Skip to content

Iceland Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Iceland travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Iceland is a bucket list destination for many travelers. You’ve probably seen at least one Instagram post from a travel blogger at the Blue Lagoon and added it to your own list of must-sees.

From glaciers to mountains to geothermal pools, the scenery around this island nation is absolutely breathtaking.

And if you’re ready to head across the ocean, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered with a complete travel guide to Iceland.

Any Iceland tourist guide will tell you that you absolutely must spend some time in the capital city of Reykjavik. This gorgeous city blends modern art and architecture with old world Icelandic charm for an unforgettable experience.

Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, which towers over the city and offers visitors incredible 360-degree views.

Reykjavik also boasts a vibrant nightlife and music scene, so be sure to drop into one of the local clubs while you’re there.

Looking for something a bit quirkier? Head to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, an institution dedicated to the study of…the penis. You can also try some of the unique flavors of Iceland while you’re there, like lamb soup and sheep’s head.

Of course, you can’t travel to Iceland without spending a little time in nature. The country boasts some of the best hikes in the world — many of which are accessible to solo travelers. One of the top hikes is in Reykjadalur, a stunning trail through waterfalls, valleys, and hot springs.

Iceland even has some spots for snorkeling! Silfra, a glacial water fissure that separates the continents of North America and Europe, offers adventurers the opportunity to swim between tectonic plates. It’s a challenging excursion, but absolutely worth it for some breathtaking views.

There’s so much more to explore, which you’ll find out as you peruse the Iceland tourist information below.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Iceland in Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to Iceland travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Iceland Map

Use this Iceland travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

iceland map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Reykjavik Travel Guide

Looking for a guide to Reykjavik? These posts can help!

Iceland Solo Travel

Looking for help creating an Iceland solo travel itinerary? Check out:

Iceland Travel Tips

Looking for Iceland travel advice? Check out the following Iceland travel guides full of suggestions!

Guide To Iceland Tours

Explore local culture with an Iceland tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Secret Lagoon, Buffet Dinner, and Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
  • Reykjavik City Tour: Local Food, Beer & Chocolate Factory Tour
  • Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour from Reykjavik
  • Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater, and Blue Lagoon Day Trip from Reykjavik
  • West Iceland Private Food Tour from Reykjavik
  • South Coast and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day Tour from Reykjavik
  • The Thingvellir National Park Tour ( Þingvellir ) from Reykjavík

Renting A Car In Iceland

Need a rental car for your Iceland trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Iceland Train Travel

Getting around Iceland by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! I use this tool for all of my public transportation needs when traveling around Europe.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Iceland Hotels

Click here to browse the best Iceland travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Iceland Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on an Iceland tour. When visiting Iceland — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Iceland travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Iceland Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Iceland.

Q: How much money do you need per day in Iceland?

Iceland is on the more expensive end of the spectrum when it comes to travel destinations. The average traveler spends $175 USD to $200 USD per day on meals, accommodations, transportation, and activities in Iceland.

There are ways to enjoy Iceland on a budget, though.

Hostels are available in the cities and you can save money by preparing your own meals. Backpackers and budget travelers can expect to spend about $60 USD to $80 USD per day.

Q: What are some Iceland Ring Road trip tips?

Route 1, also known as Iceland’s Ring Road, circles the country and is a great way to see the country’s spectacular scenery. The entire road is about 825 miles long and takes about 24 hours to drive in one shot. Unless you’re trying to set some kind of speed record — which we definitely don’t recommend — plan about a week to travel the road and explore different areas along the way.

The best time to drive the Ring Road is during the summer when the country gets about 21 hours of daylight. This will give you more time to explore the wonders along the road and is generally considered safer.

Visiting Iceland in winter? The drive is also possible during this season, and even preferable if you want to experience the Northern Lights. Just be aware that you will often be driving in darkness and the roads may be icy.

Drivers use the right side of the road in Iceland, as is common in the United States.

While much of the Ring Road is easy to navigate, there is one stretch near Berufjörður that is not paved. There are also several tunnels through the mountains along the route.

Important:

Be sure to stop at gas stations to fuel up and use the restroom whenever you can — there are several long stretches of the Ring Road without rest stops and you don’t want to be caught with an empty tank.

Q: What is the best way to travel Iceland independently?

While a group tour can ensure access to certain sites and activities in Iceland, it’s totally possible to enjoy the country independently.

One easy way to see the country on your own in the summer is a Bus Passport. This hop-on/hop-off bus service will take you to different hiking spots, campsites, and attractions throughout southern Iceland, giving you the freedom to design your own itinerary.

Day trips from major cities like Reykjavik are also a great option for independent travelers. The relatively small size of the country allows you to visit many sites while setting up a base in one city.

Q: How many days do you need in Iceland?

Most experts recommend planning a week-long trip (about seven-to-eight days) to get the most out of your Iceland itinerary.

You can use this week to drive the Ring Road, exploring different destinations along the way, or stick to southern Iceland where you can explore the capital of Reykjavik, hike through glaciers, and enjoy geothermal pools.

Q: How safe is Iceland?

Iceland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. The violent crime rate is very low and petty crime and theft are rare.

That said, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close and out of sight.

Iceland also takes pride in its efforts to reduce inequality, particularly gender inequality. Many consider Iceland a great destination for solo female travelers as gender-based harassment is rare.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Iceland?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in Iceland for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need an Iceland travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Iceland for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Iceland International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Iceland.

Q: What is the best month to see Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September through March when the nights are the longest. This is also widely considered the best time to visit Iceland.

Q: Where is Iceland?

Iceland is located under the Arctic Circle, about halfway in between North America and Europe.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Iceland?

Credit cards are widely accepted around Iceland, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Iceland?

Iceland has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world so, yes, it is safe to drink.

Q: What is the local currency in Iceland?

The local currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna.

What would you add to this Iceland travel guide?

Enjoyed this ultimate Iceland travel guide? Pin it for later!

travel to Iceland
Iceland travel guide
best things to do in Iceland