st week Oct. I feel like we’re between your 2 itineraries. Should we still go to the. Snell… peninsula ? I noticed it’s not on the winter itinerary. Thanks.

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

@Kathy, yes, sorry. That was due to stupid autocorrect!

@Jurga, thank you so much. I have really enjoyed your blog and information. I suppose the highlands are not an option due to weather? Same with Ahriman island?

Hi Kathy, the first week of October is doable for the summer itinerary. Just to make it clear - you can also visit Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter, but the roads can be more dangerous and there is more chance for very strong winds. The main reason it's not in the winter itinerary is that the number of daylight hours is really limited and there is only that much that you can fit in a day (or a week). In October, the weather shouldn't be too wintery yet and you still have about 12 hours of daylight in the first week of October (more or less between 7 am and 7pm). So if you start your days early and plan well, you can see a lot. Our 'summer' itinerary should work timing wise, I'm just not sure if Heimaey Island would be worth it at that time of the year (and the Highlands are not an option). So you could spend an extra day on the south coast or somewhere else depending on your preferences. Enjoy your trip!

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

Do you have any suggestions for adding in some time at the snfellsnes peninsula?

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Hi JoAnna, yes, absolutely. Please see our travel guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and also the best things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Just keep in mind that not everything will be just as easily accessible in winter as in the summer. Hope this helps.

5 Day Itinerary Iceland: Hidden Gems and Classics

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

Many people dream of seeing the natural wonders that are dispersed around the nordic nation, Iceland. From bursts of green, orange and red twinkling in the sky, volcanic marvels and green fjords, Iceland captures the imaginations of adventurers from all scenes of the world.

Did you know that it would only take you 12-13 hours to drive around the entire country of Iceland? This essentially means travellers can see all parts of the country in a short number of days – as you will see in this 5 day itinerary Iceland.

This Iceland vacation itinerary will lead you around the awe-inspiring coastal cliffs and mythical mountains to discover the most iconic and cherished parts of Iceland.

Let’s explore what a 5-day itinerary for Iceland entails, and the wonders that you’ll unearth along the way. And be sure to check out my post on everything you need to know before visiting Iceland , to be well prepared.

• 5 Day Itinerary Iceland: How to Get to there and How to Get Around

Table of Contents

Getting from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

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If you are flying into Iceland from abroad, you’ll arrive at the Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located 50-minutes from Reykjavik. The capital city also has an airport, but it only services domestic flights or flights to Greenland.

⇒ Flights to Reykjavik

Keflavik Airport is also only about half an hour from the Blue Lagoon . This is why most visitors tend to visit the Blue Lagoon on the first or last day of their trips. In this 5 day itinerary Iceland, I have suggested visiting the Blue Lagoon on the last day of your vacation.

⇒ Don’t miss reading My Guide to the Blue Lagoon and is the Premium Package Worth it?

The airport shuttle service provides fly buses that will take you to Reykjavik. You can choose your hotel as a drop-off point or the central bus terminal (BSI terminal) in the city centre. 

There are 2 companies that run airport buses . You can buy tickets for the Flybus onboard Icelandair flights. Grayline is the other company.

⇒ Save Money & Time – Book Your Transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

Without question, the best way to see Iceland is to Hire a Car.  Not only will it save you a fortune it is the best way to see most of the sites in 3 days in Iceland. Most of the key sites are free eg the Golden Circle so if you have a car costs drop dramatically – especially if you are with a group. And do make sure to check the weather in Iceland for a road trip for the time of year that you will be visiting.

And if you are going to hire a car for your Iceland trip then the best option is to pick it up at Keflavik airport. This will save you the transfer cost between the airport and Reykjavik. This is one of my top travel tips for Iceland .

The Golden Circle tour is Iceland’s most popular day trip. This is generally a full day tour which departs from Reykjavik around 8am and returns at 5pm. If your flight is arriving a bit later you can opt for an afternoon tour  around the Golden Circle.

The core of the Golden Circle tour is the following 3 activities

Pronounced Thingvellir in English, the park is a UNESCO world heritage site and holds historical significance – it’s the location where Iceland’s first parliament was held.

Thingvellir National Park is located 40-minutes from Reykjavik and has several attractions. It’s geologically unique, where you can see a continental divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

In the southern part of the park lies the largest natural lake in Iceland, the Thingvallavtn (Pingvallavatn). You can dive or go snorkelling here, or simply enjoy the scenery.

After exploring the park, it’ll be a 40-minute drive to the Geysir thermal area. “Geysir” is a geyser in the geothermal area along the Golden Circle. Get your cameras ready to snap pictures of bubbling mud pots, springs shooting up boiling water and steaming air from the earth.

Along the way, before you arrive at the Geysir, you’ll pass by a lovely farm restaurant, the Efstidalur II, that provides some delicious foods.

Just a quick 10-minute drive from Geysir is one of Iceland’s most iconic falls found in the Hvítá glacial river. It’s a wide, two-tiered waterfall that cascades down a 32-meter drop. For me this was the most stunning waterfall in Iceland.

There are several viewpoints where you can take pictures from. Be mindful that you should wear waterproof clothing and shoes when exploring these spectacular natural wonders.

Reykjavik has a fantastic boutique hotel scene with some great high end design options as well as some interesting concept hotels.

The classic Reykjavik boutique hotel is Hotel Borg . This was essentially Iceland’s first boutique hotel and is still modern in style and delivering on luxury. It also has a fantastic location on Austurvöllur Square, home to Reykjavik’s unique cathedral.

⇒ Read more Reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

101 Reykjavik is a member of the Design Hotels group and is all about sleek and minimalist black and white design. It features the work of local artists and a very stylish bar.

Normally I would never recommend staying at a hostel. However, Reykjavik has two unique hostel concepts and staying at these may give you more cash to enjoy Icelandic lobster.

Kex is the Icelandic word for biscuit. This really has nothing to do with anything but this is the perfect place to stay for solo travelers who like a bit of luxury. They have a fantastic bar and restaurant with live music and wine prices that are dirt cheap for Reykjavik.

They offer singles and doubles (as well as dorms – shudder) which are simple in design but still clean and stylish as this is Iceland.

The second hostel option is the Galaxy Luxury Pod Hotel . This is luxurious budget accommodation (I think that is an oxymoron but will continue). The only option here is a dorm room but instead of a bunk bed you will have your own enclosed pod. And there is a virtual reality gaming room.

If you’re looking to keep all of your cash for full on day trips and Icelandic lamb Air bnb have loads of properties in Reykjavik so this could be a great way to experience real Iceland.

Upon arriving in Bláfjöll Country Park, you’ll have a couple of hours to spend discovering one of Iceland’s secret natural gems, the Þríhnúkagígur volcano.

After the awe-inspiring venture, drive to the south coast of Reykjavik, where you’ll spot incredible natural attractions and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Begin your second day in Iceland by driving 20km to the east of Reykjavik, where you’ll arrive in Bláfjöll Country Park in the late morning. One of Iceland’s greatest natural phenomenons, an empty volcanic magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur volcano, is found here.

The tour to the chambers or Inside the Volcano begins with a 3km hike, followed by a cable cart ride that descends 120m into the heart of the dormant volcano.

After the thrilling experience in the scarlet, orange volcano, drive to the small town of Hveragerði, nicknamed the earthquake town. There are supermarkets and a cafe here – the perfect place to grab some food for fueling your adventures.

The scenic drive from Bláfjöll Country Park to the south coast will take you around 5 hours, depending on the weather. You’ll most likely arrive in the late evening.

Locals and international travellers are continuously blown away by the beauty that’s found along the south coast of Reykjavik.

Many travellers choose to explore the area in different ways. Embark on a group driving tour or drive around the area and find the beauty yourself. You’ll spot dried lava fields, breathtaking cliff sides and quaint fishing villages.

Check out my article on things to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

If you’re travelling during winter, as the night starts to fall, take a drive to the edge of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon . You might get lucky and see the celebrated Northern Lights.

If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights I highly recommend staying at Hotel Ranga in Hella. This is one of the two best Iceland Northern Lights hotel options to stay in – in my opinion.

⇒ Read Reviews of Hotel Ranga Iceland on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

On the third day of your itinerary for Iceland, you’ll be venturing out to the quintessential town of Egilsstadir. The 4-hour drive to the town will reward you an array of waterfall sightings, mountainous landscapes and jagged fjords.

The town of Egilsstadir is split by Iceland’s largest river, Lagarfljót. It’s in these waters that it’s believed the Loch Ness monster lived. Use this visit as an opportunity to discover the culture, food and folklore found in the east of Iceland.

These parts of Iceland are also the only regions where you’ll spot wild reindeer roaming around. The tree-covered grounds are also particularly rare on the island and a great place to go for a light stroll is at the Hallormsstaðaskógur National Forest .

The east fjords are known globally for their wild beauty, and often the scene of Viking inspired movies and series. Charming fishing villages and glaciers surround the steep cliffs that are nestled along the coast.  And they’re often complemented with thundering waterfalls and crystal clear bodies of water.

Hotel 1001 Nott is a luxury family-owned hotel on a quiet lake about 4km from Egilsstadir. Every room has floor to ceiling windows and contemporary and modern design.

The restaurant at Hotel 1001 Nott also has floor to ceiling windows to take advantage of the beautiful vistas – and it is well known for its reindeer burgers.

Or why not stay at an Icelandic farmhouse? Hotel Eyvindara is another family-run hotel just 2 km from Egilsstadir. Many of their simple and modern rooms also have private balconies. Their restaurant serves a mix of Icelandic and international dishes.

A leisurely drive of around 3 hours will take you from Egilsstadir to the coastal town Husavik, which is famous for whale-watching and for its role in the fantastic Eurovision Song Contest Film: The Story of Fire Saga .

Given that the main spectacle is the chance to watch whales breaching over the water, try to leave Eglisstadir as early as possible to reach Husavik, and then Akureyri.

Thousands of travellers are drawn to Husavik to catch the chance of spotting whales. On the traditional whale tour , you’ll also often encounter the harbour porpoise, the titanic blue whale and plenty of white-beaked dolphins.

Once you’ve gotten your thrill of seeing the sea life, visit the Exploration Museum and Whale Museum , to discover even more weird and wonderful facts about these sea creatures.

An hours drive from Husavik is Akureyri, the second largest town of Iceland which holds a vibrant, bustling population. And with a city this big, an exciting array of activities await you.

Consider doing something you’ve probably never done before, visit an arctic botanical garden. The garden encompasses every flower species native to Iceland, and fairy-like paths will lead you through the wonderful scenery. Entrance is free, a nice bonus.

End of the day by dining at Strikið , one of the best restaurants in the country. The classy establishment shows off views of the surrounding fjords. Those brave enough for the cold can choose to enjoy their meal of the terrain with even better views.

Spend the night in Akureyri before making your way back to Reykjavik.

Hotel Akureyri is a super cute and quirky boutique hotel with micro suites in downtown Akureyri. They have a mix of rooms that feature ocean views or sloping ceilings or private balconies.

Hotel Kea is located in the heart of Akureyri next to its famous church. Their 104 rooms have contemporary wooden floorboards and modern interior design. They also have an excellent in house restaurant Mulaberg Bistro & bar.

After a good night’s rest in Akureyri, start your morning bright and early, and journey back to Reykjavik. The drive will take you approximately 5 hours. This will be your last day to experience the capital of Iceland.

Depending on the time of your flight, you may well be able to explore Reykjavik and visit the world-famous Blue Lagoon on your way to Keflavik airport.

If you are short on time I would recommend prioritizing a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik is a very cute town with lots of atmosphere but the Blue Lagoon is a genuinely unique experience that you won’t encounter elsewhere.

Start your day wandering along the streets and through the charming neighbourhood. Or venture to Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, which shows off the icy sea waters and views of Mount Esja in the background. Don’t miss the stunning Sun Voyager sculpture on the harbor.

There are plenty of museums that can be visited in the Icelandic capital. Choose between visiting the Saga Museum, the Maritime Museum or the National Museum of Iceland. A visit will most likely take you 1-2 hours, which leaves you with time to wander the lively streets.

Visit the tallest church in Iceland – the Hallgrimskirkja which has fantastic views over Reykjavik and if you’re a coffee-lover, pop into Reykjavik Roasters for a fantastic cup of coffee.

After exploring Reykjavik, venture to the Blue Lagoon , which is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. The man-made lagoon, which features milky blue waters, is supplied by warm waters from Svartsengi, the nearby geothermal power plant. Travellers enjoy taking dips in the water or venturing the spa and resort.

It’s recommended you book a ticket in advance to skip the queues to get into the Blue lagoon. This is a must-do during your 5 day Itinerary Iceland and a perfect way to finish your vacation.

Blue Lagoon is a 50-minute drive from the city centre. You can take Reykjanesbraut, Highway 42, through to Grindavíkurvegur, Highway 43, and then simply follow the signs to Blue Lagoon and then drive on to Keflavik airport once you’ve finished.

The Blue Lagoon is open from 8 am – 8 pm, and ticket prices will vary depending on the time.

While it’s not a problem to visit Iceland all-year-round, different seasons provide different opportunities for travellers.

5 days in Iceland during summer is always going to be great for outdoor adventure tours and hikes through the wildlife. Summer will last from June to August, and it’s one of the most popular times for visiting the country.

However, the shorter days in the winter months will create a better opportunity to see the glorious Northern Lights. You can also spend more time visiting museums, cosying up by the fire and galavanting in the snowy forests. September to mid-April are the coldest months in Iceland.

⇒ If you have not hired a 4 WD car check in with your hotel on where you are going to make sure that your car will be ok. Quite a few roads are 4WD only and they show up quickly.

⇒ There is no need to buy a SIM card for Iceland. Indeed my UK provider Vodafone covered me under my normal UK plan.

⇒ Also, there is wifi virtually everywhere in Iceland and it is almost always free. This is from the hotels to the major tourist attractions.

⇒ You can save a lot of money by  grabbing your lunch at a supermarket.  The supermarkets in Iceland are great – loads of good quality produce.

⇒ Icelandic chocolate is also delicious. We also bought crisps, dips etc at the supermarket for pre-dinner snacks. A key item you must try whilst in Iceland is the national yoghurt Skyr .

⇒ Wine is very expensive in Iceland. However, there are several ways around this. Firstly when you arrive in Iceland and go to baggage claim there is a giant duty and tax-free store . Iceland is I believe the only place in the world to have shopping that is both tax and duty-free.

⇒ Virtually everywhere in Iceland accepts cards – even the toilets. This is much easier than dealing with cash. It is also quite easy to pay individually when you are in a group.

The strikingly beautiful landscapes in Iceland will leave you breathless, no matter how many times you’ve explored the nordic country. Fortunately, the country is so small; it allows travellers the opportunity to discover all the magical destinations and natural wonders.

Perhaps 5 days may be too long for you. If so, be sure to check out my best Iceland Itinerary for 3 days , which includes many fantastic ventures.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Hæ, nice to meet ya!

I’m auður, aka “that lady from i heart reykjavík”, before covid-19, i had a thriving travel business and one of iceland’s most popular travel blogs., now i’m a student and actively seeking new and exciting opportunities. hit me up.

Get in Touch

Do you have an idea you think i’ll love or maybe you want to work with me in some way i’m only an e-mail away..

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Why You Should Go to Iceland in the Off-Season

From chasing waterfalls to watching the northern lights, Iceland is jaw-dropping—and a lot less visited—September to May. Our writer mapped out the perfect trip.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

There’s a saying in Iceland that’s sort of the country’s unofficial motto: Þetta reddast (sounds like “thetta rettast”). Like so many Icelandic words there isn’t a direct translation into English, but the essence of it is, “Ehhh, it’ll be fine…” My good friend Pétur Magnusson , who lives in Reykjavik, tells me, “It’s a big part of our national identity. It’s what we say when we’re rolling with what’s going on, in the face of any kind of adversity.” It’s not as passive as it sounds, though. Rather, it’s about accepting the things you can’t control, and pivoting to adapt and alter the things you can.

This is sage advice for first-timers visiting one of the most rugged and remote island countries in the world. To call the weather “unpredictable” would be generous, and you never know what strange obstacles you might encounter—hello, volcanoes. There have been ongoing eruptions in the town of Grindavik in southern Iceland and tourists have been advised to avoid that area. But the rest of the country is open and if you’re willing to embody the Þetta reddast spirit, you’ll have an incredible time in an otherworldly place, especially if you’re game to travel to Iceland in the off-season.

In October, I finally went to scope it out for myself. My aforementioned buddy Pétur was born and raised in Iceland before moving to California where he and I became friends in high school. He moved back during the pandemic, so I took the rare opportunity to see this majestic place through a local’s eyes. I spent two weeks traveling all over with him and other friends, pivoting a lot, experiencing weird weather, taking thousands of photos, and having an absolute blast. Here’s what I learned.

Why Travel to Iceland in the Shoulder Season?

An Icelandic adventure in the off-season (roughly autumn and spring) has a few distinct advantages:

It’s markedly cheaper.

While flights to Iceland are usually reasonable (I flew Iceland Air , which has a ton of direct flights from the U.S.), life on the ground can be pretty pricey. Accommodations, rental vehicles, tours, and just about everything that isn’t edible is less expensive if you don’t go during the summertime rush.

There are a heck of a lot less people.

Speaking of rush, you will see noticeably fewer tourists in the off-season. That translates to less-crowded trails, better photographs, and critically, easier last-minute bookings—key to your ability to adapt to changing conditions and still get the most out of your trip. More on that in a bit.

You actually get to see the Aurora Borealis.

You can usually only view the Northern Lights in the off-season. Iceland is so far north that during the summer high-season, the sky never gets dark enough for the aurora borealis to be visible. Iceland is one of the best places on the entire planet to see the lights, so if that’s on your bucket list, then bundle up and visit in the off season. (Stay tuned for specific recommendations on where to view them.)

Know Before You Go: Tips for Shoulder-Season Visits

Of course, visiting Iceland during shoulder season isn’t without its challenges. First and foremost, there’s the weather. Battered by the Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle, you’re more likely to encounter rain, snow, and the notorious wind in colder months. Days are shorter, too, so you’ll want to get after it early.

Gear You Should Pack for Iceland

Layers will most definitely be your friend. And bring plenty. My daily outfit consisted of:

• Thermal tops and bottoms
• Thick wool hiking socks
• Pair of Altra Lone Peak hiking boots
• Smartwool hoodie
• REI XeroDry GTX Gore-Tex rainproof pants (also a good windblocker)
• Pair of Mountain Hardware Boundary Ridge gloves
• Super-warm wind/rain-proof Helly Hansen Tromsoe Jacket
• Wind-proof Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon Pro hat

With that kit, I was plenty toasty even when the rain came down nearly sideways.

Get Your Tech Dialed: Oh, and make sure you bring a power adapter, because Iceland uses European plugs. I’d recommend grabbing at least one or two, plus an extension cord with a three-way splitter so you can charge up more gadgets at once.

Now, the fun stuff.

Getting Around Iceland: The Best Transportation Options

Iceland is one of those countries where you really want to have your own wheels. There are buses here and there, but if you’re chasing rugged adventures, vehicular autonomy is a must. Of course you could join a tour group, but then you’re stuck with someone else’s agenda and schedule, and you’ll likely be surrounded by tourists.

Be Sure to Rent the Right Rig

Selecting a vehicle plays a significant role in where you can and can’t go. Once the colder months hit, the roads get icy and snowy. Even if you plan to stay in hotels and avoid sleeping in your vehicle, I strongly recommend you rent a rig with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that has burly tires to match and that comes with ample clearance. This will enable you to drive safely off the beaten path and check out more of the country, with even fewer tourists around during the day. (As a starting point, check out MyCar Iceland , which features a fleet of different 4WD-equipped Toyotas starting from $84 per day.)

For a Bed on Wheels, Consider a Campervan or 4X4 with a Rooftop Tent

Cruising around Iceland by campervan or a rig with a rooftop tent is another solid option. You’ll see tons of these on the road, as most outdoor adventure enthusiasts go this route. There are a lot of cool camp spots all around the island, and combining your accommodations with your wheels can be a huge cost saver. Just make sure the van you’re renting has some sort of heater (diesel or propane) and make sure it has AWD or 4WD (again, plus rugged tires and clearance). If you opt for a rooftop tent, make sure you visit in the (warmer) colder months, like September and May, otherwise sleeping on top of your car in winds and frigid temps will be brutal otherwise.

No matter what, read reviews of your outfitter before you commit, because some offer SOS services—in varying degrees of reliability—and you don’t want to deal with a breakdown when you’re deep in Iceland’s backcountry.

Most campervans and roof tent rigs come with bedding, a camp kitchen, stove and fuel, and a plug-in cooler, all of which help facilitate maximum autonomy. For a small upcharge, you can opt for a WiFi router, which makes booking last-minute campsites and navigation easier. (As a starting point, check out Rent for rooftop tent and campervan options. Prices vary.)

Stay on Top of Your Road Conditions Beta

Whichever vehicle you choose, the UMFERDIN website shows up-to-date road conditions and closures, and will save you essential time.

And be careful out there. Know your driving skills, and the limits of the vehicle you’re renting, and make sure the tires have tread that can handle the conditions you’ll encounter. If in doubt, don’t be an idiot and drive it .

Eating in Iceland: Always Expensive, Rarely Fantastic

Now would be a good time to mention food, and it’s not great news. For starters, grub in Iceland is almost universally pricey, owing largely to the fact that nearly everything has to be imported. It’s also not exactly a foodie haven (with some notable exceptions), so I’d recommend stocking up at a supermarket, like Bonus or Krónan, before you leave Reykjavik. Aside from staples like PB&J, grab an assortment of Icelandic yogurt (a.k.a. skyr). It’s delicious.

Don’t miss the cod jerky, either, which my friend Pétur says is commonly dragged across a tub of Icelandic butter when you eat it. (I tried it, and can confirm it’s indeed tasty.) I also found the sweetest, crunchiest carrots I’ve ever had in my life, and you’ll want to try (or at least force yourself to try) the divisive, salted black licorice (aka salmiakbitar ) the island is famous for.

When You Arrive in Iceland

You’ll land at Keflavík International Airport. If you’re coming from the U.S. you’ll likely arrive early in the morning on a red-eye, and may be very discombobulated. If so, and you’ve got the time, take it easy on your first day there by checking out the Reykjanes peninsula. Then, head to Reykjavik to scope out some of the museums and cultural sites (see below for specifics).

Must-Dos on the Reykjanes Peninsula

The 40-minute drive from the airport to the capital city is also absolutely stunning. You’ll pass fields of lava rock that seem to go on forever, and zip by the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon . (Note: every Icelandic person I met rolled their eyes at it, though. It’s pretty, but overpriced, from $72, and loaded with tourists. It may also be closed depending on nearby volcanic eruptions.)

If you somehow manage to sleep on the plane and want to hit the ground running, there are a ton of cool spots right on the Reykjanes peninsula before you get to Reykjavik. Don’t miss:

• Seltún Geothermal Area , with sulfury, bubbling, steaming mineral pools
• Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs , with a sheer drop into the pounding ocean below. (It’s so abrupt it looks like the ground just snapped off.)
• Reykjanes Lighthouse , right next to the beautiful rocky shore of Valahnúkamöl—both well worth exploring.

I had an absolutely incredible lobster soup at the Café Bryggjan in Grindavík, but unfortunately between then and writing this piece, a cluster of earthquakes and several nearby volcanic eruptions has effectively brought the quaint fishing village to its knees. The town literally sunk several feet and now has a deep, 1.2-mile long fissure running through the middle of it. Its future is currently unknown. Again, why you have to be ready to adapt in Iceland.

Explore Iceland’s Capital: What to See and Do in Reykjavik

Hit Up a Street Vendor or Restaurant for a Hot Dog: When you get to Reykjavik, first things first: Get yourself a hot dog. I regret to inform you, my fellow Americans, that we have been surpassed in hotdoggery, and not by a little. Icelandic dogs have crispy fried onions, multiple sauces, soft buns, and snappy wieners. I ate them almost every day.

Scope Out the Historic Downtown: Work off the hotdogs by checking out the historic downtown area on foot. The Einar Jónsson Museum features some statues that would make Rodin jealous, and there’s a lot to see around the waterfront, including the massive Harpa Concert Hall.

Visit a Real Locals’ Hot Spring: If you’re craving some hot spring action, check out one of the dozens of public pools (like Laugardalslaug , for roughly $10 per entry) in Reykjavik. No, they’re not glamorous like the aforementioned Blue Lagoon, but all of the heating in Iceland (including hot water) comes from geothermal activity. The water is high in mineral content and it’s deeply soothing. The pools are a massive part of the culture there and they feature several hot tubs at different temperatures, saunas, cold plunges, and even some waterslides.

Just make sure you adhere closely to the showering instructions (i.e. shower naked beforehand and wash your whole body with soap). The waters there are considered sacred to the locals, and disrespecting them by not following pre-soak protocol is one of the rare ways to piss Icelanders off. The public pools are also for socializing, and you’re likely to meet some friendly folks who may offer you insider tips. Effectively everybody in Iceland speaks English, but if you learn a few basic phrases in Icelandic before you show up, it’ll go a long way.

Dine Out on Lamb Stew: For dinner, grab yourself lamb stew (known as Kjötsúpa, an Icelandic specialty), and pass out for the night before you hit the road bright and early.

The Shoulder-Season Adventure Itinerary for Iceland Newbies

As cool as Reykjavik is, that’s not what you came for, is it? Here’s what I did. My play-by-ear trip turned into a nice little loop through the west and south, though I recommend you use these ideas more for activity inspiration as opposed to an exact prescription. After all, no two days in the shoulder season are the same and there are endless possibilities. Here were my highlights:

Day 1: Hit Up Some Waterfalls and Hot Springs

Out of the city, our first big stop was Barnafoss, a couple hours northeast of Reykjavik, an utterly massive conglomeration of waterfalls. (FYI, “foss” means waterfall in Icelandic.) If there’s wind, wear your waterproof layers because the mist will soak you to the bone. It’s almost overwhelming to see so many waterfalls from one vantage point, and it’s an excellent place to work on your long exposure photography. (I recommend a tripod and a variable ND filter, along with a few absorbent lens-wipes.)

From there, we backtracked 20 minutes west and hit the natural hot springs at Krauma ($50). It’s not as Instagrammable as the Blue Lagoon (phones are actually discouraged at both), but you’ll find a nice array of geothermally heated tubs and saunas, along with traditional cold plunges. Plus, the mountainscape views are lovely.

Then, head west and drive out onto the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a 55-mile strip of land that is basically a photographic sample platter of Iceland, including lava fields, waterfalls, epic black sand beaches, fjord views, hot springs, and the imposing Snaefellsjökull glacier volcano. I found the lava fields to be particularly gripping, with bright green moss covering an endless sea of black boulders.

We spent that night at the Fosshotel in Hellnar (“Oh hell nar,”) which was modest but clean, and it had some gorgeous ocean views (from $125 USD a night in the off-season).

Day 2: Hike the Rugged Coastline

From there we set out to the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula stopping at a few viewpoints around Londrangar, where you can stand atop some of the most rugged coastline you’ll ever see, featuring massive blue waves pounding jagged volcanic rock spires.

Make your way down to Djúpalónssandur Beach and the Djúpalón Lagoon, where you can hike along a shore covered with smooth, marble-like pebbles and a pool that looks like a prehistoric creature could emerge from it at any moment. This whole area gives strong “Land Before Time” vibes.

After that, we headed back east along the northern border of the peninsula, stopping at the stunning Bæjarfoss waterfall just outside of Ólafsvík. My buddy Pétur didn’t even get out of his car for that one. There are roughly 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland, many of them jaw-dropping, and apparently this wasn’t that exciting by his local standards.

We also swung by the Súgandisey Island Lighthouse, on the northernmost part of the peninsula, where we were greeted with a rainbow, and intense wind. We spent that night at the Hotel Varmaland in Borgarnes (from $250), where I had a deliciously savory lamb steak for dinner.

Day 3: Trek to Less-Visited, Off-Road Waterfalls

Our next day was all about chasing more waterfalls. The first stop? The small but isolated Fitjarfoss. We were the only ones there, and it was incredibly tranquil. That was just a warmup, though, for the far more challenging four-mile hike to Glymur Falls, which is the second tallest waterfall in the country, at a staggering 650 feet. It’s a slippery and steep hike that involves at least one river crossing and a few scrambles over significant exposure—we’re talking hundreds of feet straight down to the rocky river below. It’s not for the faint of heart, but absolutely gorgeous on the ascent.

Unfortunately, the crossing was washed out when we visited, so we hiked up the near side of the river as far as we could go. Luckily, Pétur had a drone that could fly the rest of the way and get some great shots. Still, it was 100% worth it.

We then made our way to a gorgeous complex of outdoor hot springs called Laugarvatn Fotana Geothermal Bathsa (from roughly $35 per adult). It’s right on Laugarvatn Lake so we alternated between hot soaks and saunas and natural icy plunges—the perfect remedy for our aching joints.

Day 4: Visit the Highlights of the Golden Circle

The next part of our plan was to take a ferry out to the stunning Westman Islands, but nature had other ideas. 60 mph winds and 18-foot sea swells not only made the passage unappealing, but impossible, as ferry service was canceled for several days. But this is where having more options in shoulder season really comes in clutch. We were able to cancel all our reservations, and because virtually every hotel in the country had vacancies, we just headed away from the wind.

We bet that the harsher weather would equal fewer tourists, so we hit some of the more popular spots along the famous Golden Circle—the most visited day-trip-style route outside of Reykjavik, if you don’t have time to drive the whole Ring Road around the island.

This portion of our trip included visiting the absolutely massive, Niagara-ish waterfall, Gullfoss. Sure, there were still plenty of tourists, and the wind stirred up the mist which made it feel like it was raining, but it’s a breathtaking thing to behold.

Nearby, there’s also Geysir, which—fun fact—is the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s Icelandic for “to gush.” It’s only erupted twice in the last 25 years, but the adjacent Strokkur geyser goes off roughly every 10 minutes about 60 to 120 feet into the air, and still puts on a killer show. The whole area has a lot of cool geothermal features with a sort of Icelandic Yellowstone vibe, and you can hike all around the area to get a bunch of vantage points.

It’s also well worth visiting Thingvellir National Park , a stunning area where all the old clans of Iceland used to meet annually to decide the laws and policies for the upcoming year. It also has a lake, waterfalls, and a museum with tons of artifacts. This place is steeped in history (some of it tragic) and is a sacred place to Icelanders, so be on your best, most respectful behavior here.

Day 5: Surf Your Heart Out

Surfing the Icelandic coast was one bucket-list item I thought I’d never get to check off. In the weeks leading up to my trip, though, I started reading articles about how the best, most-consistent wave in the whole country was at risk of being demolished. The point at Þorlákshöfn (near Thorli Beach) is an incredible, peeling right-hander that just goes and goes like a good day at Malibu. Unlike Malibu, though, you’re likely to have four, not 400, other people in the lineup. It’s been a secret spot for ages, but the mayor of the town of Þorlákshöfn (and other city council members) seem intent on filling it in with boulders to make room for more warehouses around an expanded harbor. So the local surfers decided it’s better to tell the world than risk its destruction. Unfortunately, the town started filling it in already, despite not yet having environmental permits to alter the coastline, and that has abruptly cut off the end section of the wave. It’s tragic. Watch more on the save-the-wave initiative, here:

I reached out to Steinarr Lár, one of the surfers leading the fight to save the wave that is at the very center of Icelandic surf culture and community. He was gracious enough to lend me a board, a thick wetsuit, booties, and gloves, though if you want to experience surfing Iceland for yourself, link up with Arctic Surfers , which organizes surf tours (starting from $350 per day) and can provide you with everything you’ll need. They’re also deeply involved in activism surrounding the wave.

After suiting up in the parking lot, I scrambled over about 80 yards of slippery, seaweed-covered boulders, and then it was pure magic. The waves were between three and four feet tall, with a gentle paddle in, and they ran for nearly a full minute (apparently longer on bigger days). The locals were friendly, the wetsuit kept me plenty warm, and we all got enough waves to turn our arms to spaghetti.

It’s an incredible natural resource, and the idea of it being filled in to fill a few people’s pockets is frankly outrageous, in my opinion. Go surf it while you can and spread the word.

Days 6 and 7: Treat Yourself to a Northern Lights Wake-Up Call

After roughing it for several days, I decided to opt for some luxury. My friend Pétur, who works for a tourism company , says that whenever people’s top priority is seeing the Northern Lights, he books them at the Hotel Rangá (pronounced ron-cow, from $340 per night in shoulder season) because it’s sort of isolated on a big dark plane. Think: 360-degree views. It also has an observatory for stargazing when the lights aren’t visible, and there’s a button on your phone to order a wake-up call in the middle of the night should the lights pop up. It was easily the nicest place I stayed during my entire trip, and it’s a perfect base camp for all south-coast adventures.

Iceland’s version of upscale is different from what you might expect, coming from the U.S. If you have Four Seasons or Ritz expectations, you may be surprised to find that things are a bit more low-key here. Hotel Rangá is still very nice, but it’s more rustic and minimalist—at least in the more basic rooms. (The master suites are each decked out like a different continent and they went all-out.)

That said, its restaurant featured the tastiest food I ate the entire time, with exquisite, tender lamb, fish, and even reindeer carpaccio. They can also organize a candle-lit dinner in a grass-covered cave that used to be an ancient dwelling centuries ago. It’s a must-stay, and wouldn’t you know it, despite none being forecast, we managed to see the aurora on two of the nights we crashed there.

My phone rang around 11 P.M. and I was told the lights were visible. I had pre-arranged many layers of clothes and all my camera gear, just in case. So I threw it all on, rushed out the door, and wow, the sky was lit up with waving, green curtains. There’s a river and a pond behind the hotel, so I played with reflections in my photos, and hooted in joy as colorful ribbons raced over the roof of the hotel. Truly, there’s no other life experience like it.

Bonus: Get Off Road to Tackle Far-Flung Backcountry Adventures

For the last few days of my trip, I wanted to get into some of the places where my friend’s little AWD hatchback couldn’t take me, so I linked up with Southcoast Adventure (also recommended by my friend’s company). We did three expeditions in three days, and each of them got me way off the beaten path. Separately, from that, I also rode some Icelandic horses. Here’s how all of that went:

Take a Buggy Tour into the Wilderness

This is one of the best ways to really get out there away from everybody else. These “buggies” are two-seat 4X4 ATVs complete with roll cages, and we headed out to Emstrur, which was an all-day adventure on dirt roads, crossing a dozen small creeks. There were waterfalls, glaciers, and stunning rock formations throughout these mountains, and we didn’t see anybody else on the long road. (Full day tours start at roughly $660, but they also have one-hour and 2.5-hour options.)

Explore the Katla Ice Caves

The next day was my favorite expedition, a trek out to explore the Katla Ice Caves (from $205 per person). This is an ever-changing system of ice caves at the end of the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It included a massive ice-arch big enough to fly a decent sized plane through, as well as the chance to explore deep into otherworldly tunnels made of light blue ice, with streams and waterfalls flowing through them.

We even got to do a bit of ice climbing. You’ll be provided with crampons, so make sure you bring boots sturdy enough to support them (this was the one day my Atras weren’t quite up to the task). On the way back we visited three more jaw-dropping waterfalls, including Gljufrabui—which is hidden in a narrow slot canyon—and Seljalandsfoss, which you can hike behind for some stunning canyon views.

Cruise Around Landmannalaugar

The last day there was spent exploring in what is affectionately known in Iceland as a SuperJeep (starting around $300). It wasn’t actually a jeep at all, but a kitted out 4WD Mercedes Sprinter van. We went deep into the interior highlands of Landmannalaugar, exploring paths cut by glaciers and massive extinct craters. Of course, there were more waterfalls (just countless!), but my highlight was a gorgeous natural hot spring in the middle of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It was the perfect way to relax at the end of a long trip.

Ride Iceland’s Famous Wild Horses

Of course, that isn’t the only way to relax. From Rangá you’re just a quick drive to the coast, or if you want something you truly can’t find anywhere else, go to Skeiðvellir Horse Farm (rides start around $85/person). Iceland’s horses have been isolated on the island for more than 1,000 years and they have evolved in unique ways, including developing stout bodies, luscious manes, and two specific gaits that only they can perform. They’re incredibly smooth to ride and it’s a fun way to see the grasslands of this stunning country.

Heliski Iceland’s Big Peaks March to June

There’s one more adventure I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention: heliskiing or snowboarding from the top of a peak to the shore of the Arctic Ocean. And you can do it with the boutique Viking Heliskiing operation. Based on the far north side of the island, this outfitter offers everything from three to six-day packages that include meals, rentals, avalanche gear, airport transfers, and luxurious accommodations at the Sigló Hotel . (Prices start at roughly $7,200 per person for the three-day package.)

Tragically, I didn’t get to do this myself (yet!), but from speaking with those who have (and feasting my eyes on photos and video), the terrain you’ll encounter up there is unlike anywhere else. The mountain surfaces tend to be smooth and steep, so they hold powder well and allow for massive, open-faced carves. You’re guaranteed 15,000 vertical feet a day (which is more than you get at most heliski operations), and some runs will take you all the way down to the beach. At night you can enjoy the hotel’s hot tubs, saunas, and the Northern Lights if your timing is right. The season starts in mid-March and goes until mid-June (where you may be able to ski as late as midnight). Dreamy, indeed.

The Bottom Line: I’m in Love with Off-Season Iceland

Perhaps you’ve gathered this much already, but Iceland blew my mind. And now, I really only want to come back during shoulder season. Yes, the weather was tough at times, and sure, not every road was accessible, but traveling during the shoulder season saved me money and paved the way for a better experience. Plus, you simply can’t beat having far fewer tourists around. So bundle up, plan ahead, and if you have to adapt a little? Well, Þetta reddast…

Brent Rose has been covering adventure and gear for Outside for more than a decade. When he’s not writing, you can find him surfing, snowboarding, hiking, or camping, usually somewhere in California. He’s also on Instagram at @brentdangerrose or his website at brentrose.com.

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Iceland travel blog — The fullest Iceland travel guide blog for the first-timers

Iceland is a beautiful island nation located between the Greenland sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northwest of the UK. Iceland attracts millions of tourists each year by the extremely majestic, surreal and beautiful natural scenery from the vast serenity grasslands in the countryside, the high mountains, the great glaciers or the spectacular waterfalls … The central of the island is the cold plateau. More than three hundred thousand of Iceland’s inhabitants live mainly on the coast, of which nearly half live in Reykjavík. The capital over a thousand years old with a name that means Smoky Bay that has a little dreamy, a little ancient and most houses have a simple, small, beautiful architectural style. Icelanders do not need massive buildings because of the wonderful nature, which is enough to overwhelm people, is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land

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• Melbourne travel blog — The fullest Melbourne city guide for a budget trip to Melbourne for the first-timers

So, if you are planning to explore this land then you cannot ignore this article. And if you are looking for a trip to Iceland on a budget? Let’s check it out our Iceland travel blog (Iceland blog) with the fullest Iceland travel guide blog for a budget trip to Iceland for the first time from best time to visit, how to get to Iceland, where to stay to best places to visit, top things to do in Iceland, suggested Iceland itinerary for 4 days and 17 days, etc with Living Nomads below.

Iceland travel guide: When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland has two main seasons: cold and very cold. In summer, the temperature will fluctuate in the range of 7-16 degrees Celsius. The hottest days in the hottest month in Iceland are only reach 25 degrees Celsius. The winter temperature can drop to -10 degrees Celsius, so no matter what season you go, don’t forget the warm clothes.

So, when is the best time to visit Iceland? The answer to this question depends on what you want to see here. Active volcanoes and cold winter turn Iceland into a paradise for those who love adventure to explore in both winter and summer.

If you go to Iceland for the purpose of climbing, watching whales, puffins, exploring strange beautiful volcanoes, some places like paradise, some places like hell, in the center of the island, you must come in the summer, from June to September. F routes (lanes dedicated for 4×4 cars) are only open at this time. We think June and September are the best time, when the number of tourists is not too crowded and it is not very cold, it is still possible to camp to reduce costs. At the end of September, if you’re lucky, you can see the aurora (northern lights) too.

July and August are considered to have the best weather of the year, but there are disadvantages of overcrowding of tourists, which partly reduces the charm of this land. Of course the concept of “beautiful weather” is also very relative. We went 17 days in July, only have 3 sunny days and temperature also only 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day.

If you want to go to see the aurora, explore the ice caves, you should come in winter, from October to March. In particular, perhaps October is the best time to see aurora.

Iceland travel blog: How to get to Iceland?

The best and most convenient way to get to Iceland is by plane. If you fly to Iceland from European countries or UK, you can refer to WOW Air or Icelandair airlines. Wow Air is a low cost airline of Iceland, so it will usually have more preferential airfares, however, hand luggage in the fare only includes a backpack / handbag (42x32x25cm) without the usual small suitcase as other airlines, so if you need to bring lots of luggage, you should buy additional hand luggage package (~ EUR 30 / one trip).

We fly from Toulouse to Reykjavik (transit in Munich). Flight tickets booked 6 months in advance: €320 / round trip. Tickets will be cheaper if you fly from major European cities with non-stop flights, served by low-cost airlines, such as WOW Air, Transavia … The airfares of Paris–Reykjavik route are sometimes just under €100 / round trip.

Tips: Iceland Air has «Stopover» tickets between Europe, Iceland and North America. You can buy tickets from Europe to the US or Canada, and stop in Iceland for up to 7 days at very reasonable prices and suitable for your Iceland itinerary in 7 days.

You can getting to Iceland by boat. Let’s drive to Hirtshals – Denmark. From then there is a ship to Seyðisfjörður, a lovely small city located in Northeast Iceland (transit in the Faroe Island – Denmark). The tickets prices range from budget with € 300 / 1 person / round trip (bring no car and sleep in a room with 4 single beds), to expensive with € 1200 / 1 person / round trip (include a big car, sleep in a VIP double bedroom). The journey in the sea is 50 to 60 hours long, sounds crazy but if you want to stay in Iceland for a long time and travel by private car, this is the most economical way.

Refer to website: https://www.smyrilline.com/

Getting from the airport to Reykjavik

There are several bus firms running day and night from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to central Reykjavik, about 45 minutes, 1 hour after each flight arrives. The bus will brings each group of visitors to hotels and campsites in the city. If you stay at Airbnb , Google to find the name of a hotel near your accommodation and request the bus take to that hotel door.

The bus tickets are different a little bit between firms, around 3000 ISK / one trip (~ €23), 6000 ISK / round trip. You can buy the bus tickets in advance on its website or at the counter at the airport with the same price. Note that if you buy on the web, you still have to go to the counter to appear before get up the bus because they need give your stop point name to the driver. If you buy tickets at the counter, you can pay the ticket in € with a reasonable exchange rate, convenient for those who come from Europe.

For example, two bus companies:

• Grayline : http://grayline.is
• Flybus : https://www.re.is/flybus/

Like at other airports, you can also take a taxi but the price is not cheap, from €125 / 1 taxi or more.

Iceland travel blog: Getting around Iceland

The public transport system in Iceland is extremely poor while the main attractions are far from the city, so you have to know that there are only 2 main vehicles that are self-driving car or tour.

The roads in Iceland seem to be born for road trips. Highway No. 1, as its name Ring Road, runs around the island, more than 1330 km long, passing through most “big” cities and many popular tourist spots.

Self-driving car

Self-driving car will be more suitable for those who travel in a group of 3-5 people because you will be more proactive and cost-effective. Cars are the means of transportation to help you be most proactive about your time in Iceland. You do not need to hire a 4×4 car if you are planning to visit only some spots along Ring Road. The rental price for a car 4×4 is about more 1.5 times or double the price of renting a normal tourist car.

3 things to keep in mind when driving in Iceland that the car owner told us are:

• Be careful when crossing the river. The road to the center of Iceland’s highland is quite difficult to travel, with many sections having to drive across the river. However, if your vehicle is stuck or damaged on the river, you must call the garage, the cost will not be covered by insurance. This amount can be up to nearly the value of the vehicle, depending on the location and the degree of failure.
• Keep the door in the wind. Rain and wind are two of Iceland’s free specialties that anyone who has experienced when came Iceland. Indeed, the coastal wind is very strong, can blow the door. And of course, insurance does not cover this.
• Drive the car into Landmannalaugar. The Landmannalaugar is a “must–go” place for anyone who likes to trekking with the famous Landmannalaugar – Thorsmork route for 4 days. However, if you don’t have healthy enough or time, you can also go a few short (10–20 km) around camping Landmannalaugar – one of Iceland’s most beautiful and cold, uncomfortable campsites. There are 3 access roads to Landmannalaugar: 2 from the west – F208 from Gjains and F225, and 1 from the east – F208 from Vik. The car owner advised us to go F208 from Gjains (reach from the west) because there is no need to cross the river, while the F225 road must cross the river 3 times and 6 times with the road F208. When you go out of Landmannalaugar, you also should follow the same road.

This is also a good way to explore Iceland. From June to September every year, bus routes take visitors between cities, stopping for about 30 minutes each time passing through famous tourist spots. Of course, you can also combine tourist car hire (not 4×4 type) and buy a bus ticket when you need to go to highland.

You can also explore Iceland by bike. The mountainous terrain and rainy weather make Iceland an ideal place to challenge yourself.

If you have little time or don’t know how to drive and go in winter without bus, Iceland is still at your fingertips with countless tours for half a day or one to two days for about €100 / 1 day from big cities. Iceland’s tours are very good and many companies have this service so you don’t need to book in advance, just go to the visitor information counter to know all the information. We also try a glacier walk tour of Glacier Guides in Skaftafell (Website: https://www.glacierguides.is/ ). They are very young, friendly and enthusiastic.

You can look up tours on travel review sites. We usually book tour at Getyourguide.com because the tours booked here are usually the best prices, and can be canceled free within 24 hours and guarantee credibility.

If you have a lot of time and love to adventure, you can also go around Iceland by catching a car on the road for free. However, the hitchhike also comes with many disadvantages and risks because in addition to a section of Ring Road in the south and a few popular tourist spots around Myvatn Lake in the north, the remain regions of Iceland are deserted.

Tips: Map or GPS. We hardly use GPS in Iceland because the several times we tried to enter the location name, but the GPS that attach with the car was not found them. Luckily, we didn’t get lost for 14 days on the way. Most of the time we only use Google maps and paper maps of National Geographic, very detailed, with the number of kilometers between each turn, all famous tourist spots, camping areas, … Tough and impermeable paper.

Iceland trip blog: Where to stay in Iceland?

As well as other tourist destinations, Iceland is also full of options for accommodation from hotels, guesthouses, dormitories to homestays. But in recent years, Iceland tourism is growing too fast while the number of guesthouses and hotels is not enough to meet the accommodation needs, so the run out of accommodation is very frequent, especially in the peak season. Indeed Iceland is the place with the most expensive hotel prices in the places I’ve ever visited. In the peak season, the lowest room price starts from around €130 / 1 night / 1 double room. In addition to the hotel, you can considering the following options:

Price is about € 10 (ISK 130-140) / 1 person / 1 night.

• Advantages: Low cost, very mobile because there is no need to book in advance, you can chat with a lot of backpackers from everywhere, get a lot of good experience. Iceland has many camping zones, only 30 to 50 km apart.
• Disadvantages: Must carry a lot of bulky camping gear. Hard, wet, cold when the weather is not favorable. Not all camping areas has a kitchen or a kitchen that is not large enough, so sometimes you have to cook outside in the cold wind.

Tips: Many camping sites only have cold water (very cold). Most places with hot water must pay around ISK 100 / 1 minute of bathing. Queuing for the turn is also quite long. However, you can take a bath in the pool, hot water is comfortable. Every city has a hot mineral water pool, closed at about 21pm.

About €30 / 1 bed. Most cities in Iceland are small, without a hostel, but camping sites also offers similar services.

• Advantages: Cheap price. Not sleeping in the cold rain like sleeping tent.
• Disadvantages: Also are camping visitors, so the facilities for hot water, kitchen … are similar to those in tents. You have to reserve for a long time (maybe many months).

Guesthouse and Airbnb

About 70 – €100 / 1 room for 2 people.

• Advantages: Can bathe, wash clothes, cook comfortably in the house, sleep in a warm and soft bed.
• Disadvantages: There are very few guesthouse and Airbnb is located outside the big cities. Most have to book in advance, need to schedule carefully.

Continued reading…

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, lbgt+ travel, escape the ordinary.

Read handpicked articles to get you inspired by Iceland

Iceland travel advice - from one tourist to another

Planning a trip to Iceland doesn‘t have to be hard, though the questions for first-timers can be overwhelming: What are the top things to see? How to plan the drive around Iceland? What to pack? So we thought, we'd just ask the ones that are already here for advice!

Reykjavík Weekend Getaway

Swimming pool culture in Iceland

LGBT+ Travel in Iceland

Volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula

16 places of Character and Charm to eat for Every Corner of Iceland

It’s snow outside: Winter activities for beginners and pros 

Minibreak North Iceland

Reykjavík on the Rocks - Five geosites in the Capital Region

Nature's Alchemy: Exploring Iceland's geosites

Iceland for lovebirds

How to capture the Northern lights with a smartphone

6 Unforgettable riding tours in Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland

The Reykjavík Triangle of Hot Resorts

Volcanoes of Iceland

How to Get to Iceland

What to wear in Iceland

New destinations in 2024

Mapping the best places for food and drink in Reykjavik

How to practice your hobby in Iceland

A day-trip from Reykjavík: Discover the Whale Fjord

Key Locations for Viking History in Iceland

Iceland's Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Incredible travel experiences money can indeed buy

Around Iceland in 14 days

Sustainability travel tips

Dalvík and Around: Ride Fjords and Moutains In Every Season

Safe travel in Iceland

Arctic Coast Way

The Diamond Circle

Vatnajökull National Park

Famous film sights in Iceland

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

Take the Icelandic Pledge

Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

Looking for things to do?

Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

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45 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Iceland

Posted: February 15, 2024 | Last updated: February 15, 2024

Iceland, the stunning Nordic gem, known for its beautiful lagoons, waterfalls, and their magnificent night sky.

But did you know that there’s no McDonald’s in Iceland? Or that pretty much the entire country is on a first-name basis?

Here are 45 weird and interesting things you should know about Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice .

Iceland is One of the Last Countries to Have Human Settlers

Iceland is one of the last counties in the world to have human settlers. It was still uninhabited long after the rest of Western Europe had been settled.

Iceland Had the First Parliament

Iceland has one of the oldest known parliaments in human history.

Dating all the way back to the year 930, the first national parliament was founded in Thingvellir—which is now a national park.

Iceland Has a Low Population

Iceland’s population is only about 350,000 —which is around 1/10th of the population of San Francisco.

They have about 8 people per square mile, with Reykjavik housing roughly one-third of the country’s entire population.

There is No Standing Army in Iceland

Iceland is known to be a fairly laid-back country with minimal unlawful activity going on—thankfully, because is it the only NATO country to not have a standing army, air force or navy.

It does have a small Crisis Response Unit (ICRU), but the staff do not carry arms or wear a uniform in most circumstances.

There is No McDonalds in Iceland

At one time, Big Macs were available—until the financial crash in 2008. Imported ingredients were hard to come by and prices soared leading to the shut down of all McDonalds restaurants in the country (which weren’t very many to begin with).

Even after things seemingly got better, Iceland chose to keep McDonalds outside their borders.

Iceland is a Free Country

Iceland is known as one of the freest countries in the world. It was ranked 4th in the 2019 Index of Economical Freedom, with high rankings for “labor freedom” and “government integrity”.

The country ranked 3rd in the world in a Personal Freedom chart by the Legatum Prosperity Index.

Iceland Has a Celebratory Brew Day

Back in 1908, Iceland voted on an alcohol ban—but that didn’t stick around because it started to affect their import/export business. So, instead, they put the ban on beer only.

The beer ban stuck around for 74 years, finally being squashed in 1989. The country now celebrates “ Beer Day”, on March 1st.

Iceland Had the First Female President

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir is an Icelandic politician who served as the fourth president of Iceland from 1980 to 1996. Vigdís is the first woman in the world to be democratically elected as president.

Iceland Has the Largest Glacier in Europe

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe . It covers over 8100 square kilometers and has around 30 outlet glaciers.

Iceland Has a Naming Committee

Iceland has a naming committee that approves or declines people’s names. There is an official register of approved Icelandic given names, and specific names that are not allowed.

For example, the letter C is not included in the Icelandic alphabet, so any name that begins with that letter is not allowed.

Iceland Has the Purest Water

Almost all of the water in Iceland is pure, refreshing and you can drink it from any and every tap in the country. There is no need for water purifiers, and bottled water is not regularly purchased or consumed by Icelanders, as there is no need.

The tap water is pure, and free!

Iceland Was Named After Its Landscape

Its fairly obvious where Iceland got its name—the ice. Over 10% of country is covered in glaciers. In total, there are about 269 recognized glaciers in Iceland.

You Can Swim Outdoors All Year Round

Even though it is almost always cold in Iceland, you can swim outdoors at any time of the year. This is because there are natural geothermal swimming pools —and there is one in nearly every town in the country.

Geothermal swimming pools are hot springs where the water temperature varies between warm and fairly hot, depending on its location.

Icelanders Favorite Snacks

This may not be true for all Icelanders, but it is a common belief that the most popular snacks in Iceland are ice cream and black licorice.

There is a historical reason for this: the first settlers did not have sugar or honey, so they used licorice root as a sweetener. The flavor stuck, and it is now in all sorts of candy and snacks around the country.

Iceland Has No Dangerous Wildlife

Due to its climate, it’s no surprise that Iceland has almost no dangerous wildlife. There are no snakes, bears, mosquitos, or poisonous bugs in the entire country.

The most dangerous animal would be polar bears—but they are typically far from city life and pose very minimal threat to humans.

There Are No Trains in Iceland

There are no trains or railway system in Iceland. The only way to get in and out of the country are by air and sea. Travel from one city to another is typically by bus or domestic flight.

Iceland is Home to Global Beauties

Even with Iceland’s fairly small population, they still took the crown in several Miss World competitions. It is one of the most successful countries at the Miss World pageant with three victories.

Iceland Holds a Record for Published Books

Icelanders publish more books per capita than any other nation in the world. They even have a book-giving holiday – Jolabokaflod – on Christmas Eve.

Iceland Has a Phallological Museum

This museum is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It is the world only genuine “manhood” museum.

According to its website, The Icelandic Phallological Museum, is “dedicated to collecting, studying and presenting actual phalluses and all things phallic.”

It’s complete with bistro that serves penile shaped food, and a gift shop with all things penile.

Iceland Has One Seriously Long Word

The longest word found in the Icelandic language is: vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur. 

It word refers to, “the key ring to the tool work shed in the road works of Vaðlaheiði”. It is often been considered a joke, but road workers maintain that the word refers to the actual key ring for the shed they use.

Babies Nap Outside in Iceland

From infancy to about 2 years old, Icelandic children sleep outside in baby carriages for their noon nap. This is on the belief that fresh air is imperative for a good sleep, and child development.

It also builds trust, as babies are left alone, and promotes openness.

Icelanders Can Easily Trace Their Heritage

All Icelanders can access a website called Íslendingabók to trace their heritage back to the Vikings and even see how they are related to other Icelanders.

Typically, the question is not if they are related, it is how much they are related.

Icelanders Are on a First Name Basis

Icelanders always address each other by their first names. This is the same for all  Icelanders, even if they might be speaking to the president. Their culture is very laid back.

Icelandic Horses Are Unique

Icelandic horses have a unique gait—referred to as tölt—and have not been mixed with other breeds for over 1,000 years.

Iceland Has a Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is an annual occurrence taking place from June to July. This means you can witness light for 24 hours a day during that one-month period.

Men Are Commonly Named After Elves

Traditionally, a lot of male Icelanders were named “Alfur”, which translates to “Elf”. This dates back to their early beliefs about elves—having some sort of control over good and bad things that happen to the community.

Female Clubs Are Banned in Iceland

Clubs where women typically take off their clothing are completely banned in Iceland, specifically “all businesses that profit off unclothed employees”.

Local Authorities Are Unarmed in Iceland

Given that the country is known as one of the safest countries in the world, the local authorities do not feel it is necessary to bare arms.

Most unlawful activity in Iceland is not dangerous and authorities are able to do their job without using force.

The Northern Lights in Iceland Are Different

The Northern Lights you typically see from most parts are the globe are usually green with some yellow. But the Northern lights you witness in Iceland shows stunning hues of red, purple and pink.

This is due to altitude.

Earthquakes and Volcanoes Are Common in Iceland

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are fairly common in Iceland. So, the locals are trained to react appropriately from a young age. Their homes are built with this in mind, and children are taught not to overreact to common rumbles and vibrations.

Iceland Only Has One Native Mammal

The Arctic fox is the only species of land mammal native to Iceland.

It apparently survived on the island through the last ice age and stuck around once the thick glacial ice receded.

Iceland Sits on Two Tectonic Plates

Iceland sits on the meeting of two tectonic plates, one is the North American plate and the other is the Eurasian plate.

It is also the only place in the world  where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates.

Iceland’s Airport Sits in a Lava Field

Iceland only has one international airport, and it sits in the middle of a lava field. In fact, a volcano in the area has erupted several times, sometimes twice in one year.

Aside from a 2010 eruption that led to widespread airspace closures in Europe, the erupting volcano doesn’t seem to affect air travel.

Many Waterfalls in Iceland Have No Names

There are so many stunning waterfalls in Iceland—many that are actually quite popular among tourists. However, because they are a common sight to see, many of them are not officially named.

The Icelandic Language is Unique

The Icelandic language is so unique that there are numerous words that do not have any direct English translation. They also have many Icelandic words for one English word, such as “wind”.

Given the county’s isolation, Icelandic is one of the smallest “nation-state” languages in the world.

Iceland Ranks High in Equality

Iceland was once voted the best place for women to live. This is because women’s equality is literally protected by law.

The Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men is the reason gender equality is a hallmark of Icelandic culture.

Iceland's Seasons Are Drastically Different

Iceland is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however the best time to travel depends on what you plan to see.

While winter is better for exploring glaciers and seeing the northern lights, summer is better for swimming in geothermal pools and going on long hikes through lava fields.

Iceland Was the First Country to Have an Openly Gay Prime Minister

Iceland has a president, who is the head of state, and a prime minister who serves as the head of government in a multi-party system.

Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became Prime Minister in 2009, and was Iceland's first female Prime Minister and the world's first openly LGBT head of government .

Iceland Has Several Different Species of Whales

Iceland has more than 20 different species of whales that can be found swimming in the sea around the island.

There Were No Dinosaurs in Iceland

No dinosaur bones have ever been found in Iceland as the land mass is only about 20 million years old. The last of the giant dinosaurs died out 66 million years ago.

Iceland Has Universal Healthcare

Iceland has a universal healthcare system (which is paid for via taxes), and does not have any private hospitals on the island.

Everyone is entitled to emergency medical assistance covered by Icelandic Health Insurance (IHI).

Iceland Has Religious Freedom

Freedom of religion in Iceland is guaranteed by the 64th article of the Constitution of Iceland.

Although, it also states that the Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the national church (þjóðkirkja) and the national curriculum places emphasis on Christian studies, the constitution still protects the right to form other religious associations.

Iceland is Expensive

Iceland is the eighth most expensive country in the world with a cost of living 15.8% higher than the US, according to Numbeo's global cost of living index.

The country has fairly high costs of food, housing and transportation, and they also have a limited job market, particularly for foreigners.

Icelanders Love Sauce

This may not be true for all, but it is said that Icelanders love their sauce. Apparently, they enjoy covering their food in all kinds of sauces, but mostly gravy and bearnaise sauce.

They have a sauce for everything—even ice cream!

Icelanders Enjoy Being Unclothed

As with many European cultures, unclothed Icelanders is not an uncommon sight, in fact, it is quite normal.

It is common to shower, without swim suits, prior to swimming in the public geothermal pools in order to keep them clean. Icelanders are typically not shy and will bare all to whomever is around at the time.

Final Thoughts

While Iceland is a relatively cold climate, it remains one of the best countries to live in. While it may be an expensive country to reside, Icelanders are one of the happiest cultures who take pride in equality and love their sauces.

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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Apr 4, 2024

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