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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
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
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.
This itinerary packs a lot into 8 days, but if you have limited time and have your heart set on driving the entire Ring Road, then this guide will be your best friend for the journey.
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.
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.
Explore the best of the west and south with this 7-9-day itinerary. Hike through lava fields, along cliffs, and up volcanoes in Snaefellsnes. Walk behind waterfalls, on black sand beaches, and on glaciers in the south. Finish with a tour of the famous Golden Circle with tips to avoid the big crowds.
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.
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...
With seven days in Iceland, hit the road and explore the incredible wonders farther afield from Reykjavik. Explore a variety of landscapes: volcanoes and lava fields, green...
Ten days in Iceland is perfect for completing the rightfully famous Ring Road on a self-drive adventure. Alternatively, you can focus on the popular Golden Circle and South...
Two weeks in Iceland is an excellent amount of time to hit the road and journey along the northern and southern coasts and into remote fjords on an ultimate summer highlights...
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...
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...
Don't just stick to the Golden Circle and South Coast. You may see some great sights, but you'll spend a lot of time in lines and waiting for people to get out of your pictures....
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...
The northern lights are breathtaking…and elusive. Follow these tips to increase the chances you'll see Mother Nature's glorious display.
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...
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...
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...
Don't just stick to the Golden Circle and South Coast. You may see some great sights, but you'll spend a lot of time in lines and waiting for people to get out of your pictures....
Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to lava fields, hot pools, and steam puffs that rise from the earth. Hike among vibrantly hued...
Thorsmork is a mountain range nestled between major glaciers Tindfjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The ridge, named “Thor’s Valley” in Icelandic, is a dramatic...
The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is a remote wilderness in the northwest claw of Iceland’s West Fjords. A wild gem of green slopes, snow-capped glacier peninsulas, and slate-blue...
Every Christmas, kimkim travelers Jen and Garrison Draper give each other the gift of travel. This year, their goal was to glimpse the Northern Lights - so they headed to...
With grandparents and a six-year-old in tow, kimkim traveler Lesley Santiago needed to plan a trip that was fun, educational, and great for all ages. Iceland proved to be the...
Ted Walsh and his family were accustomed to spending the holiday season in sunny Australia, and wanted to switch things up with a real White Christmas somewhere beautiful. And...
Keith Fentress and his family were on a mission to see the Northern Lights, and enlisted kimkim to plan their winter trip to Iceland. They were lucky enough to catch the auroras...
kimkim gem
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.
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.
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.
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...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...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...A while ago I was lucky enough to get a job in Iceland, and I must admit, I was completely unaware of what was ahead of me when I first set foot in the country. Working in the tourism industry...
read more...
Thank you for the kind review Lisa.
Yeh, it's too bad that the weather didn't cooperate which caused you to miss out on some of the activities, but hei, maybe it's a sign for you to come back in summer :)
I am really glad that you did enjoy it regardless, and in any case, we can surely say you got the full arctic experience :D
All the best
Gummi
Thank you for the kind review Rita! It makes my day knowing you had such a great trip!
I'm sure the Nordic Gods will forgive me for taking credit for the Northern Lights haha, so ok, I'll take it haha!
I do hope to see you back in Iceland, there's still so much more to explore!
All the best
Gummi
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