Discover Iceland
Explore Iceland's dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons, black sand beaches and unforgettable road-trip routes.
Iceland Travel Guide
Iceland is one of Europe's most spectacular destinations, combining volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal waters, rugged coastlines and charming towns. It is ideal for travellers looking for nature, adventure, road trips, wellness and dramatic scenery.
Capital: ReykjavÃk
Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
Language: Icelandic
Best for: Waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, road trips, Northern Lights, hiking and dramatic landscapes
Popular destinations: ReykjavÃk, Golden Circle, South Coast, VÃk, Snæfellsnes, Akureyri and the Westfjords
Iceland can be enjoyed throughout the year. Summer brings very long daylight hours and excellent opportunities for road trips and outdoor adventures, while autumn and winter bring darker skies and opportunities to search for the Northern Lights.
Best Places to Visit in Iceland
From colourful ReykjavÃk to the waterfalls and black sand beaches of the South Coast, Iceland offers very different experiences across its regions.
ReykjavÃk
Iceland's lively capital is the perfect starting point for exploring the country. Enjoy restaurants, cafés, museums, colourful streets, swimming pools and easy day trips.
Highlights: HallgrÃmskirkja, Harpa, Old Harbour, geothermal pools and Northern Lights tours.
South Iceland
One of Iceland's most impressive regions, with powerful waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches.
Highlights: Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, glaciers, black sand beaches and VÃk.
VÃk
A small South Coast village surrounded by some of Iceland's most dramatic coastal scenery.
Highlights: Reynisfjara black sand beach, Reynisdrangar sea stacks and coastal viewpoints.
West Iceland
Explore dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, lava landscapes and the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Highlights: Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss, Snæfellsnes, Borgarnes and geothermal attractions.
East Iceland
A quieter part of the country featuring mountains, fjords, fishing villages and spectacular natural scenery.
Highlights: Eastfjords, hiking, wildlife and dramatic coastal roads.
Vatnajökull & Glacier Lagoon
Discover huge glaciers, floating ice and some of Iceland's most spectacular southeastern scenery.
Highlights: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach and Vatnajökull National Park.
Best Things to Do in Iceland
Explore the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most famous scenic routes. Highlights include Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall.
See Iceland's Waterfalls
Iceland is famous for spectacular waterfalls. Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss are among the country's best-known natural attractions.
Relax in Geothermal Waters
Geothermal bathing is one of the best ways to experience Iceland. ReykjavÃk and the Reykjanes Peninsula offer several popular geothermal spa experiences.
Drive the South Coast
Travel along the South Coast for waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, cliffs and spectacular Atlantic scenery.
Chase the Northern Lights
During the darker months, Iceland is an excellent destination for Northern Lights experiences. Clear skies and darkness can create spectacular viewing opportunities.
Take a Road Trip
A self-drive holiday allows you to experience Iceland's landscapes at your own pace. The famous Ring Road provides access to many of the country's major regions and attractions.
Icelandic Food to Try
Icelandic cuisine makes good use of seafood, lamb, dairy products and traditional Nordic ingredients. ReykjavÃk is particularly good for trying modern Icelandic food.
Fresh Seafood
Try Icelandic cod, haddock, salmon and other seafood dishes, especially in coastal towns and ReykjavÃk.
Icelandic Lamb
Lamb is an important part of Icelandic cuisine and appears in soups, roasts and modern restaurant dishes.
Skyr
Skyr is a thick Icelandic dairy product that is often served with fruit, berries or granola.
Icelandic Hot Dogs
A simple but popular ReykjavÃk snack, particularly convenient during a day of sightseeing.
Rye Bread
Icelandic rye bread is a traditional accompaniment to soups, seafood and other local dishes.
Geothermal Bread
Traditional Icelandic rye bread can be prepared using geothermal heat, making it an interesting local food experience.
Which Part of Iceland Should You Visit?
| Region | Best For |
|---|---|
| ReykjavÃk | City breaks, restaurants, culture, nightlife and day trips |
| South Iceland | Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches and scenic drives |
| West Iceland | Snæfellsnes, Kirkjufell, waterfalls, lava landscapes and quieter scenery |
| Westfjords | Remote landscapes, fjords, hiking and peaceful villages |
| North Iceland | Whale watching, volcanic landscapes and northern adventures |
| East Iceland | Fjords, mountains, wildlife and quieter road trips |
| Reykjanes Peninsula | Geothermal landscapes, volcanic scenery and easy airport access |
Getting Around Iceland
Car Hire
Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to explore Iceland, particularly if you want to visit waterfalls, beaches, villages and scenic viewpoints independently.
Ring Road
The Ring Road connects many of Iceland's major areas and is a popular option for longer road trips around the country.
Day Tours
Travellers staying in ReykjavÃk can take organised tours to the Golden Circle, South Coast, geothermal areas and Northern Lights locations.
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights can be useful for reaching destinations farther from ReykjavÃk, particularly when travelling beyond the southwest.
Iceland Travel Budget
| Travel Style | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Budget | Guesthouses, hostels, supermarkets, simple meals and selected free natural attractions |
| Mid-range | Comfortable hotels, restaurants, car hire and paid attractions or tours |
| Luxury | Premium hotels, private tours, spa experiences, fine dining and upgraded transport |
Iceland can be more expensive than many European destinations, so planning accommodation, transport and meals in advance can help control costs.
10-Day Iceland Itinerary
Days 1–2: ReykjavÃk
Explore the capital, visit HallgrÃmskirkja, enjoy ReykjavÃk's restaurants and discover the city's museums, harbour and geothermal pools.
Day 3: Golden Circle
Visit Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss before continuing towards South Iceland.
Days 4–5: South Coast
Discover Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, black sand beaches and the dramatic scenery around VÃk.
Days 6–7: Glacier Lagoon
Continue east towards Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and explore the spectacular landscapes around Vatnajökull.
Days 8–9: Return West
Begin your journey back towards ReykjavÃk, stopping at scenic locations and adding extra waterfalls, viewpoints or geothermal experiences.
Day 10: ReykjavÃk & Departure
Enjoy a final morning in ReykjavÃk before travelling to KeflavÃk International Airport for your flight home.
Iceland Travel Tips
- Pack layers: Icelandic weather can change quickly, so waterproof and warm clothing is useful.
- Wear good shoes: Many attractions involve walking over uneven or wet ground.
- Allow extra driving time: Iceland's scenery is part of the experience, and weather can affect journey times.
- Do not rush: Trying to see the entire country in a few days can make a road trip unnecessarily tiring.
- Book accommodation early: Popular areas can become busy, particularly during summer.
- Respect nature: Stay on marked paths and follow local guidance around waterfalls, cliffs, beaches and geothermal areas.
- Check conditions: Weather, road and volcanic conditions can change, so check current information before travelling.
- Plan around daylight: Summer provides very long daylight hours, while winter offers darker skies for Northern Lights hunting.
Icelandic Holiday Phrasebook
Useful Icelandic for hotels, restaurants, transport, shopping and everyday holiday moments. Search below or choose a category, then tap a phrase to hear it spoken. The player prefers an Icelandic female voice when the visitor's browser or device provides one.
Voice note: The page prefers an Icelandic female voice where one is available. Browser speech voices come from the visitor's device, so a female Icelandic voice cannot be guaranteed on every browser. Pronunciation spellings are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland
What is the best place to visit in Iceland?
ReykjavÃk is a great base for a first visit, while the Golden Circle, South Coast and VÃk are excellent choices for dramatic natural scenery.
What is Iceland famous for?
Iceland is famous for glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, geothermal pools, black sand beaches, dramatic landscapes and the Northern Lights.
Is Iceland good for a holiday?
Yes. Iceland is particularly good for nature lovers, couples, road trips, adventure holidays, photography and travellers looking for unusual landscapes.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
Around 7 to 10 days is a good starting point for combining ReykjavÃk with the Golden Circle and South Coast. Longer trips allow more time for the Ring Road, North Iceland or the Westfjords.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Yes. The Northern Lights can be visible during the darker months when conditions are suitable. Clear skies and darkness are important for viewing.
Is Iceland expensive?
Iceland can be relatively expensive compared with many European destinations. Accommodation, restaurants, car hire and organised tours can make up a significant part of a holiday budget.
What food should you try in Iceland?
Try fresh seafood, Icelandic lamb, skyr, rye bread and traditional local dishes while exploring ReykjavÃk and other towns.
Is Iceland good for a family holiday?
Yes. Families can enjoy waterfalls, geothermal pools, wildlife experiences, scenic drives and ReykjavÃk's museums and attractions.
Ready to Discover Iceland?
From ReykjavÃk and the Golden Circle to black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls and geothermal lagoons, Iceland offers an unforgettable holiday surrounded by extraordinary natural scenery.
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