Travel Tips
Iceland
Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and hot springs are all within reach of a road trip around this dramatic island.
- Capital
- Reykjavik
- Currency
- Icelandic krona (ISK)
- Language
- Icelandic
- Best overall
- June to August, or September to March for the northern lights
- Emergency
- 112
- Electricity
- 230V, plug types C and F
Top Destinations
This country is in the Schengen Area. Many visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, while others need a Schengen visa. Check the current rules for your passport, including the EES and ETIAS entry systems. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Summer has nearly endless daylight and open highland roads. Winter is best for northern lights, with short days and harder driving.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Reykjavik
A small, colorful capital and a base for day tours.
Golden Circle
Thingvellir, Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Vik and the South Coast
Waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Jokulsarlon
A lagoon of drifting icebergs.
Akureyri
The gateway to whale watching and Lake Myvatn in the north.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 2 Reykjavik
- Day 3 Golden Circle
- Days 4 to 5 Vik and the South Coast
- Days 6 to 7 Jokulsarlon, then return
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Renting a car gives the most freedom. Check road and weather conditions every day.
- Never drive off-road. It is illegal and damages the land.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Cards work almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
- Iceland is expensive, so budget for food and fuel.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Icelandic lamb soup.
- Skyr: thick, protein-rich yogurt.
- Fresh Arctic char or cod.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Respect warning signs at black sand beaches, where sudden waves are dangerous.
- Check safetravel.is before any hike or drive.
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.