Things To Do
in Iceland
Iceland is a captivating Nordic island country situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic landscape of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic fields. Its capital, Reykjavik, runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland's Viking history.
Despite its chilly name, Iceland boasts a surprisingly mild climate for its latitude and a rich cultural heritage, with the mystical Northern Lights enhancing its awe-inspiring natural beauty.
- "Halló" - Hello
- "Takk fyrir" - Thank you
- "Góða ferð" - Safe travels
- "Afsakið" - Excuse me
- "Hvernig hefurðu það?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $60 - $120
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early by visiting Thingvellir National Park, famous for its stunning rift valley and rich history. Spend time exploring the park’s walking trails and unique geological formations.
Head to Geysir Geothermal Area to witness the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, surrounded by steaming hot springs.
Visit Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls, where you can catch a mesmerizing sunset. Return to Reykjavik for dinner at a local restaurant.
Begin your journey along the South Coast with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind. Continue on to Skógafoss for breathtaking views and picture-perfect photo opportunities.
Explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and see the iconic basalt columns. Enjoy a packed lunch while listening to the waves crash against the shore.
Wrap up your day in Vík, where you can enjoy dinner with panoramic views of the ocean. Take a stroll along the beach as the sun sets for a perfect conclusion to your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes including glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
- Strong focus on renewable energy and sustainability.
- Low crime rates and a high standard of living.
- Unique geological features and opportunities for adventure tourism.
- High cost of living and expensive goods and services.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Harsh weather conditions, especially in winter.
- Isolation and long distances from other countries.
- Limited access to certain amenities and services in rural areas.
Best Activities in Iceland
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and dramatic scenery on one of Iceland's many hiking trails.
Experience the otherworldly beauty of Iceland's glaciers by taking a guided glacier hiking tour.
Delve into the underground world of Iceland's lava caves and marvel at the unique geological formations.
Embark on a boat tour to observe the diverse marine life, including whales and dolphins, that inhabits the waters surrounding Iceland.
Relax in one of Iceland's natural geothermal hot springs, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Iceland with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Iceland
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning waterfall located in the south of Iceland with a walking trail that goes behind the falls, offering unique photo opportunities.
A picturesque glacial lagoon in southeast Iceland, known for its floating icebergs and stunning reflections in the water.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic landscapes, including the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
A striking black sand beach with basalt column formations and towering cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Food in Iceland
Iceland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented shark meat, considered a delicacy. Available at specialty food stores and some traditional restaurants like Þrír Frakkar in Reykjavik.
Must-Try!
A hearty fish stew made with boiled fish, potatoes, onions, and béchamel sauce. Found in many traditional Icelandic restaurants.
A comforting soup made with lamb, root vegetables, and herbs. Available in most local cafes and eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Iceland better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Offers a variety of local snacks and street food like kleinur (traditional Icelandic fried pastry) and kleina, a doughnut-like treat.
A modern food hall in Reykjavik with stalls offering diverse cuisines from Icelandic seafood to vegan options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Icelanders value their personal space and tend to stand at a distance during conversations. It's important to respect this boundary and not stand too close.
Icelanders appreciate punctuality and expect others to be on time for appointments and meetings. Being late without a valid reason may be considered disrespectful.
Icelanders have a deep respect for nature and the environment. Visitors should show the same respect by not littering, staying on marked trails, and following guidelines for preserving the natural beauty of Iceland.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Iceland with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Iceland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Iceland, and it is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis. Service charges are typically included in the bill, so leaving an additional tip is not necessary.
In Iceland, electronic payment methods such as credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and it is rare to use cash for transactions. Contactless payment options are also widely available, making it convenient for both locals and visitors to make payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Iceland.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Iceland, as the weather is milder, and the days are long with almost 24-hour daylight. You can expect to see beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and have the opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and whale watching.
During the fall, you can experience the stunning colors of autumn foliage, fewer crowds, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights as the nights get darker. It's also a great time for birdwatching and exploring natural hot springs.
Winter in Iceland offers the chance to witness the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights, go ice caving, and partake in winter sports like snowmobiling and skiing. However, be prepared for colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours.
Spring brings the return of longer daylight hours and the start of the thaw, making it an ideal time for glacier hiking, birdwatching, and seeing baby animals. It's also a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season and still experience some winter activities.
Iceland at Night
Hiking in Iceland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular multi-day hiking trail that runs from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and hot springs.
The second tallest waterfall in Iceland, this hike offers breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding fjord.
This park features a variety of hiking trails, including routes to Svartifoss waterfall and views of Vatnajökull glacier.
A beautiful hike between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, with dramatic scenery and several waterfalls.
A popular hiking destination just north of Reykjavik, offering several trails with varying difficulty and stunning views of the city and coast.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Iceland through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Iceland by plane.
Located near Reykjavik, this is the main international airport in Iceland and serves as the primary hub for international flights.
Located in Calgary, Canada, this airport is one of the biggest international airports near Iceland, offering various international connections.
Located in Newark, New Jersey, this airport provides numerous international flights and is one of the busiest airports near Iceland.
Located in London, UK, this bustling airport serves as a major gateway between Europe and North America, with many international flights.
Situated in Boston, Massachusetts, this airport connects a wide range of international destinations and is relatively close to Iceland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group, comprising the majority of the population, with roots in Norse and Gaelic ancestry.
Includes immigrants and expatriates from various countries, such as Poland, Lithuania, and other European nations.
Though Iceland is primarily populated by descendants of settlers, there are groups such as the Sámi who have historical ties to the region.
Includes small populations of immigrants from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, contributing to cultural diversity.
The Soul of Iceland
Discover the essence of Iceland through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Iceland, with a strong following and significant participation at both amateur and professional levels.
Handball is also very popular in Iceland, with the national team achieving success in international competitions.
Basketball has been growing in popularity, especially among the youth, with a variety of club competitions throughout the country.
Given Iceland's natural terrain, skiing, particularly cross-country skiing, is a popular winter sport.
Athletics, including track and field events, is widely practiced and has produced notable athletes from Iceland.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with Reykjavik having a growing number of dedicated vegan eateries like Kaffi Vínyl and Gló.
Many establishments have gluten-free alternatives, and it's advisable to inform staff about any dietary restrictions as they are generally accommodating.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Iceland with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iceland.