If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, you’re making a great choice. An epic terrain of jaw-dropping volcanic activity, miraculous waterfalls, and rugged glacial landscapes awaits you.
In this guide, you’ll discover the advice you need to ensure you have an unforgettable stay in the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll find the answers to some common questions, as well as expert tips for some of the best things to do while you’re here.
- Get inspired for your adventure with these best-selling Iceland tour packages
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Iceland is an extraordinary place to visit at any time of year. But what you’ll experience – and what you can get up to – will depend on when you travel.
The biggest difference between the seasons will be the light. In summer, the days are long and, from May to July, the sun hardly drops beneath the horizon. This is the period of the midnight sun and it’s the perfect moment for you to spend time outdoors.
On the other hand, winter in Iceland brings long nights. These darker months provide the ideal conditions for you to chase the northern lights. With its dazzling curtains of colour, the aurora borealis is a truly breathtaking natural phenomenon.
It’s not just the light that changes though. The mild summer months are ideal for outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the cool winters are best for photographing frosted landscapes and experiencing Iceland’s Christmas traditions.
If you can’t decide when to visit, why not try the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn? In April and October, the nights are long enough to see the northern lights, but you can still explore the outdoors with ease. Plus, it tends to be a quieter time of year.
- Check out summer tours in Iceland and dedicated winter packages
- Related: Best time to visit Iceland – Your complete guide
How many days do you need in Iceland?
You can stay for as much time in Iceland as you want! On your trip, you can spend anything from a long weekend to an entire month here.
For a shorter break, it can be a good idea for you to visit the capital, Reykjavík, and the surrounding area. For instance, you could see the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula, the world-famous Golden Circle, or the diverse south coast.
If you have more time to spare, consider touring the Ring Road, the highway that circles the entire country. You’ll need at least a week to explore the whole route, but you could spend much longer getting off the beaten track along the way.
- Check out these Iceland travel packages to find your perfect trip
- Related: How many days do you need in Iceland?
What’s the best way to travel in Iceland?
The best way to travel depends on your preferences and how much flexibility you would like.
For instance, on an Iceland self-drive tour, you’ll be free to see the Land of Fire and Ice at your own pace. You’ll hire a car and travel entirely independently, so you can visit the sights that catch your interest, on your own schedule.
If you’d benefit from insights from a local expert, why not book a private guided tour? It’s a great way to experience Iceland on a fully tailored trip.
Alternatively, if you prefer to see Iceland with like-minded travellers, choose a guided small group tour. Your guide will drive you from place to place while sharing their insights.
Another option is to plan a multi-day trip. For instance, you could have a base in the capital, Reykjavík, and take day tours out to the top sights nearby. You’ll be able to get to know the city while seeing the very best of Iceland.
What to pack for a trip to Iceland
What you’ll need for your trip to Iceland depends on the activities you’ve got planned. And it’s important to bear in mind that the climate here is cool – even in summer – so you should be prepared to wrap up warm.
Here are some things to consider packing with you:
- Walking boots or shoes with good grip
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Cosy jumpers
- Thermal base layers
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Rucksack
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear and a travel towel
You can find a full packing list in our guide to what to bring to Iceland.
5 top things to do in Iceland
Now you’ve got the practicalities covered, read on to discover some of the exciting adventures to add to your Iceland itinerary.
1. Relax in geothermal spas and hot springs
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries on the planet. This means that there are snow-capped volcanoes and fresh lava fields to marvel at. All this geothermal activity is what makes Iceland’s many spas and hot springs possible.
These range from the Blue Lagoon’s luxurious facilities to the more rugged and rudimentary. If you want to sip cocktails from an infinity pool overlooking the North Atlantic, you can do that. But if you’d prefer to bathe in a naturally warm river in a rugged valley, that’s possible too.
- Kick back and relax on an Icelandic spa retreat
- Related: Top hot springs and geothermal pools in Iceland
2. Travel the Ring Road
One unforgettable Icelandic adventure is to rent a car and drive the Ring Road. This 1,328-kilometre (825-mile) route loops the island, showing you the best of the Land of Fire and Ice along the way.
Don’t miss the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can see icebergs floating on one of the largest lakes in Iceland and melting on a black sand beach. You could also explore the historic villages and hiking trails of the rugged East Fjords.
North Iceland on the Diamond Circle?
- Buckle up and see the highlight of the country on a self-drive Iceland tour
- Related: Driving Iceland’s Diamond Circle – All you need to know
3. Go wildlife-watching
Iceland may be most famous for its awesome landscapes. But it also has lots to offer when it comes to wildlife. While you’re here, take the opportunity to glimpse some of the enchanting creatures that live in this part of the world.
One of the best ways to do this is to join a sea life tour. You’ll have the chance to witness dolphins, seals and as many as 23 different species of whale. It’s an opportunity for you to get up close to these majestic animals.
On land, you can see reindeer, Icelandic horses, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Arctic fox. Come in summer to glimpse puffins, the adorable birds that nest on Iceland’s clifftops.
4. Try epic outdoor activities
With so much beautiful scenery to explore in Iceland, trying some thrilling outdoor adventures is a must. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find the perfect trip to suit you.
Hiking is a reliably rewarding choice. One enticing destination is Skaftafell, in the Vatnajökull National Park, an area criss-crossed by trails. For instance, you can spend the day trekking up to Svartifoss to see one of Iceland’s most magical waterfalls.
Alternatively, try something you won’t be able to do at home. Go snorkelling in Silfra, the lake between continents in Þingvellir National Park. Venture into a glacial ice cave. Or ride on an Icelandic horse.
- Experience Iceland’s outdoors on an activity tour
- Related: Thrilling things to do in Iceland
5. Get off the beaten path
There’s much more to see and do in Iceland. While you’re here, it’s worth getting off the beaten track and exploring some of the less-visited parts of the country.
For example, visit the Westfjords, Iceland’s least populated region where the sea cuts deep channels into the land. It’s also one of the best places to see the Arctic fox in the wild.
Another option is to visit the Icelandic highlands, a remote region in the centre of the country. It’s an astonishing world of multicoloured mountains, hot springs, and lava fields.
- See a different side to the Land of Fire and Ice on an off-the beaten-path tour of Iceland
- Related: Iceland’s hidden gems – Things to do off the beaten path
Visit Iceland with Nordic Visitor
Now you know how to plan a trip to Iceland. Like any adventure of a lifetime, there’s a lot to think through. But if the Land of Fire and Ice is on your travel wish list, it’s well worth the effort.
At Nordic Visitor, we can take the hassle out of your Iceland trip planning. Depending on your preferences, our Reykjavík-based travel experts will create an itinerary to suit you. We’ll arrange your accommodation, transport within Iceland, and give you personal recommendations.
If you want to see Iceland at your own pace, a self-drive tour is the ideal choice. If you prefer to experience the country with like-minded travellers, consider a guided small group trip instead.
Alternatively, opt for a multi-day tour if you want to base yourself in Reykjavík and enjoy day trips into the surrounding countryside.
Get in touch with us to make your escape to Iceland a reality!
