Travel Tips for Iceland: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit
Friday, 23rd August 2024
Destination Specialist
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One thing we always get asked is “What do I need to know before my Iceland trip?”
In our 30 years of travelling to Iceland. We’ve picked up some great tips and handy advice.
Follow our guide for booking, safety and general Iceland guidance if you’re travelling with a group or with a school.
Travel tips for Iceland: Before you go
Any successful trip requires careful planning. But with so much to see and do, it’s likely your Iceland bucket list is longer than usual!
To help build a jam-packed itinerary make sure you put some brain power into the planning to help things run smoothly.
Here are our top planning Iceland travel tips:
Plan which area (or areas) you want to visit
Although the capital is exciting, we recommend venturing out of Reykjavik to explore this beautiful country.
There’s lots to discover beyond the famous landmarks of the South coast, including Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss and the Myvatn natural hot springs (the North’s answer to the Blue Lagoon).
Research a handful of places you want to visit before your trip to make the planning process a little easier.
Decide what time of year to visit Iceland
The peak summer season in Iceland is June to August thanks to the midnight sun, warmer climate, extra daylight hours, open hiking trails and summer festivals.
However, visiting Iceland during the summer months can also be busier so don’t discount colder months.
Iceland’s rugged landscape is stunning between autumn and winter. There are also lots of winter activities to enjoy during these months with the bonus of possibly spotting the northern lights!
How to decide the best time to plan your Iceland trip:
Best time to see the northern lights: March to September
Popular times for school groups: May to November, February half-term and Easter half-term
Least rainfall: April to September
Best time for festivals & events: June to November
Best time for hiking: May to September
Best for whale watching: May to September
No matter what time of year you plan your trip to Iceland, you won’t be disappointed!
Book flights in advance
Iceland can be pricey. Booking your flights in advance is a great way to keep costs down.
We recommend booking your trip to Iceland 12 to 18 months in advance rather than waiting until the last minute (especially for school trips and large groups).
When you book through a tour operator, they will book your flights for you so you don’t need to worry about planning this separately.
Booking in advance also means you’ll secure accommodation and book your space for activities and excursions during your trip to Iceland.
Before you go, you may be worried about travel restrictions as Iceland is prone to volcanic eruptions. Rest assured, the Icelanders are experts at predicting and managing activity and Keflavik International Airport usually operates as usual.
Plan an itinerary
Planning an itinerary before visiting Iceland will make your trip run smoothly.
Start by considering the main areas and landmarks you want to see during your trip to Iceland and then plan your route accordingly.
It’s important to plan because popular landmarks and activities can get busy. For example, it’s recommended that the Blue Lagoon is booked weeks in advance.
Your tour operator or Travel Specialist can help plan your itinerary to help maximise your time and tailor activities to you.
Here are some must-see places for your trip to Iceland:
- Thingvellir National Park
- The Sky Lagoon hot springs
- Langjokull ice cave
- Drive on the ring road
- See the snow-capped mountains of Snæfellsjökull
- Hveragerdi Natural Hot Spring walking paths
- Whale-watching boat tour
- Blue Lagoon
- Golden Circle
- Rural Iceland horse riding
A typical five-day trip to Iceland often follows the Golden Circle route to give you a taste of the country.
In Southern Iceland, you can tick off popular waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes and historical sites but venturing further afield can give you a glimpse of the otherworldly landscapes.
Tips for teachers
School trips are an excellent way to enhance learning outside the classroom.
With its volcanism, rugged landscape and forward-thinking environmentalism, it’s no wonder Iceland is a popular destination for schools.
If you’re thinking about a school trip to Iceland, don’t get bogged down in the planning process.
Here are our Iceland travel tips for teachers:
- Decide who the trip is for; are all students the same age and learning stage?
- Think about your main goal for the trip before you plan your itinerary for example learning about a specific area of the curriculum or perhaps encouraging independence and resilience skills
- Plan activities that link to specific curriculum demands
- Come up with a plan in case you fill too many or too few spaces
- Decide what time of year you’ll visit Iceland because Winter and Summer season offer different benefits
- Create a budget
- Plan which staff will join the trip
- Use resources that will enhance classroom learning prior and post trip to Iceland
- Consider how you can travel as environmentally responsibly as possible
Once you’ve narrowed these key points down, you or your travel operator can plan the specifics of your field trip to Iceland.
What to pack for your Iceland trip
Your visit to Iceland is likely to include a variety of different activities.
Depending on the sites you are visiting, the weather, and the time of year, you must be prepared for all scenarios.
Here are our packing recommendations for your Iceland trip:
Waterproof clothing
The weather forecasts in Iceland can be unpredictable and heavy rain can happen suddenly. We recommend bringing waterproof hiking shoes, trousers and a jacket no matter what time of year you visit Iceland.
Layers
Icelandic weather is fickle so be prepared for every scenario regardless of the season. We recommend base layers like thermal tops and leggings plus additional fleece and a waterproof jacket as well as hats, and gloves.
Waterproof hiking shoes
You’ll likely be on your feet for most of your Iceland trip so make sure you invest in some good hiking boots.
Most of the terrain you will explore will be uneven, so make sure your footwear is sturdy with a flexible sole and plenty of grip.
If you’re a teacher, we suggest checking your student’s footwear before the trip so you can check they’re suitable.
Also, make sure your walking boots are broken in before visiting Iceland to avoid blisters!
Swimwear
Iceland is renowned for its geothermally heated pools and swimming culture so don’t forget to pack your swimwear!
Debit cards
Generally, card payments are preferred in Iceland.
It is still useful to have some physical cash for minor purchases but, even the most remote locations tend to have card payment facilities and contactless payment (including the unmanned petrol stations in the highlands!)
Check if your bank will charge for payments abroad beforehand just in case you need to switch to a different bank or travel card.
Sunglasses
Even in the rain or snow, sunglasses are a must when visiting Iceland! Choose polarised lenses to beat sun glare.
Water bottle
Tap water is safe to drink in Iceland so bring a reusable leak-proof drinking bottle to refill everyday.
Camera
Sometimes mobile phone cameras don’t do Iceland’s beauty justice so you may wish to bring a camera.
Don’t forget chargers, a spare battery and memory cards too!
Travel adapters
Electricity in Iceland is 220 volts and requires European type C adapters.
Sunscreen
No matter what the Icelandic weather is forecast, sunscreen is essential.
Even during cold weather, protect your skin with an SPF. Especially if you’re heading out to a glacier as the sun’s glare can reflect from the ice and increase your risk of sunburn.
Sleeping mask
If you visit Iceland during the summer months, it’s a good idea to pack a sleep mask or blackout blind since it stays light throughout the entire night.
Rucksack
Comfortable rucksacks are essential when visiting Iceland. You’ll likely be walking for some time so make sure your backpack has supportive straps and has enough space for your essentials.
Travel tips for Iceland: During your stay
These Iceland travel tips will make sure your trip runs smoothly:
Airport tips
First things first; the airport.
The airport is often the most stressful part of a trip, especially if you’re travelling with a school or large group tour.
Here are our top tips for making it a stress-free experience:
Allow plenty of time- Arrive 2-3 hours before your gate closes
Check the names on passports- Especially when travelling with students, make sure their full name and spelling match the booking details
Be prepared for security control- Check liquid allowance and baggage sizes in advance to avoid being held up at security
Stay in small groups- When travelling as a group this can be helpful as you can easily keep track of everyone
Organise travel documents- have a copy of your travel documents, itinerary, activity reservations and any medical information with you. We recommend printing a copy of everyone’s passports and dietary requirements so you have them to hand throughout your trip to Iceland
Don’t litter
When visiting Iceland, it’s important to protect its beauty by keeping it clean.
Respect local wildlife and the landscape by leaving no trace and disposing of your litter to help protect fragile ecosystems.
Be flexible
The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable with cold weather alerts putting a dampener on your plans.
Being flexible with your itinerary is a must. Your tour operator will always have a backup plan to help you make the best out of a bad situation.
If you’ve planned your visit through a travel operator, they can help reorganise day trips or tweak your itinerary to avoid missing out.
Respect the culture
Icelandic culture is rich with folklore. Icelanders traditionally believe in trolls, hidden people and elves.
Respect Icelandic culture by learning stories from the locals and supporting their beliefs.
If you’re travelling with young children this can be a great opportunity to introduce them to respecting other cultures different from their own.
Use the toilet when you see one!
Iceland is largely remote, and you may travel for a long time between stops for destinations, so take advantage of a toilet break whenever you can!
However, be prepared that you may have to pay so it is worth having a few coins.
Check aurora forecasts
A few words we always hear before a trip to Iceland are “Will we see the northern lights?”
Many factors that affect your chances of seeing the aurora like weather, cloud coverage and light pollution.
One of our main Iceland travel tips is to keep an eye on aurora forecasts during your trip for the best chance of spotting the northern lights.
Budget wisely
It’s easy to overspend in Iceland!
We recommend keeping a budget in mind to stick to before visiting Iceland.
Familiarise yourself with the ISK Icelandic Krona currency conversion before making purchases or download a conversion app to help save money.
Don’t feed Icelandic horses
As you explore Iceland, you’ll likely spot some wild horses. Although they’re very friendly, don’t be tempted to feed them.
The horses thrive in the Icelandic wilderness and feeding them can cause them harm.
Drink the tap water
Tap water in Iceland is very safe to drink. Iceland has one of the cleanest water supplies in the world.
One of our Iceland travel tips is to bring a refillable water bottle to refill at your accommodation to save money on bottled water.
Check the weather forecasts
Outside the summer months, the weather can change quickly. Keep an eye on weather updates that may impact your activities that day to give you plenty of time to tweak your itinerary if needed.
Check road updates
If you’re travelling in a rental car, always check road updates before you leave. In winter, many roads close due to bad weather and heavy snowfall so always check weather alerts before travelling.
If you’re travelling with a large group by coach, the company will check this for you so you don’t have to worry!
Learn key phrases
Although English is widely spoken in Iceland, why not learn some key Icelandic phrases before you visit Iceland?
Sprinkling some key Icelandic phrases into conversation is a great way to engage with the locals.
Give these simple sayings a go:
- “Takk” – “thanks”
- “vinsamlegast” – “please”
- “Hallό” – “hello”
Safety Tips for Visiting Iceland
Iceland is recognised as the safest country in the world, regularly holding the top position in the Global Peace Index.
Although the very safe country has exceptionally low crime rates and an inclusive society, you must take precautions during your Iceland trip.
Some tourists underestimate Iceland’s potential dangers and may be unprepared for how remote destinations can be.
Here are our Iceland travel tips for safety:
Beach safety
Iceland is famous for its striking black sand beaches. From the otherworldly basalt columns to the volcanic sand stretching the coastline, it’s no wonder they’re a popular tourist destination for any trip to Iceland.
But they should be approached with caution as powerful waves can often crash onto the shore without warning.
Here are our trips for staying safe:
Never turn away from the sea- Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the unpredictability of the waves, even on seemingly calm days. ‘Sneaker waves’ have strong undercurrents and are disproportionately larger than those before. We recommend staying at least 5 metres from the water’s edge and never turning your back to the sea.
Read warning signs- Take notice of safety signs when you arrive and follow their guidance. If you’re part of a private tour, your guide will offer safety advice.
Don’t climb the cliffs- Basalt columns are a prominent feature of Iceland’s famous Reynisdrangar black beach. Climbing the surrounding columns and cliffs can be dangerous as they are slippery and uneven.
Read warning signs
They are there for a reason!
Iceland has often been quite relaxed with health and safety, leaving tourists to move more freely than other countries. But the country also has a very complex natural elements.
Whether visiting geysers, glaciers, a black sand beach, national parks, or hiking trails, think safety first.
So, when you come across a warning sign, make sure you take note.
Waterfall safety
No trip to Iceland is complete without visiting some waterfalls!
Be aware that the ground underneath and surrounding rocks can be uneven and slippery (and sometimes icy!) so make sure you wear supportive footwear.
Take pictures safely
Don’t risk your life for a picture!
Take pictures from a safe distance (especially at the black sand beaches).
Always ensure you look up from the camera or phone as you move around, and keep your eyes on the ground rather than looking through a lens to avoid slipping over or bumping into people.
Be aware of your surroundings
The ground is likely to be uneven and terrain can change, this combined with sudden bad weather means slips and trips are common.
Being aware of your surroundings (especially the ground beneath your feet) at all times can help avoid injuries!
Never venture off alone
During activities, always stay with your group tour and guide. Do not go wandering alone and ensure you keep people updated on where you are going.
Listen to your guide
When exploring Iceland, the majority of your activities will include a guide.
Make sure you follow their instructions at all times for your safety. Your guide is the expert and if they need to change the plan or recommend avoiding something, then it is for a good reason.
Drive safely
The ring road is smooth and easy to follow, as are the most popular roads.
But if you are driving in the highlands and interior on F-roads, then these can be more technically challenging, including the potential for fording rivers.
Don’t climb glaciers without a guide
A glacier might look immovable and sturdy, but it can have rapidly changing conditions, particularly in spring and summer during the ablation season.
Your guide will choose the safest route, and provide your equipment is working well. You will need strong footwear, not just a pair of trainers, and you must always be vigilant for crevasses.
Iceland travel tips
As with any trip, it’s always important to be organised and prepared.
We’ve shared our top Iceland travel tips but first and foremost, we recommend spending time on the planning beforehand. You can speak to the travel experts from your tour operator for advice tailored to your itinerary.
Even if the unexpected happens, pre-trip preparation can help you be flexible to any changes to prevent them from dampening your day.
About Iceland
Iceland is a unique country. It’s no wonder the wild landscapes and rich cultural history make it an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Known as the ‘land of fire and ice,’ there are few destinations where you can explore volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, breath taking glaciers and wild plains in one trip.
Iceland was first settled by Norsemen from Scandinavia in the 9th century, and the Alþingi parliament established in 930AD is one of the oldest in the world. The culture is deeply rooted in ancient Norse traditions, with a rich heritage of sagas and music inspired by history and nature.
The people of Iceland are proud of their history and culture, and there is a vibrant arts, music and literature scene.
Whether you are coming for five days or five weeks, there will be plenty to see throughout the island.
Iceland travel tips FAQs
When is the best time of year to visit Iceland?
June to November are the most popular months to visit Iceland
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
You’re most likely to see the northern lights from September to March
What is the off-peak season in Iceland?
Plan your trip to Iceland between January to May
What should I pack for a trip to Iceland?
Warm clothing, waterproof hiking boots, waterproof clothing, swimwear, rucksack and plug adapters.
Iceland travel tips for staying safe
Listen to your guide, read safety signs, and don’t climb glaciers without a guide.
