Travel advice for Iceland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 10.01.2024
Thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active landscapes on Earth. As a result, it plays host to heaps of hot springs, bubbling pools and brooding lava fields. Also a top spot to see the Northern Lights and incredible wildlife, few places offer such a richness of experiences for adventurers, nature-lovers and off-the-beaten-trackers. To help plan your trip, read on to discover things you won't want to miss when visiting Iceland. As always, check ahead before visiting natural attractions — that's especially important given Iceland's volatile volcanic nature.
8 days / from2092 USD
Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip
This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!
view tour ⤍8 days / from2052 USD
Iceland's Wild West
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Iceland's Highlights from East to West
Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1650 USD
Discover North Iceland and Snaefellses
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
Best of the West
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsulas. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and thundering waterfalls.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1880 USD
East to West with the Westmand Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2200 USD
All of Iceland in 13 days
In just under 2 weeks, explore the highlights Iceland has to offer. From the popular Golden Circle, follow the Ring Road and explore waterfalls and lagoons on your way around the island. This itinerary leads you all the way to the North and the Westfjords of Iceland.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2100 USD
Incredible Iceland in 12 days
This driving trip trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most incredible sights and natural wonders. Drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains as you gaze over stark landscapes of shining silver steaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss...
view tour ⤍9 days / from1800 USD
West & Arctic Coast Way Highlights
The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons. Visit the 'capital of the North' Akureyri before continuing to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Exploring the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lagoons - Iceland offers stunning landscapes to explore. This itinerary allows you to discover the south in your own rental car. Drive the famous Golden Circle and discover waterfalls along the way.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Arctic Coast Way Fly & Drive
North Iceland is one of Iceland's most fascinating regions with plenty of famous sights and lesser-known sights - impressive waterfalls, geothermal activity, lava formations and canyons. A visit to Akureyri as well as charming fishing villages along the coastline are included in the itinerary.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2000 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 10 days
Spend 10 days driving along Iceland's scenic Ring Road, which stretches around the outside of the country. Soak in a thermal tub or pool beside gushing geysers or waterfalls, and relish the prospect of whale-watching, bird-watching, and glacier hiking in magical surroundings.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Wild, wild West Drive
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! Snaefellsnes is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
A week's trip to the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
With just a week's time, you'll be able to discover the popular Golden Circle, Skogafos and Seljalandsfoss, as well as Skaftafell National Park. This self-drive trip focuses on the south coast only, limiting your driving distances each day and as such allowing you more time to explore.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Classic Highlights with the Westman Islands
This Classic Highlights trip to Iceland's most visited sights with a day off the beaten path in the gorgeous Westman Islands. This trip is perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sights of Iceland, and have an extra day to do something different without adding a lot of extra driving.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Westfjords Circle and Strandir
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! You also take a detour to where the road ends in remote Strandir to drive along the coastline.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1320 USD
Classic Highlights - Golden Circle & South Coast
Our most popular short trip to Iceland's most visited sights! The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route with the rift valley at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. The South Coast is well known for its waterfalls and the Glacier Lagoon.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Ring Road Express with the Golden Circle
Iceland's Ring Road is the most popular tourist route around the Iceland. The landscape is everything you have dreamed of - breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords and charming fishing villages.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Explore North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1250 USD
Western Iceland: Cliffs, Coast and Waterfalls
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of Iceland’s remotest spots, such the dramatic Latrabjarg Cliffs and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Drive through glacial valleys and soak up breathtaking sunsets. Laze afternoons away soaking in natural hot springs!
view tour ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Iceland: West and North combined
Take the road less traveled and explore the North and the Westfjords of Iceland in your own rental car. Glaciers, lava fields, beaches, waterfalls and much more await those adventurous enough to explore Iceland further.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Longer North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Have a bit more time to explore Northern Iceland? Stunning waterfalls, mighty canyons, a diverse scenery and much more is waiting for you. Take your rental car and go at your own pace, discovering Northern Iceland in a bit over one week.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1800 USD
From East to West with the Westman Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Wild West Drive and Strandir
This holiday is perfect for travellers who want to go off the beaten path and explore the stunning landscape of the Westfjords & Snaefellsnes including the remote Strandir regions. With your rented SUV, you can set your own schedule to explore the scenery.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Classic Ring Road with Snaefellsnes
There's a good reason the Ring Road is Iceland's most popular route: famous glaciers and volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and amazing lagoons await. The Snaefellsnes peninsula makes the perfect add-on to your tour, granting you a compact overview of Iceland's scenery.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Extended Wild, Wild West
Awaken the adventurous part of your soul and visit the Westfjords and parts of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that are yet to be discovered by most Iceland visitors. Here's where you'll have nature to yourself, from lava fields and craters to red sand beaches.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
North Iceland Fly and Drive
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! This holiday is perfect for those pressed on time, in just five days you get to explore the highlights of North Iceland in your own rental car, so going at your own pace.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1800 USD
Longer South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Discover the Golden Circle on a slightly longer tour: from waterfalls to black sand beaches, driving the popular Golden Circle all down to Snaefellsnes, the peninsula known as “miniature Iceland”, This itinerary allows you to go at your own pace in your own rental car.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1715 USD
Iceland: Landscapes and Lagoons
This unforgettable driving trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Whilst soaking luxuriantly in geothermal pools, you will relish the thought of driving through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, walking along black sand beaches.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
Circling the Westfjords
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! Suited for those on a tight schedule, this 5 day itinerary allows for a compact yet activity-packed trip.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 8 days
Spend eight days driving along Iceland's iconic Ring Road route, which runs around the whole of the country. Pass through spectacular scenery every day, and stopping off to stay in Vik, Akureyri and Reykjavik, whilst exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and much more!
view tour ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
North Iceland circle
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! A rich wildlife and landscape makes this part of Iceland a visitor magnet all throughout the year. This holiday includes your domestic flight to Akureyri and a rental car to explore the region in depth.
view tour ⤍15 days / from2400 USD
All of Iceland in 15 days
The extension to our popular all of Iceland route: visit the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall on the diamond circle route, as well as one of the most remote regions in Iceland: Strandir. This itinerary is best for those looking to explore Iceland at a leisurely pace.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3549 USD
The Magic of Eastern Iceland
Be enchanted by eastern Iceland as you drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, looking over treeless landscapes of shining silver streaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss. Enjoy a whale-watching trip at Húsavík and soak in geothermal pools.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1900 USD
Classic Iceland in 9 days
This tour includes all of Iceland's highlights: the breathtaking waterfalls on the Ring Road, the popular golden Circle as well as the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic landscapes. Get ready for a fast-paced self-drive adventure and discover Iceland.
view tour ⤍16 days / from2500 USD
Total Immersion: Your 16-day Road Trip
Ready to explore the nooks and crannies of Iceland? This 16-day itinerary allows you to discover the tourist highlights as well as the off-the-beaten-track destinations. From waterfalls over glaciers to volcanoes - tour the island in your own rental car.
view tour ⤍A dip in the waters of the Blue Lagoon is a quintessentially Icelandic experience.
Fed by geothermal water and set in the middle of a lavafield, the waters of this famous open-air pool are, quite simply, sublime. They're also blissfully warm, with temperatures averaging 37–39 °C (99–102 °F) — perfect for easing aching muscles post-hike.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon, Iceland has plenty of amazing bathing spots, as revealed in our run-down of favourite hot pools in Iceland.
Located in the Highlands, within Iceland's Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar lies right on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field.
Renowned for its bubbling hot springs, and distinctively coloured hills — striking hues of red, blue, pink, green and yellow — the field was formed by a volcnic eruption some 500 years ago.
Today, the rugged hiking trails that traverse the valley have world-class status.
Planning to drive here yourself? Bear in mind it's only accessible in summer, which — happily — is also when the hills will be at their most colourful best.
If you want to travel to Iceland in winter and don't want to miss out on visiting Landmannalaugar, book a guided tour.
Thinking of visiting Iceland? You'll find tonnes of inspiration in our customisable Iceland itineraries.
The total remoteness and majestic landscape make isolated Hornstrandir a fantastic destination for dedicated hikers.
Come mid-June through to mid-August, a Friday and Saturday ferry sails from the harbour in Norðurfjörður to Reykjarfjörður and Látravík, providing access to the remote east coast of Hornstrandir.
Both destinations offer access to hike west to connect with boats that sail across to Ísafjörður.
A recommended hike can be enjoyed from Læknishúsið guesthouse in Hesteyri. Here a good path follows the course of a river up the hill.
At the summit, the trail traverses a huge rockfield, which is usually covered in snow — even in July.
Intrigued by the sound of the east of Iceland? Explore our Magic of Eastern Iceland itinerary.
One of the best places to visit in Iceland in summer, Askja is an 8km-wide volcanic depression located in Iceland's interior.
Formed from a collapsed subterranean magma chamber, a 217m-deep lake, Öskuvatn, sits at its heart.
As a result of a destructive eruption at Viti in 1875, and a big lava outflow in the 1960s, you can hike to the caldera’s rim.
Next, scramble down the stark sides of the volcanic crater to take a quick dip in the lukewarm geothermal lake, Víti.
Editor's tip: while you can easily book a guided tour to Askja, it's perfecly possible to travel here independently. But, thanks to several water crossings and rough terrain in some areas, it's best to hire a 4x4.
To sample Iceland’s legendary nightlife, take a pub crawl around Reykjavík’s bars. AKA the rúntur, which translates to “round tour”.
It usually takes place in the capital every other weekend and sees Icelanders who typically turn in early compress a month's worth of partying into 48 hours.
The action tends to kick off from 11pm, with most bar-hopping activity happening on Laugavegur Street.
Concerned about the costs of drinking in Iceland (and about other expenses, for that matter)? Discover the answer to that all-important question — is Iceland expensive?
For a very different cultural experience from that offered by a rúntur, the Arnastofnun Manuscript Institute holds some of Europe’s oldest and finest medieval manuscripts. Namely, the Sagas.
The Arnamagnaean Manuscript collection here has UNESCO status (it's included in the Memory of the World Register ), with its earliest documents dating from the 12th century.
Travelling with kids? Head to the Saga Museum for interactive recreations of history.
Iceland's second town Akureyri offers a slice of urban sophistication, with great bars and restaurants and some decent museums.
Add to that a splendid botanical garden and access to the forest of Kjarnaskógur — easily reached on foot from the town centre — and Akureyri is well worth spending a few days in.
It's also an excellent base from which to explore nearby Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, and tours to the Interior.
Around 100km east of Akureyri on the Ringroad, Mývatn’s placid, shallow spread of water is a haven for wildfowl.
Visit in summer and you'll see why it was so named (Mývatn’s means “Midge Lake”). At this time, swarms of tiny black flies descend, providing an abundant food source for fish and the hundreds of thousands of wildfowl that head here each year to raise their young.
Bird-lovers, note that all Iceland’s duck species breed either here or on the Laxá, Mývatn’s fast-flowing, salmon-rich outlet. One of them – Barrow’s goldeneye – nests nowhere else in Europe.
In addition, the lake’s surrounds abound in epic volcanic formations, both extinct and highly active.
Given that Thorsmork is named after Thor, Norse god of thunder, it’ll come as no surprise that this nature reserve in the southern Icelandic highlands is a dramatic spot.
It’s also one of Iceland’s most popular hiking destinations, and beloved by nature aficionados and photographers.
Tucked between gigantic glaciers, trekking Thorsmork National Park offers jaw-dropping panoramic views, with hidden waterfalls, rushing rivers and a bona fide sense that you’ve truly veered off the beaten track.
This sweeping stretch of golden sand and turquoise water is Iceland’s most beautiful beach.
Located in the West Fjords, Breiðavík is especially sublime on a sunny day, when the sun glints on the sand.
Meanwhile, idyllic Breiðavík bay has open views westwards over white sand to the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic.
Interested in exploring the West Fjords? You'll find inspiration in our Wild, Wild West Self-drive itinerary.
Part of the Golden Circle, and located in Haukadalur Valley, Geysir is the reason all (ahem) geysers are so-named.
The area boasts a series of hot springs and geysers that deliver a spectacle of nature. Strokkur, the stronger geyser, shoots an impressive jet of boiling water 20 metres into the air every 5 - 10 minutes.
Once you've witnessed this, more spectacular sights await. For example, from the hot springs area, well-worn tracks lead to the summit of Bjarnarfell (727m) for views down on Geysir’s surrounds.
Alternatively, follow the signposted 3km gravel vehicle track from Geysir up to a forestry reserve and church at Haukadalur.
Want to take in the glory of the Golden Circle (and more)? Browse our customisable Ring Road Express with the Golden Circle itinerary.
Thanks to its unique geology that see two tectonic plates meet — the North American plate and the Eurasian — Þingvellir has UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Pulling apart a few centimetres per year, the plates are the main reason for Iceland's volcanoes and spectacular landscapes.
Hikers will want to tackle the easy, yet rewarding, 10km circuit of Þingvellir and the rift valley. Start at the National Park Information Centre and follow the marked trails.
Epic scenery aside, Þingvellir was the dramatic site of Iceland’s first parliament.
Editor's tip: for a truly surreal experience, dive between the plates in Silfra.
Featured in our round-up of the world's weirdest museums, Reykjavík's Phallological Museum plays to host to over 200 penises and penile parts.
It was founded by former teacher Sigurður Hjartarson, whose interest in phallological matters began when he was a child in rural Iceland, where pizzles (bulls’ penises) are used as cattle whips.
Exhibits include penis specimens from polar bears, seals, foxes and reindeers, with the pinnacle being a 1m-long blue whale penis — a whopper that was once was used as an oar.
Without question, whale-watching is one of the most memorable activities you can enjoy on a trip to Iceland, with peak sightings possible between April and September.
At this time, several species of cetaceans — whales, dolphins and porpoises — are frequently spotted. Dolphin, porpoise and minke whale sightings are most common, followed by huge humpbacks.
Get lucky, and you could see fin whales, with blue whales, orca and square-headed sperm whales coming out as the rarest.
Covering 1700 square kilometres, Skaftafell’s blend of highland plateau, summer meadows and ice-blue glaciers are best explored by hiking, biking or climbing.
The two major sights here are Svartifoss waterfall and the icy tongue of Skaftafellsjökull.
As for the park's trails, these range from gentle hour-long strolls to challenging full-day treks for hardcore hikers.
Reykjavík’s best-known landmark, the striking Hallgrímskirkja offers unsurpassed views of the capital from its tower.
While work on the distinctive concrete structure began immediately after World War II, it only was only completed in relatively recent years.
Named after the renowned seventeenth-century religious poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson, the church's enormous 15m tall organ boasts over five thousand pipes. The sound it produces is quite something.
Staying in the capital and love your grub? Read up on the best restaurants in Reykjavik.
Venture deep into Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to encounter raw nature at Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Namely, Dettifoss.
While you can reach it by car, hiking through the wilds of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is much more rewarding.
You'll be overwhelmed by the roar of the falls escalating as you approach. On arrival, the sight and sound of them crashing into the canyon below is an experience you’ll never forget.
Thinking of visiting Iceland? Get The Rough Guide to Iceland to start planning your adventure.
Or, if the thought of planning leaves you ice-cold, check out our customisable Iceland itineraries or talk to a local expert to take the hassle out of planning and booking.
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 10.01.2024
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland