Known as “The Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland is a land of extremes – extreme landscapes, extreme weather, and extreme adventure. The country has become increasingly popular in the last few years, and is very tourist-friendly.
You can visit Iceland at any time of year, with the country experiencing the Midnight Sun during the summer months and the Northern Lights in the winter.
Iceland quick facts
- Population: 335,000
- Language: Icelandic, though English is widely spoken
- Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- Capital city: Reykjavik
- Country size: 103,000 sq. km (40,000 sq. miles)
- High season: Summer
Top 10 things to do in Iceland
- Relax in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon
- Explore the capital city of Reykjavik
- Visit the sights along the Golden Circle route
- Snorkel between tectonic places at Silfra
- Check out Iceland's stunning black sand beaches
- Walk behind a waterfall at Seljalandsfoss
- Take a day trip to Landmannalaugar
- Hike on a glacier and visit ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park
- Look for the Northern Lights
- Road trip around the country on the Ring Road
Getting around Iceland
The most popular way to travel in Iceland is by renting a car or campervan and traveling the Ring Road around the country. This road trip is best done in the summer months. (Search for rental cars here.)
Because of Iceland's small size, though, you CAN base yourself in Reykjavik and take day/overnight trips from there. (See: A 10-Day Itinerary for Iceland in Winter (Without Renting a Car) There is not, however, a strong public transportation network in Iceland.
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How long did you stay in iceland and did you go with a tour at all?
I was in Iceland for 5 nights, and no, I didn’t do a fully organized tour. I did some day tours from Reykjavik, but I organized everything on my own. It’s not difficult to do there!
Hello!! I have a quick question.. which time of the year did you go? I’ve already been in the summer but want to see it with snow!! Did you see any Northern Lights? Thanks!!
I went in March! It was actually still pretty awesome in the snow. You can’t do the Ring Road since most of it is closed, but there are still a ton of excursions to do from Reykjavik. I went hoping to see the Northern Lights, but unfortunately I was met with 5 days of cloudy weather, so no Lights for me in Iceland.
Cool!! Thanks!! Already been round the island in the summer, I’m hoping to catch the Lights and the Hallgrímskirkja free of renovations, oh and the blue lagoon of course!
Good luck! The Blue Lagoon is definitely a must!