Iceland
Iceland is a young island still being made: lava fields steam beside glaciers, waterfalls pour off basalt cliffs and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge splits the land at Þingvellir. Summer brings near-endless daylight for road trips round the Ring Road; winter trades daylight for a chance of the northern lights. It is expensive, but much of the finest scenery costs nothing to see.
Overview
Iceland's attractions are almost all natural, and a first trip is shaped by how far you drive. A long weekend from Reykjavík covers the Golden Circle and the waterfalls of the south coast. A week takes you east along Route 1 to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, while ten days or more lets you complete the Ring Road, about 1,320 km, via the East Fjords, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri. Detours to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the remote Westfjords reward extra time, and summer opens the interior highland roads to 4x4s.
Expect high prices: a main course in a mid-range Reykjavík restaurant typically costs £20–30, and accommodation books out months ahead in summer. Many travellers self-cater from Bónus and Krónan supermarkets or hire a campervan. Weather drives everything; storms can close roads in any season, so plans need slack. The Golden Circle and south coast are crowded at midday, but an early start or a few hours' drive brings real solitude. Iceland suits hikers, photographers and confident drivers; people are often surprised by how small Reykjavík feels, and by how bright summer midnights are.
Map of Iceland
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Golden Circle
A day loop from Reykjavík taking in Þingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian plates pull apart, the Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes at Geysir, and the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall.
- 2Nature
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Icebergs calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier drift across this lagoon before washing up on the black sand of nearby Diamond Beach. Boat trips run in summer, and seals often bob between the floes.
- 3Nature
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Two of the south coast's best-known waterfalls, about half an hour apart on Route 1. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss's curtain of water, then climb the stairs beside Skógafoss, where the Fimmvörðuháls trail begins.
- 4Nature
Snæfellsnes peninsula
Often called Iceland in miniature: the glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull, black and golden beaches, seals at Ytri Tunga and the much-photographed Kirkjufell mountain near Grundarfjörður, a couple of hours' drive from Reykjavík.
- 5Nature
Lake Mývatn
A volcanic lake in the north ringed by pseudocraters, the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir and the Mývatn Nature Baths. Húsavík, under an hour away, is the country's best base for whale watching.
Biggest cities
Reykjavík
The world's northernmost national capital is compact and walkable, with the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa concert hall, geothermal pools in every district and an excellent food and bar scene.
Reykjanesbær (Keflavík)
The merged towns of Keflavík and Njarðvík sit beside the international airport; useful for a first or last night, and close to the Reykjanes peninsula's lava fields and coastline.
Akureyri
The capital of the north sits at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord, with botanic gardens, good cafés and easy access to Mývatn, Húsavík and the Goðafoss waterfall.
Reykjavík's figure covers the whole capital area, including Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður. Outside it, Reykjanesbær has recently overtaken Akureyri as the largest town.
When to go to Iceland
Best time: Jun–Aug.
Average climate in Reykjavík
Festivals & events
- Jan–FebÞorrablót
Midwinter feasts held through the old month of Þorri, roughly late January to late February, where Icelanders tuck into fermented shark, singed sheep's head, sour ram's testicles and brennivín.
- AugMenningarnótt (Culture Night)
On a Saturday in August, Reykjavík fills with free concerts, open galleries and street events, starting with the Reykjavík Marathon and ending with fireworks over the harbour.
- NovIceland Airwaves
A November music festival spread across Reykjavík's venues, showcasing new Icelandic and international acts; a good excuse for a winter city break with a chance of northern lights.
How much does Iceland cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Plokkfiskur
Comforting fish hash of boiled cod or haddock mashed with potatoes, onion and béchamel, traditionally served with buttered dark rye bread (rúgbrauð).
Kjötsúpa
Lamb soup slow-simmered with swede, carrots, potatoes and a little rice or oats; a warming staple made with free-roaming Icelandic lamb.
Pylsa (hot dog)
Iceland's hot dogs use a blend that includes lamb; order 'eina með öllu' (one with everything) for raw and crispy onions, ketchup, sweet mustard and remoulade.
Getting around
There are no trains, so most visitors hire a car or campervan and follow Route 1, the Ring Road. Highland F-roads open only in summer and require a 4x4. Strætó buses cover some long-distance routes, Flybus and other coaches link Keflavík airport with Reykjavík, and Icelandair flies from Reykjavík's domestic airport to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður. Check road.is before every drive.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CF230V — bring a UK-to-C/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +354
- Time zone
- UTC+0 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Not expected, as service is included in prices. Rounding up for an excellent guide or meal is appreciated but never required.
- Etiquette
- Shower thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering any public pool or lagoon. Never drive off-road, which is illegal, keep to marked paths around fragile moss, and remove shoes when entering homes.
- Main airports
- Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Keflavík; Akureyri Airport (AEY), Akureyri
Visas & entry for Iceland
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel to the Schengen area, which includes Iceland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Iceland are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Iceland
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Thu 22 Apr 2027 | First Day of Summer |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Pentecost |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Thu 17 Jun 2027 | National Day |
| Mon 2 Aug 2027 | Commerce Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Icelandic
| English | Icelandic | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Halló | HAH-loh |
| Thank you | Takk fyrir | tahk FIH-rir |
| Please | Vinsamlegast | VIN-sahm-leh-gahst |
| Excuse me | Afsakið | AHF-sah-kith |
| How much is this? | Hvað kostar þetta? | kvath KOS-tar THET-tah |
Know before you go
- Check road.is for road conditions and vedur.is for forecasts every morning; storms can close mountain passes at short notice, and gusts can wrench car doors, so open them carefully.
- Treat Reynisfjara and other south-coast black-sand beaches with great respect: sneaker waves surge far up the sand without warning, and several visitors have been swept away.
- Tap water is excellent, so skip bottled water. To save money, shop at Bónus or Krónan supermarkets and buy alcohol at the duty-free shop on arrival at Keflavík.
Iceland travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
The best time to visit Iceland is generally Jun–Aug. Peak months are June, July and August. Average highs in Reykjavík range from 3°C to 14°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Iceland cost per day?
Roughly £95 a day on a tight budget, £210 mid-range and £420+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Iceland?
Icelandic króna (ISK).
What plug type does Iceland use?
Type C and F sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Iceland?
Traffic drives on the right in Iceland, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Iceland?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Iceland?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can travel to the Schengen area, which includes Iceland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Iceland before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Iceland?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Bat Lyssavirus sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
