Iceland

Iceland - the magical land of the North

Guide to Iceland

Basic Information

The northern country of Iceland boasts incredible beauty and charm. In winter, you can experience skiing, snow-covered fir trees, cozy warm lodges with crackling fires, and hot drinks to keep you warm. During summer, you can marvel at the breathtaking scenery, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, and wander for hours in the tranquil expanses of Iceland. Here, village rooftops are still adorned with moss, and friendly relations are maintained with trolls and other forest creatures, crafting an atmosphere reminiscent of a magical northern fairy tale.

Photos of Iceland

Lake colorful mountain landscape, Iceland

A pack of deadbeats standing on a rock, Iceland.

Beautiful super view from the air from a wide angle

Capital

Reykjavik

Language

Icelandic

Currency

Icelandic krone (ISK)

Time zone

UTC±0:00

Population

321 857

Territory

103,000 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Skeer — a fermented milk product for breakfast, snack and for dessert.

Sweed — burned sheep's head.

Kitsupa — a rich lamb soup.

Haukarl — shark jerky.

Black Death (Brennivin) — Icelandic schnapps

Atlantic fish — cod, pike, monkfish and salmon.

Things to do in to Iceland

These places and attractions are quite popular with tourists and it will help you to understand what Iceland is all about.

Go on a whale safari.
Riding Icelandic horses.
Attend a party in Reykjavik.
Take a trip to Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland.
Relax at the Blue Lagoon Spa Complex.
See the Dettifoss waterfall in northern Iceland.
Посетить Западные фьорды.
Visit the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón.
Swim in a natural hot spring.
Drive along the Golden Ring in winter, with snowmobiling or snorkeling.
To see the northern lights.
Hike on a glacier and visit an ice cave.

Tips

When driving, you should never drive off the road. Firstly, you can get into trouble because it is against the law, and secondly, Icelanders are very considerate of the environment, which can be damaged by driving through untouched territory.

In Iceland it is not customary to tip. Therefore, it is better to refrain from paying extra to the service staff, even if the service was excellent - it can even offend. You should therefore limit yourself to verbal praise.

In Iceland, you can drink tap water. Icelanders will be incomprehensible and surprised at a tourist's desire to buy bottled water when there is clean and tasty tap water right under their noses. This can make you look squeamish and arrogant.

Icelanders love to spend their free time in thermal pools and saunas. There is a strict rule: before immersing yourself in the water, you must clean yourself with soap and water under the shower. Thanks to this strict hygiene rule, the water in the natural pools remains clean - and Icelanders are known to be environmentally and ecologically conscious.

Sights

The main attractions of Iceland are natural in nature. The volcanic nature of the island has given rise to many unique places. In Iceland you can see geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls and glaciers. And the beauty of local fjords will leave a trace in the soul of any traveler.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just half an hour's drive from Reykjavík and the same distance from Keflavík International Airport. Here you can not only soak in the famous thermal waters, but also apply natural cosmetics.

Jokulsarlon

Jökulsárlón is a very beautiful place with a hard-to-pronounce Icelandic name. Popular for its icebergs made of blue ice, the proximity of the glacier, and at the same time the proximity of the ocean. Here you will have an opportunity not only to observe real icebergs, but also to swim among them on an amphibious ship. You may also be lucky enough to see a new iceberg breaking away from the glacier.

Tingvellir

Thingvellir National Park is one of the main components of Iceland's Golden Ring. Many people, due to time constraints, devote very little time to this place, sometimes only a couple of hours.... But Thingvellir Park is huge! There are many hiking trails where you can see and feel the nature of Iceland more fully.

Tours to Iceland

Tours to Iceland offer various destinations at different times of the year. During summer, most travelers aim to visit the Blue Lagoon and admire the geysers and fjords of the island. In winter, the focus shifts to the ski resorts in the country's interior. Thermal resorts in Iceland remain popular year-round, even in the rainy month of November.

In the summer, tours to Iceland's coast typically cost around 800 EUR for two people for a week. This price includes round-trip flights, accommodation in a 2* hotel, and breakfast. In the winter, a similar trip can be found for as low as 600 EUR. Despite the allure of the country's ski and thermal resorts, the cold weather in Iceland during winter tends to deter tourists, leading hotels to significantly reduce their room rates. Consequently, it's relatively easy to find affordable accommodation during a winter tour to Iceland.

Notably, tours to Iceland in November are even cheaper than during the peak of winter. The rainy and damp weather of this month tends to make Iceland less attractive to most tourists.

Where to go to Iceland?

Iceland is indeed a true treasure trove for travelers. It seamlessly combines the mesmerizing beauty of seaside resorts with the winter charm of ski resorts, making it a dream destination for a perfect winter vacation. The thermal resorts in Iceland provide a complete vacation experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's history and witness its captivating beauty. With the assistance of Tripmydream, you can easily decide on your ideal destination within Iceland.

Reykjavik

When to go to Iceland

The timing of your trip to Iceland hinges entirely on your personal preferences. Summer offers a chance to visit the Blue Lagoon's coastal area, where you can experience the unique opportunity to swim in the northern part of the ocean. It's also a great time to witness Iceland's volcanic beauty in the warmth of the season. However, Iceland's winter, despite its chilly temperatures, possesses its own unique charm. Thermal resorts are welcoming year-round. Let Tripmydream assist you in deciding when to embark on your journey to Iceland.

Iceland in spring

Spring in Iceland is not much different from winter. The weather is just as cold, with temperatures not rising above +3°C. But the snows are already beginning to melt, gradually freeing up the land. From April, the air gradually warms up and the rains end in May.

Iceland in summer

White nights come to Iceland in summer. In the southern part of the country the night lasts hardly four hours, while in the north the total is less. The air temperature reaches +20°C on the southern coast and up to +10°C in the north. At this time, the swimming season in the Blue Lagoon begins.

Iceland in the fall

In September in Iceland the temperature on the coast stays around +10...+12°C. But from October onwards, the weather starts to cool rapidly and the country receives heavy rains. In the central regions of the country it starts to snow at this time, and by the end of November snow drifts are not uncommon.

Iceland in winter

In the capital of Iceland, the winter temperature stays at +2°C. But outside the cities, closer to the center of the country, frosts can reach -20°C. However, you can see the northern lights and go skiing on the mountain slopes.

Usefulness

The information about Iceland that our experts have prepared for you may come in handy while traveling around the country.

Visa to Iceland

No visa needed for European citizens

Customs & Tax Free

Iceland's customs regulations include items common to the Schengen area with the addition of national specificities.

Travel by car

Renting a car in Iceland is more expensive than in many countries. Prefer jeeps, so you can comfortably get anywhere you want to go.

Phrasebook for tourists

Although many Icelanders know English, it is still worth learning a few phrases in Icelandic. If only to understand the signs and signposts.

Public transport and prices

Transportation in Iceland is mainly represented by buses. Most of the routes run along Road No. 1, which runs along the coast of the island.

Events

If you want to visit one of Iceland's holidays, it's worth checking out our calendar of Icelandic events.