plan your trip to iceland

Planning a Trip to Iceland: DOs and DON’Ts (2024)

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Planning a trip to Iceland is more complicated than to many countries. With its stunning volcanoes, lava fields, fjords, beaches, and waterfalls, it’s no wonder that visitor numbers to Iceland have surged in recent years.

But many tourists underestimate how dangerous this wild and remote island can be.

Some take unnecessary risks and end up needing to be rescued, which is putting strain on Iceland’s volunteer rescue service. Visitors have even been injured or killed after accidents on glaciers, beaches, and cliffs.

This can be avoided, though, and there’s no reason you can’t have a wonderful, incident-free trip by following these Iceland travel tips.

I also include advice for making the most of your vacation in this beautiful country, quirky facts that make Iceland such a unique place to travel, and the latest travel restrictions.

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When is the best time to visit iceland, how long should you spend in iceland, what’s the best way to travel in iceland, before you arrive in iceland, planning a trip to iceland: dos and don’ts, more iceland reading.

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I would happily visit Iceland at any time of year as each season offers a different experience.

Many people consider the summer months of June to August the best time to visit Iceland.

This is when the weather is warmest, although that doesn’t mean it’s hot. In Reykjavik average temperatures in July range from 9 – 14ºC (48 – 57ºF) and it can be colder in the north.

Summer is the time of the midnight sun with daylight hours ranging from 21 hours in late June to 18 hours in early August.

This is the best time of year for hiking, driving the Ring Road (as roads are clear), and seeing whales and puffins. Most attractions and cafes are open.

The downsides of visiting Iceland in the summer are that it’s much busier and more expensive.

Spring and Autumn

To avoid the crowds and high prices, it’s worth considering visiting in the shoulder season months of April/May (spring) and September/October (autumn).

The weather is cold at this time of year but not as extreme as the winter and there’s a good amount of daylight for exploring.

It’s also possible to see the northern lights in these months, although you’ll have more of a chance in April and October.

The downside is that some attractions and cafes are closed.

We loved visiting Iceland in late September when it wasn’t very busy.

We had around 12 hours of daylight and temperatures of –2ºC (28ºF) to 5ºC (40ºF). We enjoyed autumn colours in some locations, the first snowfall on the mountains, and even the northern lights.

See my guide to visiting Iceland in September for more on what to expect.

Iceland’s winter from November to March is the quietest and cheapest time of year to visit.

This is the best time of year to visit Iceland for the northern lights, beautiful snowy landscapes, and winter activities like ice caves and dog sledding.

The weather is cold but not as cold as you’d expect (around 0ºC/ 32ºF) and daylight is limited for exploring (only four hours in late December/early January).

The roads are often covered in snow and not all parts of the island are accessible at this time of year—it’s best to stay south. If you aren’t a confident driver, stay in Reykjavik and take tours.

The average length of stay in Iceland is around seven nights.

I recommend visiting for at least five nights—this is enough time to see some of the highlights within a few hours of Reykjavik such as the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

If you want to drive the entire 1332km (828 miles) Ring Road, which circumnavigates the island, the minimum time needed is one week. 10-14 days would be much better, though.

We visited Iceland for 12 nights and liked not being too rushed. We were able to have a couple of rest days when the weather was bad. See our western Iceland itinerary for details of where we went.

Public transport is very limited so the best way to tour Iceland is with your own vehicle.

If you can drive, the best way to see Iceland is to hire a car and do a self-drive trip around the island.

We use Booking.com Car Rentals  to find the best deal. We rented a 4WD car, which we appreciated on bumpy gravel roads in the Westfjords, but it isn’t strictly necessary for most Iceland trips.

We found driving around Iceland easy—there aren’t many roads so it’s difficult to get lost and there’s good cell phone signal for using Google Maps.

Renting a campervan is also a popular way to tour Iceland in the summer. You must park in designated camping zones, though.

Take Tours from Reykjavik

Another way to explore Iceland is to base yourself in Reykjavik and take day tours. You can get a shuttle bus from the airport into the city (which is very walkable).

See  Get Your Guide for a wide variety of trips such as the popular Golden Circle tour , whale watching on a luxury yacht , Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon , Sky Lagoon geothermal pool , and many more.

This is the best option if you can’t or don’t want to drive or are visiting in winter and aren’t confident driving on snowy roads. It’s also a good way to travel if you are visiting Iceland on your own.

• Save up – Iceland is expensive and you’ll enjoy your vacation more if you aren’t worrying about every penny (on chilly days we really appreciated those hot chocolate and cake breaks). Find out how much our Iceland trip cost . 
• Consider visiting in the off-season – Iceland gets very busy in the June to August summer months, so avoid the crowds by visiting at a different time of year.

• Plan your itinerary – See our off the beaten track Iceland itinerary  for trips of 7 to 12 days or follow the classic ring road around the country (at least 10 days is recommended). Roads in the north are often impassable in winter so stick to the south—here’s a 5 day Iceland winter itinerary .
• Book your accommodation – Especially if you are travelling in the summer high season, you need to book far in advance. You can use sites like Vrbo  to find self-catering cabins and save on high restaurant costs. Search on Booking for hotels, guesthouses, and cottages.

• Buy travel insurance – It’s essential in case anything goes wrong. We recommend SafetyWing (a budget option available worldwide), True Traveller (for UK and EU residents), and Heymondo (available worldwide).
• Book the Blue Lagoon – Iceland’s most popular attraction can book up weeks in advance. It’s near the airport so most people visit after their flight arrives or before they depart. Book the Blue Lagoon with transfers here . We skipped it because it’s expensive, crowded, and we found some gorgeous, isolated hot springs in the Westfjords instead. Next time, I want to visit the new Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, which should also be booked well in advance.

• Read The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir – For tips by a local on travelling safely and responsibly and to understand the impact the tourism boom has had on the country. If you have time for more than one book, see my picks of the 10 best Iceland books to read before you visit including non-fiction and fiction. 
• Pack the essentials – In every season you’ll need warm layers (merino wool is great), waterproofs, waterproof hiking shoes or boots, swimsuit and travel towel (for hot springs), tripod (for northern lights photography), and sunglasses (the sun is often low). See our Iceland packing list for what we took.
• Bring a chip and pin debit or credit card – You’ll need it for self-service petrol pumps.
• Don’t worry about cash – Cards are accepted everywhere. We only needed a small amount of cash on our Iceland trip (about 3000 Icelandic krona worth $21) for unattended hot springs and toilets.
• Read safetravel.is – For tips on staying safe on your Iceland vacation. You can also give them your travel itinerary so they’ll be able to respond if you don’t reach your planned destination.
• Check if an EITAS is required – From 2025, the EU will be introducing an online travel authorisation system for travellers from countries that are currently visa-free (including US, UK, and Canada). You’ll need to apply before your trip and pay a small fee, but full details haven’t been announced yet (and it keeps getting postponed).
• Take the Icelandic pledge  
• Be flexible – The volatile weather can mean tours are cancelled or hikes or drives would be too dangerous.
• Check road.is  before setting out each day – For details of road conditions and closures.
• Take a walk through a lava field – They are incredible! Our favourites were on the Snaefellness Peninsula .

• Expect to see many waterfalls – They are everywhere! My favourite was Dynjandi in the Westfjords.

• Drink the tap water – It’s pure and delicious. Bring a lightweight, foldable water bottle like the Vapur with you.
• Look out for the northern lights from September to mid-April – We used the Aurora app and Vedur website to see our chances. We got lucky on a 30% chance day and saw them outside our Bjarkarholt cabin in the Westfjords. It’s best to stay in the countryside where there’s no light pollution. If you don’t have a car, you can take a northern lights tour from Reykjavik . 
• Use a tripod and long exposure  – To take photos of the northern lights. Most of mine were taken in manual mode at f2.8 with a 10 second shutter speed.

• Enjoy the midnight sun – If you visit Iceland in the summer when it’s light almost 24/7.
• Drive with your headlights on at all times .
• Be careful of sheep on the road – And always report it if you run one over (you won’t be fined).
• Fill up with petrol when you can – You might not come across a petrol pump for a while.

• Relax at geothermally heated swimming pools and hot pots – You’ll find them in even the smallest towns and it’s so lovely to swim in warm water when it’s cold outside.
• Shower naked thoroughly (without your swimsuit!) before entering a hot spring or pool – Public nudity isn’t a big deal in Iceland and you’ll draw far more attention to yourself if you don’t. They are very strict about this! There are separate male and female showers. You wear your swimsuit in the pool.
• Use the toilet whenever you find one (they are in short supply) – Be prepared to pay, usually around 200 ISK ($1.40). It’s worth keeping a small amount of cash for this. 
• Admire the cute wooden churches everywhere .

• Look out for seals – We saw them three times lazing on rocks by the sea.
• Ride an Icelandic horse and try its unique, smooth pace, the tölt.

• Create a playlist of Icelandic music – I will forever associate Of Monsters and Men with epic drives through the mountains. Iceland has a huge number of talented bands—check out Björk, Sigur Rós, Solstafir, Ásgeir, Múm and many more.
• Read books by Icelandic authors – It’s a very literary country. Nobel Prize-winning Halldór Laxness is the most famous author, and reading the classic Icelandic Sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries will give you a greater understanding of the country as famous sites from the stories are everywhere. See my 10 favourite books about Iceland including fun, quirky, and mysterious novels.
• Take a walk on a beach – It’s unlikely to be sunbathing weather, but Iceland’s dramatic black, golden, and red beaches are perfect for wild walks.

• Shop at Bonus supermarket – It’s the cheapest place to self-cater.
• Pack a picnic if you are road tripping – There often isn’t anywhere to stop for lunch, especially outside the summer when remote cafes close.
• Stock up on alcohol at Duty-Free on arrival at the airport if you want to drink – It’s much cheaper than in the state-run liquor stores (the only place you can buy booze).
• Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and cake (or a cinnamon bun) at one of Iceland’s excellent cosy cafes.
• Check Grapevine , a free English language newspaper – For what’s on in Reykjavik and enjoy its legendary nightlife and music scene on weekends.
• Call everyone by their first name – Titles aren’t used in Iceland. Instead of surnames, Icelanders use patronymics (or less commonly matronymics) made up of their father’s (or mother’s) name plus “son” (son) or “dóttir” (daughter). E.g. Björk Guðmundsdóttir is Gudmund’s daughter.
• Underestimate the weather – Icelandic weather changes fast and can be dangerous. Check the Vedur website or download their app for weather forecasts. Always be prepared with extra layers and waterproofs. 
• Drive in a storm – Strong winds can blow cars off the road or volcanic rocks into your windscreen in scary sandstorms.
• Stop on the road – I understand, you will feel the urge to take a photo every few minutes, but always pull over into a parking area, even if the road seems empty.

• Speed – Stick to the speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural gravel roads, and 90 km/h on rural asphalt roads.
• Feel the need to tip – It’s not rude to do so, but it’s not expected or customary.
• Wild camp – This is now banned and you must park your campervan or put up your tent in a designated campsite.
• Risk your life for a photo – Respect any barriers that have been put up.
• Get too close to cliff edges or the surf – Tourists have fallen off cliffs and been killed by rogue waves (especially at Reynisfjara beach).

• Walk on the ice at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon – The ice is not stable and the water is dangerously cold.
• Go onto a glacier without an accredited guide – There are hidden crevasses that you could fall into.

• Drive on F roads without a 4WD vehicle
• Drive off-road in any vehicle – It damages the landscape and you’ll receive a high fine.
• Worry about staying connected – Even the remote cabins we stayed in had good WiFi and we had 3G or 4G signal almost everywhere. If you don’t have an affordable data plan for Iceland, buy an Airalo e-SIM and get online as soon as you arrive.
• Feed horses – Yes, they are cute, but it is bad for their health. It’s best to visit a horse farm like Sturlureykir , where can pay a small fee to interact with them (or go on a ride).
• Take rocks or pebbles as souvenirs
• Litter – Have some respect for this beautiful place.
• Ask Icelanders if they believe in elves (aka hidden people) – The majority do not, although they understand that many of their ancestors did and they are part of their heritage.
• Rush – Iceland’s a stunning country, take your time and enjoy it.

I hope this post has answered any concerns about how to plan a trip to Iceland. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below or share your own Iceland travel tips.

• Iceland Itinerary: Off The Beaten Path on a Snæfellsnes and Westfjords Road Trip
• 14 Places Not to Miss on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• How Much Does an Iceland Trip Cost? Our Road Trip Budget
• 10 Best Books About Iceland to Read Before You Visit
• The Ultimate Iceland Packing List for Men and Women
• Visiting Iceland in September: What to Expect and Things to Do

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35 Comments

Hi, great blog. I’m thinking of taking my 3 teenagers to Iceland. I don’t want to be stuck in the hustle of a “tour group” experience. Is it possible to do it on my own with just day trips? How is late June? Will we be able to see glaciers and ice caves or are those only in the winter? Thanks!

Reply ↓

Yes, you could do it on your own with day trips if you hire a car and don’t mind a fair amount of driving.

In this case, you might also want to consider a night or two outside Reykjavik though–the Snafellsness peninsula is only a few hours away and is worth the extra time.

Late June is busy and expensive (book asap), but the weather is at its best (but still be prepared for cold) and you’ll have up to 21 hours of daylight.

Langjokull Ice Cave is on a glacier and can be visited year round as it’s man made. You have to visit on a tour from Husafell or Reykjavik.

Enjoy Iceland!

I loved your article. I would like to ask: is it possible to visit Iceland on day tours from Reykjavik? Or is it better to take a 6 days tour of the country? Is it possible to rent a bus from Reykjavik for a group of people?

You wouldn’t be able to see the whole island, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to do that in 6 days anyway. You can certainly see a lot by taking day tours from Reykjavik. Many people who don’t want to drive do this.

I’m not sure about renting a bus. But if you have a really big group maybe contact an Iceland tour company for advice. Organising a private tour might make more sense than joining a group tour.

Credit card use is very pervasive.

However at campsites where laundry and showers are coin-operated, how does one get the coins needed?

We haven’t stayed at campsites so I’m not sure, but we withdrew a small amount of cash from an ATM at the airport on arrival.

Very good article, we just returned from our two weeks in Iceland. and the only thing I would add it’s the wind, not the temperature that is hard to handle. Plus all the Icelandic people we delta with all spoke perfect English, a couple of times I had to ask them where they were from, only to be shocked that they were from Iceland. Enjoy your trip, we did, oh and make sure you get full car insurance!

It’s really helpful for my Christmas Iceland Trip! I hope I can experience a lot as you said!

Thank you very much, Erin, for this super informative blog. I’m planning to visit Iceland sometime in Feb/Mar 2023. Will visit the places of interests you shared. We come from Singapore – hot climate. Might be a struggle to keep ourselves warm in Iceland. :-(

Great information, You answered all my questions

Planning a trip to Iceland now and this has been a super helpful place to start! Thanks so much for a really awesome guide. Reading your 5-day Winter itinerary next as we’re going February 2022 so that could be perfect for us!

Thank you. Very informative, organized, and superb photography.

Thanks, Jay!

After spending 18 months sequestered and being fully vaccinated, I did an 8-day tour of Iceland and although it was challenging getting there from Western Canada, once I got there I loved it! I can verify all the recommended do’s & don’ts are true and worth your while following. The landscape is like no other in the world and it took my breath away despite not having the best weather. The people very friendly & welcoming, the food amazingly delicious, hotels & accommodations modern, simple & comfortable. Our tour and our guide was amazingly knowledgeable & experieced who kept us entertained with great facts, history, geology, birding knowledge & some tall tales. Loved it and would visit again!

Thanks for the trip report, Aida! It sounds like an amazing trip! You’re making me really want to go back.

Are the travel restrictions for Vaccinated people lifted for Iceland? FYI: I’m an american

Yes, you can travel to Iceland now.

I can’t wait to move to Iceland

Hi, I’m an American, do you think the travel restrictions will be lifted by the summer?

Thank you, Jessica

No one really knows but it will depend if the US can get the virus under control by then. It looks like from 1 May, Iceland hopes to open up a little more but that will be based on each country’s situation. Edit: All restrictions have been lifted: https://www.government.is/government/covid-19/covid-19-news/2022/02/23/COVID-19-Lifting-of-all-domestic-restrictions-and-restrictions-at-the-border/

Personally I wouldn’t book anything unless you have free cancellation.

Hi Erin. Thanks for this guide. My wife and I are planning a trip there in September or October. We are US Citizens, so we hope it can happen. We have travel certificates which expire at the end of the year, so we are sort of up against a wall. We have to check to see what the cancellation policy is. Fingers crossed that it can happen.

Good luck with it! It’s so hard to say what will happen with travel this year.

Thank you very much for this guide! I’ve been looking at pre-paid packages and trying to decide whether to do one of those or create my own. Do you have any advice for a solo female traveler? It’s my first solo trip and I am excited but nervous.

I don’t have any experience of solo travel in Iceland but it’s a very safe country and we know plenty of women who loved it. Probably the easiest way would be to stay in Reykjavik and take day tours. If you are a confident drive you could also rent a car and head off by yourself. It’s pretty easy to arrange your own trip. Enjoy!

we are planning a trip this summer. thanks for all the information!

Enjoy, Elana!

The pics are literally breathtaking. Can’t wait to see it all with my own eyes next summer. Thank you for the tips, really valuable for me planning my first encounter with this beauty.

It is one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited. Have an amazing trip!

This is a great resource! Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together. I particularly appreciate the tips regarding the need for a credit/debit card with a chip and pin for buying gas/petrol, the custom for gratuities, the Icelandic music playlist (perfect for the road trip!) and reading suggestions, and where to buy alcohol and groceries. And my favorite tip is to enjoy the hot chocolate and cake…don’t need to tell me twice!

I’m so glad you found it useful Heather!

Good list! I have two comments:

– Love the thing about tipping! During my trip, I actually asked one waitress what would be an appropriate tip and she said: “We have normal wages here, we don’t need tips”. ??

– I tried to read Independent People by Laxness while in Iceland but I had to give up. There’s only so much interest I can muster about the sheep… ?

Ha! I haven’t read Independent People yet as I heard The Fish Can Sing is a more accessible, lighthearted introduction to Laxness and I did enjoy it.

Erin what a rocking list. All noted. Iceland reminds me somewhat of New Zealand. Insane beauty, kinda expensive and yep, gotta have you head on a swivel sometimes. Especially driving.

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Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)

Glacier hikes, puffin sightings, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders: there is so much to be excited about when planning a trip to Iceland!

A trip to the Land of Fire and Ice is truly a vacation like no other, and we were smitten with it from the moment the plane touched down and we got to admire the lupines growing along the runway (seriously).

Iceland is an incredibly unique destination and offers a magnificent array of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, all in a (fairly) compact location.

However, to best take advantage of all that beauty within a limited time frame, you’ll need to do quite a bit of planning before you take off on your first trip to Iceland.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

While you could certainly arrive with little advance planning and see some incredible sights, experiencing the best things to do in Iceland isn’t as easy as hitting the open road with no (literal or figurative) plan.

The country’s extreme popularity coupled with rural attractions and weather unlike what most people experience in their day-to-day lives means that you’ll have a much better time if you carefully plan your trip to Iceland!

Follow this step-by-step Iceland travel checklist, and you’re bound to have an unforgettable adventure when visiting Iceland for the first time.

Step 1: Check visa and entrance requirements.

Toto, it is definitely not 2019 anymore: while checking visa and entrance requirements has always been important before visiting a foreign country, it’s safe to say that we’ll all be paying a bit more attention to it in years to come than we did pre-2020!

As of late 2023, there are no travel restrictions to visit Iceland–but just in case, this official website provides up-to-date requirements for entering Iceland, including any testing requirements.

Icelandair also has a detailed page on entry requirements.

Don’t forget to check any requirements that your home country has for returning, too!

In addition to these more topical necessities, don’t forget the usual needs, like having more than 6 months of validity left on your passport.

Step 2: Book your flights (the biggest step when planning a trip to Iceland!).

Without a doubt, booking flights is one of the most exciting parts of planning a trip to Iceland (or anywhere else)!

Once you book flights, your trip is official and you can start building the details of your adventures in Iceland around the states of your flights.

If your dates are somewhat flexible, we suggest checking prices a few days before and a few days after your intended arrival and departure dates when shopping for flights to Iceland.

You never know what deals you may happen to come across!

As the vast majority of all international flights in Iceland go through Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik (KEF), shopping for flights to Iceland is a fairly straightforward process.

Step 3: Reserve your rental car (and read the fine print).

While some travelers to Iceland may choose to base themselves in Reykjavik and only take organized tours outside the city, for most visitors, visiting Iceland means that it is time for a road trip!

Whether you want to drive Iceland’s legendary Ring Road (it’s incredible), explore the popular South Coast in-depth (also incredible), or get off the beaten path in places like the remote Westfjords (again, incredible), renting a car will deeply enhance your trip to Iceland.

Given Iceland’s extreme seasonality, rental cars can be a bit of a hot commodity in the summer, so book as far in advance as you can!

We use and recommend Discover Cars to find out which company has the most competitive prices and best rental contracts.

On our recent Iceland road trip, the best choice ended up being Global Rent a Car, and we had a great experience with them.

Wondering if you need to rent a vehicle with 4-wheel drive?

For a traditional Ring Road itinerary , a standard 2-wheel drive vehicle is just fine–but to drive on Iceland’s unpaved “F” roads, 4-wheel drive is required!

We made use of our 4-wheel drive option several times on our road trip, but I wouldn’t consider not having one a dealbreaker unless you have your heart set on driving yourself into the Highlands or to a particular offbeat spot.

We would’ve had a great trip to Iceland with or without F-road access!

Shop rental cars for your trip to Iceland today!

Step 4: Plan your Iceland itinerary.

With a seemingly limitless number of beautiful places to explore, there are as many possible Iceland itineraries as there are visitors!

A few tried-and-true options, though, include these amazing routes.

Iceland Ring Road Trip

The most classic Iceland itinerary, a Ring Road trip is perfect for visitors who have 10+ days in Iceland and want to see it all.

This is what we did, and honestly, we plan to go back and do it again one day–maybe more than once.

From the iconic attractions of South Iceland to the lesser-visited corners of the Eastern Fjords and North Iceland , the Ring Road makes for an incredible Iceland vacation.

Iceland South Coast Road Trip

Have a week or less in Iceland and want to take an epic road trip?

Try the popular South Coast!

This is where you’ll find many of Iceland’s most famous attractions, such as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajökull National Park, and the iconic Skógafoss–just to name a few!

Reykjavik-Based Trip

Only have a few days in Iceland?

Don’t worry!

By basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking well-planned day trips, you can enjoy some of the most iconic sights in Iceland (like the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle ) very quickly.

While we’d always recommend a longer trip to Iceland if possible, for the right traveler, even a 3-4 day Iceland vacation is well worth the effort it takes to get there.

Step 5: Finalize your Iceland travel budget.

There’s simply no getting around this one: taking a trip to Iceland is expensive!

To save money when traveling to Iceland on a budget, you can make some concessions like shopping in grocery stores for food (and eating lots of gas station hot dogs–a must-have Iceland experience on any budget), staying in basic lodging, and prioritizing only the experiences that are important to you.

But… even with all that, the price tag is still high.

Before booking your lodging and attractions (more on that in a few paragraphs), be sure to run the numbers and see exactly what you have to spend.

Better to make informed decisions along the way than have a nasty surprise bill at the end of your Iceland vacation!

This guide to budgeting for a trip explains how we budget for our travels in a step-by-step way and can help you create an Iceland budget that works for you.

Step 6: Decide where to stay and make reservations.

If you’re taking an Iceland road trip, especially during the summer, booking your hotels and/or vacation rentals as far in advance as possible is essential.

Most of Iceland’s most popular attractions are found in rural areas, and there are often only a few hotels or guesthouses nearby.

In order to complete your road trip efficiently–for example, driving the Ring Road–you’ll want to have your lodging chosen and booked before starting your trip.

We use Booking.com to find and book lodging in Iceland!

A few hotels that stood out on our recent Iceland road trip are Hotel Vík í Mýrdal (fantastic central location in Vik), Hótel Laxá near Mytvan (rural but convenient), and Fosshotel Nupar (perfectly located for glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park and visiting the glacier lagoons).

Step 7: Book bucket list tours and activities in advance.

Glacier hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates , soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, riding Icelandic horses: many of the absolute best things to do in Iceland require booking a tour or ticket!

And, like rental cars and hotels, tours and activities have a tendency to sell out in the summer.

If there are any bucket-list Iceland experiences you want to make sure you don’t miss, be sure to book them when planning your Iceland trip!

Here are a few popular options that are great to book in advance:

Silfra Snorkeling Tour — Want to snorkel between Europe and North America?

Iceland is the only place you can, and we will never forget this incredibly unique experience !

Glacier Hiking in Skafatell National Park — Hiking on a glacier is one of the most incredible experiences in Iceland, and we loved this tour .

Blue Lagoon — The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous places in Iceland, and you can’t simply show up for the day–especially during the summer.

South Iceland Day Trip — Basing yourself in Reykjavik and don’t want to drive during your first time in Iceland?

This popular day trip will show you Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and beyond.

Step 8: Make a packing list (and shop).

More than most destinations, packing for Iceland requires some advance planning!

The country’s extreme climate paired with the fact that most people who plan a trip to Iceland are planning to do things they’ve never done before–like a hike on a glacier , perhaps–means that you’ll likely want to purchase some gear before taking off!

While you can certainly find most of what you would need in cities like Reykjavik and Akureyri, most of the best places to visit in Iceland are quite rural, with few stores around.

And, Iceland is not exactly a budget-friendly place to shop!

A detailed breakdown of what to pack for Iceland requires a whole other blog post (and packing for Iceland in winter is even more intense), but here are a few things we recommend bringing:

Travel Adaptors for Iceland — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics!

Waterproof Jacket — Mine is no longer available but is similar to this popular jacket , and Jeremy loved this one in Iceland.

Sleep Mask — Midnight sun during the summer in Iceland is no joke, and a sleep mask is a must!

I don’t typically like to wear sleep masks, but I was so glad to have one during our summer trip to Iceland.

Lonely Planet Iceland — We don’t use travel guides in every destination, but in rural, widespread, land-of-confusing-spellings Iceland, we loved having one!

Waterproof Pants — Perfect for hiking on glaciers with! I use these ; Jeremy uses these .

Waterproof Boots — There’s nothing like having warm and dry feet! I adore these boots and have been wearing them for years.

Reusable Water Bottle — Avoid plastic waste, cut your expenses, and enjoy even more of Iceland’s fantastic tap water. Win/win/win.

Step 9: Purchase travel insurance for your trip to Iceland.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance when planning a trip to Iceland!

While Iceland is an incredibly safe country to travel in, traveling in general opens you up to vulnerabilities you simply don’t have at home.

If you lose your luggage, have a fender bender in your rental car, get pickpocketed, or–heaven forbid–get injured, you’ll be glad you have the insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the cost of flying to and then renting a car in Iceland), we consider it well worth the investment.

However, that being said, travel insurance companies have been about as prone to changing requirements over the last couple of years as borders have been.

Safety Wing is generally considered a reliable option, but be sure to double and triple-check coverages for any travel insurance policy these days, especially if you’re looking for protection from COVID-19-related issues.

Check travel insurance prices and coverage for your Iceland vacation now!

Step 10: Make an arrival plan for your trip to Iceland.

Once you finally finish planning your trip to Iceland and board your plane bound for the Land of Fire and Ice, you’ll still have one final logistical hurdle to overcome before kicking off your adventures: getting from the airport to wherever you’re going next.

For many travelers, that will mean walking or hopping the shuttle over to whatever rental car office they’re using (that’s what we’ve done).

However, if you’re not renting a car on the day you arrive in Iceland, you’ll likely still need to get from the airport to the center of town, which is about a 45-minute drive (there isn’t a train).

Bus transfers like this are the most popular and economical option to get from KEF to central Reykjavik for those who aren’t driving.

If you’re looking to splurge as you put your Iceland travel plan into action, though, private transfers like this are also available and will get you to your hotel faster.

Both options have their pros and cons, but the time to decide isn’t when you’re jetlagged, exhausted, and desperate to be done traveling.

A little advance planning can go a long way, and ensure you step off the plane confident that you’ve planned the perfect first Iceland trip!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Planning a Trip to Iceland for the First Time (Your Easy 10-Step Checklist!)”

Thank you for your Iceland guides! The info is incredibly helpful as we opted for a DIY trip instead of booking a pre-planned tour. We are heading out in Oct. Since we are native Minnesotans :-), we should be able to handle the weather (fingers crossed). Thanks again! I look forward to checking your guides to other destinations.

That’s wonderful to hear, thank you, Elaine!

I suspect you guys will definitely be just fine with the weather. 😉

Have a fantastic trip!

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Believe the hype: Iceland is a magical place full of waterfalls, uninhabited terrain, hot springs, kind locals, and elvish folklore around every corner. There's something for everyone in Iceland, and thanks to the ease of the Icelandair stopover, it's never been easier to visit.

Possibly the best part of traveling to Iceland is that you can tailor your trip to any amount of time you're available. It isn't one of those places where you must dedicate a full two weeks to exploring (though, that is recommended). If you've only got a long weekend, stick to Reykjavik and plan a one day trip. Looking to get lost for a month? Plan a hiking journey through the Central Highlands , or make your way around Iceland's Ring Road .

Planning Your Trip

There are a few things you're going to want to know before you actually get there. In fact, the first thing to think about even before you buy your plane ticket is the weather. We'll dig into that more below, but everything you've heard about Icelandic winters is true: It's cold, it's snowy, and it's entirely unpredictable. Make sure you're fully prepared to relax and enjoy your trip using the information below.

Best Time to Visit : This will depend on your personal preferences. It will never get hot in Iceland; temperatures during the summer max an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and snow is not likely, making summer a good weather season to visit. Plus, the summer midnight sun allows you to extend your daily itineraries. However, the winter offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights if you've got that on your bucket list. And you'll find more affordable lodging and airfare in the winter, especially around February and March.

Language: Icelandic and English. Every student in Iceland learns English at a young age  , so you won't run into any language barrier, given that you speak English. That being said, local shop owners will greet you in Icelandic first, most of the time. Icelandic is a beautiful language, so make sure to listen up when you're around locals so you can hear it for yourself. And don't be afraid to ask how to pronounce something in Icelandic; people are very friendly and enthusiastic to share the knowledge.

Currency: Icelandic króna. Most places, especially in larger cities, accept credit card payment.

Getting Around: Renting a car is your best bet, but Reykjavik does have a public bus system called Strætó. If you feel like getting some fresh air, Reykjavik and Akureyri are very bike-able cities.

Travel Tip: Bring layers. It doesn't matter what kind of weather you think you'll be experiencing—chances are it will rain, sleet, snow, and be sunny all in the span of one afternoon. Do yourself a favor and bring a few extra layers to make sure you're prepared for it all.

Things to Do

Given Iceland's impressive landscape, there's so much to do in the larger cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri and beyond. Get out the city for at least one day to take in some of the most uninhabited areas, but a weekend in Reykjavik is never a bad idea. A good trip, if you're got two days to kill, is to head along the south through Vik and on to the Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, you'll see Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss , an ancient cave, beaches — Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach —and the indescribable Glacier Lagoon.

• Visit Þingvellir National Park : This is a highly trafficked area seeing over 1.3 million tourists in 2019.   But if you're short on time and want to see waterfalls, a geyser, and fields of lava, this is your best bet. Located a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik (you can see this as part of the Golden Circle drive ), it's the perfect day trip from the city. There are also tons of tour buses that regularly make trips this direction.
• Soak in a hot spring: Blue Lagoon is obviously the most Instagrammed hot spring in Iceland, but there are so many others out there. Secret Lagoon, which you'll find near Reykholt (about 90 minutes from Reykjavik) is a less crowded option. It's thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in the country and you can still get pretty close to the original changing house that's on-site. There are also tiny little geysers all around the pool. Here's a list of hot springs to visit.
• Take a hike: Exploring Iceland by foot is one of the best ways to see it. There are hikes all around the country. If you're looking for some lesser-walked paths, find a guide and head to the Central Highlands (which are only accessible during the summer months). If you're looking to get outside for an afternoon, head to Glymur, the country's second tallest waterfall. The hike to it will take you through a cave, across a river, and through some incredible canyons.

There are so many things to do across the country, it's impossible to share it all here; check out our guide to the top places to see in Iceland .

What to Eat and Drink

The seafood in Iceland can't be beaten, but there are a few interesting traditional dishes you can challenge your tastebuds with. If you think about Iceland's remote location, it's easy to imagine how creative locals had to be in order to survive, especially through such harsh winters. Fermented shark is a very traditional Icelandic dish. Although you won't find many people eating it now, there are a handful of places that offer it mostly for adventurous tourists. Puffin and whale are two other traditional meats you can try. Head to Tapas Barinn in Reykjavik, which has an Icelandic feast where you can try a little bit of everything. All traditional ingredients aside, don't leave without trying Plokkfiskur, a fish pie of sorts made of fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. It's very common and very delicious.

Skyr — Icelandic yogurt — is a very popular ingredient for breakfast, snacks, and dessert. You'll find it incorporated into all kinds of dishes at local restaurants. It's also delicious on its own with a few berries for breakfast. This is the thing you'll be searching your hometown grocery store for once you get home.

Note that cocktails, beer, and wine are quite expensive in Iceland (again, remote location means higher import costs). That being said, treat yourself to a cocktail (or three). ROK, a restaurant near the iconic Hallgrimskirkja, has an incredible staff of bartenders who do magic with Brennivín, or Icelandic schnapps.

If craft beer is your thing, check out one of these places to try some local brews.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels and hostels in larger cities (Reykjavik and Akureyri). You'll find a fair share of hostels in the smaller villages, as well, but don't expect luxury digs. There are a couple of boutique hotels around the country: Ion Hotel , Hotel Ranga , Silica Hotel (at the Blue Lagoon), and Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon . If you're looking for a more laidback experience, Airbnb is a fantastic option and will yield the most results (and range the most budgets) for your Iceland visit.

If you're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, check out the Five Million Star Hotel . The property is actually a set of transparent bubble rooms owned by a local farmer in Southern Iceland near Fludir.

If you're planning to stay in the capital, check out our picks for the best hotels in Reykjavik.

Getting There

Flying to Iceland is quite easy. Icelandair has integrated free stopovers in the country into many of their European routes, making staying a few nights on your way to your final destination a convenient option. There are direct overnight flights from New York City, as well as regular routes from the West Coast of the United States. Icelandair's hub is Keflavík Airport (KEF). KEF is also the country's busiest airport by far, serving 7.2 million passengers in 2019 while the second busiest only served 350,000.  

Culture and Customs

The locals are incredibly kind and helpful, should you need advice on where to eat or how to get somewhere. Icelanders are also very dedicated to their history; it's worth reading up on before you go. Plus, so many of the important landmarks stem from ancient Icelandic history, from Þingvellir National Park to the lifting stones (a staple of Scandinavian strongman culture).

If there's one thing you research, it should be the word "hygge." This term describes act of feeling cozy, and it's the very best word to describe Iceland and its people. You'll find lots of candlelit rooms, jovial conversation, and families enjoying dinner together at home. It's also a very eco-friendly culture, given their close proximity to some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes. Make sure to respect the uninhabited areas just as you would the busy city streets.

One thing to take very seriously is the elf culture. A lot of homes have tiny little houses in their gardens or backyards specifically for the elves. If you want to know more about the history of elves with a side of horseback riding, check out Eldhestar's half-day Elfin tour .

Money-Saving Tips

Iceland can be a tricky place to plan a budget-friendly vacation. The food and drinks are expensive, and hotels can also be pricey, but there are some ways to avoid a massive credit card statement.

• Check out farm stays over hotel visits. This is going to help you a lot if you plan on visiting the more rural parts of the country where hotel room rates can be astronomical.
• Go grocery shopping. Bónus is the local grocery store chain and it's a delightful experience. Not to mention the logo is a drunken pig with a black eye — it doesn't get more quirky than that. This will help you save a lot on dining out, and it's what most locals do most nights.
• Save money on bus tours, and rent a car. If you're traveling with a family, it will be a lot cheaper for you to rent a car and visit the sights instead of paying a tour fee for each person.
• Take advantage of happy hour. Most bars in Reykjavik have them — go out early and be rewarded.
• Stay in hostels. As you can imagine, hostels in Iceland are beautifully designed, and they offer private rooms with private bathrooms, in most cases. These private rooms are generally less expensive than hotel rooms, as well. Check out Kex and Oddsson in Reykjavik for some inspiration.

Eurostat, "Pupils by Education Level and Modern Foreign Language Studied - Absolute Numbers and % of Pupils by Language Studied." May 25, 2020.

Thingvellir National Park. "Visitors 2019."

Isavia. "Monthly Report — Traffic Statistics / Summary." December 2019.

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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!

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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!

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Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

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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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Tips for Planning a Trip to Iceland

Last updated: November 15, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 20 Comments

Thinking about planning a trip to Iceland? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, I’m going to go through everything you’ll want to consider for planning the perfect Iceland vacation.

This post covers a lot. We go through the different ways to visit and get around Iceland, as well as some of the regions you might want to consider visiting for different length amount of time in Iceland.

We also include packing advice, practical considerations like electricity, money and tipping, tips on when to visit and where to stay, how much to budget for your trip to Iceland, as well as the steps you need to follow to plan the perfect Iceland trip.

This is based on our experiences visiting Iceland in both summer and winter, both on a self-drive tour itinerary (which included car-hire, accommodation, and a suggested itinerary), as well as our own personal exploration in the country.

We’ll also be sharing a brief overview of our experiences doing a self-drive trip, to help you decide if this type of trip would be right for you, and how we picked that trip.

Steps For Planning a Trip to Iceland

Step 1. decide when to visit iceland.

The time of year you visit Iceland will make a big difference to what you see and how you experience the country, as well as how busy the attractions are. We’ve visited at different times of year, and have experienced everything from freezing snow to warm sunny days. Here’s what to expect at different times of year in Iceland.

Visiting Iceland in Winter

Running roughly from mid-October right through to the end of April, winter is the least busy time in Iceland.

The closer to December you visit, the darker the days will be – in mid-December you’ll get less than six hours of daylight! In March however this is up to 12 hours of daylight or more.

That darkness is great for seeing the Northern Lights, so if that’s a key consideration for your trip, winter is the time you should visit.

Winter means snowy landscapes and icy driving conditions (see our guide to driving in Iceland in winter ), and some parts of the country, particularly the high ground, become inaccessible for all but the most extreme off-road vehicles.

I’d definitely not be put off visiting Iceland in winter. Temperature rarely fall far below freezing, there are far fewer visitors, and the wintery landscapes are stunning to behold. Plus, that chance of seeing the northern lights is tempting!

If you do plan on visiting Iceland in winter, check out our detailed guide to winter activities in Iceland to give you lots of ideas for what you can get up to, plus our guide to what to pack for Iceland in winter , so you’re prepared!

For the northern lights, see our guide to how to photograph the northern lights , which also has tips on where and when to see them.

Visiting Iceland in Fall & Spring

April, late September and early October are about as close to fall and spring as you are able to come in Iceland.

These are essentially the shoulder months, with longer days than in winter, less chance of snow and more roads and attractions likely to be fully open and accessible.

Whilst it’s not likely to be too hot, the winter chill won’t be around, and you have a better chance of greener landscapes. It also won’t be as busy as summer time, although the longer days will limit your chance at seeing the northern lights.

Visiting Iceland in Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Iceland, so prices are likely to be higher and attractions more crowded with visitors. Roads will be open around the country, making attractions more accessible, and a number of tours that weren’t possible in the other months will be operational.

The long days means that you aren’t going to see the aurora borealis. The country will be beautifully green and lush though, with colourful wildflowers lighting up the landscape if you visit when they’re in bloom. Also a great time to see wildlife.

Step 2. Decide How Long You Want to Visit Iceland For

There’s a lot to see and do in Iceland, and you could easily fill up two or three weeks here. There are also many attractions within easy reach of Reykjavik, so even if you just did a two or three day stopover , you’d still be amazed by how much natural beauty you could fit in.

See our guide to some of the best day trips from Reykjavik for ideas.

We’d suggest that you should spend at least three to seven days in the country if you can to see as much as possible – and check out our seven day Iceland itinerary for inspiration.

If you want to tackle the ring road that goes all the way around Iceland (advisable in the summer months), then you should think about at least seven days in Iceland, but preferably 10 – 14 days in order to get the most out of your experience.

See our complete  Iceland ring road itinerary for more on that trip.

However long you choose to visit Iceland for though, we think there’s a great experience waiting for you.

Step 3. Decide What kind of Trip to Take in Iceland

There are multiple options for how to travel in Iceland, which can be broadly categorised as follows:

A Self Drive Trip

Usually our preferred way of travelling, and definitely a good option in Iceland. A self-drive trip has you hiring a car and then travelling around Iceland under your own steam, staying in different locations and sight-seeing based on your interests.

You have the flexibility to reschedule sights and activities if the weather is poor, add (or remove!) sights from your itinerary if you wish, and generally have the most control over your trip.

The disadvantage of a trip like this is that it can work out to be a more expensive option than a group tour once you’ve factored in all the costs of the hire-car, accommodation, fuel and so-on.

If you decide to self-drive, check out our guide to driving in Iceland , as well as specific tips for driving in Iceland in winter .

You can see a list of self-drive tours on Tour Radar here and on Guide to Iceland here , both of which offer a variety of tours from different companies in Iceland.

Another company to consider is Northbound, an Icelandic operator who specialise in car rental but who have expanded their services to include comprehensive trip planning. They can help you customize a tour to meet your exact needs, a process you can start here .

A group guided tour

If you prefer to have someone else handle the driving while you enjoy the scenic views, then you might prefer to take a guided tour. These come in various types, from single-day excursions to multi-day trips, and you can book both private tours or group tours.

For example, there are a range of single day trips from Reyjkavik that cover a majority of the highlights of Iceland, such as the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

Guided tours have the advantage that you don’t have to worry about anything other than being on time for the bus. They usually work out to be cheaper than doing it yourself, and you know that you’re going to see all the highlights.

Many people, especially those with only a few days to spare, base themselves in Reykjavik and then take a series of single day excursions to places to visit highlights like the Golden Circle , Blue Lagoon , do a glacier hike, and to see the Northern Lights .

Although you do need to be prepared to spend some time in a bus, it is amazing how much you can see doing day trips from Reykjavik , and returning back to your hotel in the city each night!

The disadvantage is that you don’t have the flexibility to stop as and when you want, and in a group tour in particular, obviously you’ll be with a number of other people. Of course, this can be a great way to meet people and have a social aspect to your trip.

We’ve put together a guide to some of the best guided tours of Iceland to give you an idea of what’s available for everything from 2 days two weeks, across a variety of price points.

You can also see a comprehensive list of guided tours in Iceland on TourRadar here and on Guide to Iceland here .

A private guided tour

A private tour can be a “best of both worlds” option, but these do tend to end up being the most expensive option for a trip, so unless there is a fairly large group of you, or money is no object, we’d suggest that either a self-drive trip or a group tour are going to be better value.

Public Transport / Bus Passports

There are also sight-seeing bus companies which offer transport rather than entire tours. You buy what they call a “bus passport”, which are available for different durations and cover different parts of the country.

These can be a good way to sort out your transport independently of the rest of your trip, and are definitely a cost-effective option. See here for a list of options. Note though that as far as we can tell, most of these bus passports only operate in the summer months.

Finally, you could try to get around Iceland by public transport. There are public buses, but from a sight-seeing perspective, this is definitely not an optimal option as they generally don’t stop at the sights you want to see.

We’d definitely advise picking one of the other options rather than public transport if you want to see Iceland’s natural attractions beyond the major towns.

Step 4. Choose an Itinerary for your Iceland Trip

Now you’ve decided when and for how long you want to visit Iceland, you’re going to want to plan an itinerary. Of course, once you’ve started putting an itinerary together, you might decide you need even longer in this wonderful country – and that’s fine of course!

1 – 4 days in Iceland

We’d suggest for trips of one to three days you focus on the sights around and within a three to four hour drive of Reykjavik.

For example, a day trip around the Golden Circle , a morning at the blue lagoon, a day trip along the south coast of Iceland to see some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls , and perhaps a day trip up to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

These can all be easily done as either a day trip from Reykjavik or as part of a self drive tour .

We have a detailed itinerary for 3 days in Iceland which will give you some ideas of what is achievable in this time period.

4 – 7 days in Iceland

Four to seven days gives you lots of choice in Iceland.

Our suggestion would be to explore from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the west all the way along to Jökulsárlón in the east, taking in highlights including the Golden Circle , the Blue Lagoon, the mighty waterfalls of the south coast and the glacier region in the south-east.

These would be perfect as part of a self drive tour, or you could join multiple single-day tours together from the city.

We have a number of itineraries to give you ideas, including one for five days in Iceland , and one that goes through a  seven day itinerary for Iceland .

7+ days in Iceland

With seven days to play with, and if you’re not travelling in the middle of winter, then the Ring Road is likely going to be your natural choice.

You’ll be able to see the major highlights of Iceland on this incredible journey around the country, with more photo opportunities than you can imagine. This is a popular option, and can be done either as a self-drive trip like these or these , or as part of a group tour like this .

Alternatively, you could thoroughly explore from the east of the country right along the south coast and see everything from the highlights to the less visited attractions, really taking your time and taking it all in.

Now you should have an idea of when you’re going to visit Iceland, how long you’re going to spend in Iceland, what sort of trip you’re going to do in Iceland and where you want to go in Iceland!

We went through all these steps, and now I’m going to share with you what that ended up looking like, and why we made the choices we did.

Our Winter Trip To Iceland

This section covers our planning and decision-making process for our winter trip to Iceland, followed by an overview of the trip we ended up doing, including a detailed trip itinerary.

After that, there’s information on what to pack, where to stay, practical considerations for travelling in Iceland and information on much it costs to travel in Iceland.

Why we went to Iceland in Winter

We chose Iceland in mid-March as it seemed like a good trade-off between the amount of available daylight (around 11 – 12 hours each day) whilst still having the chance to see the northern lights . I’ve wanted to see the northern lights for a long time, and been foiled on every attempt.

Spoiler alert, we didn’t see the northern lights in Iceland on this trip either. We were unlucky to be in Iceland during a quiet period for solar activity, and many of the nights were cloudy.

We didn’t let this spoil our trip of course, but it’s definitely something to think about when picking a time of year to visit – the northern lights are not guaranteed!

How Long We Went For

For this trip to Iceland we visited for 12 nights, which gave us plenty of time to do everything we wanted to do. As we were visiting in the winter months, we focused our attention on the south and west parts of the country, as these were more accessible.

Much of the northern part of the country is harder to access in winter, and road closures due to snow and ice can be a problem.

The Trip we Chose to Do

The trip we chose was an eight day / seven night self-drive trip which focused on the west and south coasts of Iceland.

We chose the itinerary not just because it promised glaciers and auroras, but because looking at the map, it covered the majority of the highlights that we were interested in, including the golden circle and all the highlights of the south coast all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

It even covered a part of the country a little north of Reykjavik, although not quite as far as the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. As we had extra time after the trip though, we were able to explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in our own time – we just extended the hire car a few more days.

Why we Chose a Self-Drive Tour

We chose a self-drive trip because it exactly matches our way of travel. We often take longer at stops because I’m waiting for the right light for a shot, or I’m waiting for the crowds of people to disperse. Sometimes we want to spend more time at a location because Jess wants to drop in at a museum. Often, I’ll need to drive somewhere for a sunset or sunrise.

Basically, we like to have control and flexibility over our plans, and a self-drive trip exactly lines up with those needs.

A pre-booked self-drive tour took all the hassle out of the trip – things like finding a place to stay, route planning and booking the hire car were already handled. They provided us with loads of information about where we were going and what we might like to see. And then, we were essentially left to do as we pleased.

We’re not averse of course to other types of trip, and enjoy group tours as well. Overall though, a self-drive tour was definitely the best choice for us in Iceland.

What’s Included (and what isn’t) on a Self Drive Tour in Iceland?

Self drive tours in Iceland vary in what they include, however here is what you should generally expect:

• All of your accommodation with free breakfasts
• Rental car with CDW (collision damage waiver), theft protection and unlimited mileage (usually also including a free additional driver)
• Car pick/up and drop off at Keflavik International airport

Of course, the self-drive tours don’t include everything. Usually, exclusions are:

• Optional activities
• Airfare to and from Iceland
• Fuel for the car
• Any other meals or snacks
• Additional optional car insurance including ash damage, windscreen damage, or underbody damage. These will usually be available to purchase at car pickup, or when booking the tour.

These inclusions are pretty standard for self-drive tours in Iceland, although of course check the details for the tour you’re interested in to be sure.

Types of Trips You Can Book in Iceland

If you’re going through a tour operator in Iceland, there are two main types of tour you can book. These are  self drive tours , and guided group trips. The latter of which can be single day trips or multi-day trips.

Self-drive tours span from 1 to 14+ nights, with availability for each tour depending on the time of year. The majority of these trips are available at a range of different price points, depending on the accommodation level you are interested in. These levels range from budget through to more luxury options.

Budget accommodation will usually be shared facilities in basic hotels, farmhouses and guest houses. Pricing will then increase through to more luxury options.

In addition to the accommodation options, you will also often have the option to choose what kind of car you want. These range from basic small cars through to top of the range four wheel drive vehicles. If you’re travelling in winter, we definitely suggest you choose a four wheel drive.

As well self-drive tours, you can also book guided tours in Iceland. These are available from single day trips through to multi-day tours. These are available as both private and group tours, with group sizes varying from less than 12 to over 30. As a general rule, the larger the group, the more cost effective the tour will be.

Our Eight Day Iceland Itinerary

So, we did all the planning, we figured out when and where we wanted to travel, and we had our tour all lined up! Now I’m going to run through the tour and let you know our experiences, what we liked, and anything we were unhappy with.

As previously mentioned, we chose an eight-day self-drive trip which we did with Iceland Travel . We opted for comfortable accommodation with a mid-range four-wheel drive station wagon style vehicle.

This started and ended in Reykjavik, and had us exploring the fjords, glaciers and waterfalls just north of the city, followed by the golden circle, and then along the south coast to the mighty waterfalls and stunning black sand beaches, heading as far east as the Glacier Lagoon.

Here’s a quick overview of what we got up to each day.

Day 1 – Reykjavik.

Our first day had us picking up our car from Hertz Iceland (see here for car hire providers in Iceland ) We’d actually arrived in Reykjavik a day early, so rather than picking it up at Keflavik International Airport, we picked it up in the city centre.

Our suggested itinerary then had us visiting the Blue Lagoon, which is a great option on the way to or from the airport as it’s only a few kilometres from Keflavik International Airport. This would be a great way to unwind after a long flight.

As it was, because we had arrived the day prior and taken the bus transfer to the airport, we actually visited the Blue Lagoon on our second day.

We spent our first day exploring the city, which both of us enjoyed – Reykjavik has a lot to offer, and we had no problem finding things to do. So much so in fact that we spent a further two days exploring the city after our trip was over.

Day 2 – Fjords

We started our second day heading out of the city to the Blue Lagoon for an early morning swim.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon first thing in the morning is something we’d definitely recommend as it was very quiet when we did so. And whilst neither of us are exactly “spa” people, we both really enjoyed the Blue Lagoon experience.

There’s just something very relaxing about being in a huge body of warm water underneath blue Icelandic skies, with steam all around and it was definitely one of the early highlights of our trip.

We then doubled back on ourselves and headed north. In retrospect, we definitely feel that following the suggested itinerary and doing the Blue Lagoon on the first or last day makes more sense so as to avoid this detour, however, this worked for us. If you want a closer hot spring to minimise the driving, consider the Sky Lagoon instead.

From Reykjavik our route took us up around Hvalfjordur, a beautiful 30km coastal drive, and then onto the coastal town of  Borgarnes where we visited the church, a statue on the hill, and also the Settlement Centre . Found in two of Borgarnes’s oldest buildings, this tells the story of Iceland’s earliest days and some of the heroes of the Icelandic Sagas.

We then headed inland stopping at Deildartunguhver (Icelandic names are fun!), which is Europe’s most powerful hot spring. 180 litres per second of water at boiling point pours out of the ground here!

After Deildartunguhver we continued on up to Hraunfossar, one of Iceland’s more unusual waterfalls. Hraunfossar is actually a sideways waterfall that runs for 900 metres along the Hvítá river.

The water actually pours out from underneath the lava field here, and so it looks like it’s just coming out from under the ground – which of course it is. It looks very cool, and was particularly pretty at sunset, which was when we visited.

Finally, we headed back to our hotel, the Icelandair Hotel Hamar , just outside Borganes, for a relaxing nights sleep.

Day 3 – Falls

Our itinerary for our third day had us visiting a glacier in the afternoon, with the morning set aside for exploring the region. Jess had found out that Iceland’s highest easily accessible waterfall was less than an hour’s drive away, so I set out to find that whilst Jess relaxed in the hotel.

The hike up to Glymur Falls was a wonderful experience, with seabirds swirling, stunning views across the landscapes and plenty of photography opportunities. It was a natural entry for my post on my favourite photography spots in Iceland .

Returning to Jess and the hotel, we were sad to learn that our scheduled trip onto the glacier had been cancelled due to poor weather. It was rescheduled to the following morning, weather permitting, but we now had a free afternoon.

Thankfully, our Iceland Travel guidebook had plenty of options, and we explored the region, and took advantage of the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs – even more fun as it was snowing when we used them!

Day 4 – Glacier and Golden Circle

On our fourth day the weather was good enough for our Glacier tour! We were excited about this because neither of us had been on a glacier before. This was an optional excursion arranged with Into the Glacier .

The tour involves a 40 minute ride in a huge 18 wheeled converted ex-NATO missile launcher, followed by an hour or so exploring inside the world’s largest man made ice tunnel. Definitely a recommended option!

From our glacier expedition we headed east, taking advantage of our four wheel drive to take a couple of mountain roads and stop off at the beautiful Þórufoss waterfall, which we had all to ourselves.

Then, it was on Iceland’s famous Golden Circle – a loop road that’s popular as a day trip from Reykjavik, and includes the UNESCO listed Þingvellir National Park, the stunning Gulfoss waterfall and the Geysir national park.

That was a busy day, but we managed to get everything in before sunset, and headed to our Icelandair hotel in Flúðir .

Day 5 – Waterfalls and Beaches

Our fifth day of exploration had us heading along Iceland’s incredible south coast, which is home to some truly spectacular scenery.

Ok, who am I kidding, Iceland is home to spectacular scenery pretty much everywhere. Highlights of this day were truly dramatic though, including two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

The former you can actually go behind, which makes for some unique (if wet!) photography opportunities.

Further along we stopped at Dyrhólaey Arch and the beautiful basalt lined beaches near the picturesque town of Vik. As you can imagine, our camera’s were kept very busy.

Finally, we arrived at Klaustur, where we overnighted at the Icelandair hotel Klaustur .

Day 6 – Icebergs and Glaciers!

Pushing further east, our sixth day had us crossing a huge lava field, as well as the site of a massive glacial flood, which washed away chunks of the ring road in a huge deluge.

As we travelled we saw a number of waterfalls as well as those beautiful Icelandic horses, that of course we had to stop (safely off the road!) to photograph.

Then we visited Svartifoss, a remarkable waterfall over black basalt columns which has given it the name the “Black Falls”. We also took in the Svinafellsjokull glacier, which was as close to end of a glacier that we came on the trip, with the chunks of blue hued ice almost in touching distance.

Finally, our day culminated with a visit to Jökulsárlón, the glacial lake on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. The Breiðamerkurjökull glacier meltwater flows into the lake, along with the ice that breaks off the glacier, creating a truly wonderful sight of an iceberg filler lake.

Even better, the icebergs float out to sea and are washed up on nearby Diamond Beach, making for countless photo opportunities, and the perfect place for us to watch sunset, before heading back for our second night at the Icelandair hotel Klaustur .

Day 7 – Back to Reykjavik

Our last full day on our trip had us making the journey back along the south coast to Reykjavik. We didn’t mind retracing our steps, in fact, we took full advantage of it, stopping off at some locations again to get a few more shots. This was particularly handy at one of the beaches we visited where the tide was lower, meaning we could get some shots we hadn’t previously caught before.

We also stopped at a number of picturesque fishing villages on the way back, and finished off a wonderful self-drive itinerary with a gorgeous sunset over the remote and stunning church of Strandarkirkja  on the south west tip of Iceland. Then it was back to Reykjavik for our last night on our tour!

Day 8 – The end!

Our last day would normally have had us heading to the airport and returning our hire car, perhaps with a stop at the Blue Lagoon on the way.

However, we weren’t ready to stop and we had a few more days in the country. So we extended our hire car a few more days, and went off on further explorations under our own steam. More on those in a future post!

That pretty much summarises what we got up to on our self-drive tour of Iceland. Now let me go over some of the things we enjoyed about it!

What we Enjoyed About Our Iceland Trip

There were a number of things we really liked about the self-drive trip we booked in Iceland. First, it was super-easy. With all our accommodation taken care of, plus a detailed suggested itinerary, we had no problem filling our days.

The information we received on the way up to and as we started our trip was wonderfully comprehensive, helping us to ensure we were fully prepared. We were sent a 27 page PDF walkthrough of our itinerary and all the highlights we could expect to see on the route, as well as shorter detailed itinerary of our exact hotels and booked excursions.

We also loved the massive choice of self-drive tours available in Iceland, both in terms of types of trip available, and the itineraries they have on offer throughout the year. Whatever you’re interested in, we’re pretty sure you’ll find a tour to suit.

What could have been improved?

Overall, our experience doing a self-drive trip in Iceland was fantastic, but of course, not everything is perfect in life. A few minor niggles.

First, on the tour we choose, whilst CDW was included with our car insurance, there were a number of optional insurances that weren’t included, which would have been nice for peace of mind. Of course, these were available to purchase when we picked the vehicle up. It’s also worth noting that some tour companies present it as an option when booking, which would have been our preference.

Another area that might have been nice on the tour we chose would have been to give us the option for half board at some of the hotels. Meals in Iceland are a big cost for a trip, and a half board option might have helped offset that. Some self-drive tours do include this as an option, so when deciding definitely keep this in mind.

Lastly, it would have been nice to see the Northern Lights. Of course, this has nothing to do with our tour, we were really unlucky with our timing and the weather conditions, and despite our best efforts, we just didn’t get to make it happen.

So it just goes to show that even on a longish trip like ours, at the right time of year, you might not have luck. Still, it’s an excuse to go back, and we’re happy about that!

What to Pack on a Trip to Iceland

Iceland is a country where the weather can change very quickly, whatever time of year you visit. Layers are going to be the answer, we’d suggest thermal base layers , then warm mid-layers like fleeces , followed by waterproof and windproof outerlayers .

You’re also going to want good hiking boots or shoes, gloves and a hat . If you’re visiting any of the thermal springs, save money by bringing your own towel, and of course don’t forget your swimwear, and maybe a waterproof case for your phone so you can get the perfect selfie!

We also have a full guide to what to pack for a trip to Iceland , which includes a downloadable checklist. Worth checking out to help you make sure you don’t miss anything!

Where to Stay in Iceland

Iceland has a wide range of accommodation options, from farm stays, vacation rentals and B&B’s through to higher end full service hotels. Check out Iceland’s listings on booking.com  for a full range of options.

On our self-drive tour we stayed at 3 and 4 star properties throughout the country, which were comfortable and included a full breakfast.

When travelling by ourselves, we largely booked through vacation rental sites like Vrbo . We also use a number of other sites, like AirBnB. Check out our full guide to AirBnB alternatives right here.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Iceland?

Iceland is far from a budget destination, and prices vary depending on the time of year you visit, with the peak summer months tending to be much more expensive than the quieter winter months.

A mid-range hotel room will generally be in the region of $80 – $150 a night, and this will often include breakfast.

Car hire costs will vary depending on the type of vehicle you hire. Expect to pay $50 – $150 a day, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of the various insurance options. Gas is quite expensive. See here for some car hire providers in Iceland.

Food is a real budget-killer in Iceland. Even burgers from gas stations will be in the range of $10 – $15, whilst a sit down meal at a restaurant will have prices in the range of $30 – $50 for a main course.

The good news is that many of the attractions themselves, and particularly the natural attractions like waterfalls and national parks, are free to visit, although some do have parking fees, notably the most popular waterfalls along the south coast. This is to help provide infrastructure, and we think is well worth paying to help Iceland cope with increased tourism numbers.

We think that Iceland is very much worth visiting, and that you should just prepare yourself to spend a bit more money than you might in other European countries. It’s definitely money you will not regret spending! For more on cost-saving ideas for Iceland, here’s a guide to visiting Iceland on a budget to help you make the most of your trip

Practicalities for your Trip in Iceland

1. safety in iceland.

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world to travel in, with extremely low crime rates and good medical care. The main dangers that travellers will face will usually be related to the quickly changing weather, and natural hazards like slippery rocks or steep cliffs. Car accidents are also something to be aware of, especially in the winter months when driving conditions can be hazardous.

Iceland uses a 220v system with the same two pin plugs as most of Europe. If you are travelling from the UK or US, you will need some form of travel adapter like this – see our Iceland packing list for suggestions. See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters . We highly recommend you pick anything up before you come as Iceland is not cheap.

3. Internet Access / WiFi

WiFi is generally easy to find in Iceland, and all the hotels and guesthouses we stayed in had good, free WiFi access. In addition, on our road trip with Iceland Travel , we were provided with a pre-paid SIM card which came with data, meaning we could get online easily.

If you want to get online with your phone, a SIM card from a local provider will likely be the cheapest option, and these can be picked up at Keflavik airport when you arrive.

If you don’t have an unlocked phone, take a look at my guide to getting online when you travel for more options.

4. Language

The primary language in Iceland is Icelandic, although as you will have noticed from many of the place names in our itinerary, it’s a bit of a daunting language to learn. Here is a list of common phrases in Icelandic , which you might find useful, at least for starting a conversation. We found however that English was very widely spoken, and we had no trouble communicating with the Icelandic people, who were friendly, helpful and welcoming.

5. Money in Iceland

The local currency is the Icelandic Kroner, or ISK. There are ATM’s around the country from where you can withdraw cash, just be aware that they will all charge you a fee for doing so. In our experience, nearly everywhere we travelled accepted our international credit cards, however, it is always worth having cash on you just in case cards are not accepted.

6. Tipping in Iceland

Tipping is generally not expected in Iceland for service. At many restaurants, a tip is already included, so do check your bill before you add a tip.

If a tip is not included, it’s not common to leave a tip, although it is not rude to leave a tip if you wish, around ten percent would be a reasonable amount to tip in Iceland. Alternatively, many people choose to round up the bill to the nearest 1,000, which is also very acceptable.

Further Reading to Help you Plan your Trip to Iceland

We’ll be writing a lot more about Iceland across our two blogs in the coming months, so this list will be updated as we go. In the meantime, here are some great resources to get you started with planning your Iceland vacation.

• We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite photography locations in Iceland from this trip to give you some ideas of where to aim to get the best photos
• Our guide to driving in Iceland in Winter should give you lots of tips for staying safe on the roads if you choose to do a self-drive trip
• Jess has put together a detailed post outlining a seven day Iceland itinerary to give you some route ideas, plus we have a guide to spending five days in Iceland , three days in Iceland , and an Iceland ring road itinerary .
• Our guide to finding the Iceland Plane crash , which is a fun photography location (if a bit of a walk to get to!)
• We have a complete guide to visiting the Golden Circle , which has a map, suggested itinerary, and more.
• Our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland
• Our guide to visiting the Blue Lagoon
• If you’re visiting Iceland in Winter, check out our guide to the best winter activities in Iceland
• We have a detailed guide to help you decide what to pack for Iceland
• We’ve got a guide to the best day trips from Reykjavik should you wish to base yourself in the capital
• We’ve also got a guide to some of the best multi-day  guided tours of Iceland to give you an idea of what’s available for everything from 2 days two weeks, across a variety of price points
• If you’re thinking of hiring a car, see this website for a number of options for car rental in Iceland
• The weather in Iceland can be fickle – the best website for real-time cloud cover is this one from the Icelandic Met Office .
• On a budget? Here’s a guide to visiting Iceland on a budget to help you make the most of your trip
• Whilst Iceland is a safe country to travel in when it comes to things like crime, the country itself is home to extreme conditions and all sorts of seismic activity. So to stay safe as you go, check out the safetravel Iceland page
• If you’re not sure what camera gear to take with, take a look at both our guide to picking a travel camera , and our personal travel photography gear
• Finally, if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll want to read through my tips for cold weather photography .

And that finishes up my guide to planning the perfect trip to Iceland! I hope you enjoyed it. Is Iceland on your list? Let us know in the comments below!

So you know: We received a complimentary seven day tour of Iceland with Iceland Travel, which included our accommodation and hire car, plus an allowance for fuel. In addition, if you book any trip with Iceland Travel from the links above we’ll earn a small commission. We covered our own flights and the remainder of our time exploring Iceland was on our own budget. As always, you can see our code of ethics for how we choose who to work with!

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There are 20 comments on this post

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Dr sobia says

23rd October 2022 at 12:01 pm

Hey which month was it when u visited & didn’t get to see the northen light?

Laurence Norah says

24th October 2022 at 1:50 pm

Hi there! That was in March, but that doesn’t mean March is a bad month, it just means we were unlucky!

Veronika says

23rd September 2022 at 10:43 am

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Iceland again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

23rd September 2022 at 1:18 pm

Thanks so much Veronika – I hope you get to Iceland again soon!

Michelle says

28th November 2021 at 9:30 pm

Just got back from Iceland last night and can’t thank you enough for all the insights, tips, and recommendations! The self drive tour was perfect and we had an absolutely incredible experience.

28th November 2021 at 11:50 pm

Hey Michelle, that’s awesome! I’m so pleased to have been able to help and I’m delighted to hear you had a great time 😀 Thanks for coming back to let me know after your trip!

Edwin Placencio says

1st February 2021 at 5:49 pm

Can’t wait to live there!

2nd February 2021 at 11:29 am

Awesome, I hope you have a great time!

Md Shariful Islam says

17th August 2018 at 6:17 pm

I want to come Iceland and settle your country. How it will be possible.

17th August 2018 at 6:54 pm

We’re not actually from Iceland, we just visited and wrote these posts. We’d suggest reading the Icelandic immigration website for information on the various options you have for moving to Iceland: http://www.utl.is/index.php/en/

Rex Gilbert says

25th May 2018 at 5:08 am

Thank you very much for such interesting article and detailed analysis. I have never been to Iceland ever.I’m looking forward to visiting such place in the coming days!

25th May 2018 at 8:47 pm

My pleasure – have a great trip!

Koko Jay says

3rd May 2018 at 10:36 am

Thanks for the tips. We will go on 26 June for one week, and we can’t wait. We will cover all the places which you mention in the article. Thanks again

3rd May 2018 at 7:11 pm

Our pleasure! We’ll be there in June, but leave just before you get there 🙂 Have a great trip!

Sophia Rivera says

9th January 2018 at 5:04 am

Thank you very much for such interesting article and detailed analysis. I have never been to Iceland ever and after visiting here I’m looking forward to visiting such place in the coming days!

9th January 2018 at 10:39 am

Thank you Sophia – have a wonderful trip 🙂

Anonymous says

27th November 2017 at 10:20 am

Thank you for this in depth review of your experiences in Iceland! My wife and I are planning a future trip and this has been of great assistance to us regarding what to expect and how to plan. Your photos where a true inspiration and artfully taken! We thank you for the insight necessary to increase the value and enjoyability of our future trip to that amazing country!

Laurence says

27th November 2017 at 10:21 am

Our pleasure – thanks for commenting!

Mark Villaflor says

28th April 2017 at 1:31 am

Hey Laurence, Thanks for the post. I’ve seen a few posts about Iceland as it’s been a dream to go here. The costs are a bit off for me as in super expensive. I’m hoping to go in the summer but the way you break things down with the seasons it seems like you could go anytime of the year and have an amazing time. Of course the northern lights are a huge consideration. So many things to weigh. Thanks again.

28th April 2017 at 8:46 am

My pleasure! It’s definitely a country you can visit at any time of year, but is not a budget destination by any stretch of the imagination. That said, do check out the linked post to Nomadic Matt’s site which has some tips on budget travel in Iceland 🙂

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Intrepid’s Complete Guide to Iceland

Smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic sits a tiny, sparsely populated, snow-covered island that has soared to the top of the collective world travellers’ bucket list.

With so many surreal landscapes and natural wonders deeply shrouded in Viking mythology, it’s hard to know where to begin planning. And since we’ve been around the Ring Road a time or two, we’ve amassed an arsenal of assets, from travel anecdotes to packing lists to must-sees and can’t-misses that will help you decide if this Nordic nation deserves a top spot on your wishlist, too. Here’s everything you need to know before you travel to Iceland .

Table of Contents

• Iceland Experiences: Geography, Northern Lights and More
• Iceland Activities: Things to Do, Customer Stories and More
• About Iceland: Culture, History, Food and More
• Planning Your Iceland Trip: Money, Things to Know and More

Experiences in Iceland

Whether you plan on fording the fjords, tackling a glacier climb or simply bouncing between bistros in Reykjavik, Iceland has plenty of experiences to satisfy those in search of a cold-blooded adventure.

More on experiences in Iceland:

Top 12 Things to Do in Iceland

Land of Fire & Ice: Iceland Geography & Geology

Forged by intense geological activity, Iceland is a land of dramatic extremes where steaming active volcanoes, icy-blue glaciers, boiling geysers and frigid waterfalls exist side by side. Although this challenging terrain is a dream for outdoor adventurers, it might just be the country’s dozens of geothermal springs, or hot pots as the locals call ’em, that attract visitors from near and far in search of much-needed winter warm-up.

Geological marvels await:

Iceland Waterfalls Guide Photo Essay from Iceland Express Tour 6 Hot Springs in Iceland

Wonders of the World: Northern Lights in Iceland

The world’s most spectacular natural light show, the Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that can enchant even the most seasonal affective disordered soul. The chances of spotting the ethereal lights increase in the colder months, with vibrant, dancing patterns that offer a brief respite from the long, dark nights of winter. Before your epic pursuit begins, check out our resources on the Northern Lights.

Aurora hunters assemble:

What to Expect on an Iceland Tour Northern Lights Tours

Iceland Activities

From the classic Golden Circle route to the black sand beaches of the South Coast and the otherwordly mud-scape of the steamy Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s activities are as diverse as its landscapes.

Itinerary worthy activities:

Top 6 Hikes in Iceland

Seasons in Iceland

Although you’d think Iceland’s seasons were something like ice, icier and iciest, this Arctic country does, in fact, have four distinct seasons as well as a high season and off-season for tourism. Crowds tend to be thinner in the shoulder months of May and October, and Autumn can be a particularly magical time to visit. Although days are getting drastically shorter, the windblown landscapes are speckled with red and yellow, and early sunsets will leave the scenery bathed in warm, golden light. With opportunities to go hunting for the Aurora Borealis in winter and party all night under the summer’s Midnight Sun, there really is no wrong time to visit Iceland.

Read more about Iceland’s seasons:

Iceland Winter Travel Guide

Intrepid Customer Experiences in Iceland

We like to think the landscapes speak for themselves, but occasionally, our customers have words that paint a destination perfectly. Check out what Intrepid travellers have to say about their trip to Iceland.

Hear what Intrepid customers have to say:

Iceland Travel Reviews An Intrepid Traveller Gets Married on an Iceland Trip What Happened When I Travelled to Iceland with Mum

Experience it for yourself

About Iceland

Culture & customs.

Despite living in the shadows of a long, dark winter for much of the year, Icelanders continue to find themselves at the top of the UN’s ‘World Happiness Report.’ Because when the days are short and the wind is whipping, there’s nothing like a good party to instill some cheer. Icelandic people have strong pride in their nation, and several festivals throughout the year celebrate the country’s Scandinavian heritage with an emphasis on Viking mythology. A trip to Iceland during Thorrablot or the Viking Festival will give you an insider look at this Nordic nation’s culture.

Learn to party Iceland-style:

What Festivals are Celebrated in Iceland

Folklore & History

A giant island-shaped whale that feasts on fishermen, easily offended elves with revenge fantasies, child-hungry trolls and a horse with backwards hooves luring riders to their deaths… these terrifying tales are more than just a dark and twisted parallel universe of Mother Goose; they’re instruments of survival. With such a harsh and challenging landscape, these tales that date back to the 12th century were storybook tools to teach children how to survive extreme conditions and respect Iceland’s myriad of naturally deadly environments.

The cheerful locals are more than happy to discuss the mystique surrounding elves and Yule Lads, although equally protective and willing to reroute construction projects so as not to disturb their mythical homes. Museums around the country offer further looks into the culture, history and folklore of Iceland, and no trip is complete without visiting a few must-visit mythology spots.

Take a deep dive into Iceland’s history:

Overview of Iceland’s Unique Folklore

Eating & Drinking

With more adventure activities than you can count on two hands and icy temps that threaten to freeze even the hardiest of Viking spirits, food in Iceland serves two very important purposes: to keep you fueled and warm. Boasting more sheep than people and over 5,000 km of coastline, Icelandic fare heavily features native lamb, fresh seafood and skyr, a type of yogurt that has been part of the local diet for almost a thousand years.

The capital city of Reykjavik has become a quirky culinary destination where hot dogs are essentially a food group, coffee culture is triumphant (they like it hot, strong and all day long) and seasonality is the name of the game.

Warning: don’t read on an empty stomach:

6 Things to Eat in Iceland What to Drink in Iceland

Farm towns & Cities in Iceland

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is the central hub of our dreams: quaint, quirky, entirely walkable and a great jumping-off point for exploring the island. But away from the buzz, Iceland’s rural farm towns put a positive spin on “the middle of nowhere.” Many of these “towns” are modest villages, populated with more flaxen-haired horses and flocks of puffins than actual humans and set before screensaver-worthy landscapes. If you fancy a slower pace, can never see too many waterfalls and would rather socialize with locals in a local hot spring than in a bar, Iceland is the place for you.

More on cities and towns in Iceland:

Our 5 Favorite Small Towns in Iceland Why You Should Visit the Westfjords

Planning Your Trip to Iceland

A trip to Iceland has never been easier thanks to airline stopover programs. Without any additional airfare, you can fly between major cities, making a pitstop in Reykjavik and spending up to seven days exploring the country. And because we want you to see as much of the world as possible, many Intrepid trips in Iceland have itineraries that are under 7 days, making a stopover pretty much a no-brainer. What are you waiting for?

Craft your Iceland itinerary:

5 Day Iceland Itinerary Why Iceland is perfect for Solo Travel Iceland on a Budget

Discover more on our Iceland trips

Money: What to Expect

Things you need to know.

Every traveller has probably had the same nightmare once or twice, only instead of going to school and forgetting your pants, you’re making some kind of embarrassing tourist blunder, accidentally insulting the locals or leaving something important out of your meticulously packed luggage. We’ve rounded up all the necessary “know before you go” information to help you get organized, get planning… and get better sleep.

Read up on the essentials:

Weather in Iceland Best time to Visit Iceland Will My Phone Work in Iceland Do You Need a Visa for Iceland What to Wear in Iceland Is Iceland LGBTQIA+ friendly Iceland Water Safe to Drink What to Pack for Iceland

How Does Iceland Compare

Whether you’re deadset on a trip to Iceland and looking to add on to your itinerary or you’ve already conquered the Land of Fire & Ice and you’re looking to travel someplace similar, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you eliminate guesswork so you can spend less time comparing and more time trying to score the best flight deals.

You also might be interested in:

Iceland or Greenland

Will travel for food. From al pastor in Mexico to camel burgers in Morocco, khao soi in Thailand to perfect tomatoes in Greece, I've traveled far and wide for a tasty meal. When I'm not abroad searching for the perfect bite, I'm enjoying some good ol' home cooking in my tiny Seattle kitchen.

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5 Day Iceland Itinerary: How to Plan a First Trip to Iceland

I have a reputation for being an obsessive planner when it comes to our family vacations. But planning a trip to Iceland really took the cake. For our five days in Iceland, I spent over 20 hours pouring over guidebooks, maps, and blogs to create our 5 day Iceland itinerary. That’s a lot of work to plan a vacation, but it paid off.

Since our first trip to Iceland, I have returned twice, once in winter months and again to visit Snaefellsnes and the Westfjords in early fall. I have also become a certified Iceland trip planner, helping over 20 families with their Iceland vacations. With all this experience, I’ve updated this post from when I first wrote it to include what I’ve learned, and some new attractions that have recently opened.

This Iceland itinerary covers a 5-day trip in the summer months when you can take advantage of the long days and lots of sunlight. I’ll provide a day-by-day itinerary for an Iceland road trip along the South Coast of Iceland, from Reykjavik to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This self-drive trip includes the famous Golden Circle, beautiful waterfalls, and other natural wonders along the main road.

You can follow this 5-day itinerary at any time of year, but you will need to use more caution if you are driving in the winter. You wouldn’t have the same long days at that time of the year, but you would have a chance to visit the ice caves near Vatnajökull National Park and maybe even see the Aurora Borealis.

How to Plan a trip to Iceland: Know Before you Go

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Is 5 Days in Iceland enough?

If you are hoping to drive around the entire country on the Ring Road, then no, 5 days in Iceland is not enough. For your first time in Iceland, you don’t need to cover the entire island. You can pick different parts of the country to give you a taste of the magic of Iceland. Most first-time visitors to Iceland will choose to visit Reykjavik, the Capital Region, and the Southern Coast of Iceland covered in this itinerary.

How Much Does a Trip to Iceland Cost?

Before you go, it is important to realize that even if you find cheap airfare, Iceland is an expensive country to visit. I have put together this Iceland budget guide to help families and others understand how much a trip to Iceland costs, depending on your budget and interests.

Keep in mind that when you visit greatly impacts costs, with the most expensive times being between June through August and during the festive season. To reduce costs, plan on staying in guest houses and vacation rentals in the countryside and limiting your time in Reykjavik. You can also focus on free activities, like hiking, and minimize paid tours and excursions. It is hard to avoid Iceland’s high-priced food, but you can minimize your food budget by planning casual meals and preparing many of your own meals.

When to Visit Iceland

Trying to “do” Iceland in 5 days means you are going to be busy, so it is best to go in the summer when the days are long. I have also visited Iceland in the winter , but I still prefer summer when there is more daylight for exploring.

Keep in mind that a trip to Iceland means long days with a lot of driving and also moving hotels frequently. Even with only five days in Iceland, there is no getting around moving a couple of times if you want to minimize driving. It is possible to stay in Reykjavik and take day trips , but you will be doing even more driving (or time spent on tour buses.)

Given the limited amount of time, you will likely want to focus your attention on the South Coast for your first trip to Iceland. This will allow you to fit in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle , black sand beaches, waterfalls, and maybe even the Glacier Lagoon.

If you want to drive the entire Ring Road and get to the more remote places like the Westfjords , you are going to need at least 10-14 days.

Getting to Iceland

IcelandAir (which codeshares with JetBlue) is the primary carrier for flights to Iceland, with direct flights from New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Orlando. The newly launched Play Airlines offers great budget fares (replacing the now defunct WOW Airlines) and United and Delta also offer a few direct flights from the USA.

On our first trip, we flew IcelandAir from Boston to Keflavík, arriving at 11:40 pm on the summer solstice, just in time to get the full effect of the midnight sun. These days, flights usually arrive in the early morning, which leaves you with the conundrum of what to do until your accommodations are ready for check-in.

Ideally, you would book for the night before, arranging for an early morning check-in, but that is going to cost more. Since most flights to Iceland are fairly short, from the East Coast of the U.S. at least, you will be tired and it is hard to hit the ground running with a busy day.

If you have a hotel, you can at least drop off your bags and walk around to stay awake. If you are staying in an Airbnb, there is luggage storage at the main bus station. On my last trip, I ended up hanging out at the Hlemmur Food Hall until our Airbnb was ready. Many people will choose to make their first stop at the Blue Lagoon , as it is the perfect place to relax and kill some time until check-in.

Getting Around Iceland

Unless you are planning on using a private driver or taking tours, you will need to rent a car in Iceland. If you are going to just base yourself in the city and take day trips from Reykjavik , you can book the FlyBus to get from the Keflavik International Airport to the main bus station (where you can switch to another bus for hotel drop-offs.)

I would recommend using Auto Europe to check car rental rates from multiple suppliers. Depending on where you are going, you probably won’t need an SUV, but if you are going to drive into the interior on any of the “F” gravel roads, it is a requirement. We were glad we had a 4×4 just for getting through the bumpy dirt roads you often drive on to get to waterfalls, hikes, and some tours, especially in parking lots.

When renting a car in Iceland, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Lines at the rental car offices can be quite long, be prepared and be patient.
• Additional insurance (particularly gravel and ash) is HIGHLY recommended and costly — build this into your Iceland budget

Keep in mind that you don’t want to rely entirely on Google Maps when you are driving as what it says looks like the better way can sometimes take you on interior F roads that aren’t even open. Also, your GPS will generally tell you something takes less time than it actually will — give yourself plenty of time for driving and stops along the way.

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small, walkable city. If you stay anywhere in the core downtown area, you are no more than a 20-30 minute walk to all the main attractions. The city itself is clean and very safe.

Reykjavik has been growing and it is no longer quite as hard to find a hotel room. (See my list of family-friendly hotels in Reykjavik .) Since hotels are so pricey, vrbo was the way to go for our family.

I’ve stayed in multiple vrbo apartments downtown that have been under $250 a night which worked out perfectly (except for the late check-in and the need to carry luggage upstairs.) The convenience of a hotel is ideal but the apartment rentals are much more budget-friendly. At least now there are some options for those who want to use points, including the Canopy by Hilton and the Marriott Edition .

Find more places to stay in Reykjavik:

For more suggestions on planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to read my separate post on Iceland travel tips !

5 Days in Iceland Itinerary: Exploring the South Coast

As mentioned earlier, if you only have 5 days in Iceland, a popular option for first-time visitors is to explore Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast. If you have already been to Iceland, or you are looking to get a little more off-the-beaten path, you can also check out my itineraries for the Snaefellsness Peninsula and the Westfjords. Together, these also make an excellent five-day Iceland itinerary.

Day 1 – Reykjavik

On your first day in Iceland, if you are arriving in the morning, you may want to plan a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to Reykjavik to kill some time before you can check into your accommodations. Personally, I find the Blue Lagoon very touristy (see my Blue Lagoon review here), but I know many feel a trip to Iceland isn’t complete without seeing the Blue Lagoon. At least if you get there very early in the morning the crowds won’t be too bad.

Also be sure to follow Safe Travel Iceland because recent volcanic eruptions near the town of Grindavik have sometimes impacted whether or not the Blue Lagoon is open. Don’t worry, it isn’t impacting air travel or travel around the country except in a small area on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

As an alternative, you could try the newer hot springs at Sky Lagoon , which is closer to the city and offers beautiful views overlooking the water.

After checking in to your accommodations, grab some lunch (see my recommendations on where to eat in Reykjavik .) Next, take a walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and make your way over to the stunning  Harpa Concert Hall (Austurbakki 2). Be sure to walk around inside to see the light reflecting through the glass and the beautiful architecture.

After the Harpa, walk over to the Old Harbor for a   Puffin Express boat tour or an express whale watching tour . The puffin tour is just an hour, leaving you plenty of time to explore but also giving you a view of these cute little birds.

If it is too cold to get out on the water, another great option is to visit the Perlan . This glass dome-shaped building includes an ice cave and a planetarium show that makes you feel like you are under the Northern Lights. It is a great option for those that have limited time in Iceland but still want to experience some of its magic.

Or, take a ride on FlyOver Iceland . If you have ever ridden Soarin’ at Disney, this is the same technology. The ride vehicle lifts you into the air in front of a large screen to give the multi-sensory sensation of flying over some of the most scenic sights in Iceland. This is a great way to “see” more of the country if you are only spending five days in Iceland.

Another alternative, especially for those that miss out on a whale-watching tour, would be a visit to the Whales of Iceland exhibit downtown. If you are visiting Iceland with kids , they will especially love the 23 life-size replicas of whales and the interactive exhibits.

After the afternoon activity, take some time to explore and shop along Laugavegur, which is the main shopping street in the city centre and finish off with an elevator ride to the top of the Hallgrímskirkja church (Hallgrímstorg 1) for beautiful views over the city.

Get a good night’s sleep on your first night because you will be exhausted and need your energy for a full day tomorrow.

Day 2 – Golden Circle

Begin your second day with a hearty breakfast from Sandholt Bakery (Laugavegur 36) or at your hotel/apartment.

I recommend spending the second day on a self-driving Golden Circle tour and keeping your home base in Reykjavik, so you don’t need to switch hotels every night.

If you are interested in joining a small group tour, I would recommend using Hidden Iceland . Use promo code WE3TRAVEL to get 10% off scheduled group day tours with Hidden Iceland. I did a tour with them recently and was so impressed with their knowledge and customer service.

If you want to avoid the big tour buses at each attraction, plan to do the Golden Circle counterclockwise, starting at the 6,500-year-old Kerid Crater for a quick walk around the caldera. Next, you may want to plan a stop at the Secret Lagoon for a more rustic and natural hot spring environment.

Another popular spot on the Golden Circle route is at Fridheimar , a restaurant and tomato farm, which uses geothermal energy to heat the greenhouses that are the source of those fresh salads you can find in Iceland. If you want to have lunch, be sure to book a table in advance.

Your next stop will be at the impressive Gullfoss waterfall . Give yourself enough time to walk along the various viewpoints and take in the double rainbows that you often find above the waterfall. Many find this the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but you will see my favorite tomorrow. There is also a small cafe at the visitor center if you are hungry.

Keep in mind that at Gulfoss and many of the natural attractions, you now need to pay for parking. This is typically done at a self-service parking machine and you can use your credit card.

Once you are done at Gullfoss, it is a short drive just ten minutes down the road you will come to the Geysir Visitor Center . You will find a hotel and restaurant at Geysir, along with a cafe and soup shop, as well as a gift shop selling Icelandic souvenirs . It is then a short walk across the street from the parking area to watch the reliable Strokkur geyser erupting.

While it isn’t as tall and impressive as Old Faithful in Yellowstone, I love that you can get up close (and you don’t have to wait as long for the eruption.) Just before it erupts, a giant blue bubble forms that then explodes upward in a spray of steam and water. You can also spend time walking through the geothermal area, but generally, this stop shouldn’t take too long.

If you have time in your day, add a stop at the Laugarvatn Fontana spa for a dip in their pools and a tour of their thermal bakery (they bake bread in the ground but reservations are needed).

You can also have a late lunch there or you could stop at Efstidalur II , at Blaskogabyggd 801, a farm hotel and restaurant with great homemade ice cream.

The last stop of the day is at Thingvellir National Park (þingvellir National Park), the site of the country’s first Parliament and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a Game of Thrones filming site and a spot where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian continents (and even snorkel between the tectonic plates!)

To be honest, the views here aren’t that remarkable but it is a good spot if you want to do a bit of hiking. Generally by the end of the day you are getting tired of getting in and out of the car and might prefer just a short stop.

You can return to Reykjavik for dinner, or stop at Lindin, at Lindarbraut 2 in Laugarvatn. Lindin specializes in seafood (including whale and puffin) and game (like reindeer burgers) and isn’t the most kid-friendly but it was fine for our foodie family.

Day 3 – South Coast

On your third day, you will want to check out of your hotel early and arrange for a hotel room in the town of Vík or ideally near the Glacier Lagoon for the next night or two. This will be a long and busy day exploring some of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast. Be sure to stock up on snacks before you head out.

Depart Reykjavik early to make the most of your day and drive east along Rt 1 (aka the Ring Road) for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to Rt 249 towards the Seljalandsfoss waterfall . You will see the waterfall as you drive towards it and don’t be surprised if you see quite a few tour buses too.

This is a popular spot for a few reason. First, it is one of the few waterfalls where you can walk behind the waterfall, which is an absolutely magnificent experience. Also, it has been featured in many shows and videos, like Justin Bieber’s and The Amazing Race.

Hopefully, you can sneak in there between the bus tours and enjoy the falls without the crowds, but keep in mind that even when Iceland is crowded, it is nothing like the crowds you will find somewhere like Niagara Falls .

Be sure to wear good non-slip, waterproof shoes and a raincoat and rain pants because even to get close to the falls you will get soaked from the mist — see my Iceland packing list for more suggestions!

I also wouldn’t recommend attempting to walk behind the waterfall in the winter as the area surrounding the waterfall is pure ice and you will need crampons or microspikes if you want to get close (see my I celand winter packing list. )

After walking behind the falls, follow the path a few hundred meters further along the cliff face to the Gljufurarbui waterfall . You will need to enter into a crevice in the cliff and walk through a small stream to find this hidden waterfall. So many people on bus tours overlook this hidden gem but it was a highlight of our trip! You will need some good waterproof hiking shoes to get in there though unless you don’t mind cold, wet feet for the rest of the day.

If you are hungry, there is usually a food truck or a fish and chip stand set up at Seljalandsfoss. There are also some bathrooms near the parking lot. I always suggest using the facilities in Iceland when you find them because they can be few and far between.

After you have had your fill at Seljalandsfoss, continue on Rt 1 for another 30 minutes to the Skogafoss waterfall in Skogar. You can walk to the foot of the falls and also climb a staircase to see the falls from above. I personally think this is the most beautiful waterfall on this 5-day Iceland itinerary. Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the falls! You may think these are going to be short photo stops but the waterfalls are so impressive that you will want to take time just to enjoy the views from every vantage point.

When you are done, continue along Rt 1 to Rt 218 to Dyrhólaey (35 minutes), a stone sea arch where puffins nest . You’ll need to drive up a steep, narrow dirt road to reach Dyrhólaey. Just note that this area is closed during puffin nesting season in late May and early June.

We lucked out because it was open when we visited and by leaning over the cliff slightly we got some close-up views of these cute little puffins. Just be very careful here as there are no guardrails along the cliff edge and the wind can be quite strong. There is also a cute lighthouse on the promontory.

Next, head back to Rt 1 and follow it to Rt 215 to Reynisfjara Beach (30 minutes), which is home to a black sand beach with amazing basalt columns, caves, and sea stacks. This is an iconic spot in Iceland that you won’t want to miss, although it can be quite crowded! Remember when you are visiting this area to not get too close to the ocean, as it is known for rogue waves with a very powerful undertow, and pay attention to signs if there are areas to avoid because of falling rocks.

There is also a small cafe here that serves up a delicious meat soup — a classic Icelandic dish.

If you haven’t eaten yet, stop for lunch in Vík and take a walk out to the black sand beach to see the famous Reynisdrangur rock formations. I would also recommend checking out the new Ic elandic Lava Show to experience the “fire” part of the land of Ice and Fire.

You may want to choose to stay in this general area on the south coast for two or three nights to minimize moving around. Some options include:

• Hotel Vik i Myrdal
• Volcano Hotel
• Hotel Ranga
• Midgard Base Camp

If you are continuing on to the Glacier Lagoon this day, it is a long drive and you can stop for dinner at Systrakaffi  at Klausturvegi 13, 880 Kirkjubæjarklaustri. This nice cafe offers simple fare like pizza and hamburgers, but also nicer entrees like a very well-prepared arctic char. If you can’t find lodging near the glacier or closer to Vik, this is a good spot to look for a vrbo.

If you are staying near the glacier lagoon , drive across the lava fields to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

Day 4 – Icebergs & Glacier Hiking

If you are staying on the south coast, start off with a drive east to the Jökulsárlón Lagoon . You can see icebergs from the beach, but I would recommend a boat tour to get up close to them. Unless you have little kids, a zodiac boat tour will get you up close to all types of icebergs and you can also get up close to the glacier face.

If you cross the bridge between the lagoon and the sea, you will get to Diamond Beach . It was named for the large chunks of ice that wash up on shore, glittering on the black sand beach like diamonds.

If you are visiting in the winter, you can take a tour of an ice cave instead. Although I wouldn’t recommend driving out here by yourself in the winter unless you are very comfortable driving under winter conditions (be sure to check out my tips for visiting Iceland in the winter. )

You can save 10% off scheduled group tours with Hidden Iceland with promo code WE3TRAVEL!

In the afternoon, I’d recommend a glacier hike. Near the glacier lagoon, you can take a hike on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park . On our trip, we took a three-hour glacier hike with Arcanum Tours  on Sólheimajökull glacier .

Day 5 – South Coast / Reykjanes Peninsula

If you have five full days in Iceland, you have one more day of adventure before heading home. However, if you are flying out late on your fifth day, you should start to make your way toward Keflavik before heading to the airport.

If you have kids, they would enjoy a visit to the Viking World Museum  near Keflavik airport to see a full-scale replica Viking ship that actually sailed from Iceland to Canada and the U.S. You can learn about Viking history and Norse mythology. Outside there is a small petting zoo and playground.

However, if you don’t fly out until your sixth day, take another day to enjoy some more adventurous activities along the south coast. A few I would recommend include:

• A superjeep tour into Thorsmork valley
• Horseback riding on the black sand beach in Vik
• ATVs on the black sand beach

I hope that you leave Iceland just as in love with this magical country as we did — exhausted, exhilarated, and enthralled.

MORE ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS

• Itineraries:  4 Days in Iceland’s Westfjords itinerary
• Packing:  Iceland summer packing list ,  Iceland winter packing list
• Budget:   How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
• Day trips:  7 Essential day trips from Reykjavik ,  Snaefellsnes Peninsula day trip
• Travel tips:   25 Iceland travel tips ,  Tips for visiting Iceland in the winter
• Tours:   Glacier hiking in Iceland ,  Glacier lagoon boat tour , Where to find  puffins in Iceland
• Food:   Where to eat in Reykjavik
• Family: Age-based guide to Iceland with kids

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: March 24, 2024

68 thoughts on “5 Day Iceland Itinerary: How to Plan a First Trip to Iceland”

I was supposed to go to Iceland this winter for the Northern Lights but don’t think that’s going to be able to happen now 🙁 Loving this itinerary though had planned out something similar for sure. Hoping to do a campervan trip when I go to save some cash.

I hope you get to go next year!

Was planning to visit Iceland for so long, now I can’t wait for this lockdown to get over so I can start making my travel plans again…

We visited Iceland during summer and hired a private driver, who knew most of the places that we wanted to see. I liked the black sand beach at Vik, the Blue Lagoon, Glacier hiking and South Coast. We did not schedule our trip very well and occupied only 3 days there. Looking forward for my next visit.

I visited in winter and it was freezing. Had a tough time.

Iceland looks beautiful. Just a small doubt, why is it so green when it’s called ICE? Lol.

Jokes aside, my family is seriously planning to visit this beautiful country and we’re looking for a detailed itinerary. Your seems to be the best suited for us.

ha ha! Visit in winter and it is another story 🙂

I just got a 3 Day Iceland Package offered few days ago and now after reading your blog I am going to book it. And, explore the beauty of this place.

Thank you for sharing! Photos just wonderful! Tell me what transport is better to use to cover the whole of Iceland? I want to visit several places but I think that car rental will be more convenient than public transportation

I would definitely recommend a car rental.

I like your blog…Thanks for sharing it…

This is so helpful, thank you so much for all of your recommendations! How much would you say all of the activities cost total? I’m trying to figure out how much I need to budget for in additional to airfare and accommodations. Thank you!

It really depends on how many activities that you do but most group excursions will be anywhere from $75-150 per person. Keep in mind too that accommodations are quite pricey.

Thanks for sharing your itinerary! you managed to do so many things in five days, amazing 🙂 We are thinking of going there for a week this year, trying to choose between may and september. What month for you suggest? unfortunately, june-August are not an option as i cannot take a week off during the summer months

I would rather go in September as you will also have a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

you guys are the first to mention Saga museum. Seems like a good option to include. Thanks.

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EUROPE , ICELAND · July 15, 2020 Last Updated on March 12, 2024

THE ULTIMATE FIRST-TIMERS GUIDE TO PLANNING A TRIP TO ICELAND

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for planning your trip to Iceland, including when is the best time to visit, how long to stay for, and the best places to visit. We’ve also included tips on what you can expect to be the average cost of a trip to Iceland, and how to get around – plus a few tips on driving around Iceland in summer or winter conditions.

I visited Iceland in the winter a few years ago with my husband and we have been raving about it ever since. So much so, that we have already started planning a second Iceland trip to see the country during the summertime. We hope to see and do all the things we missed last time and we’d also like to experience Iceland during a different time of year.

Regardless of which time of year you choose to visit, there are many things to consider when planning a trip to Iceland for the first time. A lot of these things I didn’t actually learn until we arrived, and I wish I had been more prepared.

I decided to share this guide on how to plan a trip to Iceland, so you can get the most out of your trip and don’t make the same mistakes that I did!

How Long To Spend In Iceland

2-3 days in iceland.

When we first arrived in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik , we came across many tourists who were only staying in Iceland for only two days! We thought this was a little strange but later learned that Icelandair offers a free two-day stopover in Reykjavik when traveling between North America and Europe.

Visiting for 2-3 days will basically only allow enough time to see Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon , the Golden Circle, or the South Coast . These are the most popular attractions in Iceland, as they are all within short driving distance from Reykjavik. Check out our Iceland three-day itinerary that covers all three destinations.

There are many day tours to Vik (South Coast), the Blue Lagoon, or the Golden Circle, that depart from Reykjavik on a daily basis, making them fairly accessible during a 2-3 day visit. However, if you wish to see more of the country, you will need to allow more time when planning a trip to Iceland.

5-7 Days In Iceland

If you have at least one week to spend in Iceland , this will allow you to see more of the countryside. Although don’t expect to see ‘everything’.

When we were planning our Iceland trip, we wanted to see the entire country, however, we only had 7 days and soon figured out that it would be a fairly packed itinerary if we attempted to do the full Ring Road (the road that encircles the entire Island).

5-7 days will allow you to comfortably cover Reykjavik, the majority of Iceland’s South Coast (including the Glacier Lagoon), and the Golden Circle. If you have an extra few days, then I would recommend heading out to Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

I have a few friends who did the entire Ring Road trip in 7 days and have said that they wished they had more time to spend in some places. But, if you don’t mind being on the move all the time and are very organized with your itinerary, then it is possible to do the entire Ring Road in 7 days.

10-14 Days In Iceland

If you are looking to organize the ‘ultimate’ Iceland adventure trip, then I would recommend allowing at least 10-14 days.

10-12 days is the perfect time to cover the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, the South Coast, Northern Iceland, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. By extending your Iceland itinerary to two weeks, you’ll also be able to visit the most remote part of Iceland, which is least frequented by tourists – the West Fjords.

Best Time For Planning A Trip To Iceland

When planning a trip to Iceland for the first time, you really need to consider what you want to see and do. Honestly, there really isn’t a ‘best time’ to visit Iceland. It’s one of those destinations that is great to visit all year round.

Iceland really only has two seasons – Winter and Summer. Something to be aware of when planning an Iceland trip is that it’s a cold-weather destination. So, don’t be mistaken by the word “Summer”, as the weather can be just as unpredictable in Summer as it can be in winter.

Below I’ve listed some of the best months to visit Iceland, based on the season. You can also check out our full guide on the best time to visit Iceland for more information.

If you’re planning an Iceland trip in the summertime, there are also many activities that you cannot do in the winter.

All the campgrounds open up in summer, as well as many hiking trails that are covered in thick snow during the winter. There are beautiful fields of flowers in bloom everywhere and great conditions for horseback riding. Summer is also the best time to visit Iceland for puffin viewing.

The average temperature in July and August is around 10-13°C (50-55°F) but can get as high as 20°C (68°F) during the summer. These two months are the most popular months for tourism and most accommodation books out at least 4-6 months in advance.

In the summertime, it’s also possible to take advantage of the midnight sun from late May until early August, when one can expect around 16-21 hours of sunlight each day. This gives plenty of great opportunities for outdoor activities during (nearly) all hours of the day.

Iceland’s winter generally lasts from around mid-October to March or April.

The temperature in Iceland in winter can be cold, with harsh snowstorms and highly unpredictable weather. This is part of the appeal of visiting a country which, by the very definition of its name – is a winter destination for most of the year.

December and January are generally the coldest months in Iceland with an average temperature around -1°C / 29°F, and the least sunlight hours per day. This would mean that daytime activities are often limited. However, there are also fewer tourists during these months. I visited Iceland in March and found the weather to be quite mild, but when the wind picks up, the temperature drops very quickly.

Winter is the best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights viewing , as they cannot be seen in the summer, due to the midnight sun. Another good reason to visit in the winter is to go ice-caving or glacier hiking. Unfortunately, these activities are off-limits during the summer as the ice melts making it too dangerous for many glacier activities.

How To Get Around Iceland

Public transport.

One of the first things you need to decide when planning a trip is working out how to get around Iceland. Unfortunately, Iceland’s public transport system is not well served, with no rail network available.

There is a local bus network called Straeto that offers services around the majority of the island and Reykjavik city. Some night buses are also available. It’s advised to book well in advance, so you’ll need to consider your route and options when working out how to plan your trip to Iceland.

Another option, Reykjavik Excursions is a private company that offers airport bus transfers (via FlyBus), as well as bus services to/from a number of tourist destinations within Iceland, including the Blue Lagoon, the Highlands, Reykjavik City Hop-on Hop-off bus, the Golden Circle and more.

This is a good option if you wish to visit these areas on your own and not part of a group tour, but don’t want to drive. Reykjavik Excursions also offers multi-day group tours.

There are a number of bus companies operating between Keflavik International Airport and Reykjavik city, including the FlyBus. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and departs from the airport and Reykjavik regularly throughout the day. There is no need to pre-book this service.

Doing a self-guided road trip is the most popular way to get around Iceland. Driving around Iceland is actually a lot easier than many people think.

Even in winter, the main roads that service the major tourist sites are very well maintained and are graded each morning. There is also no need to rent a 4WD when driving around Iceland unless of course, you’re planning to venture onto Iceland’s many off-road tracks (called F-Roads).

Many of the best places to visit in Iceland are located outside the capital city of Reykjavik, but a lot of them are within easy driving distance.

If you’re planning to visit Iceland for at least 5 days or more, then a self-guided road trip is the best way to go, so long as you’re comfortable with renting a car and driving yourself. If you have at least 7 days, you can follow our 7-day Golden Circle and Southern Iceland itinerary .

If you’re visiting in summer, you could also consider hiring a camper or bringing a tent to save on accommodation costs. There are loads of great campgrounds around Iceland. Though I wouldn’t recommend camping in the wintertime.

Additional Tips For Driving Around Iceland:

• Rental vehicles and campers are readily available to collect from Keflavik International airport or Reykjavik city. If you plan to spend a few days exploring Reykjavik before embarking on a road trip, I would recommend picking up your vehicle from Reykjavik. Most places within the city are within walking distance, so there’s no need for a car to get around.
• If you plan to go off-the-beaten-track and drive of the F-roads, you will need to hire a 4WD. But this is not needed as it’s possible to stick to the main (sealed) roads and still see a lot of things in Iceland.
• Google Maps is very easy to use to navigate your way around Iceland.
• Download the Icelandic Meteorological Office App (called Vedur) before driving around Iceland and keep up to date with the weather and road conditions.

Group Tours

As I mentioned earlier, the best places to visit in Iceland are outside the main cities.

If the thought of driving around Iceland doesn’t appeal to you, but you want to see more of the country, then consider joining a group tour. There are hundreds of operators offering group tours but be aware that they are not cheap.

If you’re not confident with driving around Iceland, another option is to stay in Reykjavik and book a series of day tours that depart and return to Reykjavik each day.

There are day tours available that will get you to most places in Iceland within one day, just be aware that some destinations, such as the Glacier Lagoon, may take up to 15 hours round trip to reach. It’s not possible to reach the North/Eastern parts of the island or the West Fjords in one day.

Packing For A Trip To Iceland

Iceland is one of those countries where you really need to be organized with what you pack. The weather can be very unpredictable at any time of year, so It pays to do some research before you go.

In addition, many of the best things to do in Iceland involve outdoor activities, so it’s important to have the right clothing for the conditions , especially in the winter.

Tip: Take a swimsuit with you no matter what time of year you visit, as there are hot springs literally everywhere in Iceland.

Tips For Packing For Iceland In Winter

• Wool thermals – Essential to wear underneath. Merino wool thermals are the best as they are antimicrobial, which means can be worn more than once before they need a wash.
• Waterproof and windproof outer layer – You will wear this every day.
• Layers – Pack a fleece, down puffer jacket or wool sweater to wear under your outer layer.
• Fleece-lined leggings and waterproof pants – Don’t bother with jeans, they will just get soaking wet and you’ll be cold.
• Hardy waterproof boots – not sneakers.
• Don’t forget a pair of gloves, a beanie, and a scarf.

Tips For Packing For Iceland In Summer

• Raincoat or waterproof jacket – Rain can appear in Iceland at any time with only a moment’s notice.
• Packable warm jacket or sweater – Just in case the weather turns cold and for evenings.
• Stretchy rugged travel pants or hiking pants – Leave the shorts and dresses at home.
• Layers – Short and long sleeve shirts, flannel shirts, and vests that can be layered over one another.
• Don’t forget a sleep mask to block out the midnight sun!

Booking Accommodation In Iceland

Booking accommodation in Iceland can be fickle. Hotels can be very pricey, and due to the influx of tourism over the past few years, they must be secured well in advance.

In the main city of Reykjavik, there are plenty of hotels, apartments, guesthouses, Airbnbs, and Hostels. But as you venture out into the countryside, options become a little more limited. If you plan to stay in hotels during your Iceland trip, be aware that there are very few 5-star hotels in the country. There are also not many international chains, as most are locally owned, boutique-style hotels.

It pays to do a good deal of research on accommodation while planning a trip to Iceland. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when booking accommodation in Iceland.

Additional Tips For Booking Accommodation In Iceland:

• Book your accommodation at least 4-6 months in advance. 6 months in advance is recommended during high season (May through September), and at least 4 months in advance during the low season (October through April).
• I recommend booking through Booking.com  as they offer a ‘best price guarantee’ and many hotels have free cancellation.
• If you have your heart set on staying in the one of best hotels Iceland has to offer, check out the Silica Hotel .
• There are plenty of great unique cabins and guesthouses on Airbnb , which are usually a fraction of the cost of a hotel.
• Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff for a Northern Lights wake-up call. Many hotels offer this as part of the service.
• Many hotels and guesthouses have saunas, hot tubs or hot springs, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
• Renting a camper or RV is also a great option and allows you to have the freedom of traveling at your own pace.
• There are also loads of camping grounds around Iceland if you want to save money and get out into nature.

How Much Is A Trip To Iceland Going To Cost?

When I was planning my trip, I was absolutely flabbergasted at the average cost of a trip to Iceland. Iceland is definitely not a budget-friendly destination. The average cost of a trip to Iceland can be anywhere between $150 and $500 per person per day, not including flights.

To give you an idea of the average cost of a trip to Iceland, here are a few general daily expenses and what you might expect to pay:

• Espresso coffee: $5-6
• Draught beer: $10-12
• Bottle of water: $3-4
• Steak in a mid-range restaurant: $50-80
• One-night stay at a 4-star hotel in Reykjavik: $170-400
• Car hire for one day (Intermediate vehicle with 4WD): $150-200

*Prices shown in USD are approximate at the time of writing and may vary.

Best Things To Do In Iceland

There are so many amazing places to visit in Iceland. When I was planning a trip to Iceland, I spent hours researching and creating my own Ultimate Iceland Bucket List . Here are my top 10 recommendations of the best things to do in Iceland:

1) Chasing Waterfalls

The number of amazing waterfalls in Iceland seems to be endless. You could literally spend your entire trip chasing waterfalls and nothing else.

In southern Iceland, check out Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Svartifoss. Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s largest, located on the Golden Circle. Kirkjufellsfoss is located west of Reykjavik on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Dettifoss and Goðafoss are both in the north part of Iceland.

Tip: In case you hadn’t already guessed, the word ‘foss’ is Icelandic for ‘waterfall’.

2) Hallgrimskirkja Church

One of the most popular places to visit in Iceland is the Hallgrimskirkja Church .

The Church sits on the top of a hill in the middle of Reykjavik and can be seen from all over the city. The climb up to the viewing deck at the top is well worth it for the views over the city and out to sea.

3) Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Located around 5-6 hours’ drive from Reykjavik, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was one of my favorite places to visit in Iceland. Watch on as chunks of ice break off one of the largest glaciers in Europe and float out to sea, only to be picked up by waves and deposited on a black beach, where they look like diamonds glistening in the sun.

4) See The Northern Lights

An activity reserved only for those planning an Iceland trip in the winter, the Northern Lights are only visible between October to March. They are often touted as one of the best things to do in Iceland, however, they can be a little allusive in the southern parts. Northern Iceland offers the best viewing areas.

Most hotels will offer a wake-up service if the Northern Lights happen to appear. Check out these tips on how to see the Northern Lights in Iceland .

5) Hike To The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck was one of the most unique places to visit in Iceland.

Picture this – an abandoned US Navy plane that crashed on a deserted beach in Southern Iceland in 1973 but was never removed. Very few people knew it was there, but decades later it’s got discovered by tourists (and Justin Beiber), and then became one of the most popular places to visit in Iceland.

It’s also a haven for landscape photographers. The hike to the crash site begins near Skógafoss waterfall, on the other side of the Ring Road, and is approximately 3km one way (6km return).

6) Descend Into An Ice-Cave

Another activity that can only be experienced during the winter, but well worth planning an Iceland trip around is descending into an Ice-cave. Seeing ice formations that are thousands of years old and standing underneath one of the largest glaciers in Europe really makes you appreciate how precious our natural resources can be.

7) Reynisfjara Black Beach

Reynisfjara is the most famous black beach in Iceland, even though all the beaches in Iceland actually have black sand.

Located near the small fishing village of Vik on Iceland’s south coast, Reynisfjara Black Beach features towering black basalt stacks, which you can climb, and a striking offshore jagged rock formation called Reynisdrangar. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Iceland, so you can expect it to be a little crowded.

Traveler Tip: If you’re visiting in the summertime, take advantage of the midnight sun and head there late or early to miss the crowds.

8) Snorkeling Or Diving In Silfra Fissure

One of the most unique things to do in Iceland is to go snorkeling or diving between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. There are several tour operators that offer this activity in the Silfra Fissure, located in Thingvellir National Park .

Despite what a lot of people think, this is an activity that can actually be experienced at any time of year, even in winter. The temperature in the water only varies by around 2°C all year round.

9) See The Puffins

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland between May and August, then you’ll be there just in time for the puffin nesting season.

The best spots for watching puffins are Dyrhólaey near Vik, Heimaey island in Vestmannaeyjar, Borgarfjörður eystri in East Iceland, and Grímsey island in the north.

10) The Blue Lagoon

It’s completely over-touristed, but the Blue Lagoon still one of the best places to visit in Iceland! Regardless of the number of people wading in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, it is still one of the most beautiful hot springs in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon Visitors Centre is always busy, be sure to pre-purchase tickets . But there are ways to avoid the hordes of tourists.

Once you get into the water, head out to the back of the lagoon, where there are not too many crowds, or consider spending a night at the Silica Hotel and getting a private lagoon to yourself! Check out more tips for visiting the Blue Lagoon .

Planning An Iceland Trip Wrap Up

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need on how to plan a trip to Iceland. There are so many things to do in Iceland and I cannot recommend this beautiful country highly enough.

The one thing to keep in mind is that Iceland is a completely different destination during the winter versus the summertime. The seasons need to be carefully considered when is the best time to visit Iceland and all the things you want to do in Iceland.

The average cost of a trip to Iceland will also be a huge factor when determining your vacation budget. Working out how long to stay for, and how to get around Iceland will have a big impact on your Iceland trip cost. We hope that this article has helped to answer all these questions and more.

We hope that this article has helped you to plan your trip to Iceland. If you have any questions or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About Iceland

• How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
• 10 Things You Can’t Miss In Reykjavik Iceland  
• Iceland: A 3 Day Itinerary In The Land Of Fire And Ice
• Iceland Road Trip: 5 Epic Hidden Gems To Seek Out
• Why You Should Rent A Car In Iceland

We Are Travel Girls Ambassador Amanda Twine  of FlyStayLuxe.com   Connect with Amanda  Instagram  | Facebook  | Twitter  | YouTube  | Pinterest

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Stella Wilson says

July 22, 2020 at 9:13 pm

Hey, Wonderful blog, I really enjoyed reading it. I have been planning to visit Iceland for a very long time now. Let’s see when the plans materialize. Well, thanks for sharing this informative post and the beautiful photographs.

Hayley says

July 23, 2020 at 2:23 am

Love this – I have some flights booked to go for New Year and this has been really helpful!

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8 Ultimate Steps for Planning Your Dream Vacation in Iceland

• Last Updated: October 18, 2021
• Norbert Zohó

Before every great trip comes a well-thought-out plan. Organizing your vacation to Iceland can, however, start to feel like a chore, especially if you’re keen to just be there already. Finding the best deals, deciding where to stay, what attractions to visit, and finalizing your itinerary can be quite overwhelming. 

With more and more people adding Iceland to their bucket lists, planning ahead is vital for the best experience. It’s not unusual to find that accommodations, trips, transport, and attractions are fully booked for some time ahead, especially for peak travel periods. Iceland’s climate can be a challenge too, with detailed planning needed to really make the most of your visit.

Don’t worry if your trip preparation is a struggle—this article will lead you through everything you need to consider for an amazing Icelandic holiday. Follow the steps for clearer organization and benefit from handy tips to help make your planning process that much easier.    

Examine Your Personal Preferences

Research the best time of year to visit iceland, short breaks, more than two weeks, your travel budget, research areas, top attractions, and activities, create your iceland bucket list – if you don’t already have one, traveling independently, traveling with local guides, camping, hiking, and backpacking, book your trip (flight, accommodation, activities), prepare for your trip, be a responsible tourist and take the icelandic pledge, pick a time to travel.

Firstly, think about when you can travel to Iceland. You might have fixed dates, with vacations depending on school holidays, when you can have time off work, family obligations, or similar. You may be planning a trip to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. If your travel dates aren’t flexible you don’t need to give further thought to this step—simply find the best flights (taking into account factors like price/flight times/number of layovers) for your dates and book them. 

If you have some flexibility with your travel dates and no set period when you need to take your trip, there are several things to think about. 

Would you prefer to save money and/or dodge the tourist crowds with a trip during the off-peak season? Is the weather important to you? Are there any festivals you want to attend? 

Is there a certain time of year that you would rather experience in Iceland? For example, do you dream of basking on volcanic beaches in the sunshine, enjoying the never-ending daylight of the midnight sun, and admiring the lush green scenery of the summertime? Or would you rather see the Northern Lights illuminating the wintry skies, explore naturally formed ice caves, and enjoy snow activities? 

If you still can’t decide when you want to take your trip, check out ou r comprehensive guide on the best time to travel to Iceland . You’ll learn more about traveling in each season, including the weather, temperature, and helpful pros and cons. There are details about all major festivities and events throughout the year too. This information will hopefully help you to decide when to plan your trip for. 

When planning your trip to Iceland, do remember that seasonal differences can greatly affect travel times and the amount you can do in any day. Summer sees many more hours of daylight than winter; it takes almost twice as long in winter to visit the same amount of places. 

While the long summer days mean you can enjoy bright sunshine right around the clock, there are only around 3–6 hours of daylight at the height of winter. Traveling in the dark means you would miss seeing much of Iceland’s stunning scenery. Planning a winter visit to Iceland needs much more preparation and organization than a summer vacation. 

You would need to spend longer exploring Iceland in the winter months to see the same as you would on a shorter summer trip. 

Determine a Length for the Trip

If you have a limited amount of time for your vacation, this isn’t a big factor in your planning process; this decision has been made for you. If, however, you have the flexibility to decide how long to stay in Iceland, you’ll need to choose between a short getaway and a longer vacation. These pointers might make your decision a bit easier. 

It is possible to spend 2–3 days discovering the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík and surrounding areas. Any trip to Iceland is fun! A longer trip, however, lets you enjoy even more of this beautiful country and scratch beyond the surface. 

Spending a little longer in Iceland allows you to comfortably visit some of the country’s most well-known attractions, such as Reykjavik, the Golden Circle , and destinations along the South Coast . With a vacation of 4–6 days you can easily check off the capital’s main sights, such as the unique architecture of Hallgrimskirkja, as well as some of Iceland’s most famous geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes. There’s also plenty of time to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, take leisurely strolls along striking black sand beaches, and explore unusual landscapes.    

A longer stay of around 7–10 days is really recommended for travelers flying from farther afield; it can take a couple of days to combat jetlag and adjust to a different timezone. You can spend the first day or two exploring Reykjavik at a relaxed pace while regaining your energy to fully make the most of excursions and trips around the country.

If you stay in Iceland for a week or longer, you can plan to visit more remote areas in addition to the popular tourist routes around the Golden Circle and South Coast . Your holiday can also include destinations like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Diamond Circle, and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Plus, you can take part in more activities too. 

You could also explore the entire island during a ten-day stay in the summer, although you would need to be willing to spend several hours traveling each day.      

The perfect duration for the best holiday in Iceland is around 10–15 days. With this amount of time you can easily hit all of the famous highlights and discover even more of the island’s remote treasures. You’ll have plenty of flexibility and freedom to add beautiful destinations like the Icelandic Highlands, the Eastfjords, and the Westfjords to your itinerary. And, with a longer holiday of around two weeks you’ll have lots of time to take long walks in dramatic nature and wander around charming coastal communities. 

If you are lucky enough to be able to stay for more than two weeks in Iceland you can travel at a slower pace and take time to appreciate the smaller details for a greater understanding of the local culture and way of life. Spending more than two weeks in Iceland allows you to start experiencing the country more as a local. Take time to watch fascinating local wildlife, sample lots of Icelandic cuisine, explore destinations away from the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and mingle with the locals.  

Naturally, your budget is a vital consideration when deciding how long to stay in Iceland. Check the average costs of accommodations, excursions, car hire, and activities for a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay while on holiday. Keep in mind that prices usually vary a lot between peak travel seasons and off-peak times. Also, some activities are not available at certain times of the year. Connected to the above point, it’s important to still balance the fact that while winter costs are normally cheaper, you would probably want to stay longer to have the best Icelandic experience. 

When you’ve got a good idea of the dates you want to travel, you can begin thinking about Iceland’s famous attractions and activities. You’ve likely already got some great ideas in mind, but there are sure to be other terrific things that you don’t yet know about. Be prepared to amend and add to your list of things to do in Iceland when you realize just how much fun awaits you!

Research the top things to do in Reykjavik and the popular surrounding areas of the Golden Circle and the South Coast . As the most sought-after places in Iceland, you’re all but certain to want to add these to your wish list. If you plan to stay longer in Iceland and want to discover more of the beautiful island, you’ll need to research these areas too.  

This part of your planning is easy, thanks to our comprehensive articles on West Iceland (including Reykjavik and the Golden Circle), South Iceland, North Iceland, and East Iceland. We’ve done all the legwork for you and gathered all the top places to visit. You’ll get loads of inspiration to create your ultimate Iceland bucket list!   

While you’ll want to cram as much as you can into your vacation and see everything there is in Iceland, practically you’re going to have to have some limits when it comes to your must-visits. Realistically, you’ll need to skip some places because of time, distance, budget, or seasonal closures. 

Before you get into the nitty gritty of creating your itinerary, it’s handy to make a list of all the top things you want to see and do on your holiday. Rank your list in priority order and locate everywhere on a map for a good idea of how long it would take you to get between places. Think about how long you would want to stay at each place too. 

Once you’ve mapped out all of the places you want to visit, if you find they are dotted right around the island you’ll probably want to consider traveling all around Iceland. If time is short, however, you’ll need to reassess your options and remove any places that would simply be impossible to get to in your time frame. Your bucket list will help you to prioritize and plan your adventure. 

Choose Your Travel Style

Understanding your preferred travel style is an important factor when making your travel plans. For example, do you prefer to organize most things independently, or do you enjoy booking excursions and leaving the finer details and logistics up to a company? Your travel style affects the amount of research you need to do before (and sometimes during) your vacation, your budget, and the feasibility of getting to certain destinations. 

Many travelers love the flexibility and freedom of exploring Iceland independently. Renting a car and driving around Iceland is immensely popular. If you choose this option you should keep in mind that you will still need a fairly rigid itinerary, as you’ll need to book many accommodations and activities with plenty of advance notice, particularly during the peak summer period. 

Organizing your vacation can be a fabulous experience in itself. You can put your dreams into action and start preparing for your trip months in advance. It really lets you enjoy the buildup to your holiday! You’ll likely spend hours poring over travel guides, looking at amazing images, reading blogs, comparing suggested itineraries, and gathering inspiration and ideas. 

A big plus point of planning your own trip is that you can fully tailor your accommodations based on your needs and desires. Maybe you’ve seen a guest house or hotel that you’ve completely fallen in love with? You can choose exactly where you stay and when. 

You can plan how long to stay in each destination, the number of stops along your route, how long you want to spend in the car each day moving from place to place, and so on. Practically, you have the full flexibility to stop for toilet breaks and to grab food at any time you want, and if something catches your eye while you’re on the road, there’s nothing to prevent you from pulling over for a closer look. 

You can change your plans as you go, spending longer or shorter times at different places and adding in extra attractions if you wish (within the framework of already booked places to stay and things to do).

Your holiday will be planned based on your tastes and interests, with you as your own personal travel guide at the helm. There’s a great sense of achievement in completing a trip that you planned yourself.   

Independent travel offers a fantastic opportunity to spend quality time with your travel companions or enjoy plenty of peaceful moments if traveling solo. Couples can enjoy romantic times without traveling in a group of strangers, families can bond, and friends can share as many inside jokes as they like. 

Other pros of independent travel is that it is typically cheaper than joining organized group tours (or private tours), and there is usually a greater sense of adventure.   

Some travelers like the luxury of having someone else take care of trip planning, leaving them with little responsibility beyond showing up and enjoying the experience. There’s definitely a sense of safety and security on guided excursions.

Some destinations around Iceland are quite difficult to access independently. It can be tricky, at best, to reach some places by rental car, while some destinations aren’t accessible at all (especially in the winter) unless you have a specialized vehicle. If you book a guided tour to difficult-to-reach places, you know you’re going to get there. It’s common for local guides in Iceland to have the relevant permits and licenses to safely drive specialized vehicles. Plus, they have the skills and experience to tackle terrain that you may not be used to. 

Booking a multi-day trip around Iceland saves you the time and energy of coming up with your own plan and making all the necessary arrangements by yourself. If you book a multi-day Iceland vacation all aspects of planning, arranging, and booking your holiday are included in the package.

Traveling with a local guide means you can often benefit from lots of inside stories and tips. They can give you interesting facts about history and local culture that you may not otherwise have discovered on your own. 

Some travelers enjoy meeting new people on group tours. It can definitely be a good way for sociable travelers to strike up conversations and make new holiday friends. 

Tours are often more expensive than making your own plans. However, when you weigh up the cost of car rentals, accommodations, and activity fees against the price of an all-inclusive tour, you will likely be surprised to find that there isn’t such a large price difference overall.    

Camping, hiking, and backpacking are the most flexible ways to explore Iceland, and you can enjoy lots of spontaneity. Many hiking enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors dream of exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, with volcanoes, glaciers, and lava fields aplenty. 

Imagine setting up your tent beneath crisp skies filled with twinkling stars (or even the dancing colors of the Northern Lights!), snuggling in your sleeping bag, and then waking up to some of the most stunning views on the planet. It would certainly be a memorable adventure. Plus, camping is the best way to sleep for cheap in Iceland; budget travelers can save lots of money by opting for a few nights under canvas. 

Although backpacking, camping, and hiking give you lots of freedom when actually traveling around Iceland, this type of exploration does generally need more preparation than other travel styles. There are many more things to consider, such as rules about camping, how to access water and supplies, natural hazards, and mobile network coverage. The weather and number of daylight hours also come into play more when you’re spending more time exposed to the elements. You’ll also need to carry high-quality gear that is suitable for the Arctic conditions. You should already have experience planning similar trips.  

Iceland’s landscapes can be wild and conditions can change quickly. Away from major tourist centers, you should only camp and hike if you already have experience; it’s not a place for novice outdoor adventurers. If you are keen to camp/hike in Iceland but have no prior experience, you can join specialist hiking tours with a professional guide to ensure your safety and enjoyment. 

Finally, after you’ve completed the previous steps, it’s time to start booking your holiday! 

Find the best deals on your flights and book those first. Then, book your accommodations and activities. 

If you opted for a multi-day tour, you don’t need to worry about booking places to sleep as this will be included in your package. With this option, you don’t need to do much planning beyond confirming your trip and waiting for your holiday date to arrive! 

If, however, you decide to travel independently, you should compile a detailed travel itinerary so that you can book your activities and any pre-bookable tickets in advance. You should also confirm your booking for a hire car.   

As highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, booking refundable flights and hotels is highly recommended; many service providers have this option, though you may need to pay a small surcharge. It’s worth it, though, for your peace of mind and protection.  

Don’t scrimp when it comes to travel insurance either. The ideal cover will include the option to “Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)”. This means that you will get back up to 75% of your travel costs if you need to cancel your vacation for reasons outside of the standard cover terms. No matter what life may throw at you, you can rest easy knowing that you can get most of your money back if needed.  

You won’t need to prepare much (except packing your bags!) if you chose to take a multi-day excursion with a local guide. The tour operator will provide you with all relevant information. During your tour you’ll be given lots of details about Icelandic nature, culture, and history to help you better understand the country and get the most from your memorable trip. 

If you will travel to Iceland independently, take some time before your departure to learn a little about the country. Read up on local customs, traditions and culture, flora and fauna, history, geology, and anything that you would like to know to help you gain a deeper understanding of Iceland. 

Regardless of your traveling style or type of trip, everyone should take the time to learn more about the typical weather and daylight hours over the time you will visit Iceland. This article covers everything you may need to know about the weather and seasonal changes, and there’s even a helpful clothing guide to help you out when it comes to packing.  

To help preserve and protect the country’s unique landscapes and nature, as well as show respect for local people, the Icelandic Tourist Board has created the Icelandic Pledge. All travelers should agree to abide by this promise before beginning their adventure. Naturally, you should be a responsible traveler when in Iceland. These are the pledge details:

I pledge to be a responsible tourist. When I explore new places, I will leave them as I found them. I will take photos to die for, without dying for them. I will follow the road into the unknown, but never venture off the road. And I will only park where I am supposed to. When I sleep out under the stars, I’ll stay within a campsite. And when nature calls, I won’t answer the call on nature. I will be prepared for all weathers, all possibilities, and all adventures.

You can take your personalized pledge here .

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How to plan an unforgettable trip to Iceland (time, itinerary, transport…)

Last updated on October 6, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Let’s start planning your trip to Iceland. All I want is for you to have an unforgettable experience! With all the incredible landscapes to discover in Iceland, some planning is really necessary to make the most of your time. So here is my guide to help answer all your planning questions such as where to go, how to get around, where to say, what to do….

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Navigate back to the complete  Iceland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Iceland – The Guide

As you will see, I have written many articles in my travel guide to help you plan an UNFORGETTABLE trip to Iceland. This post below is a summary to help you find the answers to all of your questions and show the related articles that can help you plan everything.

There are many options to discover the land of Fire and Ice, and I want to help you decide the best approach for you.

So let’s get started with the 8 essential questions…

Where? Best destinations in Iceland

Let’s start by a general overview of the main regions of Iceland and the things you can expect to see in each of them. Note that all the tourist board websites in Iceland are organized by such regions.

Here is a quick map of Iceland with its regions:

And below is a quick overview of all the region to see what type of scenery your prefer:

SOUTH ICELAND

It has some the country’s most visited tourist attractions with waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs and the drive along this South Coast is a constant amazement

You can see the top things to do in the region here

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

Also known as the ‘small Iceland’; its geological diversity will give you taste of what there is to see in Iceland: volcano, glacier, waterfall, fjords…

SOUTH WEST ICELAND

The Iceland Tourist board includes 2 other regions: Reykjavik and the Reykjanes peninsula. Personally I will gather them with other attractions into a region ‘Around Reykjavik’ with geothermal wonders, lighthouses, geysers and impressive waterfalls

NORTH ICELAND

Valleys, fjords, geothermal area, ‘post-apocalyptic’ lava fields… contrasts, colors and a deep connection with Earth. This was my favorite region

WEST FJORDS

Stunning fjords and lagoons, wildlife… This is a very isolated region with relatively unspoiled wilderness

EAST FJORDS

Forest, lush farmlands, small fjords and islands…

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

Wild mountains and glacier which can be explored during summer with 4WD or hiking

And now that you know where you would like to go, let’s start planning your trip to Iceland !!!

When? Best time to visit Iceland

Iceland is beautiful and magical all year around and the best time to visit really depends on you and what you want to see.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> I have written a detailed guide on the Best time to visit Iceland including conditions and things to see.

Here is a very short summary:

June-August

• Long daylight hours, green scenery, lupine fields (June-July)
• BUT Peak season: higher prices, more tourists; no aurora borealis

May & September-beginning October

• Still enough daylight hours, Chances at aurora borealis, autumn colors, road still in good conditions
• BUT Less accommodations are opened, colder weather
• Not many tourists, winter wonders such as the blue caves, stunning landscapes with snow, less tourists, interesting low light for photography, good prices
• BUT Difficult driving conditions, many roads closed, not many hours of light
• It is a great time to see the Northern lights in Iceland
• Find out your options on my article about visiting Iceland in Winter and Iceland Winter Tours
• Have a look this great post by Dreaming and Wandering about 10 reasons you should visit Iceland in Winter

How long should you plan a trip to Iceland ?

Before you can start planning a trip to Iceland, you first have to decide how long to stay (if you have the luxury to be flexible with your time).

Here are some facts to help you:

• Route 1 a.k.a. the Ring Road (Icelandic: Þjóðvegur 1 or Hringvegur) runs around the island (see on the map above). The total length of the road is 1,332 kilometers ( 828 miles ).
• Speed limit on the best paved roads is 90 km/hour but unpaved sections are at 80km 
• You will want to stop every 5 minutes to look at the changing scenery or take a photo – this is inevitable

Therefore, I would not recommend attempting the all around Ring Road in 7 days, you would have to rush all the time. But if you are ok with getting just a snapshot of each region then go for it (one of my favorite blogger Liz from Young Adventuress did it with her Iceland challenge and really loved it).

From my experience and discussion with local tour guides, I think to really enjoy it you need:

• Reykjavik – Golden circle: 2 days
• Snaefellnes: 2/3 days
• South Iceland: 3 days
• West Fjords: 2 – 3 days
• East Iceland: 2 days
• North Iceland: 5 days (including 3 around Myvatn)
• Central Highlands – at least one day for Landmannalaugar with 4 WD but there is so much more to see!

Transportation – How to travel around Iceland?

When you are planning a trip to Iceland, you can consider the following options to get around the island:

OPTION 1  – Self-Drive Iceland – own planning

Considering the distance and the limits of bus travel, especially outside the summer months, doing and Iceland Road Trip is the number one solution. And I totally agree. Because me, the person who hates driving, I ended up enjoying my self-drive experience in Iceland!!! The lack of traffic and the amazing scenery everywhere made my trip very easy. It was a miracle according to my mother 🙂

FULL ARTICLE  ==> Anyway I have gathered for you all I learnt about driving on a road trip in Iceland and a step-by-step guide to renting a car in Iceland

And I recommend the rental car company I used: Route 1 car rental . Their service was excellent, and the car was is perfect condition. 

IF THIS IS YOUR CHOICE, you can jump to the next section about planning your Iceland itinerary.

OPTION 2  – Self-Drive Iceland – Iceland Trip Package

If you don’t want to plan everything yourself but are happy to drive around based on indication provided, you can book an Iceland Self drive package with car rental, hotels and recommendations.

Here are suggested packages of all lengths:

• Summer Self drive tours
• Winter Self drive tours
• And if your budget is limited, they also gathered in one page all their budget Self drive tour options

Or you can head to my article about how to choose your Iceland Self drive tour package .

OPTION 3 – Organized tours with base in Reykjavik

Many companies are offering single day tours departing from Reykjavik to see many of the best attractions in the South of the island. If you have only a few days it can be a good option to stay in the same hotel, and get a snapshot of several areas.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> To see the best options of activities and tours check out my  suggested best day trips from Reykjavik

OPTION 4 – Multi-day Iceland Circuits

Another option if you don’t want to drive (especially in Winter) is to book a circuit over several days. This way you get to see a lot more than with day trips. And you can just sit, relax and admire the scenery.

For example:

• a Summer 7 day Guided Ring Road Tour – check out program and price
• A Summer 10 day Iceland Circle in Minibus – check out program and price
• a Winter 7 day Vacation with Northern lights – a mic of day trips and multi day ones – check out program and price
• An 8 day Winter complete tourPackage  – check out program and price

OPTION 5 – Super Jeep Private Tours

If you have the budget, you can also hire a super jeep and expert drive. This will allow you to discover off the beaten track regions and magnificent landscapes. And I did splurge and offered myself a private 2 Day Super Jeep tour to discover part of the central highlands. I used Discover Iceland and was extremely satisfied. 

OPTION 6 – Bus / hitchhiking

• Except from the very well organized FlyBus that takes you from the airport to Reykjavik, I have not tested the bus system. However note that you will be quite limited if traveling off the main summer months. The public transport system is run by Straeto.
• Many people hitch hike in Iceland as it is a very safe place to do so. However you have to be extremely patient as the flow of cars can be very small. In that case you cannot do much to plan a trip to Iceland.

Note -on Internal Flights in Iceland

If you want to shortcut your tour, or just cover one area of island, you can take internal flights from the Reykjavik domestic airport. Reykjavik to Akyreyri takes 40 minutes. Air Iceland runs many internal flights and they were cheaper than I expected especially if you book them in advance. Plus if you are lucky like me and the weather is clear you get to see part of Iceland from the sky for a lot cheaper than a special flight. I flew over fjords and glaciers and I even saw the cloud from the eruption far away!

What to see in Iceland? Planning an Iceland Trip Itinerary…

Now, if you have opted for a self-drive, it is time to start listing all the locations you do not want to miss. The problem is that there are so many, it is difficult to gather them and make a choice to create your itinerary !

I have made my selection and you can find all my favorite places in the following:

You can surf my website with 65 posts dedicated to Iceland . Most are dedicated to one location at a time with many photos and some videos: Golden Circle , Blue Lagoon , Jokulsarlon , Dimmuborgir , Dettifoss and so much more!

It includes  some  suggested itineraries depending on how long you have!

Check out the main eBook: a  practical road trip travel guide for Iceland I compiled for you. It contains:

• 8 exclusive maps
• 100+ locations with precise planning tips
• GPS coordinates
• More than 100 original pictures

All you need to plan your trip to Iceland!

If you just want to drive around the ring road, check out my other eBook, the practical Ring Road guide  I compiled for you. It contains:

• 30 stops within 10km of the Ring Road
• 10 detours under a day
• More than 70 original pictures
• Map with all locations
• All 2WD accessible

Accommodations – Where to stay in Iceland?

As one of my taxi drivers mentioned, with the boom of tourism in Iceland, accommodations are appearing everywhere, especially guesthouses. The options are as usual: camping, minivan/motorhome, hostels, guesthouses, hotels, farm stay.

FULL ARTICLE  ==> For information about where to stay in Iceland and for suggestions, check out my Iceland Accommodations Article.

A few points to keep in mind:

• During peak season, accommodations fill in quickly especially those well located
• Off peak season, many are closed so it can also be hard to find accommodation if you look at the last minute (I looked at it 6 weeks before and options were limited for the Myvatn area)
• A lot of rooms in Guesthouses have share bathrooms – I have seen many reviews by people who were surprised. So when you book, check the details!
• Renting a campervan or camping is also a great option to save money, stay closer to nature. But know that it is cold at night, so be mindful of how you are willing to travel. In September I still saw a lot of campers. Layers Layers Layers! – Check out some Mini-camper and van options

Get travel insurance

I really recommend you purchase travel insurance prior to departure. Compared to the budget of such a trip, it is reasonable and, in case of problems, you won’t regret having one. I personally always use World Nomads. Get a quote online here .

Language – The basics

To make your acquaintance smiles.

Almost everyone speaks English. So it is very easy to get around.

However be ready that they will have fun when you try pronouncing the names of places such as Fjadrárgljúfur, especially when talking about the volcano that erupted in 2010: Eyjafjallajökull. 

Of course like in any country, it is always appreciated when you try a few words in their language (which is called Icelandic by the way).

• Hello – Halló
• Thanks – Takk or Takk fyrir
• Cheers! – Skál!

For more, check out the wikitravel phrasebook page

To understand the name of places

Also there are a few words that are useful to be recognized so that when you see a sign you can realize what type of scenery it will be and you can decide if you want to explore:

• Jökull – Glacier
• Kirkja – Church
• Sarlon – Lagoon
• Fell – Mountain
• Foss/Fossar – Waterfall
• Hraun – Lava

Things to know to prepare your trip to Iceland

Money – currency, tipping….

• Currency: Icelandic Kronur
• Tipping: It’s not customary to tip in Iceland
• Paying: You can pay even very small amount by credit card. but to minimize the fees you might want to take out cash then plan in advance because there are not that many towns
• Managing cash: Exchange your leftover cash at the airport before leaving. You won’t be able to change it back once outside of Iceland.

FOOD & BEVERAGES – what to expect

• If you like Fish and Seafood, welcome to paradise! I had fish or langoustine at almost evey diner. Delicious!
• In terms of meat, you will see the usual. They serve a lot of Lamb. The Americans on my photo tours were surprised by how tender and good the lamb was (apparently very different from the US version).
• A typical quick bite in Iceland is the hot dog. They mix many sauces in it but it has nothing original.
• Snacks include dry fish… I have not tried, just the smell was repulsive to me. Let me know what younthink if you try it
• Cold tap water in Iceland is fantastic. It comes from the glacier and is delicious
• Alcohol is on the expensive end of the travel spectrum
• Icelandic Supermarkets are not big but you will find a good selection of options for snack and light meals – check out Victoria’s great article with the 5 things to know about the Icelandic Grocery Stores

The Icelandic weather is UNPREDICTABLE and can change every 10 minutes.

So do not watch the weather forecast before leaving. It is going to depress you. Iceland is beautiful in any weather. And you are not going there to lie on the beach so who cares? Just watch once you are there to maybe decide where to go each day if not preplanned.

What to pack for Iceland

Clothes – what to wear in iceland.

Layers, Layers, Layers. This is the golden rules. For Wind, Rain, Sun, Cold

The weather is unpredictable and you need to cover and uncover as it changes. But let’s face it, mostly you need warm clothes. Here is what I had:

• Good waterproof shoes
• Warm hat (I bought one in Iceland which is very comfortable and warm)
• Gloves; personally I took some with a touch screen finger to be able to take pictures with my iPhone without removing them
• Your new best friend, the  rain overpant
• Rain jacket but not too warm because I use layers for that, and a waterproof over pant
• Thermal underwear
• Wind shell jacket
• something to cover your neck
• swimsuit for nature baths and springs

And if you go outside during the night to chase northern lights, make sure to add layers to those you were wearing during the day. It gets cold, especially when it is windy.

Want a more detailed list with product suggestions?

Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland

Photography and other equipment

Iceland is magical. You can’t help but take hundreds of pictures of the same things. It is THAT beautiful. So here are major things not to forget

• Extra battery
• Extra memory cards – I had already many and bought one more in Iceland – After 16 days I came back with 8000 pictures (well, I did bracketing, so original pictures might be 6000) and 400 short videos. Don’t judge me!
• Rain protection – plastic bac or more evolved options this is mandatory. You will have rain and mist from the waterfalls.
• If you are a little bit more advances, ND filters for the waterfalls will be really helpful
• If you are even more advanced, then you do not need my help…
• Tripod to photograph aurora borealis

I also recommend bringing binoculars to admire the glacier tongues from the distance or to spot puffins. Check out my complete guide to help you find the right binoculars for you.

Good to know before leaving

• SHOWER – Hot water can smell like sulfur. But do not worry it is just due to the way it is heated (with geothermal power). No danger there.
• VISA – Don’t forget to check if you need a visa
• WIFI –  Wifi is widely available, often for free, at gas stations around the country. There are not many Internet café (well, there are not many towns so…) but all places I stayed had wifi had least in the common areas.
• COMMUNICATIONS – Cell phone service is also reliable in many places around the Ring Road
• FITNESS –  Before going I was worried I would miss a lot because I am not fit. But there is so much beauty everywhere that it was really not a problem. Of course, you have activities for all fitness level (e.g. 4 day hike through Thormosk and Landmannalaugar), but most Icelandic highlights are very accessible and your knee problems will just prevent you from seeing them from other viewpoints where you need to climb a little. You will still get to see them.

Want to know more about Iceland?

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Ready to plan a trip to Iceland?

Reader Interactions

October 19, 2014 at 8:20 PM

My husband and I are planning to go back to Iceland to drive the ring road and this is SUPER helpful as we stayed mostly in Reykjavik and South Iceland last time. Do you have any recommendations on lodging? We’re backpackers and were just considering camping, but we’re still in the planning stages.

October 20, 2014 at 1:26 PM

Thanks for the comment. I am glad to hear you are finding this helpful. I am not an expert in accommodations as I stayed only in few. However I added a paragraph with some of the things I learned during my own research. I normally prefer camping holidays but this time I had a week on a photography tour for which hotels were booked and for the second week by myself I opted for guesthouses.

March 30, 2017 at 6:03 AM

We’re now planning our trip to Iceland. Your posts are very helpful! Do you think 7 days are enough to do south and west of Iceland? We’re going in mid April so I’m aware the roads might not be in a great condition but the days are longer already so more daylight for driving.

Thanks for any tips, Monika

March 30, 2017 at 5:05 PM

Hi Monika Thanks for your comment With 7 days you can cover quite well the South, the Golden Circle and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. But I think it would be very difficult to add the Western Fjords in the North-West part of the island. You would have to rush a lot, which would feel frustrating. Cheers, Claire

May 17, 2017 at 8:10 PM

We are planning a trip to Iceland in 2018. we are considering travel in September. How far in advance should we begin planning in order to secure the airline tickets, accommodations, sites, events, etc?

May 18, 2017 at 4:15 PM

Hi Patrick. I just checked in Booking.com and by September this year, bookings should be opened for September 2018. You can book as early as you want as, for most, you can cancel until the last few days (unless you get a special price. I think that for September, booking in January should be good to have plenty of choice. But I am not an expert at getting the best deals on flights… 🙂 Happy planning!

February 20, 2018 at 4:48 PM

Hi I plan to visit iceland next summer, the information you wrote is very helpful. thanks lily

February 20, 2018 at 5:23 PM

Glad to read it. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a wonderful trip!

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

Welcome Iceland Trippers!

Get ready to plan your dream trip to Iceland! We are here to help hold your hand during every step of the Iceland planning process. We have visited countless time and now it is our turn to help you have an unforgettable adventure! Over the last 4 years, we have helped hundreds of thousands of people plan their Iceland trip and we can’t wait to help you too!

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“THANK YOU SO MUCH! I used your 5-day Iceland itinerary and had the trip of a lifetime. All of your information is so easy to follow and helpful. Thank you again!.”

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Don't let the volcanoes scare you, Iceland is a great place to see the Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, glaciers and hot springs!

Lights! Camera! Action! Iceland the “Land of Fire and Ice”! The breathtaking landscapes with contrasting views make you feel like you’re in the middle of a movie set surrounded by unique beauty. Land of Fire & Ice is such an appropriate sobriquet for Iceland – a country that is a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle, an archipelago in the North-Atlantic Ocean.

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Travel Iceland and leave your daily worries behind. There is so much more than meets the eye and we share with you the “must-see things” when in Iceland as well as sharing some secrets. So it is definitely pays to plan ahead! Become more acquainted with the history of this magnificent country much of which can be found in “The Book of Settlements” which tells the story of how Iceland was settled in the 9the and 10th centuries by the Norse. Historians do not agree as to whether this book was written by one person or many individuals (and do we really care?) As well, or instead of reading, you can visit the Settlement Exhibition in the Reykjavik City Museum .

It is definitely riveting and fascinating to discover in great detail the lives of the early settlers while visiting all the glorious sites - the glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, black beaches, volcanos, geothermal waters, the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon and so much more.

Do plan ahead

All you need to know when trip planning to Iceland. Travel to Iceland for one or two weeks, which would be optimal for getting to see the resplendent and magical sites of Iceland from North, East, West and South! Weather is an extremely important factor as to whether you will be able to “get to” and see certain parts of the country and/or certain attractions. The weather in the winter season can also be the cause of “closing” certain roads and paths. During the winter seasons some roads are almost inaccessible. Obviously the weather in the summer months is more agreeable (for most people) and therefore most popular. What you really have to do is set priorities. If it is warm temperatures and 24 hours of sunlight you prefer then obviously your trip to Iceland should be during the summer months. However, the cooler-colder months is when you can usually see (providing that all conditions are “perfect”) The Northern Lights aka the Aurora Borealis - a spectacular phenomenon for sure! So when planning your trip to Iceland YOU decide what are the “must see” sites for YOU and plan accordingly.

Besides a few major cities, Iceland is known for its small villages. There is a rumour that there are as many as 100 towns scattered throughout the country, which is why we recommend visiting Iceland at least twice in a lifetime! Do you know about the Ring Road? This is the national road in Iceland, aka Route 1 and you can drive around the whole country following this route. Close to 1500 km (or to be exact 1,330 km) you can visit all the sites along the route. One more thing one “must-see-and-do”!

Must must see! Without a doubt one needs to start with the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik, founded in 1786, which is mostly on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. It is known to be one of the safest cities in the world as well as the cleanest and greenest. And there is so much to do and to see and to feel and just to be!

Arbæjarsafn Museum and the Árbær Open Air Museum includes buildings, a town square and village and farm. It is all about the city of Reykjavík and region. True to its word, you get an insight into the lives of the people who lived in Reykjavik in the past. There are exhibitions and events which suit adults and children of all ages. They boast that there are about 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland. One of the most beautiful, not too far from Reykjavik, is Seljalandsfoss where you can also walk behind it!

Talking about waterfalls – not to be missed in the southwest area of Iceland, on the Hvita (White) River canyon, is the Gullfoss (which means golden falls) and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is not as tall or wide as many major waterfalls in the world, however this majestic waterfall is split into two breathtaking waterfalls and is appreciated and popular because of its beauty. In this case it’s not the size that counts

This is the right place to mention here “the Golden Circle”: which lets you visit 3 of Iceland’s most popular “must see” sites. The Gullfoss waterfalls is one, and the Great Geysir in the geothermal area, although not quite active, is the second. However there are many other hot springs that are quite active, the Strokkur being one that is well known and seems to sprout about 6-10 times in an hour. The third “must see” is Thingvellir National Park (named as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site as of 2004 for two important reasons, geological and historical). This National Park was first and foremost the setting for the Althingi, which was the parliament / assembly of Iceland where they met annually for a two-week period from round 930 AD to about 1800. Proudly, it is one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Very few people know that it was here, in 1944 where the declaration of independence was signed. Geologically Iceland is very volcanically and geothermally active and as a result in the area of the Thingvellir Park, the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates “move” away from each other (a tectonic plate is a massive “plate” / slab that consists of solid rock and moves to or away from other plates and meets underneath Iceland… like a way of “dancing”…) this can be experienced in Thingvellir as Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and as a result one can stand with one foot “on Europe” and the other “on North America”!

Before bringing to your attention a few other cities and towns, you should visit the reddish Raudholar (Red Hills) 5000-year-old pseudocraters, near the capital city Reykajavik. As well, In North Iceland in the highly geothermally active Myvatn area, one can find fascinating pseudocraters – rare on this planet. It is believed that only 5 different countries can boast pseudocraters. More popular cities and unique towns to visit: Plan to visit the town of Garour, located near the airport, making it quite accessible. Take time out to visit the geothermal spa in the beautiful Blue Lagoon unique calming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The geothermal spa is well known for its healing silica mud (white clay). And not far from the Blue Lagoon, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, is the quaint fishing village of GRINDVAIK and another small fishing town is Grundarfjordur, which looks like a set on stage with the Kirkjufell Mountain as the backdrop. Do not miss visiting Grenivik, “one of the newer” villages situated on Bay of Eyjafjörður.

Along the South Coast of Iceland by the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon lies the (black sand) Diamond Beach … Nature lovers, wildlife devotees, professional photographers and mobile-phone enthusiasts are inspired by this scene. The combination of the volcanic black sand and the icebergs which have broken off and are washed up on the shore make this a vision to be captured. On a lucky day you might see seals and killer whales aka orcas. Not far from Reykjavik is the unique village Sólheimar, with about 100 people. In originated in 1930 as a community for people with and without disabilities who could live and work together. A unique community, one of its kind in the world, where people who are abled and disabled live and work together. Sólheimar is also the first community in Scandinavia where organic farming and organic reforestation is practiced.

Make sure to include a most interesting site - the Westfjords region, which is Iceland’s oldest land and is least populated and is one-fifth of Iceland’s size. Yet about 950km or two-thirds of the Ring Road I (accessible year-round) is devoted to this area and is called the Westfjords Way- understood why! There are so many sites to see and so much to do: visit the Dynjandi Waterfall (actually six falls) … make sure to stop by the town, Drangsnes, a fishing hamlet at the mouth of the Steingrímsfjörður fjord, popular for the hot natural pools and visit Kerling the cliff (the story behind it is mysterious and enchanting).. then be sure to take a 10-minute boat ride from Drangsnes to Grimsey Island where you’ll fall in love with the birdlife and splendid nature; a bird lovers paradise with numerous species – plan to visit late spring and summer months (April – August). Besides the largest Puffin colonies in Iceland, you can spy cliff nesting birds like; Black-legged Kittiwake Northern Fulmar, White Wagtail, Terns and more!

And lest we forget, do make a point to cut cross the Arctic Circle on Grímsey Island!

KELDUR & Turf Houses: Whether you call them Sod or Turf houses, they are one and the same and are very special and typical of Iceland. The oldest turf building is found on the Keldur farm and they have been built and rebuilt over the centuries; the latest built in the early 1900’s. Around 1940 the National Museum of Iceland purchased the turf farm and made it part of its collection of historic buildings. The hamlet of Hof, which is near Skaftafell has a turf church which was built at the beginning of the 20th Century and is in use to this day. It is situated near a cemetery which in itself is unique, quaint and fascinating. In the northern part of Iceland in Skagafjorour, there is one of the most beautiful turf churches called Víðimýrarkirkja church, well worth the visit.

A visit to Iceland is not complete without a day at Landmannalaugar, in the center of Iceland, on the edge of a lava field created more than 5 centuries ago and is located in the Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Fjallabak. One goes hiking there because of the incredible landscapes and to enjoy the natural geothermal hot springs.

Must see museums: There are over 200 museums in Iceland and we mention some of the top ten besides those mentioned above. The Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center, will be especially interesting for those who have seen the Northern Lights. Close to the center of Reykjavik you will find The Nature Exploratorium Museum, “ The Perlan”. It is most interesting and exciting for all ages it is interactive and includes hands on exhibits, a planetarium and a real ice cave… will definitely enhance all you have seen and hear about Icelandic nature. The Lava Centre gives you an insight of the history about volcanoes and the exhibits and fil is very informative The Duushús is Keflavik’s historic-cultural center … there’s a permanent exhibition as well as Reykjanes Art Museum galleries with international art exhibitions, rotating displays about local history:

The Reykjanes Art Museum … The Reykjanes Geopark visitor center… The Reykjanes Heritage Museum … The Reykjanes Maritime Center.

The Gerdarsafn Kopavogur Art Museum is a modern and contemporary art museum displaying works by Icelandic and international contemporary artists as well as displaying the museum collection.

Lighthouses in Iceland: There are over 100 lighthouses in Iceland. The Grótta Lighthouse is located in Seltjarnarnes, a small peninsula town roughly 5 kilometres Reykjavík. The Thridrangar is one of the most unusual and unreachable, except by helicopter, located off the southern coast in the Westman Islands. Akranesviti can be found in Akranes, a small town near Reykjavík which has two lighthouses at the harbour… one no longer in use and the smaller other is a lighthouse museum built in 1918. Because of its bright orange colour the Dalatangaviti is one of the country’s most visited lighthouses and is situated in the village, Mjóifjörður,

And take time out to participating in some of the exciting activities, some are dependent on the season and the weather. You can go snorkeling, spelunking or potholing, swimming, skiing, rock climbing and mountaineering as well as horse-back riding on Icelandic horses (although short in stature they are known for their dexterity and strength.

Regions in Iceland

Attractions in iceland, suggested romantic itineraries for iceland, suggested other itineraries for iceland, suggested family itineraries for iceland, suggested friends itineraries for iceland.

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Map of Iceland - Interactive map

Information about the map.

Check out the main monuments, museums, squares, churches and attractions in our map of Iceland. Click on each icon to see what it is.

To help you find your way once you get to your destination, the map you print out will have numbers on the various icons that correspond to a list with the most interesting tourist attractions. This way, you’ll be able to see where each attraction is.

Icons on the Iceland interactive map

The map is very easy to use:

• Check out information about the destination: click on the color indicators.
• Move across the map: shift your mouse across the map.
• Zoom in: double click on the left-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel upwards.
• Zoom out: double click on the right-hand side of the mouse on the map or move the scroll wheel downwards.

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Although its high prices do not make Iceland a typical shopping destination, the high quality products and possibility for tax savings means there are good opportunities for souvenirs.

General information

Learn everything you need to know for your trip to Iceland, from visa requirements and currency to language tips and which plugs to bring! We'll try and answer all of your most frequently asked questions.

10 Ways To Make Your Iceland Road Trip Budget-Friendly

• Key takeaways:
• Travel with a group to split costs of transportation, gas, and accommodation.
• Shop for groceries at Bónus to save money on meals and avoid eating at expensive restaurants.
• Take advantage of Icelandair's free stopover program to see Iceland without additional flight costs.

Taking a road trip to Iceland is one of the best ways to see the country in its entirety. While travelers can stay in the heart of Reykjavík and book day trips to top attractions like the Golden Circle and or the Blue Lagoon, they won’t get a chance to see what’s in the far north and eastern coasts of the island.

But in addition to a trip around the Ring Road being the best way to see the country, it’s also the best way to visit Iceland on a budget. Find out how to cut costs on a trip to Iceland (which has a reputation for being expensive) with these hacks and tips.

Travel With A Group

Planning a trip to Iceland as a solo traveler is a great idea in terms of safety, but it also means shouldering a lot of expenses alone.

To make Iceland a budget-friendly adventure, it’s a good idea to travel with a group of friends or family members with whom travelers can split costs of collective expenses like transportation.

• How It Cuts Costs: More people to split the price of gas, vehicle rental, and accommodation.

Shop For Groceries At Bónus

Bónus is known for being Iceland’s affordable grocery store . It’s a no-frills shopping experience that results in lower prices for items than some other shops in the country.

Stocking up at Bónus in Reykjavík before departing for a drive around the ring road (and topping up in Akureyri) allows travelers to plan their meals based on their strict budget.

• How It Cuts Costs: Affordable prices for groceries and eliminates the need to eat at restaurants.

Use Icelandair’s Free Stopover Program

A budget-friendly way to see Iceland is to take advantage of Icelandair’s free stopover program . The program has been in operation for years now, but many people still don’t realize they can use it to see Iceland as a free stop on their way to mainland Europe from North America.

The program enables passengers to book a stopover of up to seven days for free when they book a flight from North America to Europe (or vice versa).

• How It Cuts Costs: No cost to fly to Iceland, it’s just a layover en route to the final destination.

Don’t Spend Too Much Time In Reykjavík

While Reykjavík is a charming city and is the world’s northernmost capital, staying there too long is difficult on a tight budget. Accommodation is expensive and dining out at restaurants begins to add up quickly.

For travelers who want to keep costs down, spend minimal time in Reykjavík and focus on Iceland’s outdoor beauty for most of the trip.

• How It Cuts Costs: Avoids spending a lot on downtown accommodation, entertainment, drinks, and restaurants.

Related: See The 10 Most Beautiful Iceland Waterfalls And Immerse Yourself In Nature's Cascading Splendor

Camp Where Possible

Camping is obviously much cheaper than booking hotel rooms each night. Fortunately, Iceland is the perfect place to camp, particularly during the summer months. It’s a very safe country without large natural predators, so travelers don’t have to worry about attracting bears or other predators to their campsites.

Pitching a tent each night also means waking up to some of the world’s best views.

• How It Cuts Costs: Cheaper than staying at a hotel or Airbnb.

While free camping is possible in some parts of Iceland, there are many restrictions in place to protect the environment and campers. To ensure travelers respect the law and nature, it’s a good idea to simply book a spot at a designated campsite.

Opt For The Free Hot Springs

If travelers are serious about saving money on a trip to Iceland, some of the most popular things to do should be cut from the itinerary in favor of free alternatives.

For example, instead of splurging on facial mud and drinks as part of the cost of going to the Blue Lagoon, travelers can enjoy free hot springs like the Grotta lighthouse footbath.

• How It Cuts Costs: Eliminates activity costs like expensive entry fees for the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon .

Related: 10 Best Places To Visit In Iceland That Unveil Captivating Landscapes In A Nordic Paradise

Visit During The Off Season

It’s well known that visiting a destination in the off-season is one of the best ways to save money. Peak season means paying top dollar for accommodation and tours. During the off-season, hotels are more desperate to fill their rooms, and tour operators may have deals to attract customers.

Iceland’s off-season is from January to May when days are cold and dark. However, this is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights .

• How It Cuts Costs: Prices are more competitive to attract tourists.

Stay In Hostels

Cozy hostels can be found all throughout Iceland, from downtown Reykjavík to charming coastal villages. Staying in a hostel is a more affordable option than booking a hotel room. Look for hostels with additional amenities to save further money elsewhere. For example, toiletries or meals can be included.

• How It Cuts Costs: Lower nightly fee, especially in dorm-style rooms. Breakfast is often included.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Ice Caves In Iceland That Transport You Into A World Of Frozen Wonder

Skip The Souvenirs

Souvenirs are becoming less important to travelers these days, especially millennials who value experiences more than physical items.

It’s also a great way to save money and stay on budget; skipping souvenirs in Iceland is especially important because Icelandic prices reflect the high shipping costs to get goods out to this remote European island.

• How It Cuts Costs: Allows travelers to reallocate the budget to other aspects of the trip.

Spend Time Outside

The true key to doing an Icelandic road trip on a budget is simply making the most of the great outdoors. The Land of Fire and Ice has breathtaking landscapes to admire, unique trails to hike, waterfalls to ogle, and free hot springs to relax in at the end of the day.

• How It Cuts Costs: Spend money on the necessities (accommodation, transportation, and food) and only participate in outdoor activities that are free.

It's entirely possible to plan an Iceland road trip on a budget, making the trip of a lifetime affordable for all.

Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

• 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
• Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.
• A hotel expert encouraged travelers to start planning and booking their trips now.

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Determine your eclipse viewing destination

According to Space.com , 2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years. Its path will go through Greenland, parts of western Iceland, and northern Spain.

Choosing where to watch the eclipse will be a tough and important decision for travelers.

Iceland and Greenland have some positives. These regions will experience longer totality times, so viewers can watch the eclipse longer. Plus, the sun will be higher in the sky, so finding a spot to watch the eclipse will be less challenging, Space.com reported.

The downside is that these regions are more likely to be cloudy, according to the outlet.

Related stories

While parts of Spain are likely to offer clearer skies, the eclipse's timing will be shorter and closer to the horizon, which means travelers will need to plan and track down a viewing location with unobstructed views of the western horizon, Space.com reported.

Regardless of the destination, according to the outlet, one bonus is that the strongest meteor shower in the Northern Hemisphere will happen the following night, so travelers can pack two events into one trip.

Book flights and hotels far in advance

Ballard encouraged people to book their hotels in their destination of choice as far in advance as possible.

"You should start looking now and booking hotels now because those cities in the path are already going to be at peak season," Ballard said.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

Watch: A small Australian town was treated to a rare hybrid solar eclipse

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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 .

Where to See Your Next Eclipse, From Iceland to Australia

By Maya Silver

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The totality of an eclipse is never long enough. My first total solar eclipse experience in 2017 made for the shortest two minutes of my life: the sun transforming into a blazing diamond ring, the beautiful delirium of darkness, that perfect circle in the sky. Before I knew it, the eclipse was over—and my friends and I were plotting how we could catch our next.

During my second total eclipse in Ohio, I savored nearly double that time—four minutes of totality. Those extra moments gave me time to tune into the full sensory experience. As birds slowed their songs, crickets filled the false twilight with their chirping. All the people around me fell silent amid the cool, still air, and the corona of the sun radiated and wisped above. It wasn’t long after those beautiful four minutes ended that I began scheming, again, about my next opportunity to relive the cosmic experience. Now, I’ve fully embraced my identity as an umbraphile —literally, a “shadow lover,” but better known as someone who chases total solar eclipses.

For umbraphiles like myself based in the United States, the next total solar eclipse to hit the US is in 2033—although it will only grace the western half of Alaska , along with Russia . In 2044, another total solar eclipse will swoop across Canada into Montana and the Dakotas . The next “Great American Eclipse” to cut across a wide swath of the nation won’t arrive until 2045 , though that one will stretch all the way from Northern California to Florida , across Utah , Colorado , Georgia , and many more states.

If you can’t bear to wait more than two decades for that stunning event, the good news is that many more eclipses will occur before then—you just have to go abroad to catch them. Whether you saw the 2024 total solar eclipse and are eager to plan your next trip to the path of totality, or you missed it and want to discover what all the hype is about, consider this your guide to seeing a total solar eclipse in the next four years.

In 2026, travelers to Iceland will have the chance to catch the solar eclipse and northern lights on one trip.

August 12, 2026: The Arctic, Iceland, and Spain

Your earliest chance to catch another total solar eclipse is August 12, 2026 , when the path of totality will curve northeast across the Arctic Ocean and south through remote eastern Greenland , terminating in the Balearic Sea just east of Mallorca . While there are several worthy destinations for umbraphiles during the 2026 eclipse, the totality experience will be relatively short, lasting only 1-2 minutes, depending on where you are within the path.

One spot to add to your eclipse planning list is Western Iceland , where you may also be able to catch Northern Lights on your trip to enhance the cosmic experience. The capital of Reykjavik sits on the edge of totality, making it a fine and accessible viewing destination. The downside? Totality will only last a minute there. To extend the experience, head about three hours west by car. Snæfellsjökull National Park —a seaside park named for a volcano and glacier—will experience 2 minutes and 10 seconds of totality. Stay in the nearby hamlet of Búðir, about 30 minutes away. Or head to the village of Patreksfjordur in the Westfjords, about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik for a similarly longer totality.

If a more Mediterranean eclipse experience appeals, the spot to be is Spain. The path of totality will also clip northeastern Portugal . In northern Spain, the medieval cities of Oviedo (1 minute and 49 seconds totality) or Burgo (1 minute and 44 seconds totality) are good places to watch, right in the center of the totality path. For a more urban experience, consider Zaragoza (1 minute and 24 seconds of totality) or seaside Valencia (1 minute totality).

Perhaps the most unique place to take in the 2026 eclipse in Spain is upon the island of Mallorca. Partying in Palma, reveling in secluded beaches, or overlooking the sea upon the island’s limestone cliffs would all make enviable ways to take in the 1 minute and 36 seconds of totality. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, Mallorca is also a safe bet for clear skies. If you prefer to leave the planning to the pros, consider a guided eclipse trip through a company like Sirius Travel , which is also offering an Iceland eclipse trip. Note that some other guided 2026 eclipse tours are already sold out , so don’t wait to reserve.

One of the most unusual places to witness an eclipse is aboard a cruise ship , and there are already several potential options available—after all, this eclipse is only a couple years out and plans are underway. Bundle up and hop aboard the Greenland Solar Eclipse cruise hosted by Albatros Expeditions . The 13-day itinerary includes a tour of fjords and glaciers, a visit to Nuuk, and of course, the 2-minute, 17-second totality experience (starting at $19,600 per person). Cunard is offering three solar eclipse cruise experiences : one through Norway and Iceland, and two more near Spain and the Mediterranean.

Luxor, Egypt, will see over six minutes of totality during the August 2027 eclipse.

August 2, 2027: Northern Africa and the Middle East

Just a year later, another eclipse will travel across Northern Africa and the western edge of the Middle East —this one with a prodigiously long totality time. The eclipse will cross over the southern tip of Spain and Gibraltar, which will enjoy 4 minutes and 28 seconds of totality.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Across Northern Africa, several cities make excellent viewing points. The beaches of Tangier , Morocco, will take in 4 minutes and 50 seconds totality. In Tunisia , the ancient oasis of Gafsa will clock over 5 minutes of totality.

For the longest totality time, consider Luxor, Egypt , which will see a stunning 6 minutes and 22 seconds of darkness, likely amid sunny skies. This is only about a minute shy of the known record for longest totality time : 7 minutes and 28 seconds, back in 743 B.C. Besides, could anything eclipse the mystical sight of a pyramid than a literal eclipse darkening the skies above the Ancient Egyptian monuments?

Cruises and guided tours for the 2027 eclipse are also already on offer. Take a cruise through the Mediterranean with Eclipse Tours and witness totality at sea (starting at $4,999), or tour Morocco and enjoy the eclipse from a beach with Astro Tours (price unlisted).

Head to New Zealand's Otago Peninsula in 2028 to experience three minutes of totality.

July 22, 2028: Australia and New Zealand

If you can wait four years, consider an eclipse trip to Oceania . This eclipse will traverse central Australia and southern New Zealand , and there are many incredible spots to consider within the path for your viewing experience, whether you prefer to dance in the darkness or be immersed in the wild.

In Australia, Sydney is smack dab in the middle of the 2028 path , with 3 minutes and 49 seconds of totality. While no festivals or events are in the works yet, have no doubt Australia will rise to the occasion. For a more nature-based experience, consider the ancient rock formations and trails of Mirima National Park ; stay in the nearby town of Kununurra. This area will enjoy just under three minutes of totality. Of course, an Australia eclipse-themed cruise already awaits, too, though the eclipse itself is to be viewed on land (starting at $14,500).

In New Zealand, enjoy nearly three minutes of totality include Queenstown and Dunedin. Take in the New Zealand eclipse from the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu of Queenstown, where you can chase the rush of an eclipse with one of the world’s highest bungee jumps . Amid the Scottish-meets-Maori heritage of Dunedin, bookend the eclipse with a visit to the Larnach Castle or the Otago Peninsula and its penguins.

Tips for planning an eclipse trip around the world

You’re not the only traveler drawn to the elusive experience of a total eclipse—which is why places in the path of totality tend to experience a massive spike in tourism . Lodging books early, prices surge, rental cars run out, and those who fail to plan in advance are often left high and dry—or forced to spend a small fortune.

My advice on preparing for an eclipse trip in the US applies doubly when it comes to an international voyage to the path of totality. Here are a few key pointers before you plan your trip, whether to the Arctic, Spain, Egypt, or Australia:

It’s never too early to book: Some tours are already sold out, while hotel reservations are sure to go fast. Make your reservations as soon as you can, especially for the 2026 eclipse—you can always cancel later if your trip falls through. This applies to rental cars and flights as well.

Give yourself a buffer around the eclipse: Don’t plan to show up the day before the eclipse or day of, nor should you plan to depart the day of or day after. Adding some wiggle room will allow you to maximize the serenity of the experience, rather than sabotage it with the chaos of eclipse travel.

Get to your viewing spot at least a few hours in advance: This way your plans won’t be foiled by any unexpected traffic, you can find the perfect perch, and you’ll have time to set up any camera tripods or telescopes.

Hold on to your eclipse glasses—or buy them early: Don’t plan to pick up a pair at your destination. And make sure they’re ISO certified .

Finally, turn your eclipse travels into a longer trip of about a week or two. Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante. A few months ahead, research eclipse festivals, events, and viewing parties, if that’s of interest. Meet some fellow travelers who you might be interested in viewing with. Then, one to six minutes of totality will be just the pinnacle of your celestially inspired trip, rather than the entirety of it.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.