Planning a Trip to Iceland? Use This Detailed Guide

Based on our travel to the Land of Fire and Ice, we know how accessible it can be and how flexible you need to be just in case you get more of one over the other.

I’m mostly talking about the ice. 

There’s something special about this place no matter what kind of weather you’re forced to reckon with, though.

I’ll get into all of that and how to put together a trip that considers the challenges that exist here in this guide to planning a trip to Iceland.

How to Plan a Trip to Iceland

To plan a trip to Iceland, there are a few things you should consider before you book. Here’s a quick version of a checklist to get things started:

• Determine the best time to visit. If you want to plan a trip to Iceland for the Northern Lights, for example, you’ll want to visit in October through winter.
• Set a budget. Iceland is expensive. Before you decide how long you’d like your trip to Iceland to be, break down the daily cost of visiting Iceland. 
• Decide on flight duration. There’s no right or wrong answer for how many days you should plan for on an Iceland itinerary. Work within your budget and available time.
• Check your passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond its expiration date before travel. Ideally, shoot for six months.
• Book your flights. You’ve decided when to go and how long you’d like a trip to Iceland to be. Book your flights or set alerts to watch for price fluctuations.
• Plan your route. Are you basing yourself in Reykjavik for a city break or traveling around the country on a multi-day itinerary?
• Book excursions. If you’re planning any day tours for whale watching, Northern Lights-spotting, or snorkeling the Silfra, book those before hotels. They do sell out.
• Book accommodations. You’ve plotted out your route and the big bucket list items you’d like to tick off while you’re there. Book those hotels or guesthouses next.
• Make a packing list. Don’t go in blind with Iceland vacation planning. Use my packing guide before you pull the trigger on things like waterproof hiking shoes.
• Watch the weather. As the day approaches, watch the weather as that may force you to switch things up a bit.

How Many Days You Need to See Iceland

Five days in Iceland is enough to visit Reykjavik and see the best of the Golden Circle, including its glacial treks and impressive waterfalls.

That’s as much as we had, and it allowed us to see a good chunk of the South Coast. It didn’t feel like too much driving, but we also had good conditions during our trip.

If you want to travel Iceland’s Ring Road, dedicate at least a full week in Iceland. For travelers based in Reykjavik, you can make a long weekend out of visiting Iceland’s capital city.

The Best Time to Visit Iceland

The best time to see Iceland is whenever you can go. That sounds silly, but it’s true. Every season offers something unique when planning an Iceland trip. 

The phenomenon of the midnight sun is a big draw for Iceland travel in the summertime. If you’re willing to deal with short days, you could be rewarded with the Northern Lights in the fall and winter. 

Note: If you do plan travel during times of year when the days are shorter, book any excursions and accommodations well in advance. Many businesses and guest houses do close shop when the weather gets nasty, despite special offers during that time.

Check out more detailed information on the seasons below before booking that trip:

• Spring: Iceland takes a while to thaw out after the winter, so expect some snow melt in the spring months. The later you visit in spring, the more daylight you’ll be rewarded with.
• Summer: June and July are the peak months for the midnight sun and spotting whales and puffins. You’ll have all day and all night if you want for all of the outdoor activities you can think of.
• Autumn: September brings your first opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Come November, though, you may be contending with winter storms. We got lucky with our trip in late November, but you’ll want to be flexible with planning at this time.
• Winter: Expect any exploration you do in the winter months to happen with a guided tour, which will be limited to chasing the Northern Lights or glacial exploration. You’d need 4WD to go it alone, and that’s if roads are even open. 

Fun fact: If your visit is limited to Reykjavík during this time, you’ll have some opportunities to experience Christmastime fun, e.g. hot drinks around open fires.

How to Get to Iceland

To get to Iceland, you’ll have to fly there. Iceland is an island. Daily flights are available to Reykjavík from many major cities in the United States, Canada, and within Europe. 

Many airlines will offer Iceland as a stopover destination on your journey elsewhere, too. Despite its popularity these days, Iceland remains a place where you can score some great deals.

Canadian and American residents do not need visas if traveling to Iceland for less than 90 days. Travelers within the Schengen states won’t need a visa either, no matter the length of stay. 

If you’re traveling from outside of these countries, visit Iceland’s official visa website to determine what you’ll need ahead of your trip. Visa requirements differ for certain countries.

How to Get Around Iceland

How you get around Iceland will depend on the season. The country offers fantastic road trip opportunities on the Golden Circle and beyond in the warmer months.

Touring Iceland on your own is definitely possible. It just depends on your comfort level with the seasons.

Driving becomes challenging — and at times impossible if you encounter road closures — when winter storms begin passing through. See more information below on your options once you’re in Iceland.

Domestic Flights in Iceland

If you’re in Iceland during sketchy road conditions, taking a domestic flight may be your best option to get from Point A to Point B. This is especially true if you’re going to places that are off the beaten path. 

Icelandair is likely what you’ll use to make that happen. Keep in mind that domestic flights will typically depart from Reykjavík Domestic Airport, not the international airport in Keflavík that you probably flew into to get to Iceland.

Buses in Iceland

There are four main bus companies that offer long-distance services throughout Iceland.

If you’ve got the time, they come out to be less expensive than air travel. That said, they may be more expensive than you may be used to, as is the case with most things in Iceland. 

Keep in mind that road conditions apply to busing, as well, and the winter months see drastically reduced services.

For more information on bus services, visit Reykjavik Excursions or Strætó BS based in Reykjavík, or SBA Norðurleið based in Akureyri, in northern Iceland.

Renting a Car in Iceland

If you will be renting a car, shop around for the best deals. We used SADcars. Despite the budget car rental company’s unfortunate name, we had no complaints. 

The company was also way cheaper than all of the other big-name car rental agencies, particularly if you’re picking up and dropping off in the same city and sharing costs.

Note: Keep in mind that any road travel outside of the summer months will require a vehicle with 4WD. Drivers who aren’t experienced in navigating wintry road conditions should not be on the roads in the wintertime. 

Road and weather conditions are available from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. Heed their warnings, travelers, and be safe out there!

When planning your road trip, another thing to keep in mind is that getting from one point to the next may take much longer than you thought. 

That can be frustrating when you’re dealing with limited daylight outside of the summer months. If there was any place that begged you to be flexible with your itineraries, Iceland is it.

If you want to get a feel for how much you can do in about five days, check out my Iceland road trip planner.

Iceland Tours

There are many tour opportunities out there at varying price levels if you’re wary of the self-drive option.

If you’re based in Reykjavik, there are quite a few companies that will take you out for Northern Lights spotting or around the Golden Circle.

Keep in mind that even professional tour companies cancel excursions if the weather’s bad enough. Book Iceland activities well ahead of time while keeping an open mind about alternatives you may need to pursue should a tour be canceled. 

Fun fact: We used Extreme Iceland for our snowmobiling tour on Langjokull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. While the trip was different than advertised, it wasn’t the day tour company’s fault. It was just too warm for the ice cave portion of our excursion.

Want to do some comparison shopping? Check out some more options below:

Is Iceland very expensive?

Iceland is very expensive once you’ve arrived. You’re unlikely to find many budget-friendly dining options, and shopping is pricey, too.

If you plan ahead, you can cut costs on airfare and accommodations by booking things in advance.

Iceland’s national currency is the Icelandic króna. Credit cards are widely accepted and they’re actually a preference at most places in Iceland. Some cash on hand may be helpful for things like tips if you’re taking excursions.

Top Places to Visit in Iceland

There are so many scenic places to visit in Iceland that it’s impossible to name the most beautiful sites in the country. Iceland is one of the most impressive countries I’ve visited, and I like to think that I’ve seen quite a bit at this point.

That said, there are a few places that you really shouldn’t miss as you’re trip planning Iceland.

Here are my favorites that you can fit into most first-time itineraries, as these are all within road trip distances from Reykjavik. 

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a natural starting point for travel to Iceland. You’ll likely be flying into Reykjavik anyway to kick off your adventures.

I urge you not to jump right into an Iceland road trip from here. Reykjavik is a great city to get yourself acclimated to Icelandic culture, and you won’t find a better food scene elsewhere in Iceland.

It’s great for a quick visit, too. If you want to prioritize, I have a guide to one day in Reykjavik.

On longer visits, plan day trips from Reykjavik to tick off the best of Iceland. Here are some options:

Blue Lagoon

If you linger just a bit in Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is an easy day trip to get your relaxation on before more adrenaline-pumping activities.

I’ll be honest here. I had pretty low expectations of the Blue Lagoon, but even high expectations would have been met here. Yes, it’s a popular tourist attraction. That’s because it’s great, especially if you just got off a long flight.

Try timing your visit for when it opens to have more room inside.

We drove ourselves to the lagoon, but you don’t have to if you’re not interested in renting a car. Check out these transfer options that will get you there with little effort on your part:

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, or Þingvellir National Park if you want to get fancy and Icelandic, is a fantastic stop to get to know Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

It’s one of the best waterfall spots near Reykjavik thanks to Öxarárfoss, a gusher that flows into the river Öxará.

It’s also where you’ll go to snorkel between two continents.

I’m serious.

This is where you can take a snorkeling tour to swim in the Silfra, a crack between North America and Eurasia. It’s cold as heck but one of those things you can brag about until you die.

READ MORE: It’s also one of the coolest things you can do in Iceland. Check out the rest!

We used DIVE.IS as our tour operator, but here are a few more in case they’re sold out or you want to shop around:

Jökulsárlón

The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the most photogenic natural wonders in Iceland. The lagoon is dotted with icebergs that have calved from the Vatnajökull glacier and now float in those waters.

Visit in the warmer months for boat tours that get you closer to the ice. We missed out on that because we visited Iceland in November, but the scenery was incredible nonetheless.

Reynisfjara

This black sand beach on Iceland’s South Coast is a great example of how dramatic Iceland’s landscapes truly are.

On top of that black sand, you’ll be surrounded by towering basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks against powerful waves that you really shouldn’t turn your back on.

I’m serious about that last bit. Sneaker waves are a thing and they’ve been known to sweep away travelers who didn’t give them their due.

More Places to Visit in Iceland

It’s impossible to see all there is to see in Iceland in just under a week. Heck, you could spend a month traveling this country and never tire of these landscapes.

Here are a few more Iceland destinations that are still on our list for future trips:

• Akureyri: This is Iceland’s second-largest city and known as the capital of North Iceland. Expect scenic mountain views and a vibrant local arts scene in this fishing port.
• Húsavík: This is the whale-watching capital of Iceland, especially in the summer months, but I’m not too basic to admit that it’s high on our list thanks to that Will Ferrell movie.
• Lake Mývatn: This geothermal area boasts unique lava formations, hot springs, and volcanic craters. It’s on my list for the Mývatn Nature Baths, what promises to be a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
• Landmannalaugar: Located in the highlands, this region is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and hiking trails. You’ll want to visit this one in the summer months.
• Westfjords: This remote, rugged area is known for its dramatic fjords, steep cliffs, and quiet fishing villages. Dynjandi waterfall, cascading down in layers, looks like the must-see here.

Iceland Travel Itineraries

We only had five days in Iceland, but I would have loved a full week to take things a bit slower, especially in Reykjavik.

Here are a few trip ideas for a full week’s worth of activities as you plan your Iceland itinerary:

Option 1: Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

• Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik.
• Day 2: Explore Reykjavik.
• Day 3: Visit Thingvellier National Park and Geysir.
• Day 4: Plan a Golden Circle excursion.
• Day 5: Visit Kerid Crater, Seljalandsfoss, and Jökulsárlón.
• Day 6: Explore Skaftafell National Park, Reynisfjara, and Vik.
• Day 7: Return to Reykjavik.

Option 2: Iceland’s Ring Road

• Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik hit the road for the Golden Circle.
• Day 2: Explore Skogafoss and Reynisfjara along the South Coast.
• Day 3: Visit Jökulsárlón and the Eastfjords.
• Day 4: Drive north to Lake Mývatn.
• Day 5: Explore the Tröllaskagi and Dalvik village.
• Day 6: Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Day 7: Return to Reykjavik.

Option 3: Ring Road + Húsavík

• Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik and explore the Golden Circle.
• Day 2: Drive the South Coast to Vik.
• Day 3: Drive to Höfn via Skaftafell National Park.
• Day 4: Explore the Eastfjords and drive to Lake Mývatn.
• Day 5: Plan an excursion in Húsavík.
• Day 6: Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• Day 7: Return to Reykjavik.

Amazing Facts About Iceland

Iceland is wild and wonderful. Check out five fun facts about Iceland to give yourself some talking points when you’re relaxing in the lagoon with a mud mask on your face:

1. A Viking Floki Vilgeroarson gave Iceland its name after landing there in the wintertime, surrounded by icebergs.
2. The Islendiga-App, or the “App of Icelanders,” is a dating app that allows users to bump phones with each other to make sure they’re not related.
3. There were 120 witch trials in Iceland between 1625 and 1686, and most of the accused were male. Toss a coin to your witcher, people.
4. About 54 percent of Icelanders believe in elves. Iceland has an official Elf School where visitors can learn about the 13 different kinds that inhabit the country.
5. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first female president of any country and was in office in Iceland from 1980 to 1996.

READ MORE: Love a destination with Viking vibes? You’ll want to check out Fargo, North Dakota. Seriously!

Local Icelandic Foods

Iceland has some yummy offerings, but there are also some strange ones. I want you to go in with the knowledge you need to avoid the fermented shark.

Below, find some common items that you may encounter while on holiday in Iceland:

• Hakarl: This is fermented shark that has been both buried and hung to dry for up to five months, then served as something edible. It’s the national dish, but I’d pass.
• Harðfiskur: Harðfiskur translates to “hard fish,” and the story checks out. It’s a dried fish snack, often served with butter.
• Humar: This is what Icelanders call their lobsters, or more accurately, their langoustines. You’ll find them in soups, grilled, baked, or fried. It’s all delicious.
• Kjötsúpa: Soup was my jam while we were in Iceland. This is the meat version, incorporating lamb, hearty vegetables, and spices for a belly-warming meal.
• Plokkfiskur: This is a fish stew that incorporates a local white fish with potatoes, onion, and, often, a béchamel sauce.
• Pönnukökur: These are Icelandic pancakes, often filled with sugar, jam, whipped cream, or all of it. They’re thin and crepe-like in their construction.
• Pylsa/Pulsa: Icelanders love their hot dogs. While in Reykjavik, don’t miss Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, a chain of hot dog stands that literally mean “best hot dogs in town.”
• Rúgbrauð: This is a rye bread baked in pots or casks that have been buried near a hot spring. You’ll find it served with most Icelandic meals, but especially fish.
• Skyr: Skyr is a dairy product that has been consumed by Icelanders since Viking times. You can liken it to Greek yogurt but with not as sharp a flavor.
• Snúður: These are Icelandic cinnamon rolls. If you’re in Reykjavik, try them at Brauð & Co.

Special Dates & Events in Iceland

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during a specific time of year, consider whether there are any festivals or holidays occurring. You may want to attend special events or avoid them, as holidays often mean business closures. 

Here are a few notable Iceland events:

• Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival: The Reykjavík Winter Lights Festival is a free cultural event that aims to reinvigorate the city after a long season of dark.
• Secret Solstice: Secret Solstice is an annual music festival held in Reykjavík in celebration of the midnight sun. The lineup is both local and international.
• Bræðslan Music Festival: This festival held in the small east Iceland village of Borgarfjordur eystri attracts solid talent.
• Culture Night: Culture Night is a one-day festival held in Reykjavík that celebrates the city’s birthday. The goal is to encourage civic participation.
• Iceland Airwaves: Iceland Airwaves is a popular music festival held in Reykjavík each year that showcases both local and international talent.

Where to Stay in Iceland

Where you stay in Iceland depends on your itinerary, when you’re traveling, and budget constraints. We primarily used Booking.com for our trip to Iceland for the cheapest rates. They have a good range of options from Reykjavik to the middle of nowhere. 

Hotels.com is a good comparison tool, and Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative if you want something with more amenities.

Iceland is stunning, but it can be unpredictable.

It’s impossible to plan a perfect trip to Iceland, as every trip to Iceland has to involve some level of flexibility.

We were lucky enough to enjoy decent weather on our November travel to Iceland. Travelers just the day before our arrival had to deal with winds aggressive enough to delay luggage for the duration of their trip.

Our weather was also warm enough that any ice cave exploration was canceled.

That all said, Iceland remains one of my favorite places on the planet. It rewards that flexibility with some of the most incredible scenery you’ll see. I know I’ll be back!

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