Planning a trip to Iceland - the best Iceland travel tips to help you make the most of your trip and travel safely and responsibly

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video: Planning an Iceland Vacation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring and Autumn

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

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

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

The downside is that some attractions and cafes are closed.

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

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

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

Iceland trip cost breakdown - we share our Iceland road trip budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Dacia Duster 4WD in the Westfjords, Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

Take Tours from Reykjavik

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

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

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

Reykjavik view from Hallgrímskirkja church

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

The first step of planning a trip to Iceland is choosing which season to travel in. Here are the autumn colours of Hraunfossar waterfall in September,

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

Tradir Guesthouse cabin at sunrise on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, Iceland

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

Krossneslaug swimming pool in Strandir, Westfjords region of Iceland

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

Berserkjahraun lava field on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, Iceland

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

Dynjandi Waterfall in the Westfjords of Iceland

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

Northern Lights at Bjarkaholt in Westfjords, Iceland

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

Enjoying an Icelandic hot pot at sunset at Birkimelur Swimming Pool in the Westfjords.

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

Búðakirkja is a little black wooden church in the hamlet Búðir in Snaefellsness Iceland

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

Icelandic horse at Sturlureykir Horse Farm in West Iceland

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

Rauðasandur, the red beach in the Westfjords

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

A typically stunning drive in the Westfjords, Iceland

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

Walking along the Latrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords, Iceland

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

Into the Glacier ice tunnel in Iceland

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

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

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

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Wondering how to plan a trip to Iceland? Here are all the dos AND the don'ts to consider! #iceland #icelandtravel #icelandtrip

35 Comments

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

Reply ↓

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

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

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

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

Enjoy Iceland!

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

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

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

Credit card use is very pervasive.

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

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

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

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

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

Great information, You answered all my questions

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

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

Thanks, Jay!

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

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

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

Yes, you can travel to Iceland now.

I can’t wait to move to Iceland

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

Thank you, Jessica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy, Elana!

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

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

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

I’m so glad you found it useful Heather!

Good list! I have two comments:

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

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

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

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

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

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

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

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

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

iceland trip length

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

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

s Planning iceland trip guide

Navigate back to the complete  Iceland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Iceland – The Guide

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Iceland travel guide

Where? Best destinations in Iceland

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

Here is a quick map of Iceland with its regions:

Map Iceland destinations for blog

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

Where to go in Iceland - South Coast

SOUTH ICELAND

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

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

Where to go in Iceland - Snaefellsnes

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

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

Where to go in Iceland - South west

SOUTH WEST ICELAND

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

Where to go in Iceland - North

NORTH ICELAND

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

Where to go in Iceland - West fjords

WEST FJORDS

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

Where to go in Iceland - East fjords

EAST FJORDS

Forest, lush farmlands, small fjords and islands…

Where to go in Iceland - Central highlands

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

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

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

When? Best time to visit Iceland

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

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

Here is a very short summary:

June-August

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

May & September-beginning October

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

Skogafoss in September

How long should you plan a trip to Iceland ?

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

Here are some facts to help you:

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

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

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

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

Transportation – How to travel around Iceland?

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

OPTION 1  – Self-Drive Iceland – own planning

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

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

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

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

Self-drive trip in Iceland

OPTION 2  – Self-Drive Iceland – Iceland Trip Package

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

Here are suggested packages of all lengths:

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

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

OPTION 3 – Organized tours with base in Reykjavik

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

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

OPTION 4 – Multi-day Iceland Circuits

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

For example:

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

OPTION 5 – Super Jeep Private Tours

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

Private tour in Iceland

OPTION 6 – Bus / hitchhiking

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

Note -on Internal Flights in Iceland

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

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND ICELAND - flights

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

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

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

Tourism Iceland Travel Guide

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

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

small Road trip Iceland cover

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

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

All you need to plan your trip to Iceland!

Cover Ring Road travel guide Iceland

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

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

Accommodations – Where to stay in Iceland?

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

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

Myvatn Accommodation - Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

A few points to keep in mind:

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

Get travel insurance

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

Language – The basics

To make your acquaintance smiles.

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

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

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

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

For more, check out the wikitravel phrasebook page

To understand the name of places

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

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

Things to know to prepare your trip to Iceland

Money – currency, tipping….

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

FOOD & BEVERAGES – what to expect

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

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

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

What to pack for Iceland

Clothes – what to wear in iceland.

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

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

packing clothes trip Iceland

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

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

Want a more detailed list with product suggestions?

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

iceland trip length

Photography and other equipment

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

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

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

Good to know before leaving

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

Want to know more about Iceland?

PREVIOUS: 

Best Iceland Lava Caves

NEXT: 

WHAT TO PACK FOR ICELAND

Ready to plan a trip to Iceland?

Reader Interactions

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October 19, 2014 at 8:20 PM

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

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October 20, 2014 at 1:26 PM

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

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March 30, 2017 at 6:03 AM

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

Thanks for any tips, Monika

March 30, 2017 at 5:05 PM

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

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May 17, 2017 at 8:10 PM

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

May 18, 2017 at 4:15 PM

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

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February 20, 2018 at 4:48 PM

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

February 20, 2018 at 5:23 PM

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

Whether you have a layover, or Iceland is your final destination, we’ve got the perfect trip planned for you! This detailed Iceland itinerary for 7 days is complete with day-by-day instructions, photos and tips that will bring you to the southern coast and through the iconic Golden Circle. Follow this one week itinerary for an epic Icelandic road trip you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall Iceland

Before our first trip to Iceland, we began searching where to go and we were immediately overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do in this country.

We realized that although this volcanic island is small, there is so much natural beauty packed in that you could spend a lifetime exploring its nooks and crevices without seeing it all. 

All the waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers and beaches looked incredible and we wanted to see as much as possible in just one week. But we were having a hard time figuring out how to connect the dots on a map in one epic road trip.

Since that first trip, we’ve had the opportunity to return to Iceland and explore more of what this incredible country has to offer. In total we’ve spent a lot more than 7 days in Iceland, but we’ve put all that experience to good use just for YOU. 

We spent hours compiling all the information from both our trips on which we experienced many different places and all the best things to do in Iceland . We finally came up with what we think is the very best Iceland itinerary for 7 days! 

This article will help you plan your one-week road trip to this stunning country in the north Atlantic.

Article contents

Best time to visit iceland.

  • 7 day Iceland itinerary map
  • Renting a vehicle
  • Iceland Itinerary

More or less time? What to add or cut

  • Road trip tips
  • What to pack

Want to save time and energy on planning?

If you want to save yourself the hours of research and planning, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate done-for-you Iceland South Coast Itinerary . This itinerary includes a lot of what you’ll find in this article, plus so much more!

It covers ALL the bases, from driving directions and timing of activities, to necessary reservations and recommended places to stay.

The itinerary is customizable for 7 days, with 8- or 9-day options , hitting all of the highlights of the Southern Coast of Iceland.

Iceland South Coast Itinerary Banner

This is sort of a loaded question as the answer will depend entirely on your personal travel style and reasons for visiting Iceland. 

If hiking, warmer temperatures, whale watching or birding are on your to-do list, you’ll want to visit Iceland during the spring and summer months. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, want to experience sunrise at a reasonable hour, or just want to avoid the crowds, you’ll want to visit during the fall or winter months. 

We put together an entire article that goes over what to expect in each season and how to decide which is best for you. Find out the best time to visit Iceland for your personal travel needs. 

Iceland 7-Day Itinerary Map

Here is a map of the general route for 7 days in Iceland (starting and ending in Reykjavík):

7 Day Iceland Itinerary Map

A note about this itinerary: This Iceland itinerary is based on a 7 day/6 night trip. The itinerary covers many highlights of the southern part of Iceland’s Ring Road and is intended to be followed using a rental vehicle. We think the best (and cheapest!) way to follow this plan is to camp along the way, whether with a tent or a campervan. Be sure to check out our guide to Ring Road for everything you need to know about this iconic route and how to drive the full circle around Iceland if you have more time.

Renting a vehicle in Iceland

Iceland Campervan Rental Guide | Two Wandering Soles

Renting a car in Iceland is different from many other countries, and even if you’re a pro at car rentals you might be surprised by a few things. We put together a huge guide to Iceland car rentals to share all of our insider information with you. 

Be sure to book your rental gear and a rental car before your trip begins. And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.

Psst! We’ve got you covered with all the info you need to plan your Iceland road trip!

Also, one of the best ways to travel around Iceland is in a campervan. Out of all the camper van companies out there, we like Happy Campers the best. They are a family run company providing excellent vehicles with all the gear you need for an epic road trip in Iceland. 

And the best news… We’ve partnered with them to give our readers a 5% off their campervan rental when you use our coupon code: TWS5. Just enter the coupon code TWS5 at checkout on Happy Campers website . 

We also put together a HUGE Iceland campervan rental guide with tons of insider tips and advice for choosing the best campervan rental for you. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Discount!)

Iceland Camping Guide | Two Wandering Soles

Iceland Camping Guide: Essential Tips + Best Campsites in Iceland

Iceland Car Rental

Renting a Car in Iceland: 14 Essential Tips

Iceland 7 Day Itinerary Overview

Day 1: gear up and drive to snaefellsnes peninsula, day 2: waterfalls, hot springs and hiking (oh, my), day 3: the golden circle, day 4: more waterfalls, an abandoned plane, and spectacular views, day 5: fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, “black waterfall” and sights along the southeastern ring road.

  • Day 6: Hiking glaciers, canyons and and Ice Beach

Day 7: Drive back to Reykjavík

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland

  • Day at a glance: Get your rental car (or campervan ) and camping gear and head north of Reykjavík for some stunning views and set up camp on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
  • Approximate Driving Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
  • Approximate Distance Covered: 200 km

Everyone flies into Keflavik International Airport (REK) so this is where your journey will begin. You will have to pick up your rental vehicle from here because the bus to Reykjavík is just crazy expensive. 

Note: If you only have a short layover, there are plenty of things to do near the Keflavik Airport . 

If you’re not renting a campervan, be sure to check RentalCars.com for the best deals on getting a car. They sometimes have special deals and show all the rental car company’s prices at once. And be sure to read through our ultimate Iceland rental car guide that answers all your questions about driving around the country in a rental.  

A 45-minute drive north on Highway 41 will take you to Reykjavík, where you can stock up on groceries and pick up your camping equipment .

You can do a little exploring of all the things to do in Reykjavík now if you arrive in the morning. Try taking a Reykjavík Food Walk (use code TWS10 for 10% off your tour when you book online). But remember you have almost a 3 hour drive ahead of you so you might want to get on the road. You’ll have time to see Reykjavík on your last day.

Note: Iceland’s natural landscape is beyond beautiful and you’ll want to stop for pictures around every curve. Our rule of thumb was for every hour of driving (according to the time Google maps gives you), add at least 10 more minutes for photo ops. Check out our collection of Iceland photos here .

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Hellnar Cliff Walk | Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland

Make your way northwest of Reykjavík to Snaefellsnes Peninsula for some pretty incredible views of giant mountains and remote lakes. If you have time, you can drive Highway 54 around the whole peninsula. Get out at Hellnar and walk along the seaside cliff for some spectacular views (pictured above).

But if you’re like us and you didn’t get out of Reykjavík until 4:30 p.m. on our first try, you can cut through the peninsula on Highway 56 and still see some incredible views overlooking hilltop lakes. 

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall Iceland

If there is still daylight, head to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall for sunset, or just wait for the morning to visit. To find out how to get there, check out our round up of Iceland’s best waterfalls .

Where to stay: We camped our first night in the town of Grundarfjörður at the local campground . It was nothing too fancy; just a flat grassy area with a toilet and sink for dishes.

Tip: There is a tunnel that cuts under Hvalfjörður and continues on Highway 1 (Ring Road), so be sure to take this short cut if you are short on time. Highway 47 loops around the fjord and is a much prettier drive than a dark tunnel if you have time. Also, if you have extra time, head for Glymur Waterfall at the far east side of the fjord. It’s a challenging, but very rewarding hike!

  • This Day in a Glimpse: Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River hike and the colorful Kerið Crater at sunset
  • Approximate Driving Time: 4.5 hours
  • Day at a glance:Covered: 300 km

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall Iceland

Situated very close to your campground on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, is the famously beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. This series of waterfalls has a great view of the triangle-shaped peak, Kirkjufell, resting in the background.

It’s an amazing sight, but can quickly be ruined by groups of people so get there early. To beat the crowds, you should wake up early (around 7 a.m.), leave your tent at the campground, and drive a few minutes to Kirkjufellsfoss. 

Once you’ve had your fill of pictures, have breakfast back at the campground, pack up and drive off. 

Today is a long day of driving with many incredible viewpoints along the way, so you’ll have to manage your time at the stops wisely.

Stykkishólmur Iceland

Optional detour: We drove east on Highway 54 on the north side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and accidentally missed a turn (we may have been a little too focused on jamming out to our music) and ended up in the harbor town of Stykkishólmur. It’s popular for people to take ferries from Stykkishólmur to the tiny island of Flatey and then continue on to the West Fjords, but only having 7 days in Iceland we didn’t have time for that. Since it was a nice little surprise, we climbed to the overlook by the harbor, took a few photos and drove back south to find the right road.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

Reykjadalur Hot Spring River Iceland

Head south towards Ring Road (Highway 1) and continue on towards Reykjavík for just under two hours.

Optional detour: If you didn’t get a chance the previous day, instead of driving through the tunnel, take Highway 47 and drive around Hvalfjörður stopping to take photos along the way. 

Once you’re back on Highway 1, or if you’ve taken the tunnel to save time, continue on Ring Road for another hour or so until you reach the turn off for the tiny town of Hveragerði.

The hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River is a 5-mile out and back hike with moderate elevation gain. It takes about 1 hour each way, so you’ll want to plan about 3 hours for the entire experience.

This was one of our favorite hot spring experiences in Iceland and totally worth the trek in our opinion.

Read more about the hike and what to expect at Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River in our round up of the best Iceland hot springs .

The hike begins at a paid parking lot in the town of Hveragerði. You can find it on Google maps just past this cafe which also makes a good bathroom stop before the journey. 

Tip: After your hike, stop at Fjöruborðið for dinner. This seaside restaurant is known for langoustines, and it was one of our most memorable meals in Iceland ! Definitely put this on your itinerary if you love seafood like we do!

Kerið Crater for Sunset

Kerid Crater Iceland

Depending on your timing and the time the sun is setting during your visit to Iceland, you’ll want to plan this stop either before or after you stop for dinner (and remember to account for extra driving time if you decide to detour to Fjöruborðið). 

Take Highway 35 north from Ring Road for about 13 km (or about 8 miles) to reach the parking lot for Kerið Crater. Note that while parking is free, there is a small entrance fee of 400 ISK (~$3 USD) per visitor that goes towards preserving and protecting the crater. 

Picture an aquamarine lake sparkling inside a volcanic caldera flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green mossy accents. This shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistry is one of the most colorful stops on our Iceland itinerary. 

Take a very short hike up to the rim of the perfectly circular crater and walk the gravel trail that circles the rim. The walk is about 1 mile that shouldnt take you much more than half an hour in total, including stops for photos. 

Where to stay: Thingvellir National Park campsites offer well-kept facilities with no reservations needed. Or you can book a nearby guesthouse such as the top-rated Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse .

Psst! Looking for some more ideas of romantic things to do? We’ve got you covered with our Iceland Honeymoon guide !

Thingvellir National Park Iceland

  • Day at a glance: Your choice of some combination of Thingvellir National Park, Brúarfoss falls, Lauvgarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tasting, Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, Faxi waterfall, Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon, Gluggafoss Falls, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset
  • Approximate Driving Time: 4 hours
  • Approximate Distance Covered: 250 km

Almost everyone who has a few days in Iceland incorporates the Golden Circle in their itinerary, and for good reason. It’s a condensed area that has many points of interest that attract thousands of people every year. You can get a more detailed look at all the things listed below in our Golden Circle Travel Guide . 

You’ll want to get an early start today because there are lots—and I mean lots —of activities to pack into your day. You may have to pick and choose a bit based on your timing and energy levels throughout the day. 

Thingvellir National Park: The Continental Divide

Silfra Fissure Iceland

Thingvellir is Iceland’s first National Park and the location where two continents meet. The park is full of easy walks, gorgeous waterfalls, unique geological formations, and rich Iceland history. 

Your first stop of the day will be Þingvellir (Thingvellir) Visitor’s Center. It’s here that two tectonic plates, the North American and the Eurasian plates, are slowly drifting apart at a place known as the Silfra Fissure. Walk to the observation deck and look out over Þingvallavatn, the biggest lake in Iceland.

You might even get a glimpse at the people preparing to scuba dive between the two continental plates. Follow the path down the canyon that is formed due to the continental divide with North America on your left and Europe on your right. You can walk in the canyon for about 2 km and reach Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Brúarfoss 

Bruarfoss Golden Circle Iceland

Known as the bluest waterfall in Iceland, this was an off-the-beaten-path spot on the Golden Circle we really enjoyed and highly recommend. 

That being said, it’s a 2+ hour round trip hike covering 7 km (but with relatively little elevation gain) to get to the falls. If you’re pressed for time or just don’t feel like walking too far from the comforts of your vehicle, you can go ahead and skip this stop.

Important note: There used to be a much shorter path to Brúarfoss, but it was on private property and has been closed due to tourists being disrespectful. Be sure to park in the proper lot ( here’s the location on Google Maps ) and follow the path so you don’t trespass.

You can read more about what to expect at Brúarfoss and all the falls listed in this itinerary in our guide to the best waterfalls in Iceland .

Laugarvatn Fontana Rye Bread Tasting

Rye bread tasting in Iceland

You may recognize this place from Zac Efron and Netflix’s original series, Down to Earth . The Lauvgarvatn Fontana is best known for its lakefront thermal baths, but we opted to experience the geothermal energy in a different way on our trip: by tasting rye bread that has been baked underground with geothermal heat. 

The Rye Bread Tour is just 30 minutes long and you’ll learn about geothermal cooking while helping bury the bread that’ll be tasted by visitors on the following day. During the tour you’ll also unearth 2 large pots of rye that have been baking underground since the previous day. 

The tour finishes up inside where you’ll have ample opportunity to taste the Icelandic rye bread, which is one of our top foods you should try in Iceland .

Tip: Be sure to make a stop at nearby Efstidalur II Creamery for ice cream. Try the black licorice flavor ice cream, you’ll thank us later! 

Geysir on the Golden Circle Iceland

Another popular stop on the Golden Circle is Geysir, a natural geothermal area. While there were plenty of sulfur-scented steam clouds coming from boiling pools, the main attraction here is the Great Geysir.

People will wait around this giant hole in the ground guessing when the next explosion of water will occur shooting 50 meters in the air. (Hint: it happens about every 5-10 minutes.) The water is not too hot by the time it comes back down, just try not to get too soaked (Like we did! See picture above!). 

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Falls Iceland

Continue driving up the road to the enormous Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland’s largest waterfall by volume. Walk to the top and middle sections of this two tiered waterfall with more water passing through it annually than Niagara Falls. You’ll get wet because the mist over takes the paths so make sure to bring your rain jacket.

Don’t hangout too long at Gullfoss, because you still have plenty more of the Golden Circle to see before your last stop. And trust me, you do not want to miss the sunset at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Tip: Make a stop at Friðheimar Tomato Farm for a late lunch of bottomless tomato soup and gourmet bread served to you inside a greenhouse. This place is no secret so it’s best you make a reservation ahead of time if you don’t want to wait over an hour to get a table. 

Faxi Waterfall

This lesser known waterfall on the Golden Circle may not be very tall, but it stretches all the way across the Tungufljót River in a powerful cascade. With far fewer visitors than it’s more famous neighbor, Gullfoss, Faxi Falls makes a great quick stop for a peaceful moment and a photo opportunity without strangers getting in the way. 

Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon (choose one!)

Hunalug Hot Spring Iceland

Hrunalaug Hot Spring looks like a scene straight out of the movie Lord of the Rings. With lush rolling hills and a quaint little changing room, you’ll feel like you’re actually in the Shire. 

The hot spring is just a short walk from the parking lot and while it is open to the public, there is a small honesty box where the landowner requests 1,000 ISK ($8) per visitor to help maintain the area. 

We stopped here after a long day of exploring the Golden Circle and really enjoyed a nice peaceful soak. 

Contrary to the name, the Secret Lagoon is no secret. In fact, it’s recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time to be sure you can get in. However, this natural pool will still be a lot less crowded than the more famous Blue Lagoon. 

Said to be the oldest natural swimming pool in Iceland, entrance tickets cost 3,000 ISK ($23) per adult. Another good thing to note: While this place has no private shower stalls, it is expected that you shower naked (not in a swimsuit) prior to entering the pool and it is considered rude not to do this. Just wanted to warn ya!

Our recommendation: Though they are both very different experiences, unless you have lots of extra time (aka 2 full days for the Golden Circle), we’d recommend choosing either the Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug Hot Spring. 

Gluggafoss 

Gluggafoss Falls Iceland

While this little-known waterfall is not on the Golden Circle, per se, it makes for a convenient stop on your way to the last waterfall of the day and your sunset destination.

Gluggafoss, which is sometimes called Merkjárfoss, is a very short walk from the small car park, and if you’re lucky like we were, you may even have it completely to yourself.

There are two tiers at this waterfall. Walk up the short set of stairs to get a better view of the falls, or hike up to the top of the lower tier for a better view of the upper tier. And you can take pleasure in the fact that you’re seeing a place that most tourists never see.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall at Sunset

Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset

Head back to Highway 1 Ring Road and continue east toward Vík for about 55 km until you find an incredible waterfall tumbling over the huge rock wall. Sunset at Seljalandsfoss is the best time to be there because the water shines like liquid gold.

What makes it unique is you can walk all the way behind the falls, right up against the green moss and the tan rock face for some incredible pictures. Stay until the sun has fully disappeared behind the horizon and then the gold turns sadly back into clear water.

Note: Like we said, sunset (on a clear evening) is the absolute best time to be at this waterfall. We were there in the morning and again in the afternoon, and neither were nearly as impressive. Plan ahead and look up what time the sun sets on the day you plan to be there. 

Iceland camping | Hamragarðar Campsite

Where to stay: Hamragarðar Campsite is just 500 meters down from Seljalandsfoss waterfall and a convenient place to stay for the night. It’s fully equipped with bathrooms, showers and even has a gift shop. There’s plenty of space here so you don’t have to worry about being close to your neighbors.

We pitched our tent so the opening faced the waterfall and fell asleep to the splashing water. It was pretty incredible to wake up to the sight of the waterfall and grazing sheep right outside our tent! If you are not planning on camping during your Iceland trip, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse like Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse , or Hótel Skógafoss , both of which are within 30 minutes from Seljalandsfoss, further down Highway 1.

  • Day at a glance: A local swimming pool, Skógafoss Waterfall, Sólheimasandur plane crash, a black sand beach with puffins and a lava show in Vík.
  • Approximate Driving Time: 1.5 hours
  • Approximate Distance Covered: 100 km

If you thought yesterday was packed full of sites, wait until you see what’s in store for today. It may not seem like a lot of driving, but there are some pretty epic things packed into today and it will definitely take you all day. Plan to leave your campsite at the latest by 8:30 – 9 a.m. 

Gljufrabui Waterfall 

Gljúfrabúi waterfall

First things first, a visit to Gljufrabui Waterfall in the morning is a must if you’ve spent the night at  Hamragarðar Campsite. Nestled inside a hidden canyon, steps from the campsite, this is another waterfall many visitors miss, even when they are right there visiting Seljalandsfoss next door. 

You’ll have to walk over some boulder and possibly through some water to get into the crowded canyon, so you’ll want to be sure to wear sturdy hiking books. But the walk is short and the reward is a beautiful falls seemling coming out of nowhere which makes for a great photo op. 

We recommend heading out first thing in the morning and leaving your tent or campervan at the campsite, then going back for breakfast before hitting the road before 9:00 a.m. 

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool Iceland

Only 2.5 km from Ring Road and a 20-minute walk from the parking lot, the Seljavallalaug swimming pool is a hidden local spot we’d recommend visiting if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, or if you’re looking for an alternative to visiting the more expensive Blue Lagoon.

This free open-air swimming pool was built in 1923 to teach local fishermen how to swim. A natural hot spring trickles off the hill straight into the 25-meter long pool.

Today it has a couple simple changing rooms and we read it’s serviced once a summer to have the algae removed. The pool’s temperature was warm with hotter water poured into the deep end.

I think the only downside is the water is not crystal clear. It’s more like murky lake water and we joked it should be named the “Green Lagoon”. I had some algae stuck to my suit when I got out, but I was able to scrub it off when my suit dried. However, you could not ask for a better atmosphere.

The pool is located in a beautiful green valley with numerous streams rolling down the surrounding hills. And with only 5 other couples in the pool, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax.  

How to get there: From Hamragarðar Campsite to Seljavallalaug swimming pool, you’ll drive 22 km east on Ring Road to Highway 242 and turn left (this highway is a semi-circle, so you have to take the first left turn for Highway 242, but if you miss it, you can double back at the second left turn).

Drive for about 1 km north on Highway 242 and when the road turns right, you should continue going straight following the dirt road. Be careful because there are many potholes on this gravel road, but continue for about 1.5 km until you can’t go any farther.

There should be a parking lot here. There will be a flat path heading north into the valley which you will walk for about 20 minutes until you reach the swimming pool.

We have a complete guide to visiting Seljavallalaug swimming pool with all the other information you should know.

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Iceland

The second waterfall stop of the day is at Skógafoss Waterfall. Be sure to walk right up the bottom of this astounding 200-foot waterfall. There is a short staircase trek up to the top of the falls where you can typically see rainbows because of all the mist. 

This is also the start of Iceland’s famed Fimmvörðuháls hike . It’s a single-day hike that takes you past 26 waterfalls, over snowfields, lava fields and glaciers and is quite possibly one of the best day hikes we’ve done in the world! 

If you have an extra day, we’d highly recommend planning this hike into your itinerary. If you’re pressed for time and want to stick to our 7 day Iceland itinerary, you can see tons of waterfalls at the very start of the hike. Just follow the trail along the Skoga River for as long as you’d like and then double back to the base of Skógafoss when you’re ready to be on your way.   

Kvernufoss Waterfall

Kvernufoss Waterfall Iceland

Not too far down the road from Skógafoss, many visitors miss this hidden waterfall because they simply don’t know of its existence. This was what happened to us on our first trip to Iceland, but lucky for you, we found this gem the second time around. 

To find the falls you can park in the lot at the Skogar Museum. There are signs toward the back of the parking lot for this trail, and a place to pay for parking. Stay on the trail for a quick 15-minute walk and you’ll be rewarded with views of this stunning waterfall from a small canyon. 

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

Airplane+wreck+Iceland

The next stop is quite unusual but surprisingly popular among tourists. In 1973 a U.S. Navy airplane crash landed on the beach of Iceland’s southern coast. Instead of removing the plane’s shell, it was just abandoned.

Today you can still visit it, but you’ll have to be ready for a hike because there are no roads to the crash site. There is a parking area right off of Highway 1, and from there it’s a deceivingly long 40-minute flat walk through the sand to the plane. 

Once you’re there, it’s pretty cool and kind of eerie. 

You should plan about 2.5 hours into your schedule to visit this plane crash. 

Sólheimasandur Plane Crash

How to get there: Drive east on Ring Road from the Skogar Museum and keep an eye out for a bridge with yellow blinking lights that has a dirt road after it heading toward Sólheimajökull Glacier. Continue driving east on Ring Road for another 2 km after the bridge.

There will be a dirt road turn off to your right with a fence blocking the road. Park your car here and start the 40-minute walk toward the beach.

After about 35 minutes, the road will slightly turn left and you should follow it. The plane is hidden behind a sand dune so you won’t be able to see it right away.

Dyrhólaey rock formation & puffin nesting ground

Dyrhólaey Rock Formation

Continue on Highway 1 (Ring Road) heading east to Dyrhólaey. There are two different viewpoints for Dyrhólaey rock formation: one that overlooks the black sand beach, and one that’s higher up which overlooks the iconic rock with the hole. 

The second overlook was a little bit tricky to drive up, but we made it in our little Hyundai i10 so I think anyone can do it. The lighthouse on top of the overlook is stunning and the arched rock wall jutting out into the ocean makes the steep drive worth it. 

Puffin in Iceland

If you’re visiting Iceland during the summertime, you will have the opportunity to see the puffin nesting area here. These cute little birds burrow into the grass near the cliff’s edge. The nesting area is fenced off to keep visitors at a safe distance and allow the birds some peace, however, you can still observe them from a few meters away. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

iceland trip length

Known as one of the most famous black sand beaches in the world, Reynisfjara is absolutely stunning and unlike anything you’ve ever seen. With otherworldly rock formations both on shore and off, plus the unique volcanic black sand, this beach is well worth a visit on your Iceland itinerary.

Find out more about what to expect when visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach , plus insider tips and the best photo spots.

The summer months in Iceland are prime puffin spotting season and Reynisfjara houses thousands of these little cuties. In the morning and evening are the peak times to see these miniature birds dive off the cliffs and flap their wings like drunken penguins out to sea to catch their food.

When we arrived it was a fury of puffins heading in and out of the ocean for their catch of the day. And plenty of seagulls trying to snatch what the puffins had worked so hard for.

Lava Show in Vík

The Lava Show Iceland

Your next stop of the day is the seafront village of Vík. It’s the largest town in this part of south Iceland and a good place to “return to civilization” (so to speak) on your road trip. However, the real draw here is the Lava Show. 

Known as “the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity,” the Lava Show is quite the unique experience.  

Take a front row seat for the hour-long show where you’ll get to watch molten lava (1,100°C / 2,000°F) flowing right in front of you. 

Tip: Be sure to try the Lava soup during the show, it’s super tasty!

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.

Note: Show times are at 1:30 p.m and 5 p.m. daily and you’ll want to book your tickets online ahead of time as they do sell out. Plan your day accordingly so you don’t miss this unique experience. 

Other things to do in Vík:

  • Skool Bean coffee (open until 5pm)
  • visit the beach in town
  • climb up to the church viewpoint
Note: If you didn’t have time to fit in everything above before the lava show, you can skip Dyrhólaey (puffins) or Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and go back after the show if there is still daylight. You can also visit them in the morning on Day 5 or on your last day as you drive past back to Reykjavík.

Where to stay: We stayed at Vík tjaldsvæði Campground while in town on night 4. This is one of the better campgrounds with plenty of tent space, indoor cooking area, bathrooms, showers and even a playground.

If you are not planning on camping, you can stay at a nearby guesthouse like Vík Cottages , or Guesthouse Carina , both of which are in the town of Vík.

Iceland campervan drone shot

  • Day at a glance: Big driving day with a few hikes sprinkled in between; Gígjagjá Yoda Cave, moss-covered lava fields, Green Canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur hike, a couple of waterfalls and a glacier. 
  • Approximate Driving Time: 3 hours
  • Approximate Distance Covered: 175 km

Grab a cup of coffee at Skool Bean (opens at 9 a.m.) in the town of Vík if you didn’t visit there yesterday. You may also want to visit the black sand beach in town with cool rock stacks out in the water or climb to the church viewpoint if you didn’t get to any of these activities the day before. 

When you’re ready, head East out of Vík. 

Hjörleifshöfði Cape & Gígjagjá (aka Yoda Cave)

Gígjagjá (aka Yoda Cave)

Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, the Hjörleifshöfði Cape, where you’ll find a cave dubbed “Yoda Cave” for it’s uncanny resemblance to the fictional character, is worth a short visit. 

From Ring Road take a right at Hjörleifshöfði Road. There are signs saying not to drive on the sand so you’ll have to park at the end of the road and walk the 200 or so meters to the cave. May the force be with you. 

Laufskálavarða 

Laufskálavarða is a quick stop at a lava ridge, surrounded by stone carines (stacked stone towers). There is not much to do here except read a lovely tale about leaving cairns for future travelers. However, we’d recommend not setting up your own cairn because there are far too many there already!

You can walk to a viewing platform to see Mýrdalsjökull where the famous Kalata volcano is located. 

Scenic Green Lava Walk

Eldhraun Lava Field Iceland

As you continue on Ring Road past Vík, you will soon become aware that the grassy fields on either side of the road have now turned into miles of moss covered rocks. These rocky fields were once lava and now the moss has taken over and makes a pretty cool photo op. 

Make your way to the parking area for the Scenic Green Lava walk or the Mossy Lava Fields stop just off Ring Road. Get out and stretch your legs a bit as you meander through the other-worldly landscape. Just be mindful of where you walk because this ecosystem is pretty fragile.  

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Hike

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon Ice

This is a little embarrassing to admit, but we watched Justin Bieber’s music video for a song called “I’ll Show You” where he gallivants around Iceland (only for the scenery, says Ben). But after we were done watching, we Googled “Iceland valley in Justin Bieber’s video”.

Watch the video and you’ll know what we’re talking about! The beautiful lush valley carved into the Icelandic countryside that Bieber hops, jumps and runs around is called Fjaðrárgljúfur, and you too can explore it even if you’re not a pop singer.

Fjaðrárgljúfur is a luscious green serpentine canyon that continues on for 2 km with a picturesque waterfall at the end. You can hike up the side of the canyon and the views get better along the way. Just please don’t hop around like Bieber, because it’s a long way down.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon viewpoint

How to get there: Continuing east on Ring Road towards Skaftafell, take a left at Road No. 206, Holtsvegur. It is about 3 km on the gravel road to reach the parking lot . The unpaved road can be accessed by any type of car in the summer months, but it is recommended to have a 4×4 car if attempting this in wintertime. 

There is a marked trail from the parking lot that continues along the rim of the canyon for about 2 miles, out and back. The hike is easy with little elevation gain and many different viewpoints along the way. Allow about 1.5 hours to do this hike and stop for plenty of photo ops!

Note: Due to the popularity of this canyon, there are now measures to restrict access to the trail during certain times of the year due to weather conditions. It is important you respect the occasional closures so as to protect the delicate vegetation. You can check the current trail conditions on the SafeTravel.is website.  

Tip: If you have the time, make a quick stop at Foss á Síðu for a glimpse of yet another breathtakingly gorgeous Iceland waterfall! This location makes for a sweet drone shot of the falls if you have good weather. 

Hike to Svartifoss the “Black Waterfall”

Svartifoss"Black Waterfall" Iceland

Continue driving east on Ring Road until you get to Svartifoss (a.k.a. Black Waterfall) – This hidden falls is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland . It’s not just on the side of the road like so many others, and the short hike to get there makes you feel a bit more accomplished than simply stepping outside your car.

Another plus is you won’t find the hordes of people from the tourist buses. Oh, and did we mention the waterfall itself is stunning?!

How to get there: When heading east, take a left toward Skaftafell (there is no sign for the waterfall). Take the road until you see a small parking lot on your right. If the road gets pretty rough, you’ve gone too far. From the parking lot, it is a 2.5 mile loop trail hike to get to the waterfall.

The hike is moderately easy – a bit uphill, but nothing too challenging. After about 10 minutes, you’ll see a waterfall that could trick you into thinking it’s the black waterfall, but keep going! You’ve still got about two-thirds of the way to go. 

But it’s worth it – the waterfall at the end of the trail is far more impressive than the first one you see. You should allow around 1-1.5 hours to hike these falls. 

Svínafellsjökull view point

Svínafellsjökull Glacier View Point

Just a few minutes drive east of Svartifoss is a sign that says Svinafellsjökull – yeah, that one’s a mouthful! We almost passed it by (actually we did, but then we turned around, and we were glad we didn’t miss it!). Take a left at this sign and in 2 km you’ll be at the foot of a massive glacier.

Note: The 2 km road there is gravel and has many potholes, so drive slowly and with caution. This road may be closed depending on the conditions. 

Hike up the rock on the side of the glacier for the best view.

Where to Stay: Spend the night at Svinafell Campground , a bare bones campground (no electricity hookups for RVs here) with a shared kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities. The campsite does offer indoor sleeping bag accommodations in dorm-style rooms. However, if you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a 4 star hotel in the area. 

Wherever you choose to make your accommodation for the night, you can leave your things here, or be sure to book 2 nights because you’ll be returning on the following evening.

Day 6: Hiking Glaciers, Canyons and Ice Beach

  • Day at a glance: Guided glacier hike tour, Múlagljúfur Canyon, Glacier Lagoon and Ice Beach

Glacier Hike

Iceland glacier hike

Being that the glaciers in Iceland are melting at unprecedented rates, taking the opportunity to do a glacier hike was one of the top things we were looking forward to on our second trip. 

Hiking on a glacier in Iceland 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. 

After doing a bit of research, we decided to go for the 5 hour glacier hike instead of the 3 hour tour because there is so much we’d miss with the shorter option. We went with the Skaftafell 5-Hour Adventure Glacier Hike by Troll Expeditions. 

Things to Do in Iceland | Two Wandering Soles

The experience was a bit of a splurge at 15,500 ISK (~$120 USD) per person, but totally worth it in our opinions. We traversed a pretty large section of the glacier and saw some pretty incredible things. We even got (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.

To save yourself time, consider doing the Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike combination tour in lieu of the glacier hike we mentioned above. 

Hofskirkja Church Iceland

After your morning glacier hike, you’ll get back on Ring Road heading east towards Hof. Your first stop is Hofskirkja, an old grass-covered church. 

What’s so exciting about a grass-covered church you ask?

Well Hofskirkja just so happens to be the last turf church ever built in Iceland. The construction of turf buildings is a trend from Scandinavia that took hold in Iceland in the 1800s. With the scarcity of lumber to be used as a building material, Icelanders resorted to the creative use of sod. 

Make a quick pit-stop on your road trip to visit this historic property and snap a few photos while you’re there. 

Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike

Múlagljúfur Canyon Ring Road Iceland

Sometimes compared to the better-known Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon that you hiked yesterday, Múlagljúfur is equally as stunning and lush, but with less visitors. As a relatively hidden gem in southern Iceland, this 3.6 mile round trip trek is one of Iceland’s best day hikes . 

How to get there: Follow Ring Road east and take the turn off just 5 minutes before you reach Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Turn off onto the gravel road that’ll lead you to this parking area . There is not a lot of signage here, so it’s best to mark the location on Google Maps before you go. 

Park here and climb the small hill to your right to find the start of the trail. The hike includes about 1,200 ft of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to complete. During your hike you’ll see trail markers in different colors, all leading to Hangandifoss waterfall at the end of Múlagljúfur Canyon. 

Tip: Bring a drone if you have one. This place looks even better from the sky! 

Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Iceland

After your hike, make your way just 5 more minutes down Ring Road to the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. This ice beach and lagoon is one of the most unique places we’ve ever been. There are three stops here, and we recommend doing all three to get different views.

The first stop is right before the bridge on the left, and is less crowded. Be sure to walk down next to the lagoon to get up close to the ice chunks as they float by.

Across the street is a stop for the beach where the ice chunks wash up. It’s pretty fun watching the waves have their way with the ice. Walk down the beach to the right to find the bigger pieces of ice.

And the final stop, across the bridge at the lagoon, is the busiest and is where the tour buses park. From here, you can walk up a little hill for a nice view overlooking the lagoon. If you’re lucky, you can see families of seals swimming around the drifting ice.

Diamond Beach Iceland

If you have more time in Iceland, be sure to check out Fjallsarlon, Iceland’s other glacier lagoon .

Unfortunately, with only 7 days in Iceland, this is as far on Ring Road as you’ll have the time to venture (without being rushed). 

Tip: Park before the bridge on the southwest side. If you have clear weather and you have the time, try to also make a stop at the second glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón. But skip this one if you don’t have time. 

Where to stay: After this you’re going to make your way back towards where you came from on Ring Road and stay at the same accommodation as the night before.

Things to Do in Reykjavik Iceland | Two Wandering Soles

  • Day at a glance: Make your way back to Reykjavík, choose between the Blue Lagoon or exploring more of Reykjavík
  • Approximate Distance Covered: 325 km

Today is the day you’ll be heading back to Reykjavík to catch your flight out. The drive will take about 4.5 hours without traffic or stopping so you should plan for about a 5 hour travel day. 

Take this opportunity to make any stops along the way that you may have missed before because of the weather or timing. This could be another change to see the puffins if you didn’t get lucky the first go around. 

If you head out early enough and have the time before an evening or late-night flight, you’ll have two options to spend your afternoon: exploring the city or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon

Option 1: Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Iceland

If you want to chill after a long week of travel, head straight to the Blue Lagoon (it’s pretty close to the airport anyway if you want to squeeze in a dip before your flight out).  

Undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the entire country, the Blue Lagoon is best known for its milky blue waters. Surrounded by lava stones, this popular hot spring makes an excellent last stop before getting on a long flight. Plus, with a complimentary beverage (prosecco, please!) and silica face mask, you’ll feel totally pampered soaking here.

Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake

Seltún Geothermal Area Iceland

If you have more time, we highly recommend checking out the Seltún Geothermal Area and Kleifarvatn Lake. 

Right off Highway 42 on Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, Seltún Geothermal Area. It’s another place that’s similar to Geysir, but with a much stronger smell of sulfur. There are many hot pools of bubbling water and mud on either side of a wooden walkway.

It’s a small area but worth a stop for 10 minutes. As you drive north on Highway 42, you’ll pass by the stunning Kleifarvatn Lake with its multicolored rocky banks. Then head straight to the airport or back to Reykjavík if you have one more night in town. 

Option 2: Explore more of Reykjavík

Reykjavik Iceland view from Hallgrimskirkja Church

If you’re not done exploring, or want to extend your trip by a few days, there are plenty of things to do in the capital city of Reykjavík . Here are just a few ideas:

  • Have dinner in the new harbor 
  • Take in the view at the top of the bell tower of the church
  • Join a free walking tour
  • Go to a public hot pool and mingle with locals
  • Indulge on a food tour

Where to stay: In the northeastern part of the city is Reykjavík Campsite located on the street called Sundlaugavegur. This is the best campsite we stayed at in all of Iceland, but it’s also the most expensive.

It was 2100 Icelandic Krona ($18.20 USD) per person per night. But it did include free WiFi, bathrooms, hot showers, dishwashing stations, an indoor kitchen, a game room, grills and laundry machines (for an extra charge).

If you’re looking for more options, check out the “ Where to Stay ” section of our Reykjavík guide for hotels, Airbnbs and hostel recommendations.

Driving Ring Road Iceland

Truthfully, we think this is the perfect 7-day Iceland itinerary for your first trip and we wouldn’t change a thing! You’ll see so much in less than a week, but also have time to relax and soak up the beauty without being rushed.

If you are lucky and have some extra time, or if your trip is shorter, we have some suggestions for things you could add or cut from your Iceland itinerary:

If you have more than 7 days:  

  • You may have time to do the entire Ring Road circuit. There are lots of places in the north of the country that we are excited to show you!
  • We’ve also heard great things about the Highlands (though you’ll need a 4X4 to get there) as well as the Western Fjords. 

If you have less than 7 days: 

  • We would suggest cutting Day 1 from this Iceland itinerary and start your trip heading south from Reykjavík (Day #2 on this itinerary). 
  • You can also cut out whatever sights don’t appeal to you as much on this itinerary to fit your time restraints!

Road trip tips for Iceland

Driving Ring Road Iceland

Driving in Iceland may be a bit different than what you’re used to so we’re going over our top tips for making your Iceland road trip as smooth and care-free as possible. 

  • Gas in Iceland is expensive. Use an app like Bensin to locate nearby gas stations and compare current gas prices. Check if your car or campervan rental company offers special discounts at specific gas stations. 
  • Don’t let your tank get emptied. This should go without saying, but the last thing you want to do on your Iceland road trip is run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. There are long stretches of road in Iceland without anything around, so be sure you’re keeping an eye on your gas gauge and filling up often. 
  • Watch your speed. Of course this is for your personal safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. But there are also speed traps set up around the country (mostly around Reykjavík) to catch drivers over the speed limit and slap them with a hefty fine.
  • Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. The weather in Iceland is notoriously fickle and can turn on a dime from sunshine and blue skies to wind, rain or even snow. Be prepared for strong winds on the open roads and exercise caution particularly when opening your car doors in the wind. 
  • Know what to do at a single-lane bridge crossing. Ring Road has quite a few single-lane bridges, and there’s a good chance you might wind up at one at the same time as another car. The rule of thumb is the car that’s closest to the bridge will have the right of way while the other waits for them to cross.
  • Watch out for sheep! Self-explanatory…
  • Know the limits of your vehicle. If you’re renting a regular 2-wheel-drive vehicle, there are some roads you cannot drive on. And I’m not just saying you shouldn’t drive on them. You literally CAN’T because a) it’s illegal, and b) your car will not make it. This rule applies to all “F-roads” – similar to fire roads in the US.
  • Don’t ever drive off the road. It is illegal to go “off roading” in Iceland. Be a responsible traveler , and stick to the roads!
  • Understand roundabouts in Iceland. There are tons of roundabouts in Iceland, especially around Reykjavík, and they can be confusing to navigate. Just remember, when you’re driving a 2-lane roundabout, the inner lane has the right of way. 
  • Drive with your headlights on at all times. This is the law in Iceland and it’s meant to keep you safe in the occurrence of heavy fog. 

For more tips and plenty of insider information, check out our guide to renting a car in Iceland . 

What to pack for your 7-day Iceland itinerary

Here are some items we’d recommend packing specifically for traveling in Iceland. 

  • Lots of layers
  • Quick-dry sports clothing
  • Rain gear such as waterproof hiking pants and a heavy-duty rain jacket
  • Decent hiking boots
  • Swimsuit (for hot springs!)
  • Packable down jacket
  • Winter hat and gloves (even if you are visiting in the summer months!)

Organization: 

  • Packing cubes : an essential for keeping your stuff organized
  • Hanging toiletry organizer : makes it easy to hang in public restrooms at campgrounds and keeps your toiletries organized
  • Dry bag : essential for keeping valuables dry in Iceland’s wet climate
  • Reusable grocery bag: for grocery shopping and organization 
  • Reusable baggies : come in super handy for snacks and storing small items
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Hand sanitizer ( this one is our favorite! )
  • Snacks: dried fruit, nuts, protein bars (it’s hard to find these kinds of things in Iceland grocery stores )
  • Eye mask: especially helpful during the summer months where the sun sets very late
  • Travel pillow: good to have just in case you don’t love the ones provided (or so you can have more pillows for sitting up in the bed)
  • Headlamp : nice for midnight runs to the toilet if you’re camping
  • Portable charger : good for charging your devices on the road
  • Car Inverter : Your campervan will likely have USB outlets for charging devices like your phone. But if you need to charge larger devices like a laptop or drone, this car inverter will come in clutch. And yes, you can fly with it!
  • Portable jumper cables (optional): This tiny little device has a power pack that effectively jumps your vehicle (without another car). Our campervan battery died in the middle of nowhere during a torrential rainstorm, and it took us hitchhiking to a nearby farm to find jumper cables. We wished we would have had one of these (in fact, we bought one as soon as we got home!).

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Iceland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Italy trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

Iceland packing list

FAQs about planning your Iceland itinerary

We’ve got answers to some of your most common questions about planning your Iceland itinerary.

How many days in Iceland is enough?

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. 

Waterfall Circle Iceland

Can you do Iceland in 1 week?

If you are really pressed on time, yes, you can see Iceland in just one week . We’d recommend sticking to just Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the southern coast to Vik so you don’t over extend yourself.

Is 3 days enough in Reykjavik?

You could spend as little as 1 day in Reykjavik and see a majority of the main sites and landmarks around downtown. In fact, many people visit Reykjavik during a stopover so you won’t be disappointed even if you’re working on a time crunch. 

Two to three days will give you more time to explore outside of downtown and many of the fun things to do in Reykjavik .

More than three days will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city, join a guided tour, and even make a day trip to the South Coast.

Iceland Volcano

Do I need a car in 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. 

We’ve traveled Iceland in both a rental car and in a campervan and highly recommend both, depending on your preferred travel style.

  • Read about our experience and tips for renting a car in Iceland
  • Find out the best campervan rentals in Iceland (including a discount code for you!)
  • Plan your Iceland road trip with our insider tips and advice

Is it better to drive or take tours in Iceland?

In our opinion, self-driving is without a doubt the best way to go. Driving yourself will allow you to go at your own place and stop at places along the way if you want. It also lets you customize your route to be exactly what  you  want to see. 

However, if the thought of self-driving is too overwhelming to you, know that there are many companies that offer organized tours around Iceland.

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.

  • Best Time to Visit Iceland: When to Go & When to Avoid
  • Iceland Trip Costs + Surprising Budget Tips
  • Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Exclusive Discount)
  • Absolute Best Things to Do in Iceland

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7 day Iceland Itinerary | Two Wandering Soles

We want to hear from you!

What do you think of this 7 day Iceland itinerary? What would you add or skip? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

Comments (63) on “ Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary ”

I seen you rented the camper van but you mentioned “pitching a tent” Did you have a tent with the camper van or was this an extension added on to the camper van? I would love to do the Happy Camper but there are 3 of us.

I was interested in if we have an extra day what you would think to add? We also can’t do the glacier hike because we will have a baby with us, do you have any other ideas for that time frame? Also do you guys by chance have this itinerary in a PDF form so I could print it out? Thanks and the information was great we cant wait to get there in two weeks!

We are hoping – covid permitting! – to visit Iceland in May 2023 and I’ve really been inspired by reading your comprehensive blog! We are going to hire a campervan so will definitely give Happy Campers a go. Thank you for this great guide.

Great blog, great photos. Thank you for sharing. We did 13 days in Iceland in the beginning of June (it never got dark)… it was phenomenal, Can’t wait to go back. There is just so much to see and do. We drove the ring road and saw most of your highlights and much more (Volcano). We missed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and glacier beach due to rain. For those who enjoy nature, hot springs, waterfalls, and more waterfalls. Iceland is the place to go. …..and you can drink out of the stream. Tanks for sharing!!!!

I am trying to decide when to book our Iceland honeymoon! I was thinking December (for cheaper prices and chances to see northern lights) or September (for increased chances to see northern lights and have not as cold of weather). Honestly, I don’t mind cold weather. I just want to experience the most of Iceland I can (I def plan on doing another trip during Iceland summertime in the future). We are renting a camper van. Would you recommend Sept or Dec of this year to go? What month did you guys go? Thanks!

I am planning a 10 day trip to Iceland in January 2022. So we are prepared for cold weather. That is something we are excited to have. What we are curious about is should we do day out tours from Reykjavik where we leave and return to Reykjavik every day or should we go out for 2-3 day tours, meaning stay out and don’t go back to Reykjavik each night and stay. We know we have limited day time hours and want to make the most of our trip. And can we visit the North at all during Jan time frame? Thanks.

I wanted to go to Iceland this year to gather travel information and pictures for my website about waterfalls

I have listed 200 waterfalls in Iceland on my website and there are so many outstanding waterfalls that it is difficult to choose which one to visit and where other hotspots are. Then the information, like on your website, is very helpful (for next year)…

Nice article:)

Thanks for sharing this nice post. Iceland is throughout the entire year prime travel goal for tourists. Summer is the most specific time, however, different seasons are extraordinary as well on the off chance that you need to see Northern Lights, fall foliage and exploit lower costs and fewer groups. One of my friends had visited there with the help of Discover Iceland who helped them t the time of trip.

Thanks for sharing such an informative blog. The tips shared is really helpful to get to know about various things about iceland trip.

HI! Great info! I was wondering what month you traveled to Iceland? We are debating on going in Summer or in November…really want to explore an Ice Cave with our child…

I have done camping twice this year. It was really amazing experience. Everyone should try at least once in a lifetime.

This is great!! Amazing itinerary. Love the local hot spring idea! We did the camper van experience and loved it! Thank you for the ideas for our next Iceland adventure.

Amazing itinerary! My sister and I are planning on going to Iceland for 10 days and aren’t sure we can handle camping out every night. Do you happen to know if it is easy to find hotels or Airbnb’s in all of these areas?

Thank you for sharing! We are going in May 2020 and this looks so amazing ;o)

This road trip looks amazing! When I was there, the weather sadly was not good. I hope to have a do over in Iceland one day. I really would love to see a puffin colony!

Great itinerary. We had 18 days in Iceland and just can’t believe how stunning the country is.

OMG, my husband is Filipino and I would love to bring him to this kind of country. Iceland looks beautiful, these views are amazing! Ice beach is stunning, it is definitely on my bucket list.

thanks for the informative posts. the photos are so beautiful, what camera gear did you use for the trip? i don’t have a DSLR 🙁

Hello Katie and Ben. Thank you for this wonderful blog on Iceland. We have purchased tickets to Iceland in June 2019 (9-19th) and your itin has definitely helped in permeating our travel route as well. We will have 8 full days (plus 2 arrival and departure days), hence will include a few more stops. Reading ur blog, we are excited to do camping too! Will it be ok, I mean weather wise, to camp in June? Will it be very cold? I understand that it will be the midnight sun season, so I think its less cold, right? We appreciate any travel tips. Thank you.

Hey Rohizani, Iceland in June is supposed to be really nice. It’s one of the least rainy months of the year but it will be an average temp of 45-50 degrees. It can spike up to 50-60 degrees though, it all depends.

What an amazing and fascinating place to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely visit one day. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post. John

Hey Katie and Ben,

Thank you so much. I am going to Iceland in August (three weeks from now) and your itinerary has saved my life! I was feeling so overwhelmed with how to plan a trip due to confusing names. I do have a few questions.

I am taking a camper van, do I need permits for parking? I have 8 days in Iceland. I have never driven in another country before, do you have any tips to be safe?

Again, Thank you so much for this blog, saved me allot of trouble. -Meagan

Hi Meagan, Sounds like you have a great trip planned. You do not need a permit to park in Iceland, however if you do stay at any campsites you will have to pay for those when you arrive. Driving in Iceland is fairly easy since most of the time you will be on open road. Familiarize yourself with the types of street sign you’ll see and have a plan of where you will be traveling so you won’t get lost (though it’s pretty hard to in Iceland, everything is pretty well marked).

Hi guys, Thanks for your detailed 6 day itinerary! This is very helpful. We are thinking of going to Iceland late August in to September for five days. We are not sure whether to get a Happy Camper or just rent a car and camp like you guys did. I’m assuming campervan’s are allowed at the campsites, correct? Also, which would you recommend, Campervan or camping? Any suggestions for places we can rent a car?

Hey Kaupy, first off, yes campervans are allowed at campsites, and campsites are mostly filled with them. To answer which one is better, it really depends on what type of experience you would like to have while in Iceland. Honestly we had a great time camping. But it may not be for you. We had to set up our tent every night and take it down every morning. We cooked in the ground and slept on the ground. After having a campervan around the Western US last summer, we really loved the van life too! However, I might be a tad bit more expensive than camping, but it is a one-stop shop with Happy Camper.

When we rented a car, we went with SadCars, but it doesn’t hurt to check RentalCars.com ( https://bit.ly/2mAQhlA )

Hi guys, just found your blog and so happy I did! We are going in Iceland late October, do you think there are still campsites open? Also, did you travel with any money at all or just credit cards? Thank you

Hey Melodie, so happy you found us too!

You’re going to have an amazing time in Iceland (we’re itching to get back soon!). I have heard that campsites start closing down in September. There might still be some open, or perhaps there will be some public areas you can camp as well, but a better option might be to rent a campervan since October can be verrrry cold. And if it’s a self-contained campervan you can park anywhere you’d like. Most of the ones in Iceland are winterized, so you should be fine in October.

We’d recommend Happy Campers because we’ve heard amazing things about their vehicles and customer service.

We wrote an entire article about campervan rentals in Iceland and even include a Happy Campers discount code here: https://www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/iceland-campervan-rental

If you have any other questions about Iceland, don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

Thank you for putting this guide together and sharing it. Just got back from Iceland and followed Day 2-6 of your guide. It was perfect. One update to make … Svinafellsjökull Glacier … if you don’t have a 4X2 and 4X4 … SUV type vehicle don’t try it. I had a KIA hatchback and made it out barely alive and fingers crossed my car rental was not damaged.

Hey Singh! Thanks for following our Iceland Itinerary! Glad you liked it! And thanks for the update. Gravel roads are tricky to drive on and they constantly change. We made the drive in our small sedan when we visited, but the road conditions may have changed. Thanks!

Katie, I just traveled to Iceland last week, and followed your itinerary almost exclusively fro the 6 days I was there. You did a fantastic job creating this plan, as a solo traveler I felt safe and well informed based on all of the information you provided here as well as the other page about traveling to Iceland on a budget. Thank you for all of the work you put into this and for making it available for other tourists! I am going to recommend this itinerary to all of my friends visiting Iceland in the future.

One update I have is that they have put a fresh layer of gravel on the road to the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. The last 1/8 mile and the parking lot are still pretty rough but other than that it was good as new. The prices for some of the campgrounds have also slightly increased.

Thanks for making my trip planning a breeze and for all of the helpful tips and directions you included. I plan on continuing to follow your blog and use some of your other itineraries as well!

Peace from the Northwoods, Hannah

Hey Hannah, thanks so much for taking the time to write this comment. It is messages like yours that keep us doing what we do! (And you really just made our day!)

We are so happy you enjoyed Iceland and that our tips were helpful! And thank you for the updates. It’s always a bit tricky to keep up with changes like that, so that will help us keep this article as up to date as possible!

Thanks again for the kind words. We appreciate it more than you know! Keep in touch, we’d love to hear about your future travels!!

xx Katie and Ben

We just took a week and followed this entire itinerary, minus the last day. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Every recommendation was spot on and your directions and details were incredibly helpful. Couldn’t recommend this route more, it was a fantastic trip!!

Aww Teejay thank you so much for you kind words! This message just made our day! Glad you liked the Iceland Itinerary.

Thank you for this great resource. Don’t know if I missed it but can you give a breakdown of the drive times for each day and total for the 6 days? How many hours did you spend driving?

Hey Olivia, not sure the exact drive times, I think Google Maps could give you a good idea of how long it takes each day. But I remember our longest day, we were in the car for about 5 hours, just driving, not including stops. Hope that helps, check out the map in the article for reference.

Katie, Is there any way you can add a map to show us your route? You week’s plans are incredible – and while I am trying to wrap my head around it and manipulate it for my own family – I’d love to see where you went and how easy it would be to add additional days using your trip….

Many thanks! Julia Michel

Hi Julia, this is a great idea. I’ve just updated the article with a map of where we traveled in Iceland. If you have any specific questions, just ask below and we can get back to you.

A map of your route would have been terrific addition to the write-up!

Hi Miroo. Article Updated: The map is in the article now. When are you planning on going to Iceland?

Hi! I really loved reading you article. Always good to see someone loving Iceland as much as we do. Do you have any plans of going back there anytime soon? We wrote a post with 13 tricks for a visit. Would love to hear if you find them useful?

We would love to go back, but as of now we don’t have any plans to travel to Iceland any time soon. Thanks for your tips.

Hello! I’m planning on a trip to December and your itinerary is so detailed and I’m inlove with it but the thing with my upcoming trip is – limited day light. Do you think we can still go from one place to the other with the limited daylight that we will be experiencing? I was also planning on staying at Vik and Reykjavik.

Hi Rochelle, That’s a great question. We didn’t run into any daylight trouble because we were there in August. But I would imagine you could see all the things ini this itinerary even in December. Day 1 might be a little tight depending on when you land and the long car travel day. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hello! Such a useful blog! Thank you! I’m travelling over to Iceland in October to celebrate my birthday 🙂 and have spent many hours researching suggested itineraries, rentals, accommodation etc. I’m assuming I won’t be able to camp (apparently most camp sites will be closed in Oct) so it will be hostels/guest houses for us. Anyway – my question to you – did you manage to access the sites of interest (waterfalls etc) for free or do they charge entrance fee’s? Just working out my budget! Hope you are having fun wherever you are now!! Michelle

Thanks for reaching out to us. An Iceland birthday trip sounds amazing! You’ll love it. All of the natural sites in Iceland (waterfalls, glacier lagoon, geothermal sites, black sand beaches, etc.) are all free and open to everyone, which is super nice because most everything else in Iceland has a high price tag. If you are looking for ways to make your trip more budget friendly, we would recommend skipping the touristy Blue Lagoon. We ended up not going because it was too expensive and we thought we would be going just to say we had been there. As an alternative, there is a free hot spring near the Skógafoss Falls. It used to be a local swimming pool to teach sailors how to swim (which apparently not many back in the day knew how to keep afloat). We describe how to get to the swimming pool hot spring in this post.

I am so happy I stumbled across your blog, I am so keen to visit Iceland, and especially to camp there! How much did you budget/spend all in to visit |celand? I am trying to get a sense of how much we should save.

Hey Megan, So glad you found us 🙂 Great question! We actually broke down all the costs from accommodation to food to entertainment in another article, so you can get a really good idea of how much it will cost.

You could definitely spend more, or you could probably do it a little cheaper, but this should give you a good starting point. Hope this helps!

Your post just saved my brain! I’m so happy I found this. Did you use 4×4 or ever feel like you should have rented a 4×4?

Hey Ashley, so glad you found us! We just had a little front wheel drive and it did really well. I will say that if you are going to the northern part of the country or in some of the highlands, a 4×4 would be the way to go. But if you do a similar itinerary to us, a little car is just fine! Happy planning! (And let us know if you have any other questions!)

Hey! My husband and I are planning a car camping trip to Iceland in late August- we’re trying to figure out if campsites need reservations or if it is a first come first serve situation. Would you guys know? Your trip looked amazing by the way-thanks for the great info! Linda

Hi Linda, that’ll be such a great trip! We didn’t reserve any campsites at all, and there were always spots. We were there in mid to late August, for reference. I didn’t run into anyone who did actually make reservations, so you should be fine without them. Just an FYI: the campsites are much different than in the US – they are mostly just grassy areas where everyone camps, and then depending on the campground there might be places to cook your food, bathrooms, etc. (But not individual sites, per se). Have lots of fun!

Do you guys have a map of your itinerary to help display the geography of your route?

Hi Jennifer, we actually don’t have a map, but that is something I am looking into adding now. Thanks for the idea.

We typically use Google Maps when in a different country to figure out where we are going. If you input all the cities/landmarks into Google Maps , you’ll be able to plot the itinerary easily. Hope this helps!

i could almost do the trip, but im afraid you have a bit too much driving for my taste, we will be with a child. if you had to cut either Snaefellsnes Peninsulaia in the beginning or black water fall and glacier (to avoid the back peddling), which would you cut?

Hey Chris, I think you’re completely right – it’s a good idea to limit the amount of driving since you’re traveling with a child. And we’re always under the belief that slow travel is better than trying to fit too much in.

To answer your question: We’d recommend cutting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and simply head east. The glacier lagoon/ice beach is just something you have to see (if you have the time, of course!). I hope this suggestion helps. Best of luck!

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your travels & this great information 🙂 how much were the campsites? Did you need to book the sites ahead of time?

Hey great question, the price actually varies quite a bit – some are free and the most expensive one we stayed at was $21 a piece just outside of Rekjavik. We didn’t book any in advance – just saw how far we were able to get each day, and it really didn’t seem like you’d need to book in advance. The only one that was pretty full and might have the possibility of filling up during busy times was in Rekjavik, but if it had been full there would have been plenty of other campgrounds not too far away. I’m glad the information has been helpful! Have a great time in Iceland, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any more questions.

You’ll love it there! Have lots of fun 🙂

thanks for the great itinerary! I’m looking forward to my trip the end of April!

We’re jealous you’re going to Iceland so soon! Have an amazing time!

Thanks! This looks awesome. My husband and I are going for a week for our 20th anniversary in June. My question: did you guys get the camping card? Was it worth it for just a week? Thanks!

Hi Juliet, congratulations on 20 years! That is certainly something to celebrate and Iceland will be a perfect anniversary for you two!

That is a great question. We didn’t get the camping card. I think it can be a real money-saver, but with a week in Iceland, I don’t think it would be worth it. It’s not necessarily a bad idea, I just don’t think it would save you enough money to be worthwhile, and it would limit where you can stay.

There are plenty of privately-owned or city-owned campgrounds all around the place that are not included on the card. Some are more expensive and some are very cheap – they range in price quite a bit, especially with what type of facilities they have. If you have the card though, you’d be more limited with where you can stay. You’ll have to be sure you plan out exactly where you’re going to camp instead of seeing how far you get and finding a campground nearby. For example, we’ve heard that between Vik and Egilstadir (which are 6 hours apart!) there’s no campsite that’s valid with the camping card.

With a week in Iceland, I don’t think the camping card would actually save you all that much money, so I would opt against it. That way, you will have more flexibility, and if a campground doesn’t look all that nice you can just move onto the next one without being locked in. If someone was going for an extended amount of time, it might make a bigger difference savings-wise. I hope this helps. Happy planning and happy early 20th anniversary! I hope to one day be taking a similar trip for our twentieth 🙂

Awesome itinerary guys! Your pictures are absolutely stunning. We visited in late October and the skies weren’t nearly as clear. Next time we’ll be sure to visit in August.

Thanks Katherine. We did have great weather in August, but I want to go back sometime in the fall. I’ve seen pictures of the leaves turning colors and it looks amazing!

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EUROPE , ICELAND · July 15, 2020 Last Updated on December 19, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

How Long To Spend In Iceland

2-3 days in iceland.

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

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

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

5-7 Days In Iceland

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

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

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

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

10-14 Days In Iceland

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

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

Best Time For Planning A Trip To Iceland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How To Get Around Iceland

Public transport.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Tips For Driving Around Iceland:

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

Group Tours

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

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

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

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

Packing For A Trip To Iceland

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

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

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

Tips For Packing For Iceland In Winter

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

Tips For Packing For Iceland In Summer

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

Booking Accommodation In Iceland

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

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

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

Additional Tips For Booking Accommodation In Iceland:

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

How Much Is A Trip To Iceland Going To Cost?

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

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

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

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

Best Things To Do In Iceland

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

1) Chasing Waterfalls

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

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

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

2) Hallgrimskirkja Church

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

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

3) Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

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

4) See The Northern Lights

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

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

5) Hike To The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

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

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

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

6) Descend Into An Ice-Cave

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

7) Reynisfjara Black Beach

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

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

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

8) Snorkeling Or Diving In Silfra Fissure

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

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

9) See The Puffins

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

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

10) The Blue Lagoon

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

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

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

Planning An Iceland Trip Wrap Up

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

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

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

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

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

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Read More About Iceland

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

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Stella Wilson says

July 22, 2020 at 9:13 pm

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

Hayley says

July 23, 2020 at 2:23 am

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

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These Are the Best Times to Visit Iceland

Here are the best times to visit Iceland for ideal weather, fewer crowds, and more.

iceland trip length

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

iceland trip length

Over the last decade, Iceland has become one of Europe's "it" destinations thanks to its ethereal — and highly photogenic — landscapes featuring ancient glaciers and rugged fjords.

Before you book your flight to this popular island nation, you'll want to think about everything you want to see and do on your trip because the time of year can determine what's available. Some attractions, like Iceland's famous hot springs , are open all year, while natural phenomena like the northern lights and midnight sun are best viewed during specific months. Here's a breakdown of the tourist seasons in Iceland:

  • High Seasons:  June to August and late December
  • Shoulder Seasons:  September to October and May
  • Low Season:  November to April, excluding holidays

Read on to learn about the best time to visit Iceland for whale watching, northern lights spotting, and more.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Smaller Crowds

The busiest months in Iceland are June, July, and August, when most natural attractions are open and easily accessible. Iceland can stay relatively warm through the first week of October, so planning a September visit can be ideal since most crowds have thinned as children return to school. May, too, provides ample daylight for sightseeing, warmer temperatures, and fewer crowds.

The off-season between November and April is ideal for those looking to escape the hordes of tourists, as long as you don't mind the dark (by mid-winter, expect only five or six hours of daylight). Though some roads are closed, it's a glorious time to enjoy hot springs, backcountry skiing, and tours by snowmobile or jeep. You'll also have a better chance of spotting the northern lights. Tourism tends to pick up again during the holiday season, so avoid December if you're looking for a crowd-free vacation.

Courtesy of Visit Iceland

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Good Weather

During the summer months — July and August — the temperature in Iceland hovers around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular time to visit. And June, with its 24 hours of daylight, sees just about as many tourists as the peak of summer. But even during this season, rain and intense wind are not uncommon. The island's fickle climate often means you can experience all four seasons in a single day.

The weather remains pleasant in September, with temperatures between 43 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. May is similar, but if you're keen on exploring some of the more remote hills and fjords, it might not be the best time to visit, as some roads remain closed while they thaw from winter's snowy cover. For serious hikers, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer, when all the mountain roads and famous trails are open and accessible.

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Lower Prices

Getting to Iceland can be relatively affordable, especially compared to other European destinations. Travelers from the United States and Europe frequently find flight deals — keep an eye out for sales on Icelandair and low-cost airline Play to save even more on your journey.

Accommodations, tours, attractions, and meals can be pretty pricey throughout the year, but you might be able to save money by visiting during the off-season, which is typically late fall through early spring, excluding December. Summer is usually the most crowded and expensive time to visit.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights

You'll need three essential factors to see the aurora borealis: darkness, clear conditions, and a surge in solar activity. The northern lights are often elusive and can easily be marred by transient clouds. To avoid disappointment, travelers should never plan their trip to Iceland solely for the northern lights because the island's weather is too capricious (statistically, there are more clear nights in Yellowknife, Canada , for example.) The best way to optimize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland is by visiting from mid-October through March, when you have extended hours of darkness, and by getting out into the countryside to reduce ambient light pollution.

Best Time to Visit Iceland for Whale Watching

According to Icelandic marine biologist Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir, the peak months to go whale watching in Iceland are June and July. During the summer, Reykjavík sees higher numbers of minke whales and dolphins, while orcas congregate in West Iceland along the Snaefellsnes peninsula during the first half of the year.

In northern Iceland, you'll have a wider window to enjoy visits from humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins, which ply the Atlantic from May to August; a few humpbacks even stick around until the end of the year. Blue whales pass through in the summer, too. For best results, head to the charming small town of Húsavík , where you can spot more than 20 species of whales on boat tours that leave from the harbor.

Best Time to Visit Iceland's Hot Springs

Hot springs are intrinsic to Icelandic culture for social as well as wellness benefits. Reykjavík's public pools are open year-round (and are especially invigorating during the dead of winter), but Iceland also has hundreds of hidden "hot pots" that tap directly into the geothermal activity under its lava-ridden surface.

Expert Icelandic mountaineer and cofounder of Midgard Adventure , Sigurdur Bjarni Sveinsson, offers the following advice for hot water hunters: "Check them out during September or, even better, the first half of October, when they're all still accessible by mountain road, but the crowds of tourists have significantly died down."

For travelers who want to visit the Blue Lagoon , the most famous geothermal spa, the best time to visit is during the off and shoulder seasons, when crowds are thinner.

Worst Time to Visit Iceland

Thanks to Iceland's stunning landscapes and seasonal natural phenomena, there's really no bad time to visit. Northern lights seekers flock to the country during the darker winter months, while visitors chasing more daylight opt for summer. Of course, those traveling in the spring and fall can take advantage of more moderate weather and daylight, so the best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see and do during your trip.

That said, the warmest months of the year are easily the worst time to visit if you're hoping to avoid the onslaught of tourists. July and August see the highest number of travelers, with big-ticket attractions like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Coast, and Jökulsárlón being particularly overrun. If you're planning to visit during that time, consider exploring more remote corners of the island like the Westfjords or East Iceland, which have their own cache of fjords, vistas, and waterfalls that are just as impressive as the natural attractions surrounding the capital — if not more.

  • Good to know

How Long Do You Need in Iceland?

7 minute read

ITo Author Bio Catherine Transparent BG.png

By Catherine Allan

Mountains and a coastal road in Iceland

You’re coming for the glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and outdoor thrills. Not to mention the wildlife-watching in summer and Northern Lights-hunting in winter. There’s a lot to do in the Land of Fire and Ice. But how long do you need in Iceland to fit it all in?

Of course, the longer you stay, the more time you’ll have for adventure and excitement. But if you only have a long weekend, that’s enough to get a taste of Iceland (and whet your appetite for a longer visit!).

In this guide, discover how long to visit Iceland for, depending on what you want to get up to. Read on for suggestions on where to go and how much time to spend in each region. But these are only minimum guides, because ultimately you can stay as long as you like!

  • Ready to travel? Check out these last-minute trips to Iceland .

Reykjavík skyline with mountains in the background, Iceland

Around Reykjavík in 3 days 

As Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík is the cultural heart of the nation. No matter how long you’re staying in Iceland, you’ll likely start and end your trip here. And if you’ve only got a weekend, this is the place to be.

That said, to get the most out of your short break, allow at least 3 days. This way, you’ll be able to see some of the natural wonders around Reykjavík, while also getting a feel for the city.

The best way to spend a day exploring Reykjavík? Stroll around the harbor, dive into downtown’s food scene, and check out some of the city’s architectural wonders, such as Hallgrímskirkja .

A visit to one of Iceland’s renowned spas is also a must. A soak in one of these is the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The Blue Lagoon , with its warm mineral-rich waters, is the most famous. What’s more, its location between Keflavik Airport and the capital make it an easy addition to your trip.

  • Get inspired by these multi-day tours from Reykjavík .
  • Related: Your ultimate guide to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland .

A woman with sunglasses swims in the Seljavallalaug pool in South Iceland

As well as spending time in Reykjavík, 3 days will let you take an excursion or two into the surrounding countryside. For instance, check out the popular Golden Circle route, and you’ll see three of Iceland’s top attractions in a single day.

These include Þingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of Iceland’s ancient parliament . You’ll also witness the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and active geysers at the Geysir geothermal area.

If you have time for another day trip, venture along Iceland’s beautiful south coast where you’ll glimpse breathtaking waterfalls and black sand beaches. In summer, you could go on a puffin- or whale-watching boat tour from the Reykjanes peninsula. Or, travel in winter, and you could chase magical displays of the Northern Lights.

  • Find out how many days you need in Iceland in winter .
  • Related: 10 must-see attractions close to Reykjavík .

northern-lights-jeep-jonatan-pie.jpg.webp

South Iceland in 4 days

Extend your trip to 4 days, and it’ll let you go further from Reykjavík to encounter more of the south coast.

This length of time is perfect for combining the capital with seeing the highlights of South Iceland . But it would be easy to spend longer here if you wanted to explore the region in more depth.

Begin your trip by uncovering Reykjavík’s cultural gems and checking out the must-see spots along the Golden Circle route.

With an entire day for the experience, you could add thrilling activities to your Golden Circle tour . Imagine delving into Raufarhólshellir cave, created by lava thousands of years ago, or zooming across a glacier on a guided snowmobile excursion.

The Strokkur geyser erupting in winter against a sunset

Then, spend your remaining 2 days traveling the length of the rugged south coast. Here, you’ll find many of the glacial and volcanic wonders that give Iceland its nickname – the Land of Fire and Ice.

For instance, there’s Jökulsárlón , an iceberg-strewn glacier lagoon. And Vatnajökull National Park , which is home to volcanoes, geothermal springs, and one of the largest ice caps in Europe.

Over your 4-day getaway, base yourself in Reykjavík and take day tours out of the city. Or split your time between the capital and one of the charming villages along the south coast. Vík is a popular choice, and the striking black sand beach of Reynisfjara isn’t far away.

  • Adventure is waiting for you on an active tour of Iceland .
  • Related: Lava caves and ice caves in Iceland – Your guide .

Woman walking on Reynisfjara black sand beach in Iceland

South Iceland and Snæfellsnes peninsula in 5–6 days

Seeing Snæfellsnes, in combination with South Iceland, over 5 or 6 days means you can take a deep dive into these regions.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is often called 'Iceland in miniature'. When you get there, it’s not hard to see why. Here, you’ll uncover a world of epic mountains, dazzling glaciers, and dramatic coastlines dotted with picturesque fishing villages. This is a place worth visiting!

Spend a day touring Snæfellsnes and you’ll pass the iconic peak of Kirkjufell mountain as you journey along the peninsula’s scenic coastal road. Don’t miss the steep sea cliffs near Arnarstapi village and the black sands of Djúpalónssandur . And stop off at the basalt columns at Gerðuberg on your way back to Reykjavík.

A man standing below Kirkjufellsfoss

With this amount of time to experience southwest Iceland, why not also head to the Westman Islands , one of Iceland’s hidden gems? Come summer, this volcanic archipelago is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. Plus, there are hiking and whale-watching opportunities here.

Once you’re back on the mainland, you could marvel at astonishing waterfalls along the south coast. There’s Seljalandsfoss , the jaw-dropping plume you can walk behind, and Skógafoss, one of the biggest and most powerful waterfalls in Iceland .

  • Spark your wanderlust with these top 5-day itinerary ideas .
  • Related: Your complete guide to the Snæfellsnes peninsula .

A puffin on a cliff with its wings fanned

The Ring Road in 7–8 days

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, draws an enormous circle around most of the country. Stunning scenery and straightforward navigation make this the ultimate Icelandic road trip.

How long do you need? That depends on how far you want to travel in a day. Most road-trippers allow at least 7 days, as anything less can feel rushed. And there are plenty of mind-blowing sights to keep you busy, however long you want to take.

In fact, a Ring Road tour is one of the most popular ways to see Iceland. Start and end in Reykjavík, rent a car, and get ready to take in the very best of Iceland’s highlights.

Ariel view of a causeway in Iceland

After arriving in the capital, you could set out along the west coast, before heading north to Akureyri . On your way there, don’t miss the chance to check out Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls and marvel at the wild landscapes around Borgarfjörður . As you get close to Skagafjörður valley, look out for Icelandic horses roaming freely by the roadside.

Once you get to Akureyri, you’ll want around 2 days in Iceland’s north. From here, you can visit Lake Mývatn , Goðafoss (known as the ‘waterfall of the gods’), and Dimmuborgir ’s otherworldly volcanic landscape.

Then, drive south towards the wild Eastfjords. In this mountainous region, the road winds its way along the windswept coastline. You could stay the night around Höfn, before taking 2 days to travel back to Reykjavík along the south coast.

The beauty of a self-drive trip is the freedom it offers. You can stop whenever and wherever you like to explore the places that you’re drawn to the most. Plus, depending on the time of year, you could put a day aside to visit ice caves or go glacier hiking.

  • Discover the Ring Road on a summer or winter vacation in Iceland .
  • Related: Driving Iceland’s Ring Road – Ultimate guide .

Katlatrack Fast Track Ice Cave Tour

Iceland off the beaten path in 10 days or more

Fancy seeing parts of Iceland that few others go to? One of the best ways to do this is by adding detours to your Ring Road itinerary. If you want to explore Iceland to the fullest, just make sure to give yourself around 10-14 days, or even longer.

A tangle of deep fjords, golden beaches, and imposing sea cliffs, the Westfjords is one of these less-visited areas. This remote peninsula, which stretches out into the North Atlantic Ocean is one of the least inhabited regions of Europe.

In fact, you’ll find there’s fewer than one person per square kilometer here. Because of this, it’s a haven for Arctic foxes and is one of the top places to see puffins in Iceland .

white sand beach with blue waters between dark mountains

If you’re visiting Iceland in summer, you could also venture to the likes of Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic highlands. Another one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, it’s a land of surreal multi-coloured mountains, natural hot springs, and lava fields.

Both the Westfjords and the highlands are known for hiking trails that’ll take you through mind-boggling terrain. If you want to get off the beaten path, go camping or stay the night in a mountain hut.

While you can get a feel for both regions in a day each, know that access can be tricky. Particularly in the highlands where you’ll use unpaved tracks that require 4x4 vehicles. 

As a result, moving around can be a little slower than you might be used to. This means it’s best to budget more time than you think you might need.

  • Immerse yourself in nature on a camping vacation in Iceland .
  • Related: Top 10-day Iceland itineraries .

Hiker in Landmannalaugar, Iceland.jpg

Explore Iceland with Iceland Tours

How long to spend in Iceland? In short, that’s up to you. However much time you have – whether that’s a long weekend or over 2 weeks – Iceland will reward you.

When you’re planning how long to stay in Iceland, consider how you want to travel too. With Iceland Tours, you can choose your preferred way to get around.

For example, do you want to take the wheel and enjoy the freedom of going at your own pace? Then a self-drive trip to Iceland is for you. We’ll book everything for you, including car rental and accommodation, along with any activities.

If you’d rather let someone else drive, a guided group trip or private tour of Iceland would be a good choice. As well as driving, your guide will make your trip even more memorable by sharing their local knowledge with you along the way.

Alternatively, base yourself in Reykjavík and get to know the surrounding area on one of these multi-day packages . This is a great option if you want to stay in the city and with the chance to check out some of Iceland’s natural wonders on guided day tours.

No matter how you want to travel, choose Iceland Tours and we’ll take care of the planning for you. Check out these last-minute Iceland trips you can book today.

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About the author

Catherine became fascinated by Iceland when she studied geology at university. And while there’s plenty to captivate a self-confessed geology geek, there’s so much more to discover here. The wild landscapes, epic bathing spots, and laid-back culture are just some of her favorite things about Iceland. When she’s not writing about travel, you’ll probably find her rock climbing or planning her next adventure.

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Summer is the best time to take an Iceland road trip © Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

There’s no such thing as the perfect time to visit Iceland as the weather is notoriously whimsical and the best season for your trip depends entirely on what you want to experience.

Mid-summer is glorious with eternal daylight courtesy of the midnight sun. This is the time for hiking, camping and exploring the wilderness, and when most services are open. The down side is many destinations will be packed with tourists.

We've got all the information you need about the highs and lows of different seasons. Whenever you choose to visit Iceland, pay attention to forecasts and road conditions and follow any safety advice issued by Icelandic authorities . 

December to January is best for seeing the Northern Lights

Christmas lights brighten up the darkness and a festive spirit is in the air as the dark season nears its peak. Frost glitters and snow transforms landscapes into winter wonderlands. Christmas markets are held in Heiðmörk outside Reykjavík, in Hafnarfjörður and on Ingólfstorg square in Reykjavík, which has the added bonus of an ice rink. If conditions are right, the first ski resorts open up.

The sparse daylight means that you have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, especially outside populated areas where there is less light pollution (find a Northern Lights forecast here ). Joining tours is advisable. While it is possible to drive yourself, road conditions are often slippery and snowstorms are common.

Festivals worth checking out in winter include Dark Music Days and þorrablót mid-winter feasts, celebrated around the country. For the brave, restaurants often serve special þorri food.

People bath in a blue geothermal pool.

February to March is the best time for snow sports and hot springs

It’s still dark and cold so communities brighten up the darkness with events like the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík and List í ljósi festival in Seyðisfjörður in the East. In narrow fjords in the Eastfjords and Westfjords, inhabitants celebrate the return of the sun with sólarkaffi and have pancakes. Snow sports become more enjoyable as daylight gradually returns.

Spring is an abstract concept in Iceland as the weather doesn’t always play along. It can still be cold and snowy, but the days get longer and the sun sometimes shines on skiers – this is often the best time for snow sports. The first of the migrant birds arrive and slowly but surely, nature springs back to life. Around Easter, events like Easter egg hunts are a fun family activity. In Ísafjörður, the Aldrei fór ég suður music festival is held and Ski Week  is around the same time.

A Humpback Whale dives off the northern coast of Iceland

April to May is the best time for off-peak travel

While the weather is still unreliable, temperatures gradually rise. The first flowers blossom and trees bud. Migrant birds arrive in flocks and lambs and foals are born. Migrant whales have also returned and with better weather, whale watching is more enjoyable. The bird-watching season begins, although some areas may be closed due to nesting.

There are relatively few tourists around and if conditions are good, this can be a good time for a  road trip . Look out for off-season discounts on accommodation and activities. However, not all tours and services have opened up yet.

The first Thursday after April 18th is the official First Day of Summer in Iceland, which is celebrated with parades and events around the country – even though the weather rarely plays along.

Woman kayaking in Iceland with a smile on her face

June to August is the best time for outdoor recreation

While there’s no good weather guarantee, this is your best chance of sun and warmish temperatures. Late June to early August is when most Icelanders go on vacation, filling up campgrounds wherever the best weather is forecast. This is the height of the tourist season – and height of the whale-watching season – so whatever you have planned, it’s best to book ahead.

Expect crowds at the most popular destinations, like on the South Coast and the  Golden Circle . But as it’s bright all night, you can beat the crowds by traveling either super early or late. In July, Highland roads open up, but you'll need to book a tour or hire a 4WD vehicle equipped for F-roads and crossing rivers (if that’s your plan). Summer is the best season for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Around mid-August, wild berries ripen.

Summer is also festival season. Fishermen’s Day is a national celebration held in every seaside town on the first weekend of June. Around June 21, summer solstice is celebrated on Grímsey island, Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island. The Reykjavík Arts Festival is held every other year – the next one is on in June this year (2024).

Bræðslan music festival is held in Borgarfjörður eystri on the last weekend of July. Verslunarmannahelgi  is a weekend in August that is packed with festivals and events, and Reykjavík Pride has various events held throughout the city, culminating in the Pride Parade.

Reykjavík Culture Night and the Reykjavík Marathon are held on the third weekend of August.

Icelanders head off to the countryside to take part in rettir – the annual sheep round up

September to November is best for cultural events

Nights grow colder and camping is no longer advisable as fall rolls into winter. The weather is often good, though, so hiking can still be enjoyable. Pay attention to weather forecasts and bring warm clothing. Nature starts to change colors, painting forests and heather yellow, orange and red. Þingvellir National Park is at its most beautiful.

Road tripping is still possible and there will be fewer travelers around. However, winter is around the corner, so roads get slippery as soon as the temperatures drop and conditions can get stormy.

Réttir sheep and horse roundups are held in the countryside, and the Reykjavík International Film Festival takes place in the capital. In East Iceland, the Days of Darkness festival is held around Halloween and the Iceland Airwaves music festival is held in Reykjavík. Advent is approaching and Christmas preparations begin. This is a great time for visiting galleries and museums, going to concerts, relaxing in heated swimming pools, and feasting on good food.

This article was first published February 2021 and updated March 2024

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

northern lights over lagoon in iceland

25 Important Iceland Travel Tips To Know Before You Go

August 19, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Booking your ticket to Iceland is just the first step. We’re here to help you continue your trip planning by providing you with the most important Iceland travel tips you’ll need to know before setting foot in the land of fire and ice. 

Our tips for visiting Iceland range from safely navigating the roads to planning ahead whether it’s booking tickets at the famous Blue Lagoon or figuring out where to get gas on a road trip. These Iceland tips are not meant to be overwhelming but rather ensure you maximize your time in the country and do it all safely.

Iceland has so much natural beauty to offer, and with these 25 Iceland travel tips in mind, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime!

holding hands while standing in the water at Vestrahorn with the mountains in the background and the sun glowing from behind the mountains

25 Important Iceland Travel Tips

Don’t walk on the moss.

As mighty and majestic as much of Iceland’s natural wonders are, the moss you’ll see carpeting the lava fields is particularly fragile. Under the absolute best circumstances, the moss grows a mere 1cm per year, which means even minimal damage is particularly severe. 

Unfortunately Justin Bieber’s trip to Iceland to shoot his “I’ll Show You” music video was particularly damaging to the natural environment. Having gone off the path frolicking among the moss fields, his actions in turn led subsequent tourists to do the same. 

In fact, after tourists came flocking to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (one of the music video locations), trampling the moss on the edge of the canyon walls, the Environmental Agency of Iceland was forced to temporarily close down the canyon to help restore the natural landscape. 

This is one of our most important tips for visiting Iceland because not many people understand the extent of the damage being done. We understand the appeal of venturing off the beaten path particularly in a natural wonderland as spectacular as Iceland, but the country will only continue to be the strikingly beautiful place it is if those who visit treat it with the respect and care it deserves.

a view down a canyon covered with moss because not walking on the moss is one of the most important Iceland travel tips

Bring A Reusable Waterbottle And Drink The Tap Water

One of the best Iceland travel tips we can give you is to bring your own reusable water bottle. Why? Because, there’s no use buying bottled water when you have access to the most pristine, delicious water right out of the tap. 

The bottled water you buy at the stores is the exact same water that comes out of the tap. So why buy expensive water when there’s an easy, more environmentally friendly, FREE solution. 

Iceland’s water is closely monitored to ensure you’re drinking only the best. Free of nitrate, calcium, and chlorine, this pure water from Iceland’s natural springs is some of the best, most fresh-tasting water you’ll ever have the pleasure of drinking. 

You might notice that the hot water out of the tap has a rotten-egg like smell from the sulfur as a result of it being geothermally heated. While you may not appreciate that smell, you’ll find the problem is easily remedied by turning the tap all the way to the coldest setting to get all the drinking water you could ask for to fuel you for your Iceland adventures. 

standing on a rock and looking up at Gljufrabui waterfall

Visit In The Offseason

Summer in Iceland is magical with the arctic lupines blooming and the glow of the midnight sun, however it’s not the only spectacular time of year in the land of fire and ice. Not only will planning a trip to Iceland in the offseason likely save you money, but it allows you to experience something new about the country.

For example, you might consider visiting Iceland in December to have a shot at seeing the Northern Lights, bask in the light of the New Years Eve fireworks displays, and laugh at the mischievous actions of the Icelandic Yule Lads around Christmas. You might also catch some of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls in their frozen wintry glory as a layer of white drapes the landscape around it. 

Or maybe you’d prefer Iceland in October when you can head to Húsavík to catch the end of the whale watching season or stay in Reykjavik and enjoy the International Film Festival.

You might think that you’re trading cheaper flights and smaller crowds for an inferior trip experience, but we can guarantee you that’s not the case. No matter what time of year you visit this remarkably unique country, you’re in for an experience you won’t soon forget. 

kissing in front of the Heimaey stave church in the offseason

Pack For Every Kind Of Weather

Iceland’s weather is notorious for being all over the place which means it’s crucial that you come prepared for anything. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Iceland, cold weather gear is a must, even in the summer. 

Icelanders have a term called Gluggaveður (window weather) which refers to the moments where you look out the window and you see the sun shining and clear skies and assume it’s a lovely day when in fact you step outside and it’s freezing. Though with an average of 213 rainy days a year, sunshiny days make limited appearances. 

That being said, whatever weather might be thrown your way, it shouldn’t prevent you from partaking in your various adventures. After all, Iceland’s appeal lies in its natural beauty. 

So lace up your waterproof hiking boots, zip up your parka, and head out to explore Iceland’s spectacular natural landscape. As long as you come prepared and pack for every kind of weather , you’re in for a once in a lifetime experience. 

wearing a cold weather jacket and rain boots while photographing at Stokksnes

Buy Alcohol At The Duty-Free Shop

If you think you’re going to want to have a beer or two…or more during your vacation, one of the best Iceland travel tips we can offer is to buy tax-free alcohol from the Duty-Free shop at the Keflavik International Airport when you arrive. You’re allowed to purchase 6 units of alcohol from the Duty-Free shop. To determine exactly how much of each type of alcohol that is, use the Duty-Free allowance calculator . 

If you forget to buy your alcohol at the airport or opt for drinking at the bars or enjoying a glass of wine with dinner instead, just be prepared to dish out significant amounts of money. If you’re committed to enjoying your drinks in this manner, consider venturing out earlier in the evening to take advantage of a Happy Hour. The Reykjavik Appy Hour app is the best way to scout out the cheapest happy hours around the city.

There is a third option, and that is to buy your alcohol like the locals do at the Vínbúðin liquor stores. Unfortunately on top of being expensive, these stores often close at 6pm and are closed altogether on Sundays which means planning ahead is crucial.  Beer in Iceland is very expensive!

Unlike in the United States, it’s not possible to buy alcohol at grocery stores. The closest thing you’ll find is a Pilsner which resembles beer but is only 2.23% alcohol and is used for cooking rather than drinking. So as you begin planning a trip to Iceland, think about what you’re willing to spend on alcohol and hit up the Duty-Free shop if you’re looking to save some money. 

two beer glasses sitting on a ledge at the Myvatn Nature Baths in the north of Iceland

Only Camp At Designated Campsites  

Camping in Iceland has the potential to be nothing short of magical as you immerse yourself in the unique natural landscape of the country. There are however some things to know before going to Iceland and marching out into the wilderness with your tent or camper van . 

First of all, if you intend to camp while visiting Iceland, make sure your trip is planned between May and September when the campgrounds are open. Yes, there are a small handful of campgrounds open all year round, but as you might expect the weather gets particularly harsh in the winter, the skies go dark, and camping becomes far less appealing even in a camper van. 

Perhaps one of the most important camping tips for visiting Iceland is that you must always camp at designated campsites. This rule is largely enforced in an attempt to preserve Iceland’s natural landscape. 

There is a little bit of wiggle room in the rules for tent campers. For example, you could pitch a tent in the highlands or on cultivated land, near residential buildings, or fenced off farmland if you’ve gotten permission from the landowner to do so.

In short, to ensure all camping rules are being followed it’s best to stick to the designated campsites. Trust us, when you see the dramatic mountains or cascading waterfalls that surround the designated campsites as well as the amenities they offer you won’t have any complaints. 

a camper at a designated campsite looking out the front of their tent at the Skogafoss waterfall

Follow The Rules At Public Swimming Pools/Lagoons

There’s nothing better than relaxing in the warm waters of a hot tub, hot pot, or lagoon on a cold Icelandic day, but before you settle in, there are some Iceland tips you should know about when visiting the pools. The public pools and lagoons have signs in the locker rooms explaining the rules, so take a moment to read through them when you arrive. 

Perhaps the most important rule (and most unusual rule for many Americans) is that you are required to shower naked before entering the pool. When you’ve thoroughly washed up with soap and water you’ll put on your bathing suit, leave your towel in the locker room cubbies, and head out to the pool or lagoon area. 

While you may be hesitant or nervous about showering naked if it’s not something you are accustomed to, we can assure you that none of the locals around you care that you’re naked as it’s part of the culture and routine they’ve grown up with all their lives. 

Some pools have a handful of individual showers with doors or curtains that close if you’re feeling particularly uncomfortable. But whatever you do, do not try sneaking out to the pool without showering because you will be stopped by the pool staff. 

When you’re done at the pool, you’ll shower again, take off your bathing suit and wring it out, and dry off thoroughly by the showers before heading back to your locker to get changed. 

enjoying the swimming pool while looking out at the ocean beyond it

Book The Blue Lagoon Well In Advance

For many tourists, a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon is one of the first stops if not the first stop they make when arriving in the country. Due to its proximity to the Keflavik International Airport, many people will go straight from the airport to the lagoon for their first taste of this enchanting land. 

From its relaxing, healing waters to the mud masks and drinks at the swim-up bar, it’s no wonder the Blue Lagoon is a tourist hot spot. 

One of the best Iceland travel tips we can offer for those trying to make the Blue Lagoon a part of their trip itinerary is to book ahead ! In order to regulate the number of people in the lagoon at one time, the tickets are divided into time slots and unsurprisingly they fill up quickly, sometimes weeks and months in advance. 

If your plans don’t come together until the last minute you can still check the Blue Lagoon website to see if there’s been a cancellation and a spot has opened up, but if you have the opportunity to book ahead of time, we highly suggest you do. 

swimming in the vibrant blue waters of the Blue Lagoon

Bring A Credit Or Debit Card With A PIN 

Carrying around cash during your trip is largely unnecessary unless you’re planning on tipping your tour guides. While it certainly doesn’t hurt to take out a small amount of Icelandic krona, your credit or debit card will be your best friend. 

You likely already carry your credit or debit card around with you, but the real kicker that makes this one of the most important Iceland travel tips to keep in mind is that your card must have a PIN. You can use your card nearly everywhere including grocery stores and restaurants, but in order to fill up at the gas station, you have to be able to input a PIN. 

There are alternative options such as buying a prepaid gas card or paying with cash at select stations, but if you own a card with a PIN we highly suggest using your credit or debit card to keep things simple. 

tourists trekking across a glacier in Iceland

Don’t Take Risks When Driving

While Iceland’s paved roads are fairly easy to navigate in the summer, they become particularly tricky and sometimes dangerous in the winter months when the roads turn icy. It’s at that time of year that many of the more remote roads around the island are closed down because they become impassable or too dangerous to drive. 

It’s critical that you check the road conditions before heading out on your next adventure. While search and rescue teams are available to come to your aid should you absolutely need them, you never want to put yourself in a situation where you might have to rely on them. 

One of the most common situations that need rescuing is when tourists are overconfident and reckless with their driving. Whether that means crossing the river in a dangerous place, trying to drive too fast on a pot-hole-filled, rocky highland road, or being too stubborn to stop and wait out a snowstorm, these kinds of incidents are all too common. 

Iceland’s weather changes sometimes by the minute so one of the best Iceland tips we can offer is to constantly monitor the weather. If you’re patient, the weather is sure to clear enough for you to continue exploring safely. 

a 4WD car driving through the river in the highlands of Iceland

Explore Beyond The Tourist Hot Spots

When planning a trip to Iceland, don’t limit yourself to the tourist hot spots. The Golden Circle , which includes the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s most popular tourist route, but it’s not the only route worth taking while visiting the country. 

Iceland’s beauty extends well beyond the capital and some of its most jaw-dropping stunners are hidden gems. The tourist stops along the Golden Circle are great introductions to Iceland’s natural landscape, particularly if you’re short on time, but if you have the opportunity, we highly suggest exploring beyond the most famous locations. 

Think of gazing at the reflection of the dramatic jagged Vestrahorn mountain, or watching the puffins from the Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords . Perhaps you can end the day soaking in the Drangsnes hot pots while gazing out at the oceans. You’ll miss so much if you don’t expand your horizons and explore all that the country has to offer. 

walking down a pathway to the Saga-age farm, a great place to visit that's beyond the tourist hot spots

Set Realistic Expectations For Northern Lights Hunting

So you’ve planned a winter vacation to the land of fire and ice and are anxious to see the spectacular Northern Lights show during your trip. You might have the great fortune of experiencing a once in a lifetime evening of watching the green and purple lights dance in the sky above you, but the reality is it’s equally likely you’ll leave having never seen the Northern Lights at all. 

One of the best Iceland travel tips for winter that we can give you is that the Northern Lights are fickle. Like anything in nature, they march to the beat of their own drum and require the perfect conditions to be visible. It’s also possible that you might see a faint hint of the lights that are far less spectacular than the vibrant streaks of light you’ve seen in photographs online. 

Many tourists come to the country assuming that as long as they arrive between September and April they’re guaranteed to see the Northern Lights. This unfortunately is just not the case. Even venturing out with a tour guide who hunts the Northern Lights for a living won’t guarantee that you’ll see them. The main thing you have to keep in mind is it’s absolutely not the fault of the guide. That’s just nature for you. 

We sincerely hope you’ll have the luck and pure joy of seeing the Northern Lights during your visit. We suggest tracking the aurora activity and venturing out to a dark sky area to give yourself the best chance of seeing them. The Northern Lights are notoriously elusive however, so please set your expectations accordingly. 

northern lights in Iceland over the water at a glacier lagoon

Don’t Eat Out For Every Meal

Food at restaurants, like most things in Iceland, tends to be incredibly expensive. You might find it’s worth it to go out to eat whether you’re enjoying wonderfully prepared, authentic Icelandic dishes or are feasting on the best Indian food or sushi the country has to offer. Or maybe you’re just really in the mood for a solid burger or delicious thin crust pizza and aren’t in the mood to cook.

How much money you’re willing to spend is entirely your own decision. If however you’re hoping for some travel tips for Iceland that will save you save a few bucks or you just enjoy cooking your own food, then heading to the grocery store to find what you need to prepare your own meals is potentially a great option. 

Picking up food from the grocery store can also be a great option for road trips. You can prepare snacks or lunches to bring along with you to maximize your time out in nature and avoid having to search for restaurants in small towns. Bonús, Kronan, and Nettó will be your best, least expensive grocery store options, while the more expensive Hagkaup offers longer hours and a larger selection of goods. 

photo inside a grocery store in iceland

Visit Iceland On An Icelandair Stopover

Perhaps you have a trip planned to a European country but have always dreamed of visiting Iceland. You’re in luck because as long as you fly Icelandair across the Atlantic, you can stop in Iceland for no additional cost for 1-7 days. And just like that, you can have the best of both worlds. 

Who doesn’t enjoy trips for traveling to Iceland that save you money? This way you don’t have to go out of your way to make a special trip to the land of fire and ice. Icelandair started the stopover as a way to promote tourism and as a result, it’s been drawing people in from around the world ever since. 

Whether you’re just stopping in for a day to see why everyone’s raving about the Blue Lagoon and to find out what the Golden Circle is, or you’re gallivanting around the island for a week experiencing as much of the dramatic, awe-inspiring natural landscape as you have time for, you’re in for a real treat. 

taking in the beauty of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall which you can visit during a stopover with Icelandair

Take Advantage of the Midnight Sun

There are many things about summer in Iceland that attract tourists, and the midnight sun has to be on that list. Have you ever been on a vacation where you’re having a blast and wish there was more time in the day? You’ll never have this problem during the summer in Iceland. 

One of the best Iceland travel tips we can offer is to take advantage of the midnight sun. The midnight sun refers to the fact that during the summer months the sun almost never sets and hovers low in the sky before rising again. This means endless hours for adventures. 

Consider heading out for a late-night hike, or maybe go for a drive to a remote hot pot and soak in the warm water as the beautiful landscape around you glows with a soft light. It’s thrilling and magical to be out at midnight enjoying this unique country. 

enjoying relaxing in the warm waters of the Reykjadalur Hot Springs under the midnight sun

Properly Navigate The Roundabouts

You would think that basic traffic rules such as navigating roundabouts (which we have here in the US) would be pretty self-explanatory, but it happens to be a common cause of accidents among tourists, and therefore is on our list of things to know before going to Iceland. 

Iceland’s roundabouts have an inner lane and an outer lane and the inner lane always has the right of way. Accidents tend to occur when locals try to exit the roundabout from the inner circle knowing they have the right of way, and tourists continue driving on the outer circle assuming the cars on the inner circle have to yield to them. 

The only reason you should be in the outer lane is if you are taking the first exit in the roundabout. Otherwise, you should always be in the inner lane to help traffic flow smoother and make the exit more seamless. 

Always use your indicator when exiting a roundabout to make it obvious to the vehicles around you that you’re making your move, and never switch lanes once you’re in the roundabout. Roundabouts are incredibly efficient when everyone knows the rules, but can be dangerous when there’s confusion, so make sure you understand the rules ahead of time to keep things simple and safe. 

a roundabout in Reykjavik, Iceland at night time with white and red streaks indicating the cars driving through

Bring Your Bathing Suit

As you step out of the airport into the chilly Icelandic air you might be wondering why we’ve suggested you bring a bathing suit. Believe it or not, this is one of the Iceland tips you’ll be thankful you knew about ahead of time. 

You may not be sunbathing on the beaches, but you’ll certainly have plenty of opportunities to spend time in the warm waters of the pools and hot springs. Nearly every town in Iceland has a public swimming pool complex complete with one or more hot tubs of differing temperatures. 

In addition to the public pools, the country is full of natural, geothermally heated hot pots , many of which are surrounded by some of the most picturesque landscapes you can possibly imagine. Think of yourself thawing out and relaxing in the warm water with a backdrop of the ocean and a striking mountain range while lacy snow falls around you. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?

If you’ve begun planning a trip to Iceland you’ve likely heard of the famous Blue Lagoon or perhaps the Secret Lagoon or the Myvatn Nature Baths (which are considered the Blue Lagoon of the north). All of these and more are perfect excuses to whip out your bathing suit. Rain or shine, any time of year, bringing a bathing suit to Iceland is always a good idea.   

bringing your bathing suit is one of the most important Iceland travel tips so you can visit swimming pools like Seljavallalaug at the base of some mountains

Watch Out For Sneaker Waves At The Beach

All of our tips for travel to Iceland will make your vacation better, but this one might actually save your life. Reynisfjara Beach with its dramatic walls of basalt columns and black sand is a tourist hot spot along the south coast, but its waves can be particularly dangerous. 

This beach is known for its sneaker waves, tall, powerful waves that often “sneak” up without warning stretching far onto the beach. These waves have swept up many tourists injuring some and even taking the lives of others. Best case scenario you get out and walk away freezing cold having to buy a new phone and camera. 

Because the Reynisfjara black sand beach is so picturesque, it inspires many tourists to take out their cameras to capture the magnificent landscape. But by turning around to photograph your friend on the basalt columns you’re at risk of being caught off guard by a sneaker wave. 

Signs at the beach warn tourists of the dangerous waves. They’re there for a reason. Enjoy the beach but be vigilant and stay safe. 

sitting on the basalt columns at the Reynisfjara black sand beach

Don’t Refer To The Icelandic Horses As Ponies

This is one of those travel tips for Iceland that may seem like a joke but when you find yourself insulting a local, it won’t seem so funny anymore. Though small in stature, these wonderfully unique Icelandic horses are definitely not ponies (no offense meant to ponies).

Though the stature of the Icelandic horse technically lands it under the umbrella of a pony, its strength, fortitude, and spirit forged from the harsh Icelandic landscape it lives in is what sets it apart. 

The Icelandic horse is not only unique because of the landscape it’s had to thrive in but because it also boasts an additional gait that other horses don’t have called tölt. This particular gait, where only one hoof touches the ground at a time, is extremely conducive to smoother riding. 

Though Icelandic horses can leave the country, they can never return, and no horses of any kind can be imported into the country which means every Icelandic horse you see during your visit is as pure Icelandic as they get. So while the horse itself may not know to take insult at your attempt to liken it to a pony, its owner certainly might because there’s nothing like the mighty Icelandic horse. 

Don’t forget to check out our list of the best horse riding tours in Iceland!

an Icelandic horse in front of some white and yellow turf houses

Plan Where You’ll Stop For Gas On Long Drives

One of the best driving tips for visiting Iceland that we can give you is to plan out where you’ll stop for gas ahead of time. The further you get from Reykjavik the towns are smaller and sparse which means fewer options for gas. 

If you’re starting your adventures or road trip in or around Reykjavik and are a Costco member (US memberships are valid in Iceland) we suggest visiting Iceland’s one Costco in Hafnarfjörður to fill up your tank to full for the least expensive price. 

After that, it gets a bit tricky. We suggest searching for gas stations around Iceland in Google Maps and deciding where it makes the most sense to fill up. Don’t pass up gas stations along the way thinking you might be able to just narrowly make it to the next one. This is a scenario where “better safe than sorry” definitely applies. 

a sign on the road in Iceland indicating that the next gas station is 243 km away

Know How To Make The Most Out Of Any Trip Length

Iceland’s jaw-dropping landscape is vast and all worthy of exploration but you don’t have to cover every inch of it to have a fantastic, memorable trip. One of the best Iceland travel tips we can offer is to book your ticket to the land of fire and ice no matter how much time you have to spend there. 

If you have weeks to roam the country and circle the entire Ring Road , then great! But you can also accomplish so much and see many of Iceland’s highlights in just a few days. 

You’ll start of course with the iconic Golden Circle that includes Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser, and Thingvellir National Park as well as other optional stops along the way such as Kerið crater and the Secret Lagoon. From here you can tackle the south coast and feel the spray from the dramatic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls before continuing on to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. 

All of these stops can be reached on day trips from R eykjavik making them perfect routes for shorter vacations. You don’t have to venture far to get a taste of Iceland’s unique beauty. So don’t forgo a trip to Iceland because you’re short on time. Any amount of time is the perfect amount of time. 

vibrant red skies over Skogafoss waterfall on the south coast of Iceland

Shop At The Cheaper Grocery Stores

So you’ve taken our Iceland travel tips into account and decided to go grocery shopping as an alternative to eating out every night. What now?

Bónus is the cheapest and most popular grocery store chain in Iceland. The bright yellow signs with a pink piggy bank over the name make the stores hard to miss. The one downside is they tend not to open until 11am and many close sometime around 6:30pm. 

Kronan and Nettó are the next most reasonable options with longer store hours and only minimally higher prices. Nettó even has some store locations that are open 24 hours. 

If you’re less concerned about the price of the groceries and are looking for a huge selection of goods and long (sometimes 24 hour) store hours then there’s no better place than Hagkaup. 

Really, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these four chain stores, but if you’re wondering what to avoid, we suggest steering clear of the 10/11 stores unless it’s your only option. They’re expensive and mediocre. 

interior of a grocery store in iceland

Don’t Stop Along The Side Of The Road

More than one of our Iceland travel tips revolve around driving because knowing how to navigate Iceland’s roads is critical to your safety and the safety of others. Stopping along the side of the road in the middle of a road trip is one of the biggest mistakes tourists make when driving. 

We understand the urge to pull off on the side of the road. After all, everywhere you turn there seems to be another natural wonder just begging to be photographed. But this is one of those moments where you’ll have to just soak it in with your eyes as you drive by. 

Iceland’s roads tend to be narrow with no shoulder room on the side. This makes pulling off on the side of the road particularly dangerous as there’s really nowhere to pull off. Instead, you’re creating an obstacle for other drivers to navigate around and are putting yourself in danger by being so exposed in the road. 

a car driving along a narrow road in Iceland towards a waterfall

Tipping Is Not Necessary

Many of us have grown up in countries and cultures where tipping at a restaurant or a bar is expected. In fact, it would be particularly insulting to not tip or tip under a certain amount. 

This is not the case in Iceland. One of the most important things to know before going to Iceland is that tipping is both not necessary and not expected. The prices are already marked up to include what you might have otherwise left as a tip. This is one of the many reasons why you don’t need to take out loads of cash when you arrive in the country.

That being said, workers will not be offended if you tip them, and in some cases such as after an exceptional tour led by a particularly knowledgable and friendly tour guide, you might decide you’d like to leave a tip to show your appreciation.

Just know that at no point during your vacation are you obligated to tip. You’ll already be dishing out a lot of money during your trip so there’s no need to empty your wallet further unless you’re feeling particularly generous. 

Icelandic krona lying on the ground by some rocks at a campsite

Rent A 4WD If Traveling On F Roads

When you’re planning a trip to Iceland and deciding on a rental car , think about where you’ll be driving during your trip. Many of the roads to Iceland’s major tourist attractions are paved making them relatively easy to navigate in the summer months.

If you’re sticking to Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, or much of the south coast and the main Ring Road, you can get away with renting a 2WD vehicle and save some money in the process. If however, you plan on venturing into the highlands on the F roads you’ll need to rent a 4WD. 

F roads are rocky, uneven, sometimes involve river crossings, and are tricky to navigate even under the best circumstances. Some of Iceland’s most spectacular wonders are reached through F-roads. It’s entirely worth the bumpy journey to explore what the highlands have to offer, just make sure you’re properly prepared heading into your adventure. 

car lights lighting up a person who is watching the Northern Lights dance over some snow covered mountains

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to explore the stunning natural landscape of Iceland. You’re in for a memorable experience that will only be made better by keeping these Iceland travel tips in mind as you tackle your next great adventure. 

If you have any questions or comments as you plan your trip, feel free to let us know in the comments section below. 

person standing next to one of the islands in iceland

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Best Time to Visit Iceland: Your Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland or really inspired to come to this Nordic gem, you may be wondering when is the best time to visit Iceland. One of the country's many charms is being a year-round destination, but your personal choice can influence when to visit Iceland! 

Whether you want to visit in winter or summer , or come for a particular interest of yours, we have it all below.

Iceland is a country that is beautiful and interesting all year long. This is why, at Nordic Visitor, our travel consultants have crafted tours for both the winter and summer seasons.

There are countless fantastic activities and sights to see and do, so depending on your interests or your available time to come, we have you covered with this useful guide.

  • When is peak season?
  • When is best for weather?

Exploring Iceland in summer

Exploring iceland in winter.

  • Visiting Reykjavík
  • Birdwatching
  • Touring the Golden Circle
  • Seeing the northern lights
  • Experiencing the midnight sun
  • Taking stunning photography
  • Honeymooners
  • Enjoying the Blue Lagoon and spas
  • Dipping in hot springs
  • Whale watching
  • Attending events and festivals
  • Combining Iceland and Greenland

When is the peak season in Iceland?

Peak season for travelling to Iceland is during the summer, between June and August.

If you visit at this time, it'll coincide with the mildest weather, summer holidays, the most daylight, and the most activities available. In recent years, the winter months have also been very popular, with people flocking to Iceland to see the northern lights.

  • For popular itineraries around Iceland, check out these best-selling tours
  • Visit in  June , July or  August  to see Iceland at peak time

When is the best time to visit Iceland for the weather?

Iceland isn’t as cold as its name may suggest and enjoys a temperate climate all year long. That’s not to say that the weather doesn’t change quickly over the course of a single day.

For that reason, regardless of the time of year, make sure to have wind and water resistant layers on hand.

The mildest weather of the year in Iceland is, of course, during the summer months.

If you’re looking for maximum sunlight, or even to experience the midnight sun (when the sun doesn’t fully set below the horizon), the best period to come is in June, July or August.

laugavegur mountains

The shoulder months of May and September are also ideal for those who prefer a quieter holiday, as they usually attract less crowds. The weather is usually still mild, although a bit more unpredictable.

  • Visit Iceland in  May  or  September  to enjoy the advantages of the shoulder months

Of course, maybe the perfect weather for you is a crisp and snowy day. Then the winter months will be the time when you want to come and enjoy the best that Iceland has to offer.

The months between October and April define the winter season and shoulder season. You may also enjoy visiting in late December to join in the Icelandic New Year’s festivities.

You can find out more about the weather in Iceland in our handy climate and weather conditions guide .

What is the best month to visit Iceland?

While the weather may be a big draw for some, you may want to come to Iceland for a particular month or season, whether that’s when you have holiday or when you want to enjoy a certain activity.

Summer in Iceland is from June until August. The shoulder months May and September are very popular among travellers as well.

The summer is by far the most popular with visitors. This is because, at that time of year, the temperature is generally milder, there is more daylight to take advantage of when sightseeing, and there are more activities available.

There is a lot of festivals and events as well, you can read more about that below.

You’re also more likely to enjoy a road trip in the summer as you’ll have more daylight hours to drive. If you only have a week, you can still drive the Ring Road but it will involve longer daily driving distances.

The roads are also less likely to be shut due to the weather conditions at this time.

The one downside some people may find is that, as summer attracts the most visitors, it means more crowds at popular attractions. If you prefer a quieter time, you could also visit during the shoulder season, the months of May and September .

For the most beautiful colours in nature, but also a quieter time for tourism in Iceland, I would recommend September. The fall colours are amazing and that is my favourite time to explore the country. - Helga Guðmundsdóttir, Travel consultant for Iceland
  • Take a look at our summer tours in Iceland

Winter is slowly attracting more and more visitors. Quieter months such as October and November are a great time to visit Iceland. This is especially true if you want to experience the long nights and darkness of the northern parallels.

The enchanting natural phenomena that are the aurora borealis deserve attention too. As do the wintry landscapes of the higher altitudes and North Iceland.

While Iceland is a year-round destination, there are fewer activities available at that time of year, with less daylight to take advantage of them. For a road trip, we would recommend staying around the west and southern coast of Iceland. There is plenty to see here, including the Golden Circle. 

You could also fly up to the capital of the north Akureyri. Experience this beautiful region and see a true winter landscape.

  • Visit Iceland October  and  April  to enjoy the Icelandic winter
  • By coming in  December  you could join in the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations

hallgrimskirkja church under the snow

During many months of the winter, it’s also possible to tour the famous Ring Road if that’s what you’re looking for. However, be aware that the weather can often make the roads and driving conditions unpredictable and difficult.

Driving during the winter months in Iceland is not for everyone.

This is why we do not recommend a long road trip in the winter if you have never driven on snow and ice.

If you are going to embark on a winter driving tour in Iceland, you should be comfortable driving in what can be challenging conditions. This includes snowstorms, icy roads and little daylight.

  • To tour the island at your own pace, browse our winter self-drive tours of Iceland
  • Don't fancy driving in winter? Choose a small group tour and let an experienced driver take you to Iceland's star attractions

If you do want to come in the winter, make sure to dress for the Icelandic weather. We have a handy packing guide here to help you with that.

When is best time of year to visit Iceland depending on your needs?

As we’ve mentioned many times again, there is no bad time to visit Iceland, there is something beautiful to see and something interesting to do all year long.

Below we’ve highlighted the most requested interests and activities and when is the best time to go to Iceland for them. Look up the one you’d love to experience while in Iceland:

Best time to visit Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík is a colourful, cultural, and buzzing city throughout the seasons. From year-round festivals, to New Year’s Eve celebrations, and world-renown attractions, visiting Iceland’s capital is always fun.

The best time may depend on what you want to do during your visit. Most museums, such as Perlan the top attraction in town, open their doors throughout the year. The swimming pools, heated by geothermal power, are also visited by locals and visitors all year long.

To attend specific events, you may want to visit at a particular time. Attend Iceland Airwaves in November, the Culture Night in August, or the Secret Solstice in June. Summer has the largest concentration of festivals if you want to feel the lively atmosphere.

December is a great time to visit to get in the festive spirit. There are fireworks, bonfires and more to celebrate Christmas and mark the start of a new year.

  • Enjoy a city break  in Reykjavík to take part in the lively culture

sunset over hallgrimskirkja church

Best time to visit for birdwatchers

If you love birds and birdwatching, you will be spoiled in Iceland!

While it is possible to birdwatch all year round, many of the bird species are migratory and thus only spend a portion of the year in Iceland. This means some periods of the year are indeed better for birdwatching, or for spotting certain kinds of birds.

Generally speaking, the best time for birdwatching is considered to be between mid- April and the end of June . This is the time of the year that sees the most bird species in Iceland, and long daylight hours gives visitors ample time to admire them.

There are five species that people often seek out and we’ve made a wee guide for you:

There are 8 to 10 million puffins that spend their summer in Iceland every year! That makes up nearly 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffin population. These adorable birds can be spotted from late April, with the best period to see them being between May and early August .

Harlequin duck

Since Iceland is the only country in Europe where this colourful duck species can be found, it is an exciting sighting!

There are around 2000 to 3000 pairs that breed around the country. While they stay in the sea around the island during the winter, in the spring they travel up rivers for their nesting season. They can, for example, be found in Ölfusá river.

Barrow‘s goldeneye

90% of the Barrow’s goldeneye around Lake Mývatn and stay there year-round. Around 150 birds can also be spotted on the south coast during the winter, but they head for Lake Mývatn for breeding season around mid- March .

It’s important to note that the Gyrfalcon is a fully protected species and so, no specific location can be given about their breeding location.

While it is not commonly sighted, when it is spotted, it is usually around Lake Mývatn due to the abundance of prey, and around Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula in the winter.

If you are lucky enough to spot one, please be aware that approaching nesting sites is not permitted. Neither is sharing information about their breeding sites.

Brünnich’s guillemot (also known as thick-billed murre)

In the winter, you can spot this species in the north and east coast of Iceland. But if you happen to be here in the spring or summer, you may be able to observe a Brünnich’s guillemot around the various seabird cliffs around the country.

They are commonly spotted between the end of March and the end of July . As of where to go, we recommend:

  • Lake Mývatn area, which is one of the most popular for birdwatching. That’s because it is well-known for its diverse birdlife, especially duck species (there are 14!).
  • Látrabjarg bird cliff, located in the West fjords of Iceland, is the largest bird cliff in Europe at 14 kilometres long and up to 441 metres high. There you can get a closer look at millions of nesting sea birds, such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots.
  • Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður eystra offers visitors the perfect opportunity to see puffins.

puffins on a cliff

Best time to visit Iceland's Golden Circle

We would recommend visiting during the shoulder season to have the best experience of the Golden Circle and its attractions.

Even though, it is worth mentioning that the Golden Circle is beautiful at all times of the year. In the winter, the landscape will be enchanting, dusted in snow and frost. In the summer, you can enjoy longer walks in the landscape and spend more time at each site.

However, at the peak of summer, you may find that you’re not alone at Þingvellir, Strokkur, or Gullfoss.

Indeed, as they are the closest sights to Reykjavík, they are easy to visit on a city break. It means these locations are usually more crowded than others, especially so at the height of summer.

For a bit of peace and quiet, visit on either side of the summer, in April, May, September or October.

  • To travel along the Golden Circle and other iconic sights, look up these  classic holidays to Iceland

Best time to visit Iceland for hiking

Hiking in Iceland will be an unforgettable experience as the mountains aren’t just beautiful, but also full of stunning trails. It is also extremely dependent on weather due to the accessibility of those hiking trails.

The best time to visit Iceland for hikers will be between May and September. It is during these summer months that the trails are accessible and when there is the most daylight to take full advantage of the trails and Iceland’s natural beauty.

Hiking in the highlands  of Iceland is often limited by the opening of the road leading into the highlands after winter. This is all dependent on weather conditions and location, but will normally open from mid-June.

This also means that some hiking trails high up the mountains may still have snow in May. It is not recommended, as an example, to hike to Stórurð in May because it is usually covered in snow at that time. 

Please always be careful as a hiker to not put yourself in danger and always be ready for the weather conditions.

My favourite time to hike in Iceland is in midsummer when everything is green and lush. It can be even better if it’s raining, then the fragrance of nature is so fresh. During this time of year, the highlands turn into a fairy tale and the options are endless. Hills, lava fields, river banks... It doesn’t matter, it’s simply gorgeous! –Perla Magnúsdóttir, Travel consultant for Iceland
  • To take on hiking or other adventurous endeavours in Iceland, check out our active tours

people hiking in mountains

Best time to visit ice caves in Iceland

To explore and experience the surreal atmosphere of an ice cave, come in winter. Between mid-November and early March, you can book an adventure inside the Katla ice cave, located inside the Kötlujökull glacier. You could also walk through parts of the largest glacier in Iceland, Vatnajökull .

Visit the second largest glacier on the island, Langjökull, with the  Into The Glacier  experience. This is a man-made tunnel taking you into the depths of the glacier.  

Or, if you’re coming in summer and still want to experience an ice cave, pop by the Perlan in Reykjavík. This must-see attraction offers you the chance to walk through an artificial ice cave, made as a replica of a real glacier.

Best time to visit Iceland for northern lights

Aurora borealis are one of the most wonderful natural phenomenon to witness and many visitors come to Iceland just for this!

If this has always been on your bucket list, the season to see them is from mid-September until the middle of April, when darkness makes it more likely. But as these are naturally occurring, it means no one can guarantee you will see them.

Sighting depends both on northern lights activity and weather conditions, because it requires both dark and clear skies. You can read more about the northern lights and how best to capture it on our dedicated travel guide .

  • Browse our  northern lights tours in Iceland
  • Related : explore these northern lights tour packages  for other Nordic countries

northern lights in the sky

Best time to visit for the midnight sun

To experience the midnight sun, you must visit Iceland during the height of the summer, between May and July. The longest day of the year is at the summer solstice on the 21 June, which means this is when midnight sun peaks in Iceland.

Although you may want to bring an eye-mask to sleep!

  • To experience this phenomenon, check out  our midnight sun tours  in Iceland

Best time to visit Iceland for photography

Photographers will love Iceland regardless of the time of the year, month, or location. The Icelandic landscapes are breathtaking and extremely photogenic, if we can say so ourselves!

Moreover, when the weather is on your side, the light in Iceland is great for photographers!

During the winter months, photographers who look for wintry landscapes and snowy mountain tops will have plenty to enjoy. There is also one added bonus to winter photography in Iceland: blue and golden hour being during the day!

Yes, due to its location in the north, in the winter the sun doesn’t rise very high in the sky. This creates a golden hour that lasts for the duration of daylight (all dependent on the exact date).

Location wise, if you want to take some photos in the east and north of the country, you may want to visit during the summer and shoulder season, when the roads are more accessible and reliable.

And fear not, photographers will also be spoiled for golden and blue hour during the summer! At the peak of the summer months, they both can last for hours!

  • Travel with a private, local guide at the wheel to see highlights of Iceland and take stunning photos on the way

woman takin photo at dynjandi waterfall

Best time to visit Iceland for families

Coming to Iceland with your family may depend on school or work holidays, or what you’re looking for as an experience. Do you want to see the northern lights or experience the midnight sun? Look up our above categories to get a better idea.

What we do recommend is coming in the summer as there are more kid-friendly activities available at that time.

This includes whale-watching (it is also available in winter, but the seas are rougher at that time), hay cart puffin tours, and boat tours on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon . Something to interest all young adventurers!

Usually, I recommend travelling in the summer time with children, because the long daylight hours give families flexibility to stop frequently and for a longer time. - Kristín Halldóra Halldórsdóttir, Travel consultant for Iceland

We also recommend generally slower-paced tours where you can spend more than one night in one location. This is especially true in winter as you may have to change your plans last minute if the roads are closed due to the weather conditions.

  • Discover amazing ways to see Iceland with your children with  our family friendly tours

Best time to visit Iceland for honeymoon

Honeymoons all depend on you! What are you planning for? Straight after your wedding or a bit later, when you’ve had time to save and prepare for your dream trip?

If you’ve always dreamed of a honeymoon in Iceland, the best time to come, may depend on what you want out of it.

  • Do you want to go hike up one of the iconic Icelandic mountains? Summer.
  • Do you want to visit the remote Westfjords ? Summer.
  • Do you want to cosy up together and admire the northern lights? Winter.

We believe that travelling in the wintertime can be very romantic! There are fewer people in Iceland at that time of year. This means there are less visitors at each highlight, like the Golden Circle, giving you more time together in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Finally, our travel consultants would recommend spending at least more than one night in the locations you’re visiting, to give you the chance of a leisurely stay with your partner.

  • See our romantic and honeymoon trips around Iceland

couple at skogafoss waterfall

Best time of year to visit the Blue Lagoon, Iceland, & other spas

One way to take advantage of Iceland’s geothermal energy as a tourist (except for the wonderful sight of volcanoes of course!) is to go for a dip into one of the many geothermal pools.

The Blue Lagoon , Iceland’s most famous spa, is a must stop for many visitors. It is open all year round, but those won’t don’t like the cold may prefer to go in the summer.

However, it isn’t the only geothermal pool you can experience on your trip. There are many around the country, including natural hot springs and geothermally-heated public pools in the city of Reykjavík. Most are open all year long.

The winter dips won’t be for the faint hearted as you’ll have to shuffle in your bathing suit from the changing rooms into the water in the cold wind. But it's ultimately worth it!

  • To take some time to enjoy the spas, look up these relaxation tours in Iceland

pool at the blue lagoon

Best time to visit Iceland for hot springs

The beauty of hot springs is that they are warm all year long. That means you could visit at any time of the year and enjoy bathing in the warm, relaxing waters.

Summer is the best time to go hiking to remote areas where you’ll have hot springs to yourself. You may also find it easier to get into your swimming suit and walk in and out of the water during the summer.

The winter isn’t without its advantages though. You could warm up after a day of snowy excursions. Enjoy the difference between the cold air and hot water and admire the snow drop from your cosy spot.

  • Take in the sights and dip in all the hot springs you want with an Icelandic road trip

Best time to visit Iceland to see whales

The summertime is the best time to come to Iceland if you want to whale watch. Taking usually a few hours, the excursion is a great addition to any trip around Iceland, especially for those who love to see wildlife. The best location is Húsavík in the north of Iceland.

The northern peninsula Snæfellsnes is also home to orcas if you would like to go orca watching.

Best time to visit for fun events and festivals

There are interesting festivals and events all year long in Iceland. But the summer sees most of the events of the year, as the good weather brings about a festive spirit!

There are also many festivals being held in smaller towns. Verslunarmannahelgin is the most popular weekend of the summer when there are celebrations in many towns around Iceland.

In June there are two big celebrations. The Iceland National Day marks Iceland’s independence from Denmark on the 17th June 1944. It is celebrated on the 17th June and is one of the most popular events of the summer.

The second is an outdoor music festival to celebrate the summer solstice. Held in Laugardalur in Reykjavík, the Secret Solstice Festival sees Icelandic and foreign bans perform under the midnight sun.

One festival we recommend is also Bræðslan, held in July every year in Borgarfjörður eystra in the east fjords of Iceland. It is a music festival where Icelandic and foreign bands perform.

Bakkagerði (the town in Borgarfjörður eystra) is one of the most remote villages in Iceland. It is located amongst a beautiful fjord with colourful mountains towering over the small town.

  • Pair a stay in the city with some day tours in the gorgeous countryside with one of these multi-day tours in Iceland

friends walking in reykjavik

August brings a good mix of interesting events in the capital, with the Reykjavík Pride, the Reykjavík Marathon and the Reykjavík Culture Night.

The latter is especially exciting as it celebrates Iceland’s diverse cultural scene. There are countless free events through the evening, including outdoor concerts, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions, street performances and a firework display by the harbour to close the night.

There are also two major festivals in the autumn that we need to mention. The first is Reykjavík International Film Festival (or RIFF) which features films from both Iceland and abroad (the winner takes home a Golden Puffin!). It is held every year between mid-September and mid-October.

The second is one of the biggest music festivals in the country, Iceland Airwaves. It is held every year in early November and if you love discovering new bands, this is for you!

And last but not least, you could always join us in December for New Year’s Eve celebrations !

For more information about events in Iceland, look at our annual events guide .

Best time to visit Iceland and Greenland

The best time to combine a tour to both these glorious Nordic islands is to travel in summer. Although you could visit at any time of the year, flights to Greenland from Iceland can be affected by severe winter weather.

For that reason, book your Greenland and Iceland trip between June and August. At this time, you’ll also enjoy nicer weather and longer daylight hours for more sightseeing.

You can bask in the glow of the midnight sun while admiring glaciers, icebergs, and more.

  • Have a true Nordic experience by pairing Iceland and Greenland in one exciting trip

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Did you find the perfect time for you to book your Iceland adventure? Or maybe you’re still not sure? Either way, get in touch with our Icelandic travel consultants . Based in Reykjavík, they’ll use their local knowledge to help you figure it all out.

All our itineraries can be tailored to you as well, so don’t hesitate to ask if you want to do something special. You can stay in a location longer, add excursions, day tours, or even spa days to your stay.

Our goal is to make sure you have a great time in Iceland!

camila blog profile

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

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We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Home » Europe » Best Time to Visit Iceland – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Best Time to Visit Iceland – MUST READ • 2024 Guide

Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is a land of extremes. From the midnight sun to the Northern Lights, and from striking volcanic landscapes to incredible wildlife, this far-flung island is a feast for the eyes.

Because the seasons vary so dramatically this far north, choosing the best time to visit Iceland is really going to depend on what you’re heading there to experience. But no season should be discounted as there’s plenty to see at any time of year.

While a visit to Iceland is off the well-worn tourist path, certain experiences and seasons attract a large number of tourists and should be booked well in advance.

Winters in Iceland are brutal, but if you’re well prepared with the right gear it can be a very rewarding time to visit, not only to see the Northern Lights. Hiking and whale-watching are best done in the summer when there are also loads of festivals to check out.

If you need help deciding on the best time to visit Iceland to get the experience you’re been dreaming of, read on. We’ve gathered all the details to help you choose that perfect time that balances cost, climate, and crowds.

Best Time To Visit Iceland – May-August

Best Time To Go To Reykjavik – September–October

Best Time To See the Northern Lights  – October-November

Best Time To Do the Golden Circle  – Spring (May–June), autumn (September–October)

Best Time For Sightseeing – May–mid-June, September

Cheapest Time To Visit Iceland – Spring (May–June), autumn (September–October)

When is the Best Time to Go to Iceland?

When to visit iceland – a month by month breakdown, faq about the best time to visit iceland, final thoughts on the best time to visit iceland.

The best time to go to Iceland for great weather is during the summer, between May and August. The days are at their longest, so you can cram plenty more sightseeing in, and the temperatures are pleasant and mild. 

This is also the peak tourist season for backpacking Iceland , so prepare for large crowds of tourists at sightseeing spots and attractions, not to mention the increase in prices for hotel rooms and flights. Of course Iceland is never cheap even in low season.

Late spring and early autumn offer a great compromise – all the benefits of mild weather without the peak season crowds and inflated costs. April to May and September to October offer this perfect balance – ideal for sightseeing. Yes, the days are slightly shorter and it may be a little cooler, but your reward will be a far more relaxed and budget-friendly experience. 

For me, it’s the perfect place to explore in October !

Gulfoss Iceland

Whale-watching is best enjoyed between April and October – this is the peak season for travel, so make sure to plan and book well in advance. It is still possible to see whales outside of the summer season in certain regions, providing there aren’t any storm conditions. You’ll likely be given a thermal suit to protect you from the icy temperatures.

The northern lights are a popular reason for travel to Iceland. Usually, you can see these from around late September until March when the nights are darkest. Precipitation and cloud cover are not ideal for seeing the northern lights, so months where there’s less chance of cloud cover are ideal – October and November tend to be best. 

The cheapest time to travel is during the winter months, outside of the Christmas and New Year period. Rates on Icelandic accommodation and flights are the cheapest at this time. However, if you want to balance costs with better weather for sightseeing, then aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. 

Best Time to Go to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland’s vibrant capital city, is great to visit at any time of year. In the summer, the city gets around 21 hours of daylight and experiences the best weather. Maximum daytime highs reach into the high teens with precipitation at its lowest. 

While summer offers great weather, it comes at a price. Accommodation in Reykjavik will be significantly more expensive at this time, tourist numbers are at their highest, and you can’t see the northern lights at this time of year. On the upside, there are plenty of festivals and celebrations during the summer months, and it’s a great time for whale-watching.   

Autumn (September and October) is slightly cooler and the days start to get much shorter. However, prices on flights and hotels are much lower and the hordes of summer tourists have left. There’s a small chance you could see the aurora borealis on clear days, but if this is your primary reason for visiting, rather plan for a winter trip. 

Rain and snow characterize the winter months. It’s dark and cold and perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. Winter in Reykjavik can be fun too! And you’ll easily be able to pick up a good deal on accommodation and flights, However, certain experiences might be unavailable due to poor weather conditions and the impact of this on the roads.

Spring is a mixed bag when it comes to weather, but it’s still much cheaper than peak season. The days are getting longer and warmer, which is great for sightseeing but not for seeing the Northern Lights .  

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The magical aurora borealis, or Northern lights, are a popular reason for travel to Iceland. The distances between cities here make it easier to avoid light pollution, and the winter months are dark, making it easier to see this incredible phenomenon. 

Like most natural occurrences, predicting the visibility of the Northern Lights is not an exact science, so there is always a small chance you could miss it. Of course, there’s not much you can do to encourage a solar flare or solar wind to increase your chances of seeing the aurora, but you can plan your trip for a time when it’s more likely that you’ll see them.  

Northern lights iceland

September to late March is commonly the time when it’s dark enough for the Northern Lights to be seen. Months where there’s less or no precipitation are preferable as cloud cover is the last thing you want. October and November offer dark nights and low chances for cloud cover, increasing your odds of seeing the Northern Lights. 

February and March also offer good conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, but with a slightly increased chance of cloud cover. 

Best Time to Do the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is (as the name would suggest) a circular route that starts in Reykjavik and takes in some of Iceland’s most beautiful landscapes. It is a cornerstone for most Iceland tours . The route takes you to three of the country’s top attractions:   Þingvellir National Park , Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, and a whole host of extra little gems along the way. 

The route can be done in one day, or you could take your time to explore some of the smaller, but no less fascinating locations in between. Scheduled group tours can have you back at your hotel before a full workday has passed, but a self-drive adventure at your own pace can be very rewarding.

Golden Circle Iceland

While the summer months offer the long days and mild weather ideal for sightseeing, it does come with the pitfalls of coach-loads of other tourists. If you’re doing a self-drive, accommodation along the way can get pricey at this time of year. 

Of course, doing the Golden Circle in winter will offer a completely different perspective on the landscape. It will be cold, but it does mean you could be rewarded with sights of the Northern Lights as well. Gullfoss waterfall will be frozen and hauntingly beautiful at this time. 

Best Time for Sightseeing in Iceland

The long daylight hours and mild weather of summer make it a great time to enjoy sightseeing. So great, that that’s when everyone does it. This means you’ll likely have to endure long waits at major attractions, straining to see past big crowds and the typical elevated pricing of high season. 

Traveling in May or September, the months immediately before and after high season, offer the best weather for heading out to the many sights, while simultaneously avoiding the crowds and costs of peak season. While the days are shorter than in high summer, there’s still plenty of daylight to enjoy your sightseeing. Any earlier than May or later than September can see the weather becoming more variable, and the days very much shorter. 

Winter is significantly cheaper for a visit to Iceland, however, aside from the icy temperatures, the snow and rain can make some roads impassable, meaning some sight will be inaccessible. The days are also very short, offering only around four or five hours of daylight to get your sightseeing in. 

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Cheapest Time to Go to Iceland

Winter, outside of the Christmas and New Year holiday period is the cheapest time to visit Iceland. This time of year is characterized by intense cold, dark days with only a few hours of daylight, and in times of bad weather, inaccessible roads in some places. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer a happy compromise between the lovely weather of summer and the low costs of winter. During these shoulder seasons, you can still enjoy good weather and a crowd-free experience. 

Another benefit of travel outside of peak season is that you have the option to hold out for last-minute offers which can further save you on accommodation and flights.

If you are trying to save a few quid when visiting Iceland, check out the pod hostels in Reykjavik .

Busiest Time to Visit Iceland

Despite its long and dark winters, Iceland is a rewarding destination all year round and attracts tourists throughout the year. Of course, certain times are busier than others, so it’s always best to have all the facts when it comes to choosing the best time to visit Iceland. 

The busiest tourist season is during the summer between May and September. These months offer the warmest weather, with daytime temperatures in the low 20s, and in some places almost 21 hours of daylight. 

The long days and mild weather are ideal for sightseeing, whale-watching, and hiking. The Northern Lights are not visible during the summer months. 

The winter months are the quietest time to visit Iceland, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year holiday period when we see a brief return to peak conditions with more tourists and higher pricing. 

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are busier than the winter months in terms of tourist numbers but not as crowded as the peak summer season. 

Weather in Iceland

Iceland has four very distinct seasons, although the weather at any time can be variable and unpredictable. 

The west of the country benefits greatly from the warm Gulf Stream current that flows from the Caribbean. When this warm air meets the Arctic air from the north, things can get very temperamental.

There’s a saying in Iceland, ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,’ and these swirling competing air masses are to blame for this. In the winter, this can lead to windy, stormy weather. 

Iceland Safety

Summer in Iceland is characterized by long daylight hours and mild temperatures. Days rarely reach temperatures exceeding the low-20s, and while it’s mostly sunny and bright, it can also turn misty and rainy at the drop of a hat. 

Winters are cold in Iceland, with frequent snow and rain. It’s dark, with only a few hours of daylight, and high temperatures rarely break into the double digits (Celsius). Stormy weather can cause problems with travel as some roads may become impassable. 

Interestingly, although Iceland is located further north than most of Europe, the United States and parts of Canada, its winters aren’t as cold as, say, New York or even Russia. The warm Gulf Stream ensures that the country doesn’t quite live up to its name as much as we would expect. 

Where is the Best Weather in Iceland?

The southern coastal region of Iceland is generally characterized by mild summers and cool winters which don’t often get too cold. The influence of the warm ocean currents causes an overall milder climate. The differences between summer and winter are not extreme, and rain can be expected at any time of year.

Further inland and in the higher elevations, the climate is much cooler. Summer peak temperatures rarely break into the teens (Celsius) and the winters are much colder than the southern coastal regions. 

The northern regions of the country tend to exhibit cooler temperatures overall, with maximum daytime highs in winter hovering at around 10°C – significantly colder than in the south, which averages 0°C.

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Festivals in Iceland

Iceland celebrates many festivals annually, from ancient Viking traditions and religious observances to more contemporary celebrations. The population of Iceland may be small, but its capacity for celebration is large. 

is Iceland expensive to visit

A slightly modernized Viking tradition featuring loads of singing and dancing and eating. The gastronomically adventurous and strong of stomach can try traditional delicacies like fermented shark, sheep’s head, and pickled ram testicles, and wash it down with a potent shot of  brennivín  – a schnapps-like spirit nicknamed the ‘Black Death’.  

  • Winter Lights Festival:

Hosted annually in February, the lights festival originated as a way to brighten up the darkness of the long winter months. Reykjavik is lit up with spectacular light installations, landmarks are illuminated, and various performances and shows. 

Over the four days of the festival, you can also enjoy Pool Night and Museum Night – extended opening hours and free admission at the city’s pools and museums. 

While not technically a festival or a celebration, the arrival of these shy, goofy-looking birds is worth taking note of. The puffins arrive on the shores in impressive numbers (over 10 million birds) in the spring for their breeding season, departing again by mid-August. Iceland is the breeding home for over 60 percent of the world’s Atlantic puffins, with colonies located all over the country. 

The best time to see and photograph them is in late summer.

  • International Viking Festival :

A celebration of the country’s Viking heritage, this is the oldest and biggest festival of its kind, held annually at Viking Village in Hafnarfjörður.

Five days of staged battles, dances, and story-telling offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Viking life. Visitors can learn to use traditional weapons like spears and axes, learn wood carving techniques, and purchase a variety of handmade goods from the market.

  • Frostbiter:

Icelandic folklore is filled with tales of monsters and supernatural creatures. These dark tales are likely a result of the deep, dark winters, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic scenery of the country. 

This penchant for dark themes has birthed an annual horror film festival celebrating these macabre, strange, and downright terrifying movies. 

Horror film fans can head to Akranes, a small town north of Rejkyavik, for the Iceland Horror Film Festival which celebrates both local and international horror films. 

Christmas is a special time to be in Iceland. From traditional Christmas concerts, festive markets, and twinkling lights that cut through the winter darkness, the country is transformed into a winter wonderland. 

Any Christmas in Iceland is virtually guaranteed to be a white Christmas, and the chances increase the further north you travel. 

If you’re still in any doubt as to the best time to visit Iceland for the experience you’ve been dreaming of, take a look at our month-by-month guide. 

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We’ve gathered all the details for each month of the year to help you find the ideal balance of costs, crowds, and climate.

January in Iceland

January in Iceland is  cold and dark . Average high temperatures hover around 2°C and winds often reach gale force, making it feel colder than it is. There’s a good chance of rain and snow as well. 

It’s very much low season, so definitely the  cheapest time to visit Iceland , and there aren’t too many other tourists to contend with at tourist attractions. However, the days are short and offer only a few hours of daylight for sightseeing. Certain roads and attractions are likely to be closed or inaccessible due to weather conditions. 

February in Iceland

It isn’t much warmer in February , but the chance of rain and snow decreases. The days are getting longer so there’s more time for sightseeing. Most of the roads should be accessible by now unless there’s a bad storm. 

You’ll still benefit from  low season conditions : sightseeing is still pleasantly crowd-free and prices are low. 

March in Iceland

March is still cold with  occasional rainy days . Snow isn’t likely unless you’re headed to the higher elevations. The days are getting significantly longer now, and there’s  more daylight than darkness  now. 

There are few tourists around so sightseeing is still relatively uncrowded. This is a great time for winter sports in the mountains as there’s far more daylight to enjoy the slopes.  

April in Iceland

This is the unofficial start of the summer season in Iceland. As the snow melts, the landscape is blanketed in greenery, and flocks of migratory birds arrive. While it’s still chilly with maximum temperatures only hitting the single digits (Celsius), there’s significantly  less rainfall and much longer days . 

Tourist numbers start to increase from April, but it’s still not peak season so costs and crowds are manageable. 

May in Iceland

May is the best time to visit Iceland if you’re wanting a good balance between crowds, costs, and climate. The days are lovely and long, if a little chilly, there are  fewer tourists, and prices are still low . 

Temperatures are still fairly low, with the average maximum rarely peaking over 10°C. And like any time in Iceland, the weather has the potential to be erratic. Snow is unlikely unless you’re headed to the mountains.

June in Iceland

It’s now feeling a lot more like summer. Average high temperatures can get as high as 20°C but usually hover around the low-teens. You can expect  bright, sunny days  for the most part, with the longest days of the year. 

With the mild weather come the  crowds and peak season pricing . Anyone wishing to visit in high season should book well in advance. 

tips to save money in Iceland

July in Iceland

Like June, July offers  long sunny days  and mild temperatures that attract large numbers of tourists. Average daytime temperatures creep closer to the mid-teens, but can sometimes get much higher. You may experience light rain on occasion. 

This is one of the most  popular times to visit Iceland , so expect busy attractions, crowds of tourists, and elevated pricing. If you’re visiting at this time, there are plenty of outdoor festivals and celebrations to attend.

August in Iceland

It’s still fairly warm in August, with  daytime highs in the low teens , but the temperatures start to decline noticeably as the month progresses. There’s a slightly higher chance of rain, and days are getting noticeably shorter too. 

It’s still a great time to travel to Iceland in terms of weather, but you may still encounter  large numbers of tourists  and higher pricing. 

September in Iceland

The days shorten significantly in September in the lead-up to winter. It’s rainier at this time of year and the  temperatures are cool , with an average maximum of around 10°C. The first sightings of the northern lights are possible now, although not guaranteed. 

If you’re visiting at this time, you can enjoy the crowd-free conditions and the lower pricing that follows the peak season. 

October in Iceland

Weather conditions become  much more wintery  in October. While it’s technically only autumn, the average maximum temperatures drop into the single digits, the days are short, and rain is common. 

Conditions are still good for sightseeing and the weather hasn’t yet impacted the conditions of the roads. You’ll also benefit from  fewer crowds and off-peak pricing . The northern lights become much easier to see from October onwards. 

November in Iceland

Temperatures continue to drop  along with the number of daylight hours. There are only a few hours of daylight to enjoy, so you’ll need to plan your time well. Light rain is common, and if you’re heading further north, your chances for snow increase. Some attractions and roads are impacted by the weather and may not be operating. 

Tourist numbers are low  at this time, making sightseeing pleasant and stress-free. You may be able to pick up some  great deals on accommodation  during November. 

December in Iceland

The cities transform into festive  winter wonderlands , with twinkling lights and festive markets brightening up the winter darkness. Snow is common at this time as is rain, and average daytime temperatures hover around 4°C. 

There’s a small spike in tourism around Christmas, but if you book in advance, you’re still likely to pick up a good deal on accommodation.  

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When is the Best Time to Go to the Golden Circle?

The Golden Circle route can be done at most times of the year. May and September are the best times, as they offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

When is the Rainy Season in Iceland?

The weather in Iceland is notoriously unpredictable and rain can be expected at any time in the year. Most of the rain falls over the winter months between October and February.

When is the Coldest Month in Iceland?

January and February are the coldest months in Iceland. The average maximum temperature is around 2°C, and rainfall and snow are frequent.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Iceland?

Iceland’s short summer occurs between June and August. This is when large numbers of tourists flock to Iceland to enjoy the sights in the mild weather.

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Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is a land of contrasts and extremes. Whether you choose to visit in the height of summer or the very depths of winter, each experience will yield a unique perspective of this fascinating island. 

Choosing the best time to visit Iceland will depend largely on what experiences you wish to have. It all comes down to striking a balance between the weather conditions, the tourist numbers, and seasonal pricing. 

If you’re planning a visit in the summer – you’ll be treated to long sunny days, but it’s essential to book well in advance. If you’re hoping to go off the beaten track and explore outside of the peak season, you might want to hold out for a last-minute deal. 

Either way, there’s plenty to experience in Iceland. And when you’ve done it all? Come back and do it all again in a different season for a completely new perspective. 

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  • Let’s get you ready for your next adventure with our  backpacking Iceland guide .
  • Check out the  best hostels in Iceland to kickstart your adventure.
  • Know  where to stay in Reykjavik  BEFORE you get there… trust me on this one.
  • With the  best international SIM card you can stay connected, always.
  • Seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Explore the best places to see the northern lights .
  • Explore some of the best waterfalls in Iceland to experience something a lil’ different.
  • Plenty of backpackers – myself included – make a stop at Iceland’s Blue Lagoon at the end of their Iceland adventure.
  • Expand your horizons and explore the best winter destinations in Europe .

iceland trip length

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

Christina Grayt

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My husband and I will be in Reykjavik from August 16 to August 18th. We are very interested in taking a Golden Circle small group tour on August 17th. How do I find such a day tour?

Ask at the local tourist information centre, check online, or ask at your accommodation. There will be more than a few tour companies advertising their jaunts.

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Iceland Road Trip Tips and Tricks

W hen planning your trip to Iceland keep in mind three important factors: weather, costs and distances. Even though you could drive the whole circumference of the island in less than 2 days it will take you longer based on the  endless activities.

For our summer trip to Iceland we decided to explore Iceland on our own schedule. Therefore we decided to go camping. The best thing about camping in Iceland is that there are plenty of campgrounds across the country and the ability to wild camp for free.

To explore the entire country you need rent a car, van or hire a tour. We rented a car through Lagoon Car Rental and get our camping gear with Iceland Camping Equipment . It was by far the best way to explore the country for our first time.

You can also consider renting a campervan as it is easier. However it will cost more than renting a small car and camping gear.

How long should you stay in Iceland for?

We recommend to stay at least stay 8 days in Iceland to appreciate what this beautiful country has to offer. Even though it you could drive the whole ring road in less than 36 hours, you would have no time to photograph the landscape or even get off the main road for a hike. There are many activities that you can do in Iceland from ice caving to helicopter rides or even scuba dive along the Silfra fissure.

For those with less time to visit Iceland, you can also complete the Golden Circle in just one day. It is a great introduction to all the amazing diversity the country has to offer.

When is the best time to explore Iceland?

To be honest it depends a lot of what you are trying to get out of your trip. We visited from the last week of May through the first week of June and it was amazing. It is considered off-peak season, making prices more affordable, but days are longer and the majority of roads are already open.

Please keep in mind that weather changes drastically in Iceland and that 20 days out of the month it will rain at some point during day, no matter when you visit. Before heading out on any adventure we recommend you to check the weather and the road status . It will save you a lot of time and stress.

The best months for “warmer” weather will be July and August, but the downside is that it is the more expensive season and you will definitely not see the northern lights. Iceland is known for being “The Land of the Midnight Sun” during summer time as the sun barely sets.

From October to the end of March you have a higher chance to see the northern lights and prices of things are lower. At the same time, the sun only comes above the horizon for a few hours per day, so you trip will consist of nighttime and dusk.

Ultimately there is not really a bad time to visit Iceland. It is just up to you on what you want to get out of your visit.

How is the weather in Iceland?

The weather in Iceland . It can be pretty rainy during the morning and then you will have the best sunny day during the afternoon. Please before making any plans on visiting a particular area check the weather it will save you time and you will be happy with the outcome. The website to check the weather is: Vegagerdin.is

Do I need visa to visit Iceland?

It depends. If you need visa for the European Schengen visa region then yes you do! Even though Iceland is not part of the European Union it is part of the Schengen region. If you do need a visa, make sure the dates on your printed visa match those of your trip and do not extend your stay on a whim. Overstaying your visa can ultimately lead to fines and temporary bans from the Schengen region.

How much money will I spend in Iceland?

Gas: $250.

Gas is rather expensive in Iceland if you compare the price to the US (1,95 a liter). We stuck with OB gas station because our rental car included a discount card on gas and food at these locations. Plus you can get a free cup of coffee and wifi at any of the full service stops.

You will find many gas stations along the ring road, so gas should not be a concern. Although we recommend to keep your gas tank above half full just so you do not face an issues with unexpected weather or detours.

For our our eight day and mile trip along the Ring Road and Golden Circle, we spent $250 in gas, actually diesel in our rental.

Groceries: $80 for two people

Food in Iceland is not cheap but there is one supermarket chain, Bonus, which has the lowest prices in the country. There are 32 locations around the country, so the next supermarket will never be more than a day away on your trip. Our recommendation is to get enough food for your whole journey at the beginning and then only buy whatever is needed along the way.

Food in gas stations are also an option but keep in mind the high prices. If you looking to buy a prepared meal then you should try the hot dogs for about $3 at the gas stations. Anything else like a sandwich or burger, can range from $10 to $20.

Internet: $70

Even though we were camping we still need internet access. We had to work and share our adventures with you. For the regular traveler it is also super important for maps, reservations and research on the go. Both Lagoon Car Rental and Iceland Camping Equipment have the option to rent a 4G portable wifi hotspot. 

Accommodation:

Hotels in Iceland are really expensive, easily starting from $100 per night. We recommend you to either rent a car and go camping or rent a campervan. If you go to camp grounds they cost around $15 USD per person per night with hot showers and community kitchens.

In many places around the country you will also find free camping spots along the way. What we did is that when we knew we were ready to go to bed we drove toward our next destination and whenever we found a place to sleep, we did. We saved a lot of money that way! The only downhill is that you will have to use gas stations bathrooms.

Tourist attractions:

They are free! You can visit almost any national park, natural and historical sites free of charge. If you want to take part in any tour or activity the prices are a bit steep, but offer a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Car Insurance:

Car insurance in Iceland it is a little bit pricy for what it includes. Normally all cars and vans include a minimum insurance but the deductible is high. We recommend to get the windshield insurance and a lower deductible option. Remember Iceland is windy and you never know when a loose rock can hit your car.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is designed for adventurous travellers. You do not need to worry about any potential emergency expenses from medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities. It is convenient that you can buy and claim online, even after you have left for your trip. Having been robbed before, we can say that the assurance of insurance is a fantastic feeling.

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When planning your trip to Iceland keep in mind three important factors: weather, costs and distances. Even though you could drive the whole circumference of the island in less than 2 days it will take you longer based on the  endless activities. For our summer trip to Iceland we decided to explore Iceland on our own …

Ramadan 2024: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world

The dawn-to-dusk fast lasts anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on where in the world you are.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - poster-1709713753

Following the  sighting  of the crescent by the moon-sighting committee, Saudi Arabia has announced that the first day of fasting will be Monday, March 11.

The dawn-to-dusk fast lasts anywhere from 12 to 17 hours, depending on which part of the world you are in.

Keep reading

Muslim countries announce start of ramadan in shadow of gaza war, outrage in ukraine over pope’s call for courage to ‘raise the white flag’, ramadan mubarak: hear greetings in different languages, ramadan around the corner in sudan amid ‘the world’s largest hunger crisis’.

Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month when the first verses of the holy book Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago.

The fast entails abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations during daylight hours to achieve greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.

Why does Ramadan start on different dates every year?

Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar Hijri calendar with months that are 29 or 30 days long.

Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year by 11 days, Ramadan will be observed twice in the year 2030 – first beginning on January 5 and then starting on December 26.

The next time Ramadan will start after March 12 will be 33 years from now – in the year 2057.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - 33 year calendar-1709713728

Fasting hours around the world

The number of daylight hours varies across the world.

Muslims living in the world’s southernmost countries, such as Chile or New Zealand, will fast for about 12 hours, while those living in northernmost countries, such as Iceland or Greenland, will have 17-plus hours fasts.

For Muslims living in the Northern Hemisphere, the number of fasting hours will be a bit shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, which is the year Ramadan will encompass the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. After that, fasting hours will increase until the summer solstice – the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

For fasting Muslims living south of the equator, the opposite will happen.

In extreme northernmost cities, such as Longyearbyen in Norway, where the sun does not set from April 20 to August 22, religious rulings have been issued to follow timings in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, or the nearest Muslim country.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Fasting hours around the world-1709713740

Cities that share the same iftar times

The predawn meal to start the daily fast is called suhoor, while the breaking of one’s fast after sunset is called iftar.

Cities situated roughly along the same longitude will have similar iftar times, while those on the opposite side of the globe will be preparing to start their fast with suhoor.

The infographic below shows which cities are having suhoor while others are having their iftar.

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Cities that share the same iftar times-1709713734

Fasting times around the world

The table below shows the suhoor and iftar times on the first and last days of Ramadan 2024. Use the arrows or search box to find your city.

Which cities have the longest and shortest fasting hours?

Below are the average number of fasting hours in cities around the world. Actual fasting hours and times will vary by day, as well as calculation methods:

– Nuuk, Greenland: 16 hours – Reykjavik, Iceland: 16 hours – Helsinki, Finland: 15 hours – Oslo, Norway: 15 hours – Glasgow, Scotland: 15 hours – Berlin, Germany: 15 hours – Dublin, Ireland: 15 hours – Moscow, Russia: 15 hours – Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 15 hours – Warsaw, Poland: 15 hours – Astana, Kazakhstan: 15 hours

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Longest fasting hours-1709809689

– Brussels, Belgium: 14 hours – London, UK: 14 hours – Zurich, Switzerland: 14 hours – Stockholm, Sweden: 14 hours – Bucharest, Romania: 14 hours – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: 14 hours – Sofia, Bulgaria: 14 hours – Rome, Italy: 14 hours – Madrid, Spain: 14 hours – Paris, France: 14 hours – Lisbon, Portugal: 14 hours – Ankara, Turkey: 14 hours – Ottawa, Canada: 14 hours – Tokyo, Japan: 14 hours – Beijing, China: 14 hours – Athens, Greece: 14 hours – New York City, US: 14 hours – Washington, DC, US: 14 hours – Los Angeles, US: 14 hours – Tunis, Tunisia: 14 hours – Algiers, Algeria: 14 hours – Tehran, Iran: 14 hours – Kabul, Afghanistan: 14 hours – New Delhi, India: 14 hours – Dhaka, Bangladesh: 14 hours – Rabat, Morocco: 14 hours – Damascus, Syria: 14 hours – Islamabad, Pakistan: 14 hours – Baghdad, Iraq: 14 hours – Beirut, Lebanon: 14 hours – Amman, Jordan: 14 hours – Gaza City, Palestine: 14 hours – Cairo, Egypt: 14 hours – Doha, Qatar: 13 hours – Dubai, UAE: 13 hours – Khartoum, Sudan: 13 hours – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 13 hours – Abuja, Nigeria: 13 hours – Aden, Yemen: 13 hours – Dakar, Senegal: 13 hours – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 13 hours – Buenos Aires, Argentina: 13 hours – Colombo, Sri Lanka: 13 hours – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 13 hours – Mogadishu, Somalia: 13 hours – Ciudad del Este, Paraguay: 13 hours – Nairobi, Kenya: 13 hours

INTERACTIVE - Ramadan 2024 - Shortest fasting hours-1709809696

– Harare, Zimbabwe: 13 hours – Jakarta, Indonesia: 13 hours – Luanda, Angola: 13 hours – Bangkok, Thailand: 13 hours – Brasilia, Brazil: 13 hours – Johannesburg, South Africa: 13 hours – Montevideo, Uruguay: 13 hours – Canberra, Australia: 13 hours – Puerto Montt, Chile: 13 hours – Christchurch, New Zealand: 13 hours

Ramadan greetings in different languages

Various Muslim-majority nations have a personalised greeting in their native languages.

“Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” are the most common greetings exchanged in this period, wishing the recipient a blessed and generous month, respectively.

Interactive_Ramadan_2024_Ramadan greetings

IMAGES

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  2. The Ultimate 10 to 14 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

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  3. Iceland Guide: Planning Your Trip

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  4. A Detailed 1 Week Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

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  5. Epic Iceland road trip: itinerary, planning and tips

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  6. Iceland Travel Maps

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COMMENTS

  1. Best (And Worst) Time To Visit Iceland (Month By Month!)

    While the beginning of the month is still as warm as July, temperatures start to go down by the end of the month. August is the best time to go to Iceland if you do not mind the crowds due to the fairly standard daylight hours. The sun sets around 9 PM and rises around 5 AM. August has the least cloudy days as well.

  2. How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland? : Nordic Visitor

    Iceland in 8-12 days. 8-12 days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Iceland as it means you can explore different regions. You could drive around the Ring Road in a full circle to reach the diverse corners of Iceland, from the South Coast to eastern fjords, around North Iceland and over to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.. On average, a tour of 10 days is one of the most popular trip durations ...

  3. 10 Days in Iceland: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

    Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, Visit the Blue Lagoon. Driving Distance and Time: 22 km, 20 minutes. Flights to Iceland arrive at Keflavík International Airport, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula. Pick up your rental car at the airport. Lines can be very, very long, especially midday in the summer months.

  4. Iceland Itinerary: Where to Go in Iceland by Rick Steves

    Extra time: With 48 hours, add a day trip to the South Coast. With 72 hours, add a day trip to Snæfellsnes or spend more time exploring Reykjavík. Rick's Best Five-Day Iceland Trip. Day 1: Arrive, pick up car, go to the Blue Lagoon, then head to the South Coast (sleep along the South Coast)

  5. Planning a Trip to Iceland: DOs and DON'Ts (2024)

    Summer. Many people consider the summer months of June to August the best time to visit Iceland. This is when the weather is warmest, although that doesn't mean it's hot. In Reykjavik average temperatures in July range from 9 - 14ºC (48 - 57ºF) and it can be colder in the north.

  6. The Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide

    The Fimmvörðuháls hike is Iceland's best day hike. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet. The Blue Lagoon. Jump into Iceland's natural geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavík.

  7. Iceland Ring Road Itinerary: 7 to 10 Day Road Trip

    A road trip on the Ring Road is one of Iceland's best experiences. With 7 to 10 days, you can drive around entire circumference of Iceland, visiting the highlights and several off-the-beaten-path destinations. Stand in front of mighty Skógafoss, tour the Golden Circle, relax in the Blue Lagoon, go whale watching and glacier hiking, explore ...

  8. How to plan an unforgettable trip to Iceland (time, itinerary

    OPTION 2 - Self-Drive Iceland - Iceland Trip Package. If you don't want to plan everything yourself but are happy to drive around based on indication provided, you can book an Iceland Self drive package with car rental, hotels and recommendations. Here are suggested packages of all lengths:

  9. 14 things to know before visiting Iceland in 2024

    1. Keep up-to-date on Iceland's volcanic eruptions. Travelers heading to Iceland in 2024 will be aware there has been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland, not far from Keflavik International Airport, the main entry point to the capital Reykjavik . No flights have been affected so far, and the rest of ...

  10. Perfect 7 Day Iceland Itinerary

    One of my friends had visited there with the help of Discover Iceland who helped them t the time of trip. April 3, 2020 at 9:37 am . Reply. [email protected] says: Thanks for sharing such an informative blog. The tips shared is really helpful to get to know about various things about iceland trip.

  11. Best Time To Go To Iceland in 2024: Month by Month Guide

    And February, March, September and October (spring and fall in Iceland) are considered the best months to visit Iceland by those seeking to see the Aurora Borealis. So there you have it - hopefully, this month by month breakdown of the best time to travel to Iceland has been super helpful for trip planning.

  12. Ultimate Guide To Planning A Trip To Iceland

    The average cost of a trip to Iceland can be anywhere between $150 and $500 per person per day, not including flights. To give you an idea of the average cost of a trip to Iceland, here are a few general daily expenses and what you might expect to pay: Espresso coffee: $5-6. Draught beer: $10-12. Bottle of water: $3-4.

  13. Best Iceland Itinerary Ideas From 1 Day To 2 Weeks

    2 Weeks In Iceland Itinerary-RING ROAD + Westfjords. Day 1: Hot Springs And Waterfalls. Day 2: Begin To Explore The South Coast. Day 3: Continue To Explore The South Coast. Day 4: Westman Islands Overnight. Day 5: Canyons And Skaftafell. Day 6: Southeast Iceland. Day 7: East Fjords. Day 8: Eastern Iceland. Day 9: Waterfalls And Whale Watching ...

  14. Best Times to Visit Iceland

    Best Times to Visit Iceland for Good Weather. During the summer months — July and August — the temperature in Iceland hovers around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular time to ...

  15. How Long Do You Need in Iceland? : Iceland Tours

    One of the best ways to do this is by adding detours to your Ring Road itinerary. If you want to explore Iceland to the fullest, just make sure to give yourself around 10-14 days, or even longer. A tangle of deep fjords, golden beaches, and imposing sea cliffs, the Westfjords is one of these less-visited areas.

  16. Best time to visit Iceland

    There's no such thing as the perfect time to visit Iceland as the weather is notoriously whimsical and the best season for your trip depends entirely on what you want to experience.. Mid-summer is glorious with eternal daylight courtesy of the midnight sun. This is the time for hiking, camping and exploring the wilderness, and when most services are open.

  17. 25 Important Iceland Travel Tips To Know Before You Go

    Iceland has so much natural beauty to offer, and with these 25 Iceland travel tips in mind, you're in for the trip of a lifetime! 25 Important Iceland Travel Tips Don't Walk On The Moss. As mighty and majestic as much of Iceland's natural wonders are, the moss you'll see carpeting the lava fields is particularly fragile.

  18. Best Iceland Itinerary: 4 Epic Iceland Road Trip Ideas

    Day 7: Walk on a Glacier. Day 8: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Day 9: Reykjavík. Day 10: Fly Home. #2: 10 Day Ring Road Iceland Itinerary. Day 1 & 2: Blue Lagoon, Glymur, Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Day 3: Drive to North Iceland. Day 4: Godafoss and Whale Watching. Day 5: Myvatn & Dettifoss.

  19. Best Time to Visit Iceland: Your Complete Guide

    Take in the sights and dip in all the hot springs you want with an Icelandic road trip; Best time to visit Iceland to see whales. The summertime is the best time to come to Iceland if you want to whale watch. Taking usually a few hours, the excursion is a great addition to any trip around Iceland, especially for those who love to see wildlife.

  20. How Many Days to Spend in Iceland

    Any traveler could spend weeks getting to know Iceland, but given the reality of limited vacation days, 5-7 days are recommended for a satisfying trip. In this length of time, you can make a northern road trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri or drive the south coast via Vík to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. One idea for getting the most out of ...

  21. Best Time to Visit Iceland

    May is the best time to visit Iceland if you're wanting a good balance between crowds, costs, and climate. The days are lovely and long, if a little chilly, there are fewer tourists, and prices are still low . Temperatures are still fairly low, with the average maximum rarely peaking over 10°C.

  22. Visit Iceland

    Visitor numbers. Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. Find the best time to visit!

  23. Iceland Road Trip Tips and Tricks

    At the same time, the sun only comes above the horizon for a few hours per day, so you trip will consist of nighttime and dusk. Ultimately there is not really a bad time to visit Iceland.

  24. How To See The Best Of Iceland On A Budget

    Exploring the wonderful natural beauty of Iceland doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. ... at the time of writing, 1,000 Icelandic krona is worth $7.25. ... Iceland Budget Travel Tips.

  25. "Coolcations": Climate change reshapes summer vacation travel trend

    Driving the news: Condé Nast Traveler named coolcationing one of the "biggest travel trends to expect in 2024," noting that heat waves are making a summer vacation in Norway seem more appealing than one in Sicily or southern France. Booking travel in "temperate destinations" also has the benefit of cities "being less crowded," the magazine ...

  26. Iceland Bucket List: Best Things to Do in Iceland

    Húsavík is one of the best places to go on a whale watching tour in Iceland, but the also leave from Akuyeri, and Reykjavík. You can also see whales from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords. 13. Walk on a Glacier. Strap on some crampons, grab an ice pick, and set off on a very cool Icelandic adventure.

  27. Ramadan 2024: Fasting hours and iftar times around the world

    The next time Ramadan will start after March 12 will be 33 years from now - in the year 2057. Fasting hours around the world. ... such as Iceland or Greenland, will have 17-plus hours fasts. ...