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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 19 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

For nature in the raw, nowhere on earth compares to Iceland. Pocked by volcanoes, rocked by tectonic forces and coated in vast ice sheets, this strange volcanic island offers a smorgasbord of wild, weird experiences.

In a single day, you could find yourself hiking onto a glacier, strolling across a black sand beach, delving into a frozen ice cave, descending into a petrified lava tube or chilling out in a geothermal lagoon under the flickering lights of the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis.

Iceland is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurous travellers: savour every second.

Orientation

Reykjavik, the capital, is in the south west, the most populous area.

Other towns are dotted around the coast, while the centre is mainly a mountainous, volcanic and uninhabitable area.

The country’s second city, Akureyri, is in the north near Lake Myvatn; Seydisfjordur, the main ferry port, is on the east coast.

Culture & Customs

Iceland is a very safe place to visit. Icelanders can be reserved at first, but have a sly sense of humour once they warm up. People tend to eat and drink late, particularly in summer which is blessed with long hours of daylight; winter here can be tough.

There is a strong culture of swimming, thanks to the country’s natural hot springs, and an innate appreciation of nature.

If you’re planning a weekend break in Reykjavik, be aware that Sundays are notoriously quiet, with few shops open. Plan your day trips out of the city then.

In general, Icelanders don’t tip – but there’s nothing stopping you leaving a small gratuity if you wish to do so.

Food & Drink

With fresh lamb, salmon from crystal-clear streams and seafood from just offshore, Iceland’s raw ingredients are sublime, and eating out is a pleasure with excellent fine dining restaurants and twists on New Nordic cuisine.

More challenging traditional recipes include sheep’s head, puffin and seagull’s eggs. (You can try all of Iceland’s weird and wonderful local specialities during the Thorrablot Festival).

Locals love their pylsur (hot dog) smothered in ketchup, mustard and onions sold from street stalls in central Reykjavik. Braver souls should try hákarl (rotting shark) at Kolaportid market.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

3 Day Summer South Coast, Golden Circle and Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon

Reykjavik

3 Day Summer South Coast, Golden Circle and Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon
Come on a 3-day excursion with us to see the famous Golden Circle and the South Coast. Experience the beauty of our glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, hike on Europe's largest glacier and have your eyes meet with powerful waterfalls and stunning nature.

Price: €800

Min age: 13

Rating 4.96 / 5 [56 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, Volcano Hike & Northern Lights

Reykjavik

4-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, Volcano Hike & Northern Lights
On this 4 day enchanting Iceland tour you will experience all the wonders that the Icelandic winter months offer. See highlights like the Golden Circle, South Coast, the latest erupted volcano, and Northern Lights as you travel in the comfort of a minibus with your certified guide.

Price: €1,210

Min age: 8

Rating 4.48 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4 Day Blue Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes & Northern Lights

Reykjavik

 4 Day Blue Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes & Northern Lights
Come on a 4-day excursion with us to explore the most famous locations in the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes, and the South Coast. See our stunning glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, Europe's largest glacier and jump on a super jeep to head to an ice cave in it, and if nature allows, even the magnificent Northern Lights.

Price: €1,260

Min age: 8

Rating 4.78 / 5 [46 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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8 Day Summer Circle Tour, Ring Route of Iceland with Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Reykjavik

8 Day Summer Circle Tour, Ring Route of Iceland with Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This 8-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head to West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula and find some hidden gems and locations to experience, such as Kirkjufell mountain, lava pillars, a white beach and waterfalls. While you enjoy this versatile tour you will be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special, such as horse riding, Vök baths and lava caving.

Price: €1,840

Min age: 8

Rating 4.95 / 5 [82 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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6 Day Minibus Tour | Around Iceland Small Group

Reykjavik

6 Day Minibus Tour | Around Iceland Small Group
This 6-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head down south to the capital. While you enjoy this versatile tour you will be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special, such as snorkeling, horse riding or hiking. The nights are a perfect opportunity to search for the breathtaking aurora, in the starry night sky.

Price: €1,900

Min age: 8

Rating 4.95 / 5 [146 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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6-Day Small-Group Adventure Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

6-Day Small-Group Adventure Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik
Travel the full circle road around Iceland in 6 days and visit the best highlights the island has to offer, with an experienced guide in a small group for a more personalized experience. You will explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Skaftafell, East Fjords, Lake Myvatn and more. This tour also includes adventurous activities such as glacier hiking, whale watching and hiking.

Price: €1,940

Min age: 6

Rating 4.80 / 5 [357 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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6 Day Summer Circle Tour, Ring Route Tour with a Small Group

Reykjavik

6 Day Summer Circle Tour, Ring Route Tour with a Small Group
This 6-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head down south to the capital. While you enjoy this versatile tour you will have some included activities, like ice cave. glacier hike, boat tour in Jokulsarlon, and whale watching; you will also be able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special, such as horseback riding, visiting VÖK baths hot springs.

Price: €2,160

Min age: 8

Rating 4.87 / 5 [47 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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8-Days Guided Iceland Circle Tour from Reykjavík

Reykjavik

8-Days Guided Iceland Circle Tour from Reykjavík
Escorted bus tour around Iceland, weekly departures, all year-round. Explore the island of fire and ice and travel with an international group on Iceland's ring road. Discover stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes. A local expert guide helps you explore the unspoiled Icelandic countryside with volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, mountains, fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. Enjoy a leisurely group tour on Iceland's ring road, combining nature, soft adventure, and cultural experiences.

Price: €2,170

Min age: 12

Rating 5 / 5 [20 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland in Minibus from Reykjavik

Reykjavik

8-Day Small Group Tour Around Iceland in Minibus from Reykjavik
This 8-day tour takes you to the must see Golden Circle route with all its amazing sites. You will see the unbeatable Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. Next you will be heading to the much talked about South Coast, where you will explore the unique black sand beach, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. After exploring the Eastfjords, Lake Mývatn awaits with its unique surroundings, you will explore Dimmuborgir lava pillars and then carry on the journey to the capital of the North, Akureyri. From there you will head to West Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula and find some hidden gems and locations to experience, such as Kirkjufell mountain, lava pillars, a white beach and waterfalls. While enjoying this tour, you're able to book extra tours and activities along the way to make your experience even more special.

Price: €2,230

Min age: 8

Rating 4.91 / 5 [258 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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7 Day Guided Ring Road Tour - Explore the Circle of Iceland

Reykjavik

7 Day Guided Ring Road Tour - Explore the Circle of Iceland
Join this 7-day guided adventure tour that takes you around Iceland via Route 1 which the locals call the Ring Road, to all the best-known wonders and some hidden pearls in an easy and uncrowded way. Included accommodation for 6 nights with breakfast.  This is a small group tour to create a more personal and enjoyable experience. During this tour, you will see all the best that Iceland has to offer! You will visit many of the best-known tourist places in Iceland, but you will also stop at places which are our best-kept secrets, where you can avoid the crowds and discover places in Iceland to call your own.

Price: $2,280

Min age: 8

Rating 4.86 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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7-Day Complete Iceland: South Coast, Golden Circle, Akureyri & Snaefellsnes

Reykjavik

7-Day Complete Iceland: South Coast, Golden Circle, Akureyri & Snaefellsnes
Experience all that Iceland has to offer in just 7 days. Travel the Icelandic ring road to visit the island's most stunning attractions, everything from the phenomenal Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with its floating ice bergs to an erupting geyser at Geysir hot spring area.

Price: €2,420

Min age: 6

Rating 4.29 / 5 [85 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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8-Day Iceland Ring Road Tour: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Golden Circle & South Coast

Reykjavik

8-Day Iceland Ring Road Tour: Reykjavik, Akureyri, Golden Circle & South Coast
Want to make the most of your visit to Iceland? Then this is the tour for you. Travel the popular Icelandic Ring Road and see all that this land of fire and ice has to offer in just 8 days. Make unforgettable memories as you experience shimmering glaciers, spouting geysers, breathtaking waterfalls, glacier lagoon, whale watching and so much more. Your first and last nights are spent in Reykjavik offering you the chance to  explore the capital of this beautiful island on your own. 

Price: €2,470

Min age: 8

Rating 4.39 / 5 [58 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Iceland Complete: Around Iceland in 10 Days

Reykjavik

Iceland Complete: Around Iceland in 10 Days
Join this classic round tour that covers the so called ring-road around Iceland and the magnificent Snaefellsnes peninsula with its spectacular landscapes and mystical powers. Experience an ever-changing landscape every day and learn about Iceland’s geology, culture, and history. Included is accommodation for 9 nights including breakfast and dinners for 7 nights. In the countryside we will stay in farm stays that will give you chances of interacting with local people, taste local food such as lamb and fish, and observe local animals such as dogs, horses and goats. And by travelling around Iceland in a mini-van with maximum 12 people in a group, you will feel like you are exploring Iceland independently.

Price: €3,100

Min age: 11

Rating 5 / 5 [32 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

Travel in Iceland is highly seasonal. Visit between November and February for the Northern Lights, but be aware that it’s cold, daylight is in short supply, and sightings need a clear night and aren’t guaranteed.

Visit between June and August to bask in the midnight sun, with up to 23 hours of daylight. Summer is, of course, peak season, so flights and accommodation will be more expensive. But it’s the best time to be outdoors, with a raft of activities available.

Spring and autumn can also be good for getting outdoors with fewer crowds – but more chance of rain.

Getting there and away

If you’re flying into Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik is approx 40 minutes away. Hire a car or take the Flybus, which works out significantly cheaper than a taxi.

The island’s other main access point is the ferry port of Seydisfjordur in eastern Iceland. Buses link up with ferry crossings to take you to Reykjavik (approx 8-hour journey).

Getting around

It’s a good idea to hire a car if you’re coming to Iceland to see more than Reykjavik (which is best seen on foot or by bike). Iceland is ringed by Route 1, the only major road, linking all the major towns; roads in the highlands and centre of Iceland can be closed for part of the year by bad weather. There are car rental offices at Keflavik Airport, Reykjavik and Akureyri.

Note that petrol in Iceland is expensive, and outside the main towns, petrol stations can be few and far between.

Where to stay

First-time visitors will certainly want to spend a couple of days in Reykjavik, which acts as a good base for visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (a lengthy day trip away). You can take day trips from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar in the central highlands too.

Akureyri is the main place to stay if you’re visiting the natural wonders of Myvatn or whale watching in Husavik.

Hella is a good option if you’re investigating the southern reaches, including Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon; Seydisfjordur is the hub for eastern Iceland.