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Bucket list destination:

Iceland

  • Iceland

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

For nature in the raw, nowhere on earth compares to Iceland. Pocked by volcanoes, rocked by tectonic forces and coated in vast ice sheets, this strange volcanic island offers a smorgasbord of wild, weird experiences.

In a single day, you could find yourself hiking onto a glacier, strolling across a black sand beach, delving into a frozen ice cave, descending into a petrified lava tube or chilling out in a geothermal lagoon under the flickering lights of the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis.

Iceland is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurous travellers: savour every second.

Orientation

Reykjavik, the capital, is in the south west, the most populous area.

Other towns are dotted around the coast, while the centre is mainly a mountainous, volcanic and uninhabitable area.

The country’s second city, Akureyri, is in the north near Lake Myvatn; Seydisfjordur, the main ferry port, is on the east coast.

Culture & Customs

Iceland is a very safe place to visit. Icelanders can be reserved at first, but have a sly sense of humour once they warm up. People tend to eat and drink late, particularly in summer which is blessed with long hours of daylight; winter here can be tough.

There is a strong culture of swimming, thanks to the country’s natural hot springs, and an innate appreciation of nature.

If you’re planning a weekend break in Reykjavik, be aware that Sundays are notoriously quiet, with few shops open. Plan your day trips out of the city then.

In general, Icelanders don’t tip – but there’s nothing stopping you leaving a small gratuity if you wish to do so.

Food & Drink

With fresh lamb, salmon from crystal-clear streams and seafood from just offshore, Iceland’s raw ingredients are sublime, and eating out is a pleasure with excellent fine dining restaurants and twists on New Nordic cuisine.

More challenging traditional recipes include sheep’s head, puffin and seagull’s eggs. (You can try all of Iceland’s weird and wonderful local specialities during the Thorrablot Festival).

Locals love their pylsur (hot dog) smothered in ketchup, mustard and onions sold from street stalls in central Reykjavik. Braver souls should try hákarl (rotting shark) at Kolaportid market.

Tours, tickets & transfers

13

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Reykjavik

This 8-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head to West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula and find some hidden gems and locations to experience, such as Kirkjufell mountain, lava pillars, a white beach and waterfalls. While enjoying this tour, you're able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special.

Price €2,450

Min age 8

Rating 4.93 / 5 [483 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Reykjavik

Travel the full circle road around Iceland in 6 days and visit the best highlights the island has to offer, with an experienced guide in a small group for a more personalized experience. You will explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Skaftafell, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn and more. This tour also includes adventurous activities such as glacier hiking, whale watching and hiking.

Price €2,438

Min age 6

Rating 4.84 / 5 [470 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Reykjavik

This 6-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head down south to the capital. While you enjoy this versatile tour you will be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special, such as snorkeling, horse riding or hiking. The nights are a perfect opportunity to search for the breathtaking aurora, in the starry night sky.

Price €2,090

Min age 8

Rating 4.94 / 5 [292 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Reykjavik

This 8-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head to West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula and find some hidden gems and locations to experience, such as Kirkjufell mountain, lava pillars, a white beach and waterfalls. While you enjoy this versatile tour you will be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special, such as horse riding, Vök baths and lava caving.

Price €2,750

Min age 8

Rating 4.94 / 5 [115 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Reykjavik

Experience all that Iceland has to offer in just 7 days. Travel the Icelandic ring road to visit the island's most stunning attractions, everything from the phenomenal Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with its floating ice bergs to an erupting geyser at Geysir hot spring area.

Price €2,229

Min age 6

Rating 4.33 / 5 [100 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Travel advice

When to go

Travel in Iceland is highly seasonal. Visit between November and February for the Northern Lights, but be aware that it’s cold, daylight is in short supply, and sightings need a clear night and aren’t guaranteed.

Visit between June and August to bask in the midnight sun, with up to 23 hours of daylight. Summer is, of course, peak season, so flights and accommodation will be more expensive. But it’s the best time to be outdoors, with a raft of activities available.

Spring and autumn can also be good for getting outdoors with fewer crowds – but more chance of rain.

Getting there and away

If you’re flying into Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik is approx 40 minutes away. Hire a car or take the Flybus, which works out significantly cheaper than a taxi.

The island’s other main access point is the ferry port of Seydisfjordur in eastern Iceland. Buses link up with ferry crossings to take you to Reykjavik (approx 8-hour journey).

Getting around

It’s a good idea to hire a car if you’re coming to Iceland to see more than Reykjavik (which is best seen on foot or by bike). Iceland is ringed by Route 1, the only major road, linking all the major towns; roads in the highlands and centre of Iceland can be closed for part of the year by bad weather. There are car rental offices at Keflavik Airport, Reykjavik and Akureyri.

Note that petrol in Iceland is expensive, and outside the main towns, petrol stations can be few and far between.

Where to stay

First-time visitors will certainly want to spend a couple of days in Reykjavik, which acts as a good base for visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (a lengthy day trip away). You can take day trips from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar in the central highlands too.

Akureyri is the main place to stay if you’re visiting the natural wonders of Myvatn or whale watching in Husavik.

Hella is a good option if you’re investigating the southern reaches, including Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon; Seydisfjordur is the hub for eastern Iceland.