Iceland Travel Guide

Iceland is the land of fire and ice. It’s full of landscapes unlike anything else I’ve ever seen and because of this, it is one of my favorite countries. I haven’t spent a lot of time here (yet!), but this country is high on my list of places that I want to return to.

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Top Things to Do | Itineraries | Know Before You Go | Transportation | When to Travel | Costs & Budget | Solo Female Travel Advice | Photo Inspiration | All Blog Posts

Top Things to Do in Iceland

Ring Road: For the best of Iceland, tackle the Ring Road which loops its way all the way around the circumference of Iceland.

South Coast: It’s along this coast that you’ll find epic waterfalls and Iceland’s famous black sand beaches. This might be my favorite area of Iceland that I’ve visited.

Silfra Fissure: The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart in Iceland and have created a fissure large enough to snorkel (or scuba) through.

Golden Circle: Featuring Þingvellir (or Thingvellir) National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geyser geothermal area, this loop is a must do on your visit to Iceland.

Hot Springs: You’ll find geothermal hot springs all over the country. Whether you visit the touristy Blue Lagoon or one of the many other hot springs, make sure to add one to your itinerary.

Northern Lights: Visit Iceland during the winter months for the best change to see this spectacular natural light show.

Itineraries in Iceland

So far, I’ve only been to Iceland once, but it’s a country that I can’t wait to get back and explore more. But, over my five days in the country, I feel like I was able to see a lot variety and some epic highlights of this country.

Know Before You Go

Currency – Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. In fact, when I traveled, I was able to use my card for everything and wouldn’t have needed any cash.

Language – Icelandic is the official language, but you’ll find plenty of English and will likely notice very little language barrier.

Power – 230V and 50hz. Types C and F.

Tipping – Your service charge is typically include in the cost of your meal, so tipping is generally not expected. However, if you had a fabulous experience, a small tip is appreciated.

Water – The tap water is safe (and delicious!) to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle.

Traveling Around Iceland

By Rental Car – This will be the best option for traveling the country. Public transportation is limited, so get your own car to explore the beauty of this country.

By Plane – While domestic flights do exist (to fly from Reykjavik to Akuyeri), it’s unlikely you’ll need to use them.

By Bus – You’ll find a few buses here, but don’t think you’ll be able to get everywhere you want to go. Check the bus schedules before you go.

When to Go to Iceland

Low Season – Winter is low season. Days are short (with only three to four hours of daylight on the shortest days) so sightseeing will be more difficult. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, this is the time to do it. Prices and tourist crowds will likely be at their lowest during this season.

High Season – Summer is high season when crowds are at their peak. Days are long and the temperatures are typically the most pleasant. But with that good weather, expect more crowds and higher prices.

Shoulder Season – Spring and fall have the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds. I visited in early May and found it to be a great balance between weather, prices, and tourist crowds.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Iceland

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries I’ve traveled to. But if you’re prepared and budget accordingly, it’s still possible to have a great time without completely going broke.

Accommodations – Expect slightly higher hotel prices than most of Europe. Hotels are limited and Iceland is a popular tourist destination. I budgeted about $100 USD per night for my hotel in Reykjavik but managed to find a deal at a guesthouse for significantly less. That same guesthouse in 2024 costs about 80 euro per night for a room with a shared bathroom. So, budget a little higher than you normally would for a European hotel.

Food – Food in restaurants is expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to keep your restaurant visits to a minimum. I was paying $30 to $40 for lunch during my visit. To cut costs, head to the supermarket and pick up breakfast and other snacks there.

Transportation – The best way to explore is with a rental car. Public transportation exists but it limited. On top of the cost of the rental car (which will vary dramatically by time of year, rental company, and type of car), don’t forget to include the cost of gas in your budget.

Activities – Iceland is a great outdoor destination. Hiking and visiting waterfalls will cost little. But my costs were a bit higher. I did not rent a car and instead joined guided day tours to get to those remote destinations. On average, I spent about $100 USD per day tour.

My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler

I traveled to Iceland in May of 2019. There was never a time that during my travels in Iceland that I didn’t feel safe. However, it is important to note that I do not drink alcohol and don’t go out at night.

Photos to Inspire Your Travels

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