Travel landscape in Iceland
Iceland flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island known for its volcanic landscapes, geysers, powerful waterfalls, and spectacular northern lights.

Photo by X1ntao ZHOU · Pexels

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Altitude 580 m

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Icelandic
Time zones
UTC+0 (UTC+1 in summer)
Electrical outlets
230 V, plug type F (European two round pins)
Climate
Subarctic climate with cool summers and mild winters influenced by the Gulf Stream, variable and often windy weather.

Health

Healthcare is good but expensive; travel health insurance is advised.

Travel health advice

  • Drinking local spring water is generally safe.
  • Use good sun protection even in winter.
  • Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather.

Recommended vaccines: Diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (up to date); Hepatitis A (depending on activities and diet)

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)

The króna is volatile; currency exchange may be more favorable within Iceland.

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available even in rural areas.

Safety

Iceland is one of the safest countries worldwide, but remain cautious in nature and follow local safety guidelines.

  • Respect signs and barriers near volcanic areas.
  • Exercise caution on hikes and stay on marked trails.
  • Do not underestimate rapidly changing weather.

Areas to check before travel:

Regions

Reykjavík and Reykjanes Peninsula — travel guide
Region

Reykjavík and Reykjanes Peninsula

Metropolitan area and geothermal zone with hot springs and lunar landscapes.

South Coast — travel guide
Region

South Coast

Known for glaciers, majestic waterfalls, and black sand beaches.

Icelandic Highlands — travel guide
Region

Icelandic Highlands

Mountainous interior territory inaccessible in winter, known for wild landscapes.

North Iceland — travel guide
Region

North Iceland

Region rich in wildlife, volcanic sites, and charming coastal towns.

East Iceland — travel guide
Region

East Iceland

Fjord landscapes, small villages, and preserved nature.

West and Snæfellsnes Peninsula — travel guide
Region

West and Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Diverse area with mountains, beaches, and the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Cities

Reykjavík — city guide
City guide

Reykjavík

Modern capital rich in museums, restaurants, and nightlife.

  • Hallgrímskirkja Church
  • Harpa Concert Hall
  • National Museum of Iceland
  • Laugavegur Shopping Street
Akureyri — city guide
City guide

Akureyri

Second largest city, gateway to the North's natural wonders.

  • Botanical Gardens
  • Akureyri Art Museum
  • Nearby Goðafoss Waterfall
Húsavík — city guide
City guide

Húsavík

Town renowned for whale watching.

  • Whale watching tours
  • Whale Museum
Vík í Mýrdal — city guide
City guide

Vík í Mýrdal

Coastal village famous for black sand beaches and rock formations.

  • Reynisfjara black sand beach
  • Reynisdrangar sea stacks
Egilsstaðir — city guide
City guide

Egilsstaðir

Main town in the East, starting point for exploring the fjords.

  • Lagarfljót Lake
  • Nearby hiking trails
Stykkishólmur — city guide
City guide

Stykkishólmur

Picturesque port on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

  • Marine Heritage Museum
  • Boat trips to nearby islands
Selfoss — city guide
City guide

Selfoss

Urban center in the South-West, close to many natural attractions.

  • Proximity to hot springs and waterfalls

Highlights

Golden Circle — travel guide
Must-see

Golden Circle

Tourist route including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Northern Lights — travel guide
Must-see

Northern Lights

Spectacular natural light display visible during winter nights.

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs — travel guide
Must-see

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Renowned geothermal spa offering relaxation and treatments in a unique setting.

Vatnajökull National Park — travel guide
Must-see

Vatnajökull National Park

Europe's largest national park with glaciers, volcanoes, and ice formations.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall — travel guide
Must-see

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Waterfall you can walk behind for a unique perspective.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach — travel guide
Must-see

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Famous for its dramatic beauty and basalt columns.

Mývatn Volcanic Area — travel guide
Must-see

Mývatn Volcanic Area

Geothermal zone with lakes, lava fields and hot springs.

Nature & other places

Jökulsárlón — travel guide
Glacial Lake

Jökulsárlón

Glacial lagoon with floating icebergs in southeast Iceland.

Hekla — travel guide
Volcano

Hekla

One of Iceland's most active volcanoes, accessible to experienced visitors.

Dettifoss — travel guide
Waterfall

Dettifoss

Europe's most powerful waterfall, located in the North.

Snæfellsjökull — travel guide
Glacier/Volcano

Snæfellsjökull

Glacier volcano summit made famous by Jules Verne.

Landmannalaugar — travel guide
Hiking Area

Landmannalaugar

Colorful rhyolite mountain area popular for hiking.

Hornstrandir — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Hornstrandir

Isolated nature reserve in the Highlands, home to abundant wildlife.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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