Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Iceland Travel GuideLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY IN ICELAND
My trip
Talk to a local
Practical, up-to-date advice from a local travel agency in Iceland: when to go, what to see, hot springs, wildlife and how to plan your trip. See also our place guides.
Best Souvenirs from Iceland: 12 Local Gifts Worth Bringing Home (2026 Guide)The best souvenirs from Iceland are the things Icelanders actually use: a hand-knitted wool sweater, a bottle of Brennivín, flaky sea salt, liquorice …
Christmas in Iceland: Traditions, Tours and What's Open (2026 Guide)Christmas in Iceland lasts 26 days, from the first Yule Lad on 12 December to the bonfires on 6 January, and the main celebration is on Christmas Eve …
Easter in Iceland: Traditions, Opening Hours and Things to Do (2027 Guide)Easter is one of the biggest holidays in Iceland. In 2027 Easter Sunday falls on 28 March, and Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter …
Elves and Trolls in Iceland: Hidden People, Troll Rocks and the Yule LadsIceland's folklore is full of elves, trolls and giants, and it is still part of everyday life. Few Icelanders will say they are certain elves exist, b…
Iceland Music Festivals: Dates, Venues and How to Go (2026–2027 Guide)Iceland has a festival for almost every season. Iceland Airwaves fills Reykjavík in early November, Bræðslan and Eistnaflug bring music to East Icelan…
Icelandic Traditional Food: 20 Dishes to Try and Where to Find Them (2026–2027 Guide)Traditional Icelandic food is built on lamb, fish and dairy, preserved by drying, smoking, salting and fermenting to last through long winters. Today …Lopapeysa: The Icelandic Wool Sweater – History, Prices and How to Buy One (2026 Guide)The lopapeysa is the Icelandic wool sweater with a patterned ring, or yoke, around the neck. It is knitted from lopi, a lightly processed yarn made fr…
New Year's Eve in Iceland: Bonfires, Fireworks and How Locals Celebrate (2026–2027 Guide)New Year's Eve is the biggest night of the year in Iceland. Families eat together, gather at neighbourhood bonfires, go home for a comedy show at 22:3…
Réttir: The Icelandic Sheep Round-Up and How to Visit One (2026–2027 Guide)Réttir (pronounced roughly 'RYET-ir') is the autumn sheep round-up, when farmers bring their flocks down from the highlands and sort them by owner. It…
The Icelandic Language: History, Alphabet and Useful Phrases for Your Trip (2026 Guide)Icelandic is the national language of Iceland, a North Germanic language that has changed less than its Scandinavian cousins since the Viking age. You…
Tolli: The Great Icelandic Artist and the Landscapes Behind His Paintings (2026 Guide)Tolli, full name Þorlákur Kristinsson Morthens, is one of Iceland's best-known living painters. Born in Reykjavík in 1953, he paints big, expressive o…
Turf Churches in Iceland: Where to See Them and Which Ones You Can Enter (2026 Guide)Six historic turf churches still stand in Iceland: Víðimýri, Saurbær, Grafarkirkja, Núpsstaður, Hof and a replica at Árbær in Reykjavík. Only Víðimýri…
Vikings in Iceland: A Journey Through Time, from the Settlement and the Norse Gods to Viking Sites to Visit (2026–2027 Guide)Iceland was settled by Norse Vikings in the late 800s, and it is one of the best places in the world to learn how they lived. You can stand on the spo…
Camping in Iceland: All You Need to Know About Rules, Costs and Campsites (2026–2027 Guide)Camping in Iceland is affordable, flexible and one of the best ways to see the country in summer. You can pitch a tent or park a campervan at campsite…
Fimmvörðuháls Hike: Step-by-Step Guide from Skógafoss to Þórsmörk (2026–2027)Fimmvörðuháls is a one-day mountain crossing of about 22–25 kilometres from Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, climbing roughly 1,000 metres between two glaciers …
Hike to Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss: Trail Guide for East Iceland (2026–2027)The hike to Hengifoss is the most popular walk in East Iceland. A marked trail climbs about 2.5 km from the parking area above Lake Lagarfljót, passin…
Hiking in Kerlingarfjöll: Hveradalir, Snækollur and the Best Trails (2026–2027 Guide)Kerlingarfjöll is a volcanic mountain range in the central highlands, between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, and one of the best hiking areas…
Hiking in Landmannalaugar: Best Trails, Laugavegur and Practical Tips (2026–2027 Guide)Landmannalaugar is the best base for hiking in Iceland's southern highlands. From the campsite you can walk short loops through lava and coloured rhyo…
Hiking in Þórsmörk: Best Trails, Huts and How to Get There (2026–2027 Guide)Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is one of Iceland's best hiking areas: a green valley of birch woods, glacial rivers and ridges, ringed by three glaciers. You ca…
How to Hike Hornstrandir on Your Own: Routes, Ferries and Safety (2026 Guide)You can hike Hornstrandir on your own, but you need a boat booking, a tent or a guesthouse bed, and confidence in bad weather. Ferries run from early …
Hidden Hot Springs of Iceland: 20 Natural Pools Off the Tourist Trail (2026 Guide)Iceland has far more hot pools than the famous lagoons. Many are small, free and reached by a short walk or a gravel track, and a few are in remote hi…
Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon: Which Iceland Lagoon Should You Choose? (2026–2027 Guide)Choose Sky Lagoon if you want an easy evening soak with ocean views a short drive from central Reykjavík. Choose the Blue Lagoon if you want the famou…
Bubble and Igloo Hotels in Iceland: Where to Sleep Under the Northern Lights (2026–2027 Guide)Iceland has a small but growing number of bubble hotels, glass-roofed igloos, domes and glass lodges where you can watch the sky from bed. Most are in…
Northern Lights Forecast for Iceland This Week (26 October–1 November 2026)Solar activity is quiet for most of this week, but NOAA's outlook shows a jump to Kp 5 on Saturday 31 October and Kp 4 on Sunday 1 November, the best …
Northern Lights in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to the 2026–2027 Aurora SeasonYou can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from about late August to mid-April, whenever the sky is dark and clear and the sun is active. The best hou…
Northern Lights in Reykjavík: Where and How to See Them, in the City and Nearby (2026–2027 Guide)Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík, but only the brighter displays shine through the city glow. For the best chance, walk or drive a fe…
Best Game of Thrones Locations in Iceland: Winter Is Here, and This Is Where Beyond the Wall Was Filmed (2026–2027 Guide)Iceland was the land Beyond the Wall in Game of Thrones. The best filming locations are Þingvellir and Þórufoss near Reykjavík, the South Coast from S…
Extended Golden Circle: The Hidden Circle Route with 7 Stops (2026–2027 Guide)The extended Golden Circle, sometimes called the Hidden Circle, takes the classic loop of Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss and carries on into the quie…
Islands in Iceland: 6 Small Islands Worth Visiting and How to Get There (2026 Guide)Iceland has more than 30 small islands off its coast, and a handful are easy and rewarding to visit. The best known are the Westman Islands off the so…
Secret Locations of the Golden Circle: 15 Quieter Stops Worth Adding (2026 Guide)Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss get most of the attention on the Golden Circle, but the route is full of smaller stops that most day tours skip. This …
South Iceland Secret Locations: 9 Quieter Stops Along the South Coast (2026–2027)Most South Coast trips stop at the same few places: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara and Jökulsárlón. A short detour from the Ring Road takes yo…
Stuðlagil Canyon East Side vs West Side: Which Side Should You Visit? (2026–2027 Guide)Stuðlagil canyon in East Iceland can be seen from two sides of the Jökulsá á Dal river, and they are very different visits. The west side, at the farm…
The Glacier Lagoons in Iceland: Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón and Quieter Alternatives (2026 Guide)Iceland's best-known glacier lagoons lie on the south-east coast below Vatnajökull. Jökulsárlón is the largest and easiest to visit, with boat tours f…
Top 103 Locations in Iceland: Best Places to Visit by Region (2026–2027 Guide)Iceland's best places range from the Golden Circle and South Coast waterfalls to remote Westfjords cliffs and highland hot springs. This guide lists 1…
Towns to Visit in the Eastfjords of Iceland: 12 Villages Worth the Drive (2026–2027 Guide)The Eastfjords are a string of quiet fishing villages tucked into steep, narrow fjords on Iceland's east coast. The towns most worth your time are Sey…
Volcanoes in Iceland: Famous Volcanoes, Recent Eruptions and How to Visit (2026 Guide)Iceland has around 30 active volcanic systems, and an eruption happens every few years on average. Since 2021 the Reykjanes Peninsula near Keflavík Ai…
5 Days in Iceland in Winter: A Day-by-Day Itinerary (2026–2027)Five days in Iceland in winter is enough for the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a natural ice cave and several nights…
Arriving Early in Iceland? What to Do on Your First Morning (2026–2027 Guide)Most flights from North America land at Keflavík between about 5 and 7 am, and hotel rooms are rarely ready before mid-afternoon. You do not need to s…
Beginners Guide to Iceland: First-Timer Tips, Top Sights and a 7-Day Plan (2026–2027)Iceland is easy to visit for the first time if you plan around three things: the season, the weather and the distances. Summer gives long days and ope…
Camping Packing List for Iceland: What You Need for a Tent or Campervan Trip (2026–2027)Camping in Iceland is mostly about wind, rain and cold nights, even in July. The key items are a strong tent with extra pegs, a sleeping bag rated wel…
Daylight Hours in Iceland: Sunrise, Sunset and Day Length by Month (2026–2027 Guide)Daylight in Iceland swings more than almost anywhere you are likely to travel. In Reykjavík the shortest day in December has just over 4 hours between…
Driving in Iceland in Winter: Is a Self-Drive Trip Safe?Driving in Iceland in winter is safe for confident drivers who check the road and weather forecasts every morning, keep their days short and are ready…
Drone Flying in Iceland: 2026 Rules, No-Fly Zones and Where You Can FlyYou can fly a drone in Iceland, but you must register as an operator, follow EU-style rules, and stay out of a growing list of protected sites. From 1…
How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland? Itineraries for 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 Days (2026–2027 Guide)For most first-time visitors, 7 days is the sweet spot: enough for the Golden Circle, the South Coast as far as Jökulsárlón, and one more region such …
How to Find a Job in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Permits, Job Sites and Working Life (2026–2027)Finding a job in Iceland is easiest if you are a citizen of an EEA or EFTA country, because you can work here without a permit. Most other nationals n…
How to Get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík: Prices and Options (2026 Guide)Keflavík International Airport is about 50 km from central Reykjavík, and the drive takes roughly 45 minutes. The cheapest ride is Flybus at 3,999 ISK…
Iceland Itinerary Mistakes: 10 Common Planning Errors and How to Avoid Them (2026–2027)The most common Iceland itinerary mistake is trying to see too much in too few days. Close behind are planning for the wrong season, booking late, und…
Iceland Packing List: What to Pack for Iceland in Any Season (2026–2027 Guide)Pack for wind and rain first, and cold second. Whatever the month, you need a waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers, warm layers of wool or fleece…
Iceland Road and Weather Conditions This Week (26 October–1 November 2026)The week starts calm, then brings strong north-east winds and heavy rain in the north and east on Tuesday and a south-east gale with heavy rain in the…
Iceland Volcano Eruption: Latest Update (26 October–1 November 2026)There is no volcanic eruption in Iceland this week, and travel is running as normal. Magma is still slowly building up under Svartsengi on the Reykjan…
Iceland Winter Packing List: What to Wear and Pack for a Winter Trip (2026–2027)For a winter trip to Iceland, pack for wind and wet as much as for cold. The essentials are a waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers, wool base lay…
Is Iceland the Safest Country in the World? Safety Guide for Visitors (2026)Yes. Iceland was ranked the most peaceful country in the world in the 2026 Global Peace Index, the 19th year in a row it has held first place. Crime a…
Kids Packing List for Iceland: What to Pack for Children in Every Season (2026–2027)Kids in Iceland need the same thing in every season: warm layers, a waterproof outer shell and a spare set of dry clothes. What changes through the ye…
Maps of Iceland: Regions, Routes, Sights and Hot SpringsIceland is an island in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Norway, just south of the Arctic Circle, and almost every trip follows one road, the …
Public Transportation in Iceland: Buses, Ferries, Taxis and Fares (2026–2027 Guide)Public transportation in Iceland means buses, ferries, taxis and domestic flights. There are no trains. In Reykjavík the yellow Strætó buses are cheap…
Stopover in Iceland: A Complete Guide to Planning a 1- to 7-Day Stop Between North America and Europe (2026–2027)Iceland sits halfway between North America and Europe, so it is easy to break a transatlantic trip here for a few hours or a few days. With a day you …
Top Alternatives When Your Iceland Tours Get Cancelled: What to Do Instead (2026–2027)Iceland's weather cancels tours more often than most visitors expect, especially in winter. If it happens to you, ask for another date first, then loo…
Best Time to Visit Iceland: A Month-by-Month GuideThe best time to visit Iceland is June to August for mild weather, long days and open highland roads, and September to March for the Northern Lights a…
Iceland in April: The Ultimate Guide to Weather, Daylight, Northern Lights and Things to Do (2027)April is spring in Iceland, but spring here still has one foot in winter. Reykjavík averages about 1°C to 7°C, the days grow from about 13½ to over 16…
Iceland in August: Weather, Daylight, Festivals and Things to Do (2026–2027 Guide)August is late summer in Iceland and one of the best months to visit. Reykjavík averages a high of about 14°C, days are long but real darkness returns…
Iceland in December: Weather, Daylight, Christmas and Things to Do (2026–2027 Guide)December is the darkest and most festive month in Iceland. Reykjavík hovers around freezing, the sun is up for only four to five hours, and the long n…
Iceland in February: A Complete Guide to Weather, Northern Lights and Things to Do (2027)February is a good winter month for Iceland. It is still cold and dark enough for the Northern Lights and the natural ice caves, but the days grow fas…
Iceland in January: The Ultimate Guide to Weather, Northern Lights and Things to Do (2027)January is deep winter in Iceland. Reykjavík hovers around freezing, the sun is up for only four to seven hours, and the long nights give you some of …
Iceland in July: Weather, Midnight Sun, Highlands and Things to Do (2026–2027 Guide)July is Iceland's warmest and busiest month. Reykjavík averages a high of about 15°C, the sun barely sets, the highland roads to Landmannalaugar and Þ…
Iceland in March: A Complete Guide to Weather, Northern Lights and Things to Do (2027)March is one of the best-balanced months to visit Iceland. You still get snow, ice caves and dark nights for the Northern Lights, but the days are muc…
Iceland in May: Weather, Daylight, Puffins and Things to Do (2027 Guide)May is late spring in Iceland, and one of the best months for value. Reykjavík averages about 4°C to 10°C (39–50°F), daylight grows from just under 17…
Iceland in November: Weather, Daylight, Northern Lights and Things to Do (2026 Guide)November in Iceland is cold, dark and quiet, and that suits a lot of travellers. Reykjavík averages 1–8°C, daylight shrinks from eight hours to about …
Iceland in October: Weather, Northern Lights, Autumn Colours and Things to Do (2026–2027 Guide)October is a good month for Iceland if you want the Northern Lights, quieter sights and lower prices. Reykjavík averages a high of about 8°C and a low…
Visit Iceland in September: Weather, Northern Lights, Autumn Colours and Things to Do (2026–2027 Travel Guide)September is one of the best months to visit Iceland. Reykjavík averages a high of about 11°C, days are still long, the summer crowds have gone, and d…
Winter Solstice in Iceland: Daylight, Traditions and Things to Do (2026–2027 Guide)The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in Iceland. In 2026 it falls on 21 December and in 2027 on 22 December. Reykjavík gets only about …
Best Lava Caves in Iceland: Where to Go and How to Visit (2026–2027 Guide)The best lava caves in Iceland to visit are Víðgelmir in West Iceland, Raufarhólshellir near Reykjavík and Vatnshellir on Snæfellsnes. All three are o…
Dog Sledding in Iceland: Where to Go, Seasons, Prices and What to Expect (2026–2027 Guide)You can go dog sledding in Iceland all year. Near Reykjavík, in Mosfellsdalur, husky sledding tours run year-round on snow or on wheeled carts dependi…
Fishing in Iceland: Licences, Seasons, Rules and Best Places (2026 Guide)Fishing in Iceland is easy to try and easy to get wrong. Lakes are covered by one inexpensive fishing card, rivers are booked one by one and range fro…
Ice Cave Tours in Iceland: Which One Should You Choose? (2026–2027 Guide)The best ice cave tour in Iceland depends on when you travel and where you start. From October to April, the blue natural ice caves of Vatnajökull, re…
Katla Ice Cave: The Ice Cave You Can Visit Year-Round (2026–2027 Guide)The Katla ice cave sits in the edge of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, above the Katla volcano, about 40 minutes by super jeep from Vík. Unlike the natural ice…
Things to Do in Iceland: The Best Experiences by RegionThe best things to do in Iceland are seeing the Golden Circle, walking behind waterfalls on the South Coast, hiking on a glacier, sailing among iceber…
Top 10 Glacier Hiking Tours in Iceland: Sólheimajökull, Skaftafell, Ice Caves and More (2026–2027)The best glacier hikes in Iceland are on two glaciers in the south: Sólheimajökull, about two and a half hours from Reykjavík, and Falljökull in Skaft…
Bird Watching in Iceland: A Complete Guide to Birds, Places and Seasons (2026–2027)Iceland is one of the easiest places in Europe to see seabirds and waterfowl up close. About 72 species breed here, and close to 400 have been recorde…
Puffins in Iceland: Where and When to See Them (2026–2027 Guide)The puffin season in Iceland runs from late April to early August. Roughly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffins nest here, and the best places to see t…
Reindeer in Iceland: Where and When to See Them (2026 Guide)Wild reindeer live in one part of Iceland only: the east. Your best chance of seeing them is in winter, roughly November to March, on the Ring Road an…
Seal Watching in Iceland: Best Places, Best Time and How to Do It Well (2026 Guide)The best place to see seals in Iceland is the Vatnsnes peninsula in the north-west, followed by Ytri Tunga on Snæfellsnes and the glacier lagoons of t…The Icelandic Horse: A Comprehensive Guide to History, Gaits, Etiquette and Riding (2026–2027)The Icelandic horse is a small, tough and friendly breed that has lived in Iceland, with no other horses brought in, for more than 1,000 years. It is …