Iceland, a magical and almost surreal land, a place where Mother Nature is still the mistress of the house, where you feel really small. It is that destination where you go from a black sandy beach to lava fields, from an ice lagoon to still active volcanoes: not by chance, it is called the land of ice and fire. One of those destinations to visit at least once in a lifetime, to be overwhelmed and captivated.
Here are all our tips for planning a trip to Iceland!
What to see in Iceland: cities and places of interest
1 - Reykjavík
Photo by Samantha Olivo. 
Photo by Samantha Olivo. 
Photo by Samantha Olivo. Reykjavik is Iceland's capital, the gateway to this beautiful country. It is in fact the first stop on any Icelandic trip, as it is less than 1 h by car from the international airport (also connected by shuttle bus to/from Keflavik). One generally dedicates one or two days to the city, and then sets off on an on-the-road trip along the Ring Road, Iceland's main and longest road, which runs round the entire island.
If you only stay a short time in the city, we recommend following this one-day itinerary. Definitely not to be missed is a visit to the Hallgrimskirkja Church, the city's most impressive building. Then move on to the unique Harpa Concert Hall, one of the symbols of the city (guided tours from ISK 1,750.00/€11.20), overlooking the harbour. Finally, it is impossible not to admire the sunset (if the sky is not cloudy) from the Sun Voyager, or Sólfar in Icelandic, one of the most photographed places in Reykjavik!
The tastiest hot dog in Iceland: for a typical lunch break, stop at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand, known to be the most famous and tastiest in Iceland! A typical and, above all, cheap lunch (a factor not to be underestimated in Iceland). Then let us know if they really are the tastiest! Get directions
2 - Golden Circle
The Golden Circle, or Golden Circle, is one of the most popular excursions to do from Reykjavik. It is a circular route with some of the country's most beautiful natural wonders! Due to the complexity of the route, we recommend a guided excursion from Reykjavik, and in any case, budget at least one full day for the visit.
The first stop, about 50 km from Reykjavík (45 min by car) is the Thingvellir National Park, the most important site for Icelandic history and culture. Here you will also find the Silfra Fault, the rift between the continental faults of Europe and America: book a snorkelling session, it's too worth it!
The second stop is the geothermal area of Haukadalur, a 50 min drive from Thingvellir, where Geysir, Iceland's most famous geyser, is located.
Finally, just 10 min from the geothermal area are the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls, the last stop on the Golden Circle. One of the most beautiful in the country, these marvellous waterfalls have a total height of 32 m and its waters come from the Langjökull glacier.
Finally, a further stop added to the Golden Circle is the Kerid Crater. This is a volcanic crater that dates back 6,500 years and now houses a lake (being on private land, the cost is ISK 400.00/€2.60). You can either follow the path to the top of the crater or walk down to the lake to touch the water.
Typical Icelandic lunch at the Fridheimar Farm: this is located halfway between the Gullfoss waterfalls and the Kerid Crater and is a must. In addition to sampling dishes prepared with 0-km products, you can meet its animals, especially the Icelandic horses. Get directions
3 - Reykjanes Peninsula
Photo by Ainars Brūvelis. 
Photo by Samantha Olivo. The Reykjanes Peninsula is best known for two things: hosting Keflavik International Airport and the world-famous Blue Lagoon, or Blue Lagoon. The latter is one of the best known attractions in Iceland and is a geothermal area with a thermal pool! From Reykjavik you can reach it by car in about 40 min or by booking a return transfer.
But the Reykjanes peninsula is much more: it has spectacular scenery and unique attractions! Don't miss a quick stop at Brúin milli heimsálfa, the Bridge of Two Continents, located between the Eurasian and American plates! From the Reykjanes Lighthouse, on the other hand, you can admire a spectacular panorama.
But recently, another great natural attraction has been added: in March 2021, after 800 years of inactivity, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted. Parking areas have already been built and paths prepared to reach the area and admire this spectacle of nature.
How to organise an excursion to the volcano: it can be done independently or with a guided excursion from Reykjavik. On your own, just park in the designated areas and follow the well-marked path. The lava fields are only a 25-minute walk away.
4 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Photo by Samantha Olivo. If south of Reykjavik we find the Reykjanes Peninsula, to the north we find the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a true Icelandic gem! If you always stay in Reykjavik, again we recommend a guided one-day tour, transport included. Here, you will find one of the symbols of Iceland: the unmistakable and iconic Kirkjufell mountain. The best place to admire it, and to take the classic postcard photo, is from the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls.
But on the peninsula there are plenty of other activities to do and magical places, more or less well known, to see. Arriving from Reykjavik, here are the stops we recommend! Stop first at the Ytri Tunga beach: this is still a little-known place where a whole colony of seals live, which you can admire from very close up. Then continue along the road to Búðakirkja, the spectacular black church, whose colour contrasts with the landscape. Back on the road, you cannot miss Lóndrangar, known as the Castle of Iceland. But it is not a castle built by humans: it is made of lava matter, an undisputed spectacle! The last stop is Saxhóll, the crater of a volcano that has been inactive for centuries, before arriving at the town of Olafsvik, from where boat excursions for whale watching also depart. All along the way, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Snæfellsjökull glacier!
Plan youritinerary well: the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is really full of things to do and see, those mentioned are just a few. To visit it all at your leisure, the best solution is a 2-day tour from Reykjavik. If you only have one day at your disposal, we advise you to select well the things to see and which, unfortunately, to leave out.
5 - Vík and Reynisfjara beach
After visiting the Golden Circle, another very famous area of southern Iceland is Vík. Here, too, it is best to get around with a rental car or opt for a guided day tour from Reykjavik.
Vík is actually a very small town, but it is known for its spectacular black beach, Reynisfjara Beach! Here you will find a spectacular basalt cave, the Hálsanefshellir Cave, and the famous stacks. But that's not all: this is one of the best places to see Puffins in summer, the beautiful puffins.
To admire the beach from above, however, you can go to the nearby Dyrhólaey viewpoint. From here you can see the entire black beach, the small beach of Kirkjufjara and the peculiar arch-shaped rock formation. But that's not all: if you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of seals in the ocean!
Reach the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck: this is the wreck of a US Navy plane that made an emergency landing not far from Vik in 1973. It has never been moved since then and today it has become a real attraction. It is a spectacular and unusual site, much loved by photographers. Get directions
6 - South Iceland Waterfalls
But the south of Iceland is not only famous for Vik. Here, in fact, are some of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in the whole country! Starting from Selfoss, in order you will first find Seljalandsfoss, then Skógafoss and finally Svartifoss.
Seljalandsfoss springs from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and makes a drop of no less than 65 m. Its special feature is that you can pass right behind it, going all the way around and admiring a unique spectacle. Small tip: equip yourself with a kway or some other protection, as you will get wet!
After this waterfall we find Skogafoss, perhaps one of Iceland's most famous images. In fact, this place has been chosen as a location for music videos and TV series, just think of Games of Thrones. It originates from the Skógaá river, which comes from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Finally, the third and last famous waterfall is Svartifoss, set in the wonderful setting of the Skaftafell Nature Park, where it is also possible to take part in a glacier trek. This waterfall, with a drop of 20 m, is characterised by its distinctive basalt columns, which frame it perfectly, and can be reached by following a path that takes about 30 min.
Discover the hidden waterfall of Gljufrabui: this waterfall is a real gem, which not many people know about. Many only dwell on Selkalandsfoss, when this waterfall is only a 10-minute walk away. It is located in a narrow canyon and to reach it you may have to walk with your feet in the water (this depends on the water flow at the time). Get directions
7 - Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Iceland is called the'Land of Ice and Fire', this is because from volcanoes and black sand beaches you move on to glaciers and ice lagoons. This is the case with Jökulsárlón, the country's largest and most famous glacial lake, which can also be reached by organised tours from Reykjavík. It lies to the south of the glacier, the largest in Europe, and it is from here that the icebergs that we can admire in the lake break off. In order to admire the icebergs up close, it is also possible to take part in tours by boat (40 min), dinghy (1 h) or kayak (1 h 30 min). A colony of almost 300 seals lives here. The enclosed and sheltered location of the lagoon is perfect for them, as they can live far away from predators.
The icebergs in the glacial lake of Jökulsárlón either melt here or are swept by the current to the shore, over the ocean. Here, in fact, lies the beautiful Diamond Beach, one of the country's most famous black beaches. Its name derives from the fact that, on this beach, there are so many icebergs, of different sizes, shining in the sun like diamonds.
Fish & Chips or Lobster Roll? Near the car park there are two stands selling excellent fish & chips, strictly with Atlantic cod, and an equally delicious Lobster Roll. A perfect lunch break while admiring the view in front of you! Average cost per portion €13.00.
8 - Höfn and East Iceland
East Iceland may be one of the least visited places in the country, but it packs some truly spectacular scenery and natural attractions. A great place to base yourself is Höfn, the area's main town and a wonderful port town overlooking the ocean. There are no particular attractions here, but it has spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
From here you can then set off to explore the beautiful eastern fjords. A compulsory stop in Egilsstaðir, a tiny village but an excellent starting point to reach and discover the area around Lake Lagarfljót and the Hengifoss and Litlanesfoss waterfalls. The very narrow and long Lagarfljót lake is mainly talked about for one reason: it seems that for centuries its waters have been inhabited by a legendary sea monster. There are even documents testifying to this.
For the rest, the East Fjords area is worth driving through for the spectacular landscapes that can be seen from the car window, including inlets, ocean and mountains!
Beware of the road: the Ring Road is asphalted almost in its entirety, with the exception of a few sections in the East Fjords, where the road is unpaved. Particular care must be taken in these sections, driving slowly, especially when meeting other cars, to avoid lifting rocks and ruining the car body.
9 - Akureyri and Goðafoss
North Iceland is a continuous succession of landscapes and unspoilt nature, including valleys, beaches and mountains. Here, as in eastern Iceland, there are small towns, the most famous of which is Akureyri, also nicknamed the capital of North Iceland. Here, its peculiar church, whose stained glass windows tell scenes and stories from the country's Christian history, and its small botanical garden, which houses species from all over Iceland, are worth a visit! This is also a great spot to take part in whale watching cruises! The boat trips last an average of 3 hours and sightings are almost always guaranteed!
Furthermore, just 35 km from the city (30 min by car) is one of the country's most beautiful and famous waterfalls, after those already mentioned in South Iceland: we are talking about Goðafoss, which in Icelandic means'Waterfall of the Gods'. Its shape may resemble that of the Niagara Falls, obviously with a smaller size, with a drop of about 12 m. Definitely one of the most photographed spots in Iceland!
Make a stop at Dettifoss, the most impressive waterfall in Europe: this waterfall is located 150 km from Akureyri (2 h 15 min by car). It is a spectacular place, also the location for Ridley Scott's film 'Prometheus'. Beware of the choice of road to reach it: the 862 is completely paved and therefore suitable for any vehicle, while the 864 is unpaved and is closed in the winter season. Get directions
10 - Westfjords
Finally, in addition to the Eastern Fjords, the beautiful Westfjords region cannot be overlooked. This is perhaps one of the least visited areas of the country, this is mainly because of its wild and unspoilt side: here most of the roads are unpaved, thus requiring the use of a 4x4, and above all a lot of time. On the other hand, mass tourism has not yet arrived here, making this region one of the most authentic in Iceland!
The capital of the Westfjords is Ísafjörður, actually a very small town, but one that has a lively cultural life. Natural attractions to see include the Dynjandisfoss waterfall, also known as Fjallfoss, the largest in the north-western peninsula. Also not to be missed is the beautiful Patreksfjordur Bay, framed by two small firds, Patreksfjordur and Talknafjordur.
Plan youritinerary very carefully: if you don't have a 4x4, make sure the roads to be travelled are paved. Also, planning becomes essential here. To visit this area calmly, you would need at least three days, some itineraries even seven. Finally, in winter, it becomes essential to check daily for weather conditions and possible road closures. You can do this on the official road.is website
Recommended itineraries
7-day itinerary: South Iceland and Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 1: Arrival at Reykjavik airport, car rental and transfer to Reykjavik. Check into the hotel and sightseeing. Overnight stay in Reykjavik
Day 2: Early departure to visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, either independently or with an organised tour from Reykjavik. Budir Black Church, Lóndrangar, Saxhóll crater, Olafsvik town and Kirkjufell. Return and overnight stay in Reykjavik
Day 3: Departure from Reykjavik and day dedicated to the Golden Circle. Morning Thingvellir National Park. Afternoon Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall and Kerid crater. Evening arrival and overnight in Selfoss
Day 4: Departure from Selfoss and tour of southern Iceland. Morning Seljalandsfoss (with Gljufrabui) and Skogafoss. Early afternoon Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, Dyrhólaey, Vik Black Beach. Evening arrival and overnight stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Day 5: Departure from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, stop at Skaftafell National Park with the Svartifoss waterfall. Afternoon glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. Evening return and overnight stay in Vik
Day 6: Departure from Vik, arrival at the Reykjanes Peninsula with a visit to the active volcano and the Blue Lagoon. Overnight stay in Keflavik, near the airport
Day 7: Rental car drop-off and return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €1,500.00 per person
Price includes: accommodation, car rental, flights
Price does not include: lunches and dinners, travel insurance, personal expenses
10-day itinerary: along the Icelandic Ring Road
Day 1: Arrival at Reykjavik airport, car rental and transfer to Reykjavik. Hotel accommodation and city tour. Overnight stay in Reykjavik
Day 2: Departure from Reykjavik and visit to the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Geysir, Gulfoss). Arrival and overnight stay in Hvolsvöllur or Selfoss
Day 3: Departure from Hvolsvöllur or Selfoss and discovery of the southern waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss). Stop at Dyrhólaey headland, Reynisdranga stacks and Vik. Arrival and overnight stay in Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Day 4: Departure from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, stop at Skaftafell National Park with the Svartifoss waterfall. Afternoon glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach. Arrival and overnight stay in Egilsstaði
Day 5: Departure from Egilsstaði and journey through the eastern fjords. Arrival at Lake Mývatn and sightseeing of the surroundings, with a stop at Mount Krafla. Arrival and overnight stay in Akureyri
Day 6: Departure from Akureyri, morning Jökulsárgljúfur, Vatnajökull National Park, Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss waterfall. Afternoon Husavik and excursion to see the whales. Return and overnight stay in Akureyri.
Day 7: Visit of the surroundings of Akureyri, with the mountainous area of Tröllaskagi, the village of Siglufjörður and Hofsós. Arrival and overnight stay in Blönduós
Day 8: Departure from Blönduós and discovery of the Snæfellsnes peninsula with the iconic Kirkjufell. Arrival and overnight stay in Arnarstapi
Day 9: Departure from Arnarstapi and discovery of the Reykjanes Peninsula, with its active volcano and Blue Lagoon. Overnight stay in Keflavik, near the airport
Day 10: Rental car drop-off and return to Italy
How much does it cost? Price details
Price per person from: €2,000.00 per person
Price includes: accommodation, car rental, flights
Price does not include: lunches and dinners, travel insurance, personal expenses
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | -3 / 2° | 13 days / 80 mm |
February | -2 / 3° | 13 days / 80 mm |
March | -2 / 3° | 14 days / 80 mm |
April | 0 / 6° | 12 days / 60 mm |
May | 4 / 9° | 10 days / 50 mm |
June | 7 / 12° | 10 days / 50 mm |
July | 8 / 14° | 10 days / 50 mm |
August | 8 / 13° | 11 days / 70 mm |
September | 6 / 10° | 12 days / 80 mm |
October | 3 / 7° | 15 days / 100 mm |
November | -1 / 4° | 13 days / 90 mm |
December | -2 / 2° | 13 days / 80 mm |
Climate: cold oceanic type, with low temperatures, although partly mitigated by the ocean, and often cloudy skies. Perennially unstable, with precipitation distributed throughout the year
Best period: late spring to summer, for slightly milder temperatures and slightly sunnier days. In June, it is possible to witness the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun
Period to avoid: winter, due to the cold temperatures and very few hours of daylight. From October to April, however, it is possible to witness the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.
Tips: In all seasons, dress warmly. In winter, thermal clothing, scarf, cap, gloves, heavy shoes to face the snow. In summer, dress in layers, short-sleeved T-shirt, sweatshirt and kway or windbreaker. Comfortable shoes for hiking
Iceland DIY: info, costs and tips
Iceland is an expensive destination: from the flight (€139.00) to accommodation (€80.00 per night), via car rental (€90.00 per day) and meals in restaurants (€30.00 per meal).
From Italy there are some direct flights from Milan and Rome, most flights however require a stopover, which is generally in Amsterdam or London. As far as travelling is concerned, car hire is essential, especially if you want to drive the whole Ring Road. There are several rental companies: once you have picked up your car, you should always make sure that there is no damage to the bodywork, perhaps by taking some photos, and it is highly recommended to buy insurance that covers any damage, even those caused by ash and sand!
For accommodation, it is best to book well in advance. If you have organised an itinerary along the Ring Road, the best solution is to sleep in a different place each night. In the main cities you will find both hotels (also luxury hotels) and flats, while in the smaller towns there are mainly cottages and guesthouses. The latter definitely provide a more authentic experience!
Minimum period for a tour in Iceland: 7 days
Gettingthere: served by Keflavík International Airport (KEF), 50 km from Reykjavik. From Italy, direct flights from Milan and Rome. Direct flight duration 4 h 30 min, with stopovers over 5 h - compare flights
Recommended base cities: Reykjavik, Vik, Höfn, Akureyri
Getting around: car rental, the only alternative is to join guided tours
Accommodation and accommodation: the best option is to stay in flats, to have more independence. In the main cities there are small hotels, guesthouses, small flats and cottages, the most characteristic experience - compare accommodation on Booking.com
Low Cost Iceland: how to save money
The first tip is to hire a campervan with which to combine the costs of the vehicle, overnight stays and meals (€800.00 for 7 days, to be divided between 2, 4 or 6 passengers). Motorhomes offer beds, pots and pans, refrigerator, sink, gas bottle, cooking cooker and night heating system. When travelling in a van, you sleep in campsites with prices from €10.00 per night (parking outside designated areas is illegal as well as dangerous).
Thebiggest cost is petrol: €200.00 to do the whole tour. For meals, you get by with about €15.00 a day by shopping in low-cost supermarkets such as Bonus and Netto.
As for the itinerary, you have to make some sacrifices. Dedicate just one day to the capital and cut out stops such as Seydisfjordur, Hof, Hofn, Vik (beautiful villages but which offer barely a few minutes' walk and photo opportunity, plus they require detours from the route to reach them).
Summary of costs for a low-cost holiday for 2 people:
Flight with stopover in London: approx. €289.00 return
Van rental: €800.00 for 7 days
Petrol: €200.00
Camping: €140.00 total
Excursions: €200.00 (e.g. 4-hour glacier hike with 'trolls expedition')
Meals: €200.00
TOTAL: €1829.00 for 2 people
Beware of deserted areas along the Ring Road: be prepared to drive for hours in areas where you won't see the shadow of a petrol station! These include the eastern region, from Djupivogur to Reykjahlid, or the section between Blonduos and Reykjavik. Above all, make sure that the campsite where you will be staying at night is open (many only work in summer).
In case you don't like the idea of driving in remote places for so long, you could decide to leave from Reykjavik and visit the north in two or three days, then return to the capital and move south for another two or three days, without going into the west.
Travelling informed: useful info, security and necessary documents
Inhabitants: 366,425
Capital: Reykjavík
Languages: Icelandic. English also widespread
Local currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK) / Exchange rate: €1.00 = 148.80
Time zone: -1h compared to Italy; -2h when daylight saving time is in force in Italy
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: valid passport for the entire period of stay in Iceland. Entry visa not required. Travel insurance recommended
Security: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. It is a volcanic island, where sudden eruptions can occur. See the Iceland section of the Farnesina website
Distance from Italy: 3,299.20 km (5 hour flight) from Rome to the capital Reykjavík
