Iceland—the Land of Fire and Ice—is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world, but you can make the most out of your trip by following these five tips. From how to get there to where to stay, here’s how to make the most of your Iceland trip.
5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Iceland Trip
Before you go
Book your plane tickets as soon as possible. Research what you would like to see and do before arriving in Iceland. This will save you time when you are there. Check out the weather before you go, so that you can plan accordingly. If travelling with children, be aware that they may not want to partake in every activity that is on your list. If this is the case, find activities that they will enjoy. Be sure to pack layers of clothing – temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day and depending on your location in Iceland. You’ll want clothes for all types of conditions.
1) Research Your Destination
The first thing you should do is research your destination. Find out what attractions are available and what time of year will be best for what you have in mind. If you want to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip during a time when they’re at their most active, around September and October when there’s more darkness and less daylight. There are many places in Iceland that can show you where the lights are active (although it’s not guaranteed). Popular viewing points include Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skaftafell National Park, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Hveragerði town.
2) Book Accommodation
Booking your accommodation in Iceland ahead of time is a must when visiting. It is found that many hotels and guesthouses are booked solid during peak travel seasons, so it is advised to book your hotel room at least a month in advance. You’ll want to stay somewhere with warm water (which most places have), but you can also rent a cabin for a week or more if you’re looking for an experience like no other. Booking ahead will ensure that your accommodations are warm and ready for you when you arrive.
3) Book Activities in Advance
Iceland is a breathtaking country that offers many amazing sights and activities. If you’re planning a visit, here are some tips from an Icelander on what to see and do. Just remember to book your activities in advance so you have a detailed and organised itinerary:
- Visit the Golden Circle: The Golden Circle consists of four natural wonders in Southwestern Iceland that are each amazing in their own way: Thingvellir National Park, Geyser Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater Lake. Plan on spending at least two days exploring this area.
- Explore Reykjavik: The capital city has plenty of museums and galleries for those who like art, as well as shopping options that can’t be found anywhere else in Iceland or Europe.
4) Get an Icelander’s Perspective on What To See and Do
Iceland is an amazing country, but it can be daunting for those who are visiting for the first time. This is why you should ask locals what they would recommend. Most will ask you to go on a whale watching tour – this is an excellent opportunity to see these creatures up close and learn more about them, as well as get some really good photos. Whale watching tours are usually done from late May or early June until mid-September.
5) How Much Money Should You Pack?
This is going to depend on how long you are in Iceland, what your plans are, and what activities you want to do. If you plan on spending a lot of time in Reykjavik, then budget for groceries and other things that will cost quite a bit. On the other hand, if you plan on driving out into nature or staying outside Reykjavik for several days at a time, you may not need as much money.