WHEN TO GO
April-June
The days are longer, so you have more time to explore, without the crowds and the high-season prices. There may still be some snow in places in April, so be sure to check in advance if there are specific hikes you want to do.
July-August
As with most destinations, Iceland is busiest in summer. But there is a lot of open space to roam, so you won’t feel crowded outside the city. Prices in Reykjavik are at an all-time high this time of year, and major attractions like The Blue Lagoon will have lines. But it’s a fantastic time to explore Iceland, as you’ll have exceptionally long days with midnight sun, and lots of lush greenery.
September-November
Prices are lower and there are fewer travelers, so it’s less crowded than summer months. It’s starting to get a bit cooler, and the days shorter. In November and into the winter is when you’ll have the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
WHERE TO GO
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a small city, but is overflowing with things to do, from art museums, the impressive Hallgrimskirkja Church, Laugavegur walking street and harbor areas.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle Route is teeming with natural wonders, like Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and glaciers. The Golden Circle is a popular tour because of it’s proximity to Reykjavik.
The Ring Road
The Ring Road circles the entire island and is a popular route for tourists looking to see as much as possible of the landscape, the coastline, and the black sand.
West & East Fjords
If you’re looking for dramatic scenery and adventure, exploring the popular West Fjords and lessor-visited East Fjords will take you through fishing villages and into the wilderness.
What to do
Most of the popular things to do in Iceland are outdoor activities. Horseback riding, hiking, whale watching, seeing the northern lights, bathing in thermal baths, exploring caves and waterfalls — all of these activities, and more, can be enjoyed throughout Iceland. See our list of the 10 most popular activities to start your planning.
If you’re staying in Reykjavik, you can book a lot of different excursions with tour groups that leave from the city.
Where to stay
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Many visitors to Iceland start their trip in Reykjavik, which we highly recommend. It’s a fun city, with plenty of things to do, and nice places to stay.
Here are our favorite places to stay in Reykjavik. For more choices, check out these Hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland
Where to stay outside of Reykjavik
On the Golden Circle Route: Ion Adventure Hotel, Selfoss | 4* hotel with spa and outdoor pool Read reviews | Book a Stay
On the South Coast: Hotel Ranga, Hella — Read reviews | Book a Stay
In the East Fjords: Silfurberg B&B, Breiddalur | A luxury farm stay | Read reviews
Near the Blue Lagoon: Northern Lights Inn, Grindavik | 3* hotel located near the airport | Read reviews
Be adventurous and rent a camper van! Check out Happy Campers for prices.
What to Eat
I had no idea Iceland was so full of culinary surprises! If you’re a foodie, or just love to travel for food, you have to check out Reykjavik’s exciting food scene and see for yourself!
You’re in for a real treat when it comes to the restaurants in Reykjavik. The variety is stunning, the food presentation is eye popping, and the atmosphere is fantastic. Eating out in Reykjavik can be one of the highlights of a trip there (although rather expensive, so be prepared!).
There are many specialty foods you need to try in Iceland. You can find them all yourself, if you go on the hunt. Or you can go on a food tour that will be sure to introduce you to the foods you need to try.
- Langoustine – They call it lobster on almost every menu, but it’s actually langoustine, a cousin of the lobster. Langoustine can be found in salt water and oceans, and they grow to only a quarter of the size of lobsters. They have a very sweet and succulent meat in their tails.
- Lamb – One of the claims to culinary fame for Iceland. They use a lot of lamb and it’s exceptionally tender and tasty. Lamb is an ingredient in the hot dogs you’ll find in Iceland.
- Puffin – Yes, the cute little bird! You’ll find it on many menus around town, generally smoked and with some type of sauce.
- Lobster or fish stew – The lobster stew that is so famous around Iceland is really fantastic. It’s a mix of lobster stock, cream and spices.
- Cured Shark – It’s true that fresh shark meat can be poisonous, but once it’s been cured, the poisonous issue goes away. Cured shark is consumed in Iceland as a snack.
- Brennivín – This is the national liquor, which is a licorice-flavored schnapps.
- Minke Whale – the debate rages on. It’s on a lot of menus. It’s up to you to decide.
- Horse – You might be completely repulsed by the idea of eating horse, but in Iceland (and many other parts of the world) it’s just what they do. If you’re daring enough to give it a try, it’s actually quite good. Served as a filet, it’s tender and very much like a beef steak.
What to drink
No matter what you drink in Iceland, be prepared for it to be twice as expensive as you’re used to. Wine is imported and is at a premium. However, you can always get wine pairings with multi-course meals at the top restaurants.
Craft beer is making a big splash in Iceland. MicroBar in the Center Hotel opens at 5pm and has an impressive selection of bottled beer from all over the world, as well as taps from many of the local breweries that you can try in a tasting tray. Maybe think about taking a craft beer tour while you’re there.
⇒ Sample up to 10 of Iceland’s craft beers on an Icelandic Beer Tour in Reykjavik. Book here.
Another thing you should drink while in Iceland is the national liqueur, Brennevin. It a strong-flavored schnapps, served as an ice-cold shot. Kick one back and you’ll warm right up.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Travel in Iceland is expensive. Be sure you’ve plan ahead for the expense. Read this breakdown of Iceland travel costs to find out just how much it costs.
- Credit cards are the accepted form of payment everywhere in Iceland, so cash isn’t really necessary.
- Tipping isn’t expected.
- Showering is required before entering a thermal bath, like the Blue Lagoon.
- The Northern Lights can’t be seen year round. They are best viewed during the coldest months, from midnight to 3am. Use a camera with a tripod to capture them.
- Make restaurant reservations well in advance in Reykjavik.
By reading this Iceland Travel Guide, you now know what to do and where to go, and have sorted out the right time to visit Iceland. So, pack your bags and book your tickets, because Iceland awaits you!
Need more help planning your perfect Iceland vacation, check out these top travel books.
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