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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

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

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 6 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 4 hours 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

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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.

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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.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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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

Incredible 6 Days in Iceland b/c of KimKim
Iceland | Mar 14 - Mar 19, 2024

B
Beth B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024
I can't explain how happy we were with our trip to Iceland! We got connected with Lisbet, after trying and failing to plan the trip on our own, and had an itinerary including excursions and accommodations within 1-2 days. She was very responsive to our messages and accommodating to move around our week's activities to best fit our expectations. She has a ton of knowledge about the country and knew what to recommend based on the length of our trip, our budget, and how we completed KimKim's... Read more

I can't explain how happy we were with our trip to Iceland! We got connected with Lisbet, after trying and failing to plan the trip on our own, and had an itinerary including excursions and accommodations within 1-2 days. She was very responsive to our messages and accommodating to move around our week's activities to best fit our expectations. She has a ton of knowledge about the country and knew what to recommend based on the length of our trip, our budget, and how we completed KimKim's brief survey.
We were so impressed with Lisbet that we had her connect use to another KimKim agent to help us plan our next trip. I recommend KimKim 10/10 -- thank you!

Hotel Reviews
South Central Apartments
Brautarholt

Very clean, tidy, organized, with fresh towels and dishes. The space was small but more than we needed for showers and two nights' stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right along our route!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stracta Apartments
KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

Brand new facility! I'm not sure anyone had stayed in our apartment yet. It was very clean and spacious and had all the kitchen stuff you'd need. I highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was "along" our route but was 5 miles off the main road, which was extremely bumpy/unpaved and of rough terrain.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lisbet Grönvaldt

Spring Break in Iceland
Iceland | Mar 10 - Mar 15, 2024

Abraham Sebastian
Abraham Sebastian K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
Amazing spring break in Iceland. First time to this island that truly does seem out of the pages of a fantasy novel or tele-series. Rita was our local specialist and arranged our trip specifically to our needs. She was prompt and answered all our questions and queries. She also provided a ton of helpful tips to make our trip more seamless. Read more

Amazing spring break in Iceland. First time to this island that truly does seem out of the pages of a fantasy novel or tele-series. Rita was our local specialist and arranged our trip specifically to our needs. She was prompt and answered all our questions and queries. She also provided a ton of helpful tips to make our trip more seamless.

Activity Reviews
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Iceland

Although all of us were tired from the long flight in from US, the boat trip from Olafsvik woke everyone up. We had close encounters with Orcas, Sperm whales and porpoises. It was a great start to our vacation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon
Iceland

Was just amazing and otherworldly. Very relaxing and wasn't too crowded.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure - Local Evening Experience
Reykjavik Food and Drink Adventure - Local Evening Experience
Reykjavík

Was the highlight of our time in Reykjavik. Stevie took us on a culinary tour and also filled us up with local knowledge. We even got to taste the fermented shark (rather gross). But rest of the food was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Crystal Blue Ice Cave
Iceland

Was great. Tom (from Devon, UK) was an awesome guide. And based on his recommendations we had one of the best fish and chips ever from the food truck.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tom was fantastic
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

The Blue Lagoon itself was wonderful including the pool and their facilities. But the weather played spoil sport, it was cold, windy and rainy and rather miserable. I am sure the experience would have been 5-star worthy had the weather cooperated.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Rita Tallarom

8-Day Car Tour of Western Fjords to Akureyri
Iceland | Mar 9 - Mar 16, 2024

Chuck
Chuck T.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024
We completed an 8-day car tour of the Western fjords to Akureyri and back to Reykjavik, from 3/8 - 3/16/24. Emanuela of KimKim prepared our itinerary, from a questionnaire answered in advance. The original itinerary required very little modification, and was thorough and entertaining for the (5) of us. We were blessed with perfect weather for each of the legs of our journey, and that, for Iceland, was lucky. The first night we viewed the Northern Lights - one of two clear nights. The... Read more

We completed an 8-day car tour of the Western fjords to Akureyri and back to Reykjavik, from 3/8 - 3/16/24. Emanuela of KimKim prepared our itinerary, from a questionnaire answered in advance. The original itinerary required very little modification, and was thorough and entertaining for the (5) of us. We were blessed with perfect weather for each of the legs of our journey, and that, for Iceland, was lucky. The first night we viewed the Northern Lights - one of two clear nights. The gentleman that took us into the land Northeast of Reykjavik for the viewing, Hjortur Kristianson, was entertaining and knowledgeable of the terrain. We then proceeded to Snaefellsnes and loved the circumferential drive around the peninsula. Our night at the Kast Guesthouse was perfect - we really loved the remoteness and simple but adequate lodgings. We enjoyed meeting the owners the next morning - we strongly recommend this lodging. Our tour of the lava cave was simple and very adequate., with a very nice guide from Serbia. The drive to Akureyri was uneventful and beautiful, our 4-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser was a great car for our journey - enduring a couple of white out blizzards. Our Hotel Kea in Akureyri was well located near the Centrum and worked well. If we did this again, we might have done a night at a different lodging near Lake Myvatn - to have a more remote setting and break things up. The whale watching was very professional and we located three whales. We really enjoyed the two ladies that hosted us for snowshoeing, The Traveling Viking (VTT) - Inga and Rachel (the owner). Next time we might enjoy cross country skiing - there was just enough snow. We recommend the use of TTV for bookings.The three recommended and ticketed hot springs were all perfect, and well timed. We most enjoyed the last one at Hvammsvisk, near Reykjavik, was our favorite, - again because the cold windy conditions ma=de the visit that more special. The food at that Springs was very good - especially the soup.

We really have no criticisms - we thank Emanuela for her attentiveness to our requests and her constant communication during our vacation. The use of a travel agent is a first for us in over 20 years of travel. We will strongly recommend KimKim to friends and in other reviews. Keep up the good work, you arranged great tour groups in a beatiful setting, providing us great memories of the beauty of Iceland and its people.

Thanks you, Chuck, Cecile, Quentin, Alex Toner, and Kristianne Otiong

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco