Isolated in the middle of the North Atlantic, Iceland is a land of changeable climate and unpredictable weather. But with a little planning, you can prepare for anything an adventure in Iceland might throw at you. We’ve rounded up loads of tips for a planning trip to Iceland, from what to pack and how long to stay to airport transfers and how to get around the island. We’re with you every step of the way.

Travel requirements

Let’s start at the very beginning; how to get into the country. Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement, meaning those travelling from countries within the EU don’t require a visa to enter. Citizens from the UK, USA and Canada can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa too.

At the moment, there are no Covid restrictions to entering Iceland and travellers are not required to show proof of vaccination. Some airlines may request that passengers wear a mask on board though.

Iceland’s main and only international airport, Keflavik, is connected to over 100 destinations across the world. National carriers and budget airlines operate flights to Iceland, so if you’re booking in advance you can often bag a bargain flight with the likes of Easyjet, PLAY, WizzAir and Jet2.

Iceland Air operates flights from Europe, Canada and the USA and travellers often use Reykjavik as a multi-day stop-over when flying between the continents. It is also possible to get a ferry to Iceland. A weekly ferry departs from Denmark, taking two or three nights to reach Iceland via the Faroe Islands.

When to fly to Iceland

Iceland is a great destination year-round and the best month to visit Iceland depends on what you want to see and do here. For example, if you want to witness the midnight sun in Iceland – the longest days of the year when the sun barely dips below the horizon and you can see 24 hours of daylight – you’ll want to visit in June or early July. This is when Iceland’s weather is at its hottest too, though it’s very rare that the temperature goes above 30°C even in the height of summer.

Spring and summer are when the light is at its best across Iceland’s landscape and, for photographers, a Jökulsárlón tour to the glacier lagoon and diamond beach rewards with golden sunlight captured in the glacial ice.

In late autumn, winter and early spring, you have the chance to spot the aurora borealis – the unearthly green lights dancing against the night sky. Between September and March, Northern Lights tours run from Reykjavik out into the countryside where the chance of spotting this ethereal phenomenon is increased away from the city lights. Of course, the weather is cold and unpredictable in winter, but this is your best chance at spotting the Northern Lights when the nights are the longest.

Getting around Iceland

Arriving in a new country can be daunting, but it couldn’t be simpler in Iceland. All international flights land at Keflavik Airport, 50 kilometres (around 31 miles) away from the centre of Reykjavik.

The easiest way to get into the city is to use the Flybus airport transfer which is timed to meet every scheduled flight that lands at the airport. There’s always a bus waiting for you outside the arrivals terminal and booking a ticket online in advance guarantees you a seat.

Due to the quiet roads and small population, hiring a car is a popular way to see Iceland, especially in summer when the days are long. However, the weather conditions on this isolated North Atlantic island can be changeable and harsh winters make for challenging driving conditions.

If you want a hassle-free trip, basing yourself in Reykjavik and taking bus tours in Iceland can be a great way to see the sights without having to navigate difficult roads. There’s plenty to see and do in Reykjavik itself too, and you can easily spend a day sightseeing in the city.

If you have an idea of what you want to see and want the same flexibility as driving yourself, consider a tailor-made Iceland trip where you are in charge of which sights to see but a local, professional driver and guide handles all the boring logistics.

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How long to spend in Iceland

As we’ve mentioned, some travellers use Iceland as a stop-over between Europe and North America. If you only have a day or two in the country, there is an array of day tours from Reykjavik that cover the absolute highlights – the Golden Circle, the south shore and the Northern Lights in winter.

For a short stop-over completely taken care of, perhaps choose a multi-day tour covering the entire south coast in three days and a visit to the beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon where icebergs float.

Really, to make the most of the country, you’ll want to spend a week or ten days exploring the black-sand beaches, ice caps and perhaps the hiking trails of the untamed interior. You can do it under your own steam, renting a car, or with a series of day trips from Reykjavik. Or, join a week around Iceland organised tour and have it all taken care of in advance.

Leisure trips

If you’re looking for a little relaxation and time away from the hustle and bustle of the working day, Iceland has plenty to offer. Geothermal activity bubbles beneath the surface of the island, creating hot springs that naturally heat outdoor lagoons and pools.

Perhaps the most famous geothermal lagoon is the Blue Lagoon near Keflavik Airport. With mud masks, glasses of fizz and wellness treatments on offer, it’s a spa experience unlike any other, surrounded by the dramatic lava plains of the Reykjanes peninsula. You can combine Blue Lagoon tours with airport transfers to make the most of your time here.

Apart from spa days, you can hit the sights of the Golden Circle to experience Iceland’s highlights in a single day. For a more leisurely experience than simply ticking off each sight, consider a tour that stops at the Friðheimar greenhouse and café where tomatoes are grown against near-Arctic conditions, and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch amidst the vines.

Activities in Iceland

If it’s an active adventure in Iceland you are looking for, then you’ve come to the right place. The “land of ice and fire” is a hive of outdoor activities, from glacier hikes to ATV rides across the black-sand beaches. South shore tours cover myriad adventurous activities out in the wilderness – ice cave exploration, plane wrecks on the shore and boat trips out on an iceberg-filled lagoon.

If you are planning on embarking on a south shore adventure, or any adventure activities across the island, you will need to consider packing carefully. Gloves are a good idea for ATV rides, or simply to keep your fingertips warm in winter.

Any packing guide to Iceland will tell you; layers are essential, even in summer, as the weather can change without notice. It is always a good idea to bring waterproof outer layers, even waterproof trousers in winter.

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The Do’s and Don'ts of Iceland

DO drink the tap water. Icelandic water is pure enough to drink straight from the tap, and Icelanders swear it is the tastiest water in the world. Don’t worry about the smell of eggs from the shower – the hot water is heated geothermally which causes a natural smell of sulphur. Just don’t drink from the hot water tap! You can also fill up your water bottles from Iceland’s rivers, which are pure glacial water.

DON’T drive off-road. Driving off-road is illegal in Iceland and, due to seismic activity, changeable weather and rugged terrain, it can be dangerous. That waterfall in the distance might look pretty, but if there isn’t a marked road to it, you’ll have to hike.

DO eat traditional Icelandic food. Freshly caught fish and seafood is a staple in Reykjavik, often served sizzling in an iron skillet placed in front of you. Icelandic lamb is also worth a try as it has a distinctive flavour from the Arctic herbs it feeds on. If you want to sample some international food in Iceland with a bit of local flare, try one of Reykjavik’s immense food halls.

DON’T run out of battery. Keep your devices charged and bring portable chargers and power packs with you on day trips because you’ll want to snap about a million pictures of the beautiful scenery. Make sure you’ve got enough data storage too.

DO dress up warm on a Northern Lights tour. Taking place in autumn and winter late at night, it can get cold on a Northern Lights tour so layering up is essential. If it is raining or snowing you should also bring waterproof clothing.

DON’T miss Iceland’s most popular tour. Embarking on a Golden Circle tour means you can see Iceland’s absolute highlights in a single day from Reykjavik. From thundering waterfalls to geothermal geysers, it covers the most popular natural wonders on the island.

DO follow the advice on SafeTravel. If you are hiring a car and exploring the island by yourself, you will definitely need to consult SafeTravel to check the weather and road conditions daily. It can alert you to road closures and dangerous conditions, and you should always obey the advice given.

DON’T ignore road-closed signs. Even if the terrain looks ok to walk or drive, obey the signs when an attraction or road is closed. They are there for your safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a trip to Iceland?

Apart from the standard preparation for any trip – working out a budget, how long you want to stay, booking flights and accommodation in advance – there are a few specific ways to prepare for a trip to Iceland. Checking weather and road conditions before you arrive is a good idea as the weather in Iceland can be challenging, especially in winter.

Plan your packing carefully, bringing plenty of layers, waterproof clothing, swimwear for geothermal bathing and sturdy, waterproof shoes for day trips. Finally, consider booking your tours and excursions in advance so you don’t miss out. Iceland has become a popular destination over the years (it’s easy to see why), and day tours can sell out, especially in peak season.

How many days should you plan for Iceland?Though some people will visit for a short couple of days – a long weekend or as a stop-over between the continents – the ideal number of days to spend in Iceland is 7 to 10. Spending a week or just over a week is enough time to hit the highlights.

A day in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, adventures on the south shore and perhaps a pampering day in a geothermal lagoon. With two weeks in Iceland, you could see some of the lesser-known sights too, like the Snaefellsnes peninsula and Akureyri in the north.

How much should you budget for Iceland?

Let’s be honest, Iceland is not a cheap destination. The average cup of coffee costs £3.50-£4.50 ($4-$5), and the average pint of local beer is £7 ($8.50). You can be savvy, staying in hostels, bagging flights with budget airlines long in advance and using larger group tours to get around, or renting a car. You can visit Iceland on as little as $50 a day, but the average spend of someone staying in a mid-range hotel, booking day trips and excursions and eating out in the evening is around $150-$290 per day.

Can I plan my own trip to Iceland?

It’s very easy to plan your own trip to Iceland. The most important thing to remember when booking everything yourself is that the Flybus is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport and booking in advance gives you peace of mind on arrival. If you’re not hiring a car, you can base yourself in Reykjavik and use organised day trips to see the untamed wilderness of Iceland’s coast and countryside.

Do I need cash in Iceland?

Iceland is almost a cashless society these days and you can pay by card (or phone) nearly everywhere. You could probably get away with never taking money out of an ATM, but if you feel more comfortable with some cash in your pocket, just a small amount will do.

Do you tip in Iceland?

Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Iceland, but it is appreciated when it happens. After the influx of tourism over the past few years, tip jars have appeared in bars and restaurants. Tipping for good service is like in the UK; 10% is the standard.

We hope you now have all the information you need to plan a trip to Iceland. What to pack, what to book in advance, how much to budget and how to get around. All that’s left to do now is start booking those flights, hotels and day trips and enjoy the unique and wonderful sights of Iceland.