Iceland Travel Guide

Iceland

Iceland is a North Atlantic island nation of roughly 370,000 people, sitting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The result is a landscape in constant, slow-motion transformation: active volcanoes, geysers, lava fields, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls share space with small fishing towns and one of the world's oldest parliaments, the Alþingi, founded in 930 CE. Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, is compact and walkable, with a lively arts and food scene that belies the city's modest size.

Greenland

Greenland is the world's largest island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Around 56,000 people live here, most in small coastal towns and villages, because roughly 80 percent of the landmass is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet. The landscape is staggering in scale — icebergs calve from glaciers into fjords, musk oxen roam the tundra, and the sky at night often blazes with the Aurora Borealis. Tourism is growing but remains modest, and infrastructure between settlements is limited. Getting around requires planning.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is Denmark's capital and Scandinavia's largest city, a place that balances historic architecture with contemporary design, cycling culture, and a globally respected food scene. The city sits on the eastern coast of Zealand (Sjælland) and is connected to Malmö, Sweden by the Øresund Bridge. It is an efficient entry point for travelers exploring Scandinavia or moving onward to Iceland or Greenland, and is a destination in its own right, with royal palaces, world-class museums, and one of Europe's oldest amusement parks.

Visas

Entry requirements for Iceland, Greenland, and Denmark differ in important ways despite Denmark's role as the sovereign state over all three. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area; Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not. This means your Schengen visa situation for Iceland does not automatically apply to Greenland. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official immigration authority of each destination before booking travel.

Health and Vaccinations

No destination-specific vaccinations are generally required for these destinations for travelers arriving from most Western countries, but you should confirm current requirements with your own health provider or government travel advisory before departure. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended for Greenland, where hospital facilities outside Nuuk are very limited.

What to Pack

All three destinations can experience rapid weather changes regardless of season. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential in Iceland and Greenland year-round. Thermal base layers, sturdy waterproof footwear, and sun protection (including sunglasses) are critical during the midnight sun months. For Copenhagen, packing depends heavily on season; summers are mild and winters are cold and dark.

• Iceland/Greenland: Always carry more warm, waterproof layers than you think you need.
• Copenhagen: A comfortable walking shoe is essential; the city is best explored on foot or by bicycle.
• All destinations: A universal power adapter (Type F plugs are standard in all three locations) and a reusable water bottle — tap water is excellent across all three.

Iceland

Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 km southwest of Reykjavík, is Iceland's primary international gateway. It is served by numerous airlines connecting to North America and Europe. A dedicated airport bus (Flybus and similar services) connects the airport to Reykjavík's main bus terminal (BSÍ), with onward connections to many hotels. Verify current schedules and fares directly with operators.

Greenland

Greenland has no direct road or ferry connection to continental Europe or North America. The most common route is by flight via Copenhagen (Kastrup Airport, CPH) or Reykjavík (KEF). Air Greenland and a small number of other carriers operate scheduled services to Greenland's main airports, including Nuuk (Godthab Airport, GOH) and Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), which has historically served as an international hub. Ferry services connect some coastal towns seasonally. Check current flight availability and routes with airlines directly, as services and airports serving international arrivals have been evolving.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup, CPH) is one of the busiest airports in Northern Europe and is well connected to destinations worldwide. It sits just 8 km from the city center, with a direct Metro line (M2) running to the city center in approximately 15 minutes. Trains and taxis are also available. The city is also reachable overland from Germany and Sweden, and by ferry from Oslo and other Scandinavian ports.

Iceland

Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavík. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire island and is paved; many interior highland roads (marked 'F-roads') require a 4WD vehicle and are only accessible in summer. Driving in Iceland requires particular care — weather can change rapidly and road conditions should be checked at road.is before each journey. Domestic flights, long-distance coaches (Strætó and other operators), and organized day tours from Reykjavík are alternatives for those not renting a vehicle.

Greenland

There are no roads connecting Greenland's towns. Helicopters and small propeller aircraft operated by Air Greenland serve most settlements. Coastal ferries (Arctic Umiaq Line) connect communities along the west coast seasonally. Dog sledding remains a practical form of transport in some northern settlements in winter. Plan transportation between towns carefully and well in advance; weather disruptions are common and can cause significant delays.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is extremely well served by public transportation. The Metro runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. S-Tog (suburban rail), buses, and harbour buses extend the network across the wider city and region. The city is also one of Europe's most cycle-friendly capitals; bicycle rentals are widely available. Taxis and ride-hailing apps operate throughout the city. The Copenhagen Card (verify current pricing and coverage on the official tourism site) can offer convenience for visitors combining transport and museum entry.

Iceland

• The Golden Circle: A popular day-trip route from Reykjavík taking in Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the original Alþingi), the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
• The Blue Lagoon: A geothermal spa in a lava field near Keflavík. Entry requires advance booking; verify current prices and availability on the official Blue Lagoon website.
• Vatnajökull National Park: Europe's largest national park by area, encompassing Europe's largest glacier. Glacier hikes and ice cave tours operate from several bases; use only certified, licensed guides.
• Northern Lights: Best viewed away from light pollution between September and March on clear nights; no viewing can be guaranteed as it depends on solar and atmospheric conditions.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A geologically diverse peninsula northwest of Reykjavík, capped by the Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano, which Jules Verne made famous in Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
• Whale watching: Operating from Reykjavík's Old Harbour and Húsavík (often called Iceland's whale-watching capital); species sightings vary seasonally.

Greenland

• Ilulissat Icefjord (Sermeq Kujalleq): A UNESCO World Heritage Site where one of the world's most active glaciers calves enormous icebergs into a fjord. Hiking trails surround the fjord near the town of Ilulissat.
• Dog sledding: A traditional and still-active means of transport in northern Greenland, available as a guided experience in winter in towns such as Ilulissat and Sisimiut.
• Northern Lights: Greenland's remote, dark skies make it one of the world's premier Aurora viewing locations, best from autumn through early spring.
• Nuuk: Greenland's capital has a small but thoughtful National Museum of Greenland, the colorful harbor district, and direct access to fjords and hiking.
• Hiking around Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq: Both towns are departure points for serious trekking in summer, including the multi-day Arctic Circle Trail connecting the two.

Copenhagen

• Tivoli Gardens: One of the world's oldest operating amusement parks, opened in 1843, centrally located. Verify current opening hours and seasonal schedules on the official Tivoli website.
• Nyhavn: The 17th-century waterfront canal district lined with colorful townhouses. Worth a walk; note that restaurants here are generally tourist-priced.
• The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet): Covers Danish and world history from prehistoric times; verify opening hours and admission on the official site.
• Christiansborg Palace: Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms; parts open to visitors — check current access on the official site.
• The National Gallery of Denmark (SMK): Denmark's largest art museum, spanning Danish and international works from the 14th century to the present.
• Freetown Christiania: A self-governing neighborhood with a distinct social history, street art, and alternative culture. Visitors are welcome in most areas; note that photography is restricted in some parts and local rules should be respected.
• Day trip to Roskilde: About 30 minutes from Copenhagen by train, Roskilde is home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum.

Iceland

Icelandic cuisine is rooted in the practicalities of a remote island environment: fish, lamb, and dairy are foundational. Skyr, a thick cultured dairy product similar to strained yoghurt, is eaten widely. Fresh fish (cod, haddock, Arctic char) and lamb are prepared simply and well. Hot dogs (pylsur) from roadside kiosks — made partly from lamb — are a beloved local staple. Reykjavík has a sophisticated restaurant scene that goes well beyond traditional food, with several restaurants recognized in the Nordic dining conversation. Alcohol is available but heavily taxed; the State Alcohol and Tobacco Company (Vínbúðin) operates the only licensed off-licence stores.

Greenland

Traditional Greenlandic food (kalaalimernit) centers on marine mammals, arctic fish, and game: musk ox, reindeer, seal, and Greenlandic lamb (not to be confused with Icelandic lamb — it is a distinct product). Restaurants are concentrated in Nuuk and larger towns; expect a limited range in smaller settlements. Prices are generally high due to the cost of importing goods. Local markets in Nuuk occasionally sell country food (traditional hunted and harvested foods).

Copenhagen

Copenhagen has one of Europe's most dynamic food scenes, anchored by the New Nordic cuisine movement that emerged in the early 2000s. The city has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, including Noma, which repeatedly ranked among the world's best restaurants and has influenced culinary thinking globally (verify its current status before planning a visit, as it has undergone changes). Beyond the high end, Copenhagen has a strong café culture, excellent open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), and diverse international dining options across all price points. The Torvehallerne market near Nørreport station is a practical and good-quality destination for local produce, pastries, and prepared food.

Money

• Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Cards are accepted nearly universally; Iceland is effectively a cashless society in most contexts.
• Greenland uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Card acceptance is good in towns but carry some cash for smaller settlements.
• Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted; contactless payment is the norm.

Electricity

All three destinations use Type F (Schuko) plugs at 230V/50Hz. Travelers from North America will need both an adapter and a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices.

Internet and Connectivity

Coverage is good in Reykjavík and along Iceland's main routes but drops in remote highland areas. Greenland has mobile coverage in its towns; satellite-dependent connectivity elsewhere is limited. Copenhagen has excellent connectivity throughout the city, with public Wi-Fi widely available.

Emergency Contacts

In Iceland and Denmark (EU emergency number): 112 connects to police, fire, and ambulance. In Greenland: 112 is also the emergency number; however, emergency services in remote areas operate differently, and response times can be very long — verify locally. For any destination, register your travel plans with your home country's consular service and carry the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate.

Iceland

Iceland consistently ranks as one of the world's safest countries for travelers. Petty crime is rare. The primary safety risks are environmental. Weather changes rapidly and can be severe; always check forecasts at vedur.is (Icelandic Met Office) before outdoor activities. Stay on marked paths around geothermal areas — the ground can be dangerously thin and boiling water sits just below the surface. Never approach breaking waves on the coast; sneaker waves on Iceland's black sand beaches have caused fatalities. Check road conditions at road.is before driving.

Greenland

Greenland presents real wilderness challenges. Emergency infrastructure outside major towns is sparse. Weather can ground aircraft or ferries for days. If undertaking hiking or multi-day outdoor activities, register your plans with local authorities, carry satellite communication, and ensure your travel insurance specifically covers remote medical evacuation. Wildlife (including polar bears in the far north and east) requires awareness and appropriate precaution in relevant areas.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a low-crime city by global standards. Standard urban precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings and belongings in busy tourist areas and on public transport. Bicycle theft is relatively common; always lock rental bikes securely.

Iceland

Icelanders have a strong literary and storytelling tradition, most famously the medieval Sagas, which remain widely read today. The language has changed relatively little over centuries, meaning modern Icelanders can read medieval texts with modest effort. The country has a notably egalitarian social culture; informal interactions are the norm. Tipping is not customary and can occasionally be seen as out of place.

Greenland

Greenlandic culture is primarily Inuit in origin, with Danish colonial influences layered over centuries. Contemporary Greenlandic identity involves an ongoing conversation about language preservation (Kalaallisut), self-governance, and the rights and representation of Indigenous communities. Visitors should engage with this context respectfully. When visiting smaller communities, follow the lead of local hosts regarding photography, particularly of people and homes. The concept of pissarissaarineq — doing things properly and with care — shapes social interactions.

Copenhagen

Danes are often described by social researchers as among the world's most content populations, a reality linked to strong social trust, public institutions, and community values. The concept of hygge — a sense of coziness, convivial warmth, and togetherness — is genuinely part of Danish social life, though it has been commercially overstated internationally. Cyclists have right-of-way in many situations; pedestrians should look both ways before stepping into cycle lanes, which are separate from both roads and footpaths. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated for good service in restaurants.