Nature rules Iceland, the land of fire (volcanoes) and ice (glaciers). This pint-sized country packs a mighty punch with natural phenomena like shimmering northern lights, glistening glaciers, bubbling hot springs, spouting geysers, and teeming waterfalls. But Iceland also has culture to spare: Reykjavik, the country's compact cosmopolitan capital, punches above its weight with its vibrant arts, dining, and nightlife scenes. From diving into Viking history at the National Museum of Iceland to exploring the Golden Circle, spotting whales and puffins, and enjoying a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon, there's plenty to do in Iceland.
Iceland’s cool, temperate maritime climate means that extreme conditions are rare: Summers are mild and winter temperatures don’t usually drop below freezing. Most travelers prefer to visit in summer (June–August), as extended daylight hours and warmer temperatures allow for more outdoor activities such as hiking (many trails are closed outside of summer). However, fall, winter, and spring offer the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, as well as more affordable hotel rates and smaller crowds.
While you can get around Iceland using only public buses, it’s a time-consuming way to travel and not always reliable outside of summer. Renting a vehicle allows flexibility and opens up parts of the country that are not served by public transport. The Icelandic road system is extensive and easy to navigate. You’ll likely spend much of your time on Route 1, better known as the Ring Road, which encircles Iceland and is open year-round.
Pack layers. In Iceland, the season and the weather forecast mean little—chances are you will experience multiple different weather conditions in a single day. Prepare for the unpredictable by packing several warm layers and a waterproof jacket. If you are planning to spend time outdoors, bring a pair of sturdy boots that can handle the country’s famously rugged landscape.
Local Currency Icelandic Króna (ISK) | Time Zone GMT (UTC 0) | Country Code +354 | Language(s) Icelandic | Attractions 79 | Tours 1,617 | Reviews 131,030 |
It’s not called “the land of fire and ice” for nothing. Iceland got its apt nickname from its rugged landscape, which is dotted with waterfalls, glaciers, and active volcanoes (remember Eyjafjallajokull?). Culturally, Iceland is known for its Viking history and music scene, home to the likes of Bjork and Sigur Ros.
...MoreIceland is a small country, so you can cover a lot of ground in relatively little time. That said, if you want to explore the diversity of its landscapes, give yourself a week. If you can spare 10 days, you can drive all the way around the island on the Ring Road.
...MoreIceland is filled with otherworldly landscapes, but unmissable sights include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If there’s one thing you must do, it’s to take a dip in a geothermal pool.
...MoreMany travelers consider the remote Westfjords region to be the most beautiful. The Westfjords are dotted with mountains, fjords, and waterfalls—and have the advantage of being less crowded than other parts of the country. The black-sand Diamond Beach, studded with icebergs from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, is another astonishingly beautiful sight.
...MoreYes, in the major cities of Reykjavik and Akureyri, as well as well-trafficked tourist spots, almost every Icelander you’re likely to meet will speak flawless English. However, if you plan to travel to more rural parts of the country far off the beaten path, locals may not feel as comfortable conversing in English.
...MoreWhile Iceland has a number of quirky rules and regulations, the ones that tourists should be aware of concern treading lightly on the fragile environment. Off-road driving is taken very seriously, and if you’re caught, you could receive a hefty fine. Don’t litter and don’t trample on moss, which can take decades to recover from footprints.
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