Iceland Travel Advice

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A view over Glymur Falls
Guide to Hiking Glymur Falls

The trail to the majestic Glymur Waterfall offers all kinds of challenges - but the stunning views from the top are well worth the adventure. Get to the trailhead prepared for your exhilarating day of hiking with this detailed trail description and other helpful tips.

On the way Gunnuhver Hot Springs, close to Keflavik Airport
How to Make the Most of Your First Day in Iceland

Having a great first day in Iceland after a long flight requires a bit of planning. We recommend starting your adventure on the right foot by diving right into all the great things Iceland has to offer. Based on the experience of travelers and the expertise of our local specialists, here are some useful strategies to make the most of your first day in Iceland.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon
7 Alternatives to Iceland's Most Popular Sights

Planning a trip to Iceland in the high season? Skip the most crowded sights on Iceland's South Coast and along the Golden Circle, and visit these equally breathtaking spots throughout the country instead.

How to Tour the Golden Circle Like a Local
How to Tour the Golden Circle Like a Local

It's no secret that Iceland is drawing more and more visitors every year. If you're joining the ranks, skip the crowds at the most popular Golden Circle attractions and visit the area's lesser-known (but equally stunning) sights, restaurants, and lodges instead.

Discover the dramatic landscapes along the famous Route 1
Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Guide: The Ring Road & Other Popular Drives

The Ring Road is the most popular way to experience a variety of landscapes all over Iceland. Route 1 starts from Reykjavik and circles to Akureyri in the North, to the small fishing villages in the East Fjords, passing Vatnajökull National Park and the South Coast. From this highway, you can get to all the main detours like Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the remote Westfjords, Thorsmork, and the Highlands.

Calm water kayaking in Ísafjörður (photo by Borea Adventures)
Kayaking around Isafjordur, heart of the Westfjords

Paddle through majestic fjords below towering mountains as you spot seals, whales, and birds along the way. Here are a few kayaking options ranging from a couple hours up to a full week of exploring at your own speed.

Trip Ideas for the Perfect Honeymoon in Iceland
Trip Ideas for the Perfect Honeymoon in Iceland

Looking for a unique destination to celebrate your marriage? Iceland offers the perfect escape for a newlywed couple, and with so many thrilling adventures that await you there, you can rest assured that your honeymoon will be an unforgettable experience.

When to visit Iceland

Light snowfall on Vik, in the south of Iceland
Iceland in Winter: How to make the most of limited daylight

Want to spend your holidays in a winter wonderland, see the northern lights, take a dogsled or snowmobile tour, hike on a glacier, or climb through ice caves? Iceland is the perfect place to spend some time this winter. While daylight is limited and the nights are long, you can experience some truly unique adventures without the big crowds of the peak season.

Discover the surreal icy landscape of Vatnajökull
Iceland in January: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Take advantage of the snowy season where everything seems more calm and quiet, and when the tourist crowds are at their smallest. This is also one of the best times for viewing the Northern Lights. Read on to learn more about visiting Iceland in January.

Catch the Northern Lights over a wintry Goðafoss
Iceland in February: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Iceland in February is a perfect place to play in the outdoors with few tourists and lower prices. Enjoy traditional winter activities like skiing and snowmobiling to more unique sports like glacier hiking and ice caving and with the long nights you can view the Northern Lights with ease. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.

Take in the setting sun from Reynisfjara beach
Iceland in March: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

With few crowds, low prices, and ever-increasing daylight hours, March is arguably one of the best times to visit Iceland. Enjoy all the winter tours in peace and still have plenty of opportunities to catch the Northern Lights. Find out what to do and where to go with this March guide.

Explore Iceland's capital, Reykjavík
Iceland in April: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Traveling to Iceland in April offers a lot: crowds are small, hotel and flight deals can be found, there’s still the chance to see the Northern Lights, and there’s enough daylight to do and see a lot each day. Read on to learn more.

Lupine flowers in bloom and the town of Ísafjörður in the distance
Iceland in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

The last month before the summer crowds, May is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Spring is well underway, trading in snowy landscapes with swathes of green land blanketed in purple lupine flowers, tourist crowds are still light, and the days are long—you can expect daylight to last until midnight.

Discover Kirkjufellsfoss and Mt. Kirkjufell in Grundarfjörður on the Snӕfellsnes peninsula
Iceland in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

June begins Iceland’s busiest travel season. With never-ending daylight hours and Midnight Sun tours, the country is alive with festivals and an all-access pass to hiking in the highlands. Find out what to do and where to go with this June guide.

Take a detour off the Ring Road and visit the Hvítserkur sea stack in Vatnsnesvegur
Iceland in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

July is high season for Iceland where you can expect the country’s best weather, a lively vibe from locals who spend as much time outside as possible, and loads of fun events. Read this monthly guide to learn more (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).

Check out the less frequented Vestrahorn mountains in eastern Iceland's Stokksnes Peninsula
Iceland in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

August is the last full month of Iceland's busy and expensive high season. With that comes warmer weather, a sporty vibe from tourists and locals who spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loads of fun events like Commerce Day and Fireworks at Jökulsárlón. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Lace up your hiking boots and go on a trek through Þórsmörk
Iceland in September: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

September marks the end of the high season and is a fantastic month to explore Iceland's iconic scenery without the crowds. This is also a great month to join a Northern Lights tour. Read on to learn what to do and where to go.

Capture postcard-perfect pictures wherever you go in Landmannalaugar
Iceland in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

The summer rush is long over, and the winter festivities have yet to begin, making October a peaceful time to visit. Enjoy colorful fall scenery and shorter days, taking advantage of one of the best times of year to view the Northern Lights. Read this monthly guide to learn more.

Visit the pristine Grjótagjá hot spring near lake Mývatn
Iceland in November: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

November is a fantastic month to visit Iceland for those who want to see the Northern Lights and experience wintry outdoor activities: ice caving, snorkeling the Silfra fissure, and soaking in a geothermal pool. It's also an ideal time to travel around the lowlands without worrying too much about the weather. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.

Marvel at the "diamonds" of Jökulsárlón Lagoon and the distant Vatnajökull
Iceland in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Dark and chilly, December brightens up in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, attracting visitors to Iceland's festive villages and towns. This is a great month to hit the slopes, wander a holiday market, and ring in the new year with a fireworks display over Hallgrímskirkja. Read on to learn more about visiting December in Iceland.