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

15 Best Books About Iceland To Read Before You Visit

April 26, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Are you preparing for your Icelandic trip and wondering what books about Iceland you can read? We have you covered. In this article, we will walk you through travel books on Iceland, Icelandic novels, and the best books about Iceland.

Iceland publishes more books per capita than anywhere else in the world. Iceland has a long tradition of reading and is a very literary country. Books are traditionally given as presents and 1 in 10 Icelanders will publish a book. 

It’s not surprising really this majestic and magical country lends itself very well to tales, sagas, and mysteries. Any book with a majestic waterfall , lava landscape, black beaches , and dormant volcanoes is a hit in our eyes. 

In this list, we have included Iceland travel books some of the best Icelandic crime novels, and books set in Iceland. We particularly recommend reading the Hidden Iceland series. Surprisingly for a country with a low crime rate crime writers are extremely popular and loved worldwide. 

These no-fiction books will help you in planning your trip and the fiction books will give you a real feel of what this country is like. 

We hope you enjoy delving into this Icelandic literature and that you find a book that you enjoy.  

Are you ready to see which Icelandic literature we have chosen for you? Grab a hot drink, your coziest blanket, and let us walk you through the best Icelandic sagas, books to read before Iceland, and the best Icelandic crime novels.

The 10 Days In Iceland Guide

It seems only right that the first book we recommend is an incredible guide we have put together. If planning your Iceland vacation really does seem like too much then leave it to us.

Here all the research has been done for you. You have access to 3 customized 10-day Iceland itineraries with day-to-day instructions, Google Maps locations, and absolutely everything you will need to have a hassle-free vacation.

It’s like having your own personal tour guide along for the ride with you. Everything in this e-book is fully customizable and it helps you track your accommodation, finances, itinerary, and more.

This is more than a book here we hold your hand as you plan your dream Iceland getaway and you can ask us any question on our Facebook page as you are planning.

Click Here To Buy The 10 Days In Iceland Guide

Lonely Planet Iceland (Travel Guide)

This is one of the best Iceland books to buy in terms of planning your trip. The Lonely Planet Icleand is full of tips, inspiration, and information. These guides are always relevant and up to date and make a great companion for your I celandic travels .

This book walks you through the Blue Lagoon , the Northern Lights , and visiting a glacier plus much more. The book also contains colored maps, itinerary suggestions, ways to save money, essential information, and honest reviews.

This is one of the best travel books on Iceland and covers all the top sights as well as some that are off the beaten track. A great way for you to start planning your Icelandic adventure.

Click Here To Buy The Lonely Planet Iceland

The Hidden Iceland Trilogy: A Crime Story Told In reverse

Ragnar Jonasson has become one of the best Icelandic crime fiction writers. The Hidden Iceland trilogy follows Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdottir who is called in to solve the health of a young woman.

It’s a dark atmospheric thriller that is both bleak and captivating. The sparse Icelandic landscape makes a great backdrop. The book takes you on a journey from Reykjavik to the highlands to the fjords .

The island and The Mist are the next two books in the series. It’s described as Agatha Christie meets Nordic Noir which sounds fascinating. Jonasson is one of the best Icelandic writers and his are some of the best Icelandic crime novels.

Click Here To Buy The Hidden Iceland Trilogy

The Little Book of Tourists In Iceland

We are big believers in respecting the places you travel to and the people who live there. The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir discusses the huge Icelandic tourist boom and how it has affected the people and the place.

This is a book that really teaches you what not to do when in Iceland. It gives you tips for visiting responsibility and staying safe while you are there.

Not only does it cover the impact tourism is having on Iceland’s structure, resources, and environment but it also busts some myths, particularly around elves.

Also shared are some stories of the crazy things tourists have done, the behavior that most annoys the locals, and what the Icelandic people really think about tourism. It’s a fun, short, and easy read.

Click Here To But The Littel Book Of Tourists In Icleand

The Sagas of the Icelanders

Want to learn about the best Icelandic sagas then The Sagas of the Icelanders is for you. Written in the 13th century they document the settlement of Vikings and the early struggles.

The sagas are one of the world’s great literary treasures and are very important to the Icelandic people. They are fundamentally the real human stories and celebrate the lives and deeds of the Norse men and women.

They are not the easiest reading material but they are one of the best books about Iceland for history lovers.

Click Here To Buy The Sagas of the Icelanders

Rick Steves Iceland

When it comes to Iceland travel books Rick Steves Iceland has to be one of the best. Here you will find itineraries, road trips, and lots of hidden gems.

Covering the best stops on the Ring Road, the Golden Circle. Hot Springs and more this is a candid and useful guide to Iceland.

One of the books on Iceland.

Click Here to Buy Rick Steves Iceland

Names for the Sea: Strangers In Iceland

Sarah Moss had a childhood dream of moving to Iceland. Names For The Sea: Strangers In Iceland is her compelling, beautiful, and very funny account of living in the country.

Moving her two children on a whim from their comfortable life in Kent, England she was there during Iceland’s economic collapse, the Eyjafjallajokull eruption and recounts how the two events impacted her.

In this book, we meet some characters that guided Sarah through Icelandic life. We also experience the Northern Lights, Snaefellsness, and a bunch of other locations with her.

Of all the Iceland books this one is fascinating, funny, and enlightening.

Click Here To Buy Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland

The Fish Can Sing

Halldór Laxness is an Icelandic writer that many love. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955 and his book Independent People is considered one of the best Icelandic novels.

The Fish Can Sing is a story about orphan Alfgrimur who spent his childhood in a traditional turf cottage with an elder fisherman. Alfgrimur dreams of becoming a fisherman too until he meets Iceland’s biggest celebrity and things change.

This coming-of-age novel seems to be very symbolic of how challenging it can be to mix the traditional with the new.

Click Here to By Fish Can Sing

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was

Winner of the Icelandic Literary Prize Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was is a compelling novel set against the backdrop of 1918 Iceland.

Katla is erupting, there is a shortage of coal and the Great War grinds on. The story centers around sixteen-year-old Máni Steinn who is a bit of a dreamer and outcast. Everything changes in his life when the Spanish Flu epidemic hits.

This mesmerizing and original novel weaves a story of this misfit living among uncertainty, transformation, and death. It’s one of the most unique Icelandic novels and well worth a read.

Click Here To Buy Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was

Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland

Every June Tory Bilski meets up with fellow women travelers and they escape their ordinary lives. Together they live on a horse farm in the middle of nowhere in northern Iceland.

Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland charts the true story of these women’s journeys and the deep friendship bonds they create over the years. It’s very similar to Eat, Pray, Love or Under The Tuscan Sun.

This is a story of what happens when you begin to follow your dreams. Filled with adventure, humor, and candor which you can’t help but fall in love with. This is one of the Iceland books that will enchant and enthrall you.

Click Here To Buy Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland

The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty stories of elves from Icelandic folklore

Of all the books on Iceland, this is perhaps one of the most quirky. The Little Book of the Hidden People covers the folklore of elves and hidden people giving us an insight into the Iceland of the past and those who lived there.

We learn how the Icelanders’ elf belief was born out of a nation living in abject poverty who longed to believe there was a parallel world. These stories have become an integral part of the cultural and psychological fabric of their nation.

In this book, you will learn all about the Icelanders and the media fascination with elves.

Click Here To Buy The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty stories of elves from Icelandic folklore

The Rough Guide to Iceland

The Rough Guide To Iceland is one of the great books to read before Iceland. It’s a comprehensive and entertaining travel guide with all the information you could ever need.

In this book, you get honest recommendations from independent experts. From restaurants to bars to hikes and all the sights they have you covered.

There is also detailed regional coverage with practical information for wherever you are traveling.

Click Here To Buy The Rough Guide To Iceland

I Remember You

How about a ghost story set in the Westfjords? Yes, Yrsa Sigurdardottir delivers with I Remember You .

It’s atmospheric, creepy, and has everything a great ghost story has. There is a remote village, a rundown house, and a feeling they are not alone.

Yrsa Sigurdardotti has taken the international crime fiction world by storm with many comparing this to that the work of Stephen King. Oh as if it couldn’t get worse it’s based on a true story.

Click Here to Buy I Remember You

Burial Rights

This is one of the books set in Iceland that has received high praise. Hannah Kent brings to life the story of Agnes, who is charged with the brutal murder of her former master.

In Burial Rights Agnes is sent to an isolated farm to await execution this book is her story and touches on some deep topics. It’s a book about the truths we claim to know and the ways in which we interpret what we’re told.

Based on actual events this novel is moving, astonishing, and beautiful.

Click Here To Buy Burial Rights.

How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island 

If you want to learn about Icelandic history but want it to be entertaining and readable then this is the book for you. How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island tells the story of how this tiny nation shaped the world.

The book starts 1,200 years ago when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. The tour of this island’s history then continues from there.

Did you know for example that Iceland played a pivotal role in the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel? It shocked us too.

It is a lively interesting read that we guarantee will teach you things about Iceland you didn’t know. One of the best Iceland books to get a feel for how important this island is.

Click Here To Buy How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island 

As you can see when it comes to books about Iceland are as diverse and far-reaching as the country itself. Icelandic literature really is a treat and well worth the read.

Whether you read books set in Iceland, Icelandic novels, or travel books on Iceland we encourage you to give at least one of these books a try. We hope they help in your planning and that you have a great Icelandic vacation.

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15 Incredible Books About Iceland (To Read Before Visiting!)

Looking for the best books about Iceland to read before your trip?

Iceland is a remote, desolate land known for its volcanic landscapes, ice-capped glaciers, and sweat-inducingly high prices (how much for a burger!?).

In short, Iceland’s landscapes and culture are downright inspiring, but its literary contributions often aren’t as famous internationally as they deserve to be.

Icelandic authors have gone on to win noble prizes in literature and international acclaim. Not bad for a country with only 336,000 residents!

If you’ve ever wanted to learn about Iceland, or hear tales and folklore of its people, then you’ll love these books about Iceland, from insightful non-fiction to gripping fictional tales.

Here are the best Icelandic books to add to your reading list!

Table of Contents

How To Read While Traveling

The best non-fiction books about iceland, excellent books + novels set in iceland.

This Iceland book guide was written for Our Escape Clause by fellow bibliophile Louisa Smith of Epic Book Society . Thanks for joining us, Louisa!

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.

As wonderful as it is to have beautiful books lined up on shelves, let’s face it–carrying around heavy, bulky books about Iceland while traveling is way too much of a hassle.

Instead, we recommend reading via the Kindle App (because we all read on our phones these days anyway–might as well read books instead of social media!).

Prefer to listen to audiobooks instead?

For audiobooks, Audible is a fantastic option!

If you’ve never used Audible before, download a free trial before your trip to Iceland!

If you’re planning to visit Iceland any time soon, you might want to check out some non-fiction books about Iceland so you can brush up on the history and what to expect from the culture

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdottir

Iceland has been a popular tourist destination for decades, and while tourism brings prosperity to the economy, it also brings a whole load of challenges. 

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland highlights some of the difficulties the country faces because of the amount of tourism, from the social and environmental impacts to the harmony between travelers and locals. 

The book contains a series of short essays, which aims to offer insights into the problems Iceland faces and share tips on how visitors can travel there safely, responsibly, and in a way that is respectful to the locals. 

If you’re thinking of visiting Iceland soon, this is Iceland travel book is a must-read!

The History of Iceland by Gunnar Karlsson

Iceland’s long and impactful history covers over 1,100 years.

In The History of Iceland , Gunnar Karlsson tells how it is from the earliest recorded settlements in the 9th century to modern-day society. 

This literary history lesson has been delivered clearly and concisely, providing a vivid account of key events throughout history and of how society has adapted and gone about its way of life.

It even tells about iconic natural disasters that shook the nation (sometimes, literally). 

Written by a professor of History at the University of Iceland, The History of Iceland is incredibly informative while still being written a captivating voice reminiscent of historical fiction

This fascinating book about Iceland is definitely one to add to your reading list. 

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss

Since the age of 19, Sarah Moss always dreamed about moving to Iceland.

In 2009, she finally saw her chance after spotting an advert for a job at the University of Iceland.

When she got the job, she and her kids left their quaint English town for the wild and unknown land of Iceland, an adventure that eventually became the subject of her memoir, Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland .

Soon after her move, Iceland went into an economic crisis which caused her salary to be sliced in half.

After that, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted. 

But despite all these challenges, she managed to find a good life here.

She made new friends, including a poet who lived during WWII and witnessed the only bombs fall on Iceland, and a woman who speaks to elves. 

In this enlightening memoir, Moss creates a literary painting of the strange Icelandic landscape, from its bubbling hot spring pools to the unsurfaced roads, to the northern lights that often dance in the skies at night. 

This is Moss’s biographical book of travel and self-discovery , telling of how she and her family settled into a new life in Iceland and adapted to a new way of life.

Viking Age Iceland by Jesse Byock

Another great history book about Iceland is Viking Age Iceland by Jesse Byock.

In this fascinating non-fiction work, he describes medieval Iceland and all of its uniqueness. 

Centuries ago, Iceland had no foreign policy, no defense forces, no rulers, no royal families, and no peasants either. It rarely had any battles.

And yet, it still has an abundance of stories to tell. Its history comes from its people.

In Viking Age Iceland , Jesse Byock unlocks the secrets to the Viking social structures and cultural codes in a captivating voice.

Through this fascinating non-fiction book, you’ll learn about the anthropology and ethnography of Iceland’s society in a vivid and graphic way.

It’s another non-fiction Icelandic book that reads like fiction!

The Promise of Iceland by Kari Gislason

The Promise of Iceland is a heartwarming memoir of Kari Gislason, who travels to Iceland in 1990 to meet his father for the first time.

Kári Gíslason was raised by his British mother, who had sworn not to reveal his father’s identity after the two meet in secret when she was working for the army there. 

When Gislason was growing up, he was aware of his father’s identity but knew of a pact between him and his mom to keep his identity a secret, so never pursued him.

When he was 27, he decided it was time to break the pact.

Upon arriving in the Icelandic city of Reykjavík, he traces the steps of his mother who found herself in Iceland in 1970, after taking a job as an English-speaking secretary in the Army of Foreign Secretaries. 

Set out to find his biological father, he found a new meaning of home.

On this epic journey, he realizes that it wasn’t his father he was longing for all these years, but Iceland, the place where he was born but never knew.

This book is a little similar to The Alchemist , in that it follows one man’s journey toward acceptance and knowledge. 

Rick Steves Iceland by Ian Watson and Rick Steves

Rick Steves Iceland is like a nature documentary in written form, and an excellent guidebook for planning your trip to Iceland.

It’s a definitive guidebook to the mystical land of glaciers, volcanoes, dancing northern lights, volcanic lakes, and hot spring pools.

No matter if you have a weekend to spend in Iceland or a complete two-week itinerary, this book will reveal all the number one sites you should see and offers strategic advice on how to see them.

Steves also gives helpful tips and advice on how to save money, get the most out of your time, beat the crowds, avoid tourist traps, find suitable accommodation, and book reputable tours.

Complete with maps, packing lists, and other useful resources, you won’t need any other guidebook while visiting Iceland.

How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island by Egill Bjarnason

I mentioned earlier how Iceland has a vast history, despite never participating in a full-scale war .

In How Iceland Changed the World , Egill Bjarnason details how this tiny island has had a big impact on the world despite never getting into conflicts.

When a Viking ship ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic, suddenly Iceland was born.

Over 1,200 years, the island has produced notable diplomats, musicians, sailors, and soldiers, as well as a dynamic landscape, that has quietly altered the globe. 

In this little non-fiction book, readers will learn how Iceland played a role in the French Revolution, the foundation of Israel, and even the Moon Landing.

This humble nation has played a pivotal role in world events, yet has barely earned any credit… until now.

Iceland is home to some of the world’s best novelists, from Nobel prize winners to international bestsellers.

If you’re looking for a riveting tale to get lost in, these are some of the best fiction books set in Iceland!

Woman at 1000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason

Woman at 1000 Degrees is a heartwarming and humbling novel by Icelandic author Hallgrimur Helgason.

This Iceland novel is narrated by an 80-year-old woman who is almost at the end of her life.

She has two or three weeks left to live and has even booked her cremation appointment, where her body will be heated to 1,000 degrees. 

Over the course of her final weeks, she talks about her fondest memories, her childhood growing up as the daughter of Iceland’s first president, to her teenage years living alone in war-torn Europe.

She talks of her love affairs and her travels around several continents. She talks of her husband, kids, and her experience living through financial instability. 

This is the good, bad, and ugly of a woman who was unwavering in the face of adversity, who adapted and faced challenges throughout her whole life. 

Woman at 1000 Degrees is not only an award-winning, bestselling novel set in Iceland but an original story that’s never been done before.

Each page is as unpredictable and as remarkable as the next!

Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

Butterflies in November is a funny travel book from Iceland about a thirty-something woman who wants to leave the chaos of her normal life and travel. 

After her husband leaves her for another woman, her best friend comes to console her.

Only she falls and is badly injured, leaving her to care for her best friend’s mute son. 

One day, she wins 40 million kroner on a shared lottery ticket, and with that, she heads off on a road trip with the boy across the vast lands of Iceland. 

Along the way, some animals may die, her ex-lovers make an unexpected appearance, and the narrator learns the extraordinary lesson of what it takes to be a mother.

This hilarious tale covers themes of family, building relationships, and learning the consequences of life’s mistakes.

The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness

One of the most beloved novels set in Iceland is the classic book The Fish Can Sing .

It was written by Nobel Prize-winning author, Halldór Laxness, and is an endearing coming-of-age tale with hints of light irony and dark humor.

It follows the story of an orphan, Alfgrimur, who has spent his childhood raised by an eccentric elderly couple in a small turf cottage. 

Alfgrimur hopes to become a fisherman one day, like his adoptive grandfather.

That all changes one day he meets the iconic opera singer, Gardar Holm. 

Gardar Holm has bought International fame and pride to Iceland, and yet no one in Iceland has ever heard him sing.

When he meets Alfgrimur, Holm is interested in the young man’s musical potential and encourages him to look to the world outside Iceland to find fame and fortune. 

As Alfgrimur follows his dreams, he is faced with the challenge of finding his own path while staying true to his heritage.

The Sagas of the Icelanders by Various Authors

To Icelanders, the Viking era is also known as ‘The Saga’ era.

It was the first time that the Norse men and women settled on this land and built the foundations of Iceland’s civilization. 

In The Sagas of the Icelanders , a group of Icelandic authors has come together to share tales of the lives and deeds of their descendants, who traveled from as far as Greenland and North America to live here. 

They are stories of folklore and mythology, some based on true events and others on myths. 

The Sagas is considered one of the world’s great literary treasures and covers social issues like love, hate, fate, and freedom.

If you’re looking to understand the history of Iceland’s culture, this Icelandic book is a great place to start!

The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indriðason

After an earthquake causes the water level of an Icelandic lake to drop, the skeleton of a man half-buried in the sand is revealed.

It had a hole in the skull and had obviously been there for many years.

Only, it had a heavy radio transmitter with Russian inscriptions attached to it.

So begins the captivating story of The Draining Lake , a popular mystery novel set in Iceland.

Erlendur, Elínborg, and Sigurður Óli are the police officers in charge of the investigation, which takes them as far back as the Cold War when intelligent students would be sent to Communist East Germany to study.

Their investigation opens up a world of mystery, horror, and shattered dreams.

The Draining Lake is a fictional Iceland book but has very real emotions portrayed throughout the book.

It tells of the loss of the missing students who were sent for “greener pastures” and the grief of the parents left behind.

I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurdardóttir

I Remember You is a paranormal, thriller, and mystery novel that reveals the terrifying tale of three friends who are tasked with renovating a rundown house in a remote location.

Only, they soon realize they are not as alone as they thought.

Something is not happy about their presence being there. 

Meanwhile, a doctor is investigating the suicide of an elderly woman.

As he learns more about the woman, he learns that she was obsessed with his missing son. 

If you’re a fan of Stephen King and horror novels, then this frightening novel will be the perfect addition to your reading list.

Based on somewhat true events, this page-turning Icelandic book will keep you up at night.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

In Hannah Kent’s debut novel, Burial Rites , readers are taken on a literary journey of mystery and despair.

Based on a true story and set in 1829, it follows a young woman, Agnes, who was charged with the brutal murder of her master.

In those days, the penalty for murder is death.

In those final days before she faces her punishment, Agnes is sent to an isolated farm to await her fate.

Her family has disowned her, and only Tóti, a priest chosen to be her spiritual guardian, tries to understand her. 

Meanwhile, as the hour draws near, the farmer’s wife and daughters uncover another side to the story that may help Agnes escape her fate.

Burial Rites is a riveting read and is expertly written, portraying an emotional account of one woman’s struggles to endure when no one listens to her side of the story.

101 Reykjavík by Hallgrímur Helgason

If you’re looking for a pop-culture, young adult novel with hints of humor and coming-of-age elements, 101 Reykjavík is the one. 

It tells the story of Hlynur Björn, a 30-something loner with no job and still living at home with his mom.

One day, his mother comes out as a lesbian and moves her Spanish girlfriend into their home. 

In this memoir-style Icelandic novel, 101 Reykjavík reveals a funny and bizarre love triangle story with hints of perverse sexuality and “slacker culture”.

It pokes fun at Icelandic culture and foibles but in a lighthearted kind of way.

Ready to start reading? Shop the best books about Iceland today!

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17 Beautiful Icelandic Novels To Inspire Your Trip

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Looking for books set in Iceland and books about Iceland to inspire your travels? Don’t miss these essential Icelandic novels to transport you to the land of fire and ice.

After returning from an out-of-this-world Icelandic winter adventure, pairing Icelandic fiction and nonfiction with our travels proved both thrilling and enlightening. 

I ‘wandered’ to Iceland in both the figurative and literal sense with the best Icelandic books.

Now, I know what it is like to walk through an infamous Bonus grocery store as Sarah Moss describes in Names for the Sea . Let’s not forget the sun disappearing in the winter, too .

Unimaginable wind gusts indeed create chilly and dangerously harsh winters with unpredictable weather as described in Hannah Kent’s Iceland-based book, Burial Rites . You have to feel that bone-chilling cold to believe it .

We had a surprise date with those sneaky and heavenly Northern Lights — just how I imagined them after reading LoveStar , Icelandic science fiction.

Lastly, I tried my hardest as I tongued my way through Icelandic pronunciation. Jökulsárlón really tripped me up.  I still don’t think I have it right, but I loved learning Icelandic in person .

Below, find a list of beautiful as well as heartbreaking books set in Iceland. 

From deadly spinster tales based loosely on facts to love stories and social engineering science fiction, learn about humanity, grief, and Icelandic history and culture.

I promise there is something for everyone, too: Icelandic fiction and literature that has been translated into English as well as Icelandic mysteries, travel books, and famous historical fiction.

Let’s get started with these amazing books about Iceland to take you there.

You may also enjoy these Icelandic movies .

Table of Contents

Some Of The Best Books Set In Iceland

Moonstone: the boy who never was by sjón.

• The Blue Fox by Sjón

Burial Rites By Hannah Kent

Woman at 1,000 degrees by hallgrímur helgason.

• Independent People Halldór Laxness
• The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness
• Angels of the Universe by Einar Mar Gudmundsson

The Sagas of Icelanders by Anonymous

The greenhouse by audur ava olafsdottir.

• 101 Reykjavik by Hallgrímur Helgason

Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason

Lovestar by andri snaer magnason.

• Names for the Sea Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss
• And discover helpful Iceland travel books…

Please note that any title marked with ** is a contribution from a travel blogger, Dagney.

Historical Fiction Books Set In Iceland

Icelandic Fiction Translated Into English by Victoria Cribb

Moonstone is an eclectic Iceland novel where magical realism meets historical fiction.

Teenage Máni Steinn is trying to find his place in the world.  Yet, Iceland, and Reykjavík especially, is under attack.  Watch as Katla erupts. The “Spanish flu” is killing thousands of people. WWI promises invasion. 

How does a young boy escape? 

With the movies, of course.

To make matters even more complicated, Máni is gay.  Unfortunately, society punishes same-sex relationships. 

Even worse, politicians and residents scapegoat the pictures as indulgent and corrupt.  Fevered dreams, magical realism, and history merge to create an artistic Icelandic novella. 

Máni must persevere to help and work in a culture that wishes he’d just disappear.

Beautifully written, Sjón’s  Moonstone  is allegorical, intense, and compelling. 

A statement about a young boy surviving widespread flu versus another gay man dying of AIDS offers readers a powerful statement on prejudice and misconception. 

Moonstone is a book set in Iceland that addresses larger political issues and the LGBT+ community.

Sjón is a famous Icelandic author, and if you enjoy Greek mythology , be sure to check out Sjón’s The Whispering Muse .

Find your copy of  Moonstone by Sjon here:  Amazon

The Blue Fox by Sjón**

Iceland Book Translated by Victoria Cribb

This beautiful novel is set in Iceland, 1883.  Follow the lives of a priest, a fox, a naturalist, and a young woman with Down’s Syndrome. Their lives are inescapably intertwined against the harsh Icelandic winter.

The Blue Fox  is challenging and relentlessly tragic.  Sjon’s delicate prose takes you on a bewitching journey. Find hints of  Moby Dick ,  White Fang , and  Burial Rites.  This lyrical novel will leave you guessing until its last breath.

Discover even more books set on islands big and small .

Find your copy of  The Blue Fox  by Sjón here:    Amazon

Icelandic Novels For And About Women

Burial Rites  is one of those Icelandic novels that will keep you thinking long after you close the book. 

Based on a true story, Kent imbues humanity into accused murderess, Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last person executed in Iceland.

Caught up in a deadly love story, Agnes is convicted for her role in the savage murders of Natan Ketilsson and Pétur Jónsson at Illugastaðir in 1828.

Set in a harsh and frigid Icelandic backdrop, Agnes must await her beheading in a family home at Kornsá. Breathe in the smell of dung and dull repetition of farm life. 

Watch the downfall of an intelligent, intimidating woman. We know this spinster tale all too well.

Just as the Northern Lights ignite magic in the sky, Agnes gains empathy from unlikely characters.  The assistant priest and her now familial wardens care for her. 

Learn Agnes’ side of the story amid illegitimacy, child mortality, and wandering eyes. 

For a book set in Iceland,  Burial Rites  will spark your historical wanderlust. And, for winter-set books , it’s extremely atmospheric.

Save This Icelandic Reading List For Later

Icelandic Fiction Translated Into English by Brian FitzGibbon

Content/Trigger Warnings:  Rape, abuse, incest, child death, abandonment, and murder

Did you ever have a love-strongly dislike relationship with a book?  Woman at 1,000 Degrees  is an almost unheard-of story about an Icelandic family fighting for Hitler during WWII.

A brutally honest and vile historical fiction Iceland novel, learn about Herra’s youth as a displaced child of war. Readers will both champion and despise Herra as a mother, lover, child, and storyteller.

Emotionally draining yet powerful, Herra’s character is based loosely on the first Icelandic Prime Minister’s granddaughter.

Best Books About Iceland

The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness **

Álfgrímur is an orphan who has been raised by a kind elderly couple in Brekkukot, a rural Icelandic village.

He wants nothing more than to follow in his adoptive grandfather’s footsteps and become a fisherman. That is, until, world-famous Icelandic singer, Gardar Holm recognizes Álfgrímur’s musical talents.

Like many of Laxness’ Icelandic novels,  The Fish Can Sing  is a bit of a slow burn. 

The novel lovingly crafts a portrait of life in rural Iceland against the stark modernity of Reykjavik and beyond. The prose itself is as alluring as Álfgrímur’s voice. 

The Fish Can Sing  is sure to have you booking a trip to Iceland ASAP. 

Find your copy of  The Fish Can Sing  here: Amazon

Independent People by Halldór Laxness

Halldór is a Nobel Prize-winning Icelandic author infamous for writing books about Iceland with a funny yet intellectual and historic flair.

Independent People is nostalgic of both Iceland’s Sagas as well as Sigrid Undset’s  Kristin Lavransdatter –a trilogy of historical novels about Northern life in the Middle Ages.

After years as a servant, Bjartur wants to raise his sheep in simple peace.

Meanwhile, his daughter would also like to live unchained to Bjartur. A darky comedic novel about love, independence, and family, Independent People is a touching and telling book set in Iceland.

Find a copy of Independent People here: Amazon

Angels of the Universe by Einar Mar Gudmundsson **

Translated by Bernard Scudder

This bizarre and delightful book set in Iceland takes place in Klepp, an Icelandic psychiatric facility.  The story follows schizophrenic Paul as he grapples with reality.

Paul recounts his life growing up as he gradually descends into madness.  The novel jumps back and forth between the past and present, helping to highlight Paul’s erratic mind.  The prose flirts with surrealism.

Angels of the Universe  itself is profound, hilarious, and deeply heartbreaking. Read this Icelandic novel for insight into mid-to-present Icelandic history, as well as a taste of Icelandic humor. 

Find your copy of  Angels of the Universe  here:   Amazon  

One of the most important books about Iceland, the Sagas showcase the lives of the Norse men and women who arrived in Iceland and eventually migrated across Greenland into North America.

Considered one of the greatest medieval literary treasures, these ten Icelandic Sagas follow explorers such as Leif Eiriksson and the Vikings to the New World.

Find uniquely modern and relevant elements as well as themes of love, hate, and exploration.

Find a copy of The Sagas of Icelanders here: Amazon

Contemporary Icelandic Fiction

Icelandic Fiction Translated In English by Brian FitzGibbon

One of the most relatable Icelandic novels, meet twenty-two-year-old Lobbi who is facing his own quarter-life crisis. 

Lobbi’s mother dies in a tragic car accident.  Obsessed with death and the carnal body, Lobbi is completely lost. 

With a devastated father and an autistic twin brother, Lobbi learns he is also a father.  Flóra Sól is the product of a one-night stand.

Fleeing to find himself, Lobbi leaves behind his mother’s beloved Icelandic greenhouse.  His new life mission is to tend to a dead monastic garden in an unknown country. 

Making friends with an alcoholic monk, Lobbi learns about grief, life, and love through movies.

Quiet but poetic,  The Greenhouse  is a meditation on finding oneself.  Although Icelandic fiction, readers transcend the body and borderlines. 

Characters learn and overcome in numerous ‘religious’ forms. 

Mundane life in the form of flowers and household chores defines Lobbi’s familial role.  Finding solace in discomfort heals. 

The ending is anything but perfect; Lobbi surprises even the reader in this gorgeously poignant Icelandic book. Read more books with green in the title . 

Find your copy of  The Greenhouse here:    Amazon  

101 Reykjavik by Hallgrímur Helgason**

Translated Iceland Fiction by Brian FitzGibbon

This Icelandic black comedy certainly isn’t for everyone.

Protagonist Hlynur is a 30-something loner.  He still lives at home with no intention of doing anything else. Soon, Hlynur’s mother comes out as a lesbian.  He falls in love with her new girlfriend.

Because Hlynur never leaves his room, the book itself feels very claustrophobic.  Yet, the Icelandic novel is wildly unpredictable good fun.

For those who enjoy Irvine Welsh or Bret Easton Ellis, Helgason has created an Icelandic book sure to thrill . 

Icelandic Thrillers And Mysteries

One of my to-be-read Iceland books, Jar City is a Reykjavik thriller and murder mystery.

Inspector Erlendur opens an unsolved crime after coming across a dead body of an older man. The killer has left a note and photograph of a young girl’s grave, hinting that something more is going on here.

Erlendur must uncover more than just the mystery behind this murder.

Find your copy of Jar City here: Amazon

Science Fiction Novels Set In Iceland

Translated by Victoria Cribb

Indridi and Sigrid are the equivalents of Icelandic science fiction millennials.  They live in a cordless and wireless world where data is transmitted via birdwaves.

Their entire lives are now premeditated. Sounds like M.T. Anderson’s Feed , right?!

The impersonal, borderline obsessed, and super genius, LoveStar is responsible.  He has socially engineered society and its hidden miseries.  LoveStar is a techie version of Mark Zuckerberg.

Along with disintegrating bodies into shooting stars upon death and rewinding bad children, LoveStar has calculated the perfect mate for each individual.

Madly in love, this new pairing tests Indridi and Sigrid’s relationship.  Society and its not-so-subliminal messaging threaten to tear them apart.  Whatever happened to free will?

Magnason questions the meaning of happiness and the effects of social engineering.  A science fiction book set in Iceland, watch all-consuming love fall apart under the Northern Lights. 

Innovative and quirky, question how technology and consumerism play a role in our lives. 

Find your copy of  LoveStar  here:    Amazon  

Nonfiction Books Set In Iceland

 Names for the Sea Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss

If you are looking for an Iceland novel written by an expatriate, you’ll love Moss.

After road-tripping across Iceland in her youth, Sarah Moss moves her family back to the land of fire and ice. 

Hoping to recapture her romanticized version of the island, she instead learns what it means to be an expat in her Icelandic nonfiction novel, Names for the Sea .

As an academic and writer, Moss embraces Icelandic culture and traditions with curiosity.  Her public servant’s salary as a teacher enforces a life of simplicity. 

Desiring to understand both Icelandic history and its present state during a financial crisis and volcanic eruption, Moss must push through the hardships of daily Icelandic life.

Beautifully written, Names for the Sea asks readers to consider how we travel and build community.  Does our nationality define us? How so?  Are we always outsiders? 

Delving into the meaning of identity and foreignness, Moss works hard to make Iceland her home. Read More→

Iceland Travel Books

Rick Steves Iceland – Join Rick Steves with this Iceland travel book. He’ll provide a wide array of tips from glacier hiking to how to save money in the infamously expensive Icelandic city of Reykjavik. Lonely Planet Iceland – One of our favorite Iceland travel guides, Lonely Planet offers both history and itineraries filled with a ton of personality. See what to skip, must-sees, and a few hidden gems in Iceland.

Lonely Planet Best Of Iceland – Even though Iceland appears smaller than some countries, there is still so much to explore. LP suggests some of its favorites in this Iceland travel book filled with must-sees.

Lonely Planet’s Iceland’s Ring Road – When we visited Iceland, we loved driving along the southern part of Ring Road. Discover LP’s recommendations for Ring Road road trip itineraries.

Along with Iceland, travel to some of our favorite European countries via a good book:

Iceland captured our hearts and souls; the landscape is just utterly breathtaking, and we’d never seen seals out in the wild let alone glaciers or both together until Iceland. Add in the Northern Lights and black sand beaches , and it was love at first sight. A few of our other favorite European destinations include Scotland , Italy , Greece , and the Baltics .

Enhance your trip and spark your wanderlust to Europe with these additional reading lists :

• Baltic Books To Read Before You Go – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are unique and lesser-frequented Eastern European countries filled with a rich literary history like Iceland. Everyone knows Tallinn, Estonia, but what about those other gems? Get to know the Baltics through their literature and top authors.
• Books To Inspire Scotland Travel – Similar to these novels set in Iceland, our Scotland reading list is sure to introduce you to local authors. Spark a bit of wanderlust for those gorgeous Highlands. Then, travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, solving mysteries and falling in love.
• Best Books About Italy For Wanderlust – Italy runs through our veins – and we still have family members living there. Explore the best fiction and nonfiction books about Italy from a variety of authors to make your trip more authentic and teach you more.
• Best Books To Read Before Going To Greece – We honeymooned in Greece and Turkey, eating terrific food and catching stunning views in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Istanbul. Up your knowledge of Greece with these fiction and nonfiction books.

What Are Your Favorite Books Set In Iceland?

Our favorite Icelandic books are Burial Rites , Names For The Sea, and LoveStar. Sjón is eccentric and unique. What are some of the best books about Iceland that you have read? What Icelandic author or book would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

Inspired To Visit Iceland?  Save This Iceland Reading List Or Your Favorite Iceland Novel For Later.

European Book Lists You Might Enjoy:

• Chilly Books About Switzerland
• Books About France To Take You There
• Spain Books Reading List
• Norwegian Books To Read Now
• Swedish Novels

Christine Frascarelli

Dagney McKinney

18 Comments

You forgot to add the collection “Out of the Blue: New Short Fiction from Iceland”!

Thanks so much for your recommendation!

I would love to go to Iceland!

I hope that you make it there one day. Iceland is truly one of my favorite countries that we have visited so far. For now, definitely be sure to pick up one of these books set in Iceland to spark your wanderlust.

I love that you paired your travel with books set in Iceland, that is so cool! I am glad you had a good time and can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Thanks for the book recommendations, book bestie!

Thank you! I loved reading about fictional Iceland and then having some of those locations come alive. These types of book lists will be the new book and travel norm for 2019 on TUL as I ‘niche down.’ Glad to know that you enjoyed the new content. Much, much appreciated.

I cannot wait to share my own tales from Iceland. Have a great rest of the week, book bestie!

Thanks for including me in this. I love a good book list. And hey, it turns out I read some stuff that isn’t totally depressing!

So I know I’ve already read over half of these books and I have a reading list as long as Africa, buuuut… I totally want to read the ones I haven’t already read. I think Moonstone is definitely top of the list.

Also, is it weird that I’m jealous there are people who get to experience Burial Rites for the first time? That’s weird, right?

I’m so excited to see more of your Iceland posts! It’s a place we both want to go back to, despite our first trip there together being a bit of a disaster. So could probably use some travel inspiration!

Thanks so much for contributing, again! I could not have done this Icelandic book list without you.

I am still reading a few Icelandic books not yet on this list too. I’ve loved everything.

Moonstone is incredibly short. You could easily read the title in one sitting–it’s a unique novella. I found the graphic sexual scenes a bit off-putting (just wasn’t expecting some of them and not quite my thing in literature), but I get why they were there. The rest of the narrative falls into this bizarre but well done magical realism vs realistic fiction plot. Sjon really nails a timeframe and social commentary on being gay in a world that is less than accepting. I think you will love this one.

I enjoyed Buriral Rites way more than I thought that I would. What a brutal way to go. I am interested in learning more about the murdered parties too. Seemed like an eccentric bunch…or maybe just for that time period.

Still waiting to hear about this Icelandic disaster. Dish! (Unless you did on FB and it failed to notify me…what a mess there.) I just did some planning for my Iceland posts. Time to get writing. I got distracted by international commission laws and taxes today. Fun, fun.

Great set of books! I would love to visit Iceland someday, but I would need to plan a trip to a hot destination right after to thaw out. ?I’d read these books even without visiting Iceland. Looking forward to more pictures of Iceland and all the boozy details.

At one point, we were walking around Thingvellir National Park–and I just couldn’t do it anymore. My toes and hands had gone completely numb. I didn’t find the cold that bad most of the time, but occasionally, I thought my nose might fall off my face.

When we got back to FL, though, it was 83 and humid….so I thawed fast.

Thank you! I hope you make it to Iceland one day! Go in the summer and see the puffins for me.

Amazeballs as usual. I am all hyped for our vacay in November and after this I am all about Iceland!! Totally want to go now . Love your pics. Am going to jump on one of these reads, asap

Where is your vacation in November? Are you going to Iceland?

Thank you! Let me know which title you decide to pick up and what you think.

I really want to read Burial Rites – I’ve heard nothing but good things! I will be sure to give it a read before I visit Iceland. Great post Christine!

Thanks, Crystal! I think out of all these titles, you might love Burial Rites the most. As your fellow dark tourism blogger, you’ll have to check with Dagney too! I know she also read Kent’s book. I loved Burial Rites, and it was a great one to start this list with since it is based on true events. The title has a twinge of feminist appeal too.

I kept thinking about your door warning and weighing down my car while in Iceland. We sat on a hill in Vik to watch the Northern Lights. It was around midnight, and I swear I thought the winds would blow us right off the cliffs–I’ve never seen winds that strong that weren’t part of a Florida hurricane. It was wild weather.

Burial Rites is hands down the best book on this list. Not that I don’t love the other ones I wrote about, but Burial Rites definitely for the win. I was skeptical to read it because of the hype I’d heard around it, but I sucked it up, and it was so worth it.

Weren’t they making a movie too? Did it ever come out? I want to say it hasn’t yet?! Not that I’d want them to ruin it for me, but it could be good.

I will definitely check it out! did you carry heavy suitcases and things in your trunk for safety? glad you made it through Iceland safe! Those heavy winds sounds scary!

I wish!!! So we actually paid for checked bags…and then didn’t check on them on the way there because we had 8 AM Blue Lagoon tickets. We knew that we might have to dash from the airport to the Blue Lagoon. We packed light carryons only. It made traveling easy as heck…but we could have blown away. lol

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29 Books About Iceland That Are Total Must Reads!

Whether you’re after books about Iceland to help you plan your trip. Or ones that promise to give you some last minute inspiration. Or even heartwarming books set in Iceland to tuck into during cosy nights in.

Either way, we’ve got you covered with this list of 29 must-read books about Iceland. Njóta / Enjoy!

Books About Iceland To Help You Plan Your Trip

1. lonely planet’s iceland travel guide.

If you’re looking for a complete Iceland travel guide full of inspiration, insider tips, maps and more, then look no further than Lonely Planet’s Iceland Travel Guide . LP is our travel publisher of choice every single time; we can’t recommend them enough.

Buy Lonely Planet’s Iceland Travel Guide on Amazon >>>

2. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland: 2020

The DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland book (updated for 2020) is pocket-sized but still chock-full of useful information about Iceland. This is a great option if you’re not yet sure what you want to see or do in Iceland as it takes you through the top ten of everything from waterfalls and volcanoes to museums and festivals.

Buy DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland on Amazon >>>

3. Lonely Planet’s Pocket Reykjavik & Southwest Iceland

If you know you’ll be focusing on Reykjavik and Southwest Iceland during your trip then this pocket-sized Lonely Planet guide is for you. It’s small but perfectly formed to show you what to see and what to skip in these areas – from top must-sees to unique hidden gems.

Buy Lonely Planet’s Reykjavik Pocket Guide on Amazon >>>

4. The Rough Guide to Iceland

Another top travel publisher is Rough Guides. Their books are chock-full of practical advice and information whether you’re into adventure travel or partying the night away. Their latest Iceland travel guide even comes with a free ebook version so you don’t have to lug the actual book around with you.

Buy The Rough Guide to Iceland on Amazon >>>

5. Lonely Planet’s Best of Iceland 

For top Iceland inspiration, Lonely Planet’s Best of Iceland is full of stunning photos and useful tips to help you see the most popular attractions in Iceland. It even has useful itineraries throughout for quick weekend trips and longer holidays.

Buy Lonely Planet’s Best of Iceland on Amazon >>>

6. Rick Steves Iceland

Whether you want to hike glaciers, soak in hidden hot springs or otherwise, this Iceland travel guide by Rick Steves is best for those of you who like to explore hidden gems and get off the beaten path. Inside, you’ll find top tips and recommendations as well as itineraries and candid writing to guide you through the land of the midnight sun.

Buy Rick Steves Iceland on Amazon >>>

7. Iceland Marco Polo Travel Guide & Handbook

One more Iceland travel guide to add to your list is this one by Marco Polo . It’s full of insider tips, sightseeing highlights, top tours you can take and fun suggestions of things to do in Iceland – whatever you’re in the mood for.

Buy Marco Polo’s Iceland Travel Guide on Amazon >>>

8. Lonely Planet Iceland’s Ring Road

If you want to head out on Iceland’s most famous road trip route then this Lonely Planet guide is for you. From maps and itineraries to top attractions and need to know tips, this is one of the most comprehensive guides out there that is totally dedicated to Iceland’s Ring Road.

Buy Lonely Planet’s Ring Road Travel Guide on Amazon >>>

Books About Iceland To Inspire You

9. photographing iceland: an insider’s guide to the most iconic locations.

Written by photographer and Iceland expert, Martin Schulz, this book about photographing Iceland has five unique photography-focused tours inside to help you visit 37 must-see locations in Iceland. The incredible photos themselves are enough to inspire anyone to visit Iceland.

Buy Photographing Iceland on Amazon >>>

10. Iceland by Chris McNab

If you’re looking for a travel coffee table book dedicated to Iceland then this is the one for you . It has over 200 stunning photos of Iceland inside with captions for each one to tell the unique story of the moment that has been captured. The perfect book to flick through while you patiently wait for your trip to Iceland to start.

Buy McNab’s Iceland on Amazon >>>

11. Out in the Cold – Travels North: Adventures in Svalbard, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Canada

An inspirational tale of adventure, Out in the Cold is Bill Murray’s vivid depiction of his adventure across Svalbard, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. From seeing a total solar eclipse in Svalbard to tasting wind-dried sheep in the Faroe Islands and hiking across glaciers in Iceland, this book is one for the adventure lovers among you.

Buy Out in the Cold on Amazon >>>

12. Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland 

If you’ve ever had dreams of packing up your life and living in Iceland then this is the book for you . Written as a memoir, this book follows Sarah Moss as she embarks on her childhood dream of moving to Iceland from Kent in the UK. While the book is honest and funny, it’s also so inspiring to hear how the author’s adventure panned out and how she came to love Iceland even more.

Buy Strangers in Iceland on Amazon >>>

More Books About Iceland You Might Like

13. the little book of tourists in iceland: tips, tricks, and what the icelanders really think of you.

Iceland is in the middle of an unprecedented boom in tourism. While this has brought great wealth to the country, it has also presented a myriad of issues and challenges. Through a collection of short essays, this book seeks to provide a unique insight into the social and environmental impact that tourism is having on Iceland and offers tips for travelling safely, responsibly and in harmony with the locals.

Buy The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland on Amazon >>>

14. The Little Book of the Icelanders: 50 miniature essays on the quirks and foibles of the Icelandic people

For a humorous take on the Icelandic culture, this book is a fun read. Some of the topics covered include local driving habits, Icelandic wedding rituals and where you should go to meet the “real” Iceland locals. Humorous, witty but actually quite informative when it comes to the local culture.

Buy The Little Book of the Icelanders on Amazon >>>

15. The Little Book of Icelandic: On the idiosyncrasies, delights, and sheer tyranny of the Icelandic language

Another witty read is The Little Book of Icelandic . From the meanings and origins behind local Icelandic idioms and proverbs to local curse words and slang you can learn, this book deconstructs the Icelandic language and the often-hilarious ways in which the words have been created.

Buy The Little Book of Icelandic on Amazon >>>

16. The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty stories of elves from Icelandic folklore

Icelandic folklore is rife with tales of elves and hidden people that inhabited hills and rocks in the landscape. But what do these stories really tell us about the Iceland of old and the people who lived there? In this book , author Alda Sigmundsdóttir presents twenty translated elf stories from Icelandic folklore, along with fascinating notes on the context behind them.

Buy The Little Book of the Hidden People on Amazon >>>

17. Lonely Planet’s Fast Talk Icelandic Phrasebook

Icelandic might be one of the world’s most complex languages to learn, and although you’ll get on fine without knowing any Icelandic words at all, it is polite to learn a few common phrases before your trip. This Lonely Planet phrasebook helps to break down the language and pronunciation making it relatively fast and easy to pick up a few key phrases.

Buy Lonely Planet’s Fast Talk Icelandic Phrasebook on Amazon >>>

18. Walking and Trekking in Iceland: 100 days of walking and multi-day treks

Keen on exploring Iceland’s many incredible hiking trails? Then this book is the one for you. With a total of 49 day walks and 10 multi-stage treks, you’ll find out how best to explore the Icelandic landscape on two feet while passing through three of the country’s most infamous national parks.

Buy Walking and Trekking in Iceland on Amazon >>>

Bonus: Books Set In Iceland That Are Total Must Reads!

19. burial rites.

Set in Northern Iceland in 1829, Burial Rites is the award-winning fictional tale of a woman condemned to death for murdering her lover and the priest tasked with absolving her of her sins.

Buy Burial Rites on Amazon >>>

20. The Sagas of the Icelanders

In Iceland, the age of the Vikings is known as the Saga Age. Set around the turn of the last millennium, these stories depict the lives of the Norse men and women who first settled in Iceland and of their descendants, who ventured farther west to Greenland and, ultimately, North America.

Buy The Sagas of the Icelanders on Amazon >>>

21. The Sealwoman’s Gift

Set in Iceland in 1627, The Sealwoman’s Gift is an award-winning novel all about the pirates that raided the coast of Iceland and abducted 400 people into slavery in Algiers.

Buy The Sealwoman’s Gift on Amazon >>>

22. Butterflies in November

For a more contemporary book set in Iceland, try Butterflies in November . This fictional story written by a native Icelander follows the journey of a heartbroken woman who finds herself winning the road trip of a lifetime to Iceland. 

Buy Butterflies in November on Amazon >>>

23. Magnus Iceland Mystery Series

The Magnus Iceland Mystery novels are a popular series of five murder mystery books set in Iceland. The stories follow Detective Magnus Jonson as he tries to connect the dots between seemingly unconnected events in history and the murders of today.

24. Iceland, Defrosted

Iceland, Defrosted is the true story of an Englishman’s obsession with Iceland. Follow the author as he describes all the reasons why he loves Iceland – from the natural hot springs and howling winter storms to the elusive Northern Lights and local Icelandic music. This book is almost like a love letter to the country and is perfect for those who love Iceland just as much as him.

Buy Iceland, Defrosted on Amazon >>>

25. Independent People

Set in rural Iceland in the early 20th Century, Independent People follows a sheep farmer as he seeks to earn a living from a blighted patch of land after the destruction of the First World War. 

Buy Independent People on Amazon >>>

26. Dark Iceland Series

Dark Iceland is another series of five murder mystery books set in Iceland. This time, you follow rookie police officer Ari Thór Arason as he works through his first investigation and beyond.

27. Storytellers

Storytellers is the debut novel of Icelandic writer, Bjørn Larssen, which tells the story of how on a cold Icelandic night in March 1920, a hermit blacksmith finds himself with an unwanted lodger. Sigurd, an injured stranger is there to share a story from the past that could alter the blacksmith’s entire life.

Buy Storytellers on Amazon >>>

28. The Blue Fox

Winner of the Nordic Literary Prize and nominated for the Icelandic Literature Prize, The Blue Fox seeks to transport you back to the year 1883 and into the midst of an Icelandic winter. The story follows a priest called Skugga-Baldur on his hunt for the enigmatic blue fox. Part mystery, part fairytale, this book promises to keep you spellbound throughout.

Buy The Blue Fox on Amazon >>>

29. The Dark Blue Winter Overcoat and other stories from the North

From the same author as The Blue Fox , The Dark Blue Winter Overcoat is a beautiful anthology of selected works of fiction from the Nordic region, which are often deep-rooted in the world of folklore, fairytale and intrigue.

Buy The Dark Blue Winter Overcoat on Amazon >>>

Over to you now – which books about Iceland do you love to read? We’re always after recommendations so leave us a few notes in the comments below…

Did you like this? Why not share it around?

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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10 Best Books About Iceland To Read

• by Jonny Duncan
• October 2, 2023 January 3, 2024

These books about Iceland, a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes and the midnight sun dances with the northern lights, show the country perfectly.

Nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, this remote island nation is a place of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and literary traditions that date back centuries.

From the ancient sagas that chronicle the exploits of Viking heroes to contemporary works that explore the soul of modern society, books about Iceland offer you a window into a world both enchanting and enigmatic.

Books About Iceland

Whether you’re seeking epic tales of exploration, poetic reflections on the landscape, or insightful glimpses into the lives of its people, these books about Iceland will give you that.

Not surprisingly, given the historical connection between Iceland and the Vikings, there are some historic Viking-related books here, but also contemporary ones looking at modern Iceland and their culture.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland you can find hotels in Reykjavik here .

Independent People by Halldór Laxness

Written by Halldór Laxness, Independent People was first published in 1934 and is considered one of the most significant works in Icelandic literature and a must-read out of all these books about Iceland.

The novel is set in rural Iceland during the early 20th century and tells the story of Bjartur, a stubborn and independent sheep farmer, as he struggles to achieve his dream of owning his own piece of land and achieving self-sufficiency.

The novel explores themes of isolation, self-reliance, and the harsh realities of rural life in Iceland. Bjartur’s character is a complex one, as his determination to be independent often leads to personal sacrifices and conflicts with his family.

The novel also delves into the socio-economic and political changes taking place in Iceland during this period. It’s known for its vivid descriptions of the Icelandic landscape and its rich character development.

It has been translated into numerous languages and has received international acclaim, including the Nobel Prize in Literature awarded to Halldór Laxness in 1955.

How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island by Egill Bjarnason

How Iceland Changed the World: The Big History of a Small Island was published in 2016 and provides an engaging exploration of the historical and cultural significance of Iceland.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including Iceland’s geological formation, its Viking heritage, the establishment of the Althing (one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions), the literary legacy of sagas, the country’s struggle for independence, and its modern contributions to global culture and technology.

Through a series of interconnected stories and narratives, Bjarnason argues that Iceland’s history and culture have had a surprisingly profound impact on the world, given its small population and remote location.

He explores how Iceland’s unique history and traditions have influenced everything from literature and politics to technology and environmental conservation.

Out of all the books about Iceland, this is a great overall one on the country to read and a personal favourite of Backpackingman.

Iceland’s Bell by Halldór Laxness

Iceland’s Bell (original Icelandic title: “Íslandsklukkan”) is another significant novel by Halldór Laxness. It was first published in 1943. Like many of Laxness’s works, “Iceland’s Bell” explores the history, culture, and social issues of Iceland in a richly detailed and evocative manner.

The novel is set in the 17th century, a turbulent period in Icelandic history marked by political and religious conflicts, foreign rule, and harsh living conditions. The story revolves around the character Jon Hreggvidsson, a wandering pauper who is wrongly accused of murder.

His journey through Iceland, along with other colourful characters he encounters, serves as a means to depict the challenges and struggles faced by the Icelandic people during this era.

The novel is considered one of Laxness’s masterpieces and has been translated into several languages.

The Sagas of Icelanders by Various Authors

The Sagas of Icelanders , often referred to as the “Íslendingasögur” in Icelandic, are a collection of medieval narratives that provide a detailed and vivid account of the history, culture, and society of Iceland during the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages.

These sagas were written in the 13th and 14th centuries, although they are set in earlier periods, primarily the 9th to the 11th centuries.

Unlike the more mythical and legendary sagas found in other parts of Scandinavia, the Sagas of Icelanders are known for their realism. They depict everyday life, feuds, legal disputes, and personal relationships, making them valuable sources for understanding the social and legal systems of medieval Iceland.

There are two main categories of sagas: the Sagas of the Icelanders (Íslendingasögur), which primarily focus on the lives and conflicts of Icelandic families, and the Kings’ Sagas (Konungasögur), which chronicle the history of Scandinavian kings.

The sagas are set against the backdrop of Iceland’s settlement, conversion to Christianity, and the shift from a pagan to a Christian society. They also provide insights into the exploration of new lands, including Greenland and Vinland (North America).

The Sagas of Icelanders have had a profound influence on Icelandic literature and culture. They continue to be studied, translated, and adapted in various forms to this day. This is one of the most classic books about Iceland to read.

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland is a memoir by British author Sarah Moss. In this book, Moss reflects on her experiences as she and her family move to Iceland for a year.

It’s a personal narrative that explores her encounters with Icelandic culture, society, and the challenges of adapting to life in a foreign land.

“Names for the Sea” provides you with a firsthand account of what it’s like to live in Iceland, including the challenges of learning the Icelandic language and integrating into the local community.

Moss offers observations on Icelandic culture, customs, and traditions, shedding light on the uniqueness of Icelandic society and its contrasts with her own British background.

The book also delves into Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes and the beauty of the country’s wilderness, as well as the impact of the harsh Icelandic climate on daily life. This is one of the best books about Iceland for a travel-memoir style.

The Little Book of Icelanders in the Old Days by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

The Little Book of Icelanders in the Old Days is a book by Alda Sigmundsdóttir, an Icelandic author and blogger known for her writings about Iceland and its culture.

Published in 2012, this book offers insights into the history, customs, and quirks of Icelandic society from a historical perspective, particularly focusing on earlier times.

The book delves into various aspects of Icelandic culture and society, providing you with a glimpse into the customs, traditions, and way of life of Icelanders in the past.

It’s rooted in historical research and references, drawing from primary sources and historical accounts to paint a picture of what life was like in Iceland during earlier centuries.

The author’s writing style is known for its humour and wit, making this book on Iceland an engaging and entertaining read as it explores sometimes quirky and peculiar aspects of Icelandic culture.

Burial Rites: A Novel by Hannah Kent

Burial Rites is a historical novel first published in 2013. It is based on a true story and is set in Iceland in the 1820s. The novel tells the story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman to be executed in Iceland.

Agnes Magnúsdóttir was convicted of murdering two men and setting their farm on fire. She is sent to a remote farm to await her execution. While there, she is placed in the custody of a family who are initially reluctant to take her in.

As Agnes awaits her fate, she forms a complex and transformative relationship with the family members and the local priest who is tasked with preparing her for her execution.

The novel explores themes of isolation, injustice, and the human capacity for change and redemption. It is beautifully written and has received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of the harsh Icelandic landscape and its compelling characters.

Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid

Secrets of the Sprakkar : Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World was published in 2020. The word “Sprakkar” in the title is an Icelandic term that can be roughly translated to “strong women” or “brave women.”

The book focuses on the stories of remarkable Icelandic women who have made significant contributions to various fields and have had a positive impact on society both in Iceland and beyond.

The author profiles a diverse group of women, including politicians, artists, activists, scientists, and entrepreneurs, highlighting their achievements and the challenges they have faced along the way.

Secrets of the Sprakkar not only celebrates the accomplishments of these women but also explores the broader themes of gender equality, women’s rights, and the unique cultural and social factors that have contributed to Iceland’s reputation for gender parity.

Iceland is often cited as one of the world’s leaders in gender equality, and the book delves into the historical and cultural aspects that have played a role in shaping this status.

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

Another book by Alda Sigmundsdóttir, The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland , this one provides an insightful and humorous look at the impact of tourism on Iceland from the perspective of an Icelander.

It explores the rapid increase in tourism to Iceland in recent years and the various ways in which it has affected the country, its culture, and its people. Alda Sigmundsdóttir offers her observations, anecdotes, and advice for tourists visiting Iceland, all while sharing her love for her homeland.

This is one of the better books about Iceland to get a better understanding of Icelandic customs , traditions, and etiquette, as well as to encourage responsible and respectful tourism. It also sheds light on some of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result of Iceland’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.

The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman by Nancy Marie Brown

The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman was published in 2007 and is a non-fiction biographical account that explores the life and adventures of a remarkable Viking woman named Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir.

Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, a Viking woman who lived during the 10th and 11th centuries, was known for her extensive travels, which took her from her native Iceland to places like Greenland and North America.

Nancy Marie Brown blends historical research with narrative storytelling to reconstruct Gudrid’s life and times. She draws upon medieval sagas and archaeological evidence to provide a detailed and historically accurate portrait of this remarkable woman.

Through the book, you gain an understanding of Gudrid’s character, her resilience, and her role as a key figure in the Viking exploration of the North Atlantic. Her story challenges the traditional gender roles of her time.

One Extra: The Nordic Baking Book by Magnus Nilsson

I’ve tapped The Nordic Baking Book at the end here as one extra because technically it’s not just about Iceland but includes all the Nordic countries.

It’s also technically not about the countries themselves but rather famous recipes for food from these countries, so if you want to have a go at cooking Icelandic food and other Nordic foods, then this is a good book to get.

Travel Guidebooks For Iceland

There are many good travel guides for Iceland with these being some of the best.

Rick Steves Iceland is not only one of the best guidebooks for the country but could even be considered one of the best books about Iceland in its own right due to his in-depth observations.

Lonely Planet Iceland is a standard of the guidebooks for Iceland and gives good overall practical information for visiting.

Iceland Bradt Travel Guides is one of the better guidebooks you can get. They are a smaller independent guidebook company from the U.K. that gives great advice and knowledge for Iceland. On a personal note, Backpackingman regularly uses Bradt Travel Guides.

These books about Iceland cover a range of topics related to Iceland, from its literature and history to its natural beauty and people.

Whether you’re interested in sagas, contemporary life, or the country’s unique culture, there’s something on this list for you.

Iceland really is one of the most magnificent countries in the world that you can visit.

For more on Iceland take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Iceland to watch .

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World » Europe » Iceland

The best books on iceland, recommended by sarah thomas.

out in paperback

The Raven's Nest: An Icelandic Journey Through Light and Darkness by Sarah Thomas

Those seeking insight into the otherworldly landscape and unique culture of Iceland would do well to read these five books, ranging from a work of ethnography to a spellbinding fantasy novel, selected for us by the award-winning memoirist Sarah Thomas . In Iceland, she explains, the landscape "is a protagonist, not a backdrop; one from which we can learn everything we need to know."

Interview by Cal Flyn , Deputy Editor

Heaven and Hell by Jón Kalman Stefánson, translated by Philip Roughton

Land of Love and Ruins by Oddný Eir, translated by Philip Roughton

The Blue Fox by Sjón, translated by Victoria Cribb

On Time and Water by Andri Snaer Magnason, translated by Lytton Smith

The Social Life of Dreams: A Thousand Years of Negotiated Meanings in Iceland by Adrienne Heijnen

1 Heaven and Hell by Jón Kalman Stefánson, translated by Philip Roughton

2 land of love and ruins by oddný eir, translated by philip roughton, 3 the blue fox by sjón, translated by victoria cribb, 4 on time and water by andri snaer magnason, translated by lytton smith, 5 the social life of dreams: a thousand years of negotiated meanings in iceland by adrienne heijnen.

T hank you for selecting these five books about Iceland, which formed the setting of your own memoir The Raven’s Nest . Could you talk me through your selection as a whole—what do you look for in a book?

Maybe that brings us to your first book recommendation, Jón Kalman Stefánson’s Heaven and Hell, translated from the original Icelandic by Philip Roughton. Why do you recommend it?

I read this affecting, timeless novel about the lives of turn-of-the-20th-century Icelandic fishermen when I moved to the Westfjords at the beginning of winter. Fishing is the foundation of Iceland’s modern economy and most families have at least one fisherman—mine was no exception. Culturally, the fishing life is almost archetypal so it is a brilliant introduction to the bone marrow of Iceland, so to speak. My reading experience was bound up with the strong impression the land- and seascape, and this risky livelihood, were making on me. It took me into a parallel world—a Westfjords fishing village along a stretch of coast which, though fictional, was inspired by the shoreline where I lived. Past and present felt close.

“I am excited by texts which render the landscape as animate and having agency”

The narrative centres on the death of one of the main characters, Barður, who succumbs to cold at sea in an unforeseen storm. His fatal error—forgetting his waterproof gear—was caused by his engrossment in a copy of Paradise Lost . His friend and fellow crew member, a boy, vows to return the book to its owner and in doing so embarks on a perilous journey. But, en route, he is waylaid by the temptations of the town and its stories and inhabitants. This plot alone demonstrates one of many remarkable characteristics of ‘Icelandicness’: a fierce love of literature and literacy that was shared by the rural poor as well as the richer echelons of society.

Your second Iceland book recommendation is Land of Love and Ruins, translated by Philip Roughton . Tell us about it.

This is one of my favourite books, full stop. Fluid and endlessly questioning, this prize-winning work of autofiction explores how a woman finds and makes her place in the world and in relationship—with the earth, with kin, with lovers, with ancestors, and with her words—when capitalism is creeping in to commodify every blade of grass. The original title,  Jarðnæði, is revealing when you consider that jarðnæði is a ‘farm tenancy’, and broken down, jarð means ‘earth’ and næði means ‘ease/peace/rest’. It suggests a way of belonging and tending to the earth without owning it.

The third book you’ve chosen is Sjón’s Skugga Baldur,  translated into English as The Blue Fox by Victoria Cribb. It was named one of the best fantasy books of all time by Time. Why did this book make your Iceland reading list?

Sjón is a poet and novelist and his diverse body of work always encapsulates what he calls the ‘marvelous’ nature of Iceland and its history, in sparse and often humorous prose. The Nordic Council Literary Prize-winning The Blue Fox is a slim, dark and powerful work of magical realism which reads almost like a fable. It follows the obsessive quest of 19th-century pastor Baldur Skuggason through treacherous winter terrain to hunt down a wily and elusive blue fox for its fur. Intersecting with the hunt is an estate owner and naturalist Fríðrík Fríðjónsson, and his charge Abba, a girl with Down’s Syndrome who was rescued from a shipwreck years prior. The fates of all four characters are deeply and surprisingly intertwined. As the hunt progresses, Baldur’s inner life and cruelty is revealed through brushes with the fox’s mind and Fríðrík’s backstory, and ultimately a horrific truth is laid bare.

Your fourth Iceland book recommendation is Andri Snaer Magnason’s On Time and Water, translated by Lytton Smith. Why is it worth reading?

It is a poetic and insightful environmental treatise on Iceland’s future, and all of our futures in the context of two of the most significant threats to life: climate change and ocean acidification. It deals with the limits of language and current Western metaphorical frameworks in making sense of these huge issues. As Magnason points out, their real implications are clearly beyond most of our comprehensions, otherwise we would be behaving very differently. This book is also about what happens when geological time and human life spans collide. Magnason is a stylist and he connects us to the future and the past “in an intimate and urgent way” through reaching for various mythologies— Norse and Hindu among them, history, and particularly his own eccentric family history, for help.

Finally, you’ve recommended Adrienne Heijnen’s book The Social Life of Dreams: A Thousand Years of Negotiated Meanings in Iceland . It can be a little tricky to get hold of, but there are a few copies on Amazon and some available second-hand on AbeBooks. Tell us more.

An ethnographic text is a niche wildcard I admit, but this long-term ethnographic study by a Dutch anthropologist is a fascinating endorsement of the importance—contemporary and historic—of dreams and dream sharing in Icelandic culture, and their ability to influence the future. It stood out to me because it embraces a kind of ‘messiness’ of life that some ethnographic studies attempt to tidy up, holding space for coexisting approaches to dream interpretation.

Though this is an academic work, the book is accessible in tone and full of intimate lived examples. Heijnen sets out the background to the study of dreaming, and walks through historical and literary sources of Icelandic dreaming and dream sharing before discussing examples of contemporary dream practices to demonstrate that ‘not only is history constructed in the present, but the past is generative of life.’ She notes that this is also true of Icelanders’ ‘bookish’ approach towards their society, identity and history. That is to say, historic accounts of dream sharing are taken seriously by Icelanders and inform and legitimise contemporary practices.

Heijden’s central point is that dreams are not only experiences to be taken note of, and shared, but are used to reveal future events and inform social action. They do not belong to the individual as such, but are part of a fabric that implicates Icelandic society as a whole, and which remains interwoven with the past. Overall I find this book to be a fascinating glimpse into what might be considered a collective Icelandic psyche, which navigates time vertically as well as horizontally.

June 20, 2023

Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. If you are the interviewee and would like to update your choice of books (or even just what you say about them) please email us at [email protected]

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Sarah Thomas

Sarah Thomas 's debut memoir, The Raven's Nest (Atlantic Books 2022), won a 2023 Nautilus Book Award, was longlisted for the inaugural Nan Shepherd Prize and shortlisted for the 2021 Fitzcarraldo Essay Prize. She has a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies and lives in Scotland.

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

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Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Iceland.

Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from sailing among majestic icebergs in Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon, Jökulsárlón; to devouring lobster at the authentic small-town festival of Humarhátíð; and exploring Þingvellir National Park on horseback.

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Iceland travel guide:

• Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips
• Updated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Iceland and connect experiences together with ease
• Create your perfect trip with exciting itineraries for extended journeys combined with suggested day trips, walking tours, and activities to match your passions
• Get fresh takes on must-visit sights and swim between the continents at Silfra Fissure, explore Katla Geopark, hike through Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Special features on capturing the Northern Lights, Reykjavik food and nightlife, and road trip through the Westfjords
• Expert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and more
• Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travel
• Connect with Icelandic culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions 
• Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of Reykjavik
• Covers Reykjavik, Southwest Iceland & the Golden Circle, Southeast Iceland, West Iceland, The Westfjords, North Iceland, East Iceland, The Highlands

Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Iceland.

Reykjavik, Southwest Iceland & the Golden Circle, Southeast Iceland, West Iceland, The Westfjords, North Iceland, East Iceland, The Highlands

ISBN: 9781838693619

Edition: 13th

Publication Date: March 2024

Writers: Thiruvengadam, Meena

Averbuck, Alexis Bjarnason, Egill Svala Arnarsdóttir, Eygló

352 pages,47 maps | Dimensions: 128mm width × 197mm height

Next edition due: April 2026

20 recommended reads for those who dream of traveling to Iceland

• BY Anne Bogel
• IN Book Lists , Books & Reading , Holidays , Literary Tourism
• 35 Comments | Comment

It’s almost time for Jólabókaflóðið! If you’re not familiar with this term, it roughly translates to Christmas book flood and refers to Icelanders’ tradition of exchanging books on Christmas Eve and reading at home for the rest of the evening. This inspired my family’s newish literary tradition a few years back.

You don’t have to exchange Icelandic books in order to do your own version of Jólabókaflóðið but I thought it would be a fun time to share this reader-generated book list inspired by a WSIRNReaderRecs  request.

A reader was looking for books set in Iceland and we shared their request on our  What Should I Read Next Instagram account . We went through the comments on that post and this curated list is the result. This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully it’ll provide you some good literary tourism all the same.

We’d love to hear  your  favorite books set in or about Iceland—both your favorites from this list and new additions to it—in the comments section.

Some links (including all Amazon links) are affiliate links.  More details here .

• Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was by Sjón, translated by Victoria Cribb
• The Blue Fox by Sjón, translated by Victoria Cribb
• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
• Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason, translated by Brian FitzGibbon
• Independent People by Halldór Laxness
• The Sagas of Icelanders by Anonymous
• Miss Iceland by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, translated by Brian FitzGibbon
• Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, translated by Brian FitzGibbon
• LoveStar by Andri Snaer Magnason, translated by Victoria Cribb
• Beautiful Wreck by Larissa Brown
• The Sacrament by Olaf Olafsson
• The Northern Lights Lodge by Julie Caplin
• Heaven and Hell by Jón Kalman Stefánsson, translated by Philip Roughton
• Frozen Out (Officer Gunnhildur #1) by Quentin Bates
• Snowblind (Dark Iceland #1) by Ragnar Jonasson
• Last Rituals (Þóra Guðmundsdóttir #1) by Yrsa Sigurdarsdottir
• Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws and Things Unseen by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

Nonfiction:

• Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss
• Wild Horses of the Summer Sun by Tory Bilski
• Viking Age Iceland by Jesse L. Byock

What Icelandic books would you add to this list?

P.S. For more literary tourism: 65 recommended reads for those traveling to England , 130 recommended reads for those traveling to New York City .

35 comments

Who knew there were 20 books for those who dream of traveling to Iceland? I have never read ONE! What an unexpected treasure chest!

How Iceland Changed the World. Haven’t read it yet but it’s sitting on my shelf waiting for a snowy afternoon.

Thank you for this list!!!! My husband promised me a visit to Iceland (for a major birthday) and then the pandemic hit. Still waiting for the trip. I’ve read some books on the list; others are new to me. Currently, I’m halfway through “How Iceland Changed the World” by Egill Bjarnason. I’m especially interested in finding books about when the USA occupied Iceland during WWII. Britain had to remove its troops in preparation for the invasion of Italy, so Churchill asked Roosevelt to take over the safe-guarding of Iceland. The idea was to keep Germany from gaining an outpost in the North Atlantic.

Iceland in World War II:A Blessed War would be your cup of tea!🙂

Thank you Rachel. I added this to my TBR.

This year my husband and I are going to celebrate Jólabókaflóðið. I would like to recommend Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason. It is an excellent thriller. I am hoping to go to Iceland next October. I think it is a fascinating place.

I was also going to recommend Indridason’s books. I’ve read 5 (which I think is all) of the Inspector Erlendur series and they are full of fascinating details about life in Iceland.

My daughter and I have tickets for Iceland in February. I so hope we can go. This list will be fun in preparation, and especially if we end up having to cancel.

We actually have a trip to Iceland planned for next June. (It was originally planned for 2020.) A few of these books were already on my TBR, and I’m adding Butterflies in November.

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea.

I was lucky enough to visit Iceland (and Greenland!) in 2014. Time flies! Can’t wait to go back one day.

My last trip to Iceland was 2019 & I read loads of books before going. I recommend all the books by Nancy Marie Brown. A Good Horse Has No Color. The Far Traveler. Ivory Vikings. Song of the Vikings.

I also recommend Island on Fire (Alexandra Witze), The Secret Lives of Glaciers (M. Jackson) and Vikings (Neil Oliver).

For fiction, everything by Halldor Laxness.

I am so wanting to hear you pronounce this word! I don’t even attempt it! It may be worth an entire book club MMD episode!!!

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/566643/christmas-book-flood-icelands-literature-loving-holiday-tradition . How to pronounce it.

The Tricking of Freya- Christina Sunley.

Yes! That was my favorite read of 2022… so good

Thanks Anne, pandemic permitting I have an Iceland trip planned for 2022 and haven’t read any of these EXCEPT The Sacrament by Olaf Olafsson which I read in December and it was wonderful.

We loved visiting Iceland in 2017 and have been doing Jólabókaflóðið ever since. I read both Burial Rites and Independent People before the trip.

The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey is set in part in Iceland. It’s a retelling of Jane Eyre. So good!

I’m adding a bunch of these to my TBR. My best friend and I are doing a 2 week tour of Iceland in September, so excited!

Arnuldur Indridason’s books, particularly Jar City, The Draining Lake or Silence of the Grave.

I loved The Museum of Whales You Will Never See, by A. Kendra Greene. It’s a non-fiction love letter to Iceland and it’s gorgeous.

I absolutely agree. This book was beautiful and you should try to visit some of the museums if you go!

This is my favorite post you’ve ever done. I love Iceland. I’ve been twice and my number one bucket list is to drive the Ring Road. Hopefully 2023? COVID permitting.

Alda Sigmundsdottir has written an entire series of books about life in Iceland, all of which start “The Little Book of….” The Icelanders, Tourists in Iceland, The Icelanders at Christmas, The Icelanders in the Olden Days and Icelandic. I recommend all of them but most of all the tourist book if you are visiting and the first (Little book of the Icelanders). I learned so much about Iceland from her short essays, including a lot about Icelandic naming conventions that no one finds as interesting as I do to my absolute dismay.

I read The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson and while it’s not incredible it was a quick mystery.

The Hitman’s Guide to Housecleaning is in most of the bookstores in Reykjavik and looks hilarious although I haven’t read it yet. It’s set in Iceland in part.

The Sealwoman’s Gift is historical fiction set partly in Iceland. I really enjoyed it.

Jar City is another Nordic noir set in Iceland.

Halldor Laxness has written many other books. Independent People is the Nobel winner but it’s not his most accessible book. The Fish Can Sing is easier to start with.

I agree with the recommendation of The Museum of Whales You Will Never See. Iceland has a fascinating array of museums (yes, beyond the one it’s known for).

Here’s another list: https://taleaway.com/books-set-in-iceland/

Lastly, I loved this movie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_at_War it’s got some absurdist humor in it but I thought it was delightful. Subtitles only.

PS: If you are going to Iceland, Blue Lagoon is worth it. I went both times I visited. Once I went before sunrise (wintertime) and once I went late evening as the sun was beginning to set. Both times were absolutely incredible although I enjoyed being there as the sun rose more, being there in the absolute dark was magically eerie.

PPS: Perlan Museum is incredible. The indoor ice cave is cool but the location of Perlan is the best part. Absolutely incredible views from the top floor cafe. Try to go at sunrise or sunset if you can.

PPPS: Golden Circle tour is cool- it was awesome being able to look out at the European tectonic plate from the North American plate and see where they come together. The glacier hike is also pretty incredible. I went on this one: https://adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/glacier-tours/glacier-tours-from-solheimajokull/glacier-experience/ It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life- and there is a shrinking timeline to do it, the glaciers are disappearing.

I love Iceland.

Snare by Lilja Sigurðardóttir

The Flight of Gemma Hardy—for all the Jane Eyre fans—set in Scotland and Iceland

I’m reading Wintering and she visits the blue lagoon in Iceland and also talks about Christmas Eve stories. Totally inspired me to want to visit!

Who is she? You’ve piqued my curiosity, and I’d like to find the book you mentioned. Thank you!

I think she’s talking about Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

An Icelander here! My absolute favorite icelandic novel is Summer light, and then comes the night by Jón Kalman Stefánsson. He writes beautifully and hopefully the translation does it justice. I highly recommend LoveStar from the list!

‘Red Storm Rising’ by Tom Clancy is an excellent book that takes place in Iceland. My husband and I keep it on our bucket list because of that book.

You will find The Icelandic Sagas and Independent People on the bookshelves of most Icelanders. Halldor Laxness is Iceland’s Pulitzer prize winning author, and a national hero.

This is amazing. Please make this a monthly or quarterly topic. I would adore a similar list for Japan, Germany, India and Argentina. Or Australia.

My heart misses traveling so much.

This is incredible. This should be a monthly or quarterly topic. A list like this for Japan, Germany, India, and Argentina would be fantastic. Alternatively, Australia.

We have a nice library of these posts already! Click the “literary tourism” tag under the post title for the archives.

I definitely dream of Iceland! What a great, magical place to visit, but it takes a lot of planning. It is good to have these titles to check out.

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39 Books Set in + About Iceland

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Are you thinking of traveling to Iceland? If you’re either planning a trip or dreaming of one day in the future, this list of books about Iceland will help you find the perfect read!

Iceland has a rich literary history, and you’ll find so much fiction here. You’ll especially find a lot of mysteries and thrillers, something Iceland has become known for. But you’ll also find quieter literary fiction, memoirs, and myths and legends.

This list includes fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and middle grade fiction. One thing I did have a hard time finding was young adult books set in Iceland. But if you have a young adult reader wanting to read about Iceland, there are plenty of books in the regular novels and non-fiction list that should work for them.

So let’s get going to Iceland!

Novels About Iceland

Miss iceland by auður ava ólafsdóttir, translated by brian fitzgibbon.

When Hekla moves to Reykjavik, she dreams of being a writer. But life isn’t that easy. She goes to work as a waitress and deals with misogynistic clients, moves in with a boyfriend who can’t stand that she’s a better writer than he is, and sees her two best friends struggle with their place in society. This is a quiet and sparse novel about ambition as a woman, and is for fans of literary fiction.

Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

Butterflies in November is another book by Ólafsdóttir. Here, a woman finds herself babysitting her best friend’s deaf-mute four-year-old son while her friend is in the hospital. Then, the boy unexpectedly chooses the winning lottery numbers, and they set off on an adventurous road trip across Iceland. For fans of literary fiction, quirky novels, and road trip stories.

The Greenhouse by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

While grieving the death of his mother, Lobbi decides to travel to a small monastery and work on restoring its garden. There, he is visited by Anna ,and old girlfriend, and learns he has a daughter. This is a quiet book about relationships, gardening, and finding beauty in the small things in life.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

This historical novel set in Iceland is about Agnes, a woman charged with murdering her former master and now awaiting her execution. While she waits, she is sent to live with a family in rural Iceland, who isn’t sure how to handle her presence. For fans of historical fiction and suspense.

Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason, Translated by Brian FitzGibbon

Herra is 80 years old and just waiting to die. As she does so, she tells us the story of her life in this novel, from her childhood on Iceland’s islands to her survival in WWII to the dawn of the internet age. This is book that looks back over what it is like to live for 80 years and see the world change. For fans of contemporary fiction, aging protagonists, and dark humor.

Independent People by Halldór Laxness, Translated by J.A. Thompson

In rural Iceland, Bjartur is a sheep farmer. It’s a quiet life, and all he wants is his independence from who he works for. But his daughter also wants her independence — from him. This is a book about determination and the will to live with freedom. For fans of literary fiction, long books, and family stories.

The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness

Young Alfgrimur wants nothing more than to be a fisherman like his adoptive grandfather. When he meets a famous opera singer, his dreams begin to change though. But is this opera singer everything he claims to be? For fans of literary fiction and coming of age stories.

A Fist or a Heart by Kristín Eiríksdóttir, Translated by Larissa Kyzer

Elín lives in Reykjavík and makes props for movies. As she is aging though, she finds herself drawn to another woman in the movie industry, a young woman named Ellen who stirs maternal feelings in Elín. As they learn more about each other, their pasts come back to them, but Elín is aging and might not understand reality. For fans of literary fiction with some magical realism.

Quake by Auður Jónsdóttir, Translated by Meg Matich

When Saga wakes up in the middle of a busy road after a seizure, everything is different. Her son is gone. She can hardly remember anything about what happened. And the few things she does remember don’t line up with anyone else’s version of events. So what really happened? And can her memory be trusted? For fans of literary fiction with a bit of suspense.

The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley

When Freya goes back to her home in Canada, she begins to learn the story of what drove her ancestors to immigrate from Iceland. This story eventually takes her back to Iceland, where she discovers the truth about a family secret. For fans of family stories and literary fiction.

The Glass Woman by Carolina Lea

When a woman moves with her new husband to a small Icelandic village, she discovers that the death of the man’s first wife happened under mysterious circumstances. The plot will appeal to fans of Rebecca or Jane Eyre , and this is for fans of thrillers, historical fiction, and gothic novels.

The Blue Fox by Sjón

This short novella follows several threads, including a priest on the hunt for a rare blue fox and a naturalist caring for a woman with Down’s syndrome. These threads connect as the novella asks existential questions. This book is described as “party mystery, part fairy tale,” and is for fans of mystical stories.

Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason

Jar City is the first book in the Inspector Erlendur series. When an old man is found dead in his apartment, clues left by the killer lead back to a cold case. The man who was killed was once accused of a crime, and Erlendur dives back into that case to discover even bigger implications. For fans of suspense and detective novels.

The Sacrament by Olaf Olafsson

In The Sacrament , a nun makes a trip to Iceland, revisiting the Catholic school she once traveled to to investigate claims of abuse. When she was there decades ago with the investigation, the school’s headmaster had fallen from the church tower and died. Now, a man who witnessed the event as a boy, wants the nun to help him find closure. For fans of thrillers, and obviously this is going to come with some content warnings.

Touch by Olaf Olafsson

Olafsson’s 2022 novel tackles love and the pandemic, as a man from Iceland travels across the world to reconnect with a woman he once knew. When the pandemic forces Kristofer to shut down his restaurant in Reykjavík, he is struggling. But then he gets a message from Miko, a woman he’d once known who disappeared from his life suddenly. This reconnection inspires him to travel to London and Japan looking for answers. For fans of literary fiction and readers who can handle the pandemic being part of a story.

Frozen Out by Quentin Bates

This is the first book in the Gunnhildur mystery series. Here, Gunnhildur finds a washed up body off the shores of a small village. But she is pretty sure it wasn’t an accident, and what she uncovers takes her into a world of corruption. For fans of suspense and thrillers.

Snowblind by Ragnar Jónasson

In a remote Icelandic village, Ari is at his first post as a policeman. It’s a trusting community, but when a woman is found unconscious and a local man dies mysteriously, Ari is thrust into the investigation. For fans of suspense and thrillers.

The Girl Who Died by Ragnar Jónasson

Another Icelandic thriller from Jónasson, this one is also set in a remote village. In fact, this village is so remote, it is home to only 10 people. There, Una is teaching two local young girls. Meanwhile, in her rented attic room she is haunted by nightmares of a young girl who once died there. For fans of mysteries and thrillers.

Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdartóttir

When a young student is found murdered in Reykjavík, his family calls in attorney Thóra Gudmundstdóttir to investigate. But when Thóra and her associate discover the young man was fascinated by ancient witchcraft, the investigation takes a turn they hadn’t expected. For fans of thrillers and suspense.

I Remember You: A Ghost Story by Yrsa Sigurdartóttir

In a small village, three friends work to restore an old house. There, they are haunted by a mysterious presence. Meanwhile, in another town, a doctor is haunted by the disappearance of his young son in ways he hadn’t expected. This if for fans of supernatural thrillers.

LoveStar by Andri Snær Magnason, Translated by Victoria Cribb

This dystopian novel is set in a future where the founder of the LoveStar coporation has figured out how to transmit data via birdwaves. This means humanity doesn’t need wires to be connected, and instead everyone is connected all the time. Romance is calculated, which means that when Indridi and Sigrid are supposed to be apart, they have to prove that they belong together. For fans of sci-fi novels and dystopian fiction.

The Northern Lights Lodge by Julie Caplin

When Lucy escapes her like in the UK to run a hotel in Iceland, she doesn’t expect to start falling for the bartender. But as she tries to turn the lodge into the most romantic destination in Iceland, it’s hard to ignore her own romance brewing. For fans of romance books.

Looking for more Scandinavian books? Check out these books set in Demark !

Non-Fiction Books About Iceland

How iceland changed the world: the big history of a small island by egill bjarnason.

This book about the history of Iceland also connects Iceland to the history of the world. It explains how Iceland has played a key role in important world events, including WWII, the Moon Landing, and the Cold War. But of course it also cover the Vikings and early history of Iceland. This book is for fans of history books.

Secrets of the Sprakkar: Iceland’s Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World by Eliza Reid

This non-fiction book about Iceland is written by Iceland’s First Lady. It explores Iceland’s notable gender equality, women’s roles, and the sprakka “extraodinary women” of Iceland. For fans of non-fiction about women and gender.

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland: Tips, Tricks, and What the Icelanders Really Things of You by Alda Sigmundsdóttir, Illustrated by Megan Herbert

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, this is a perfect book to read before you visit! This illustrated book covers why tourism is booming in Iceland, how tourism has impacted Iceland, and how to be a responsible tourist when traveling to Iceland. For readers planning a trip to Iceland.

The Little Book of the Icelanders: 50 Miniature Essays on the Quirks and Foibles of the Icelandic People by Alda Sigmundsdóttir, Illustrated by Megan Herbert

Another “Little Book,” this one is about Icelanders themselves. The topics here range from the driving habits of Icelanders to naming conventions to the importance of family. Another book that would be great for those planning a trip to Iceland, or readers who love micro essays.

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland by Sarah Moss

This memoir is about Sarah Moss moving her family to Iceland for a year when she takes a job at the university. There is a lot for them to adjust to, including the weather, the culture, and driving. And this book dives into everything from the financial crisis Iceland experienced to the volcanoes to the way everyone in Iceland seems to know everyone else. For fans of travel memoirs and “a year in my life” memoirs.

Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland by Tory Bilski

In this memoir, Bilski recounts her time spending summers at an Iceland horse farm. She spends each summer with a group of other women, and while they love the horses and Iceland, they also learn about each other and form a kind of community. For fans of travel and self-discovery memoirs.

The Museum of Whales You Will Never See: And Other Excursions to Iceland’s Most Unusual Museums by A. Kendra Greene

In Iceland, what started as unusual collections people had have become small museums where you can see these curiosities. This book recounts Greene’s travels to some of these museums, with collections about everything from witchcraft to herring to….penises. For fans of travel books, museums, and oddities.

The Sagas of Icelanders: A Selection

Any list of books about Iceland has to somehow include Iceland’s sagas — those centuries old stories about the Vikings who first inhabited Iceland. This collection includes ten sagas and seven short tales and is perfect for fans of myths and legends and Vikings.

Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

If you’re interested in some of the legends of Iceland but The Sagas of Icelanders seems like a bit too much, this short book may be perfect. While you won’t find much about the Vikings here, you will find all kinds of legends about trolls, elves, and the hidden people of Iceland. For fans of myths and legends.

The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty Stories of Elves from Icelandic Folklore by Alda Sigmundsdóttir

Iceland is full of stories about elves and “hidden people” who live in the hills of Iceland. I first learned about this when reading Names of the Sea , in which Moss meets a woman who claims she can see the hidden people all around them. Here, we have twenty stories about these hidden people, as well as explanations for the context of these stories and how the hidden people have helped Icelanders survive a sometimes harsh country. For fans of myths and legends.

Children’s Books About Iceland

Lundi the lost puffin by eric newman.

When Lundi the puffin gets lost and finds himself in town instead of the ocean, the children of Iceland must help him. This is based on a true story of children in the Westman Islands. Recommended ages: 4-8 years.

The Problem with Chickens by Bruce McMillan, Illustrated by Gunnella

When the ladies of Iceland buy chickens to lay eggs, the chickens start to act like the ladies and refuse to lay eggs. So the ladies come up with a way to fool the chickens and fix their problem. Recommended ages: 4-6 years.

How the Ladies Stopped the Wind by Bruce McMillan, Illustrated by Gunnella

Another story about the ladies of Iceland solving problems! Here, the wind is preventing them from taking walks, so they decide to plant trees to stop the wind. But the sheep keep eating all the saplings! Recommended ages: 4-6 years.

The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads by Heidi Herman

When an Icelandic Yule Lad (trolls who bring children gifts at Christmas) is seen by a human, he has to rely on a little boy to keep his identity secret. But what he discovers is that sometimes sharing joy and happiness is more fun than making mischief. Recommended ages: 6-12 years. (Note, there’s a lot more text than illustrations in this one.)

Middle Grade Books Set in Iceland

Mac b. kid spy: top secret smackdown by mac barnett, illustrated by mike lowery.

If your kid loves Mac B. Kid Spy, the third book in the series takes him to Iceland! His KGB rival has stolen ravens from the Tower of London and to save the Queen’s kingdom Mac must travel to Iceland and find the ravens. Recommended ages: 7-10 years.

Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco from Scholastic

The Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton series are hugely popular with middle grade kids, and there’s a Thea Stilton book set in Iceland! Here, Thea and her sisters travel to Iceland to find a famous writer who has disappeared. Recommended ages: 7-10 years.

Ranger in Time: Journey Through Ash and Smoke by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Kelley McMorris

This is the fifth book in a series about a heroic, time-traveling golden retriever. Here, Ranger travels to Viking age Iceland where he helps a little girl find safety as a volcano begins to erupt. Recommended ages: 7-10 years.

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5 BEST ICELAND TRAVEL GUIDES FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY TRIP

Iceland is one of the most incredible tourist locations in Europe, thanks to the many different things it offers, from cosmic landscapes to unique wildlife and the best thermal spa in the world, from its culture to the world-famous northern lights. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, long road trips, and unusual attractions. In Iceland, everyone can feel like a discoverer: there are so many places untouched by man. When you plan your trip to Iceland, even though you can find lots of articles on the internet, they might not be up to date and reliable enough to give you precise information or details that you need to know. Iceland travel guides can cover that for you.

In this blog post, I will talk about five different Iceland travel guides and why they could be an excellent addition to your travel. Each of these Iceland travel guides is unique and offers a new perspective on the country of fire and ice. 

Disclaimer: The Alternative Travel Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclaimer page. 

Keep reading to find the best travel guide for Iceland

1 | lonely planet iceland's ring road - road trips.

The first guide on my list is from Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet is known to make awesome travel guides, and they did a perfect job in Iceland travel guides, too.

From the most famous places to the undiscovered gems, Lonely Planet's travel guide takes you on a fantastic Iceland journey. This guide also gives insider tips from the first-hand experience and talks about the culture of Iceland. That is a very crucial thing when you are traveling abroad. According to the reviews on Amazon, many people who used this guide really liked what it offers.  

All in all, this guide could be an excellent addition to your travel if you are looking to get information about everything you might need during your trip to Iceland. It is a perfect resource for planning your first road trip to Iceland. 

Click here to check the price and to read more reviews about this Lonely Planet guide.    #ad 

2 | Rick Steves Iceland

Rick Steves Iceland travel guide comes from the pure experience of Rick Steve.

This guide has even more insider information about Iceland, its culture and provides strategic advice that you might need during your travel. Rick also gives you different itineraries that have very distinct variations from two-week to five-day visits. The map inside is also detailed to help you explore while you are on the go.

According to the reviews on Amazon, nearly everyone who bought the book enjoyed it and found it helpful. They say that the information in it is useful and practical for the trips you want to take. It's one of the best Iceland travel guides available on the market. 

So, if you are looking for a detailed travel guide to Iceland, this one could be good for you. 

Click here for more information about this Iceland guide book.   (paid link)

3 | The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland: Tips, Tricks, and what the Icelanders Really Think of You

This Iceland travel guide is a bit different than the other guides on this list. This time, you will learn about Iceland from a native Icelander and what tourism has done to the country.

All the sociocultural effects and other things that tourism has changed in Iceland are significant, and you can learn a lot about what actually Icelanders think about tourists and what they are going through. According to the reviews on Amazon, the book's information is unique that you won't find in any other Iceland travel book. 

Some information about tourists provided by the native Icelander is negative, but it gives you a good impression of how the situation actually is.

 All in all, if you are looking to hear stories about what Icelanders think about tourists, don't miss out this book. It's not one of those typical books on Iceland. After reading this book, you can understand the current political situation in Iceland, environmental problems, and safety hazards for travelers. Alda Sigmundsdóttir writes about all these complex subjects with humor, making this Iceland travel book a fun and exciting read. 

Most travel books on Iceland are written by foreigners and professional travelers. This Iceland guide book, on the other hand, is strikingly different in content from similar books. That's because it was written by a local Icelander. The author provides some precious practical tips that you will find helpful during your trip to Iceland. 

Grab the Little Book of Tourists in Iceland Now!    (paid link)

●  Glamping in Iceland: The Most Unusual Hotels and Unique Premium Camping

● Blue Lagoon in Iceland: All You Need To Know - Secrets, Prices, Photos, Review & How to get there

●  Iceland Hidden Gems: Sacred and Power places - Helgafell, Althing and Vik  

●  Iceland Higlands Road Trip - 10 days itinerary | The Alternative Travel Guide To Iceland

●  Prices in Iceland: How Much Things Cost & 1 Day Budget

4 | The Little Book of the Icelanders: 50 Miniature Essays on the Quirks and Foibles of the Icelandic People

Another book from a native Icelander but this time, rather than talking about what Icelanders think about tourists, it talks about the Iceland culture and how Icelanders live culturally. When you are traveling somewhere, it is essential to know the country's culture and how people live there, their customs, traditions, and mentality. It's a great way to make your trip meaningful and authentic. 

This book gives you exactly that, and it will be an awesome travel companion. If you like to learn more about how the Icelandic culture adapted to the modern era from the old ages, this book is a bar of gold. 

The guide talks about Iceland's culture, like telling a story, and it makes a great read. According to the reviews on Amazon, most travelers enjoyed this book and found it helpful to learn about Icelanders' mentality and culture. 

To sum up, if you are looking to understand more about Iceland's culture and its people, this guide is the right fit for you. It's one of the most unique and authentic travel books on Iceland. 

Add to cart the book The Little Book of the Icelanders.    (paid link) 

5 | Iceland With Kids: The Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Vacation in Iceland

This last guide on my list could be one of the most thorough guides you can ever get in your hands. This guide does not give you all the attractions, hotels, or bars in Iceland. However, this guide focuses on your preparation for your trip to Iceland. From this book, you will learn what to pack for Iceland, from special clothes to adapters, and what to do once you are there. 

From the very beginning to the end, it is a practical and inspiring book.

It also talks about some attractions, hotels, or other things you need to visit but not all of them. According to the reviews on Amazon, everyone who bought the book has really liked what it has to offer, especially for families, and there are not many negative reviews.

All in all, if you need detailed information about what to do on your trip to Iceland, this book is a perfect Iceland travel book. However, if you want to learn about all the attractions in Iceland, get the Lonely Planet guide mentioned at the beginning of this article. 

Add this Iceland guide book to your Wishlist   (paid link)

As you can see, I provided you a list of five different guides to Iceland that you can choose from. Every one of these guides has different purposes and covers different aspects of Iceland. Depending on your need, you can choose the best Iceland travel guide book for you from this list. 

They provide precious information and will be a source of inspiration for your trip to Iceland. An Iceland travel guide is always a good investment for your journey and saves you a ton of time searching on the web for information. 

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Best Books on Iceland (fiction and non-fiction)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2021

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Are you planning to visit Iceland? Why not prepare for your trip to Iceland by reading some of the fantastic novels set in this stunningly beautiful country!

In this selection, I include some of the best books on Iceland – fiction and non-fiction – about Iceland to help prepare you for your visit. Elf stories, Viking dramas, and murder mysteries.

Iceland has a very strong literary and storytelling culture. It is traditional to give books as gifts at Christmas and every Icelander receives at least one book under the Christmas tree. 

Iceland also publishes more books per capita than any other country in the world. The majority of books are published and sold in the 2 months running up to Christmas. This is called the  jólabókaflóð or the Christmas book flood!

This love of storytelling is reflected in Icelandic culture . The famous Icelandic Sagas appeared in written form in the 13th century. During the long dark winters in Iceland, a tradition built of communal reading and storytelling.

What better way to get through the harsh cold conditions than sitting around a warm fire listening to tales, poetry and stories? So not only are they amazing storytellers but they also have a beautiful yet brooding landscape to set them in!

Why not purchase a selection of these Icelandic novels and books to take with you on your trip! Looking for itinerary suggestions? This 10 day Iceland ring road trip is the perfect way to enjoy your visit.

Best books on Iceland

The best iceland books - fiction.

A selection of the best fiction books set in Iceland.

Burial Rites

A fantastic literary debut from Hannah Kent. This book is inspired by a true story about the final days of a woman accused of murder in Iceland in 1829.

The Sagas of Icelanders: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

This volume includes ten sagas and seven shorter tales set around the turn of the last millennium. If your interest is in Viking Sagas this book is for you!

Snowblind: A Thriller (The Dark Iceland Series)

Set in a quiet fishing village in northern Iceland this brilliant debut novel from Ragnar Jonasson will keep you enthralled until the very last terrifying page. Introducing Ari Thor the central character across  The Dark Iceland Series  this novel typifies the murder mystery genre in which the Nordic countries excel.

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland 

Sarah Moss had a childhood dream of moving to Iceland, sustained by a wild summer there when she was nineteen. In 2009, she saw an advertisement for a job at the University of Iceland and applied on a whim, despite having two young children and a comfortable life in Kent, England.

The resulting adventure was shaped by Iceland’s economic collapse, which halved the value of her salary; by the eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajokull; and by a collection of new friends

The Girl with the Raven Tongue

When a girl’s shoes are found beside a dead raven, and the search for her body is called off, it is left to Police Constable Petra Jensen to close the case and allow the parents to grieve. But when another young woman disappears, Petra must face an Arctic winter in pursuit of a killer who leaves no trace. And she has only her own intuition to guide her…

A Greenland Missing Persons Novella set in the harsh, unpredictable Arctic with its rich tradition of storytelling.

Independent People

A true masterpiece of Icelandic fiction Independent People is a deeply rewarding novel. Written by  Nobel prize winning author Halldor Laxness Iceland’s most prolific author.

Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland

Wild Horses of the Summer Sun: A Memoir of Iceland is a wondrous story about Tory Bilski and her friends’ adventures during their annual riding trip to northern Iceland. These women meet up once a year to ride Icelandic horses, and they share an extraordinary experience together.

Their friendship becomes stronger as each woman learns more about herself and what she is capable of doing. This book will inspire you to live your dreams and make new friendships along the way.

The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty stories of elves from Icelandic folklore

A fabulous book about Icelandic folklore. A folklore that is rife with tales of elves and hidden people that inhabited hills and rocks in the landscape. If you read this before you go you will know exactly what to look out for!

The Fish Can Sing (Vintage International)

Another choice written by Iceland’s most well know author Halldor Laxness. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1955.

This novel gives a great introduction to Iceland and in particular Reykjavik in the early 20th century.

THE BEST ICELAND BOOKS - NON FICTION

My choice of the best non-fiction travel books about Iceland.

Rick Steves Iceland

I love Rick Steves and who better to have by your side as you hike vast glaciers, marvel at steaming volcanic lakes, and explore the land of the midnight sun!

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland: Tips, tricks, and what the Icelanders really think of you

Iceland is in the middle of a tourist boom and it if we are visiting we need to do it responsibly or we will end up destroying what is so special about it. This is an essential companion for anyone visiting the country and if you only buy one book before you visit this is the one!

The Little Book of Icelandic: On the idiosyncrasies, delights, and sheer tyranny of the Icelandic language

Icelandic is one of the oldest languages in the world! This book will introduce you to its complexities and more (sections on slang and curse-words!) If you are interested in Icelandic culture and their language this is a must-read!

The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days

A light and humorous look at life in Iceland over the centuries!

The Little Book of the Icelanders

A collection of 50 mini essays all about Icelanders – learn all about their quirks and foibles before you go!

Iceland 101

Packed full of tips to ensure your trip to Iceland is as smooth as possible – written by Icelanders who should know what they are talking about!

THE BEST ICELANDIC BOOKS - CUISINE

If you are interested in Icelandic cuisine this selection of the best cookery books is for you!

Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens

Whether you’re looking to connect with your roots, try something new or already love Icelandic cooking, this book is a must for your cookbook shelf.  This is a collection of 25 traditional everyday Icelandic recipes, translated with step-by-step instructions.

North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland [A Cookbook]

Iceland is home to an utterly unique and captivating food scene, characterized by its distinctive indigenous ingredients, traditional farmers and artisanal producers, and wildly creative chefs and restaurants. Find out more in this cookbook and recreate some of the best dishes in your own kitchen!

THE BEST ICELAND BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

My choice of the best Iceland books for children of all ages.

A Kid's Guide to Iceland

A Kid's Guide to Iceland takes young readers (ages 9-12) on an exciting and colorful adventure to amazing Iceland and the Viking explorers who discovered it more than 1,000 years ago.

Iceland My Travel Diary: Kids Guided Journey 

Travel diary for kids! Keep them occupied completing this travel diary during their trip!

The Guardians of Iceland and other Icelandic Folk Tales

Children and adults alike will love these short stories all about trolls, elves and the hidden people! Contains 25 short stories!

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You can also find destination focussed TV series or movies set around the world including in Denmark , Italy , South Africa , Australia , and France . Perfect to download to watch on the plane!

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Hemingway's Books and Records

Books on Iceland: 2024 Update of the Best Titles

Are you looking to dive into the captivating world of Iceland through the pages of a book? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the 20 best books about Iceland that will transport you to the land of fire and ice. Whether you’re seeking a gripping novel set in Iceland or a non-fiction book on Iceland’s rich history and culture, these Iceland books will satisfy your craving for immersive storytelling and profound insights into this enchanting country.

• 1 20 Best Books About Iceland
• 2 The Fish Can Sing
• 3 Burial Rites
• 4 Independent People
• 5 The Blue Fox
• 6 The Whispering Muse
• 7 The Greenhouse
• 8 Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was
• 9 Butterflies in November
• 10 The Shadow District
• 11 The Draining Lake
• 12 The Day is Dark
• 13 The Legacy
• 14 The Girl Who Died
• 15 The Darkness
• 16 The Island
• 17 The Shadow Killer
• 18 Jar City
• 19 Reykjavik Nights
• 20 The Greenlanders
• 21 The Creak on the Stairs
• 22 Conclusion

20 Best Books About Iceland

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The Fish Can Sing

By halldór laxness.

The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness is a captivating book set in Iceland that delves into the life of a young boy named Alfgrimur, who grows up in a small fishing village. The novel explores Alfgrimur’s journey as he navigates through the complexities of life, love, and music in the backdrop of the stunning Icelandic landscapes. Laxness’ exquisite prose and vivid descriptions bring the book about Iceland to life, immersing the reader in the beauty and harshness of the Icelandic countryside. The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story that captures the essence of Icelandic culture, tradition, and folklore, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of this unique and captivating Iceland book.

Burial Rites

By hannah kent.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent is a captivating book about Iceland that tells the haunting story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman to be executed in Iceland in 1830. Kent’s vivid descriptions and meticulous research bring the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Iceland to life, painting a stark backdrop for the tragic events that unfold. The novel explores Agnes’ life leading up to her crime, her time spent awaiting execution on a remote farm, and the relationships she forms with the family who houses her. Kent’s evocative prose and emotional depth make this Iceland book a powerful and unforgettable read, delving into themes of isolation, prejudice, and the human capacity for compassion. Burial Rites is a compelling historical fiction that will transport readers to the unforgiving beauty of Iceland’s countryside.

Independent People

Independent People by Halldór Laxness is a captivating book about Iceland, weaving a powerful tale of resilience and independence. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Icelandic landscape, the novel follows Bjartur, a fiercely independent sheep farmer, as he struggles to carve out a life for himself and his family in the harsh and unforgiving environment. Laxness’s vivid descriptions bring the beauty and brutality of Iceland to life, painting a rich and immersive portrait of the country’s rugged terrain and the people who inhabit it. The novel delves into themes of human determination, the bond between man and nature, and the cost of independence. With its compelling storytelling and evocative imagery, Independent People is a must-read for anyone seeking a deep and profound exploration of Icelandic life and culture.

The Blue Fox

The Blue Fox by Sjón is a captivating and haunting book about Iceland that weaves together the lives of its characters in a mesmerizing tale. Set in the stunning and rugged landscapes of Iceland, this novel follows the intertwining fates of a hunter, a naturalist, and a mysterious young woman. The story is rich with folklore, mysticism, and the harsh beauty of the Icelandic wilderness. Sjón’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring the icelandic book to life, immersing readers in a world where nature and humanity collide. With its intricate storytelling and atmospheric setting, The Blue Fox is a must-read for anyone who loves a compelling and evocative tale.

The Whispering Muse

The Whispering Muse by Sjón is a captivating and enigmatic book on Iceland that weaves together elements of mythology, history, and adventure. Set aboard a ship sailing to the mysterious land of Thule (a synonym for Iceland), the novel follows the protagonist as he becomes enthralled by the stories and wisdom of a fellow passenger. As the two men share their tales, the reader is taken on a journey through time and myth, exploring the rich cultural heritage of Iceland. Sjón’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring the harsh beauty of the Icelandic landscape to life, making the novel a mesmerizing and thought-provoking read. The Whispering Muse is a must-read for anyone interested in a book about Iceland that combines folklore, history, and literary prowess.

The Greenhouse

By auður ava ólafsdóttir.

The Greenhouse by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir is a captivating book set in the stunning backdrop of Iceland. The story follows a man named Lobbi, who is a horticulturist, as he embarks on a journey to a remote greenhouse in a small village in the north of Iceland. This beautifully written novel delves into themes of grief, love, and the healing power of nature. As Lobbi tends to the plants in the greenhouse, he also tends to his own emotional wounds, finding solace and a renewed sense of purpose in the tranquil surroundings of Iceland’s countryside. The book paints a vivid picture of the unique landscapes and the people of Iceland, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by this captivating country. If you’re looking for a compelling and beautifully written book about Iceland, The Greenhouse is an excellent choice.

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was

Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was by Sjón is a captivating and haunting book about Iceland during the outbreak of the Spanish flu in 1918. The story follows Máni Steinn, a young gay man who finds solace in the world of cinema and dreams of becoming a great film director. As the pandemic spreads, Máni navigates through a city plunged into chaos and despair, grappling with his own identity and desires. Sjón’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring the turbulent era to life, capturing the essence of a nation in crisis. This compelling book about Iceland explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Icelandic literature and history.

Butterflies in November

Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir is a whimsical and enchanting book set in the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland. Narrated by an unnamed woman, the novel follows her unexpected journey through Iceland’s stunning countryside, as she is tasked with caring for her friend’s child and embarks on a road trip with a wild and quirky cast of characters. As she navigates the unpredictable Icelandic weather and encounters the unique wildlife and culture of the country, the protagonist undergoes a personal transformation, finding solace and healing in the beauty of her surroundings. This heartwarming and poetic tale is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and soul-stirring book about Iceland’s natural wonders and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Shadow District

By arnaldur indriðason.

The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indriðason is a captivating book set in the enchanting land of Iceland. This atmospheric mystery weaves together two compelling storylines, one set in wartime Reykjavik and the other in the present day. A retired detective and a young police officer team up to solve a decades-old murder, uncovering dark secrets and hidden truths along the way. Indriðason’s vivid descriptions of the Icelandic landscape and rich character development bring the story to life, immersing readers in the history and culture of this fascinating country. With its gripping plot and evocative setting, this book about Iceland is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery and an exploration of a unique and compelling setting.

The Draining Lake

The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indriðason is a compelling book about Iceland, set against the backdrop of a mysterious disappearance. When a body is discovered in the drained lake of a remote village, Inspector Erlendur and his team are faced with a perplexing case that delves into the country’s complex history and political turmoil. As Erlendur unravels the layers of the past, the story takes readers on a journey through Iceland’s haunting landscapes and dark secrets. Indriðason’s masterful storytelling and deep understanding of the Icelandic culture make this a gripping and atmospheric read. The Draining Lake is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking and atmospheric book about Iceland.

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The Day is Dark

By yrsa sigurðardóttir.

The Day is Dark by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir is a thrilling mystery novel set in the captivating landscape of Iceland. This gripping book about Iceland follows the story of a group of people who are stranded in a remote Icelandic town due to a severe snowstorm. As they struggle to survive in the harsh winter conditions, they soon realize that someone among them is a cold-blooded killer. The tension and suspense build as the characters race against time to uncover the truth and escape the deadly situation. With its chilling atmosphere and complex characters, The Day is Dark is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a riveting iceland book that will keep them on the edge of their seat until the very end.

The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and mysterious side of Iceland. This chilling novel follows the story of a seemingly unrelated group of people who are haunted by a series of unexplained deaths. As the suspense builds, the characters are forced to confront their own demons and face the disturbing truth about their family’s past. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, The Legacy is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery set in the hauntingly beautiful landscape of Iceland. This book about Iceland will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page, and leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.

The Girl Who Died

By ragnar jónasson.

The Girl Who Died is a captivating book on Iceland by Ragnar Jónasson, taking readers on a chilling journey through the hauntingly beautiful landscape of the country. The story follows a young woman named Una who returns to her remote Icelandic village after a tragic incident. As she grapples with the secrets of her past and the weight of her grief, she uncovers long-buried mysteries that threaten to unravel her community. Jónasson’s atmospheric writing and keen insight into the complexities of human nature make this book about Iceland a compelling and immersive read. The Girl Who Died is a masterful blend of mystery, drama, and the stark beauty of Iceland, making it a must-read for fans of atmospheric and thought-provoking storytelling.

The Darkness

The Darkness by Ragnar Jónasson is a gripping book set in the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Iceland. This atmospheric thriller follows the story of a young woman who returns to her remote hometown in Iceland and is drawn into a chilling mystery that has haunted the community for decades. As she delves into the town’s dark past, she uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about her family and the place she once called home. Jónasson’s evocative writing brings the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape to life, creating a sense of foreboding and unease that adds to the tension of the story. If you’re looking for a captivating book about Iceland that combines suspense, mystery, and a strong sense of place, The Darkness is a must-read.

The Island is a captivating book on Iceland by Ragnar Jónasson that takes readers on a thrilling journey to the remote and mysterious island of Ellidaey. This atmospheric and chilling mystery novel follows a detective’s investigation into a shocking and perplexing crime that unfolds against the backdrop of the stark and hauntingly beautiful Icelandic landscape. As the detective delves deeper into the secrets and dark history of the island, the tension and suspense build, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Jónasson’s evocative prose and masterful storytelling make this book about Iceland a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping and thought-provoking mystery set in a unique and enigmatic environment. If you’re looking for an Iceland book that will transport you to a world of intrigue and suspense, The Island is an excellent choice.

The Shadow Killer

The Shadow Killer by Arnaldur Indriðason is a gripping book set in the stunning landscape of Iceland. This thrilling mystery follows Detective Flovent and Thorson as they investigate a brutal murder during the height of World War II. The story is filled with twists and turns, as the detectives navigate through the complexities of the war and the dark secrets of Reykjavik. Indriðason’s vivid descriptions of the stark Icelandic terrain and the tense atmosphere of the time period bring the setting to life, making the reader feel as though they are right there in the heart of this chilling mystery. If you’re looking for a compelling and atmospheric book about Iceland, this is definitely the one to pick up.

Looking for a gripping book about Iceland? Look no further than Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason. This thrilling crime novel takes you deep into the heart of Reykjavik, where Detective Erlendur investigates a disturbing murder case. As he delves into the dark secrets of the victim’s past, Erlendur uncovers a web of corruption, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Iceland, this atmospheric tale will keep you on the edge of your seat as Erlendur navigates through the complexities of the case and confronts the demons of his own past. Indriðason’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make Jar City a must-read for anyone craving a compelling book on Iceland.

Reykjavik Nights

Reykjavik Nights by Arnaldur Indriðason is a captivating crime novel set in the mesmerizing landscapes of Iceland. This thrilling book on Iceland follows the protagonist, Erlendur, as he delves into the dark underbelly of Reykjavik, uncovering secrets and solving mysteries along the way. As he navigates the city’s streets and encounters a web of intriguing characters, readers are drawn into a world of suspense and intrigue. Indriðason’s masterful storytelling brings the Icelandic setting to life, immersing readers in the unique atmosphere of the country. With its compelling narrative and richly developed characters, this book about Iceland is a must-read for anyone seeking a gripping and atmospheric crime novel set in the captivating landscapes of Iceland.

The Greenlanders

By jane smiley.

The Greenlanders by Jane Smiley is a captivating book about Iceland that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of the Icelandic settlement during the 14th century. Set against a backdrop of harsh winters, political upheaval, and the struggle for survival, the novel weaves a rich tapestry of family dynamics, love, betrayal, and the quest for power. Smiley’s vivid descriptions and compelling characters bring the stark beauty and unforgiving landscape of Greenland to life, immersing readers in a world of ice and fire. Through the lives of the characters, the novel explores the complexities of human nature and the timeless themes of ambition, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The Greenlanders is a masterful portrayal of a bygone era, filled with drama and intrigue that will transport readers to a distant land and time.

The Creak on the Stairs

By eva björg ægisdóttir.

The Creak on the Stairs by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir is a chilling thriller that takes readers on a journey to the captivating and mysterious landscapes of the Nordic island nation. This book on Iceland follows the gripping investigation of a brutal murder that unravels dark secrets and hidden truths within a small and tight-knit community. The author masterfully weaves together a tale of suspense, psychological complexity, and the haunting beauty of the Icelandic setting. With its atmospheric prose and intricate plot, this iceland book is sure to captivate readers who enjoy delving into the depths of human nature and the enigmatic allure of Iceland.

Exploring the magical land of Iceland through literature is an enriching experience. The 20 best books about Iceland mentioned in this article offer a diverse range of perspectives, from captivating fiction to insightful travel guides. Whether you’re planning a trip to Iceland or simply want to immerse yourself in its culture and history, these books are a must-read. So, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of Icelandic coffee, and delve into these captivating stories that will transport you to the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of Iceland.

Which Iceland book is best?

The best book on Iceland can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

• The Fish Can Sing by Halldór Laxness ,
• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent ,
• Independent People by Halldór Laxness .

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books to learn about Iceland?

For those looking to learn about Iceland, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:

• Independent People by Halldór Laxness ,
• The Blue Fox by Sjón ,
• The Whispering Muse by Sjón ,
• The Greenhouse by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir ,
• Moonstone: The Boy Who Never Was by Sjón ,
• Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir ,
• The Shadow District by Arnaldur Indriðason ,
• The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indriðason

These books offer a range of perspectives on Iceland, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.

What are the best books on Iceland?

The best books on Iceland include:

• The Day is Dark by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir ,
• The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir ,
• The Greenhouse by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir .

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Iceland are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best Iceland books of all time?

Choosing the best Iceland books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include

• The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indriðason ,
• and The Day is Dark by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir .

Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Iceland and continues to be influential today.

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10 Books to Read Before Visiting Iceland

Iceland has encountered a tourist boom in recent years, with around 2 million tourists a year. Flocking in to see all the natural wonders that it has to offer, it’s no surprise that Iceland is rich in history and culture, as well as incredible geography. Before your travels to this magnificent country, you may want to prepare yourself by learning more about the ways in which Icelandic culture has changed throughout its history.  Below are 10 books to read before traveling to Iceland that will surely prepare you for all the nation has to offer.

The History of Iceland    by Gunnar Karisson

If you’re looking for an objective and concise history of Iceland, look no further than Gunnar Karisson’s The History of Iceland . Founded as late as the Viking Age, Iceland is a unique country having extensive written and archaeological sources about its origin. This book includes a comprehensively written historical recount of the trials and tribulations that this country has endured. Beginning with the settlement era and continuing through the early modern age, The History of Iceland comes with no shortage of details, and will surely prepare you with all you need to know before you embark on your travels.

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland   by Sarah Moss

Written by award winning author Sarah Moss, this autobiographical tale tells the story of her and her family as they move to Iceland for a year during its economic collapse of 2008. Accepting a teaching position at the University of Iceland, Moss follows her childhood dream leaves her comfortable life in England forcing her and her family to find new ways to live. Unlike your typical travel book, Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland will give you an outsider's perspective into the modern day culture of Iceland, as well as draw you towards diverse Icelandic landscape that you will experience throughout your trip.

The Promise of Iceland    by Kari Gislason

This captivating memoir follows the physical and emotional journey of author Kari Gislason as he travels to Iceland in attempt to find and meet his birth father. Pledged to secrecy, never revealing his father's true identity, Gislason travels between Iceland, England, and Australia all while discovering the true meaning of “home” through his experiences and the different people that he meets. This riveting journey through memory, time, and various landscapes, will inspire any reader to experience the Icelandic culture depicted in this novel for themselves.

Iceland 101    by Rúnar Þór Sigurbjörnsson

Iceland 101 by author Rúnar Þór Sigurbjörnsson has all the tips and tricks that you’ll need to know when it comes to touring and staying in Iceland. Compiled of five chapters, each one explaining the dos and don’ts of being a tourist in Iceland, Iceland 101 is the perfect guide to the culture and geography of this breathtaking country. Short and to the point, you can even read this book on your plane ride while you await all that Iceland has to offer.

The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland   by Alda Sigmundsdottir

In this series of short essays, author Alda Sigmundsdottir provides a unique insight into the positive and negative impacts that tourism has had on modern day Iceland, both socially and environmentally. Well written and extremely informative, this book serves as a guide to touring Iceland, packed with tips on how to explore the magnificent country safely and responsibly. A must-read for anybody planning a trip to Iceland, take advantage of this fascinating resource to ensure that you understand the ins and outs of the many facets of Iceland.

Burial Rites   by Hannah Kent

Inspired by a true story, this fictionalized tale written by Hannah Kent recounts the final days of a young woman named Agnes Magnúsdóttir, after she is accused of murder and condemned to death in northern Iceland in 1829. This chilling tale, not for the faint of heart, depicts the realistic and harsh life of rural Iceland in the early 19th century. Sent to await her execution at an isolated farm, the story of Agnes is riveting, and evokes the reality of an old and distant Iceland.

The Sagas of the Icelanders   by Jane Smiley

This fascinating collection of medieval literature tells the tales of the age of the Vikings, also known as the saga age. Written in the 13th century, documenting the settlement of Vikings in Iceland in the 9th century, this challenging yet rewarding read paints a vivid picture of what it was like in Iceland during the medieval age. Giving you an in depth insight into the past and an important piece of Icelandic culture, The Sagas of the Icelanders will prepare for your trip like none other.

The Fish Can Sing   by Halldor Laxness

Written by Nobel prize winner Halldór Laxness, The Fish Can Sing is a coming of age tale about a young orphan boy Algrimur living in a small village of Brekkukot in the outskirts of Reykjavik with his foster grandparents. This light and humorous tale provides insight into early 20th century life in Iceland during a tumultuous period as Reykjavik became the country’s capital,  and large fishing boats threatened the lifestyle of simple fisherman like Algimur’s foster grandfather. Prepare for your trip to Iceland by reading this book that truly encompasses the turn of the 20th century.

Viking Age Iceland   by Jesse Byock

Breaking away from the traditional scholarly methods and interpretations typically seen in history books, author Jesse Byock combines environmental science, anthropology, and archaeology to tell the tales of the Icelandic sagas in Viking Age Iceland. Engaging and well written, this book is the perfect introduction to the society and politics of Iceland from the settlement days through the 13th century. For those fascinated with the Viking Age, this medieval history lesson is necessary in preparing your trip.

The Little Book of Icelanders  by Alda Sigmundsdottir

This collection of 50 miniature essays is the perfect quick cultural introduction to all the quirks and foibles of the Icelandic people, and what it’s like to live among them. The Little Book of Icelanders is easy to read and jam packed with fun facts and information about Iceland’s culture, from the role that family plays in society, to why beer was banned in the country until 1989. Entertaining yet informative, this book will help you understand why Icelanders act the way they do, and what has made Iceland the country that it is today.

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Top 10 Icelandic Books You Need to Read

• Independent People
• The Draining Lake
• I Remember You
• Burial Rites
• Njáls Saga
• Angels of the Universe
• The Woman at 1000 Degrees
• Heaven and Hell
• The Blue Fox
• The Greenhouse

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Wondering what to read before visiting Iceland? Why not dive headfirst into some Icelandic literature, where life in Iceland is covered from the Viking age to modern times. Some fiction, some crime, some true stories. Pick your poison(novel)!

1. Independent People by Halldór Kiljan Laxness

This is definitely a classic! The author, Halldór Laxness is the only Icelander ever to win a Nobel Prize and this book is said to have played a big part in the award being given. The book deals with the struggles poor Icelandic farmers endured in the early 20th century and their fight for a living. The farmers, who were the first generation since the debt bondage freedom lived in an almost impossible situation barely getting by with difficult land and isolated locations.

The novel is considered to be groundbreaking in the portraying of social realism in Icelandic literature from the 1930s. It is a touching book, not only in the way it takes on the living circumstances but also how it demonstrates the roots of capitalism on our society and the typical self-reliant spirit of Icelanders, hence the title.

First Published in 1935.

2. The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indriðason

A crime fiction novel from 2004 and the first book in what would later become a series of books about detective Erlendur. In Icelandic the book it called Kleifarvatn in Icelandic after a lake located close  Hafnarfjörður  on the  Reykjanes peninsula . A body is found in the like which sets of unimaginable events and discoveries. This is the book that gets many hooked on Arnaldur’s writings but he usually published a book a year. Which are very much anticipated!  Arnaldur is without a doubt one of the best known Icelandic authors.

Check out the movie Jar City which is made from another book about detective Erlendur.

First Published in 2004.

3. I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir

Some might have seen this seen the movie, but the Icelandic version of this novel was turned into a thriller in 2017 and can now be found on Amazon Prime and other large networks. The story is one that gives you chills to the bone. A young couple starts renovating a house at the remote Hesteyri in the Westfjords in the middle of winter when they start to get a suspicion of not being the only people there. A young doctor gets dragged into an investigation of a suicide of an old woman close by which seems to be obsessed with his son’s disappearance three years earlier. All of this somehow mixes together in an amazingly written spiral of events.  

Get ready for twists and turns and maybe leave the light on when you go to sleep!

First Published in 2010.

4. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

This one might seem like the odd one out as the author is not Icelandic but I am leaving it in as the topic, the story and the writing qualifies. Hannah took an old, well-known but a but dusted Icelandic true story and gave it a new life. This is the story of the last execution in Iceland and really, it has it all. This story has a villain, a victim, a horrible crime, a love story, human despair, and even a hero. Let Hannah take you back in time to when life in Iceland revolved around survival, not enjoyment and women weren’t given the opportunity to speak for themselves let alone explain.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent is inspired by a true story and was shortlisted for The Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction, The Guardian First Book Award and The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Awards.

First Published in 2013.

5. Njáls Saga by an unknown author

To many Icelanders, this is the essence of Icelandic literature! Njáls Saga or Brennu-Njáls Saga is a story published in the 13th century that describes events which are believed to have taken place in  South Iceland  between the years 960 and 1020. The main characters are Njáll, hence Njáls Saga, his best friend Gunnar and their wives Bergþóra and Hallgerður. Even though they are best friends, the women are anything but which eventually leads to fatal feuds between them. The saga deals with honor, love, revenge, hardship, battles, family and class distinctions in the Icelandic Commonwealth.

The work is still to this day listed as anonymous although there have been great speculations of the author’s identity. The way the story is told and the material it provides tells a great deal.  Njáls saga  is the longest and most developed of the Icelandic Sagas. To have descriptions of this era in such detail and length are unique even at a global scale.

First Published in the 13th century.

6. Angels of the Universe – Einar Már Guðmundsson

Angels of the Universe  is a book every high schooler in Iceland is made to read and for a good reason. It is a story of a man’s descent into madness and the emotions and conflicts that it brings. This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, with a lot of darkness but not without humor or wit. The main character is extremely intelligent and often light in mood but has experiences with paranoia, depression and hallucinations and experiments with drugs which does not help. He is placed in the mental hospital, Kleppur, where he meets the most colorful of persons who bring a lot of the humor found in the book. It is a compelling novel, especially as the main character is built from Einar’s own brother. It has sometimes been described as the Icelandic version of “ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest ”.

The story has been made into a movie which received many awards and many of the sentences in the book live with Icelanders in everyday life.

“But just bear in mind that the madhouse is in a lot of places.”

First Published in 1995.

7. The Woman at 1000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason

Herra Björnsson is an eighty-year-old woman living alone in a garage in rural Reykjavík. Her only company is her computer and an old grenade that has followed her since World War II. As she waits for her death she contemplates her life, the people she met along her way and the courses that life threw at her. As she books her own cremation we come to learn the true person she is and quite frankly the bad-ass that once was.

Hallgrímur Helgason once again displays his talent through an ironic, humorous, realistic and raw telling of a person’s life. We follow Herra through World War II, where we are introduced to the greatest of parties to the lowest of miseries and everything in between.  Herra is one of the  most refreshingly irreverent heroines you will have met!

Fun Fact: In the Icelandic version her name is Herbjörg. The name is put together from two names Her- and -björg. Her- means an army and furthermore -björg means  protection  or saving. For a story about World War  II  the name is an obvious choice.

First Published in 2011.

8. Heaven and Hell by Jón Kalman Stefánsson

Heaven and Hell is a part of a novel trilogy by Jón Kalman and once you have finished this one you will find yourself looking up the next two. The story is of young boys in a remote fishing village in Iceland. One day they do as the costume is in Iceland at this time and go out on a fishing boat alone.  Due to unforeseen events, one passes. This leads the other boy on a journey which we follow through the books. The story is a lucid and gritty account of life and death in the fishing communities of Iceland. Jón Kalman is renowned for its poetry and philosophy and this book is a great symbol if his brilliance.

9. The Blue Fox – Sjón

What starts off as a bit of a peculiar tale of a man chasing a blue fox is then turned into a fascinating saga of human actions and relationships. The story expands in the most brutal yet beautiful way and all of a sudden we are following the story of herbalist and a girl he adopts with Down Syndrome.

The book’s descriptions of the cold northern winters and the landscapes are spellbinding and spot on. Eventually, all of the characters are tied together in the most natural yet surprising way and for many, that is what makes the book. Sjón’s poetic writing and a great way with words are difficult to describe, one must simply read his work.

10. The Greenhouse by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir

This book is a touching reminder of our ability to turn the small everyday things in life into something extraordinary. The Greenhouse is a heartwarming tale of recovery, growing up and new beginnings. It is a story of a young Icelandic man, Lobbi, who at the beginning of the story, goes through the loss of his mother. He has a one night stand with a stranger which leads to the birth of a daughter. To honor his and his mother’s bond through gardening he travels to Europe to tend to a garden in a monastery. Surprisingly, his daughter and baby-mother, which he barely knows, follow him and stay for a month. The rest you will have to read in the book which is a lovely endearing story with many layers and wisdom linked with fatherhood and the importance of family. It is written in a crisp and direct style and the way Auður Ava channels the emotional landscape of a young man coming to terms with growing up and life, in general, is outstanding.

First Published in 2007.

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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.

Video: Planning an Iceland Vacation

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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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in Foldable USB-C Connector

4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent

Vapur Flexible, Collapsible Wide Mouth Anti-Bottle with Detachable Carabiner

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Tips to travel Iceland on a budget, plus travel expert-approved gear

Where to get local deals, take a dip in a hot spring and more.

Need some summer vacation ideas that won't break the bank? "Good Morning America" is off to Iceland and packing expert tips to help create the perfect travel bucket list on a budget.

From free dips in hot springs to the stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall, ABC News' Ashan Singh explored the Nordic island nation and shared the top ways to enjoy every stop of the trip without overspending.

"Iceland is a tremendous deal from the Boston area in particular -- flights are only about five hours in each direction -- you could take just a long weekend there and still get an action-packed trip," Eric Rosen director of travel content for The Points Guy, told "GMA."

TPG has seen deals for as low as $400 and for travelers who don't care where they're seated on the plane, some fares drop as low as $230.

When it comes to hotels, Rosen offered another simple tip, spend now on credit cards from brands like Hilton or Marriott that, once the spending threshold is reached, offer large bonus points.

"Hilton cards for instance, offer anywhere from 130 to 180,000 points typically as part of their bonus," he said. "And that's going to be good enough for two maybe even three nights at some of these hotels in Reykjavik. And that could be your whole trip right there."

Iceland activities on a budget

Get a taste of the city's culture with the Reykjavík City Card, which gives visitors access to multiple museums, art galleries, pools and even bus transportation for free.

Enjoy going home with a fashionable souvenir? Local knits are quintessentially Iceland, but with handmade sweaters priced up to $500, Singh sought out second hand store, Extraloppan to score a sweater as low as $50.

Rent a car. Singh found deals for as low as $86 a day.

Save on a more extravagant meal by finding a deal through the Dineout Iceland app, which for a small fee offers discounts all over the land of fire and ice.

Looking for a cheap and quick local bite? Try a roadside hot dog for just $4.

Visit the free National Parks and take in sights like waterfalls and geysers, but Singh suggests skipping the Blue Lagoon, which can cost $350 for a family of four, instead opt for taking a dip in a local, free hot spring.

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Iceland With Kids: The Step by Step Guide to Planning Your Vacation in Iceland Paperback – February 1, 2020

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 187 pages
• Language English
• Publication date February 1, 2020
• Dimensions 8.5 x 0.44 x 11 inches
• ISBN-10 096007452X
• ISBN-13 978-0960074525
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

Just wanted to say again how much I like your book! Have 2 other guidebooks but since buying yours didn't open them again. So boring compared to yours.

The book is very informative and exactly that what parents need!

We purchased (or borrowed) several Iceland guidebooks including Lonely Planet, Frommers, Rick Steves, and Lonely Planet Ring Road, but this was my favorite.

Just what I needed in the weeks before heading out.

The book is easy to read and feels very personal, and takes into account all the activities you might be looking to do.

This book feels really tailored to the kind of experience my family wants to have, which is so rare!

The book is full of practical advice that I do not remember finding in other travel/guide books I read about Iceland.

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Travel Step by Step; 2nd Edition ed. (February 1, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 187 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 096007452X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0960074525
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.36 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.44 x 11 inches
• #129 in Iceland Travel Guides
• #905 in General Europe Travel Guides
• #2,055 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Eric newman.

I am the owner of Iceland With Kids (IcelandWithKids.com.) We offer trip planning for families of any size and any budget! You can browse our web site, buy our book, or hire us to plan your trip ... or even serve as your tour guide!

During the summer of 2016, my wife, my 5(!) kids and I spent much of the summer in Iceland. We blogged about our travels around the country, and we've added content and turned all of that into a book.

The second edition of Iceland With Kids was published in February 2020. And our children's picture book "Lundi the Lost Puffin" was published in July 2020.

Eric is a certified Iceland Specialist (Inspired by Iceland) and has been featured by RUV (the largest Icelandic newspaper), The Icelandic League of the United States, and many more.

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Book These 10 Best Iceland Tours To Uncover The Wonders Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

I celand is a magical destination that can be life-changing. From the incredible colors of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, there is no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy here. The Land of Fire and Ice is full of natural wonders that can be discovered as part of a guided tour. Whether travelers are driving the Icelandic Ring Road or basing themselves in cozy hostels in Reykjavík for day trips, these are some of the top sights and tours to experience.

South Coast Full Day Tour

Go beyond the capital city of Iceland with this full-day tour of Iceland’s south coast from the capital, Reykjavík . Top attractions that the tour visits include the famous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Sólheimajökull glacier. Travelers can also spot puffins and glimpse Eyjafjallajökull Volcano during the excursion. Transportation is included, but travelers should bring cash for buying lunch and snacks throughout the day since meals are not part of the ticket price for this tour.

• Tour: South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $112.00
• Duration: 10 hours
• What’s Included: Wi-Fi on the bus, hotel pick up and drop off, and an Icelandic treat.

Book this tour

Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavík

The Golden Circle is a must-do day trip from Reykjavík when visiting Iceland. The tour encompasses three natural wonders of Iceland which are the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur at Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. The full-day tour includes bus transportation from a hotel in Reykjavík and allows travelers time at each stop to appreciate the incredible scenery, take photos, and ask the tour guide questions. Meals are not included in this full-day tour, so budget cash accordingly for lunch and snacks at stops along the way.

• Tour: Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $79.30
• Duration: 7 hours
• What’s Included: Professional tour guide, bus transfer, Wi-Fi on board

Related: Midnight Sun And Hot Springs: 10 Best Places To Relax In Iceland

Snorkeling Between Continents

Iceland offers the unique opportunity to swim between two continents at the Silfra Fissure. This waterway occurs where the North American and European tectonic plates meet and is located inside beautiful Thingvellir National Park. Travelers can show up ready for an adventure with no prep work on their part. All necessary gear is provided to stay warm and dry while swimming and snorkeling in this cold waterway. The views of the clear blue water from below are exceptional and are captured through GoPro photos during the tour. There is no additional fee to receive these photos.

• Tour: Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
• Cost: From $168.79
• Duration: 3 hours
• What’s Included: Professional English-speaking Guide, snorkeling tour in Silfra Fissure, GoPro photos from the tour, help from a Certified PADI dive / Dive-master, drysuit, snorkeling equipment, hot drinks, and cookies

Local Foodie Adventure

Enjoying the local cuisine is one of the best ways to learn about a destination, so why not take a food tour while in Reykjavík? This tour allows travelers to sample food from a variety of eateries and food trucks in the city, tasting an array of traditional Icelandic foods. Guests will try Icelandic street food, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. The small group tour is limited to 12 people to ensure a personalized experience that allows travelers to ask questions.

• Tour: Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
• Cost: $119.00
• What’s Included: Tour guide, 4–5 stops, 8+ dishes to try

Related: Discovering The Unusual: Top 10 Weird Foods To Eat In Iceland

Blue Lagoon Ticket And Transport

The Blue Lagoon is a staple for travelers visiting Iceland. The hot, inviting mineral water is an otherworldly shade of blue, and the in-water bar is a fun feature of the experience. Relaxing here for a full day is worthwhile, especially for the tour price. Book in advance to avoid disappointment since this attraction is so popular among tourists. The package allows travelers to book the Comfort or Premium ticket for the Blue Lagoon and add a bus transfer if necessary. The Comfort ticket includes a towel, one beverage, and a silica face mask, while the Premium ticket also includes a bathrobe and algae face mask.

• Tour: Blue Lagoon Ticket with Optional Transportation
• Cost: From $169.43
• What’s Included: Bus transfer, Premium or Comfort Entrance Ticket

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour

Travelers who find themselves in northern Iceland in Akureyri have a whole new set of attractions to explore in this part of the country. The half-day tour includes a chance to soak in the Myvatn hot springs and view the incredible cascades of Godafoss waterfall. The tour also stops at the craters of Skútustaðir and the lave fields of Dimmuborgir. The tour ticket price also includes a packed lunch. This is a great opportunity to explore the northern highlights of Iceland in a single day.

• Tour: Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri
• Cost: From $154.00
• Duration: 6 hours
• What’s Included: Transportation and Wi-Fi on the bus

Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavík

Whale watching is a top thing to do in Iceland, so travelers can embark on this exciting adventure to look for majestic creatures off the coast of Reykjavík. The peak season for whale watching is from June to August. While companies can never guarantee that travelers will spot whales while on the tour, the success rates for this tour is extremely high, with 95% success during the summer months and 80% success in the winter. Guests are provided with the necessary gear to remain warm and comfortable on board the ship in every season.

• Tour: The Original Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $87.00
• What’s Included: Live guide, overalls, raincoats, blankets, admission to Wildlife Exhibition, free Wi-Fi on board

Related: 10 Best Iceland Hotels That Showcase The Charms Of The Land Of Fire And Ice

Icelandic Horse Back Riding Tour

The Icelandic Horse is a unique creature that is the only horse breed in Iceland. Among their many interesting and unique traits is the ability to perform one or two additional gaits: Tolt and, sometimes, pace. Riding through the Icelandic countryside on horseback is a magical experience that will stay with travelers for a lifetime. Before getting on the horse, guests of the tour are fitted with helmets for safety and briefed on how to ride. The tour is suitable for all levels of experience.

• Tour : Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $118.94
• Duration: 2 hours
• What’s Included: Helmet, boots, rain gear, tea or coffee

Hike Inside A Volcano

See the inside of Iceland’s dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano on this small group tour that is limited to a maximum of 18 guests. The tour is led by an expert travel guide and takes guests to the Blue Mountains of Iceland where they will journey inside the volcano to see the geological remnants of an eruption that took place 4,000 years ago. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included as part of the package price.

• Tour: Inside the Volcano: Small Group Thrihnukagigur Hike and Tour from Reykjavik
• Cost: From $367.02
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours
• What’s Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, helmet, harness, and safety equipment, light refreshments

Northern Lights Sightseeing Tour

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a bucket-list activity and travelers can do their best to have this experience by booking a guided tour. There is never a guarantee of seeing the lights, but they are best seen from November to March when skies are dark and days are short. The tour takes travelers outside the city, away from light pollution, to improve the chances of spotting the phenomena. Guests also enjoy delicious homemade hot chocolate made from real Icelandic chocolate to help keep warm.

• Tour: #1 Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos
• Cost: From $141.60
• Duration: 4 hours
• What’s Included: Professional local driver and guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, Wi-Fi on board, cinnamon buns, wool blanket, professional photos