ICELAND
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
ICELAND
The land of glaciers and geothermal magic doesn’t ask for attention. It earns awe in silence and steam.
Iceland is where lava fields meet northern lights, where waterfalls crash like applause, and where the scenery changes faster than your camera can keep up. This isn’t your average nature escape.
It’s where hot springs warm you in the middle of nowhere, where black sand beaches stretch toward moody horizons, and where the word “volcano” is part of casual conversation.
Here’s the thing about the elements. Iceland lets them speak for themselves. Skies that shift like mood rings. Roads with more sheep than people. And yes, that puffin really does look as surprised as you.
From the quiet buzz of Reykjavik to the raw edges of the Highlands, Iceland doesn’t just impress. It rearranges your idea of beauty.
Iceland is for travelers who crave silence as much as spectacle—where the wind, not Wi-Fi, keeps you grounded.
It’s for road trippers with playlists full of possibility, hikers who find peace in volcanic steam, and photographers who know some beauty refuses to be captured.
This isn’t for the casual tourist. It’s for seekers—of wonder, solitude, and the kind of magic that can’t be scheduled.
You’ll find stories etched in basalt cliffs, clarity on black sand beaches, and awe around every geothermal bend.
Whether you're soaking in a hidden spring or marveling at a midnight sun, you won’t just see Iceland—you’ll feel it shift something in you.
Because this isn’t just a trip. It’s a reminder that the wild still whispers—and that you’re the kind of traveler who listens.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
ICELAND
PLACES TO SEE
Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa.
Gullfoss
A roaring double-drop waterfall on the Golden Circle.
Skógafoss
Majestic, thunderous, and often rainbow-crowned.
Thingvellir National Park
Where tectonic plates meet—and Iceland’s parliament began.
Seljalandsfoss
A waterfall you can walk behind.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs and surreal blue hues.
Kirkjufell Mountain
Iceland’s most photographed peak—especially during aurora season.
Reykjavik
Colorful, creative, and cozy. Great for culture and food.
Black Sand Beaches of Vík
Dramatic waves and basalt columns.
Vatnajökull National Park
Glaciers, caves, and epic landscapes.
Westfjords
Remote beauty, bird cliffs, and hidden hot springs.
Secret Lagoon
A lesser-known geothermal soak in a charming setting.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Cities
Iceland has one major city—Reykjavík—and one major road: the Ring Road. Rent a car or campervan for maximum freedom. Domestic flights connect to Ísafjörður, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir.
Around Cities
Reykjavík is walkable. Taxis are expensive, and rideshare services are limited. Day tours offer transit and insight for those not self-driving.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Options range from sleek design hotels in Reykjavík to rustic guesthouses in remote fjords. Luxury lodges offer geothermal spas and aurora wake-up calls.
Cruises
Expedition cruises circle Iceland in summer, stopping at puffin cliffs, fishing villages, and lava beaches. Smaller boats offer fjord tours or whale safaris from coastal towns.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Woolen sweaters (lopapeysa), volcanic jewelry, herbal skincare, and handmade ceramics. Reykjavik’s Laugavegur street is the heart of artisan shopping.
Eat
Try lamb stew, seafood soup, skyr yogurt, hot dogs with crispy onions, and rye bread baked in hot springs.
Drink
Sample local beer, Brennivín (aka ‘Black Death’ schnapps), and wild herb teas. Reykjavík’s coffee culture is strong and soulful.
TIME ZONE
Iceland observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round, which is GMT+0. The country does not use daylight saving time, so clocks remain the same throughout the year. This makes planning simple for travelers, but remember to check time differences with your home country, especially for flights or virtual meetings.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
No Uber or Lyft. Taxis are licensed and reliable, especially in Reykjavik. Rental cars are often preferred for flexibility.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
No Uber or Lyft. Taxis are licensed and reliable, especially in Reykjavik. Rental cars are often preferred for flexibility.
CLIMATE
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. Summer (June–August) has long daylight hours and mild temps. Winter is cold and dark but magical for Northern Lights. Always pack layers—wind and rain can sweep in quickly, even in summer.
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Iceland’s otherworldly scenery has appeared in Game of Thrones, Interstellar, Batman Begins, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s also home to globally recognized talents like singer Björk, band Sigur Rós, and footballer Gylfi Sigurðsson.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services: 112
Icelandic Tourist Board: +354 535 5500
Road & Travel Conditions: 1777 (within Iceland)
Country Code: +354
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
ICELAND
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Blue Lagoon steam against lava
Soak in warm, mineral-rich waters as milky blue steam rises through a surreal landscape of black lava rock.
Kirkjufell with northern lights
Watch ribbons of green and violet dance over Iceland’s most photographed mountain in a moment of pure Arctic magic.
Skógafoss from the base
Stand at the foot of this roaring waterfall, where misty rainbows rise with every thunderous cascade.
Glacial ice caves
Step inside sapphire-blue chambers sculpted by nature, where every creak and shimmer feels like a frozen fairytale.
Black sand beaches of Vík
Walk along haunting volcanic shores framed by basalt cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves.
Seljalandsfoss from behind
Follow the hidden path behind the waterfall curtain for a rare, otherworldly view most travelers never see.
Gullfoss waterfall panorama
Gaze across a multi-tiered cascade that plunges into a rugged canyon with the force of untamed Icelandic nature.
Street art in Reykjavík
Wander colorful city blocks where murals, trolls, and mythic creatures transform buildings into living stories.
Arctic fox in the Westfjords
Catch a glimpse of Iceland’s elusive native fox as it roams wild and free across windswept cliffs.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Watch luminous icebergs drift past seals and seabirds in one of Iceland’s most mesmerizing natural wonders.
Ring Road scenic stops
Drive through ever-changing landscapes—from mossy lava fields to volcanic plains—where every bend brings a new surprise.
Highlands under starlight
Camp beneath Iceland’s untouched skies, where silence, stars, and solitude create the ultimate off-grid escape.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
ICELAND
FAQ's
Is Iceland safe for tourists?
Iceland is one of the world’s safest countries. Just respect nature: weather changes fast, and remote terrain can be tricky without preparation.
How many days do I need in Iceland?
7–10 days is perfect for the Ring Road or a South Coast adventure. Even a 4-day trip can cover Reykjavík and nearby natural wonders.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
June–August for long days and road trips. October–March for Northern Lights. Always pack layers and plan for quick weather shifts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
ICELAND
Fire, Ice, and Folklore: Hunt for Elves in the Icelandic Countryside
Trek across lava fields and mossy hills where locals still build around invisible neighbors—yes, we’re talking elves. Whether you believe or not, the stories will charm the thermal socks off you.
Bake Bread in a Volcano’s Shadow: Geothermal Cooking in Hveragerði
Learn how to make rúgbrauð—sweet rye bread—by burying it in hot volcanic earth and letting the planet do the baking. It’s Icelandic slow food, powered by literal lava.
Chasing Northern Lights with a Local Photographer
Join a pro with insider knowledge (and a heated van) to track the aurora borealis across icy skies. He’ll help you capture that perfect shot—and maybe share a few ghost stories while you wait.
The perfect place to celebrate friendship
Our group hiked glaciers, explored lava caves, and ended every night laughing in cozy cabins. Iceland gave us beauty, bonding, and bucket-list moments.
Nina T. & Co
Prefer to hand the planning over to a professional who has been to this destination and sent their clients there?
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