Iceland is a volcanic island, which originated only about 16 million years ago and is thus one of Europe’s youngest regions.
The island's landscape really is unique, with its fjords, impressive waterfalls, stunning hot springs, and gigantic glaciers as well as the wild, untouched highlands, which often resemble a lunar landscape.
The landscape of the island is impressionable diversified - green meadows, black lava beaches and volcanos alternate with steaming hot pots and geysers or regions with different moss, lichen, and bush. But also, fascinating fjords, waterfalls and countless lakes belong to the extraordinary natural contrast.
Iceland is influenced by the Gulf stream and possess a moderate maritime climate with cool summer and mild winter. The average temperature during the winter months lies between -5°C and +5°C and in the summer months between +10°C and +15°C.
Daylight - Sunrise & Sunset in Iceland
During summer, the nights are bright in all of Iceland. In the month of June, the sun never fully sets in the north. There are even special excursions to the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle where you can experience the midnight sun. Keep in mind, however, that the sun at midnight is not as warm as at midday, so bring along a sweater. From September through to March the amazing northern lights can be seen in different colours outside of Reykjavik and around the whole country.
Throughout the year, Iceland offers amazing travel experiences, therefore you decide what you would like to experience and, on this background, choose the right travel time. The best travel season with the most comfortable temperatures and longer days is from May to September. The highland roads are usually open from Mid-June to Mid-September. The most colourful period of nature is from mid/end of August to early October. By that time and if the nights are clear and cold, you might even be lucky to spot the first Northern lights. But if you rather prefer winterly moments, you should travel between December and March.
The national language is Icelandic which originates from the Norwegian Vikings. But also, Danish is widely spoken, and some might even speak German. But of course, everyone in Iceland is speaking English - so, no worries! Wherever you go in Iceland, you will always find hospitality and helpfulness.
The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krone (pronounced “krona”), ISK. Euro/Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards are widely used. In larger towns and airports, it is easy to withdraw cash through ATMs (cash machines).
What to pack for Iceland
A raincoat
With rain falling an average of 213 days a year in Iceland, a raincoat is definitely an item you won't want to forget. A much-needed extra layer for the subarctic climate, it will also provide protection from overzealous waterfalls.
Thermals
Having a dry layer of warmth close to your skin is something to have handy for Iceland whether summer or winter. It’s especially helpful to have close for those for those who love to spend time outdoors exploring the country’s extreme landscapes.
Earmuffs
Exposing your ears to the elements can send chills through your body - easily preventable with a warm pair of earmuffs.
Swimsuit
Icelanders take bathing very seriously. With more pools per capita than any country in the world, you may wish to take a few pairs of swimming costumes to ensure you always have one dry.
Things to Do
Reykjavik
Iceland’s Capital offers an array of discoveries. From the beautiful nature of mountains, islands, botanical gardens, arts and culture museums, shops, bars, and restaurants, there is something for everyone.· Ready for that girls or boys get together? Party the night away in Reykjavik, renowned for its weekend party scene.
Northern lights
A must-see Iceland highlights list would not be complete without mentioning the Northern Lights. This incredible natural light display is renowned for its mesmerising aura, whether it is a faint green glow on the horizon or a swathe of colourful bands rippling overhead. Often found at the top of travellers' bucket lists, the aurora borealis is at its best during the long, dark nights of winter when the sun does not overpower its glow.
Blue Lagoon
Set in a desolate landscape strewn with black lava boulders covered in moss, the Blue Lagoon steams ethereally in an otherworldly setting. Its milky-blue waters and ghostly cloud of mist are broken only by the bobbing heads of leisurely bathers. The lagoon is artificial, its waters superheated by thermal vents, exploited by the nearby Svartsengi Power Station and then fed into the water as they cool to a bath-like 37 C (99 F). It’s Iceland’s most popular attraction, but visitor numbers are limited so it never feels too busy, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is a picturesque spot on the south coast of Iceland, best known for its spectacular location on the terminal face of Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. As the glacier has retreated, it has left an ethereal glassy lagoon surrounded by black-sand beaches. Book onto our Iceland Winter Adventure to watch icebergs drift out to sea and to walk amongst giant ice boulders that litter the sands of 'Diamond Beach.'
Whale watching
If whale watching is on your wish list, several boat trips head out from Reykjavik into the Atlantic Ocean in search of humpback, orca, minke, and occasionally, the blue whale. For those that don't have good sea legs, join our Iceland Winter Adventure to travel along the northern coast of Iceland. Here you'll have a better chance of spotting whales from dry land. Look out from the coast towards the Arctic Circle and have your binoculars ready to zoom in for a closer look.
Reynisfjara black beach and basalt columns
In the south coast of Iceland, you'll uncover mystical rock formations akin to the geometric stacks of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway on our Private Self-drive Iceland Adventure. These smooth, angular stones rise out of the Atlantic and are home to an abundance of birdlife, including puffins. Tales of Icelandic folklore surmise the formation of these basalt columns, and they have often been used as a location for films and TV series including Game of Thrones.
Puffins
Iceland is a great place to see large colonies of puffin. Head to the Eastern fjord region on our Land of the Midnight Sun Iceland Tour for the best chance of spotting these much-loved seabirds. With its rich history in fishing, it's no surprise as to why these birds flock to this area. The fjords provide plenty of access to their primary food source, and the cliffs offer a safe haven from predators and the harsh Icelandic weather.
Golden Circle
The heart of Iceland's most well-known tourist route, the Golden Circle; so-called due to the jewel in its crown, Gullfoss, the triple-tiered 'golden waterfall.' Straddle North America and Europe's tectonic plates on the North-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park and ride across vast deserted landscapes on an Icelandic horse. Cosy up in a Mongolian yurt set on a traditional horse farm and enjoy views of Strokkur Geyser which erupts up to 40m every 5-10 minutes!
Geothermal pools
The sight of steam rising from the ground is common throughout Iceland. Many of the springs are hot, warmed by tectonic activity bubbling beneath the earth's surface. Visit the Secret Lagoon on our Family Iceland Yurt Adventure to enjoy a warming dip in natural geothermal pools just down the road from your yurt camp. At a balmy 38 - 40 degrees Celsius all year, this is a great way to relax after a busy afternoon of glacier walking with crampons and ice axes.
Fun Facts
More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik. This colourful and quirky city is packed with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and museums and is extremely walkable, making it a perfect destination to explore by foot.
Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans. Iceland is known as one of the youngest landmasses on the planet and was one of the last places on earth to be settled by humans. Surprisingly, over 1,100 years ago Vikings from Norway discovered Iceland by accident.
Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. The belief in elves, trolls and other mystical creature’s traces back to the Viking age. The stories are plentiful so be sure to set some time aside to speak to an Icelander to hear a tale or two!
You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round. The outdoor experience of bathing outdoors in volcanically heated pools dates back to Viking times. Hot springs can be found all around the country and come in all sizes and shapes.
Beer was banned in Iceland until 1989. Iceland went through a prohibition of beer which began in 1915 and ended in 1989 after a referendum vote by the population. Now, every March 1st, the country celebrates “Bjórdagurinn” or “Beer Day” commemorating the end of a 74-year beer ban.
Studies show that 11% of the country of Iceland is covered by glaciers! Glaciers are one of the main attractions in Iceland, and to-date there are almost 269 named. Iceland is also home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, which is equivalent to three times the size of Luxembourg or Rhode Island!
The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland from September to March. September to March is the best time for this natural light show, although of course it is never a guarantee. This incredible natural occurrence is created when solar particles interact with the atmosphere in the Earth’s magnetic field. Isn’t science so cool?
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