Iceland

Travel Guide
Dyrholaey which includes rocky coastline

Iceland Travel Guide Video

An increasingly popular vacation hot spot, this sparsely populated Nordic nation offers epic adventures amid volcanos, glaciers, caves and waterfalls.

With its mile-thick glaciers and darting illuminations of the northern lights, Iceland is a magical country with awe-inducing natural wonders. Soak in the soothing mineral waters of hot springs, journey across deep fjords and hike through the picturesque highland region.

Most visitors start their journey in Reykjavík, a charming city free of the massive skyscrapers and heavy traffic of other metropolitan capitals. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere in chic cafés and look for colorful murals adorning the streets. Relax on the green grass of Austurvöllur outside of Parliament and examine works by Icelandic artists in the National Gallery. Live music is a popular entertainment option, and many nightclubs and concert venues stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Iceland’s interior remains wild and undeveloped, but two mountain roads allow public access to the stunning highlands. Head to Landmannalaugar to relax in natural hot rivers or venture through the nature reserve of Þórsmörk. Marvel at the sparkling glaciers and jagged peaks that give this region its rugged character.

Venture to the small towns of West Iceland for yet more natural wonders, including a series of scenic fjords. Follow trails leading to majestic waterfalls at Snæfellsjökull National Park. Journey close to the Arctic Circle in the north of Iceland to learn about the local marine life at the Húsavík Whale Museumor at the Seal Center in Hvammstangi.

The best way to get around Iceland is by rented car or on an organized tour. A four-wheel drive is required on the rugged roads of the highlands. Alternatively, domestic flights are a popular way to travel around the country quickly.

Plan a trip from May to September for the warmest weather and the longest days of sunshine. Those looking forward to hiking and exploring mountainous roads should wait until late June when most access roads open for the summer. If you’re chasing the northern lights, September through April provide the best chance of seeing these spectacular natural wonders.

Although summer brings access to astonishing summer scenery, winters in Iceland offer a whole host of alternative adventure sports including skiing down floodlit slopes.

Popular cities in Iceland

Reykjavik
Reykjavik
Known for Dining, Shopping and Tours
The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Reasons to visit

  • Reykjavik Harbour
  • Laugavegur
  • Harpa
Skogar featuring a waterfall as well as a large group of people
Rangárþing eystra
Venture to sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss as you discover Rangárþing eystra.

Reasons to visit

  • Skogafoss
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Eyjafjallajokull
Laugarvatn showing snow and mountains
Bláskógabyggd
Check out the local area in Bláskógabyggd—home to attractions like Gullfoss and Geysir Hot Springs.

Reasons to visit

  • Thingvellir National Park
  • Geysir Hot Springs
  • Laugarvatn Fontana
Borgarnes
Borgarnes
Known for Northern lights, Mountains and Golf
Experience secluded Borgarnes: its museums, northern lights, adventures, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Grabrok
  • Hraunfossar
  • Glanni Waterfall
Akureyri featuring a coastal town
Akureyri
Known for Northern lights, Cafes and Whale watching
Visit museums and a magnificent church and stroll leisurely in the botanical garden of what has been nicknamed “the capital of northern Iceland.”

Reasons to visit

  • Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall
  • Akureyri Church
  • Akureyri Botanical Garden
'Completed: 2002
Trivia: Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world's major plate boundaries, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. With the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates continuously drifting apart, linear fractures, known as fissures, form. The Bridge between the two continents is a small footbridge over such a major fissure. Consequently, you can have one foot on European soil and the other on North American soil at the same time.'
Reykjanesbær
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Walking
Trip time! Discover the museums and local cuisine in Reykjanesbær.

Reasons to visit

  • Viking World Museum
  • Bridge between Continents
  • Reykjanesviti

Iceland

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: