Iceland
Iceland has quickly become one of the top travel destinations in the world, but it still feels like a well-kept secret. Perhaps that’s because of its stunning natural beauty, or the swaths of open land with nothing but Icelandic horses and occasional waterfalls to remind you that you aren’t completely alone. It is a country of not only natural wonder, but also thriving local culture, known for hospitality and a strong national pride in its history and mythology.
From the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, and Snaefellsnes, to the iconic Skogafoss waterfall, Iceland’s scenery is the stuff of legend — sometimes quite literally, as many of its most well-known destinations have been referenced in Viking mythology and classic literature. When you visit, prepare to be awash in natural beauty; around every bend in the road is another vista so gorgeous it doesn’t seem quite real.
Iceland is otherworldly! Below you will find comprehensive guides to the country.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what activities you’d like to do, as some of them are seasonal. For example, you can only explore inland by 4×4 from July, once the snow in the highlands has thawed. Those who hope to see the northern lights should visit between October and March, when the nights are longest.
However, Iceland is a great year-round destination, enjoying a temperate maritime climate. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures between 9°C and 13°C, while winters are long but surprisingly mild, with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C.
There can be unexpected rain throughout the year, so you should always be prepared for chilly, wet and windy days. Winter blizzards may delay travel plans, and late thaws in the highlands might affect travel in the summer. But, as Icelanders will say: if you don’t like the weather, just wait a bit.
We went in the winter and we absolutely loved it! Snow, snow, snow! We even managed to catch the Northern Lights!
For a month by month look click here
What To Expect
Capital: Reykjavik
Language: The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, as well as English in the touristy areas. You will have no issues speaking English.
Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna, but many places will also accept the Euro and the US Dollar. £1 GBP is 172.00 ISK and $1 USD is equivalent to about 132.00 ISK. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Icelanders tend to pay for almost everything with credit or debit card, so you don’t need to worry about carrying too much cash around with you. However, you’ll need a card that uses the chip and pin method. Apple Pay and Google pay are widely accepted. We never used any cash while in Iceland.
Plugs: The plugs in Iceland are Type F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Safest country in the world! It’s safe to walk around by yourself, and crime levels are super low.
Do you have to tip: No, tipping is not expected in Iceland. So you don’t have to tip at restaurants or hotels. However, many foreigners like to tip their tour guides, and it’s always appreciated.
Never ever: DO NOT hike glaciers without a guide, there are so many holes that are covered with snow, some drops can be 200ft.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Iceland
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Iceland
(Note: Iceland is brimming with activities. Truly, there’s an abundance to explore and experience. The following are just a few of our top picks. For more country-specific activities, refer to the detailed guides linked to each country below!)
Situated in a vast lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic and popular attractions. This geothermal spa is renowned for its milky-blue water, rich in minerals like silica and sulphur. Bathing in the warm waters is not just relaxing but is said to have therapeutic effects, especially for skin conditions like psoriasis. Remember to book in advance, as this spot is quite popular, and consider visiting during off-peak times for a more serene experience.
A must-do route for any visitor to Iceland, the Golden Circle covers three of the country’s most famous attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Thingvellir is historically significant as the site of the first Icelandic parliament and geologically unique as it’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The Geysir area is home to bubbling mud pools and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. Gullfoss, or the ‘Golden Falls’, is a powerful cascade that offers breathtaking views, especially on sunny days when rainbows can form in its mist.
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a vibrant urban centre that seamlessly melds modernity with rich history. Explore the architectural marvel that is the Hallgrimskirkja church, whose design is inspired by Iceland’s lava flows. Drop by the Harpa Concert Hall, with its dazzling glass façade, or immerse yourself in the country’s history at the National Museum of Iceland. The city is also known for its quirky art scene, buzzing nightlife, and an array of eateries that offer both traditional Icelandic fare and international cuisine.
One of nature’s most mesmerising displays, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, can often be seen in Iceland between September and April. These dancing lights in shades of green, pink, purple and sometimes red are caused by particles from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere. To increase your chances of witnessing this spectacle, head to remote areas away from city lights, and keep an eye on aurora forecasts. A Northern Lights tour, guided by local experts, can also enhance the experience.
Located on Iceland’s southern coast, the town of Vik is famous for its dramatic black sand beaches. Reynisfjara Beach, in particular, is renowned for its towering basalt columns, rocky sea stacks, and powerful waves. Nearby, the Dyrhólaey Peninsula offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a nesting area for puffins during the summer months. While the scenery is undoubtedly captivating, visitors are urged to exercise caution as the waves here can be extremely powerful and unpredictable.
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