Iceland is a extremely popular vacationer vacation spot, nevertheless it takes a good quantity of planning to prepare an Iceland trip if you’re visiting for the primary time. Unlike visiting Paris or Rome the place everyone seems to be accustomed to the primary sights, Iceland continues to be a little bit of an unknown. To get you began, I’ve shared my greatest Iceland journey suggestions primarily based on my a number of visits to Iceland and serving to over two dozen households plan their journeys.
I’ve visited Iceland in summer time, fall, and winter, giving me in depth expertise to share what I’ve discovered with others. In addition, the buddies I’ve made in Iceland assist me keep up-to-date on the most recent new in the case of journey to Iceland.
Once you learn the following tips, you’ll want to additionally try my posts on what to pack, the best way to put collectively an Iceland price range, my 5-day Iceland itinerary, probably the most distinctive issues to do, and the greatest ages to take children to Iceland.
TOP Iceland Travel Tips
Note: This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
If you need assistance planning a customized journey to Iceland, try my associate Hidden Iceland. You may obtain a ten % low cost on scheduled group excursions when reserving with Hidden Iceland utilizing promo code WE3TRAVEL.
1. Plan early!!
Seriously. Hotels e-book up at the very least six months prematurely in fashionable areas, particularly in the summertime months as tour operators will block off a lot of the accessible stock. This has gotten a lot better as new lodges have been constructed and Iceland has expanded its tourism infrastructure however it’s nonetheless a preferred vacation spot so it’s a good suggestion to e-book early.
Unless you’re staying in Reykjavik to your total journey, discovering the provision and dates that you really want may be like piecing collectively a jigsaw puzzle so it actually helps to plan early.
2. Budget properly.
Don’t let low-cost airfares idiot you, Iceland is an costly nation. Unless you’re utilizing a camper van or trip leases, a week-long journey can run anyplace from $4,000-20,000+ relying on the variety of folks, the place you keep, and what number of actions you select to do. Check out my put up on how a lot a visit to Iceland prices.
Of course, there are a lot of suggestions that you should use to economize, like staying in an Airbnb or vrbo and cooking your individual meals, tenting, or sticking to free actions like climbing in Thingvellir National Park.
3. Plan on numerous driving.
You will want an excellent 10 to 14 days to take a street journey alongside the whole Ring Road across the nation, however even should you don’t have that a lot time, you’ll nonetheless be doing loads of driving. If you’re visiting Iceland within the winter, one of the best ways is to base your self in Reykjavik and let another person do the driving for you, because the roads can shut down solely for storms.
Iceland might not look massive on the map however with slender, winding highways it takes a very long time to get from place to position. So even if you’re simply visiting one area, just like the Golden Circle and the South Coast or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, there may be nonetheless numerous driving concerned. If you need to get to extra distant locations just like the West Fjords, plan to spend at the very least every week in Iceland.
4. Expect to maneuver Hotels.
Unless you need extraordinarily lengthy days driving backwards and forwards to completely different sights and actions, you will have to maneuver lodges or lodging fairly a bit. Plan on spending one-to-two nights in about three-to-four areas on a mean journey.
I do know this isn’t excellent as you gained’t really feel very settled, however belief me once I say that transferring lodges is simpler than including all the additional hours within the automobile.
5. Be Smart together with your Car Rental.
It is tempting to seize an affordable rental automobile deal whenever you see it, however take note of the main points! First of all, if you wish to drive on any of the inside F-roads, you will have a automobile that’s rated for these roads. You can simply drive a lot of the highways with a typical sedan, however whenever you get to the F-roads or the gravel roads within the West Fjords and different locations with poor street situations, you’ll in all probability need an SUV. And if you’re visiting within the winter and plan on driving, a 4WD automobile is crucial.
On the Snaefellsnes peninsula, I noticed a automobile caught in a cratered car parking zone simply hanging on a bump surrounded by potholes. To keep away from this and make for a smoother journey, an SUV or one thing with a better clearance is only a lot simpler.
And, I do know everybody asks, do I really want to purchase full automobile rental insurance coverage in Iceland? The reply is sure! You might want to spend money on the additional insurance coverage that covers gravel and ash. This can actually add to the worth of your automobile rental so price range accordingly, however you don’t need to pay for all these dings and dents make from flying rocks or gravel.
6. Choose Activities properly.
There are so many actions to do and a lot of Iceland’s stunning outside, like pure scorching springs, waterfalls, nationwide parks, and lava fields are fully free to take pleasure in. If you intend on taking excursions, they will get costly and prices can add up quick, so select properly. Instead of staying in Reykjavik and solely taking excursions, lease a automobile and discover by yourself.
However, there are occasions whenever you completely must take a tour. For instance, you will have to take a tour if you wish to stroll on the glacier.
At the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon you possibly can see loads of icebergs from the seashore with out taking a ship tour. However, it may be enjoyable to see extra icebergs and get nearer to the glacier face on a Zodiac tour.
Of course, a guided tour offers you the advantage of native data and you may be taught a lot extra concerning the panorama, geology, folklore, and Icelandic tradition.
We have partnered with Hidden Iceland on excursions and located the crew excellent. Not solely are all of them professionals (there are volcanologists, geologists, and others on the crew), however the firm additionally focuses on sustainable enterprise practices and schooling. You can save 10% off scheduled group excursions with Hidden Iceland with promo code WE3TRAVEL and in order for you a customized journey or personal tour, simply you’ll want to inform them I despatched you whenever you contact them.
7. Craft an itinerary.Â
Iceland attracts those who simply need to roam freely and discover. And that’s superior. But except you’re tenting (and even if you’re as you possibly can’t free camp all over the place), that is the form of nation the place you really want to plan forward a bit and know what you need to do.
Everything is so unfold out that you just’ll want to prepare your itinerary to attenuate driving time. It takes some time to get your head across the varied locations so I extremely advocate following a steered itinerary or utilizing a mapping app to save lots of the areas and map out distances in an effort to get a way of how a lot time you will have and the place you possibly can keep.
Just be certain if you find yourself crafting your itinerary that you just additionally go away your self sufficient time to hop out and discover a waterfall, take footage, and luxuriate in nature alongside the way in which.
8. Book your actions prematurely.
I do know it’s tempting to only waft, however if you’re going throughout a busy season, actions promote out. Especially at locations just like the Blue Lagoon. Even ferries to the Westmann Islands can e-book up weeks prematurely.
These days there are usually sufficient tour firms round that yow will discover somebody accessible, nevertheless it actually helps to e-book prematurely.
9. Don’t alternate a lot money.
You can use a bank card for almost every little thing. The solely issues we paid money for had been suggestions for tour guides. I’ve had numerous enjoyable procuring on the airport to make use of up my leftover króna however why waste cash should you don’t must? Just don’t take out a lot money to start out with.
10. Know your bank card pin.
If you’ve got a debit card or bank card with a chip and PIN, ensure you know your PIN, you will have it to get gasoline at unmanned gasoline stations. As is widespread in Europe, you possibly can simply pay with a chip and pin card at handheld terminals at eating places and in retailers. Since many US-based playing cards don’t robotically challenge a PIN, it’s possible you’ll must request it from the financial institution or bank card issuer.
Making purchases gained’t be onerous with out the pin, as you’ll simply must signal a receipt such as you would within the US. The solely time that is actually an issue is on the unmanned gasoline station (see extra on that beneath.)
11. Get your VAT again.
If you buy souvenirs larger than 6,000 ISK, it is best to get a kind to get a refund in your VAT (value-added tax). Even should you don’t, it’s simple to deal with this on the airport. This is widespread sufficient in European international locations however should you haven’t accomplished it earlier than, that is what you do.
When you get to the airport, BEFORE you test your baggage, search for the indicators for the VAT refund workplace or Arion financial institution, fill out the shape and drop it off. They might must see the products earlier than approving it however likelihood is, they are going to simply ask in order for you a credit score or a test — it’s easy and saves you cash.
12. Tipping will not be required.
Tipping will not be required however appreciated. The service and VAT are included within the value, however I do know once I’ve tipped, particularly our tour guides, it was all the time welcomed with a smile.
13. Buy a pay as you go gasoline card.
If you don’t have a chip and PIN card, cease for gasoline close to Reykjavik, Selfoss, or one other giant city and purchase a gasoline pay as you go card as a result of many gasoline stations across the nation are unmanned.
If you don’t have a pay as you go card or chip and PIN bank card you’re out of luck. N1 appears to be the most typical model so I’d counsel an N1 pay as you go card.
14. Plan forward if you’re Out Late.
Most of the gasoline stations with comfort shops and amenities shut at 9 or 10 pm so gasoline up early if you’re making a protracted drive. It could be very troublesome to discover a public restroom after the gasoline stations shut so be ready! The panorama can also be huge open so it’s onerous to discover a bush to go behind. ????
15. Obey the regulation.
Iceland is the most secure nation on the earth. You gained’t see many police vehicles and also you don’t really want to fret an excessive amount of about crime, however there are visitors cameras so be careful!
We received a dashing ticket and we couldn’t have been going very a lot over the restrict on the time. We came upon from an e-mail from the automobile rental company who additionally tacked on their very own penalty payment — not cool.
16. Be ready.
Stop at one of many grocery shops (like Bonus) and fill up on protein bars and snacks. When you’re driving by the nation it’s possible you’ll not see a spot to eat for an hour or extra. You must also pack a refillable water bottle as all the faucet water is protected to drink and there’s no must no must buy bottled water. You might, nonetheless, discover a slight sulfur scent in some areas.
Also, carry waterproof pants and a raincoat (we discovered nice offers at Columbia) for visiting waterfalls or you’ll get soaked! And don’t neglect flip-flops if you will the Blue Lagoon! (See my full record of what to pack for Iceland!)
17. Check instructions.
Don’t rely solely on Google Maps. Chances are it is going to ship you on probably the most direct route, which can embrace roads which can be closed because of snow (even in the summertime.) If you’re assembly a tour operator, ask them for the perfect route.
We had a state of affairs the place I had deliberate on our drive to fulfill up with a tour taking about an hour primarily based on Google Maps. Luckily the evening earlier than I take a look at the affirmation instructions extra fastidiously and I noticed I wanted to drive all the way in which round as a result of there was a glacier within the center. That actually modified our outing!
18. Drive Safely.
Before you head out in your drive, test for street closures and situations on street.is web site. If heading off-road, log your plans on safetravel.is and obtain the 112 Iceland App. If you do run into hassle, the Icelandic emergency quantity is 112.
I can’t stress this sufficient, particularly if you’re driving within the winter. It isn’t in any respect unusual within the winter to see roads shut for days at a time or to have journey restrictions in place due to storms or excessive winds.
And you would additionally unexpectedly run throughout sheep within the street or backpackers strolling alongside the non-existent shoulder so listen.
19. Check the vacations.
If you’re visiting throughout June, National Independence Day is June seventeenth, and lots of companies shall be closed. In Reykjavik, you possibly can take part on the parades and festivities however bear in mind that there could also be some political demonstrations too.
20. Get prepared for gentle (or darkish.)
If you’re visiting in the summertime season, you gained’t see the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis however you’ll benefit from Midnight Sun so you possibly can benefit from the lengthy days to slot in numerous sightseeing and also you don’t want to fret about driving slender winding roads at the hours of darkness. Just carry a sleep masks and possibly some melatonin to assist your physique know it’s time for sleep.
Likewise, if you’re visiting within the winter (and sure, there are some benefits), you will have to plan round very brief days with not many sunlight hours, when the solar rises at 10 am and units at 4 pm. You will need extra time stress-free in scorching tubs and fewer time driving lengthy distances and plan on any excursions throughout the center of the day.
21. Be cautious.
When visiting the black sand seashores, avoid the water’s edge, particularly should you flip your again to the water. They are inclined to get rouge waves and robust undercurrents that may take folks unaware and pull them out to sea.
Also, don’t enterprise too near the cliff’s edges. There aren’t many limitations or fences in Iceland. If you see a warning signal, it’s there for an excellent cause and it is advisable to listen.
22. Not for choosy eaters.
Icelandic meals is predominantly lamb, seafood, and their conventional meat soup (lamb.) But when you have a choosy eater in your group yow will discover mediocre hamburgers in most locations and even some pizza.
The meals scene has undoubtedly improved in recent times, particularly in Reykjavik. And I’ve had a number of the greatest seafood of my life in Iceland. But what you gained’t discover are American fast-food chains or Starbucks, besides possibly Subway, while you’re out and about within the countryside.
Don’t despair although, the gasoline stations typically have some nice comfort meals accessible and everybody must strive at the very least one Icelandic scorching canine!
23. Get your digicam prepared.
Bring further batteries to your digicam and a automobile charger to your telephone, and possibly even an additional SD card as a result of you’ll take numerous footage! Some kind of waterproof case or bag can be useful close to the waterfalls.
If you’re visiting within the winter, you will have further batteries as a result of the chilly drains them shortly. And, throughout the winter months should you plan on searching for the Northern Lights, ensure you perceive your digicam settings in an effort to seize the reminiscence.
24. English is welcome.
While it’s all the time good to be taught a number of phrases of the language of the nation you’re visiting, you don’t want to fret an excessive amount of a couple of language barrier. Everyone speaks wonderful English. If you possibly can be taught a number of phrases, you’ll actually impress your pals again house! Just take heed to the locals pronounce Eyjafjallajökull and you will note why.
But when you get a dangle of how the phrases are shaped, the names of locations begin to make extra sense. For instance, foss means waterfall, jökull means glacier, vik means bay, dalur means valley. It is like decoding a puzzle when you be taught the which means of some phrases.
25. Pack good.
Be ready for vastly completely different landscapes and climate situations. You would possibly want a jacket within the metropolis however not on the glacier or vice versa. Layers are essential in Iceland!
I discovered it useful to be ready for no matter climate we’d encounter. Find my packing lists for Iceland in summer time and winter. Start with an excellent base layer and add from there. Our Columbia omni-heat lined jackets had been heat however very light-weight and didn’t take up numerous room within the suitcase. Make certain to spend money on heat wool socks and waterproof climbing sneakers are an absolute should!
In the winter, additionally, you will want slip-on microspikes or crampons like Yaktrax when visiting waterfalls or different icy spots. Also, be certain to carry alongside a European energy adapter or converter to cost your digicam and telephone.
More Information to your Iceland Trip
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