Personalized trips to Iceland
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

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

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 2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords
2-Week Ring Road Self-Drive Itinerary: Highlights of Iceland & the Remote Westfjords

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, Reykjavik - 3-day itinerary
3 Days in Iceland: Blue Lagoon, South Coast, Reykjavik - 3-day itinerary

If you are short on time, or perhaps you are looking for an extended layover on your way from Europe to North America or vice versa, your options in Iceland are limited to closer to Reykjavik. Here is a 3-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
Midnight sun setting on Mt. Kirkjufell
Best Time of Year To Visit Iceland

Given the rapidly increasing popularity of Iceland as travel destination, the question "When is the best time of year to go to Iceland?" has become as much about taking into...

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, Reykjavik'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...

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 Glacier View Guesthouse - Hrífunes
Vatnajökull National Park
Glacier View Guesthouse - Hrífunes
5.0
(7)
· Mid-range
Glacier View Guesthouse in Hrífunes is a warm, family-run hotel in a remote location between two glaciers. Located a 3-hour drive from Reykjavík just off the Ring Road, the hotel offers access to some of the South Coast's most interesting attractions. The waterfall of Stjórnarfoss and the...
Northern Lights by Stefan Liebermann
Golden Circle
Hotel Rangá
5.0
(7)
· Comfort
Set in Hella, Hotel Rangá offers an opportunity to experience Iceland's natural beauty and remarkable landscapes. You'll find the Hella Golf Course, Lava Centre, and the renowned Saga Centre within a short drive. The hotel's prime location also allows for easy access to the Golden Circle,...
Photo courtesy of Berjaya  Hotel Myvatn
Lake Mývatn
Berjaya Hotel Myvatn
4.8
(11)
· Comfort
Berjaya Mývatn Hotel is a modern retreat on Lake Mývatn, just a 5-minute drive from the Mývatn Nature Baths. The nearby village of Reykjahlíð is two minutes away by car or eight by foot. Hike to the impressive crater of Hverfjall in an hour and a half, or drive there in 10 minutes. Dimmuborgir is...

Best Experiences in Iceland

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Egilsstadir
The Geothermal Vök Baths
4.9
(14)
Small group
Set in East Iceland near the town of Egilsstaðir are the Vök Baths. If you're spending time in the East Fjords region, this hot spring is an excellent stopping point for a little rest and relaxation. Plus, it's unique compared to other thermal baths in the country, as the facility offers serene...
 Courtesy of Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík
Iceland Thermal Bath Experience
4.9
(12)
Self guided
Immerse yourself in Iceland's natural thermal baths at Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa with an infinity pool that offers stunning ocean views and the chance to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. You can elevate your experience with a seven-step ritual that includes a refreshing cold bath and...
Golden Circle
Snorkel in the Silfra Fissure
4.8
(25)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Immerse yourself in the clearest water in the world and float between two continents in the famous Silfra Fissure, a truly unforgettable experience. Silfra is a fissure created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland. The snorkeling area is...

Our Latest Iceland Content

Hit the open road on a drive around Iceland's Ring Road
Map of Iceland Extended Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days
Iceland Extended Ring Road Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

With its countless natural wonders forged by ice and fire, Iceland was built for road trips. And while it's possible to embark on short sections of this nation's most scenic drives, this epic 10-day journey doesn't skimp on the action. You'll drive around the whole country, stopping for adventures as you marvel at waterfalls, snorkel in Arctic waters, explore the rugged Eastfjords, go horseback riding on black-sand beaches, brave whitewater rapids, soak in volcanic hot springs, and more.

Soak in one of the hot tubs with epic views (photo courtesy of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon)
The 7 Best Hotels on the South Coast

Whether you're looking for a traditional stay, a modern one, or a mix of both, you can find what you need in these hotels on Iceland's South Coast. This region—known for geometric basalt formations, "diamond" beaches, and Europe's largest glacier—primarily offers guesthouses with limited services but an abundance of hospitality. These hotels all have that warm, personalized feeling, as well as amenities like hot tubs, tasty restaurants, and views of the landscape that have made Iceland a must-visit destination.

Soak in the views from your private cottage (photo courtesy of Dís Cottages)
The 6 Best Hotels in Snæfellsnes

Black sand beaches, natural stone arches, and one of Iceland's most iconic mountains are just some of the natural sites that make up the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, so it's no surprise that the hotels all reflect different parts of the landscape and culture. Stay in a historic hotel in a lava field next to one of Iceland's oldest wooden chapels, watch the northern lights from your private deck on a plot of land made famous in the Icelandic Sagas, or take a dip in on-site geothermal baths with mountain views.

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
View article
Map 7 Days in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries
7 Days in Iceland - 4 Unique Road Trip Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Iceland
Travel specialist Preeti Bhide
active 4 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 Emanuela Grieco
active 5 hours 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 Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
active 2 hours ago

Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Born in Reykjavík, Iceland in 1978, from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents. After a short stint as a driver guide on modified suv's in 2004, I pursued a career...

read more...
Travel specialist Jenny Booth
active 1 min ago

Jenny Booth

I love Iceland! I love the people, the scenery and the culture. After living in Iceland and going on many adventures myself, I have the knowledge and experience to work with others to plan a trip...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Iceland also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Iceland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

My trip to Iceland was unusual. That is why a Guide was incredibly useful.
Iceland | Mar 8 - Mar 13, 2024

Jeffrey
Jeffrey W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024
My trip to Iceland was unusual. That is why I thought I needed a guide. And it turns out that was correct.
I went to Iceland in March (not necessarily the most beautiful time to visit) but the perfect time for me because ALL I wanted to do is see Aurora. Sleep in very late every day and stay up to 2am to watch the sky. So what I needed was expert pre-trip advice to decide on the best places to maximize my chances and daily real-time advice during the trip to possible head to a different...
Read more

My trip to Iceland was unusual. That is why I thought I needed a guide. And it turns out that was correct.
I went to Iceland in March (not necessarily the most beautiful time to visit) but the perfect time for me because ALL I wanted to do is see Aurora. Sleep in very late every day and stay up to 2am to watch the sky. So what I needed was expert pre-trip advice to decide on the best places to maximize my chances and daily real-time advice during the trip to possible head to a different location with less clouds. That is exactly what Gudmundur ("Gummi") did for me.
1) He listened to my (admittedly odd request) and provided the pre-trip and real time advice I needed. Seeing Aurora is very much a lucky chance event; they are either out and it is cloudless or not. But I was able to see Aurora all 4 nights I was in Iceland. Of course this was lucky, but my "luck" was very much improved by the expert advice I received. The 4th night I had to drive over 250 km to get to a new location that was going to be cloud free that night. A bit crazy, yes, but that is what I was there for.
Gummi was able to help identify a good place to go and reserve an Inn for me to stay so all I had to do was drive there. And it worked. Completely cloud free excellent dark Northern view for Aurora viewing on my last night.
Of course he was knowledgeable of the more interesting beautiful and important sites of the are also. But his listening and guidance during the trip is what I wanted and what I received.
5 Stars.
-Jeff White

Hotel Reviews
Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal KEF
Reykjanesbær

Simply the by far best location next to Kelfeck airport. Basically across the street. Could not be more ideal. Hotel common areas, staff, rooms, etc are all quite nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Excellent location overlooking Myvatn Lake. My visit was in March so not an optimal time but still quite beautiful. Room was very nice and exceptionally clean. The restaurant was extremely good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sigló Hotel
Siglufjörður

Very VERY nice hotel in the very North of Iceland. Siglufjordur was very scenic and beautiful. While this comment may seem bland, it is the best summation of the hotel: "This was an excellent hotel and would I strongly recommend staying there" -Jeff White

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful location right on the water.
Location
If for no other reason, it is an excellent location for Aurora viewing. Head North through two short tunnels and there is a spot with parking that was the most ideal location to view Aurora.
Staff
Came back very late (2:30am) after Aurora viewing and was hungry. The nice night staff person provided a small bowl of bar peanuts as a snack. This staff service was deeply appreciated.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Unquestioned cleanliness.
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Amazing 80th Birthday Trip for Mom -- thanks to Rinolda!
Iceland | Mar 8 - Mar 13, 2024

Justine
Justine A.
Laurel, VA | Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024
Oh my goodness we just returned from the most amazing Iceland trip, thanks to Rinolda!! About a year ago we started working with Rinolda to plan my mom's 80th birthday trip, and she was so very accommodating with all of our requests and millions of questions! She took great care to plan the best (and unique!) itinerary for us. My mom was really trying to maximize the chances of seeing the Northern Lights (staying in more remote, darker areas), while also wanting to see popular touristy... Read more

Oh my goodness we just returned from the most amazing Iceland trip, thanks to Rinolda!!

About a year ago we started working with Rinolda to plan my mom's 80th birthday trip, and she was so very accommodating with all of our requests and millions of questions! She took great care to plan the best (and unique!) itinerary for us. My mom was really trying to maximize the chances of seeing the Northern Lights (staying in more remote, darker areas), while also wanting to see popular touristy things too. And we wanted a mix of active and less active things to do. Rinolda listened to all our requests, tweaking the itinerary several times, until we had it just right.

She booked various Northern Lights tours for us (via Jeep, bus, and boat), as well as a Golden Circle tour, snowmobiling tour, the Blue Lagoon, and even dog sledding. She was very clever with her solutions to our requests, and had a "can do" attitude. She never said "We can't do that" but instead, "Let me figure something out and I'll get back to you." :)

One of the best things about working with Rinolda was that she was very accessible and responsive throughout our trip. We never felt like we couldn't get help if we needed it. And when unexpected things happened (like one of our tours inexplicably getting cancelled the day before, not due to weather), she was all over it, finding us a replacement and taking care of things behind the scenes.

Right before the trip, we also realized that it was looking like the best weather for Northern Lights viewing might very well be the very first night of our trip when we had nothing planned -- so we asked her if she could find us a tour at the last minute and she did! (And yes, it turned out to be the best NL viewing!!!)

There was also a lot of seismic activity going on right before our trip -- with the Blue Lagoon evacuating and closing temporarily -- and Rinolda was very involved with keeping us posted on volcano updates and finding possible other geothermal bath alternatives for us. We were able to go to the Blue Lagoon after all and it was wonderful.

Another day while we were already in-country, we realized that one of the days coming up was kind of open (while we were going to be waiting around for a tour pick-up at 2pm). We asked Rinolda if there was anything we could do that day instead of sitting around at the remote hotel... Well Rinolda took charge and contacted one of her friends who lives in the area and is also a guide, and that friend (TAMARA -- the best!) picked up my mom and I and took us to see some local horses, and to an adorable tomato farm for lunch!!! It was such a perfect solution and we were so, so grateful that Rinolda CARED to help us -- and that Tamara was so wonderful too!! Tam was such great company, and now we can't imagine our trip NOT having included her. <3

Other great recommendations: the Super Jeep Northern Lights tour (you get picked up in an actual Super Jeep and can go off-roading/to more remote places than the bus tours can); also DANIEL from our Golden Circle tour was so knowledgable and friendly and entertaining -- highly recommend; Hotel Gullfoss (Gullfoss) and Hotel Skuggi (Reykjavik) were great accommodations; the snowmobiling tour with NICO/NICK out on a glacier out near Gullfoss was a total blast (and yes, my 80 year old mom did it!); KAREN, the driver on our return trip from the Golden Circle was amazing/funny; and then dogsledding was possibly our absolute favorite (THELMA with Viking Women drove us there and CLARA was our delightful musher) -- imagine being pulled on a sled across a frozen lake by huskies, while it's snowing... it was magical!

All in all a fantastic trip - and we saw the Northern Lights every night except the last night! Not bad!

Thank you, Rinolda, for ALL your help, your knowledge of the country, and your care and concern for your clients. This was a perfect "bucket list" trip for my mom that we will never forget. :)

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Gullfoss
Tungufell
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise
Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise
Iceland

We were not able to see the lights this night but the concept was pretty cool (being out on a boat on the water to see them). Separately, the boat was also very crowded. Also, a lot of times the lights will show up later at night, around midnight, but the boat didn't wait and just returned to the harbor at 11pm (even though apps were showing a break in the clouds coming at midnight). Many people on the boat had to get back to their tour buses. We probably would have preferred a smaller boat or more private option, in retrospect. The captain was really funny though, and it's not his fault that the lights didn't show while we were out there!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding
Iceland

This was such a fun, unique activity! Highly recommend!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Clara the musher was awesome!
Transport
Snowmobile and Ice Cave Tour in Iceland
Golden Circle

Even my 80 year old mom could do this! Incredible! Nico/Nick was a fabulous guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nico/Nick!
Transport
Cool bus to get out to the glacier!
Golden Circle first-class experience with a geothermal bakery in a semi-private group
Golden Circle first-class experience with a geothermal bakery in a semi-private group
Iceland

Highlights: Thingvellir National Park, geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
DANIEL!!
Transport
Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour
Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour
Iceland

Loved the Jeep 4x4 access (vs a bigger bus that can't go off-roading to more remote places for better viewing) and the smaller group feel

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland
Local specialist: Rinolda J

It’s been a year since we embarked on our fir...
Iceland | Mar 17 - Mar 24, 2023

Lily
Lily M.
Singapore | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

It’s been a year since we embarked on our first ever Iceland trip as a family. Duncan was incredibly patient, detailed and attentive as we planned the trip months ahead. All the experiences and accommodation arrangements were spot on and suited our budget and adventure appetite. Duncan stayed in touch almost daily while we were in Iceland.

When there were hiccups due to weather, Duncan (and Michele when Duncan could not) were always a text away to rearrange our itinerary.

Definitely recommend their services especially if you are visiting Iceland for the first time.

Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Mar 12, 2024

Thanks so much for your great review, Lily, it was a pleasure to help, and glad your trip went smoothly.
Duncan