Overview
Iceland is a volcanic island nation in the North Atlantic, sitting astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Its landscape is a direct consequence of this geology: active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and glaciers cover much of the country's roughly 103,000 square kilometres.
Despite its dramatic terrain, Iceland has a relatively mild maritime climate compared to its name suggests. Coastal areas rarely experience extreme cold in winter, though wind and rapidly changing weather are constants. The interior highlands, however, are genuinely remote and inaccessible by standard vehicles outside of summer months.
With a population of around 353,000 — nearly half of whom live in the capital, Reykjavík — Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. That sparse settlement is part of the appeal: travellers can drive for hours through volcanic terrain and encounter almost no one. The country consistently ranks among the world's safest and most peaceful nations, and its infrastructure for tourism is well developed.
Before You Go
Visas
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area but is not an EU member state. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for general guidance, and verify your specific requirements directly with Iceland's Directorate of Immigration (utl.is) well before travel.
Health & Insurance
No vaccinations are specifically required for Iceland. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and outdoor rescue is strongly recommended — search-and-rescue operations in Iceland's wilderness are frequent and occasionally costly depending on circumstances. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is recognised for EU/EEA citizens.
What to Pack
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers regardless of season
- Thermal base layers even in summer, especially for highland or glacier excursions
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — summer UV levels are higher than many expect
- A reusable water bottle; tap water in Iceland is among the cleanest in the world
Money
Card payments are accepted almost universally, including in very small villages. Carrying some ISK cash is still advisable for the most remote stops. ATMs are available in Reykjavík and most larger towns. Verify current exchange rates and any foreign transaction fees with your bank before departure.
Getting There
By Air
Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 kilometres southwest of Reykjavík, is Iceland's main international gateway and handles the vast majority of visitor arrivals. Numerous airlines operate scheduled services from Europe and North America, with flight times of roughly 2–3 hours from London or 5–7 hours from the US East Coast. Reykjavík's smaller domestic airport (RKV) handles internal flights and some charter services.
From the Airport to Reykjavík
Several options connect Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík and surrounding areas, including scheduled bus services and taxis. Journey time by road is roughly 45–60 minutes. If you plan to hire a car — which most visitors do — rental desks are available at the airport. Verify current transport options and booking requirements on the operators' official websites, as schedules and pricing change seasonally.
By Sea
Smyril Line operates a ferry service between Denmark (Hirtshals), the Faroe Islands, and Seyðisfjörður in east Iceland. This is a scenic but lengthy option, suited to travellers who want to bring their own vehicle or prefer sea travel. Crossings take multiple days; check current schedules and availability directly with Smyril Line.
Getting Around
Renting a Car
A rental car is the most practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavík. The Ring Road (Route 1) circles the entire country and is paved throughout. Most visitors use a standard 2WD vehicle for coastal and Ring Road travel; a 4WD (ideally high-clearance) is required for the F-roads that access the interior highlands, and driving F-roads in anything other than an approved 4WD vehicle is illegal and dangerous. Check rental agreements carefully — not all insurance covers all terrain.
Domestic Flights
Air Iceland Connect and other operators run domestic flights connecting Reykjavík with the Westfjords, Akureyri, the East Fjords, and other regions. Flying can save significant travel time in the Westfjords especially. Book ahead; capacity is limited and routes fill quickly in summer.
Buses
Strætó operates urban bus services in the Reykjavík Capital Region. Long-distance bus services connect major towns and tourist sites, though frequency is far lower than car travel and many remote sites are not served. Services are reduced significantly outside summer months — verify routes and timetables on the operators' websites.
Organised Tours
Day tours and multi-day guided tours depart Reykjavík regularly and offer access to sites like the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and glacier walks without needing a car. These are a reasonable option for travellers who prefer not to self-drive.
Things to See & Do
Natural Landscapes
- The Golden Circle: A popular day-route from Reykjavík encompassing Þingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tectonic plates meet), the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall
- The Ring Road (Route 1): Circumnavigating the island takes roughly 7–10 days at a relaxed pace and passes through dramatically varied scenery
- Vatnajökull National Park: Europe's largest national park by area, home to the Vatnajökull ice cap, glacier tongues, and the Skaftá river canyons
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A compact region with a glacier-capped volcano, lava fields, fishing villages, and birdlife
- The Westfjords: Iceland's most remote region, known for towering sea cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall, and Arctic fox sightings
Northern Lights
The aurora borealis is visible from Iceland roughly from September through March on clear, dark nights away from light pollution. Forecasting apps and websites (the Icelandic Met Office publishes an aurora forecast at en.vedur.is) help plan viewing. There is no guarantee of sightings — cloud cover and solar activity are variable.
Geothermal Bathing
Geothermal pools are embedded in Icelandic daily life. Beyond the famous Blue Lagoon near Keflavík, most towns have a public geothermal swimming pool (sundlaug) that locals use year-round. Admission fees, hours, and facilities vary — verify locally.
Glacier Activities
Guided glacier walks, ice climbing, and snowmobile tours operate on Vatnajökull, Sólheimajökull, Langjökull, and other glaciers. These must be undertaken with a qualified guide; glaciers contain crevasses and conditions change constantly.
Whale Watching
Húsavík in north Iceland has a long-standing reputation as one of Europe's best whale-watching locations. Tours also depart from Reykjavík and Akureyri. Common species include humpback, minke, and blue whales, though sightings are never guaranteed. The season generally runs April through October.
Food & Drink
Icelandic Cuisine
Traditional Icelandic food reflects centuries of practical necessity in a remote, resource-limited environment. Lamb, fish (particularly cod, haddock, and Arctic char), skyr (a thick cultured dairy product), and root vegetables are staples. Lamb in Iceland is generally free-range and grass-fed, and its quality is widely praised.
What to Try
- Skyr: Thick and high in protein, eaten as yogurt or used in desserts — widely available in supermarkets and cafés
- Plokkfiskur: A traditional fish stew made with white fish, potatoes, and béchamel
- Kjötsúpa: Lamb soup with vegetables, a warming staple in colder months
- Hákarl: Fermented Greenlandic shark — an acquired taste with a powerful ammonia smell, traditionally associated with the midwinter Þorrablót festival
- Fresh fish and seafood: Particularly good along the coast and in fishing towns
Dining Out
Reykjavík has a diverse restaurant scene with international options alongside Icelandic cuisine. Outside the capital, restaurants are fewer and may have limited hours — particularly in off-season. Eating out in Iceland is generally expensive by European standards; self-catering using supermarkets is a common cost-saving strategy.
Alcohol
Alcohol is only sold in state-run Vínbúðin stores (limited locations and hours) and licensed restaurants and bars. Supermarkets sell beer up to 2.25% ABV. Prices are high. Bringing a personal duty-free allowance through the airport is a common practice — check current limits with Icelandic customs (tollur.is).
Practical Information
Emergency Services
The general emergency number in Iceland is 112. ICE-SAR (Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue) is a volunteer organisation that conducts the majority of wilderness rescues. Travellers can register their itinerary with safetravel.is before setting out, which aids rescue efforts if something goes wrong.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in populated areas and along most of the Ring Road, but can be absent in the interior highlands. Check with your carrier about roaming. Iceland uses European-standard plugs (Type F, 230V/50Hz).
Costs
Iceland is consistently one of the more expensive countries in Europe for travellers. Accommodation, dining, tours, and fuel all carry significant costs. Budgeting carefully and booking accommodation well in advance — especially in summer — is advisable.
Safetravel & Road Conditions
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (vegagerdin.is) and safetravel.is both publish real-time road conditions, weather warnings, and travel advisories. Checking these daily is strongly recommended, as road closures due to weather or volcanic activity can occur without long notice.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Iceland and is not expected. Service is included in prices.
Safety
Iceland is among the safest countries in the world in terms of crime. Petty crime is low and violent crime is rare. The primary risks for travellers are environmental.
Environmental Hazards
- Sneaker waves and coastal cliffs: The South Coast in particular has powerful, unpredictable waves at black sand beaches such as Reynisfjara. Fatalities have occurred — always maintain distance from the water's edge and heed warning signs
- Geothermal areas: Hot springs and mud pools can be extremely hot. Stay on marked paths and do not touch or enter natural geothermal pools without confirming they are designated bathing sites
- Glacier and mountain terrain: Never venture onto glaciers or into the highlands without appropriate preparation, equipment, and ideally a guide
- Volcanic activity: Iceland has active volcanoes. Monitor the Icelandic Met Office (en.vedur.is) and civil protection updates if travelling near volcanic zones
- Weather: Conditions can change rapidly. Check forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office before any outdoor activity
Local Culture & Etiquette
Iceland has a small, tightly connected society with deep roots in Norse settlement and a strong tradition of literary culture — the medieval Icelandic Sagas remain central to national identity. The country has a high degree of gender equality, a strong environmental consciousness, and ranks consistently highly on global quality-of-life indices.
Icelanders generally have a low-key, direct manner. English is spoken fluently by the large majority of the population, particularly among younger generations, so language is rarely a barrier for travellers. Making an effort with basic Icelandic greetings ("Halló", "Takk" for thank you) is appreciated but not expected.
Respect for nature is taken seriously. Driving off-road is illegal throughout Iceland — tyre tracks in fragile moss and lava fields can take decades or longer to recover. Stay on marked trails, use designated campsites, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Safetravel.is provides guidance on responsible travel in the Icelandic wilderness.
