Iceland is a highly regarded vacationer vacation spot, however it takes a good quantity of planning to arrange an Iceland trip in case you are visiting for the primary time. Unlike visiting Paris or Rome the place everyone seems to be acquainted with the primary points of interest, Iceland remains to be a little bit of an unknown. To get you began, I’ve shared my finest Iceland journey ideas primarily based on my a number of visits to Iceland and serving to over two dozen households plan their journeys.
I’ve visited Iceland in summer time, fall, and winter, giving me in depth expertise to share what I’ve realized with others. In addition, the chums I’ve made in Iceland assist me keep up-to-date on the most recent new in relation to journey to Iceland.
Once you learn the following tips, you should definitely additionally take a look at my posts on what to pack, easy methods to put collectively an Iceland funds, my 5-day Iceland itinerary, probably the most distinctive issues to do, and the finest ages to take children to Iceland.
TOP Iceland Travel Tips
Note: This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
If you need assistance planning a customized journey to Iceland, take a look at my accomplice Hidden Iceland. You may obtain a ten % low cost on scheduled group excursions when reserving with Hidden Iceland utilizing promo code WE3TRAVEL.
1. Plan early!!
Seriously. Hotels e book up at the very least six months prematurely in well-liked areas, particularly in the summertime months as tour operators will block off a lot of the out there stock. This has gotten significantly better as new motels have been constructed and Iceland has expanded its tourism infrastructure however it’s nonetheless a preferred vacation spot so it’s a good suggestion to e book early.
Unless you’re staying in Reykjavik to your total journey, discovering the supply and dates that you really want might be like piecing collectively a jigsaw puzzle so it actually helps to plan early.
2. Budget correctly.
Don’t let low-cost airfares idiot you, Iceland is an costly nation. Unless you’re utilizing a camper van or trip leases, a week-long journey can run anyplace from $4,000-20,000+ relying on the variety of individuals, the place you keep, and what number of actions you select to do. Check out my put up on how a lot a visit to Iceland prices.
Of course, there are lots of ideas that you need to use to save cash, like staying in an Airbnb or vrbo and cooking your individual meals, tenting, or sticking to free actions like climbing in Thingvellir National Park.
3. Plan on plenty of driving.
You will want 10 to 14 days to take a street journey alongside the complete Ring Road across the nation, however even if you happen to don’t have that a lot time, you’ll nonetheless be doing loads of driving. If you’re visiting Iceland within the winter, one of the simplest ways is to base your self in Reykjavik and let another person do the driving for you, because the roads can shut down fully for storms.
Iceland might not look huge on the map however with slender, winding highways it takes a very long time to get from place to position. So even in case you are simply visiting one area, just like the Golden Circle and the South Coast or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, there may be nonetheless plenty of driving concerned. If you wish to get to extra distant locations just like the West Fjords, plan to spend at the very least per week in Iceland.
4. Expect to maneuver Hotels.
Unless you need extraordinarily lengthy days driving forwards and backwards to totally different points of interest and actions, you’ll need to maneuver motels or lodging fairly a bit. Plan on spending one-to-two nights in about three-to-four places on a median journey.
I do know this isn’t excellent as you received’t really feel very settled, however belief me once I say that transferring motels is simpler than including all the additional hours within the automobile.
5. Be Smart together with your Car Rental.
It is tempting to seize an inexpensive rental automobile deal while you see it, however take note of the small print! First of all, if you wish to drive on any of the inside F-roads, you’ll need a automobile that’s rated for these roads. You can simply drive many of the highways with a regular sedan, however while you get to the F-roads or the gravel roads within the West Fjords and different locations with poor street situations, you’ll most likely need an SUV. And in case you are visiting within the winter and plan on driving, a 4WD automobile is crucial.
On the Snaefellsnes peninsula, I noticed a automobile caught in a cratered car parking zone simply hanging on a bump surrounded by potholes. To keep away from this and make for a smoother journey, an SUV or one thing with a better clearance is only a lot simpler.
And, I do know everybody asks, do I actually need to purchase full automobile rental insurance coverage in Iceland? The reply is sure! You might want to put money into the additional insurance coverage that covers gravel and ash. This can actually add to the value of your automobile rental so funds accordingly, however you don’t wish to pay for all these dings and dents make from flying rocks or gravel.
6. Choose Activities correctly.
There are so many actions to do and a lot of Iceland’s stunning outside, like pure scorching springs, waterfalls, nationwide parks, and lava fields are fully free to get pleasure from. If you propose on taking excursions, they will get costly and prices can add up quick, so select correctly. Instead of staying in Reykjavik and solely taking excursions, lease a automobile and discover by yourself.
However, there are occasions while you completely must take a tour. For instance, you’ll need to take a tour if you wish to stroll on the glacier.
At the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon you may see loads of icebergs from the seashore with out taking a ship tour. However, it may be enjoyable to see extra icebergs and get nearer to the glacier face on a Zodiac tour.
Of course, a guided tour offers you the good thing about native data and you may be taught a lot extra in regards to the panorama, geology, folklore, and Icelandic tradition.
We have partnered with Hidden Iceland on excursions and located the group excellent. Not solely are all of them professionals (there are volcanologists, geologists, and others on the group), however the firm additionally focuses on sustainable enterprise practices and schooling. You can save 10% off scheduled group excursions with Hidden Iceland with promo code WE3TRAVEL and in order for you a customized journey or non-public tour, simply you should definitely inform them I despatched you while you contact them.
7. Craft an itinerary.Â
Iceland attracts people who simply wish to roam freely and discover. And that’s superior. But except you’re tenting (and even in case you are as you may’t free camp all over the place), that is the type of nation the place you actually need to plan forward a bit and know what you wish to do.
Everything is so unfold out that you simply’ll want to arrange your itinerary to attenuate driving time. It takes some time to get your head across the numerous locations so I extremely advocate following a recommended itinerary or utilizing a mapping app to save lots of the places and map out distances to be able to get a way of how a lot time you’ll need and the place you may keep.
Just be certain that if you find yourself crafting your itinerary that you simply additionally depart your self sufficient time to hop out and discover a waterfall, take footage, and revel in nature alongside the best way.
8. Book your actions prematurely.
I do know it’s tempting to simply waft, however in case you are going throughout a busy season, actions promote out. Especially at locations just like the Blue Lagoon. Even ferries to the Westmann Islands can e book up weeks prematurely.
These days there are typically sufficient tour corporations round that yow will discover somebody out there, however it actually helps to e book prematurely.
9. Don’t change a lot money.
You can use a bank card for almost all the things. The solely issues we paid money for had been ideas for tour guides. I’ve had plenty of enjoyable purchasing on the airport to make use of up my leftover króna however why waste cash if you happen to don’t have to? Just don’t take out a lot money to start out with.
10. Know your bank card pin.
If you could have a debit card or bank card with a chip and PIN, be sure to know your PIN, you’ll need it to get fuel at unmanned fuel stations. As is widespread in Europe, you may simply pay with a chip and pin card at handheld terminals at eating places and in outlets. Since many US-based playing cards don’t routinely challenge a PIN, you might have to request it from the financial institution or bank card issuer.
Making purchases received’t be arduous with out the pin, as you’ll simply have to signal a receipt such as you would within the US. The solely time that is actually an issue is on the unmanned fuel station (see extra on that beneath.)
11. Get your VAT again.
If you buy souvenirs higher than 6,000 ISK, you must get a kind to get a refund in your VAT (value-added tax). Even if you happen to don’t, it’s simple to care for this on the airport. This is widespread sufficient in European international locations however if you happen to haven’t performed it earlier than, that is what you do.
When you get to the airport, BEFORE you verify your baggage, search for the indicators for the VAT refund workplace or Arion financial institution, fill out the shape and drop it off. They might have to see the products earlier than approving it however likelihood is, they may simply ask in order for you a credit score or a verify — it’s easy and saves you cash.
12. Tipping will not be required.
Tipping will not be required however appreciated. The service and VAT are included within the value, however I do know once I’ve tipped, particularly our tour guides, it was at all times welcomed with a smile.
13. Buy a pay as you go fuel card.
If you don’t have a chip and PIN card, cease for fuel close to Reykjavik, Selfoss, or one other massive city and purchase a fuel pay as you go card as a result of many fuel stations across the nation are unmanned.
If you don’t have a pay as you go card or chip and PIN bank card you’re out of luck. N1 appears to be the commonest model so I’d counsel an N1 pay as you go card.
14. Plan forward in case you are Out Late.
Most of the fuel stations with comfort shops and services shut at 9 or 10 pm so gasoline up early in case you are making an extended drive. It could be very troublesome to discover a public restroom after the fuel stations shut so be ready! The panorama can also be huge open so it’s arduous to discover a bush to go behind. 🙂
15. Obey the regulation.
Iceland is the most secure nation on the earth. You received’t see many police vehicles and also you don’t actually need to fret an excessive amount of about crime, however there are visitors cameras so be careful!
We acquired a dashing ticket and we couldn’t have been going very a lot over the restrict on the time. We discovered from an e-mail from the automobile rental company who additionally tacked on their very own penalty price — not cool.
16. Be ready.
Stop at one of many grocery shops (like Bonus) and replenish on protein bars and snacks. When you’re driving by the nation you might not see a spot to eat for an hour or extra. You must also pack a refillable water bottle as all the faucet water is protected to drink and there’s no have to no have to buy bottled water. You might, nonetheless, discover a slight sulfur odor in some areas.
Also, carry waterproof pants and a raincoat (we discovered nice offers at Columbia) for visiting waterfalls or you’re going to get soaked! And don’t overlook flip-flops if you’re going to the Blue Lagoon! (See my full listing of what to pack for Iceland!)
17. Check instructions.
Don’t rely fully on Google Maps. Chances are it would ship you on probably the most direct route, which can embody roads which can be closed because of snow (even in the summertime.) If you’re assembly a tour operator, ask them for the most effective route.
We had a scenario the place I had deliberate on our drive to fulfill up with a tour taking about an hour primarily based on Google Maps. Luckily the night time earlier than I take a look at the affirmation instructions extra rigorously and I noticed I wanted to drive all the best way round as a result of there was a glacier within the center. That actually modified our outing!
18. Drive Safely.
Before you head out in your drive, verify for street closures and situations on street.is web site. If heading off-road, log your plans on safetravel.is and obtain the 112 Iceland App. If you do run into hassle, the Icelandic emergency quantity is 112.
I can’t stress this sufficient, particularly in case you are driving within the winter. It isn’t in any respect unusual within the winter to see roads shut for days at a time or to have journey restrictions in place due to storms or excessive winds.
And you possibly can additionally unexpectedly run throughout sheep within the street or backpackers strolling alongside the non-existent shoulder so concentrate.
19. Check the vacations.
If you’re visiting throughout June, National Independence Day is June seventeenth, and lots of companies can be closed. In Reykjavik, you may take part on the parades and festivities however remember that there could also be some political demonstrations too.
20. Get prepared for gentle (or darkish.)
If you’re visiting in the summertime season, you received’t see the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis however you’ll get pleasure from Midnight Sun so you may make the most of the lengthy days to slot in plenty of sightseeing and also you don’t want to fret about driving slender winding roads at the hours of darkness. Just carry a sleep masks and perhaps some melatonin to assist your physique know it’s time for sleep.
Likewise, in case you are visiting within the winter (and sure, there are some benefits), you’ll need to plan round very brief days with not many sunlight hours, when the solar rises at 10 am and units at 4 pm. You will need extra time enjoyable in scorching tubs and fewer time driving lengthy distances and plan on any excursions through the center of the day.
21. Be cautious.
When visiting the black sand seashores, keep away from the water’s edge, particularly if you happen to flip your again to the water. They are likely to get rouge waves and robust undercurrents that may take individuals unaware and pull them out to sea.
Also, don’t enterprise too near the cliff’s edges. There will not be many limitations or fences in Iceland. If you see a warning signal, it’s there for an excellent purpose and it’s essential to concentrate.
22. Not for choosy eaters.
Icelandic meals is predominantly lamb, seafood, and their conventional meat soup (lamb.) But when you have a choosy eater in your group yow will discover mediocre hamburgers in most locations and even some pizza.
The meals scene has positively improved lately, particularly in Reykjavik. And I’ve had a number of the finest seafood of my life in Iceland. But what you received’t discover are American fast-food chains or Starbucks, besides perhaps Subway, if you are out and about within the countryside.
Don’t despair although, the fuel stations generally have some nice comfort meals out there and everybody must attempt at the very least one Icelandic scorching canine!
23. Get your digital camera prepared.
Bring additional batteries to your digital camera and a automobile charger to your telephone, and perhaps even an additional SD card as a result of you’ll take plenty of footage! Some kind of waterproof case or bag can be useful close to the waterfalls.
If you’re visiting within the winter, you’ll need additional batteries as a result of the chilly drains them rapidly. And, through the winter months if you happen to plan on searching for the Northern Lights, be sure to perceive your digital camera settings to be able to seize the reminiscence.
24. English is welcome.
While it’s at all times good to be taught just a few phrases of the language of the nation you’re visiting, you don’t want to fret an excessive amount of a couple of language barrier. Everyone speaks glorious English. If you may be taught just a few phrases, you’ll actually impress your folks again house! Just take heed to the locals pronounce Eyjafjallajökull and you will note why.
But when you get a hold of how the phrases are fashioned, the names of locations begin to make extra sense. For instance, foss means waterfall, jökull means glacier, vik means bay, dalur means valley. It is like decoding a puzzle when you be taught the that means of some phrases.
25. Pack good.
Be ready for vastly totally different landscapes and climate situations. You would possibly want a jacket within the metropolis however not on the glacier or vice versa. Layers are essential in Iceland!
I discovered it useful to be ready for no matter climate we would encounter. Find my packing lists for Iceland in summer time and winter. Start with base layer and add from there. Our Columbia omni-heat lined jackets had been heat however very light-weight and didn’t take up plenty of room within the suitcase. Make certain to put money into heat wool socks and waterproof climbing sneakers are an absolute should!
In the winter, additionally, you will want slip-on microspikes or crampons like Yaktrax when visiting waterfalls or different icy spots. Also, be certain that to carry alongside a European energy adapter or converter to cost your digital camera and telephone.
More Information to your Iceland Trip
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