Intrepid’s Complete Guide to Iceland
Smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic sits a tiny, sparsely populated, snow-covered island that has soared to the top of the collective world travellers’ bucket list.
With so many surreal landscapes and natural wonders deeply shrouded in Viking mythology, it’s hard to know where to begin planning. And since we’ve been around the Ring Road a time or two, we’ve amassed an arsenal of assets, from travel anecdotes to packing lists to must-sees and can’t-misses that will help you decide if this Nordic nation deserves a top spot on your wishlist, too. Here’s everything you need to know before you travel to Iceland .
Table of Contents
- Iceland Experiences: Geography, Northern Lights and More
- Iceland Activities: Things to Do, Customer Stories and More
- About Iceland: Culture, History, Food and More
- Planning Your Iceland Trip: Money, Things to Know and More
Experiences in Iceland
Whether you plan on fording the fjords, tackling a glacier climb or simply bouncing between bistros in Reykjavik, Iceland has plenty of experiences to satisfy those in search of a cold-blooded adventure.
More on experiences in Iceland:
Top 12 Things to Do in Iceland
Land of Fire & Ice: Iceland Geography & Geology
Forged by intense geological activity, Iceland is a land of dramatic extremes where steaming active volcanoes, icy-blue glaciers, boiling geysers and frigid waterfalls exist side by side. Although this challenging terrain is a dream for outdoor adventurers, it might just be the country’s dozens of geothermal springs, or hot pots as the locals call ’em, that attract visitors from near and far in search of much-needed winter warm-up.
Geological marvels await:
Iceland Waterfalls Guide Photo Essay from Iceland Express Tour 6 Hot Springs in Iceland
Wonders of the World: Northern Lights in Iceland
The world’s most spectacular natural light show, the Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that can enchant even the most seasonal affective disordered soul. The chances of spotting the ethereal lights increase in the colder months, with vibrant, dancing patterns that offer a brief respite from the long, dark nights of winter. Before your epic pursuit begins, check out our resources on the Northern Lights.
Aurora hunters assemble:
What to Expect on an Iceland Tour Northern Lights Tours
Iceland Activities
From the classic Golden Circle route to the black sand beaches of the South Coast and the otherwordly mud-scape of the steamy Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s activities are as diverse as its landscapes.
Itinerary worthy activities:
Top 6 Hikes in Iceland
Seasons in Iceland
Although you’d think Iceland’s seasons were something like ice, icier and iciest, this Arctic country does, in fact, have four distinct seasons as well as a high season and off-season for tourism. Crowds tend to be thinner in the shoulder months of May and October, and Autumn can be a particularly magical time to visit. Although days are getting drastically shorter, the windblown landscapes are speckled with red and yellow, and early sunsets will leave the scenery bathed in warm, golden light. With opportunities to go hunting for the Aurora Borealis in winter and party all night under the summer’s Midnight Sun, there really is no wrong time to visit Iceland.
Read more about Iceland’s seasons:
Iceland Winter Travel Guide
Intrepid Customer Experiences in Iceland
We like to think the landscapes speak for themselves, but occasionally, our customers have words that paint a destination perfectly. Check out what Intrepid travellers have to say about their trip to Iceland.
Hear what Intrepid customers have to say:
Iceland Travel Reviews An Intrepid Traveller Gets Married on an Iceland Trip What Happened When I Travelled to Iceland with Mum
Experience it for yourself
About Iceland
Culture & customs.
Despite living in the shadows of a long, dark winter for much of the year, Icelanders continue to find themselves at the top of the UN’s ‘World Happiness Report.’ Because when the days are short and the wind is whipping, there’s nothing like a good party to instill some cheer. Icelandic people have strong pride in their nation, and several festivals throughout the year celebrate the country’s Scandinavian heritage with an emphasis on Viking mythology. A trip to Iceland during Thorrablot or the Viking Festival will give you an insider look at this Nordic nation’s culture.
Learn to party Iceland-style:
What Festivals are Celebrated in Iceland
Folklore & History
A giant island-shaped whale that feasts on fishermen, easily offended elves with revenge fantasies, child-hungry trolls and a horse with backwards hooves luring riders to their deaths… these terrifying tales are more than just a dark and twisted parallel universe of Mother Goose; they’re instruments of survival. With such a harsh and challenging landscape, these tales that date back to the 12th century were storybook tools to teach children how to survive extreme conditions and respect Iceland’s myriad of naturally deadly environments.
The cheerful locals are more than happy to discuss the mystique surrounding elves and Yule Lads, although equally protective and willing to reroute construction projects so as not to disturb their mythical homes. Museums around the country offer further looks into the culture, history and folklore of Iceland, and no trip is complete without visiting a few must-visit mythology spots.
Take a deep dive into Iceland’s history:
Overview of Iceland’s Unique Folklore
Eating & Drinking
With more adventure activities than you can count on two hands and icy temps that threaten to freeze even the hardiest of Viking spirits, food in Iceland serves two very important purposes: to keep you fueled and warm. Boasting more sheep than people and over 5,000 km of coastline, Icelandic fare heavily features native lamb, fresh seafood and skyr, a type of yogurt that has been part of the local diet for almost a thousand years.
The capital city of Reykjavik has become a quirky culinary destination where hot dogs are essentially a food group, coffee culture is triumphant (they like it hot, strong and all day long) and seasonality is the name of the game.
Warning: don’t read on an empty stomach:
6 Things to Eat in Iceland What to Drink in Iceland
Farm towns & Cities in Iceland
Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is the central hub of our dreams: quaint, quirky, entirely walkable and a great jumping-off point for exploring the island. But away from the buzz, Iceland’s rural farm towns put a positive spin on “the middle of nowhere.” Many of these “towns” are modest villages, populated with more flaxen-haired horses and flocks of puffins than actual humans and set before screensaver-worthy landscapes. If you fancy a slower pace, can never see too many waterfalls and would rather socialize with locals in a local hot spring than in a bar, Iceland is the place for you.
More on cities and towns in Iceland:
Our 5 Favorite Small Towns in Iceland Why You Should Visit the Westfjords
Planning Your Trip to Iceland
A trip to Iceland has never been easier thanks to airline stopover programs. Without any additional airfare, you can fly between major cities, making a pitstop in Reykjavik and spending up to seven days exploring the country. And because we want you to see as much of the world as possible, many Intrepid trips in Iceland have itineraries that are under 7 days, making a stopover pretty much a no-brainer. What are you waiting for?
Craft your Iceland itinerary:
5 Day Iceland Itinerary Why Iceland is perfect for Solo Travel Iceland on a Budget
Discover more on our Iceland trips
Money: What to Expect
Things you need to know.
Every traveller has probably had the same nightmare once or twice, only instead of going to school and forgetting your pants, you’re making some kind of embarrassing tourist blunder, accidentally insulting the locals or leaving something important out of your meticulously packed luggage. We’ve rounded up all the necessary “know before you go” information to help you get organized, get planning… and get better sleep.
Read up on the essentials:
Weather in Iceland Best time to Visit Iceland Will My Phone Work in Iceland Do You Need a Visa for Iceland What to Wear in Iceland Is Iceland LGBTQIA+ friendly Iceland Water Safe to Drink What to Pack for Iceland
How Does Iceland Compare
Whether you’re deadset on a trip to Iceland and looking to add on to your itinerary or you’ve already conquered the Land of Fire & Ice and you’re looking to travel someplace similar, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you eliminate guesswork so you can spend less time comparing and more time trying to score the best flight deals.
You also might be interested in:
Iceland or Greenland
Will travel for food. From al pastor in Mexico to camel burgers in Morocco, khao soi in Thailand to perfect tomatoes in Greece, I've traveled far and wide for a tasty meal. When I'm not abroad searching for the perfect bite, I'm enjoying some good ol' home cooking in my tiny Seattle kitchen.
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Iceland Discovery
Health Safety +
- There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs.
- Spend the evening at the quirky farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at our guesthouse at Snaefellsnes.
- Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall.
- Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert..
- Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.
What's this trip about?
Travel themes.
- High Adventure
- Nature & Wildlife
Destinations
Attractions.
- Blue Lagoon
- Jokulsarlon
- Lake Myvatn
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Thingvellir National park
- Adventure & Adrenaline
- Bird watching
- Historic sightseeing
- Mountaineering
- Relaxing Retreat
- Short Cruise
- Whale watching
Trip includes
- Golden Circle - Strokkur Geysir
- Golden Circle - Gullfoss Waterfall
- Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park
- Skogafoss - Waterfall Visit
- South Coast - Rocks of Reynisfjara
- Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Seljalandsfoss - Waterfall Visit
- East Fjords - Scenic Drive with Stops at Djupivogur & Egilsstadir
- Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
- Myvatn - Namaskard Boiling Mud Pools, Dimmuborgir & Skutustadir Crater Group
- Dettifoss - Waterfall Visit
- Myvatn - Lake Myvatn
- Godafoss - Waterfall Visit
- Akureyri - Walking Tour
- Snaefellsnes - Home-cooked dinner
- Snaefellsnes National Park
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel .
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings
AVOID AVOID AVOID. Go with G-Adventures
They don't care about your comfort, safety or time. For that reason alone, avoid this company!
There's a lot both good and bad I can say about this trip. But the number one reason I will never travel with Intrepid again is their complete lack of caring for the...
Excellent tour guide. Good group of people
Excellent tour guide. Good group of people on the tour. Well organised. I ca...
Harpa was a great guide. Everything went
Harpa was a great guide. Everything went super smoothly, and the trip was fantastic.
Lived up to my expectations
I was very happy with the itinerary
I was very happy with the itinerary, standard of accommodation and tour leader.t
Other Intrepid Travel Reviews
We joined the intrepid “real italy food….
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information....
Audrey Tavares
Central Asia Explorer
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...
Do not book a tour with Intrepid
Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...
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Tour Operator
Intrepid travel, the intrepid travel experience.
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.
Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
Why Intrepid?
- Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
- Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
- Local leaders - authentic perspectives
- Local transport - get close and personal
- Local accommodation - experience real living
- Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions
Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
- Responsible – Think global, act local
- Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
- Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
- Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
- Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer
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