Complete Iceland Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

Iceland is often called the Land of Fire and Ice. It is best known for its active volcanoes, the Blue Lagoon, and Northern Lights. You will find lava fields, glaciers, icebergs, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs, black, golden, and red beaches, the Midnight Sun, wooden churches, quirky street art, furry horses, puffins, elves, fairies, and dwarves. The country receives over 2 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Iceland travel guide and the following Iceland travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Iceland are Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the Blue Lagoon.

Why Visit Reykjavík

Reykjavik is known as one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. You will find colorful homes, quirky street art, bizarre museums, a great music scene, crazy nightlife, public art, and interesting food options all under the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights.

Read Top Things to Do in Reykjavik

Why Visit the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular route between three of Iceland’s most visited attractions.  Visitors to Thingvellir National Park are able to walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Gullfoss is a gorgeous cascading waterfall. Geysir Geothermal Field has 2 impressive geysers. The Great Geyser shoots boiling water up to an average of 70 meters in the air and Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes. Several day tours also include time at the geothermal Secret Lagoon and Faxi Waterfall.

Read 72 hours in Iceland

Why Visit the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a famous spa with seawater rich in silica. The lagoon is not a natural hot spring but a pool created by the geothermal power plant next door. As a result, the 102°F water renews itself every 48 hours. The Blue Lagoon is a popular attraction, be sure to make reservations. The best time to visit is in the evening to enjoy the midnight sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter.

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Iceland

Where is Iceland

Iceland is in Northern Europe. The country is approximately 40,000 sq mi and has a population of over 350,000. Iceland is midway between North America and Europe just below the Arctic Circle. Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland, 60% of the population live in Reykjavík.

What is the language spoken in Iceland?

The national language of Iceland is Icelandic. English is taught in schools and is almost universally spoken. Even though English is the standard language of tourism in Europe, it is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.

Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?

According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

What is the currency in Iceland?

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Iceland?

Although Iceland is mainly cashless, get a small amount to use for toilets. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Iceland and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Iceland, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in krona.

How much should I budget per day in Iceland?

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Iceland is $177. Expect to pay $2,481 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

The high season in Iceland is mid-June through August, expect high prices and crowds. This is the time of the midnight sun and is the best time for hikers to visit. The shoulder season is Mid-May through mid-June and September through mid-October. February, March, September, and October are the best times to view the Northern Lights.

What type of transportation does Iceland use?

The shuttle from the Keflavik International Airport stops at the Blue Lagoon before continuing into Reykjavík. Reykjavík is a walkable city and there is no metro, train, or ferry service. Iceland’s only public transport network is a bus service. Car rental is popular. Prepare for high gas prices, drive with your headlights on, be careful of sheep on the road, and speed cameras are common. Keep the gas tank full and many stations close at 9 pm. The wind is very strong in Iceland and can pull a car door off, and park the front of the car into the wind. There are many organized day trips from Reykjavík to the Golden Circle and South Iceland.

What kind of adaptor do I need in Iceland?

The plugs in Iceland are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.

What should I pack for Iceland?

The general clothing style in Iceland is casual and hip. Packing for Iceland is dependent upon the time of year you visit. Expect temperatures of 50-55 degrees F in the summer and cold and windy in the winter. Weather shifts often, be prepared with waterproof layers and sturdy waterproof outdoor shoes.  An insulated jacket, thermal undergarments, and ice cleats are necessary for the winter. Iceland is windy, and an umbrella is not as useful as a hooded raincoat. Reykjavík is known for its nightlife, some clubs have dress codes (no hoodies, sporty t-shirts, or sneakers). Do not forget to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the thermal pools. Be sure to pack an eye mask to block out the midnight sun during the summer months.

Is Iceland a safe country for solo travelers?

According to Travel Safe Abroad, Iceland is considered to be one of the safest places in the world. Not only is the overall risk low, but there is also a low risk of scams, pickpockets, and muggings. The greatest safety risk for tourists is natural disasters. Stay aware of your surroundings, European cities have been targeted for terrorist attacks. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.

What food do I need to try in Iceland?

Reykjavik’s Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur (lamb hot dog with crunchy deep-fried onions, raw onions, sweet brown mustard, and creamy remoulade), hangikjöt (smoked lamb), langoustine (small lobster), fish and chips, mussels, plokkfiskur (mashed fish stew), skyr (mix between yogurt and cottage cheese), rúgbrauð (rye bread from a hot spring), harðfiskur (fish jerky), ice cream (at Valdis, Ísbúð Vesturbæjar or Ísbúðin Laugalæk), lakkrís (chocolate covered licorice), egils appelsin (carbonated orange drink), and brennívín (unsweetened schnapps).

Tips for Traveling in Iceland

• The tap water is safe to drink and tastes great.
• Use a toilet when you see one and expect to pay.
• Base yourself in Reykjavik and take day tours.
• Iceland is expensive, expect to pay more for gas, food, and drinks.
• Tipping is not required but appreciated. Gratuity or a service charge is added to the bill.
• The airport shuttle stops at the Blue Lagoon, visit on your way into or out of town.
• Fly Iceland Air and get a free stopover.
• Iceland is a popular destination, book hotels, and activities early.
• Stay away from the water’s edge and do not turn your back to the ocean. Undercurrents are strong and death by ‘sneaker waves’ is a real thing.
• Summer days are long, visit popular attractions in the evening.
• Buy alcohol from the Vinbudin (The Wine Store), grocery store beer has no alcohol content.
• Food is expensive, find deals with the Reykjavik Appy Hour App.
• Iceland has a lost and found hotline, call 444-1000.
• Sit on the right side of the bus for the best scenery.
• Pack snacks, it may be a long time before the next convenience store.
• It’s common to see babies sleeping in carriages outside of stores.

Top Things to See and Do in Iceland

• Admire the best view in Reykjavik at Hallgrímskirkja Church.
• Visit the Blue Lagoon.
• Walk between 2 tectonic plates at National Park Thingvellir.
• Snorkel or dive between two tectonic plates at the Silfra Fissure.
• Go glacier hiking and explore Skaftafell Ice Cave at Vatnajokull Glacier.
• Take a walk through a lava field at Thórsmörk.
• Visit Vik’s black sand beach and stay way back from the waves.
• Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.
• Go on a puffin tour (between April and September).
• Chase waterfalls, don’t miss Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss.
• See the Insta-Famous Solheimasandur plane.
• Watch Strokkur geyser erupt.
• Go whale watching in Husavik.
• Take a selfie with a furry Icelandic horse.
• Hike the colorful Landmannalaugar mountains.
• See the Sigoldufoss waterfall wall.

Be sure to check the Iceland Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Interesting Facts About Iceland

• Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans.
• Iceland is the world’s largest volcanic island.
• There are over 100 volcanoes in Iceland, and 30 are active.
• 11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers.
• The Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in Europe.
• The word geyser originated in Iceland.
• 40% of Iceland was once covered by trees, the Vikings cut them down for houses and ships.
• Iceland is one of the few countries in the world where you can see the red Northern Lights.
• Iceland was the first country in the world to elect a female president.
• Iceland does not have a military and local police do not carry guns.
• Iceland is the third most expensive country in the world.
• Icelanders believe in elves and trolls and other mythical creatures.
• Beer was banned in Iceland until 1989.
• Reykjavík is the only capital city in Western Europe without a McDonald’s.
• The Icelandic horse is the only horse breed in Iceland.
• There are no mosquitoes in Iceland.
• Because the population is small, there’s an app to prevent dating your cousin.
• Icelander’s surnames are their father or mother’s first name + son or daughter.
• Students are taught Icelandic, English, and Danish in school.
• 1 in 10 people in Iceland will publish a book.
• Reykjavík has a museum of penises.
• Iceland banned strip clubs in 2010.
• It is illegal to own a pet snake, lizard, or turtle.

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Iceland Travel Guide

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