Iceland
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InternationalTravel.ai > Iceland

Iceland

  Coastal   Beaches  
Best Season to Visit: Summer
Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November
Famous For: Northern Lights, Glaciers and ice caves, Geothermal hot springs, Volcanic landscapes
Train Access: No
Bus Service: Yes (Strætó, very safe)
Tourist Visa: EU/EEA citizens and most Western passport holders (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Travelers must have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area; entry stamps are not issued for visa-free visitors.

Iceland combines volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and waterfalls across distinct regions. The Golden Circle route connects Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall in Southwest Iceland. The South Coast features black sand beaches at Reynisfjara and Skaftafell glacier access. North Iceland includes Akureyri city, Lake Mývatn geothermal zone, and Dettifoss waterfall. The Westfjords remain sparsely populated with dramatic cliffs and fishing villages. Travelers hike glaciers, soak in the Blue Lagoon geothermal pool, observe puffins on coastal cliffs, and chase Northern Lights in winter. Icelandic cuisine emphasizes fresh fish, lamb, and traditional dishes like plokkfiskur and rye bread baked in geothermal springs.

VRBO Vacation RentalsVRBO Vacation Rentals
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VRBO Vacation RentalsVRBO Vacation Rentals

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Iceland

Weather: Iceland experiences a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters, moderated somewhat by the Gulf Stream. Winter temperatures typically range from -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F), while summers average 10-15°C (50-59°F). The country experiences extreme seasonal variation in daylight, with nearly 24-hour daylight in summer and very limited daylight in winter. Precipitation is frequent year-round, with snow common in winter and rain throughout other seasons.
Festivals: Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik Marathon, Bræðrafélag Suðurnesja Summer Festival
Best Destinations for Kids: The Blue Lagoon near Grindavík offers warm geothermal bathing suitable for families. Perlan in Reykjavik features an indoor ice cave, planetarium, and observation deck. Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park provides glacier hiking trails with varying difficulty levels accessible to children.
Hidden Gem: The Eastfjords region around Egilsstaðir remains quieter than South Coast attractions, featuring steep fjords, hiking trails, and villages like Seyðisfjörður with colorful houses and minimal tourist infrastructure.
Budget-Friendly Advice: Guesthouses and farm stays cost 80-150 USD per night; hostels range 25-50 USD. Meals at casual restaurants run 15-25 USD; groceries from supermarkets like Bónus or Krónan cost 30-50 USD daily for self-catering. Buses operated by Strætó cover Reykjavik; long-distance travel uses FlixBus or local carriers. Car rental averages 40-70 USD daily; fuel costs approximately 1.50 USD per liter. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the country and connects major regions via public transport or self-drive.
Accessibility: Reykjavik and major towns have accessible infrastructure including ramps and accessible restrooms. The Blue Lagoon and some museums provide wheelchair access. Rural areas and mountain roads present challenges; many hiking trails and remote attractions lack accessibility features. Car rental with hand controls is available through specialized agencies.
For the Solo Traveler: Iceland is safe for solo travelers with low crime rates and well-marked trails. Public buses connect major towns; car rental enables independent exploration of remote regions. Reykjavik offers solo-friendly hostels and social atmospheres. The South Coast and Golden Circle attract solo hikers. Winter travel requires caution on icy roads; summer provides extended daylight for independent exploration. Women travelers report feeling secure in populated areas and on organized tours.
Planning a 1 Week Stay: Day 1-2: Reykjavik and Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss). Day 3-4: South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Skaftafell). Day 5-6: Vatnajökull National Park or Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Day 7: Return to Reykjavik or explore Westfjords if time permits.
Planning a 1 Month Stay: Week 1-2: Complete the Golden Circle and South Coast systematically. Week 3: Explore North Iceland including Lake Mývatn, Akureyri, and Dettifoss. Week 4: Visit the Westfjords (Ísafjörður, Dynjandi waterfall) or Eastfjords (Seyðisfjörður, Egilsstaðir) for fewer crowds. Include 2-3 days for glacier hiking, cave exploration, or multi-day treks in less-visited areas like Landmannalaugar or Thorsmörk.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Prometheus, Interstellar
Popular Foods: Traditional Icelandic cuisine includes dishes like hákarl (fermented shark), harðfiskur (dried fish), and kjötsúpa (meat soup). Skyr, a thick yogurt-like dairy product, is a popular dessert and snack. Lamb and seafood are staples in the Icelandic diet, often prepared with a focus on simplicity and purity of flavor.
Unusual Eats: Hákarl is a notorious Icelandic dish consisting of fermented Greenland shark, which has a strong ammonia smell and is an acquired taste. Svið, or singed sheep's head, is another unusual dish that can be off-putting to visitors due to its appearance and texture.
Popular Sports: football, handball, basketball, golf, swimming
Popular Teams: KR Reykjavík (football), Valur (handball), Stjarnan (football)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Visitors should avoid being loud and disrespectful in public spaces, as Icelanders value a peaceful and orderly environment. It's also considered impolite to not remove shoes when entering someone's home. Additionally, tipping is not a common practice in Iceland and can sometimes be seen as unnecessary or even insulting, as service charges are typically included in the bill.

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