Iceland Complete Travel Guide
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is a land of dramatic landscapes, including glaciers, volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs, and cascading waterfalls. Here's a travel guide to Iceland to help you plan your trip to this otherworldly destination:
Getting There
KeflavÃk International Airport (KEF) is the main gateway to Iceland. Several airlines offer nonstop flights from major cities in North America and Europe.
Best Time to Visit
Iceland has two main seasons: summer (June-August) and winter (December-February).
- Summer offers long days with up to 24 hours of sunlight in June, perfect for exploring the outdoors and experiencing the midnight sun phenomenon.
However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds. - Winter offers the chance to see the Northern Lights, a dazzling natural light display caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. However, winter days are short, with only a few hours of sunlight, and some roads and attractions may be closed due to snow and ice.
Things to Do
- Explore the Golden Circle:The Golden Circle is a popular tourist route that includes three of Iceland's most popular natural attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
- See the Northern Lights: The Northern Lights are a natural light display that can be seen in the night sky during the winter months. The best places to see the Northern Lights are in areas with little light pollution, such as Akureyri in north Iceland or Þingvellir National Park.
- Go Whale Watching: Whale watching is a popular activity in Iceland, especially in the summer months. Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are some of the whales that can be spotted off the coast of Iceland.
- Visit the Blue Lagoon:The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in a lava field in southwestern Iceland. The lagoon's milky blue water is high in silica and minerals, which are said to have therapeutic benefits.
- Go Glacier Hiking:Iceland is home to many glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Glacier hiking is a popular activity in Iceland, and there are tours available for all levels of experience.
- Explore Reykjavik:Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city, is a charming and walkable city with a colorful history and vibrant culture. Be sure to visit HallgrÃmskirkja church, Harpa concert hall, and explore the shops and restaurants along Laugavegur street.
Where to Stay
Iceland has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. The best place to stay will depend on your budget and interests.
- Reykjavik: Reykjavik is a great base for exploring southwest Iceland, including the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon. There are many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from in the city center.
- Akureyri: Akureyri is the second-largest city in Iceland and is located in the north of the country. It's a great base for exploring north Iceland, including Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss waterfall.
- Vik: Vik is a small village located on the south coast of Iceland. It's a great base for exploring south Iceland, including Reynisdrangar sea stacks and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Additional Tips
- The Icelandic króna (ISK) is the official currency of Iceland, but credit cards are widely accepted.
- Tipping is not expected in Iceland.
- Iceland is a safe country to visit, but be aware of the weather conditions, especially if you're going hiking or glacier walking.
- Pack warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes, no matter what time of year you visit Iceland. The weather can change quickly, so it's important to be prepared for anything.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Iceland. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture
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