Iceland Ultimate Travel Guide

Iceland is absolutely up and coming as one of the most highly sought after destinations to visit in the world. With flawless vistas and adventuring like no other, Iceland is absolutely epic in every sense of the word. At its closest point, Iceland is only 300 kilometers (186 miles) to Greenland, so just take note you will probably be reaching the Northernmost point in your life. Iceland is probably the country where I felt the safest visiting, and its diversity and rather a liberal population make it safe for people of all ethnicities and the LGBTQ+ populous.

Best Time to Visit

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish on your visit to Iceland, there are several “best” times to visit. We went in early October and it was just perfect. We found extremely cheap flights from Washington, DC ($300 round-trip–thanks Scott’s Cheap Flights). We also were able to do all the ‘summer’ hikes we wanted to and we even saw the Northern Lights one night from our hot tub in Vik. September or October are ideal for both outdoor activities and a chance to see the oh-so-special Aurora Borealis. If your main goal is to see as much of Iceland as possible, you will want to go in the summer as that is the safest time to complete the entire ‘Ring Road’ before the weather gets too crazy. The sun will be out so you can adventure late into the night, but just don’t expect to see the Northern Lights which is one thing that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

What to Expect

Language: Language: The official language in Iceland is Icelandic. English is spoken by everyone, and we never had a problem with any sort of language barrier.
Currency: Their currency, the Krona (isK) has been roughly equivalent to one US cent every time we've gone. If you're trying to figure out prices, just move the comma to the right one spot.
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can use credit or debit cards almost anywhere in Iceland, and if not you will surely find an ATM within minutes in Reykjavik or at any gas station. Keep some cash on you for smaller purchases. Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is not widely accepted, but can be used at several places in Reykjavik so its worth it to try!
Plugs: The plugs in Iceland are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Safety: Iceland has been deemed the safest country in the world from 2008 through 2020 by the Global Peace Index. Even in the city of Reykjavik, you do not need to worry about pickpockets, and violent crime is almost non-existent.

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis is only visible in complete darkness in the northernmost parts of the world. If you are visiting in the lucky months that the sunsets, you may just be so fortunate to see the lights.

    See the Northern Lights

    The phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis is only visible in complete darkness in the northernmost parts of the world. If you are visiting in the lucky months that the sunsets, you may just be so fortunate to see the lights.

  • Visit Reykjavik

    The capital of Iceland and the most important city in the country, Reykjavik cannot be missed on your first trip to Iceland. Home to a rich history and fantastic restaurants, Reykjavik makes it worth it in our book to be more than just a stopover.

  • Visit the Black Sand Beach

    Reynisfjara is a world-famous black-sand beach found on the South Coast of Iceland, just beside the small fishing village of Vik í Myrdal. Home to many famous movie sets such as Star Wars, this is one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland.

  • Visit a glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach

    Diamond Beach is a great place to see Icelandic seals and is one of the best places in Iceland to spot orca whales. Across the street, you must also visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

  • Drive the Golden Circle

    Carve out the better part of a day to make the trek around Iceland’s Golden Circle. Famous stops include Thingvellir National Park, the famous “Geysir”, and various epic waterfalls…oh and a really stinking good tomato themed restaurant.

  • Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon

    The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the 25 wonders of the world. It is a man-made lagoon rich with mineral waters located on a lava field. What makes it so magical? The water is actually heated by the lava fields creating a mystical fog that saturates the air as soon as it reaches the open icy sky. Talk about dreamy!

  • Go Chasing Waterfalls

    You don’t need to go far from the city to explore and enjoy dynamic and epic waterfalls. Iceland is known for its natural attractions, but none more so than its magnificent waterfalls. The waterfalls are as diverse as they are plentiful, so narrowing them down to a list of the best ones to visit is not an easy task.

TRAVEL GUIDES

  • What to Wear in Iceland: A Packing Guide for the Ring Road

    Depending on the season you are traveling to this mystical country, you may need to order a few things depending on your plans. Read on to find out what to wear/pack for a trip to Iceland.

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  • 5 Days in Iceland | Itinerary for Adventure & Fun

    In this guide, you will read about how to spend five epic days in the land of fire and ice. This post will share tips and tricks for navigating the southern part of Iceland’s Ring Road as well as some secret spots along the way!

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  • 3 Days in Vik, Iceland | Perfect Itinerary in Iceland’s Southern Coast

    Vík í Mýrdal is a remote seafront village in south Iceland. Read how to spend three magical days on Iceland’s less visited but most beautiful southern coast.

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