Have you been dreaming about seeing the Northern Lights or going ice-caving? Iceland is the place for it!
Visiting Iceland for the first time is exciting! I remember my first trip to the land full of stunning landscapes and unbelievable natural wonders like the Gullfoss Waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. However with so many things to do and see it can be a little overwhelming to organize.
From the best times to catch the Northern Lights and tips for scoring cheap flights, finding cool accommodation in Iceland, and guides to secret spots most travelers miss, I’ve got you covered. After exploring every corner of this incredible country, I’ve packed my top hacks and insights into this 11-step guide so you can dive straight into Iceland’s best experiences, stress-free!
In a Rush? Here's An Easy Iceland Trip Planning Guide
If you want to plan a trip by yourself to Iceland without having to read the entire blog post I recommend that you follow these steps, below I'll break down each with tips and recommendations.
- Step 1: Choose the Best Time to Visit Iceland - The best time to visit Iceland for mild weather is July to August. For the Northern Lights & Blue Lagoon, visit between late September and late March.
- Step 2: Decide How to Get Around in Iceland - To get around you can choose to self-drive for flexibility, join a fully planned tour experience with accommodation and activities, or use public transport for a budget-friendly option.
- Step 3: Choose Where in Iceland to Visit - Wondering where to go in Iceland, consider Reykjavik for city sights, the Blue Lagoon for a geothermal experience, Gullfoss Falls for incredible waterfalls, and Þingvellir National Park to see where two continents meet.
- Step 4: Plan Your Budget, Trip Length, & Itinerary - A 7-10 day itinerary covers major sites, but shorter trips of 3-5 days still hit highlights. Budget-wise, expect higher costs for accommodations, food, and tours, so consider self-catering, guesthouses, and free natural sights to save while enjoying Iceland’s top attractions.
- Step 5: Consider Your Iceland Visa Requirements - Check for your country's visa requirements as this is different for each nationality.
- Step 6: Book Your Flights to Iceland - Utilize tools like Skyscanner for budget-friendly options. The main entry point is Keflavik Airport.
- Step 7: Plan & Book Your Accommodation in Iceland - Explore a range of options from hostels to luxury hotels throughout Iceland, tailored to your budget and location.
- Step 8: Book Your Tours & Experiences in Iceland - From exploring the Golden Circle to glacier boat tours, Iceland has endless adventures. For a range of options, check out GetYourGuide and Viator to find tours that fit your budget and schedule.
- Step 9: Organize Your Iceland Travel Insurance - Ensure coverage for unforeseen incidents on your trip to Iceland.
- Step 10: Pack Your Bags - Prepare for unpredictable weather with layers and most importantly a raincoat (Packing list below).
- Step 11: Create an Arrival Plan For Your Iceland Trip - To make your arrival smooth check if your accommodation offers free airport transfers and book in advance if available.
Read on below for a more detailed breakdown of these steps to help with planning a trip to Iceland.
Step 1: Choose the Best Time to Visit Iceland
Like many countries around the world, the best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to get out of your trip, such as what you want to see and do.
Here is a breakdown of the best times to visit Iceland based on weather, events, and activities.
- Northern Lights: The Nordic Countries are known for being the best places to visit to see the Northern Lights. Known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon is best seen in Iceland from late September to late March. The long and dark winter nights make it the perfect time to see the Northern Lights. However, since they're not always guaranteed, it's best to stay in Iceland for at least a week to increase your chances.
- Blue Lagoon: Just like the Northern Lights, Iceland is also famous for its Blue Lagoon. Located in the south of the country, this geothermal pool known for its healing properties is open year-round. However, the best times to visit Iceland to go to the Blue Lagoon are winter (to be surrounded by snow) or summer (when the outside temperatures aren't too low).
- Ice Caving: If you're a fan of ice caves, then the best time to visit Iceland is during November to March when the temperatures are at their lowest. Due to the number of glaciers and volcanoes in the country, it's the perfect place for ice caves to form, meaning you've got a wide range to choose from.
- Whale Watching: If you're planning a trip to Iceland to see the whale migration, then the best time to visit is between April and September. Due to the cold waters and favored feeding grounds, Iceland is a popular place to go whale watching. During these months you'll be able to see humpback, sperm, minke, and blue whales.
- Waterfalls: With countless waterfalls around the country, the ideal time to visit Iceland to see them in all their glory is from April to June. During these months, the country experiences its heaviest rainfall, providing optimal conditions for the waterfalls.
- Great Weather: If you'd like to visit Iceland when the temperatures and weather are mild, the best time to visit is between July and August. During these months, the days are long, giving you ample time to enjoy the sunshine and explore the diverse landscapes around the country.
- Budget: While considered one of the more expensive countries to visit on a holiday, there are still ways to travel Iceland on a budget! If you're a budget traveler I suggest visiting during the low seasons (October to early December and mid-January to March). During these months, the prices of accommodation and activities are at their lowest.
Step 2: Decide How to Get Around in Iceland
- Self-drive: If you want to experience Iceland at your own pace, ticking everything off your list, then the best way to get around the country is to self-drive. However, since hiring a car is popular amongst tourists, it's best to book in advance to secure a car.
- Tours: Another great way to get around Iceland while having everything already planned is with a tour. Many tours operate around the country, taking you to the best places. With accommodation, transport, food, and activities included, joining a tour is a great solution if you aren't that confident planning a trip on your own.
- Public transport: If you're on a budget, using public transport is a reliable and cheap way to get around Iceland. There are many public bus routes (that take you along the Ring Road) and tourist service routes (the latter only runs during July and August). However, the public bus routes make it easy for tourists to get around the country any time of the year.
Step 3: Choose Where in Iceland to Visit
Some of the best places to consider visiting when planning a trip to Iceland:
- Reykjavik Center: The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is where your Iceland trip will start. There is a lot to see and do in Reykjavik, especially the center, so you can easily spend two to three days here.
- Blue Lagoon: Located in the south-west of the country, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular attractions. Known for its geothermal water and healing properties, the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit.
- Gullfoss Falls: With an estimated number of 10,000 waterfalls in the country, it can be hard to decide the best. However, Gullfoss Falls is known for being the most famous and impressive of the lot. Here, the river Hvítá plummets into a canyon, which forms two cascades (one at 11 m and the other at 21 m), creating a powerful torrent of water. The sheer force of this waterfall is reason enough to see it on your Iceland trip!
- Langjökull Glacier: Located in the north of Reykjavik, the Langjökull Glacier can't be missed. As the second-largest glacier in Iceland (935 square kilometers), some of the best things to do here include skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
- Kerid Crater: With so many volcanoes in the country, you can expect there to be many beautiful craters. The Kerid Crater is one of them! Located near Selfoss, the Kerid Crater is a must-visit attraction due to its incredible contrast against the slopes surrounding it.
- Geysir: Due to its volcanic activity, Iceland has a number of geysers around the country, with the most popular being Geysir. Known for being the site where boiling water shoots into the sky from the ground, the Geysir Geothermal Area is a fantastic place to visit. While the Great Geysir itself isn't active anymore, you can still be thrilled by its neighbor, Strokkur, which erupts every six to ten minutes!
- Þingvellir: Þingvellir National Park is one of the most famous sites in Iceland. This national park is famous for being the original home of Iceland's parliament. However, it's also the site in Iceland where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. It's here where you can swim and snorkel between two continents, how cool is that!
Don't Know Where to Go? - Consider an Organized Bus Trip Around Iceland
If you're still unsure about where you'd like to visit in Iceland, why not consider an organized bus tour? With a range of tours available consisting of two, three, or eight days, an organized bus tour is an excellent option when planning a trip to Iceland!
The many benefits of joining a bus tour are that you get taken to the most famous spots, your accommodation, transport, and food are organized, and you have a guide who will provide you with valuable information you might not have learned had you gone by yourself!
1. South Coast Iceland 2 Days
This 2-day tour includes highlights like the Blue Ice Cave and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon along with scenic stops to take in the coastal landscapes.
2. Reykjavik, Golden Circle & Ice Cave Tour 3 Days
This 3-day tour from Reykjavik is a short yet packed adventure showcasing Iceland's most stunning landscapes and natural attractions like the Golden Circle, an ice cave, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and Fjadrargljufur Canyon.
3. Small Group Tour 8 Days
This small group tour from Reykjavik takes you around Iceland by minibus over 8 days, covering top highlights like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Lake Myvatn. With guided experiences and scenic stops along the way.
Step 4: Plan Your Budget, Trip Length, & Itinerary
As a small country with lots to see, the ideal trip length in Iceland is seven to ten days. However, if you can only visit for three to four days, you'll still be able to see the best sights!
Here are three general itineraries for visiting Iceland for three days, five days, and seven days.
Iceland 3-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, head to the Blue Lagoon, and spend the day exploring Reykjavik.
- Day 2: Pick up a rental car (or join a tour) and explore the Golden Circle. Some of the must-visit places include Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Falls. If you've got time, explore the South Coast and its black-sand beaches.
- Day 3: Explore more of what the South Coast has to offer, including Fjallsárlón Ice Lagoon and Skaftafell Nature Reserve.
Iceland 5-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Iceland, visit the Blue Lagoon, and spend the rest of the day exploring Reykjavik Center.
- Day 2: Explore the wonderful Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
- Day 3: Head to the popular attractions of the Golden Circle, such as Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Falls, and Geysir.
- Day 4: Explore the South Coast, including Skogafoss Falls and the town of Vík.
- Day 5: Head across to Heimaey Island for the day.
Iceland 7-day itinerary
- Day 1: Pick up your rental car and start your tour of the Golden Circle. Stop off at Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Falls.
- Day 2: Explore the South Coast, including Skogafoss Falls, the town of Vík, and Reynisfjara Beach.
- Day 3: See the Eastfjords, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and spot wild reindeer along the way.
- Day 4: Go on an Ice caving tour.
- Day 5: Explore from the water on a Glacier boat tour.
- Day 6: Explore Reykjavik and surrounding areas.
- Day 7: Visit the Blue Lagoon on the way to the airport.
Step 5: Consider Your Iceland Visa Requirements
The most important thing before planning any trip is to know whether or not you need a visa.
Iceland is a member of the Schengen Area, meaning Brits and travelers from other European countries can travel freely to Iceland. For travelers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and certain Asian countries, you have visa-free access for 90 days in any 180-day period.
Travelers from countries such as China, Egypt, Türkiye, South Africa, and Russia must apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa to travel throughout Iceland. Here is a list of countries where nationals need a Schengen Visa.
The cost of a Schengen Tourist Visa is as follows
- Adults - €80
- Children aged between six and 12 - €40
- Children under six years old - free
Step 6: Book Your Flights to Iceland
Now that you've got an idea of the best time to visit Iceland depending on the activities you want to do, it's time to book your flights!
Keflavik Airport is the main international airport in Iceland and it is located just outside of Reykjavik. This is the airport you'll be flying into.
If you want to compare prices for flights, the best tool to use is Sky Scanner. Whether you're looking to book the quickest flight or the cheapest flight, Sky Scanner will supply a range of options for you to choose from.
Step 7: Plan & Book Your Accommodation in Iceland
Once you've booked your flights, the next (and often the most exciting) step is to book your accommodation!
Reykjavik is the most popular place to stay in Iceland as it has the most accommodations to choose from. Whether you're a budget traveler or want to go all out and book a luxury hotel, Reykjavik has something to suit all budgets.
Check out my accommodation guides below where I give recommendations for the best accommodations or go straight to booking.com to secure your bed.
Places to Stay in Iceland
If you're planning a trip to Iceland and need help with deciding the best places to stay– I have you covered.
Step 8: Book Your Tours & Experiences in Iceland
From seeing the top sights of the Golden Circle to going on a Glacier boat tour, there are so many experiences to be had in Iceland.
Two of the best places to discover the amazing tours and experiences Iceland has to offer include GetYourGuide and Viator. These websites pull a range of experiences and tours of all budgets and lengths to give you the opportunity to choose the best one for you!
This perfect one-day adventure allows you to experience Iceland’s iconic natural wonders like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
2. Sólheimajökull by kayak Must-Do
Paddle through crystal-clear waters surrounded by glaciers for an unforgettable kayaking tour while visiting the stunning Solheimajokull Glacier Lagoon.
3. Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
Enjoy a comfortable bus ride to spectacular viewing spots for a magical night under the northern lights.
Step 9: Organize Your Iceland Travel Insurance
When planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to safeguard yourself from unforeseen travel mishaps like accidents, cancellations, delays, and loss of your personal items.
HeyMondo offers peace of mind travel insurance for Iceland at super affordable rates and has an excellent, easy-to-use app to manage claims.
Tip: We Seek Travel readers get 5% OFF
Step 10: Pack Your Bags!
Now that your flights, accommodation, and experiences are booked, it's time to pack your bags! The type of clothes you pack for your trip will depend on the time of year you visit.
However, to make packing a bit easier for you, check out our general packing list below so you don't forget anything.
Step 11: Create an Arrival Plan For Your Iceland Trip
Arriving in a new country for the first time can be both exciting and daunting, which is why it's essential to have an arrival plan.
Before you depart for your trip, it's a great idea to have your accommodation and transport from the airport organized so you aren't stressed once you arrive.
Many accommodations offer free airport transfers, so it's best to check that and get it booked before you arrive.
From the best time of year to visit, to where to stay and how to apply for a visa, I hope this guide explains everything you need to know when planning a trip to Iceland.
Home to diverse landscapes and amazing activities, Iceland needs to be on everyone's bucket lists.
