iceland

Iceland is a destination like no other

A magical, beautiful landscape of endless adventures. Appropriately known as the "land of fire and ice", Iceland is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes and several of Europe's largest glaciers.
Iceland is also a land of light and darkness. Expect summer days of constant daylight or dark winter days with only a few hours of daylight.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Language: The main language is Icelandic, and English is widely spoken.

Population: Around 376,000 people.

Time Difference: The UK is 1 hour ahead of Iceland. It takes an average flight time of 3 hours to travel to Iceland from the UK also.

Currency: Icelandic Krona. Cash is not required, everywhere accepts Card payments. Please note, Iceland can get VERY expensive, so be sure to check out my ''On a Budget' tips below.

Tipping: Not customary but appreciated when offered.

Phone: To call Iceland use code 354. Emergency line whilst in Iceland is 112.

Safety: Iceland is one of the world's safest countries, it has a low crime rate and excellent medical care. However due to weather/natural hazards, travellers should be aware that conditions can change without notice - keep up to date with online forecasts.

Plugs: For Iceland there are two associated plug types, C and F. You will need to take a travel adapter with you.

Alcohol: Minimum drinking age is 20 - its also very expensive! Look out for local Happy Hours.

Water: Do not buy water in Iceland! Take a reusable bottle with you.

Best time to visit

Spring

Expect temperatures between 0-10 degrees in Reykjavik and about 10 degrees cooler in the north. It’s considered a great time for tourists to visit as there is still a chance that you may catch the Northern Lights. Enjoy milder weather and fewer tourists.

Summer

Expect temperatures between 5-25 degrees from June to August and longer days to explore. In June the sun sets as late as midnight and rises again around 3am (you will need an eyemask!) You can easily avoid crowds of tourists by going to top attractions in the evening, and you'll be able to pack more into your itinerary. However, you will not see the Northern Lights during the summer months.

Autumn

Expect temperatures similar to Spring, between 0-10 degrees from September to early November. If you want to avoid cooler temperatures in the Autumn, plan a visit around September. You might start to see some snow, and as the weather starts to cool, some tours may come to the end of their yearly run so be sure to check this in advance.

Winter

Expect temperatures around 0 degrees in Reykjavik but about 10 degrees cooler elsewhere from November to March. Mid-winter you’ll be limited on where you can travel due to the snow, but it’s the best time to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland.

how to get there

  • Icelandair fly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Glasgow.

  • British Airways fly from Heathrow & London City.

  • EasyJet fly from Gatwick & Luton.

  • Jet2 fly from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stansted, Manchester & Newcastle.

  • Fly Play fly from Stansted & Liverpool.

  • TUI fly from Luton, Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol Manchester, Glasgow & Edinburgh.

getting around Iceland

The airport is located 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

  1. Hire a Car - I definitely recommend this option!

  2. Taxis - are very expensive and not recommended! There is no Uber in Iceland.

  3. Buses -

  • Flybus runs between the airport and the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavík. It departs every 35 minutes. Pre-book or purchase ticket upon arrival.

  • Strætó operates buses in Reykjavík and around Iceland. On www.straeto.is you can check timetables, plan routes, download the app and buy tickets.

  • Airport Direct runs between the airport and Reykjavík with the ability to upgrade to be dropped off at your accommodation. They also offer transfer to the Blue Lagoon.

Top Tip: Map your route! Visit Iceland has a very handy map tool that will help you. You can find it here.

iceland regions

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions:

  • Reykjavík is the natural starting point for any visit to Iceland. The capital is world-renowned for its culture, history, and natural beauty on all fronts. The capital area has enough natural wonders at its doorstep to serve as a convenient base for exploring spectacular landscape in several directions.

  • Discover the wonders of East Iceland, home to the country's largest forest, lush farmlands and an assortment of streams and mountains.

  • The Reykjanes peninsula is a geological wonder, where lighthouses outnumber villages. Here you’ll find the airport, Blue Lagoon, and the Fagradalsfjall volcano.

  • The North of Iceland truly is a land of contrasts. You’ll find long valleys and peninsulas with mountains, lava fields and hills carved out by rivers. The North is also home to Iceland's second largest urban area, Akureyri.

  • One of Iceland's best-kept secrets is the northwest corner, the Westfjords. One for the serious explorers, only about 10% of Iceland's visitors ever see the region. Here you’ll find unspoiled nature and Icelandic folklore culture.

  • West Iceland is one of Iceland's most geologically diverse regions It’s close enough to the capital area but offers a completely different experience with volcanoes, waterfalls, flora and wildlife.

  • Iceland’s geological contrasts are best visible in the South where geothermal heat meets glacial cold. In the Southwest and the Golden Circle Area, the heat is on, providing the energy for Iceland’s many greenhouses and swimming pools. The Southeast shows off Europe’s biggest glacier Vatnajökull, spectacular waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

iceland in 3 days - itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary of how to spend 3 days in Iceland. This was a very similar itinerary to what we did during our trip.
Top Tip: If you're visiting Iceland during winter and you're planning on seeing the Northern Lights, always try to see them on your first night, that way you can try again on another night if you wasn't successful!

Day 1 - Reykjavik & Northern Lights

You've arrived in Iceland! Make sure you check out the Sun Voyager on your way into Reykjavik.

Grab a Cinnamon Bun at Braud & Co and take a look around the City - Make sure to see the Hallgrimskirkja Church!

Get yourself a Hot Dog and then head over to Perlan to check out the views of the City and beyond from the Observation Deck. Explore the Ice Cave and the various exhibits before watching the Aurora Show.

In the evening, warm up on Lobster Soup before driving out to the Grotta Lighthouse for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Alternatively, head out onto an organised tour to see them.

Day 2 - Golden Circle

After breakfast, jump in your Hire Car ready for a day of driving around the Golden Circle. Driving rather than going on an organised tour will give you a lot more flexibility.

  • Stop 1: Þingvellir National Park is a sought after tourist destination and is significant because of its history and geology. It is also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland.

  • Stop 2: Haukadalur Valley has many hot springs and geysers, including the powerful Strokkur, Smiður and Litli-Strokkur. Strokkur is Iceland's most famous hot spring, shooting vast jets of boiling water every 5-10 minutes.

  • Stop 3: Gulfoss Waterfall or the 'Golden Falls' is one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, plummeting 105 feet (32 meters) in two tiers into the river gorge of the popular rafting river Hvita.

If you have time, you can add on further stops. We added two more to our trip: Fridheimar and Kerid Crater.

In the evening, head out on another tour, or grab a bite to eat and get an early night - it's been a long day!

Day 3 - Lagoon

After breakfast, and checking out of your accommodation, head to the Sky Lagoon for their first session of the day (other lagoons are available!) and enjoy total relaxion and their 7 step ritual.

The perfect way to relax before your journey home!

top tips & information

Where to Stay

  • The Reykjavik Edition -We stayed here!

  • Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

  • Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, Reykjavik

  • Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

  • Ion City Hotel, Reykjavik

  • ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir

Eating & Drinking

Traditional Foods:

  • Icelandic Fish

  • Kleinur: The Twisted Doughnut

  • Bragðarefur: Ice Cream

  • Hákarl: Fermented Shark

  • Svið: Sheep's Head

  • Pylsa: The Icelandic Hot Dog

  • Skyr: The Icelandic Yogurt

  • Flatkaka með Hangikjöti: Flatbread with Sliced Smoked Lamb

  • Harðfiskur: Dry fish with Butter

  • Kjötsúpa: Lamb Soup


Food Recommendations:

  • Hotdogs from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur

  • Cinnamon Buns from Braud & Co

  • Breakfast at  Grai Kotturinn - the pancakes were delicious!

  • Lobster Soup at Seabaron

  • Tomato Soup at Fridheimar


On a Budget?

  • Book accommodation with Breakfast included as this will save you money.

  • Hit the Supermarkets.

  • Hot Dogs are your best friend.

  • Buy Alcohol at Duty Free before you leave the Airport.

  • Happy Hours - Download the Appy Hour App.

  • Drink the Water!

Hot Springs, Geothermal Pools & Lagoons

Iceland has over natural 45 hot springs and more than 200 swimming pools. Iceland has more pools per capita than any other nation, and as a geologically active nation, new hot springs can appear following earthquakes and eruptions, bringing fresh hot water to the surface. There are five lagoons across the country, and each one is unique. Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon are the most popular:

  • Blue Lagoon: Pre-book their Comfort (£52) or Premium Package (£67). Both packages include entry, mud mask, towel and drink. The premium option will give you two extra masks and use of a bathrobe. You'll also get a glass of sparkling wine with this option if you dine in the Lava Restaurant. There is also a Luxury Package (£360) which will give you 5 hours access into the Retreat Spa, private changing suite and unlimited access to both the Retreat Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon. There are 3 restaurants and a café for dining, and onsite accommodation includes the Silica and Retreat Hotels.

  • Sky Lagoon: More package options: Pure Lite Pass (£49) gives you admission, access to changing facilities and a towel. Pure Pass (£61) also includes the 7 Step Ritual. Sky Pass (£85) is their luxury option and will give you access to private changing facilities with their signature Sky Body Lotion. They also have a Sky Lagoon for Two Package (£175) and this includes 2 Sky Passes, drink per person and a Sky platter. Food & drink options include the Lagoon Bar, the Sky Café and Smakk Bar.

The Blue Lagoon opened in 1987 and is set against a backdrop of rocky black lava fields.

Sky Lagoon, which opened in 2021 boasts a view over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Organised Tours & Activities

There are so many Tours and Activities available in Iceland. Here are some ideas:

  • Whale Watching on a Super Yacht

  • Golden Circle & Glacier Snowmobiling

  • Blue Lagoon

  • Sky Lagoon

  • Northern Lights Night Tour

  • Reykjavik Food Walk

  • Snorkeling in Silfra

  • The Lava Tunnel

  • Icelandic Horseback Riding

  • Perlan Museum

  • Puffin & Volcano Tour

  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure

  • Mountain Helicopter Tour

  • South Iceland Day Tour

  • Glacier Hiking Tour

Northern Lights

Despite Iceland’s popularity as an aurora destination, it’s actually not the best place to witness them. You are more likely to see the lights in the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada and Alaska... however that's not to say you won't see them!

The best place to view the Northern Lights firsthand is a far-northern latitude within 65 degrees to 72 degrees, which is considered the “Northern Lights Zone”.

The best time of year to travel to see the lights is in the winter months from November to March.

Perfect weather is required! You will need a clear night as clouds will block the lights.

Remember seeing the lights is not guaranteed, and at times, the aurora can barely be visible to the naked eye.

I recommend that you check the Aurora Forecast before heading out to see the Northern Lights.

We used  Aurora Forecast Iceland | Northern Lights Research Center.

You can also use the Icelandic Met Office Website here.

Ready to book your trip to Iceland? Let me help you!

 book with me