Iceland Travel Guide

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Iceland Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for the Golden Circle and Reykjavik; 10-14 days for a more extensive exploration of the Ring Road

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Best Time: June to August (Summer) for milder weather Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD): Dorm bed: $25-50
Budget: $70-150
Mid-range: $180-300
Luxury: $350 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD): Budget: $20-40
Mid-range: $50-80

Visa Policy for Indians: Schengen Visa (if visiting along with other Schengen countries)

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries

Getting Around Iceland: Rental cars, buses, guided tours, domestic flights for remote areas Read More

"For the offbeat traveller"

Iceland Tourism

Iceland, in the North Atlantic, is a country of volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, and stunning waterfalls. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, it is home to active volcanoes, steaming geysers, black sand beaches, and ice caves. The country’s unique geography is shaped by both glacial and volcanic forces, creating dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. The Golden Circle route showcases some of Iceland’s most famous sights, including Thingvellir National Park, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the erupting Strokkur geyser. The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, offers a chance to soak in milky-blue, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields.

Iceland is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, with clear, dark skies in winter providing perfect conditions. The South Coast is famous for its black sand beaches, giant waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and glacial lagoons filled with floating icebergs. Adventure seekers can hike on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, explore the ice caves, or take a boat tour among the icebergs in Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The remote Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offer dramatic cliffs, puffin colonies, and rugged coastal beauty.

Best time to visit Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland is from June to August, which offers long daylight hours, mild temperatures (10–20°C), and peak tourist activities like hiking, whale watching, and exploring the highlands. September to March is the best time to see the Northern Lights, with colder temperatures (-5 to ... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Iceland

What's Great about Travelling to Iceland?

Extraordinary sights. Spectacular landscapes. Unique cultural practices. Distinguished cuisine.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Iceland?

Extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Rough, difficult to scale terrains. Remote and hence, expensive. Hard to reach.

Who should Travel to Iceland?

Adventure-seekers. Offbeat travellers.

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Read More on Iceland Travel

Nightlife in Iceland

Reykjav’k is possibly the best city in Iceland to witness and enjoy the thriving nightlife of the country. Almost all the bars are concentrated in and around Laugavegur- the main shopping street in downtown Reykjav’k area which is divided into two sections by the locals regarding nightlife - above L¾kjargata and below L¾kjargata. Pubs/bars in Iceland do not charge an entry fee (unless itÕs a cover fee for a special event/performance) so bar hopping is much easier. While there aren't any 'clubs' in Iceland per se, small cafes and bars are prevalent. One has to be at least 20 years old to enter a bar and order a drink legally. On weekdays the bars close by 1 am whereas on weekends, they are open till 5 am in the morning. Some of the best bars in Reykjav’k: Kaffibarinn, Hœrra, Club Kiki, …lstofa Korm‡ks og Skjaldar, R—senberg.

Shopping in Iceland

Best souvenirs to buy from Iceland include woolen goods - made from sheep's fur, are warm and soft - includes hats, gloves, and socks; arts and crafts. A large number of local craft shops and National Museums sell musical baskets, paintings, glasswork, and jewellery; local music CDs - for obscure and unique local music groups such as Mñm, Singapore Sling, and Bellatrix. Best shopping spots in Reykjavik: Mink Viking Portrait Studio, Nordic Stor, Handknitting Association of Iceland, 12 Tonar, Alafoss Wool Store, Kolaportid Flea Market, Kirsuberjatred, Fotografi and Thorvaldsens Bazar.

Festivals of Iceland

Westman Islands Camping Festival (First weekend of August) in the Westman Islands: Thjodhatid. Iceland Airwaves Music Festival (usually November) in Reykjav’k.
Reykjav’k Pride (August) - biggest festival in Reykjav’k 
Culture Night or 'Menningarn—tt' (August) in Reykjav’k.
Reykjav’k's Art Festival (May) in Reykjav’k
Aldrei f—r Žg su_ur Rock Music Festival (held every year during Easter) in êsafjšr_ur
Food and Fun Festival (March) in Reykjav’k
Reykjavik International Film Festival (RIFF) (September) in cinemas across Reykjav’k
Br¾_slan Music Festival (July) in Borgarfjšr_ur Eystri
LungA Art Festival (July) in Sey_isfjšr_ur in East Iceland

Tips for visiting Iceland

During summer, bring an eye mask to get a good night's sleep as the sun doesn't exactly set and there's perpetual daylight. Book hotels at least six in advance as they fill up quickly. Pack protein bars and snacks when driving through the country as there may not be eating stops on the way. Public restrooms are hard to find after the gas stations close so be prepared accordingly. Keep waterproof clothes and a raincoat while visiting the waterfalls.

Food of Iceland

The most famous food items in Iceland include dried fish pieces (har_fisku), skyr - a low-fat, yoghurt-like dairy product, smoked lamb, svi_ - singed sheep's head, Sl‡tur - a sausage made from the offal of sheep, and whale meat. _orramatur is a particularly famous dish eaten during the _orri season (late January-Early February) and served at gatherings called _orrabl—t. It includes h‡karl (putrefied shark cubes), Svi_asulta (brawn made from svi_), Lundabaggi (sheep's fat) and hrœtspungar (pickled ram's testicles). In fast food, pylsa or hot dog is a favorite. It is served with onions, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade. Food is expensive in Iceland (with a hot dog costing about ISK 250 - 400). Hence, most people prefer cooking it on their own.
Tips (70 words)

Photos of Iceland

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FAQs on Iceland

How to reach Iceland from India?

The major cities in India from where flights to Iceland operate: Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Major airline operators from India include: Icelandair, SAS, Jet Airways, Lufthansa and Etihad

Is Iceland expensive to visit for Indians?

Yes, Iceland is one of the most expensive travel destinations, especially for Indian travelers. The cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and tours is significantly higher than in India, and even compared to other European countries. A budget traveler may spend ₹12,000–₹18,000 per day, while a mid-range traveler might need ₹20,000–₹30,000 per day.

Hotels and guesthouses are pricey, with budget stays starting at ₹8,000 per night and luxury hotels costing much more. Eating at restaurants can be expensive, with a basic meal costing around ₹2,500–₹5,000 per person. Renting a car is a common way to explore Iceland, but it adds to the cost, especially with fuel prices and insurance. However, costs can be managed by staying in hostels, renting a campervan, cooking meals, using supermarket food, and choosing free attractions like waterfalls, glaciers, and hiking trails.

What month can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are from September to April, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. The peak months are October, November, February, and March, as they offer a balance of long nights and clear skies. Winter (December–January) is also good, but snowstorms can sometimes block visibility. To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, visit remote areas away from city lights, such as Thingvellir National Park, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The best time of night to see the lights is between 9 PM and 2 AM, and staying for at least 4–5 nights in Iceland improves your chances of witnessing them.

Can you wear clothes in Blue Lagoon Iceland?

Yes, you can wear swimsuits in the Blue Lagoon, but regular clothes are not allowed in the water. Visitors must shower without swimwear before entering, as per Icelandic hygiene rules, but private shower cubicles are available. You can bring your own swimsuit or rent one at the Blue Lagoon, though renting is costly. The Blue Lagoon provides complimentary silica face masks and offers luxurious spa treatments. Wearing a hat or beanie in winter is recommended, as the air temperature can be very cold while the lagoon remains warm.

Where should you stay in Iceland?

Where you stay in Iceland depends on your travel style and itinerary. Reykjavík, the capital, is the most convenient base, offering hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs with easy access to tours, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer day trips to the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and South Coast.

How to take a picture of the Northern Lights with your phone?

Capturing the Northern Lights with a phone requires some adjustments. First, use a tripod or stabilize your phone on a surface to avoid blurry images. Set your camera to night mode or manual mode, if available, and adjust the ISO to 800–3200 to let in more light. Increase the exposure time to 5–10 seconds to capture more details. Turn off the flash and avoid artificial lights around you. Apps like "NightCap Camera" (iOS) or "ProCam X" (Android) allow better control over camera settings. The best results come from shooting in raw format for later editing.

What is the prettiest part of Iceland?

Iceland is full of breathtaking landscapes, but some areas stand out as the most beautiful. The South Coast is one of the most scenic regions, featuring Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, black sand beaches in Vik, and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float under stunning Arctic skies. The Golden Circle offers a mix of geysers, waterfalls, and Thingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet. For more remote beauty, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland is often called "Iceland in Miniature", with dramatic coastlines, volcanic craters, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. In the North, Lake Myvatn and the surrounding geothermal landscapes feel almost extraterrestrial. The Westfjords are Iceland’s most untouched region, with towering cliffs, remote fjords, and Dynjandi waterfall. For those who love the Arctic wilderness, East Iceland’s fjords and puffin colonies offer a spectacular escape from the crowds.

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