Iceland tours & holidays
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Ice on the land, whales in the sea and light in the sky
With a dramatic landscape of waterfalls and volcanoes, glaciers and geysers, travelling through Iceland is like venturing into a land before time. Add its famed local wildlife, plenty of natural hot springs, its lively capital Reykjavik, black sand beaches, Viking history and the magic of spotting the Northern Lights and you’ve stumbled on one mighty, icy adventure.
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Iceland at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Reykjavik (population approximately 139,000)
POPULATION
Approximately 387,600
CURRENCY
ISK
LANGUAGE
Icelandic
TIME ZONE
(GMT) Monrovia, Reykjavik
CALLING CODE
+354
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
Learn more about Iceland
Best time to visit
Spring is considered the optimal time to visit Iceland if green landscapes and balmy days are your thing. In the summer season, July and August are the warmest months and the busiest time for tourists.
The warmer spring and summer months are ideal for active adventures around the countryside and great for days spent searching for waterfalls and wildlife.
The winter months are best for the Northern Lights because of the longer nights. But as you might expect, winters in Iceland can be challenging. During late December, there are about four-and-a-half hours of daylight, and it's often cloudy, but darker nights mean a higher chance of spotting the auroras.
Learn more about the best time to visit Iceland
What is the weather like in Iceland?
Iceland’s temperatures are cool and do vary throughout the year. In winter months, minimum temperatures plummet to below freezing.
In Reykjavik, summer temperatures average at around 11°C, while winter maximums are approximately 0°C. Rainfall is quite consistent throughout the year, between 25–50 mm per month, with most days experiencing some rainfall.
History and culture
Iceland is an island nation that was originally settled by Vikings in the ninth century. Today, Iceland is known for being a highly modern and progressive society; however, Icelanders remain proud of their Viking heritage.
Icelandic culture and customs are full of myths and legends, many connected to Christian and pagan values. Folk tales of elves, gnomes, fairies and trolls still circulate, and whether the locals continue telling these to unlock the secrets of the past or simply in jest, they’re definitely worth listening to.
Despite the long and dark winters, Icelanders are among the happiest people in the world. Why? One reason is that they understand the importance of getting together and having a good time, even if it’s pitch black outside. There are many celebrations to join in on throughout the year, but a few to look out for include the Winter Lights Festival, Thorrablot and the Viking Festival.
Geography and environment
Iceland possesses some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders and unique landscapes. From active volcanoes to vast ice fields, bubbling hot springs and enormous glaciers, these dramatic contrasts have earned Iceland the nickname of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’.
Many of these geological features are products of geographical location – on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect and their movements away from each other create volcanic activity. The country is covered by moss-carpeted lava fields, soaring fjords, incredible waterfalls and dramatic geysers, all of which add to Iceland’s otherworldly look.
The country is also the perfect spot to see the Northern Lights. From September to March, you’ll have the best chance to view this spectacular natural light show when the skies are clear and auroral activity is high. But don’t let that stop you from visiting in other seasons – Iceland’s natural wonders are truly year-round attractions.
Top 4 natural phenomena of Iceland
1. Northern Lights
Any winter tour of Iceland absolutely must include a chance to see the Northern Lights. This natural light display that runs along magnetic fields often brings hypnotic green, yellow and red shades to the night sky in Iceland from September to March. As one of nature's most magnificent triumphs, this is one unforgettable spectacle.
2. Gullfoss
Otherwise known as Golden Falls, this spectacular three-tiered waterfall drops suddenly into a deep cavern. The falls are surrounded by lush, green countryside, and the rainbows created by the mist and spray provide brilliant photo opportunities.
3. Lake Myvatn
This part of northern Iceland was born from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and continues to be shaped by volcanic activity to this day. The combination of strange lava formations, thermal caves and a sprawling lake dotted with craters and rising rocks makes for an eerie yet beautiful landscape.
4. Jokulsarlon
Literally translating to ‘glacial river lagoon’, this monumental glacier lake is the largest in Iceland. Featuring a parade of large and small blue icebergs floating on and under the pure, icy water, this lagoon is so beautiful that it has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood films, a set for reality television shows and in a starring role on a postage stamp!
Eating and drinking
Flanked by the ocean and inhabited by almost twice the amount of sheep as humans, Iceland understandably boasts a cuisine dominated by seafood and local lamb.
What to try in Iceland
Seafood
The country’s diet relies on plenty of potatoes and lamb, but seafood trumps all – sourced fresh year-round from the waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic and prepared in a variety of ways. Be sure to try Hardfiskur – a salty fish jerky, best enjoyed buttered.
Meat
Sheep and cows are free-range and fed chemical-free diets, making lamb and dairy products exceptionally good here. One of the best ways to enjoy the produce on offer is to warm yourself up from the inside out with a hearty meat soup: a mixture of lamb, root vegetables, herbs and rice.
Skyr
Skyr, a popular yogurt that is technically a cheese, is also a must-try in all its variety of flavours. Eat it like the locals do at any time of the day – for breakfast, as a snack, as a dipping sauce, in drink form (called drykkur) or as a dessert topping.
Hot dogs
Surprisingly, hot dogs are Iceland’s most iconic fast food. Widely available, a hot dog is probably the cheapest meal you’ll have in Iceland. Order one with all the toppings – sweet mustard, ketchup, raw onions, deep-fried onions and aioli.
Bread
Rye bread (also known as rugbraud) and butter is a common side to most meals in Iceland, but the preferred way of cooking the loaves are quite unique. Traditionally, the bread is buried near a natural hot spring, sprinkled with sugar and left to gently steam for up to 24 hours. The end result is dense, cake-like bread that has a slightly sweet taste. Enjoy it with a traditional Icelandic soup, smoked lamb or, of course, fish.
Licorice
Name a food and chances are Icelanders have tried to add licorice to it. Black licorice is beloved by locals and found in a wide range of desserts and candy bars. During your time here, head to Valdis in Reykjavik to test out a cone filled with salted black licorice ice cream. Even if the weather’s cold, the ice cream joints will be open!
The weird and wacky
Icelanders have a reputation for serving up some of the most unusual food in the world – boiled sheep’s head, fermented shark known as harkarl and ram testicles to name a few. Although the country’s isolation and harsh winters once meant these foods were eaten out of necessity, today most of these ‘delicacies’ are only prepared to shock tourists. Try if you dare, but we suggest sticking to the common foods that locals eat.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be expensive in Iceland and is best bought at the duty-free shop. Although forms of prohibition existed until 1989, alcohol is now widely available all over the country in state-run liquor stores. If you’re feeling brave, try the local brew, Brennivin – a potent, traditional caraway-flavoured schnapps nicknamed ‘black death’.
Iceland travel highlights
1. Explore Reykjavik
Iceland's capital city is totally beguiling, surrounded by volcanic peaks and boasting a vibrant art and nightlife scene. Browse the city’s galleries, explore the colourful street art, dine on fresh lox (traditionally cured salmon), or cycle to the striking cathedral of Hallgrimskirkja – trying to say that after a tipple or two of Brennivin (Iceland's signature spirit) might be tricky!
2. Discover the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the holy trinity of southern Iceland. This 186-mile (300 km) route is brimming with natural wonders that showcase why so many travellers fall under Iceland's spell. Marvel at the layered cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall, explore the dramatic rift valley in Thingvellir National Park and witness the unpredictable eruptions in Geysir Geothermal Area.
3. Cruise along Jokulsarlon
It's impossible not to be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s famous glacial lagoon. Enjoy a boat tour along the icy waters where you'll cruise past towering glaciers and witness icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue drifting into the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Experience life in Akureyri
Soak up the charm of this northern port city – the second-largest city in Iceland. Better described as a big town with lots of character, you'll be won over by its quaint turf homes, rich history and folklore, and the imposing Mount Súlur that looms over the town. Akureyri is also an ideal Northern Lights viewing location between September and April.
5. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon
There's no need to worry about being cold all the time in Iceland when you can slip into the famous Blue Lagoon just out of Reykjavik. Surrounded by black volcanic rock, a soak in the mineral-rich, milk-blue waters of this geothermal spa is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a big day of walking.
Money matters
The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK)
Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland and are used frequently by locals to pay for just about anything. Paying with a credit card at shops, guesthouses, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and taxi rides shouldn't be a problem.
Iceland is almost a cashless society, so cards are the best option; however, a lot of payments will require your four-digit PIN, so be sure to know this before you leave home.
ATMs are usually easy to find in Iceland's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards.
Iceland travel FAQs
Generally, travellers from many nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Iceland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, depending on your nationality, there may be different entry requirements into the Schengen region and you may need a visa to enter Iceland, which typically costs a fee.
For more information, please visit the government of Iceland’s website or the Essential Trip Information.
To enter Iceland, you may need:
- A valid passport issued within the last 10 years with three months of validity
- Flight itinerary
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
- Proof of onward or exit travel
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
Tipping isn't expected in Iceland. Hotels, restaurants and cafes already include a service fee and consumption taxes (VAT) in the bill, so tipping extra isn't necessary. However, feel free to leave a small amount if your experience has been particularly good, especially for assistance provided by drivers, trip leaders or service workers.
In summer, Iceland experiences cool but mild weather throughout the country, with maximum temperatures averaging around 13°C. However, it’s still important to pack some warm clothing at this time, as temperatures at night can drop quite dramatically. In winter, some days barely reach over 0°C, so preparing for this is crucial. It can be wet and windy, and roads may be iced over, so thermal gear, a waterproof jacket and pants and sturdy walking boots are all highly recommended.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in Iceland unless marked otherwise. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.
Travellers will be able to access the internet in cybercafes and at wi-fi hotspots in Iceland's cities and large towns. Rural and remote areas may have less internet access, so be prepared when travelling away from the city.
Most accommodations and eateries in Iceland offer wi-fi access, which is usually free to use with a code. If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, it may be wise to purchase a prepaid SIM card with a data package.
Many Icelandic libraries and tourist information offices have shared computers for public internet access if you are without a device to connect to wi-fi. Sometimes a small fee is charged for this service.
Travellers can use their mobile phones in Iceland's main cities and towns, though remote and isolated areas may have inferior cell reception.
If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, it may be wise to purchase a prepaid SIM card for the duration of your journey. This will likely be the cheapest way to use your phone in Iceland.
For EU citizens, depending on who you have your mobile phone plan with, you may be able to use your current SIM in Iceland – your service provider will be able to provide more details.
Global roaming can also be activated, but check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur, as sometimes this can be expensive.
Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Iceland.
In terms of public toilets, Reykjavik and other major towns and cities have some, but along highways and at many tourist destinations – especially campgrounds and natural attractions – there is a lack of facilities. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets and, in busy months, expect queues in main tourist areas.
There have been recent occurrences of tourists resorting to other means in remote places and near tourist sites. We recommend being prepared and talking to your group leader if you have any concerns.
Iceland is a very safe country to travel to and is one of the safest countries in the world.
The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the world’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Iceland directly support our foundation partner, Sea Life Trust.
Sea Life Trust is on a mission to rehome and care for captive whales kept in unreasonable conditions by creating a purpose-built sanctuary. Donations help them continually improve their sanctuary, care for the resident whales and support their onsite puffin rescue centre.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.
Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.