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Raw, rugged and extreme, the sheer force of nature is the dominant feature on the Icelandic landscape. This is a country shaped by volcanic activity, carved by glaciers and left almost entirely untamed. Our specialists know Iceland well and can build a trip that takes you to all its highlights or help you explore its geology, wildlife or backcountry wilderness in more detail.
We’ll suggest destinations and activities based on your interests and offer options to walk on age-old glaciers, snorkel between diverging tectonic plates, hike into ice caves or learn how to cook on a local farm. Along the way, you can lounge in a natural hot pool, chase the northern lights or marvel at the thundering cascades of water, bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and glittering icebergs that make up Iceland’s otherworldly landscape. Everywhere you go, the drama and extremes of this beguiling destination unfold around you, and we will help create your perfect tailor-made holiday to Iceland to take in all of the sights, and we will help create your perfect tailor-made vacation to Iceland to take in all of the sights.
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Iceland, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It features trip ideas from our specialists alongside hand-picked stays and experiences, and introduces our approach to creating meaningful travel experiences.
Iceland’s official language is Icelandic, although virtually all Icelanders speak some English. You’ll find younger people are often fluent in English, while older Icelanders — who were taught Danish as a foreign language at school — usually have a command of basic English.
The official currency is the Icelandic króna (kr). You can use credit and debit cards across the country, but if you prefer to carry cash, you can withdraw money from ATMs.
Fishing is an essential part of Icelandic history and culture, and freshly caught fish is a staple of Icelandic cuisine. Langoustine is a culinary highlight, and if you’re visiting between late June and early July, the Humarhátíð festival in the small town of Höfn is the place to try it. Icelandic lamb is another popular ingredient, and you’ll find skyr, a thick, creamy yoghurt-like cheese, on most breakfast menus.
While hearty comfort food is typical of the country, Iceland also has one of Europe's most dynamic gastronomic scenes. In Reykjavík there are a growing number of epicurean restaurants run by award-winning chefs who often have a modern take on traditional local ingredients. Brennivín, caraway schnapps, is Iceland’s signature spirit.
Tipping isn’t expected in Iceland but is always appreciated. In restaurants, if you wish to tip, 10% of your meal cost is appropriate. In some restaurants, a 15% service charge is added to your total spend so check for this, too. Tipping in pubs and bars isn’t expected. You might want to tip your tour guides or driver-guides, but again, this is always at your discretion.
For the latest travel advice for Iceland, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the State Department website.
Packed with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, hot pools, and giant lava fields, Iceland is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures and soaking up the wild, untamed landscapes. It’s the kind of place where you can snorkel between tectonic plates, marvel at glittering ice caves, hike on a glacier, or laze in a steaming pool as you watch the northern lights shift and swirl overhead.
Iceland’s thundering waterfalls are another major draw, and getting out into the wilderness on foot, taking a whale-watching trip, or visiting a remote Icelandic island all bring you closer to the country’s natural wonders.
Along with its dramatic landscapes, you’ll also discover Iceland’s rich history and culture. You can take a cooking class, explore Reykjavík’s museums, visit the site of the oldest parliament in the world, or explore Icelandic legends. You’ll come away with a whole new understanding of life on the edge of Europe.
You’ll find a wide choice of places to stay in Iceland with properties ranging from sleek, minimalist urban hotels to remote lodges ideal for watching the northern lights. You might like the private thermal pool and views of surrounding lava fields at the Silica Hotel by the Blue Lagoon or the on-site stables and plush intimacy of the Skálakot Manor Hotel.
Other options include Hótel Búðir, a renovated 17th-century trading post turned intimate hotel and the Frost and Fire Boutique Hotel with its riverside hot tubs. In Reykjavík, you’ll find everything from stylish apartments with sleek, modern design to Art Deco landmarks brought up to date. Your specialist will help with hotel suggestions, but to get an idea of what’s on offer, browse our collection of places to stay in Iceland.
Most trips to Iceland begin in Reykjavík, the nation’s capital — from there you can opt to see the renowned Golden Circle, explore the coast via the ring road, or venture inland for a wilder sort of trip.
A cosmopolitan hub known for its quirky design, thriving arts and music scene, and fine dining, Reykjavík is an easily walkable city. A tour of the Golden Circle introduces you to the history and geology of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir’s blowholes, and the sheer force of nature at Gullfoss waterfall.
Further afield, the south coast offers black-sand beaches, ice-choked lakes, massive glaciers and a network of walking trails deep into the wilderness. Touring the Westfjords, you’ll encounter small fishing villages, steep-sided fjords, and volcanic landscapes, while in northern Iceland you’ll find bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles at Hverir, strange geological features around Lake Mývatn, and whale watching in Eyjafjörður.
From the East Coast of the US, flights to Reykjavík take around six hours. There are no direct flights from the West Coast so the journey will take around 14 hours with a stop en route.
Iceland’s time zone is UTC+0 hours all year round. Iceland does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
The best way to get around Iceland is to drive yourself if you’re visiting between May and September. This gives you the freedom to explore as you wish, discovering the country’s many remote but scenic regions. In the winter months, when roads are snowy and icy, and daylight hours are short, having a private driver-guide is the safest and most efficient way to travel.
When traveling on a US passport, no visa is required for Iceland or any of the other Schengen Area countries. Visa-free stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period are allowed.
Your doctor is best placed to offer advice on vaccination. Check in advance that you’re up to date with the recommended vaccinations for your home country too. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your trip to Iceland and that you have one black page for border documentation.
If you’re planning to focus your time in Iceland around a particular area, you can jump into the region you're most interested in to find detailed itinerary ideas together with accommodation choices and a taster of the experiences we can offer.
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Iceland. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Iceland at its best.
On an Iceland trip, you can stand next to Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, watch puffins and whales, and drive, hike and horseback ride through steaming volcanic landscapes. Then, in winter, witness the northern lights dazzle in the skies. Our specialists can help kickstart your travel plans.
Seeing the northern lights in Iceland: a Q&A
Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland has one of the best positions for northern lights viewing in the world. We share our advice on how to witness the phenomenon, from joining guided tours to staying in well-located hotels.
Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls
Iceland is shaped by fire, ice and folklore. Whether you’re a summer or winter visitor, you’ll find lots to experience here, from whale watching to hiking through ice caves and even bathing in beer. Iceland specialist Katy shares her highlights.
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