iceland travel blog

The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Iceland

By: Author Monica

Categories Iceland

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

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

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

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

Iceland Travel Tips and Guides

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iceland Itineraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iceland Road Trip Tips and Routes

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Budget Iceland Travel

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

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

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

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

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

Packing for Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

Food and Drink in Iceland

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

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

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

Where to stay in Iceland

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

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

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

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

Saturday 6th of July 2019

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

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

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

Top 13 Blogs About Iceland

• I Heart Reykjavik

What do you like most about Iceland?

What makes iceland stand out as a travel destination.

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

What is your favourite place in Iceland?

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

Richard aka Wanda Star

• Jón Hilmarsson
• Read Even More About Iceland!

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

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

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

Popular self-drive tours

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

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

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

I Heart Reykjavik  

Picture from I Heart Reykjavík

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

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

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

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

What’s your favourite location in Iceland?

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

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

The Blonde Abroad  

Picture from The Blonde Abroad

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nomadic Matt  

Picture from Nomadic Matt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Tourist  

Picture from Miss Tourist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Casual Travelist  

Picture from Casual Travelist

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Culture Map  

Picture from The Culture Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Mile at a Time  

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

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

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

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

From Ice to Spice  

Picture from From Ice to Spice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Vagabond  

Picture from Expert Vagabond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hand Luggage Only  

Picture from Hand Luggage Only

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Monkeys Travel Group  

Picture from Two Monkeys Travel Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Passion Passport  

Picture by Zeb Goodman from Passion Passport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guide to Iceland Locals  

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

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

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

Regína

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

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

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

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

• Find all of Regína's blogs here

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

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

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

• Find all of Nanna's blogs here

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

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

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

Jórunn

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

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

• Find all of Jórunn's blogs here

Jón Hilmarsson

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

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

• Find all of Jón's blogs here

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

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

• Find all of Mads' blogs here

Read Even More About Iceland!  

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

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

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

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

Popular articles

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

The Complete Guide to the Midnight Sun in Iceland

Top 20 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland

22 Photos of the Aurora in Iceland

Mountains in Iceland

Other interesting articles.

The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List

Top 9 Most Famous Icelanders in History

Driving in Iceland in March: The Ultimate Guide

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Top things to do in Iceland

Book your complete trip with the best companies only

Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Iceland Travel Guide

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

Best time to visit Iceland

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

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

Preparing for Iceland

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

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

Why is Iceland worth visiting?

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

Is Iceland cheap to visit?

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

Can I drink tap water in Iceland?

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

Do I need a visa for traveling in Iceland?

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

What language do they speak in Iceland?

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

Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?

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

Is Iceland safe?

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

Why do people love Iceland?

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

Travel to Iceland

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

How to plan your trip to Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coastlines and beaches in Iceland

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

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

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

Food, culture and religion in Iceland

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

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

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

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

Why you should travel to Iceland

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

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

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

Safety and travel advice Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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27 Absolute Best Things to do in Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iceland Travel Guide

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

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

Top things to do in Iceland

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

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

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

1. Go on an epic road trip 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want to save time and energy on planning?

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

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

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

2. Soak in as many hot springs as possible  

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

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

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

Our favorite Iceland hot springs

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

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

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

3. Discover the Golden Circle

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

• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir 

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

4. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail

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

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

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

5. Go chasing waterfalls

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

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

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

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

Our favorite waterfalls in Iceland

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

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

6. Explore Reykjavík 

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

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

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

7. Wake up with a view 

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

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

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

8. Stay at unique accommodation

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

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

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

9. Try Icelandic cuisine

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

a) we like to eat (!!!) 

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

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

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

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

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

10. Take a hike!

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

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

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

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

11. Walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. (Try to) see the Northern Lights

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

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

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

Tips for seeing the Northern Lights

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

14. Go whale watching

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

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

Our experience:

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

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

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

15. See puffins

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

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

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

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

Best places to spot puffins in Iceland:

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

16. Wander cute Icelandic towns

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

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

• Seydisfjordur

17. Snorkel between continents

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

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

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

18. Be wowed by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. Hike to Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

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

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

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

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

20. Explore the magical basalt columns of Studlagil Canyon

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

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

21. Photograph Icelandic churches

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

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

22. Taste rye bread that was baked underground

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

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

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

23.  Meet Icelandic horses

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

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

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

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

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

24. Try glacier hiking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. Learn about volcanoes

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

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

Go to the Lava Show in Vík

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

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

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

Do the “Inside the Volcano” experience

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

Hike, hike, hike!

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

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

26. Scope out traditional Turf Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

27. Walk the rim of colorful Kerið Crater

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

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

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

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

Find the stats and trail notes here.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

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

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

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

Perfect Iceland itinerary

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

If your hand is up, keep reading…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Iceland

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

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

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

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

How to get around Iceland

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

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

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

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

By campervan

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

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

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

Tips for visiting Iceland

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

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

What to pack for traveling to Iceland

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

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

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

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

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

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

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

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The Absolute Best Iceland Itinerary: 7 days

Iceland is one of those countries that seems to be popping up on everyone’s Instagram lately. The stunning country is filled with so many jaw-dropping views. It has become wildly famous for good reason. The country is full of waterfalls, black sand beaches, white peaked mountains, cute churches, blue glaciers, hot springs galore, and so much more. It is honestly a nature lover’s dream paradise. And, the best part is that it is super easy to plan a trip. With the acceptance of credit cards everywhere and most attractions being just a car drive away, its no wonder people flock to Iceland every year. After spending my Thanksgiving in this magnificent place, I have decided to make it easy for everyone and listed out the perfect 7 days Iceland itinerary which also includes tours if you are not in the mood to rent a car. So keep reading on for the best Iceland Itinerary 7 days edition!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

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Iceland winter itinerary vs iceland summer itinerary.

Choosing when to visit Iceland can be difficult, especially if you are spending 7 days in Iceland. On one hand, the summer months bring easy weather; but on the other hand, winter has fewer crowds. Either way, you will not be disappointed no matter what time of the year you go. I went in the winter to save money and it was still epic. My winter trip just made me want to come back in the summer to experience a different landscape.

• In the Winter:  Weather can be unpredictable, it is cheaper, less sunlight, snowy landscape, less crowded, the best sunrise and sunset pictures.
• In the Summer: Weather is the best, super crowded, green landscape, more sunlight, more costly.

How To Travel Around Iceland

There are three options on getting around Iceland in 7 days:

• Rental Car: We chose this option. I am from Texas where we drive everywhere, so I don’t like to be limited on where I go. Plus, I love getting away from the crowds so it was an easy choice to rent a car. Since we went in the winter, we stayed in hotels instead of campsites. I do not advice camping in the winter as it can be dangerous. The Iceland roads were pretty easy to travel in as the road conditions were good. I will warn you that driving in Iceland in winter can be dangerous due to random snow storms, so be wary.
• Tour Guides: There are soooo many tours in Iceland that you no longer need a car to explore. Throughout the article, I have listed the most popular tours for you. Tours are a great option if you don’t feel like planning much 🙂
• Rent a Campervan: This is a great way to save some money! You don’t need camping gear or a hotel, just your campervan. >Rent Your Campervan Here

Read More: 11+ Tips on Renting a Campervan in Iceland

Iceland Road Map

Below is the Iceland 7 day Itinerary map. You can download the map and turn on and off all the layers as needed:

Iceland Tips

• Even though Iceland is part of the EU, the country uses the Icelandic Króna instead of the EUR. Many people exchange their money, but I feel it is unnecessary. Most places accepts credit cards, and if you have a credit card that has no international/foreign exchange fees, you can skip the hassle of getting the Krona.
• If you want to avoid the crowds, the best approach is to travel further away from Reykjavik. It is easiest by renting a car or an RV. In my opinion, the best way to see Iceland is to rent a car.
• Spending one week in Iceland can be expensive. The best way to save money is to not eat at restaurants. I suggest going to grocery stores and buying food in Reykjavik or Vik. Another way to save money is to purchase sandwiches from gas stations. Most days, my husband and I ate sandwiches from the gas station and they were quite tasty. I would get different types every time so I wouldn’t get tired of them.
• Don’t go driving off-road because it is illegal.
• Only hike on established trails.
• Book all your tours in advance. Iceland is a popular travel destination so they might get sold out.
• Bring the correct type of clothing. Summer months do not mean warm months. Come prepared.

Iceland Itinerary 7 days

Day 1: fly into keflavik, blue lagoon and hang out at reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon

There are so many articles on why you should or shouldn’t visit the famous Blue Lagoon. The articles over-analyze the super touristy spot. I am one of those individuals who needs to experience it on my own to form my personal opinion. So of course, I booked my ticket right away.

My conclusion is that if you are on a fence, add it to your Iceland travel itinerary. Experience it at least once in your life. If you hate it, then never go back again. But at least you tried it out.

It is a bit crowded, but the smokey, baby blue colors and the relaxation is worth it. I recommend booking a ticket early in the day (8:00 am or 9:00am) just so there are fewer people. Based on the setup, I can imagine the place can become a madhouse at peak hours.

When you arrive,  you are given a bracelet, which will allow you to lock your belongings in a locker. Right after you put your personal items in the locker, you are required to take a shower prior to jumping into the lagoon. I recommend women to put their hair in a bun and then slather conditioner all over your hair. Don’t worry, conditioner is provided in the showers. The blue lagoon waters do dry out your hair so avoid getting your hair wet.

After the shower, you walk outside and enter the lagoon. Once the toes hit the water, all of your problems and stress magically melt away. I recommend exploring all the areas of Blue Lagoon. The lagoon has three “stands” which offer different things such as drinks, massages, and mud mask products. The drink stand will give you your first drink free, and the silica mask is free as well. Your bracelet will be assigned to you which allow you to “purchase” drinks or face masks.  At the end of the experience, you will be able to check out and pay your tab.

• Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket – Buy this ticket as soon as you buy your airplane ticket to Iceland since the Blue Lagoon admissions tickets tend to sell out. Schedule it the day you arrive in Iceland or the day you leave Iceland  >Buy The Admission Ticket Here
• From Reykjavik Airport Transport – If you are not renting a car, getting transport to and from is a great option. >Buy Your Transport Here

First Day in Reykjavik

After spending some time at the Blue Lagoon, it is time to head to the capital city of Iceland – Reykjavik. Reykjavik is located on the south western part of Iceland, making it quite nice and easy to explore the rest of the country from here.

Blue Lagoon/Keflavik to Reykjavik is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive away. Upon arriving at Reykjavik, head to your hotel to check-in. We stayed at Ion City Hotel , which is such a chic, beautiful hotel. After checking in, it is time for some quick exploration. It is recommended that you explore Reykjavik by walking – as some of the lanes don’t allow for vehicle entry.

First stop is the Laugavegur Street. This is one of the prettiest streets in Reykjavik and also their main street. You will find beautiful murals on the walls, street art, great restaurants, bars and souvenir stores at Laugavegur Street. Our favorite restaurant here was the Scandinavia and Joe and Juice, which became a morning ritual.

The city offers numerous wonderful tours which are conducted in the afternoons. These walking tours are an amazing way to learn about Iceland’s history – from Vikings to the establishment of the Alpingi (parliament) and the modern day economic recession and revival of Icelandic economy with the tourism and nationalized banks. The tours typically last 2-3 hours.

If you like to explore on your own, then head to the Hallgrímskirkja Church next. Hallgrímskirkja Church is an iconic landmark of Iceland. You can see this tallest church from anywhere in the city of Reykjavik. This is a Lutheran church and it is open to public everyday. Entry to the church is free, but to access the towers, there is an additional charge of $10 USD per adult. We highly recommend that you take the church tower access, you will be rewarded with amazing city views of Reykjavik, with its red, blue and multi-colored houses. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here.

By now, the sun is likely setting. This is the best time to stroll around the city, eat, and grab a drink or two. Reykjavik comes alive in the evening, so definitely check it out.

It is true that Reykjavik is expensive when it comes to food. For meals everyday, it is a good idea to get some Icelandic delicacies from one of their grocery stores (Bonus, Kronas, 10-11 – grocery stores located in downtown Reykjavik). There is a budget eating place in downtown Reykjavik (all you can eat style) – called Reykjavik Street Food. You have to try their Icelandic lamb soup. Not only is it delicious, but it is noticeably cheaper when compared to other restaurants.

Where to Stay In Reykjavik

• Ion City Hotel  is the hotel we stayed at in Reykjavik. It is chic, fancy and in an entertaining area. I love how close everything is and being able to walk around with all the Christmas decorations. Sigh… So magical!  >Check Pricing and Availability
• 101 Hotel  is located only a few minutes walk from the Icelandic Phallological Museum and usually has incredible rates. I stayed here in the summer and I am in love with the black and white modern look of the rooms!  >Check Pricing and Availability 
• The Hotel Lotus  is an affordable accommodation with Kringlan Shopping Center only 0.6 miles away! There is also an in-house restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.  >Check Pricing and Availability  

Looking for more places to stay in Reykjavik? Read About The Best Places To Stay In Iceland

Day 2: Explore Reykjavik

Next morning, explore more of the Reykjavik city. Reykjavik is located by the Faxa Bay, so you can expect amazing river-front views. Take a stroll along the harbour front and visit some of the other popular tourist spots in the capital city. The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located by the harbor front. It is accessible 24/7. Close to the Sun Voyager is the stunning Harpa Concert Hall. Built in the 2000s, the “Harpa” is home of Icelandic festivals and Orchestra and is characterized by the shiny glass architecture.

There are quite a few interesting museums in the Reykjavik city, that are definitely worth a visit. Iceland Maritime Museum, Icelandic Phallological Museum, Icelandic Art Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland – to name a few.

There is also the new amazing Sky Lagoon that everyone is talking about. This lagoon is located in Reykjavik and is less crowded than the blue lagoon. The views are absolutely gorgeous too. I even did the seven-step ritual and had an amazing experience. >You can book a ticket here

I also recommend doing some shopping around Reykjavik. Iceland is known for its wool, so I bought some sweaters, jackets, blankets, and hats. Icewear Iceland is the best place to shop at for Icelandic wool.

Looking for more things to do in Reykjavik? Read the free and cheap things to do in Reykjavik here .

Reykjavik area written by Mayuri at To Some Place New

Day 3: Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir National Park)

One of the most famous national parks and a world heritage Unesco site in Iceland is Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is a must for your 1 week in Iceland trip. The park is filled with waterfalls, old churches, ruins, and mid-Atlantic rifts which means you will be walking on two continents/ tectonic plates: The North American Plates and the Eurasian Plates. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can walk on two different tectonic plates.

When we entered the park, we slowly walked around and took in all the beauty and took pictures of the waterfalls and the unique landscape. Many people also scuba dive or snorkel in the Silfra. You can book your Silfra snorkel tour here.  If you do book a snorkel or dive tour please note that it will probably take half a day so you might not have time to explore the other areas listed on this day.

The Geysir is an easy attraction to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary. The area has restaurants, tourists shops, and it even has a Geysir! This was our first time seeing a Geysir, so I was super impressed. Parking is free, and it was easy to find a spot even with the crowds. The Geysir sprays water every few minutes (up to 20-40 meters high) so make sure to take videos and pictures of this phenomenon. Just don’t get too close as the water is sweltering:-)

Note: This is a great area to stop and have lunch at.

Gullfoss Waterfall

When we arrived at this waterfall, we were in absolute shock! Gullfoss was the largest waterfall I have ever seen, and there was a 360° rainbow! The only downside was that it was pretty crowded and the floor was slippery, so be careful. I almost fell on my face a couple of times, not going to lie 🙂

Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” which was exactly how I felt described this place. I mean look at that picture above, if that doesn’t describe golden falls, I don’t know what will. The waterfall should be thought of as two separate features with one cascade measuring at 11 meters and the taller one measuring at 21 meters.

Kerid Crater

When planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to add this volcanic crater to your list. I loved how the green water looked with the dark red color of the crater. It is a perfect detour from the Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and the Geysir since it isn’t as crowded as the other three sites. You do have to pay for parking which we did with our credit card (about 400 ISK).

You can either hike around the crater or hike down to the water. We decided to get closer to the crater and take more pictures as shown below.

Take Pictures With Icelandic Horses

This honestly can be done on any of the days when seeing Iceland by car, but I decided to add this here since we took pictures with the horses while exploring the Golden Circle. You will have so many opportunities to hang out with the horses because they are everywhere!

Just make sure not to feed the horses and not to touch them. Feeding them or petting them does more harm than good.

Golden Circle Tours

• Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater –  One of the most popular tours in Iceland, takes you to see Gullfoss Waterfall, the geyser of Strokkur, the volcanic crater at Kerið, and Þingvellir National Park. This tour lasts about 8 hours, and they pick you up at Reykjavik.    >Buy Tour Now

Where To Stay Near The Golden Circle

I recommend staying in Reykjavik on this day. But, if you are driving in Iceland on your own then you can probably stay at a hotel much closer:

• Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel – We stayed at the Ion hotel while we toured the Golden Circle. Super Chic and away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel has a delicious restaurant and a pretty rad looking pool. Perfect for Instagram pictures. >Book Your Stay Here

Day 4: South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Day four consists of exploring South Iceland. The first stop is one of the most famous waterfalls called Seljalandsfoss located on route 1 Iceland. The waterfall is about 60 meters tall and is part of the Seljalands River.

When traveling around Iceland, you can usually spot the beautiful waterfall a long ways away before you get to it. It truly is magnificent. You do have to pay for parking, and it is 700ISK per car. There is a Kiosk machine that takes credit cards.

The best part about this waterfall is you can actually walk behind the waterfall. If you want to go behind the waterfall, I highly recommend a raincoat because you will get soaked! In the wintertime going behind the waterfall can be closed due to the path being too slippery.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Located right next to the famous Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is a must stop. The waterfall is located walking distance away from Seljalandsfoss, and it is less crowded. The waterfall is 40 meters high and is blocked from view behind a massive cliff. Bring good rainboots and raincoat as you will get soaked.

Skógafoss Waterfall

One of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss should be on everyone’s South Iceland itinerary. The waterfall stands at 60 meters, is 25 meters wide, and is located right off the Iceland highway 1. There is even an option of walking up the steps to view the beautiful waterfall from above (525 steps worth).

Hidden Waterfall

One of my favorite parts of my Iceland road trip itinerary was discovering a hidden waterfall called Kvernufoss. The waterfall is located near the Skogar Museum, and if you walk east, you will find a fence that you will need to hop over. Eventually, the path will lead you to a wonderful waterfall. Make sure to take care of Kvernufoss, and to keep it hidden away from the hordes of tourists.

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse Viewpoint

When we were visiting Iceland, we loved seeing the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse. It was our first time seeing a black sand beach so getting the views from the top were surreal. The area is unfortunately not open all year long for cars due to bird nesting season.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the most famous black sand beaches is located on the south coast near the small city of Vik. This place is usually crowded with tourists, but I still feel it is necessary to stop. The beach is one of a kind and includes crazily shaped basalt rocks, basalt cliffs, and of course black sand. You can usually walk away from the crowds to take some pictures on your own.

The two Basalt Cliffs are called Reynisdrangar and legend has it that the two cliffs are trolls that turned into stone when they stayed too long in the daylight.

South Island Tours

South Island is one of the most popular spots in Iceland. Getting a tour in this area is not difficult at all. Here is the most popular South Island Tour from Reykjavik:

South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik –  The duration is about 10 hours, and you get to visit Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógafoss waterfall, and see the black sand beaches of the southern coast.  >Book Your Tour Here

Vik is such a cute town to explore. It is also a great place to grab food, or go grocery shopping. I liked exploring the Vík i Myrdal Church. If you go around the right time (June/July) the area will be filled with wildflowers. It is pretty epic.

Where To Stay In Vik

If you are not doing a south island tour and you are driving around Iceland on your own, I recommend staying at Vik for the night. Driving all the way back to Reykjavik will make you lose precious Iceland exploring time.

• Vik Apartments  are pretty much a home away from home. The hotel comes with a full kitchen, living room, an awesome balcony with stunning views of the black beach. I recommend this place for families or friends traveling together as there are multiple bedrooms.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Black Beach Suites  was my FAVORITE accommodation in Iceland. I loved that it had a full kitchen and dining table. Hubby even cooked me breakfast in the morning. You can walk to the famous black sand beach from the patio. I wish we had stayed more than one night.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• The Barn  is one of the fanciest hostels I have ever seen. This place is exceptionally chic and clean. I had to go inside to check into our Black Beach Suites, and I was surprised to find out it was a hostel! If you are on a budget, I HIGHLY recommend this place.  >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 5: South East Iceland

Tour around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The glacial lagoon was probably my favorite part of my Iceland one-week itinerary. The area is absolutely epic and has so much to offer! You can take a boat tour, visit ice caves, go glacier hiking, or take amazing Instagram pictures at the shores. Regardless of what you do, it will be amazing.

Since we visited Iceland in the Winter, we decided to do the one thing that can not be done all year round: Ice Cave exploring . You must hire a guide for this, and it can only be done in the winter time. I enjoyed it, but one thing that bugged me was how rushed it felt. But, it is understandable since so many people trying to see the Ice Caves as well.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a popular destination for tours leading to many other adventure options besides the Ice Caves; like boat tours, and glacier hiking. Most tours start early in the morning near the lagoon.

Our ice cave tour ended in the early afternoon. Afterward, we ate at one of the two food trucks located on site. The food was delicious!

Diamond Beach

Make sure to add this to your Iceland trip itinerary because this beach is spectacular. The ice comes in all shapes and sizes, and they are always changing. This is a great spot to take drone photos and to practice your photography skills (especially during sunset). Winter time is the best time to visit this beach as the diamonds are huge compared to the summer. See the pictures above and below.

Southeast Island Tours

Due to different seasons, I recommend two tours near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. One tour is for the summer, and the other is for the winter:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour –  This tour departs from Reykjavik and also includes Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Vik. This is a 14-hour tour. This is an excellent option for the summer.   >Book Your Tour Here
• Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon –   The tour meets in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so you will have to find transportation to the lagoon yourselves. This is the tour we took, and we enjoyed it.  >Book Your Tour Here

Where To Stay In Höfn

Staying at Höfn is an excellent idea after exploring around Jökulsárlón all day. The city has several accommodations and isn’t as crowded as many of the other towns near Reykjavik. If you have extra time and want to soak in a hot tub, check out the Hoffell hot tubs  near Höfn.

• Seljavellir Guesthouse  is a great hotel with big patio window doors with wonderful views of the outdoors. There is even a bar and a terrace to relax.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Milk Factory  is a cute bed and breakfast that used to be an actual Milk Factory! Recently renovated the B&B has some great views of the surrounding mountains.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Höfn Hostel  If you are looking for cheap accommodation the Hofn Hostel is for you. This hostel is an environmentally friendly place with a guest kitchen and laundry services.   >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 6: Explore Höfn and Stokksness and Drive Back To Reykjavik

If you are touring Iceland by car, you need to stop by Stokksnes. The peninsula holds the stunning and tall mountains called Vestrahorn. You do have to pay for a small entrance fee but doing so is entirely worth it. The black sand beach next to tall spiring mountains is a perfect spot for photographers.

We also got some killer sunset and sunrise shots in this area (as seen below). I just loved how there were fewer crowds near Höfn. After being surrounded by people every step of the way, it was nice to get some pictures without people around.

Svartifoss should be in your Iceland self drive itinerary. The waterfall is about 20 meters tall and has black columnar basalt walls. The waterfall is located in Skaftafell which is part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Get to the Skaftafell visitor center and ask for a hiking map to get to Svartifoss. The hike is about 1.5Km from the visitors center and can take 1.5-3 hours to complete (depending on how long you like to take pictures).

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

If you are driving around Iceland, make sure to stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The canyon is believed to be formed at the end of the last Ice Age, about nine thousand years ago. You can hike around the edge of the canyon to view from above. There are many stopping points throughout the canyon to take pictures. At the end of the hike, there is a stunning tall flowing waterfall.

More than likely you will be coming back to Reykjavik either in the late afternoon or evening. On our last night, we went to the Staff Kitchen and Bar . The tapas plate we ordered to share was pretty good.

Day 7: Head to The Airport

After a road trip around Iceland, it is time to get back home. If you didn’t rent a car, then book a bus transfer from Reykjavik and Keflavik here.

Additional Readings

Welp this is how we spent a week in Iceland. Make sure to check out some of my other blog posts and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below:

• Things to Do In Iceland In The Winter
• Ultimate Guide to What To Wear In Iceland

Also, follow me on Instagram, where I discuss all things hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can get ready for your next outdoor adventure!   Follow Me Here .

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33 comments.

Your maps are fantastic! It is so helpful having an idea of where everything is, especially when all the names look similar!

Thank you 🙂

Your Iceland itinerary looks amazing! The crater and waterfall look out of this world, and I so want to see the super cute Icelandic horses. I’ll pin this for my trip!

I can’t believe how many stunning photos you’ve fit into one post! I’d love to do a campervan trip around Iceland someday, and this is the first guide I’ve read that’s seriously made me consider going in the winter– those ice caves! Diamond Beach!

I know Diamond Beach is such a dream!

This looks like an amazing itinerary and it’s very well written! I’m trying to plan a trip to Iceland and this has given me so much inspiration on where to start!

Awww I am so glad you liked it!

Wow! Phenomenal post, map, and itinerary! I spent 21 days in Iceland in 2011 and am planning a week-long trip for my family to go next summer. This is very helpful and has me fired up! Your images are spectacular and the writing is top-notch as well. I have one question. The map seems to be missing day two; is it me or am did I do something on my end to remove the second day? Thanks for sharing this fantastic work and I wish you many more journeys! Todd

Hey Todd! Wow, thank you for your kind words I can not appreciate it enough! Yes, you were so right! My map was missing the 2nd day so I have updated it! I really appreciate you telling me and I really hope you have a great time with your family 🙂 Cheers!

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m planning a 7 day self guided road trip to Iceland next summer and this helped so much with getting some ideas. I loved how you incorporated map and pictures as well as suggestions of where to stay.

I am so glad you liked it! I love when blogs include maps and places to stay. It makes it so much easier for us!

I love your outfits and hats so much. What are the brands of the boots and jackets you have in the pictures you have posted? You are so cute in them!!

Hey Sherry here is my packing list 🙂

Hello! I just wanted to say thanks so much for this post. We recently took a road trip through Iceland, and I followed this post for inspiration and a route. I agree, we really liked Black Beach Suites and Seljavellir Guesthouse. You saved me a lot of time! Thanks again!

Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear 😀

Hi, Looking to go to Iceland in January. Where would I go the see the Northern lights? Thanks, Al

The best time to see them is in the winter. You can usually see them in most places in Iceland. But it is better if you get out of Reykjavik. Just keep on looking online to see updates on when it is out. You can also get the hotel to wake you if there is any activity.

I have been searching near and far for some tips on a Feb. Iceland trip and I cannot thank you enough for this post! Seriously the most perfect fit for our trip – THANK YOU!

Thank you Karin! So happy you liked it 🙂

Your pictures are phenomenal! What camera are you using? Your itinerary has been so helpful and have saved me so much time!

Thank you! I used the Sony A6000!

What would you recommend if you had one extra day? We are planning on following your itinerary but have one extra full day!

I recommend Snaefellsjokull National Park!

This is incredible! My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Iceland next June. I told him I would be happy doing everything on your blog. This is very informative and makes me so excited to go!! Thank you for such great info!

Yay I am so happy you like it 🙂

This looks like an amazing trip! I’m trying to plan for next year (hoping travel is okay from a COVID standpoint by then). Did you see the Northern Lights? If so, where did you see them? Thanks!

I saw them but they were not as pretty as I have seen in pictures. It looked like a cloud. I think I was just not lucky.

I just used your itinerary as the basis for my own trip (June 2022) and I have to say it was balanced, well-paced, and super fun. I even cross-referenced your stops with other sites like Lonely Planet and Reddit and this definitely has the highlights you want to see. We ended up making some changes to accommodations and tacked on some extra days in Reykjavik at the end, but if you are thinking of visiting Iceland (and not doing the Ring Road), I really recommend doing a version similar to this. If you are going in summer, instead of the Ice Cave, I highly recommend going kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon instead. Thanks for posting this!

Thank you so much for this comment! As a blogger, I rarely get feedback after people’s trips, so good to know you enjoyed it. I will be going back next month so hopefully, I can write a 14-day itinerary:-D.

Hi Michelle, Thank you for your itinerary. My husband and I just got back from Iceland, and we used it as our planning tool. It was awesome 🙂 Allison

Yay so glad you liked it!

Hi! I wanted to let you know I used your itinerary information extensively this past week when I took my 18-year old son to Iceland for his birthday/high school graduation trip, and it was amazing!! We did 7 days + 2 days for air travel, and we added a day on Westman Islands to your suggestions. It was amazing! The weather was phenomenal and we saw so much beauty! Thanks for putting this out there into the universe for other people to benefit from. ❤️

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 18, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Top Experiences in This Iceland Winter Itinerary:

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

7 – day Iceland winter trip itinerary and map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best self-drive Iceland winter itinerary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the early afternoon, we reached Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 5 – Jokulsarlon – Fjallsarlon – Skaftafell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 7 – Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

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

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

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

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

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep reading for more tips for your Iceland winter trip!

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Organized Tours – Iceland Winter Trip Alternative

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

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

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

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

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

Some Practical Tips for Your Iceland Winter Trip

Below are some tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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

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

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

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

READ ALSO: Iceland Winter Travel Tips

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

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

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

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

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Friday 9th of February 2024

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

Saturday 10th of February 2024

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

Tam Harrell

Monday 2nd of October 2023

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

Thank you so much! Tam Harrell

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

Bineet Desai

Saturday 16th of September 2023

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

Sunday 17th of September 2023

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

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

Monday 4th of September 2023

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

Tuesday 5th of September 2023

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

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

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

Wednesday 2nd of August 2023

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

Saturday 5th of August 2023

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

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Iceland 24 is an Iceland travel blog that has been around since 2013. It’s run by locals, so we’re familiar with the things you need to know about your trip. Planning a trip to Iceland is an amazing adventure and it helps to have a guide to Icelandic culture as well as what you can expect on your epic road trip .

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Iceland is a destination that has blossomed in popularity in recent years. A decade ago, no one was talking about this tiny Nordic island in the North Atlantic.  And now it seems to be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. You can’t really blame them; the Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most spectacular, breathtaking places on Earth. We created this Iceland travel blog to help you discover what to see and do in Iceland.

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Iceland24 - Iceland Travel Blog

The most popular way to see the island is to drive around our famous Ring Road. This 1,332 km (828 miles) highway circumnavigates the entire island and will take you to some of our most famous sites. With gorgeous scenery and jaw-dropping views, you’ll quickly understand why many consider visiting Iceland to be the trip of a lifetime. Where else can you find volcanoes and glaciers commingling?

We can tell you exactly what to know before traveling to Iceland . Browse our wide selection of articles that range from picking the right vehicle for your journey to the best restaurants in Reykjavik . You can start planning your Iceland itinerary by thinking about which popular attractions you’d most like to see. From Askja Caldera in Vatnajökull National Park to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall on Snaefellsnes Peninsula, we’ve got you covered.

What to know before traveling to Iceland

Iceland is a place unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. This is why I highly recommend reading anything and everything you can before you embark upon your road trip. Iceland 24 blog is your ultimate guide to all things Iceland. Take a look at what to pack and wear for your trip, the things you need to know about Icelandic gas stations, driving safety, and other practical concerns.

We offer more than just a list of the top things to see and do. This is an Iceland travel tips blog, so you’ll find absolutely everything on here. From learning about Iceland’s past and Viking history to even picking up a few words of Icelandic and more. We have hundreds of articles with a wealth of knowledge that covers any topic you could possibly want to know about.

It’s easy to do a quick search to find posts related to the topics that most interest you. Iceland is somewhere that you can travel at any time of the year. So of course, if you’re thinking of visiting in the summer you’ll need different information and different activities then if you come in the winter. For example, if you are hoping to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you would need to come between mid-September and mid-March.

As preparation for your trip, I would take a look at the posts regarding the weather and how windy it gets so that you know what to expect.

How to Plan a Trip to Iceland

There are a million different possibilities for Iceland itineraries, so the one that’s right for you depends entirely upon your budget, your interests, and how much time you have for your vacation. We’ll talk about the most popular attractions in a moment, and that can help you decide how to move forward with planning your trip.

One of the first big questions you’ll need to tackle is the type of transportation that you will choose. Some people opt to rent a car while others feel that a campervan or motorhome rental is the better choice. Rental cars are great if you’ve got the budget to just stay in hotels, hostels and guesthouses along your route. You can also take day tours from Reykjavik or from various points along the Ring Road.

The other option is to rent an RV, whether that be a campervan or a motorhome. Please note that motorhome rental is only available during the warmer summer months. Whichever vehicle you decide to use, keep in mind that if you’re going to visit the Icelandic Highlands, you need to have a 4×4 rental. You can only get this with a 4-wheel drive SUV or a 4×4 camper van.

So let’s look at all there is to see and do when you visit Iceland in order to pick the right transportation and start planning your itinerary.

What to See and Do When You Visit Iceland

The list of things to do when you visit Iceland is seemingly endless. From the world-famous Blue Lagoon to the moss-covered lava fields close to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The black sand beaches of Vik and sea stacks at Reynisfjara Beach are also out of this world. The hexagonal basalt columns give the cliff face an unusual appearance, one like it’s from another planet.

Whether you’re traveling to Iceland alone or as part of a group, you also don’t want to miss out visiting a national park in Iceland. There are plenty to choose from and all offer different activities and attractions. Thingvellir National Park is part of the larger Golden Circle route, one of the best day trips from Reykjavik . There’s also Vatnajökull National Park where you can hike a glacier or explore an ice cave.

This is one of the many things you can do if you are an outdoor enthusiast or just love being in nature. Another one is exploring the geothermal areas all around the island. Because we sit right on the plate boundary of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, we’ve got a lot of volcanic activity . All of this subterranean heat means you’ll find places like Landmannalaugar dotted with hot springs.

This also results in hot pots, which are natural hot tubs, and public bathing places like the heated swimming pool at Hofsós.

If you come during the summer, you’ll be fortunate enough to experience the neverending light of the Midnight Sun. It’s really cool to still be bathed in full daylight at 11 p.m.

Travel Iceland Cheap

Traveling Iceland on a budget is something else you’ll want to know about for your trip. We have lots of different articles about ways to save money on everything from flights to food to accommodation. If you’re curious about how to travel Iceland cheap, this is definitely the travel blog for you.

Iceland Solo Travel

Another big issue that’s comes up with visitors is traveling to Iceland alone. Many people wonder “Will I be safe traveling by myself to Iceland?” or “Is it okay that I only speak English?”. Not only is it a safe country where most of the natives speak perfect English, Iceland is actually a great country for solo travelers . Read our articles about hiking waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss or spend some time reflecting as you look out from the Diamond Beach.

Travel to Iceland: There are So Many Questions

There really are so many things to know when you want to take a trip to this magical place. When is the best time to travel to Iceland? What should you pack and wear? What do you need to include on your itinerary and what should you leave off? It’s our sincere hope that we can also answer all of these questions and more so that you can be prepared for your trip.

Because Iceland is unlike anywhere you’ve ever experienced, you will not only find answers to your most pressing questions. As you prepare, you’ll discover things that you didn’t even realize you needed to know about. That’s one of the great things about having a resource like this. Because we are local experts on the ground with years of experience in the travel industry, we can tell you what to expect. And that’s half the battle.

Preparation is key, especially when you’re traveling somewhere so foreign to what you may be used to. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s different in a good way. You’ll have once in a lifetime experiences and be able to do things you can’t do anywhere else on Earth. You’ll witness things that are completely unique to Iceland that not many people can say they’ve seen.

Get Ready For The Ultimate Adventure

There are lots to do to get ready for your amazing journey. I hope we’ve inspired you and given some ideas about where to begin. Once you start learning, you’ll want to keep learning more about this breathtaking, naturally blessed place. So order those merino wool thermals and waterproof hiking boots from Amazon. Set up price fare alerts to get the best deals on your flight. Get a good camera to capture all of the natural beauty surrounding you. And start dreaming of your upcoming trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.

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Iceland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

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

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

However, Iceland is expensive.

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Iceland

1. Visit the Mývatn Nature Baths

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

2. See the Northern Lights

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

3. Tour Reykjavik

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

4. Check out the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

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

5. See the waterfalls

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

Other Things to See and Do in Iceland

1. soak in the blue lagoon.

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

2. Take a Game of Thrones tour

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

3. Explore Thingvellir National Park

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

4. See Maelifell Volcano

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

5. Check out the geysers

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

6. Drive the Golden Circle Tourist Trail

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

7. Hike the Laugavegur trail

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

8. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls Trail

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

9. Go fishing

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

10. See the Skaftafell Ice Cave

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

11. Go whale watching

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

12. Visit Landmannalaugar

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

13. See Kirkjufell Mountain

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

14. Hike the Snaefellsnes peninsula

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

15. Search for puffins

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

16. Take a culinary tour

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

17. Visit the National Museum of Iceland

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

18. Take a course at the Icelandic Elf School

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

19. Visit the Penis Museum

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

Iceland Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Iceland Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

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

Iceland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in Iceland

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

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

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

How to Get Around Iceland

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

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

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

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

• Reykjavík Excursions
• SBA-Norðurleið

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

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

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

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

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

When to Go to Iceland

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

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

Iceland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Get My Guide to Iceland!

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• My favorite things to see and do
• Money-saving tips
• Budget advice
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Iceland Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

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

The 9 Best Hostels in Iceland

The 7 Best Tour Companies in Iceland

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

22 Free (Or Cheap) Things to Do in Reykjavik

The 13 Best Things to Do in Iceland

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

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Iceland travel blog — The fullest Iceland travel guide blog for the first-timers

Iceland is a beautiful island nation located between the Greenland sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northwest of the UK. Iceland attracts millions of tourists each year by the extremely majestic, surreal and beautiful natural scenery from the vast serenity grasslands in the countryside, the high mountains, the great glaciers or the spectacular waterfalls … The central of the island is the cold plateau. More than three hundred thousand of Iceland’s inhabitants live mainly on the coast, of which nearly half live in Reykjavík. The capital over a thousand years old with a name that means Smoky Bay that has a little dreamy, a little ancient and most houses have a simple, small, beautiful architectural style. Icelanders do not need massive buildings because of the wonderful nature, which is enough to overwhelm people, is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

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So, if you are planning to explore this land then you cannot ignore this article. And if you are looking for a trip to Iceland on a budget? Let’s check it out our Iceland travel blog (Iceland blog) with the fullest Iceland travel guide blog for a budget trip to Iceland for the first time from best time to visit, how to get to Iceland, where to stay to best places to visit, top things to do in Iceland, suggested Iceland itinerary for 4 days and 17 days, etc with Living Nomads below.

Iceland travel guide: When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland has two main seasons: cold and very cold. In summer, the temperature will fluctuate in the range of 7-16 degrees Celsius. The hottest days in the hottest month in Iceland are only reach 25 degrees Celsius. The winter temperature can drop to -10 degrees Celsius, so no matter what season you go, don’t forget the warm clothes.

So, when is the best time to visit Iceland? The answer to this question depends on what you want to see here. Active volcanoes and cold winter turn Iceland into a paradise for those who love adventure to explore in both winter and summer.

If you go to Iceland for the purpose of climbing, watching whales, puffins, exploring strange beautiful volcanoes, some places like paradise, some places like hell, in the center of the island, you must come in the summer, from June to September. F routes (lanes dedicated for 4×4 cars) are only open at this time. We think June and September are the best time, when the number of tourists is not too crowded and it is not very cold, it is still possible to camp to reduce costs. At the end of September, if you’re lucky, you can see the aurora (northern lights) too.

July and August are considered to have the best weather of the year, but there are disadvantages of overcrowding of tourists, which partly reduces the charm of this land. Of course the concept of “beautiful weather” is also very relative. We went 17 days in July, only have 3 sunny days and temperature also only 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day.

If you want to go to see the aurora, explore the ice caves, you should come in winter, from October to March. In particular, perhaps October is the best time to see aurora.

Iceland travel blog: How to get to Iceland?

The best and most convenient way to get to Iceland is by plane. If you fly to Iceland from European countries or UK, you can refer to WOW Air or Icelandair airlines. Wow Air is a low cost airline of Iceland, so it will usually have more preferential airfares, however, hand luggage in the fare only includes a backpack / handbag (42x32x25cm) without the usual small suitcase as other airlines, so if you need to bring lots of luggage, you should buy additional hand luggage package (~ EUR 30 / one trip).

We fly from Toulouse to Reykjavik (transit in Munich). Flight tickets booked 6 months in advance: €320 / round trip. Tickets will be cheaper if you fly from major European cities with non-stop flights, served by low-cost airlines, such as WOW Air, Transavia … The airfares of Paris–Reykjavik route are sometimes just under €100 / round trip.

Tips: Iceland Air has «Stopover» tickets between Europe, Iceland and North America. You can buy tickets from Europe to the US or Canada, and stop in Iceland for up to 7 days at very reasonable prices and suitable for your Iceland itinerary in 7 days.

You can getting to Iceland by boat. Let’s drive to Hirtshals – Denmark. From then there is a ship to Seyðisfjörður, a lovely small city located in Northeast Iceland (transit in the Faroe Island – Denmark). The tickets prices range from budget with € 300 / 1 person / round trip (bring no car and sleep in a room with 4 single beds), to expensive with € 1200 / 1 person / round trip (include a big car, sleep in a VIP double bedroom). The journey in the sea is 50 to 60 hours long, sounds crazy but if you want to stay in Iceland for a long time and travel by private car, this is the most economical way.

Refer to website: https://www.smyrilline.com/

Getting from the airport to Reykjavik

There are several bus firms running day and night from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to central Reykjavik, about 45 minutes, 1 hour after each flight arrives. The bus will brings each group of visitors to hotels and campsites in the city. If you stay at Airbnb , Google to find the name of a hotel near your accommodation and request the bus take to that hotel door.

The bus tickets are different a little bit between firms, around 3000 ISK / one trip (~ €23), 6000 ISK / round trip. You can buy the bus tickets in advance on its website or at the counter at the airport with the same price. Note that if you buy on the web, you still have to go to the counter to appear before get up the bus because they need give your stop point name to the driver. If you buy tickets at the counter, you can pay the ticket in € with a reasonable exchange rate, convenient for those who come from Europe.

For example, two bus companies:

• Grayline : http://grayline.is
• Flybus : https://www.re.is/flybus/

Like at other airports, you can also take a taxi but the price is not cheap, from €125 / 1 taxi or more.

Iceland travel blog: Getting around Iceland

The public transport system in Iceland is extremely poor while the main attractions are far from the city, so you have to know that there are only 2 main vehicles that are self-driving car or tour.

The roads in Iceland seem to be born for road trips. Highway No. 1, as its name Ring Road, runs around the island, more than 1330 km long, passing through most “big” cities and many popular tourist spots.

Self-driving car

Self-driving car will be more suitable for those who travel in a group of 3-5 people because you will be more proactive and cost-effective. Cars are the means of transportation to help you be most proactive about your time in Iceland. You do not need to hire a 4×4 car if you are planning to visit only some spots along Ring Road. The rental price for a car 4×4 is about more 1.5 times or double the price of renting a normal tourist car.

3 things to keep in mind when driving in Iceland that the car owner told us are:

• Be careful when crossing the river. The road to the center of Iceland’s highland is quite difficult to travel, with many sections having to drive across the river. However, if your vehicle is stuck or damaged on the river, you must call the garage, the cost will not be covered by insurance. This amount can be up to nearly the value of the vehicle, depending on the location and the degree of failure.
• Keep the door in the wind. Rain and wind are two of Iceland’s free specialties that anyone who has experienced when came Iceland. Indeed, the coastal wind is very strong, can blow the door. And of course, insurance does not cover this.
• Drive the car into Landmannalaugar. The Landmannalaugar is a “must–go” place for anyone who likes to trekking with the famous Landmannalaugar – Thorsmork route for 4 days. However, if you don’t have healthy enough or time, you can also go a few short (10–20 km) around camping Landmannalaugar – one of Iceland’s most beautiful and cold, uncomfortable campsites. There are 3 access roads to Landmannalaugar: 2 from the west – F208 from Gjains and F225, and 1 from the east – F208 from Vik. The car owner advised us to go F208 from Gjains (reach from the west) because there is no need to cross the river, while the F225 road must cross the river 3 times and 6 times with the road F208. When you go out of Landmannalaugar, you also should follow the same road.

This is also a good way to explore Iceland. From June to September every year, bus routes take visitors between cities, stopping for about 30 minutes each time passing through famous tourist spots. Of course, you can also combine tourist car hire (not 4×4 type) and buy a bus ticket when you need to go to highland.

You can also explore Iceland by bike. The mountainous terrain and rainy weather make Iceland an ideal place to challenge yourself.

If you have little time or don’t know how to drive and go in winter without bus, Iceland is still at your fingertips with countless tours for half a day or one to two days for about €100 / 1 day from big cities. Iceland’s tours are very good and many companies have this service so you don’t need to book in advance, just go to the visitor information counter to know all the information. We also try a glacier walk tour of Glacier Guides in Skaftafell (Website: https://www.glacierguides.is/ ). They are very young, friendly and enthusiastic.

You can look up tours on travel review sites. We usually book tour at Getyourguide.com because the tours booked here are usually the best prices, and can be canceled free within 24 hours and guarantee credibility.

If you have a lot of time and love to adventure, you can also go around Iceland by catching a car on the road for free. However, the hitchhike also comes with many disadvantages and risks because in addition to a section of Ring Road in the south and a few popular tourist spots around Myvatn Lake in the north, the remain regions of Iceland are deserted.

Tips: Map or GPS. We hardly use GPS in Iceland because the several times we tried to enter the location name, but the GPS that attach with the car was not found them. Luckily, we didn’t get lost for 14 days on the way. Most of the time we only use Google maps and paper maps of National Geographic, very detailed, with the number of kilometers between each turn, all famous tourist spots, camping areas, … Tough and impermeable paper.

Iceland trip blog: Where to stay in Iceland?

As well as other tourist destinations, Iceland is also full of options for accommodation from hotels, guesthouses, dormitories to homestays. But in recent years, Iceland tourism is growing too fast while the number of guesthouses and hotels is not enough to meet the accommodation needs, so the run out of accommodation is very frequent, especially in the peak season. Indeed Iceland is the place with the most expensive hotel prices in the places I’ve ever visited. In the peak season, the lowest room price starts from around €130 / 1 night / 1 double room. In addition to the hotel, you can considering the following options:

Price is about € 10 (ISK 130-140) / 1 person / 1 night.

• Advantages: Low cost, very mobile because there is no need to book in advance, you can chat with a lot of backpackers from everywhere, get a lot of good experience. Iceland has many camping zones, only 30 to 50 km apart.
• Disadvantages: Must carry a lot of bulky camping gear. Hard, wet, cold when the weather is not favorable. Not all camping areas has a kitchen or a kitchen that is not large enough, so sometimes you have to cook outside in the cold wind.

Tips: Many camping sites only have cold water (very cold). Most places with hot water must pay around ISK 100 / 1 minute of bathing. Queuing for the turn is also quite long. However, you can take a bath in the pool, hot water is comfortable. Every city has a hot mineral water pool, closed at about 21pm.

About €30 / 1 bed. Most cities in Iceland are small, without a hostel, but camping sites also offers similar services.

• Advantages: Cheap price. Not sleeping in the cold rain like sleeping tent.
• Disadvantages: Also are camping visitors, so the facilities for hot water, kitchen … are similar to those in tents. You have to reserve for a long time (maybe many months).

Guesthouse and Airbnb

About 70 – €100 / 1 room for 2 people.

• Advantages: Can bathe, wash clothes, cook comfortably in the house, sleep in a warm and soft bed.
• Disadvantages: There are very few guesthouse and Airbnb is located outside the big cities. Most have to book in advance, need to schedule carefully.

Continued reading…

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Save on Summer! Use code SUMMER24 for $200 USD ($250 CAD) off trips starting June, July, & August 2024

Booking self-guided travel with Macs Adventure offers you flexibility, ease, and adventure.

We might be biased, but self-guided travel is one of the best ways to experience the world. It’s active travel, led by you. It’s all the best bits of adventuring on your own plus support from a professional team that handles all of your logistics and knows all the local secrets. 

If you’ve never tried a self-guided hiking or self-guided biking trip, here’s what you need to know about how it works, and who it’s best for.

How Does Self-guided Travel Work?

On a guided trip, you’d join a group for a set itinerary, led by someone else who sets your departure times, detours, lunch breaks, and pace. On a self-guided walking or cycling tour, however, we’ll plan your adventure and then you’ll take the lead for a self-paced, individualized journey. 

We handle all the logistics, from booking unique, hand-picked accommodations with inns, bed & breakfasts, or hotels to transferring your luggage between them, so you only need a daypack for hiking or biking. Our app has maps with detailed information about points of interest between your start and end points each day, so you won’t miss any of the scenic or historic detours that elevate your experience. 

All you have to do is select which trip you’d like to go on, and we’ll handle the rest.

Why Choose Self-guided?

The biggest benefits of booking self-directed adventure are: 

A unique, tried-and-tested journey that’s completely your own

Choice and flexibility to travel at your own pace

Expert recommendations 

We’ve been planning self-guided hiking and biking tours for decades, and we’ve developed hand-crafted adventures in places we know well. Our app offers local insights and accurate, easy navigation for each route, and our network of partners is tried and true. We know many of the best places to stay along every trail we serve, and most of these places are small, family-owned businesses that don’t work with online booking platforms. That means we can save you hours—if not days—of research by booking all your accommodations for you, which gives you more time to train for your trip and enjoy when you get there. 

We’re also doing our best to help you travel more responsibly. We prioritize working with local businesses that operate with the environment in mind. You can check out our inaugural impact report  as we pursue B Corp certification. 

Many of our partners have been hosting Macs adventurers for years, which helps us ensure you have a quality stay with hosts who understand the small details of what an active traveler needs. You’ll generally find it easy to arrange a packed lunch, for example, and we make sure your stay comes with a hearty breakfast to fuel your day on the trail. 

If something doesn’t quite go to plan, you’ve got someone looking out for you on the ground. Our partners know to call us if you haven’t checked in by a certain time, so we’ll be proactively looking out for you — great peace of mind. And if you ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. 

Who Should Do Self-guided Travel?

Self-guided travel is great for almost everyone. At Macs, we serve walkers, hikers, and bikers who are active and independent travelers. Here are a few types of people especially well-suited to our trips:

• Couples who love hiking or biking: Traveling in a pair with a partner or friend is the most economical way to book. You can book a room with one bed, a room with two beds, or separate rooms entirely. Whether you’re looking to hike , bike , or take a self-led road trip, we’ll handle all the logistics for both of you so you can focus on prepping for the adventure.
• Small groups: If you’re traveling with a few friends or family members, having help with booking and planning can go a long way. With a self-guided tour booked by Macs, you can outsource all the decision-making to us, and each individual or couple can book and pay separately so that one person doesn’t have to carry all the deposits for hotels.  
• Solo travelers : Whether you’re a seasoned pro or traveling alone for the first time, booking through Macs gives you peace of mind that you’ll be staying in comfortable, safe places, and that someone is looking out for you. If you don’t arrive at your accommodation by the expected time, our partners will contact us so we can make sure you’re alright.

What Type of Self-Guided Trips Can I Do?

At Macs, we focus on walking, hiking, and biking from town to town, self-drive road trips to hike in gorgeous places, and rail and hike trips so you can cover more ground on public transportation. 

Our trip types include:

Classic Routes : From Ireland’s Dingle Way to the Mountains & Lakes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps , our classic routes highlight some of the world’s most beloved journeys.

Slower Adventures : Our Slower Adventures maximize your time to explore. You’ll enjoy shorter distances each day, so you have more free time to visit museums, vineyards, cafes, or even learn how to make cheese in a Swiss Alpine village.

Pilgrimages : Across the world, pilgrimages are often rooted in ancient tradition, and offer incredible opportunities for growth, relaxation, and meeting other travelers. These trips are some of our longest, ranging from a few days to nearly two months. Our routes include the ever-popular Camino de Santiago  in Spain and the lesser-known (and underrated) Via Francigena , which winds through Europe from France to the Swiss Alps to Rome. 

In-Style : If you’re looking for something truly special, In-Style trips are built to impress. We’ve scouted the most stylish boutique hotels , Italian agriturismos , French chateaux , grand English estates , eco beach retreats, and other unique accommodations across the world. These trips may include extras such as dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. 

Discovery : Our Discovery trips give you freedom to cover more ground with easy to moderate walking, such as taking two weeks to drive the entire coast of Iceland . You can choose between Drive & Hike , Rail & Hike tours , or Self Drive road trips , all of which come with suggestions for gorgeous trails, scenic detours, and personal recommendations for how to spend your days. And of course, we’ll handle all your accommodations. 

Start Your Self-Guided Journey Today

Self-guided adventure combines all the best elements of solo exploration and DIY travel. Get started by exploring our destinations to find your perfect adventure—booked by us, led by you.

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Money latest: JD Sports introducing tagging sprays in stores

JD Sports is introducing tagging sprays across its stores nationwide as part of a ramping up of security measures. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Tuesday 30 April 2024 16:18, UK

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The sports retailer is introducing tagging sprays across its stores nationwide as part of a ramping up of security measures. 

It will start using SelectaDNA sprays, which can be misted on property and criminals. 

The sprays work by leaving a synthetic DNA and UV marker which does not wash off and can be used to link assets to owners and criminals to crime scenes. 

JD Sports said the measure was in response to a significant increase in shoplifting in UK.

In particular, it said it had seen a rise in "steaming" - where large gangs run into stores, threaten staff with violence and then run off with armfuls of stolen products.

The SelectaDNA spray reportedly does not cause any harm or damage to skin, clothing or property.

Lidl plans to open hundreds more supermarkets across Britain.

The German discount chain, which is now the UK's sixth biggest supermarket, is targeting thousands of new shoppers as it continues its expansion.

It currently has about 960 stores but is targeting more than 1,100 across England, Wales and Scotland.

In the coming months, the chain will welcome shoppers to new stores across the country, from Bristol, Birmingham and Berwick in Scotland. 

In London, it will be opening new stores in Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton and Canning Town.

But it says it is eyeing growth in more locations. If it successfully finds a good location, it is willing to pay a finder's fee of 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price, or 10% of the first year's rent for leaseholds, which would equate to £22,500 for a completed £1.5m site purchase.

A finder's fee can be paid to any member of the public who identifies a suitable site for it to open a new store.

Richard Taylor, Lidl Great Britain's chief development officer, said the company was "continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion".

"As we look ahead, we're excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we're planning to open across the country in the coming months and years," he said.

Mortgage approvals rose to 61,300 in March - the highest number since September 2022.

They had been at 60,500 in February, according to the Bank of England.

While this is positive, industry experts are reporting that uncertainty over the direction of interest rates this year is prompting caution.

Mortgage rates have risen in the last few weeks as markets went from pricing in a base rate cut in June to thinking it may be August.

US inflation proving stubborn has led to concern here that the path to the 2% target may be bumpy - meaning the base rate may have to stay high in order to constrain spending and thus ease price rises.

Forecasts of three cuts this year from the current 5.25% have been scaled back to two.

Hina Bhudia, partner at Knight Frank Finance, said: "The sun is out and buyers are returning from their Easter break, so we'd usually expect these to be the busy weeks before the summer; however, the uncertain outlook for mortgage rates will undoubtedly weigh on activity.

"It's not just buyers that are frustrated. The lenders are eager to rebuild their businesses after a subdued 2023; however, they are constrained by stubborn inflation and the resulting impact on their cost of funding."

Following Sainsbury's boss Simon Roberts' claim that Britons like self-checkouts...

...we asked Money blog readers, and followers of our LinkedIn page , for their views.

While our inbox was filled with a lot of hate for self-checkouts, our poll of 2,613 people on LinkedIn shows that, overall, Mr Roberts was right...

We have rounded up some of your views here...

Self-checkout is the worst thing to ever happen. Standing like a child with your hand up, one person running up and down to deal with this, underpaid and understaffed. Janice Karaaziz, Money reader

I'll go out of my way to find a cashier, largely because my five-year-old will make a beeline for pressing the scales. I've noticed my local store having fewer and fewer cashiers on - and on many occasions there have been none. We need to think about inclusivity here. There will be some customers who will need a cashier for various reasons, so would expect there to always be at least one on, so stores are accessible for everyone. KaraS, LinkedIn

I try and limit my social interactions as much as possible, out of choice, so most of the time self-checkouts are convenient. Alasdair Corton, LinkedIn

They induce a level of irritation. Sometimes I can be heard answering them back. In general I choose to have my items flung at me by Lidl checkout staff. Siobhan W, LinkedIn

Self-checkout provides a great alternative to customers, especially those with smaller quantity purchases, but personally I think it's sad to see them dominate the front of Sainsbury's stores. In my opinion, it's the removal of one of the greatest ways to provide good customer service. Tom Tregay, LinkedIn

Self-checkouts are great, I will always choose to use one instead of a normal checkout. Some are easier to use than others, the Co-op and Tesco have easy-to-use interfaces whereas Morrisons is a bit more complicated. They'll evolve over time and there's always staff to help out. CG, LinkedIn

They're useful, but when they trigger a "basket check" on nearly every single shop, they begin to lose attractiveness Nicola Bradley, LinkedIn

I tend to argue with them lol. Especially when I can't get it to scan a particular item or you need approval for something so you have to wait for assistance anyway! Plus as a disabled customer I have to juggle my crutch, shopping, scanning and packing. With reduced staff in shops you can't always get the help you actually need. Elizabeth Graney, LinkedIn

Definitely not. So when I go to Sainsbury's I see a lot of older people and no way do they want to use self-checkouts. My mother lives in assisted living and all of them say they hate them. Get a grip, Simon - they are not faster, they are saving you employing more staff. I know my aunt has stood at an Asda til they put a staff member on there. Andrea Robinson, LinkedIn

Robots should never replace humans. Interaction is essential... if machines replace people no one will work, it's a crazy dangerous road. Nicola van Eerten, LinkedIn

The self-checkout is a money-saving exercise. They cut back everywhere. No staff on the shop floor to help. Paper bags in the veg section now cost 30p - for absolutely no reason. Mark, Money reader

Average advertised rents have hit a new high in the UK, according to Rightmove .

Across Britain, excluding London, the average monthly rent being asked for a property coming on the market in the first quarter of 2024 was £1,291, the property website found. This was 8.5% higher than a year earlier.

The average advertised rent in London also hit a fresh high in the first quarter of 2024 at £2,633 per month but this was just £2 higher than the average asking rent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

While average rents have climbed, the property website says there are signs that the pace of the increases is slowing.

There are also indications that more landlords are having to reduce their asking rents, particularly for bigger homes, to meet what tenants can afford.

Rightmove's director of property science, Tim Bannister, said the rental market was "no longer at peak boiling point" but it "remains at a very hot simmer".

By James Sillars , business reporter

The index rose by 0.3% to 8,174 points at the open.

Only real estate stocks were proving any kind of drag.

Among the companies leading the gainers was HSBC.

It climbed by more than 2.6% in London after the Asia-focused bank announced a rise in shareholder awards despite a slight drop in quarterly profits.

The share price reaction also reflected news that chief executive Noel Quinn is to retire - read the full story of that here ...

Among the other gainers in early dealing was Whitbread.

The Premier Inn owner's annual results revealed a sharp rise in annual profits but also a new focus on hotel investment at the expense of its restaurant brands.

That was placing 1,500 jobs at risk, it warned - read the full story here ...

By Jess Sharp , Money team

We first came across Tom McPhail when he posted this on X... 

The pensions expert appeared to be suggesting state pensions were at risk of disappearing.  

After speaking to him on the phone, he confirmed that was exactly his concern, warning something needed to be done sooner rather than later to avoid a "catastrophic" situation.  

He described state pensions as a social contract – each generation pays taxes and national insurance, which funds the pensions of today's older people, and they hope the following generation will do the same for them.

But with population growth slowing, there's a worry there may simply not be enough people to keep the system afloat in the future.  

"There's a significant demographic shift going on in the UK. It started before the Second World War, cohorts of people born in the 1930s have been experiencing significantly longer lives than was the case prior to that, so people now in their 80s are living quite a lot longer," he said. 

"But at the same time, we've got fewer children coming through. And so this exacerbates the shift in the age of the population."

He said if he was 20 today, he would be "sceptical" about the promise of a state pension because he isn't sure how it's going to be paid for.  

At the moment, the state pension system costs around £120bn a year and more than half of retired people rely on it to make up at least 50% of their income, he added.  

Over the next 50 years, Tom predicts the proportion of GDP the state spends on older people will increase from around 16% to 25%.  

"I hesitate to use the word unsustainable, but it will certainly start to look challenging," he said.  

"If we suddenly switched off the state pension or significantly reduced it, people would be in trouble, so the government can’t do that. 

"You can't keep on progressively ratcheting up a more and more generous state pension. The costs of state pensions is going to become increasingly difficult for the younger cohorts to bear."

He pointed to a few ways to potentially salvage the state pension – policy change, more babies being born or people working until they are in their 70s.  

"Politicians are going to have to make decisions about how to get out of this kind of political bind," Tom added. 

"Time and time again it's just kick the can down the road on the pension question, just put a sticking plaster on it and let the next government deal with the problem. 

"You can't keep doing that. So I would really like to see, on the other side of this forthcoming general election... whoever's in power, in collaboration with whoever's in opposition, to just really open it up to some honest conversations about where the demographics are going to take us." 

He does note there is one piece of good news: "This happens quite slowly, so we do have time on our side." 

Basically, swap rates dictate the pricing of fixed-rate mortgages.

Lenders, such as banks and building societies, borrow in order to lend.

They borrow from financial markets and often these transactions are made using Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) swap rates, which can move around.

By contrast, most domestic mortgages are set on what is known as a "term" rate – in other words, the borrower knows how much interest they will be paying for a set period of time.

To avoid a situation where the SONIA rate goes above the rate it is charging borrowers, which would leave the bank or building society lending at a loss, the lender will seek to enter a "swap" arrangement which protects them from such a situation.

Under such agreements, two parties exchange cash flows with each other. The lending bank will swap the variable payments it may make to service a mortgage (which is fixed to the SONIA rate) for payments at a fixed rate. This insulates the lending bank from unexpected increases in the SONIA rate.

Once a deal is struck based on the swap rate, mortgage providers set their fixed deals for customers, with their own profit margin priced in.

How are swap rates decided?

Swap rates are based on what the markets think will happen to interest rates in the future.

When they go up, so do the rates being offered on the high street, as we have seen in the last week or two amid uncertainty over whether forecasts for a summer base rate cut are accurate.

Read other entries in our Basically... series:

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May. Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's  journey planner  to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying this was way below inflation, and was linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef says train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

Royal Mail is temporarily waiving a £5 charge for unsuspecting members of the public who receive post sent with a fake stamp.

The company said it was developing a new scanner in its app which will let customers scan stamp barcodes and check whether they are recognised counterfeits.

While this takes place, the £5 charge for people who receive the post will be paused, Royal Mail said.

It added that it would work to ensure the sender of items posted with counterfeit stamps are charged instead of the recipient where possible.

Royal Mail chief commercial officer Nick Landon said new security measures alongside its barcoded stamps have "led to a 90% reduction" in counterfeits.

"We want our customers to buy stamps with confidence and always recommend that customers only purchase stamps from post offices and other reputable high street retailers," he said.

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