Iceland travel guide
Iceland Tourism | Iceland Guide
You're Going to Love Iceland
A volcanic island located in the North of Europe, Iceland is a mix of glaciers, hot springs and dramatic nature, offering something to see all throughout the year.
What to do in Iceland
1. Hang Out in One of Reykjavik's Cool Cafes
Every trip to Iceland needs to start in the capital Reykjavik, where you can experience the cafe culture, visit the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, and go shopping in Laugavegur.
2. See Icebergs and Glaciers at Jokulsarlon
Located in the south-eastern part of the island, this picturesque glacier lagoon is where you will be able to see icebergs, glaciers flowing into the Atlantic, and chunks of ice that have landed on a beach with black sand.
3. Experience the Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the few and best located countries to see the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The best time of the year to see them is between September and March.
4. Go Swimming in a Hot Spring
There is no experience like being in a hot spring when the temperature is freezing cold, and Iceland has hot pools located throughout the country. One of the most iconic geothermal pools is the Blue Lagoon, located in the south-western part of the island.
5. Go Whale Watching in Snæfellsjökul National Park
Iceland is mostly about nature, and in this national park, you will be able to join a large number of activities, such as whale watching, bird watching, hiking and climbing the Snæfellsjökul glacier.
When to visit Iceland
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see. The summer is the best season to travel around as it offers mild temperatures; however, if you want to see the Northern Lights, then the best months to visit are September, October, February and March.
How to Get to Iceland
Entry Requirements
Citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen agreement can enter Iceland by simply showing an ID document, while citizens of other countries will need a visa, with some being given on arrival.
Plane
Flying is the most common way to get to Iceland, with all international flights arriving to Keflavik International Airport. Icelandair is the local national airline and operates nonstop flights to about 50 destinations, while a large number of other airlines fly in and out of the island, including low budget airlines such as easyJet.
Boat
Ferries run from Denmark to Seyoisfjorour, which is located on the east coast. The service is operated by Smyril Line, is run on a weekly basis, and the trip takes 2 days.
Popular airlines serving Iceland
Where to stay in Iceland
Hotels are available around the island. If you're traveling in group, a better option for accommodation are guesthouses, which are usually more spacious, more economical and are available even in the rural areas.
Where to stay in popular areas of Iceland
Most booked hotels in Iceland
How to Get Around Iceland
Public Transportation
Iceland doesn't have a rail system, so their public transport revolves around the bus network, which travels around the island.
Bus
Long-distance bus travel in Iceland is available but services are not always frequent, so if you plan to rely on buses, you need to plan ahead and check bus timetables. Various bus companies run services, including Gray Line Iceland, Discover Iceland, Sterna, Trex and SBK. All buses leave from BSI station, the main bus station in Reykjavik.
Car
Renting a car is the most common way to travel around the country. One of the most popular tourist routes to follow is the Golden Circle Route, which covers the southern part of the island.
Plane
Flying is the most common mode of transport in Iceland when it comes to long distance travel, with 38 airports located throughout the country. Various airlines operate local flights, including Air Iceland Connect, Eagle Air and Norlandair.
Best car rental deals in Iceland
Compact station wagon
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 47/day
Economy
2 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 247/day
The Cost of Living in Iceland
Living in Iceland has relatively higher costs than most European countries. An inexpensive meal will cost on average 2500 ISK (20 USD), while a nice, sit-down meal can cost around 6500 ISK (52 USD) per person on average. A one-way local bus trip will cost around 500 ISK (4 USD), while a monthly public transport pass costs on average 12500 ISK (100 USD). Credit and debit cards are very commonly used in Iceland, with Visa and Mastercard being the two most commonly used cards.