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Introducing Iceland

When is the best time to visit?
Choosing the right time to visit Iceland depends on what you would like to see and do. To see the Northern Lights, visit in winter—and thus brave ultra-short days and brisk weather. If your goal is to hike, road trip, and otherwise explore outdoors, the best times are late spring and early fall. Summer months bring great weather and long days, but also attract big tourist crowds. Learn more

Where should I go in Iceland?
Iceland has much more to offer than the popular (and crowded) Golden Circle and South Coast areas. We highly recommend exploring Iceland’s remote regions such as Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, Lake Myvatn, and the East Fjords. See our recommended tours & itineraries to get ideas on how to plan your trip to Iceland. Learn more

How many days do I need?
You can have an epic Iceland experience when you spend at least 5 days. Shorter trips are possible but won’t give you enough time to explore beyond the Reykjavik area and the western section of the South Coast. With 8 days or more, you can complete the famous Ring Road and see sights that most tourists miss, like Godafoss Waterfall, the unique volcanic hotspots surrounding Lake Myvatn, and the Westfjords. Learn more

Getting around in Iceland
Most travelers drive themselves in Iceland during the summer season (Mid-April to November), and some opt for small group or guided tours during the winter season when weather, wind, and limited daylight can make driving more difficult. The Ring Road is Iceland's iconic multi-day road trip (typically 7-10 days), with many opportunities to extend further to more remote areas such as the highlands, the Westfjords, and northern coast. Learn more

Looking for inspiration? See our top Iceland itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Iceland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Entering Goðaland (the "Land of Gods") during the descent to Thórsmörk
Map of Fimmvörðuháls Hike - The Ultimate Guide to one of Iceland's Best Day Hikes
Fimmvörðuháls Hike - The Ultimate Guide to one of Iceland's Best Day Hikes

If you’re looking for a great one-day hike that combines the best of Iceland into a single trek, this is it. The Fimmvörðuháls trail takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery Iceland has to offer, from a series of canyon waterfalls to a volcanic moonscape. Keep in mind, this day-hike is as long as it is rewarding.

Explore Iceland on a road trip of a lifetime
Map of Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords - 14 Days
Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords - 14 Days

With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to hike, explore, and soak it all in. This 14-day itinerary covers all the major regions except the highlands, which you can see with a couple more days or by spending less time in some of the areas below.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast
Map of 3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast & Reykjavík - 3 Days
3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast & Reykjavík - 3 Days

If you're short on time or looking for an extended layover on your way from Europe to North America or vice versa, your options in Iceland are limited to those closer to Reykjavík. Here is a three-day itinerary that will still let you experience some of the spectacular beauty of Iceland.

Godafoss waterfall in northern Iceland
Map of Iceland Relaxed Ring Road Adventure - 10 Days
Iceland Relaxed Ring Road Adventure - 10 Days

10 days on the road in Iceland is enough time to discover its highlights and off-the-beaten-path wonders. Loop around the famous Route 1 (Ring Road) on a relaxed self-drive adventure, stopping at big cities, active volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, dried lava fields, black beaches, quaint fishing towns, massive glaciers, and the star landmarks along the famed Golden Circle. It's guaranteed to be a gorgeous ride.

Make the Most of Your Time in Iceland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Reykjavík, Iceland
How Many Days to Spend in Iceland

You can have an epic Iceland experience when you spend five days or more in Iceland. Shorter trips are possible but won't give you enough time to explore beyond the Reykjavík...

Iceland Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Iceland is worth a visit at any time of year; the moodier the weather, the better the pictures like the mammatus clouds that hang over the famous Reynisdrangar rocks
Best Time of Year to Visit Iceland

While the best time to visit Iceland depends on your priorities—whether chasing the northern lights, hiking dramatic landscapes, or avoiding peak-season crowds—aim for late...

Gullfoss Falls - Iceland's second largest waterfall
5 Best Things to Do in Iceland

Dubbed the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a delight for all of your senses, from the deep chill of the air to the smoky smell of the volcanoes to the sights and sounds of the...

Skogafoss waterfall, Iceland
How kimkim Trips Works in Iceland

Travelers love Iceland for its wild landscapes, Reykjavík's cultural charms, and the seasonal magic of the northern lights. Work with a kimkim travel specialist to experience it...

Iceland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
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...

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...

Iceland Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country

Iceland Travel Interviews

Get inspired by reading about experiences by travelers like you

Iceland Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Hótel Húsafell
kimkim gem
Reykholt
Hótel Húsafell
4.9
(15)
· Luxury
Hótel Húsafell draws travelers seeking a luxurious, nature-inspired stay among the remote landscapes of West Iceland. Located just two hours north of Reykjavík, the contemporary, eco-conscious property is powered by geothermal energy, with interiors that showcase local materials like timber and...
Photo courtesy of Hótel Kría
Vík
Hótel Kría
4.8
(24)
· Mid-Range
Modern and moody Hotel Kría is located in the town of Vík í Mýrdal, an ideal base for exploring Iceland's South Coast. Guests are a short drive from natural wonders like Reynisdrangar's basalt sea stacks framed by their iconic black sands and the Skógafoss waterfall, with plenty of hiking...
Photo courtesy of Hótel Búðir
kimkim gem
Arnarstapi
Hótel Búðir
4.8
(24)
· Upscale
Hótel Búðir sits on the edge of a lava field in a remote pocket of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Travelers stay in a quiet, windswept landscape two hours from Reykjavík, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Snæfellsjökull glacier in view, and only a 19th-century church as a neighbor, while the...

Best Experiences in Iceland

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Reykjavík
Silfra Snorkeling Adventure
4.8
(41)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Snorkel the world's clearest water and float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on this day trip from Reykjavík to Þingvellir National Park. Led by experienced PADI divemasters, you'll swim the cold Silfra fissure's breathtakingly clear waters—with visibility up to 394 feet,...
Grindavík
The Blue Lagoon
4.7
(86)
3 hours
·
Self guided
Imagine relaxing in a blend of seawater and geothermally heated water, rich in silica, minerals, and algae, all while surrounded by a lunar lava landscape. This experience is one of Iceland's most famous and a huge tourist draw. But although it attracts the masses, as soak in the Blue Lagoon is...
West Iceland
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
4.8
(27)
1.5 hours
·
Group tour
Experience the thrill of caving in a safe and family-friendly way with a guided exploration of Víðgelmir, Iceland's largest lava cave. Located beneath the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland, this geological wonder stretches for almost a mile underground, with a series of wooden walkways,...

Our Latest Iceland Content

You'll stay warm with these tips, like this woman striking a yoga pose on top of the crashed plane at Sólheimasandur beach
How to Dress for Winter Activities in Iceland

Winter in Iceland is cold and dark (with only 4-7 hours of daylight), but beautiful—think snow-dusted lava fields, frozen waterfalls, and the glow of the northern lights above you. But to enjoy it all, you'll need to dress smartly. The key is layering: warm, weatherproof gear that keeps you dry, cozy, and ready for whatever fun outdoor activity you have planned. From glacier hikes to snowmobiling, here's how to stay comfortable while embracing chilly adventures in Iceland.

Pack right and you can hike around the hills and valleys of Landmannalaugar with comfortable ease
Ultimate Iceland Packing List

Iceland's weather is famously unpredictable, often bringing sun, rain, and wind within the same hour, which makes smart packing essential. With the right layers and a few key items, you'll be ready to explore the island's wild beauty in comfort.

Experience stylish luxury hotels on your two-week tour of Iceland (photo courtesy of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland)
Map of 2 Weeks in Iceland - 3 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Iceland - 3 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks to spend on a luxurious trip in Iceland, you can choose between a fast-paced excursion that hits all the highlights or a more relaxed journey exploring remote gems. Opt for a complete circular route to travel in style by yacht and Super Jeep, taking in the breathtaking landscapes in ultimate comfort. Alternatively, you could focus on South Iceland, packing your days with thrilling activities. Or, venture into the Eastfjords, where you'll explore secluded villages and unwind in luxurious cabins.

Iceland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region
Where To Go in Iceland: the Best Sights and Activities Region by Region
View article
Map Explore Iceland in 5 days - Seven Optimized Itineraries to help you make the most of your Short Trip to Iceland
Explore Iceland in 5 days - Seven Optimized Itineraries to help you make the most of your Short Trip to Iceland
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Map 7 Days in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries
7 Days in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Iceland
Travel specialist Preeti Bhide
active 6 hours ago

Preeti Bhide

Travel is an experience that enriches our lives and is essential for all of us to grow as individuals. Personally, I love my holidays to be slower paced with time to stop and smell the flowers;...

read more...
Travel specialist Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
active 7 hours ago

Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, and from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents. After a short stint as a driver guide on modified SUVs in 2004, I came back to it full...

read more...
Travel specialist Emanuela Grieco
active 1 day ago

Emanuela Grieco

I am an Italian Travel Designer mostly based in Iceland. Traveling has been my passion since I was young, being always fascinated by other cultures and people. In 2005, after living and...

read more...
Travel specialist Kateryna Garkavenko
active 58 mins ago

Kateryna Garkavenko

Travel is truly one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. It’s amazing how much we can learn and grow from every trip, and I believe that most people benefit greatly from exploring new...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Iceland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

An amazing Iceland roadtrip!
Iceland | Jul 25 - Aug 1, 2026

Aashini
Aashini S.
North Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2026
My husband and I wanted to a celebration trip to Iceland for him finishing his medical residency, and Adam was the perfect person to help us plan it! We wanted to drive around and visit key sights, but also relax and enjoy ourselves. Adam's guidance was crucial, and his expertise really helped us figure out what places to visit and what to skip. The driving instructions for each day were amazing, and it was a seamless experience to have all the bookings for tours/hotels done in advance. It... Read more

My husband and I wanted to a celebration trip to Iceland for him finishing his medical residency, and Adam was the perfect person to help us plan it! We wanted to drive around and visit key sights, but also relax and enjoy ourselves. Adam's guidance was crucial, and his expertise really helped us figure out what places to visit and what to skip. The driving instructions for each day were amazing, and it was a seamless experience to have all the bookings for tours/hotels done in advance. It took a lot of pressure off us, and it was a fantastic trip!
The highlights were the Skaftafell Glacier Hike, RIB Whale Watching, Westman Islands, and Sturlureykir Horse Riding!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Hamar
Borgarnes

This was a perfect hotel for a 1 night stay in Borgarnes. The room and bathroom were clean and spacious. The breakfast spread was pretty decent and made it convenient for us. The highlight of this hotel is the hottub and sauna with amazing views!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inni - Boutique Apartments
Hveragerdi

This was a really lovely apartment in Hveragerdi! The owners have put a lot of thought into the interior design and made the place very cozy. The apartment was well stocked with kitchen appliances and thoughtful touches (like a first aid kit, candles, blankets, robes, hottub slippers etc.) The place was clean and very comfortable for a couple during a 2 night stay. The access to a hottub, sauna and steam room were amazing bonuses after long days of hiking and driving. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal
Vík

Great hotel in the middle of Vik! The rooms were spacious and clean, and were well designed. The breakfast spread was awesome, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend for a stay in Vik!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Local 101
Reykjavik

Pros of this Hotel: 1) Great location downtown as everything was within walking distance. 2) Breakfast was a small spread but really fresh and tasty. 3) Parking was easy to find. 4) Very friendly staff! Cons of this Hotel: 1) The bathroom is TINY! The shower and toilet don't have a separation on the floor, so it's easy for the area to get flooded. There is no room to maneuver and for 2 adults this was a challenge. The sink was in the room next to the bed and it splashed very easily, which caused some issues. 2) The Petite Double was way too small for 2 adults and luggage. It was hard to move around. I would recommend that for 2 people, you size up in the room size.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean, but the bathroom layout could be improved.
The New Post Office
Vestmannaeyjar

We stayed in a nice 1 bedroom apartment at The New Post Office. It was very spacious and clean, and suited our needs. The kitchen was well stocked with appliances. My one suggestion is that the bedroom could use a cupboard or chest of drawers for items.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was close to the ferry and walking distance from food outlets
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Iceland

This hike was the highlight of our trip! We did the Arctic Adventures tour and had Frasier as our guide. He was really knowledgeable and friendly, and made the experience amazing. The tour gave us a harness, helmet, crampons and a pick axe. We were bused over to the glacier area and then it was a bit of a walk to the glacier itself. However, we spent plenty of time on the ice and it did not feel rushed at all. Frasier took photos for anyone who wanted some and made the whole hike really fun! I highly recommend this to hikers of all levels (we were complete beginners at glacier hiking).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

You know how when you have to do a school project on a topic that's only 5 minutes but you have to fill time to make it 45 minutes? That's what we felt this tour was - a time fluffer. The geothermal bakery was very cool to learn about, but this tour genuinely felt like it could've been 10 minutes total. We felt the guide was just filling time by digging holes and shoveling dirt when it wasn't entirely necessary. The tour group had 30 people in it which felt like a lot. The bread itself was tasty, and was served with butter and fish. You could get a piece and then get more if there was still leftovers. I felt like the experience should have included a drink (tea/coffee/hot chocolate) but that was only there to purchase for high prices. This was a small tour that I only recommend if you have a lot of time and want to do something instead of exploring nature.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horse Riding
Iceland

We had a fantastic horseback riding experience at Sturlureykir with Lena! It was just the two of us on the tour and we got there early, so we actually spent some extra time with the horses. We started with grooming our horses and getting to know them before getting up on our saddles. Lena was patient and very thorough with what we can expect on the trail. We are both beginners at riding and it was an exceptional experience. Our horses were perfectly trained and very friendly, so we loved our time with them. Lena took us through the river and took lots of photographs for us, which was super nice of her. After the horse riding, Lena took us around the farm and gave us rye bread and hot chocolate. I absolutely recommend doing a horse riding tour as it was a flawless experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Lagoon
Iceland

Sky Lagoon was an amazing experience! I had visited Blue Lagoon many years ago, and this was a superior experience in my opinion. The 7 step spa ritual is included with every admission and it was really relaxing and fun to do it. The lagoon was quite large and even though there were many people around, it still felt relaxing and rejuvenating. We went at 4pm and stayed till 7 pm as there was no limit on how long you could stay. The views are incredible and worth it. The shared changing rooms were very clean and the access to private showers, towels, and free lockers was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reykjavik Premium Whale Watching
Reykjavík

The RIB boat experience was very cool! The tour gave us warm jumpsuits, gloves, scarves, goggles and even motion sickness meds to make us comfortable on the boat. It was really cool that the boat could get really close to whales (as opposed to the big whale watching boats that have to stay far away from the animals). The tour guide Laura was friendly and knowledgeable and even showed us puffins. It was nice that if you didn't see many whales, they allowed you to do the tour again on another day free of charge! We could not avail of this perk due to our schedule, but it was thoughtful. We managed to see only one whale, because of low levels of feed in the area on that day, but it was still worth it! Note: sometimes the tour runs late, so leave at least 30 minutes buffer before any activities.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Aug 02, 2026

Thank you for the review, Aashini!

Thank you for taking the time to write such detailed feedback. It means a lot to us, as it helps us understand what works really well and what we can still improve.

I'm so happy to hear that you had a fantastic time in Iceland, and I'm glad I could help make your trip a memorable one!

Our trip to Iceland was amazing and we could ..
Iceland | Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2026

Stacey
Stacey B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2026

Our trip to Iceland was amazing and we could not have done it without our local specialist, Guðmundur Óli. The detailed itinerary was beyond our expectations and he had us visit so many natural attractions that we would have never known about. Each day was planned and every stop was already loaded into the GPS for us. We stayed at a different hotel every day in a new city and he was sure to recommend restaurants in every city. Thank you for a great and unforgettable trip!

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 01, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Stacey! I am happy to hear you had such a great time in Iceland and that everything worked out perfectly as planned
Take care and visit us again soon!
Gummi

Nine days of fun and adventure in Iceland in July
Iceland | Jul 21 - Jul 29, 2026

Jane
Jane B.
Philadelphia, PA | Reviewed on Jul 31, 2026
Noga was so excellent from the planning phase to the implementation of our plans and the guidance of our day to day itinerary. We loved that we visited out of the way places as well as the popular "must sees". The timings suggested on our itinerary worked out perfectly. We appreciated that kimkim was available during the trip whenever we needed help. The ride to and fjord views at Hvammsvik hot springs was awesome. It is worth going to see the puffins at Storhofdi lookout on Heimaey of... Read more

Noga was so excellent from the planning phase to the implementation of our plans and the guidance of our day to day itinerary. We loved that we visited out of the way places as well as the popular "must sees". The timings suggested on our itinerary worked out perfectly. We appreciated that kimkim was available during the trip whenever we needed help. The ride to and fjord views at Hvammsvik hot springs was awesome. It is worth going to see the puffins at Storhofdi lookout on Heimaey of Westman Islands. Would recommend the glacier lagoon kayaking at Solheimajokull. Had so many memorable moments in dramatic Iceland!!

Hotel Reviews
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Food was mediocre. Would recommend eating in town. Even breakfast was mediocre.

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vos
Hella
Authenticity & Character
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur
Location
Surrounding town and restaurants were great!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Núpar
Kálfafell

The view from thus hotel is awesome! The food is very good. It is a bit far from alternative dinner options. The bathroom needed to be cleaned better.

Authenticity & Character
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom needed better cleaning
Local specialist: Noga Heyman

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