Travel Guide to Iceland

Iceland is a land of fire and ice – an otherworldly island where glaciers meet volcanoes, where you can bathe in geothermal pools under the northern lights, where waterfalls cascade hundreds of feet, and where the midnight sun illuminates dramatic landscapes in summer while winter brings just 4-5 hours of daylight.

This North Atlantic island nation of 380,000 people (two-thirds living in greater Reykjavik) offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. Despite being one of Europe's most expensive destinations, Iceland draws over 2 million visitors annually who come to witness natural phenomena, explore volcanic landscapes, soak in hot springs, and discover a unique Nordic culture shaped by isolation, harsh elements, and geological wonders.

Most trips revolve around several key themes: the Golden Circle and major waterfalls, Blue Lagoon and geothermal experiences, Northern Lights viewing, glaciers and ice caves, the Ring Road, Reykjavik's culture, and volcanic landscapes.

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous tourist route, a 300 km loop from Reykjavik that can be done in a day but deserves more time. It showcases Iceland's geological drama.

• Golden Circle Core Sites:
• Thingvellir National Park** – UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in a dramatic rift valley. This is also the historic site of Iceland's first parliament (Althing) established in 930 AD.
• Geysir Geothermal Area** – Home to Strokkur geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water 20-30 meters into the air. The area is named after Geysir, the original geyser (now dormant) that gave all geysers their name.
• Gullfoss Waterfall** – Massive two-tiered waterfall on the Hvita River. The 'Golden Falls' thunders into a dramatic canyon with incredible power, creating constant mist and rainbows.

• Additional Golden Circle Highlights:
• Silfra Fissure** – Snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear glacial water between continental plates (visibility 100+ meters).
• Kerid Crater** – Volcanic crater lake with striking red and orange volcanic rock.
• Secret Lagoon** – Natural geothermal pool in scenic setting, less commercial than Blue Lagoon.
• Fridheimar** – Tomato greenhouse farm with restaurant serving dishes from geothermally-grown produce.

• South Coast Waterfalls:

• Seljalandsfoss – 60m waterfall you can walk behind for a unique perspective (bring waterproof gear – you'll get wet).
• Skogafoss – 60m wide and 60m tall waterfall with constant rainbows on sunny days. Climb 527 steps to the top for views.
• Godafoss – 'Waterfall of the Gods' in North Iceland, horseshoe-shaped falls on the Ring Road.
• Dettifoss – Europe's most powerful waterfall in Northeast Iceland with massive water volume.
• Svartifoss – Waterfall framed by hexagonal basalt columns in Vatnajokull National Park.

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where volcanic activity creates abundant geothermal energy, hot springs, and unique spa experiences.

• Blue Lagoon:
• Iceland's most famous attraction – milky blue geothermal spa in a lava field near Keflavik Airport.
• Mineral-rich water (around 37-39°C) fed by geothermal seawater from nearby power plant.
• Silica mud masks included in admission.
• Multiple packages from Comfort (ISK 9,900 / USD 73) to Premium and Luxury.
• Book weeks or months ahead, especially in summer – sells out daily.
• Can be crowded but remains magical experience.

• Alternative Geothermal Baths:
• Sky Lagoon** – Newer lagoon near Reykjavik with infinity ocean views and 7-step ritual.
• Myvatn Nature Baths** – North Iceland's answer to Blue Lagoon, less crowded, beautiful setting.
• Laugarvatn Fontana** – Natural steam rooms on Golden Circle route.
• Reykjavik's Municipal Pools** – Local geothermal pools with hot tubs (cheap, authentic Icelandic experience).
• Wild hot springs** – Secret Lagoon, Reykjadalur hot river hike, Landmannalaugar highland pools.

• Geothermal Areas:
• Hverir** – Bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles near Lake Myvatn.
• Krysuvik** – Colorful geothermal area on Reykjanes Peninsula.
• Namaskard** – Dramatic geothermal field with steam vents and sulfur deposits.

The Northern Lights are one of nature's most spectacular phenomena, and Iceland is one of the best places to see them.

• When to See Northern Lights:
• Season: September to March (need dark skies).
• Peak months: September-October and February-March (better weather than mid-winter).
• Time: Best viewing 10pm-2am, but can appear anytime after dark.
• Solar activity varies – stronger solar storms create more dramatic displays.
• Requires dark, clear skies – cloud cover prevents viewing.

• Where to See Them:
• Any dark area away from city lights works.
• South Coast (Vik, Reynisfjara) combines dramatic scenery with viewing.
• Thingvellir National Park (from Reykjavik).
• Rural guesthouses away from light pollution.
• Northern Iceland (Akureyri area) has longer dark periods.
• Guided Northern Lights tours pick the best spots based on weather.

• Tips:
• Check aurora forecasts (Icelandic Met Office website, apps).
• Be patient – some nights are cloudy, solar activity varies.
• Consider multiple night stays to increase chances.
• Northern Lights tours run nightly September-March from Reykjavik.
• Photography requires tripod and manual camera settings.

• Summer Alternative:

Iceland has numerous glaciers including Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier by volume.

• Glacier Experiences:
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon** – Stunning lagoon filled with icebergs broken from Breidamerkurjokull glacier. Boat tours available among the icebergs (zodiac or amphibious boats).
• Diamond Beach** – Just across the road from Jokulsarlon, glacial ice chunks wash up on black volcanic sand, creating sparkling "diamonds."
• Glacier Hiking** – Guided walks on Solheimajokull, Svinafellsjokull, or Vatnajokull with crampons and ice axes.
• Ice Cave Tours** – Natural blue ice caves form in glaciers each winter (November-March). Tours available from Jokulsarlon area. Each year's caves are different.
• Snowmobiling on Glaciers** – Tours on Langjokull and other glaciers.
• Ice Climbing** – For experienced climbers or beginners with guides.

• Important:** Glacier activities require guides – never walk on glaciers independently due to hidden crevasses.

• Fjallsarlon** – Smaller glacier lagoon near Jokulsarlon with fewer crowds and boat tours.

Iceland's Route 1 (Ring Road) circles the entire island for 1,332 km, connecting most major attractions and offering Iceland's classic road trip.

• Ring Road Highlights:
• Drivable in summer** – Fully paved circle around Iceland.
• Classic itinerary** – 7-10 days to complete the loop with stops.
• Clockwise or counterclockwise** – Either direction works; most go clockwise from Reykjavik.
• Must-see stops** – South Coast waterfalls, Jokulsarlon, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Challenging in winter** – Snow, ice, limited daylight, some sections occasionally closed.

• Ring Road Regions:
• Southwest** – Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, Vik.
• Southeast** – Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach, Vatnajokull glaciers.
• East Fjords** – Remote fjords, fishing villages, Seydisfjordur (ferry port).
• Northeast** – Dettifoss, Asbyrgi Canyon, whale watching from Husavik.
• North** – Akureyri, Lake Myvatn, Godafoss, Myvatn Nature Baths.
• Northwest** – Remote Westfjords (not on Ring Road), Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

• Alternative:** Focus on South Coast and Golden Circle if time is limited (5-7 days).

Reykjavik offers vibrant culture, excellent restaurants, and Nordic charm despite being home to only 130,000 people.

• Downtown Reykjavik:
• Hallgrimskirkja Church** – Iconic concrete church towering over the city; climb the tower for panoramic views.
• Harpa Concert Hall** – Stunning modern glass architecture on the waterfront with concerts and events.
• Laugavegur Street** – Main shopping and dining street with colorful buildings, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
• Sun Voyager Sculpture** – Beautiful Viking ship sculpture on the waterfront (popular photo spot).
• Old Harbor** – Waterfront area with restaurants, whale watching tours, and maritime museums.

• Museums:
• National Museum of Iceland** – Comprehensive Icelandic history from settlement to modern day.
• Perlan Museum** – Interactive exhibits including indoor ice cave replica and Northern Lights planetarium show.
• Settlement Exhibition** – Archaeological ruins of Viking longhouse with multimedia displays.

• Icelandic Culture:
• Swimming Pool Culture** – Geothermal outdoor pools are social centers; locals swim year-round.
• Music Scene** – Vibrant music culture from folk to electronic; Reykjavik hosts festivals and concerts.
• Food Scene** – Excellent restaurants despite high prices; traditional dishes and modern Nordic cuisine.
• Nightlife** – Small but lively nightlife scene on weekends (expensive drinks).

• Day Trips from Reykjavik:
• Golden Circle (day trip).
• South Coast to Vik (day trip or overnight).
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula (long day trip or overnight).
• Blue Lagoon (40 minutes from Reykjavik, 20 minutes from airport).

Iceland's volcanic nature creates unique landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth.

• Black Sand Beaches:
• Reynisfjara** – Iceland's most famous black sand beach with basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful waves. WARNING: Dangerous sneaker waves have killed tourists – never turn your back to the ocean.
• Diamond Beach** – Black sand with glacier ice chunks.
• Djupalonssandur** – Black pebble beach on Snaefellsnes with shipwreck remains.

• Volcanic Sites:
• Reykjanes Peninsula** – Active volcanic area near Keflavik Airport with recent eruptions.
• Fagradalsfjall** – Volcanic eruption site (2021, 2022, 2023 eruptions) – check if accessible and safe.
• Askja Caldera** – Remote highland caldera with lake-filled crater (4WD required).
• Landmannalaugar** – Colorful rhyolite mountains and highland hot springs (highland route, summer only).

• Lava Fields and Formations:
• Eldhraun** – Massive moss-covered lava field on South Coast.
• Dimmuborgir** – Dark lava formations near Lake Myvatn.
• Lava Tube Caves** – Vidgelmir and Vatnshellir caves offer underground lava tube tours.

• Puffins:
• Iceland's most beloved bird – small seabirds with colorful beaks.
• Nesting season: May-August (best June-July).
• Viewing spots: Dyrholaey cliffs, Latrabjarg cliffs (Westfjords), islands off Reykjavik.
• Puffins leave Iceland in August-September.

• Whale Watching:
• Best from Husavik (North), Akureyri, and Reykjavik.
• Season: April-October (best June-August).
• Species: Humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, occasionally orcas and blue whales.
• Tours widely available (3-4 hours).

• Other Wildlife:
• Icelandic horses – small, sturdy horses unique to Iceland; horseback riding tours available.
• Seals – spotted along coasts.
• Arctic foxes – Iceland's only native land mammal (rare to see).
• Reindeer – in East Iceland (introduced species).

• Highlands:
• Remote interior accessible only in summer (July-September) by 4WD.
• Landmannalaugar – colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, hiking.
• Thorsmork – valley surrounded by glaciers, accessible by 4WD or bus.
• F-roads require 4WD vehicles and experience.

• Fjords:
• Westfjords – remote, dramatic fjords in northwest Iceland.
• East Fjords – quieter fjords with fishing villages.

Peak tourist season with midnight sun and warmest weather.

• Midnight sun (nearly 24-hour daylight in June-July)
• All roads and attractions open
• Puffins nesting (May-August)
• Lupine flowers blooming (late June-July)
• Highland roads accessible (F-roads open late June-September)
• Warmest temperatures (10-15°C / 50-59°F, occasionally warmer)
• Highest accommodation prices and crowds
• Festival season (Secret Solstice music festival, Culture Night in Reykjavik)
• No Northern Lights (too bright)

Excellent shoulder season with Northern Lights and fewer crowds.

• Northern Lights season begins
• Autumn colors (limited trees but colorful moss and low vegetation)
• More affordable than summer
• Weather still reasonable (5-10°C / 41-50°F)
• Fewer tourists
• Highland roads begin closing in September
• Some services reducing hours
• Good compromise between summer and winter

Northern Lights season with ice caves but limited daylight and challenging conditions.

• Northern Lights best viewing
• Natural ice caves accessible (November-March)
• Lowest accommodation prices
• Limited daylight (4-5 hours in December-January)
• Snow and ice make driving challenging
• Some roads closed (entire highland, some Ring Road sections occasionally)
• Winter activities: snowmobiling, ice caving, glacier hiking
• Temperatures: -5 to 5°C / 23-41°F (milder than latitude suggests due to Gulf Stream)
• Higher chance of weather disrupting travel plans

Shoulder season with increasing daylight and emerging nature.

• Daylight rapidly increasing
• Weather unpredictable and can be harsh
• Fewer tourists
• Lower prices than summer
• Northern Lights still possible early April
• Highland roads still closed
• Puffins begin arriving in May
• Can still have winter conditions

Iceland offers exceptional adventure activities:

• Glacier Hiking – Walk on glaciers with crampons and guides.
• Ice Cave Tours – Explore natural ice caves in winter.
• Snowmobiling – Tours on glaciers.
• Snorkeling/Diving Silfra – Float between tectonic plates in crystal-clear water (dry suit required).
• Whale Watching – See humpbacks and other whales.
• Horseback Riding – Ride unique Icelandic horses through lava fields and countryside.
• Hiking – From easy waterfall walks to multi-day highland treks (Laugavegur Trail).
• Caving – Lava tube cave tours.
• River Rafting – White water rafting on glacial rivers.
• ATV/Buggy Tours – Off-road adventures.

Iceland's cuisine combines traditional preservation techniques, fresh seafood, lamb, and modern Nordic innovation.

• Traditional Dishes:
• Lamb** – Iceland's signature meat, grass-fed and tender (roasted leg, lamb soup).
• Fresh Seafood** – Cod, haddock, Arctic char, langoustine, salmon.
• Skyr** – Thick Icelandic yogurt (technically cheese), high protein, eaten with berries.
• Hotdogs (Pylsur)** – Famous Icelandic hot dogs from Baejarins Beztu stand in Reykjavik.
• Fermented Shark (Hakarl)** – Traditional preserved shark (strong ammonia smell, acquired taste).
• Dried Fish (Hardfiskur)** – Dried fish jerky eaten with butter.
• Rye Bread (Rugbraud)** – Dense, sweet bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

• Modern Icelandic Cuisine:
• New Nordic Movement** – Reykjavik has excellent restaurants using local ingredients innovatively.
• Seafood Soup** – Creamy fish soup in bread bowls.
• Langoustine** – Small lobsters from Icelandic waters.

• Cost Warning:

Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations for accommodation.

• Hostel dorm beds: ISK 4,000–7,500 per night (USD 29–55).
• Private rooms in hostels: ISK 12,000–18,000 per night (USD 88–132).
• Budget guesthouses: ISK 15,000–25,000 per night (USD 110–183).
• Simple farm stays: ISK 18,000–30,000 per night (USD 132–220).

• 3-star hotels: ISK 25,000–45,000 per night for double rooms (USD 183–330).
• Guesthouses with private bath: ISK 30,000–50,000 per night (USD 220–367).
• Airbnb entire apartments: ISK 20,000–40,000 per night (USD 147–293).
• Country hotels: ISK 35,000–55,000 per night (USD 257–404).

• 4-star hotels: ISK 50,000–85,000 per night (USD 367–624).
• 5-star hotels and resorts: ISK 80,000–150,000+ per night (USD 587–1,100+).
• Luxury countryside lodges: ISK 90,000–180,000 per night (USD 661–1,321).
• Premium Reykjavik hotels: ISK 70,000–140,000+ per night (USD 514–1,028).

• Peak summer (June-August): Highest prices, book 3-6 months ahead.
• Northern Lights season (September-March): Maintains demand, prices remain relatively high.
• Winter (November-March): Slightly lower but still expensive; many countryside places closed.
• Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October): Moderate savings.

• Book far in advance (3-6 months for summer).
• Stay in hostels or guesthouses rather than hotels.
• Rent Airbnb apartments and cook meals.
• Travel in winter for lower prices (but limited daylight and activities).
• Stay outside Reykjavik on Ring Road to save.

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the following can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism:

• United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
• European Union countries
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others

Visa-free entry does not permit paid employment.

Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Schengen visa in advance through Icelandic embassy/consulate:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining recommended)
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage
• Proof of accommodation bookings
• Return flight tickets
• Financial means (bank statements)
• Completed application and photos
• Processing: 15 business days

On arrival at Keflavik International Airport:

• Pass through immigration (passport control).
• Collect baggage from carousel.
• Proceed through customs (usually no checks for EU/Schengen travelers).

Iceland has strict biosecurity rules – declare all food items, especially meat and dairy products. Hiking boots may be inspected and cleaned.

Iceland has excellent healthcare with universal public system for residents. Tourists must pay full costs, which are very high.

• Payment expected at time of service or billed to insurance.
• English widely spoken by medical staff.
• Reykjavik has best facilities; rural areas have health centers.
• Pharmacies (Apotek) widely available in towns.
• Emergency number: 112 (all emergencies).

• Routine Care:
• General practitioner visit: ISK 12,000–20,000 (USD 88–147)
• Specialist consultation: ISK 20,000–35,000 (USD 147–257)
• Prescription medications: ISK 1,500–8,000 (USD 11–59) depending on medication

• Emergency Care:
• Emergency room visit: ISK 30,000–60,000 (USD 220–440) for initial assessment
• Overnight hospital stay: ISK 80,000–150,000 (USD 587–1,101) per day
• Intensive care unit (ICU): ISK 250,000–500,000 (USD 1,835–3,670) per day
• Emergency surgery: ISK 200,000–800,000+ (USD 1,468–5,872+)

• Specialized Procedures:
• MRI scan: ISK 80,000–150,000 (USD 587–1,101)
• CT scan: ISK 60,000–100,000 (USD 440–734)
• Broken bone treatment: ISK 50,000–200,000 (USD 367–1,468)

Iceland's remote location and harsh conditions make medical evacuation expensive:

• Helicopter rescue within Iceland: ISK 2,000,000–5,000,000 (USD 14,680–36,700)
• Medical evacuation to US East Coast: USD 150,000–250,000
• Medical evacuation to Europe: USD 50,000–120,000
• Commercial flight with medical escort: USD 10,000–30,000

Reykjavik has the main hospital (Landspitali University Hospital) with full services. Akureyri has regional hospital. Smaller towns have health centers for basic care. Remote areas may require helicopter evacuation to Reykjavik for serious conditions.

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Iceland due to high medical costs, weather-related travel disruption, and adventure activities.

• Medical Coverage
• Minimum USD 100,000 recommended; USD 250,000 better.
• Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, emergency treatment.
• Iceland has NO reciprocal healthcare agreement with US/Canada.
• Pre-existing condition coverage if needed.

• Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
• Minimum USD 250,000; recommended USD 500,000+.
• Critical for remote area travel requiring helicopter rescue.
• Covers evacuation to Reykjavik or home country.
• Helicopter rescue within Iceland can cost USD 15,000-40,000+.
• Includes repatriation of remains.

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption
• Iceland flights from US/Europe are expensive (USD 600-1,500+).
• Weather frequently disrupts flights and tours.
• Volcanic activity occasionally grounds flights (rare but possible).
• Covers cancellation for illness, injury, family emergencies.
• Consider "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) for flexibility.

• Adventure Sports Coverage
• Standard policies may exclude glacier hiking, ice caving, snowmobiling, snorkeling.
• Ensure coverage includes planned activities.
• Glacier activities carry real risks requiring coverage.
• Declare all activities when purchasing policy.

• Car Rental Coverage
• Car rental excess can be ISK 300,000-500,000 (USD 2,200-3,670).
• Gravel damage, ash damage, and wind damage often NOT covered by basic insurance.
• Consider Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and gravel protection from rental company.
• Personal insurance may cover rental car but verify international coverage.

• Weather Delay Coverage
• Flights frequently delayed by weather or volcanic activity.
• Tour cancellations due to weather common (Northern Lights tours, boat trips).
• Accommodation and rebooking costs add up quickly.

• Medical: Slips on ice, glacier hiking injuries, hypothermia, car accidents in winter conditions.
• Evacuation: Helicopter rescue from remote areas, injuries on glaciers or in highlands.
• Trip disruption: Flight cancellations due to weather or volcanic activity, Northern Lights tour cancellations, road closures.
• Vehicle: Car damage from gravel, wind opening doors and damaging them, ash damage, single-vehicle accidents.
• Lost/delayed baggage: On international flights.

When comparing policies, focus on: - Medical and evacuation limits (minimum USD 100,000 medical, USD 250,000 evacuation). - Adventure sports inclusion (glacier hiking, ice caves, snowmobiling). - Car rental coverage and deductibles. - Weather delay and trip interruption coverage. - Volcanic activity coverage (rare but can disrupt travel). - Deductibles and co-pays. - 24/7 assistance with English-language support.

For adventure-focused trips, ensure glacier hiking, ice cave tours, and snowmobiling are covered. For winter travel, confirm coverage includes winter driving conditions and weather delays.

Iceland offers one of the most unique travel experiences on Earth – a land where you can witness the raw power of nature in glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal phenomena. From the dancing Northern Lights to the midnight sun, from the Blue Lagoon's milky waters to massive glacier lagoons filled with icebergs, Iceland combines dramatic natural beauty with excellent infrastructure and Nordic culture.

The country's small population, exceptional safety, English-speaking environment, and well-developed tourism industry make it accessible despite its remote location and extreme landscapes. Whether you're soaking in hot springs, hiking on glaciers, watching geysers erupt, driving the Ring Road through volcanic landscapes, or exploring Reykjavik's vibrant culture, Iceland delivers unforgettable experiences.

Iceland rewards independent exploration – the freedom to chase Northern Lights, discover hidden waterfalls, and pull over at stunning viewpoints makes it ideal for road trips. At the same time, guided tours provide expertise and safety for activities like glacier hiking and ice cave exploration.

With thoughtful planning around high costs (budget generously – Iceland is expensive), weather unpredictability (pack layers and waterproof gear), seasonal considerations (summer for midnight sun and accessibility vs. winter for Northern Lights and ice caves), driving challenges (especially in winter), respect for nature (heed warnings and ropes), visa requirements (Schengen rules apply), and comprehensive travel insurance (medical evacuation coverage essential), you'll be well-prepared to explore this remarkable island of fire and ice where nature's forces create landscapes and phenomena found nowhere else on Earth.