Iceland travel update

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View From Dyrhólaey in South Iceland

ICELAND TOURS IN OCTOBER

Visit Iceland in October for fewer crowds at top sights and the chance to see the northern lights. Your winter tour can be customised by the Reykjavík-based travel experts at Nordic Visitor, who will draw on their specialist knowledge to design your dream trip to Iceland.

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VISITING ICELAND IN OCTOBER

Interested in a tour of Iceland in October? We can help!

October is a good month to visit Iceland if you want to experience the quieter side of the country. As it’s the beginning of winter and night skies are dark, you could see the aurora borealis on a northern lights tour.

Our Iceland experts know the country inside out and they can customise an itinerary to suit you. Join a guided small group or a multi-day tour, take a self-drive adventure, or discover the country with a private guide.

Plus, when you book an Iceland trip with Nordic Visitor, you get hand-picked accommodation, transportation reservations, daily breakfast and access to our 24/7 helpline.

Get in touch with us and we'll happily plan your perfect Iceland adventure. You can reach us via our toll-free numbers, contact form or LiveChat.

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Value for your money
  • Professional service from local experts
  • 24/7 emergency helpline during tour

Join a guided small group

See northern lights and more in Iceland with new friends and a local guide on one of these small group tours.

Iceland
10% OFF IN 2023
Best seller
Guided Groups
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Sep - Mar

Northern Lights Circle Tour

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 1 (Easy)

472777ISK

Eur

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10% OFF IN 2023
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Sep - Mar

Northern Lights Circle Tour

472777ISK

ISK

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Iceland
10% OFF IN 2023
Best seller
Guided Groups
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Sep - Mar

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

Ice Cave & Glacier Lagoon

Pace Level Level 2 (Classic)
Activity Level Level 2 (Moderate)

282077ISK

Eur

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10% OFF IN 2023
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar

Winter Highlights & Northern Lights

282077ISK

ISK

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Explore at your own pace with a car

Drive the Ring Road with peace of mind. We recommend these Iceland self-drive tours, designed specially for winter.

Iceland
Best seller
Self-drive
7 days / 6 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

164695ISK

Eur

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Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter

164695ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland at Leisure - Winter

216165ISK

Eur

View map
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland at Leisure - Winter

216165ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

South Iceland Classic - Winter

127277ISK

Eur

View map
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland Classic - Winter

127277ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Self-drive
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland & Into the Glacier - Winter

174656ISK

Eur

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6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr

South Iceland & Into the Glacier - Winter

174656ISK

ISK

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Enjoy a city break with day tours

Spend your nights in Reykjavik and your days visiting major attractions. Check out these multi-day tours.

Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
6 days / 5 nights
4.8
Sep - Mar

Best of South Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon

211381ISK

Eur

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Best seller
6 days / 5 nights
Sep - Mar

Best of South Iceland - Winter

211381ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar

Active Iceland - Winter

Snowmobiling, Ice Tunnel & Golden Circle

254760ISK

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar

Active Iceland - Winter

254760ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Multi-Day Tours
4 days / 3 nights
5.0
Sep - Mar

Golden Circle Classic - Winter

Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights

150370ISK

Eur

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Best seller
4 days / 3 nights
Sep - Mar

Golden Circle Classic - Winter

150370ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Multi-Day Tours
7 days / 6 nights
5.0
Sep - Mar

Best of South & North Iceland - Winter

Golden Circle, South Coast & Lake Mývatn

309790ISK

Eur

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7 days / 6 nights
Sep - Mar

Best of South & North Iceland - Winter

309790ISK

ISK

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Travel with your own local guide

Experience Iceland’s winter beauty and unique culture on your terms with one of these privately guided tours.

Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private

1057834ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private

1057834ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Best seller
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
4.9
Oct - Apr

Winter Highlights - Private

558296ISK

Eur

View map
Best seller
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr

Winter Highlights - Private

558296ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat

1427315ISK

Eur

View map
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr

Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter

1427315ISK

ISK

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Iceland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private

1060775ISK

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr

South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private

1060775ISK

ISK

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Local travel agency

As a travel agency with offices in Reykjavík, Edinburgh and Stockholm, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Northern Europe. Choose from a variety of carefully curated tours that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights.

You can also make customisations to your itinerary by adding extra nights, optional activities, or upgrades to your tour. Or ask your personal travel consultant for advice and they will tailor your itinerary. This way you get a bespoke travel experience that is perfectly suited to you. 

Your dedicated travel consultant will arrange all the local details for you. You get accommodation, activities, transport, and other services included in your package. If you need to rework your itinerary, we’ll handle it for you, so you can relax and look forward to your getaway.

Different ways you can experience Iceland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Iceland below.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Brenda, South Africa

Norway in a Nutshell® Classic - Winter, January 2020

Wonderful experience!

It's intimidating visiting a foreign country where you don't speak the language. Our fears were put to rest the moment we started our tour, the whole experience was just wonderful. Everything was wonderful, our tour was carefully planned and made the maximum use of our time.

Mark, United States

Active Iceland - Winter, February 2020

Pleasurabale experience

Overall very happy with the tour. Very easy process and very easy to work with Alex and the rest of the tour guides. Overall experience was very pleasurable.

Suzanne, United States

South & West Iceland Classic - Winter, January 2020

Loved everything about Nordic Visitor!

Everything was top notch! The tours were great and I loved that they were never overbooked, or crowded. Only one comment....we LOVED hotel Magma! Loved everything about Nordic Visitor! Everything was done perfectly. Never once was there an error with any of the reservations! Check-ins were seamless - never once was there a question or fumbling for papers. Each destination was ready for us and exactly what we requested! 

Raewyn, New Zealand

South Iceland at Leisure - Winter, March 2020

Great experience! Brilliant travel plans!

We could not have been happier with this experience. The information and travel plans were brilliant. We had a great time and felt so welcome in your country. We would love to come back in the summer and see it in that season. It was a real pleasure travelling around in the thick of the whiteness across the country. The safe travel.is site was invaluable for travel conditions.

Karen

Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter, March 2020

Fantastic from start to finish

Would highly recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone wishing to visit Iceland. The itinerary, and information provided before the start of our tour was excellent and took care of all our concerns. Despite travelling in some of the worst weather conditions Iceland could throw at us we were only a phone call away from Nordic Visitor and the in car WiFi was a real bonus. All our concerns-snowed in, in the south, at Saeluhus I Landbroti with breakfast 4 km away and again snowbound at Gauksmýri in the north and unable to travel on- were dealt with rapidly and became part of the adventure rather than a worry.  Thank you Nordic Visitor for a memorable visit to your stunning country. Thank you for keeping us updated with the Coronavirus news and how it may have impacted on our travels. A big thank you to all the accommodation owners who went out of their way to make sure we were kept as safe as possible given the exceptional circumstances.  

Keith, Iceland

South Iceland at Leisure, October 2019

ALL guides were absolutely excellent, humorous and informative

Attention by Hanna was excellent. We enjoyed all the accommodation , restaurants and general sites to visit. The Geysir visit was surprisingly the least spectacular and a bit over-hyped. The Lava Tunnel was excellent and an unexpected wonder. In general ALL guides were absolutely excellent, humorous and informative; notably those for the Glacier Lake, Lava Tunnel, ATV bikes, Helicopter,

 

Michelea, United States

Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords, February 2020

Flawless experience

Nordic Visitor made our entire experience flawless. From the planning and booking to the holiday itself. I cannot speak highly enough of our experience

Jamie, United States

A New Year's to Remember, December 2017

It was a stress - free vacation for us!

Silja was quick with her email replies and was very professional during the whole process. She was also very helpful. Nordic Visitor made things easy and transition very smoothly. It was stress - free vacation for us!

Getting to Iceland

All of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Iceland begin in Reykjavík, the capital. Keflavik International Airport is the gateway for international air travel in Iceland and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, the airport serves as a hub for Icelandair’s transatlantic flights.

The following airlines fly to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) year-round: Icelandair, SAS, KLM, Norwegian, British Airways, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Finnair. Other airlines offer seasonal flights to KEF, including Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada and Lufthansa.

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Reykjavík if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Icelandic adventure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND IN OCTOBER

Depending on what you want to see and where you want to go, October might be the perfect month for your holiday to Iceland. Read on to find out more with these answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Iceland in October.

How is Iceland in October?

October is a quiet time of year to visit Iceland, with more availability at hotels and fewer visitors at top attractions. By October the summer season has ended so there are fewer cars on the road, yet many top sites stay open.

There’s another benefit to visiting Iceland in October. Thanks to the balanced daylight and darkness hours, you’ll be able to combine sightseeing in the daytime with hunting for the northern lights at night. This means you can really maximise each day of your trip and do as much as possible.

What are the best things to do in Iceland in October?

Take your pick from a variety of fun things to do in Iceland in October. Since there are fewer travellers to Iceland at this time, you’ll find that certain tours have better availability, giving you greater flexibility with your itinerary.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in Iceland in October:

  • Drive along the Ring Road
  • Discover the famous Golden Circle
  • Marvel at frozen waterfalls
  • Hunt for the northern lights
  • Dip in hot springs and pools
  • Venture along the Snæfellsnes peninsula
  • See geothermal wonders and volcanoes
  • Go horse riding or on a whale watching tour
  • Walk along unusual beaches
  • Admire glacier lagoons

Cultural events in October
Iceland offers some fantastic cultural experiences in October. Reykjavík, in particular, is as lively as ever with a diverse line-up of events.

You could attend the Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF). This is an exciting time for movie buffs, with film workshops, discussion panels and screenings taking place from the end of September to mid-October.

Or witness the lighting of the Imagine Peace Tower, Yoko Ono’s memorial for John Lennon. Every year on his birthday, 9 October, the tower is switched on. It projects a light pillar up to 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) into the sky above.

Good to know: If you’re unsure about what you want to do in Iceland, don’t worry. Our Iceland experts are based in Reykjavík and know the country inside out. They’ll help you see Iceland your way, tailoring your itinerary by adding all the best excursions and experiences to suit you.



What are the best places to visit in Iceland in October?

The best places to visit in Iceland in October include waterfalls, hot springs, geothermal sites, glaciers and more. If you’re coming to hunt for the northern lights, head to remote locations where there is less light pollution. There are evening tours that can take you there from the capital, Reykjavík.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Iceland in October:


To keep occupied whilst in the capital, you may want to explore some of these fun indoor attractions too:

  • Learn about volcanoes at the Lava Centre
  • Try a flight simulation experience with FlyOver Iceland
  • Experience earthquakes and visit the planetarium at Perlan

Where you go in Iceland depends on how much time you have to spend. If you are only staying for a few days, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings.

Want to spend a week or longer in Iceland in October? Then you’ll have time to journey around the country in a full circle to reach its many beautiful corners. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore the east and north of Iceland too.



What is the weather like in Iceland in October?

October is the beginning of winter in Iceland. On average there are highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). There may be rainy days during your Iceland holiday in October, with an average of 30mm of rainfall. It can also get quite windy.

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable, so prepare for sun, wind and rain if you’re planning a trip for October!

What is the temperature in October in Iceland?

In Reykjavík the average temperature in October is 6°C (42°F). In Akureyri it is 5°C (41°F). Generally Iceland experiences highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F) in October.

On average, there is 2 hours of sunshine every day in October.

Does it snow in Iceland in October?

It is not usual to get snow in Iceland in October, although it is not impossible! You may see a dusting of snow on the mountaintops, but rarely does it settle at lower altitudes in October.



What are the driving conditions in Iceland in October?

A road trip in Iceland in October has its advantages. At the start of winter, there's lighter traffic for driving around the Ring Road. This is one of the great things about exploring Iceland in the shoulder season – fewer visitors!

Since the weather is changeable in Iceland, it is important to come prepared for winter driving. Make yourself aware of road safety precautions before you travel. For example you must drive slowly in cold weather to avoid unseen ice, and turn your headlights on, day and night.

During your trip check weather and road conditions regularly. For your peace of mind, our team is on hand 24/7 should you need to get in touch at any point.

When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, your car rental comes with collision damage waiver, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, and a hand-marked map of your route. You also get two named drivers on the insurance policy so you can share the driving with a travel companion.



What to pack for a trip to Iceland in October?

Iceland is famous for its ever-changing weather, so we advise that you be as prepared as possible. As October falls at the start of winter, we recommend bringing warm layers to be ready for the cooler temperatures. That way you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country regardless of the weather.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in October:

  • An insulated or warm down jacket (it’s best if it is also waterproof)
  • Fleece jumpers
  • Lightweight wool underlayers
  • Waterproof or winter trousers
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Warm hat
  • Thermal underwear and socks

As well as these essentials, be sure to bring good sturdy walking or hiking boots depending on what activities you may want to enjoy. Also, if you’re keen to experience the famous Blue Lagoon, remember to pack your swimwear and sandals.

What to wear in Iceland in October?

Icelanders have a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”

In October you can expect cold weather. For that reason, you should dress with warm layers to be ready for anything. That way you can enjoy the beautiful sights without worrying about the temperatures and conditions.

Make sure to be dressed with an insulated winter jacket and warm under layers, as well as good sturdy boots.

What are the daylight hours in Iceland in October?

The hours of daylight in Iceland vary significantly from the beginning to the end of October. You can expect 11 hours of daylight in the first few days in October, and 8 hours at the end of the month.

On 1 October in Reykjavík, the sun rises at approximately 7:30 AM and sets at around 6:50 PM. In Akureyri the sun rises at 7:20 AM, and sets at 6:40 PM.

By the end of October, there are fewer daylight hours in Iceland. In Reykjavík the sunrise takes place at about 9:10 AM and sunset at 5:10 PM. In Akureyri the sunrise occurs at around 9 AM and sunset at 4:45 PM.

Can I see the northern lights in Iceland in October?

Yes, it is possible to see the northern lights in Iceland in October. In order to spot the colours of the aurora borealis, you need a clear dark sky. In winter the nights are longer and darker than in summer. That’s why the best time to visit Iceland for northern lights tours is between October and April.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, we unfortunately cannot promise you will see them on our tours. But the aurora is a natural marvel that continues to inspire awe and delight, and is definitely worth putting on your travel bucket list.



How to tour Iceland in October?

There are various ways to travel on your Iceland tour in October. Depending on your personal tastes and requirements, you could either go for a guided or self-guided vacation.

Road trips in October
For a self-guided journey through Iceland, you could opt for a road trip adventure. There are many self-drive tour routes to choose from in October. For shorter stays we recommend driving the Golden Circle in South Iceland or exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the West.

If you have a week or more to spend in Iceland, drive around the Ring Road for a full loop of the country. This way you can visit virtually all the stunning corners of Iceland in one trip!



Multi-day tours in October
Another way to see Iceland on an independent tour is to base yourself in one or two locations, such as Reykjavík and Akureyri. You can then explore Iceland’s highlights on day trips.

A multi-day tour of Iceland is a great way to combine solo travel with guided excursions. You can fill your itinerary with as many tour-led activities as you wish!



Privately guided tours in October
On the other hand, you might prefer to be accompanied by a local expert throughout your Iceland experience. If so we recommend opting for a privately guided tour to have your own personal guide show you the best attractions. This is one of the most exclusive ways to see Iceland.



Small group tours in October
Or you could discover Iceland with like-minded visitors as part of a small group tour. You’ll get to meet people from around the world and learn from the expertise of a local guide, who will show you the most beautiful and fascinating parts of Iceland.

Our small group tours of Iceland in October range from 4 to 10 days in duration, taking you to various locations in the country. You could visit the popular south coast or travel around the Ring Road for an in-depth tour.



Good to know: Whichever of these travel styles you choose, you’ll get all the signature Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.

Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation, and you can add extra nights and activities to your itinerary too.



Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.
 

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

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Our services

Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-drive vacation, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant, tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators, which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book with confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • Enjoy personal service from Iceland-based travel experts.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • As a local agency, we work closely with trusted suppliers.
  • We’re a fully licensed and insured company in Iceland.

Contact us

Whether you have queries about our tours or want to add activities to existing bookings, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team for any of your travel questions.

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Our main phone number is
+354 578 20 80

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