Iceland is a magical and mystical country which ranks highly on the bucket list of many travellers. The island’s natural thermal springs, thundering waterfalls, steaming geysers, northern lights, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, are but a few of its many alluring charms, and make it one of the most beautiful and intriguing places to visit on earth.
Top travel tips to explore Iceland
It’s equally beautiful in the summer, when you can witness the amazing Midnight Sun, or in the winter, when the temperatures are lowest but you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
With so many things to see and do, here’s our top tips on getting the most out of our travel experience.
1. Book well in advance
Iceland is a notoriously expensive country to visit, so try to nab the cheapest flights and accommodation by booking early. Very rarely do you get the best deals by holding out until the last minute.
If you’re keeping an eye on flight prices the KAYAK price alert tool can alert you when the price of your desired route drops.
Simply input your destination and anticipated travel dates and KAYAK will monitor the fluctuating prices.
2. Pack Wisely
It’s time to get ready, but what to pack? A comfortable and warm pair of shoes is definitely a must, you’ll need those to explore the amazing nature, along with a swimsuit to take a bath in the healthy and steaming springs. Also make sure you’ve got thermals and waterproofs as you’ll almost certainly need them at some point!
And don’t forget to pack a camera so you can look back on your adventures when you get home.
3. Plan, plan, plan before you travel
Make sure you plan your experience – and book any activities and tours – before you leave home. This will allow you more time to explore Iceland and less worry if you can’t find anything available.
4. But don’t pack too much into each day
While the mileage might not seem too high each day, due to the nature of the winding roads and mountains you’ll probably spend a lot more time driving than you might expect. So aim for one main activity, and a couple of stop offs each day en route to your destination.
5. Spend just a couple of nights in Reykjavik
The capital of Reykjavik is a lovely place to see for a few days but to enjoy a real Icelandic adventure it’s best to rent a car and go on a road trip and enjoy numerous different overnight stays.
6. Rent a car
As we said above it’s a good idea to rent a car and get on the open road to get the most out of your time. The Golden Circle ring road (828 miles) makes it a really easy country to navigate on a self-guided tour. Driving yourself also gives you the added bonus of doing what you want, when you want – and visiting the attractions at quieter times. Plus you have the option to get off the beaten track such the east or west fjords.
Make sure you ask for a car for the route you have in mind as some roads only allow 4×4’s. Don’t forget your driving licence!
7. Stay in a local guesthouse
You’ll get a true sense of the Icelandic hospitality by staying in the numerous guesthouses or farmhouses dotted along the route. Or be brave and set up camp and one of the many campsites and experience the great outdoors.
8. Strike up conversation with locals
The Icelandic people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet so ask away if you have any questions as they will usually always be full of handy advice and they are great at giving directions.
9. Stock up on breakfast
It’s pricey to eat out in Iceland so stock up on the usually generous breakfast buffets on offer at the hotels and guesthouses. Make sure you’ve got lots of snacks for your journey too as you’re likely to spend a lot of time on the road.
10. See a glacier with a local guide
Glaciers are some of the most amazing natural wonders of the world – some you can even be seen from space. But you’re best off booking a professional guide if you want to get up close to one as it can be dangerous. Join an organised walking or boat tour to see the Vatnajökull or Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
11. Try the local snack: Harofiskur
Fancy trying something different to the usual snacks you have back home? If you like salty and if you like fish, then Harofiskur is for you. This local specialty is air-dried, and similar to beef jerky, but you eat it with butter. Maybe not the most aromatically pleasing option, but a local produce worth a try.
12. Have an authentic Icelandic drink
Likely the most traditional Icelandic drink of all is Brennivin, aka ‘Black Death’. This ominous drink is based on potato mash and incorporates caraway seeds, cumin, angelica and some other herbs homegrown in Iceland, giving it a taste a bit like licorice. After a long day outside in the cold, this beverage is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Einstock beer also comes highly recommended!
13. Speak like a local
It’s always a nice thing to learn a few words or phrases of the local language before you go but don’t worry too much as many locals speak good English.
14. (Try to) experience the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular natural wonders you will ever see – if you manage to be one of the lucky one to witness them. Observing the Aurora Borealis is all about planning. November through to February is the best time of year due to the darkest skies but early spring also has the benefit of being the period with the most settled weather.
It’s well worth becoming a weather obsessive, checking the forecasts in advance, as well as the solar activity. The higher the Kp index, the more likely you will have a chance to see the northern lights. Yippee!
15. Spot the Icelandic horses
The beautiful animals are one of the best things about the island. You can find them anywhere, they’re calm, cute and act like they would enjoy your company not only for the chance of getting a snack. They bear with the weather (respect!) and simply contribute to making Iceland look more beautiful.
16. Visit the breathtaking Fjords
Majestic impressions are guaranteed when visiting the Fjords, which are surrounded by varied and beautiful landscapes. From Reykjavik, the Hvalfjörður is only a 50km car trip away and rewards travellers who make the journey with amazing coastal roads, and fascinating hiking trails for those who want to explore this natural wonder in more detail.
17. Visit the Blue Lagoon
Is it touristy? Yes. And is it worth the price tag? Absolutely. One of the 25 wonders the world, this blue geothermal spa located in a lava field about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik. It’s an amazing experience as you relax in the naturally heated waters. Sip a cocktail and lather clay on your face for the ultimate experience!
18. Don’t buy beer in supermarkets
Beer is sold exclusively in state-run wine shop Vinbudin. In supermarkets you’ll only find ‘near beer’ which tries to mimic the taste of the alcoholic version.
19. And don’t buy bottled water
Iceland has one of the cleanest water supplies in the world so bring your own bottle and top up.
20. Attend a local festival
Iceland’s small towns each have their own unique identity, which they have developed due to its location and the fact people were cut off from other towns due to the poor transport links and general poverty in the past.
While this is not the case now, many locals like to stay true to their local roots and celebrate with festivals.
In mid-August, Siglufjordur honours the town’s historical connections with Denmark at the Danish Days festival. Dalvik celebrates its fine seafood at the Great Fish Day.
For more information click visiticeland.com
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