Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. This, coupled with the extremely low crime rate, means that Iceland is a safe country to travel around. Should you encounter unexpected events though, you can always contact us via our 24/7 help line. The number is included in the travel documents issued ahead of your trip.

Considered a stunning country with beautiful attractions by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Iceland has won multiple accolades for its amazing sightseeing and warm hospitality. More reasons to visit Iceland include it being a country that is easy to travel through, with friendly English-speaking locals, excellent driving routes and visitor-friendly attractions.

Yes, English is widely spoken in Iceland and it is taught as a second language in schools. When you visit Iceland you won’t struggle to speak English to the locals but, should you want to practise some Icelandic phrases, here are some useful ones:

• Yes - Já
• No - Nei
• Hi / Hello - Hæ / Halló
• Goodbye - Bless
• Thank you - Takk

Learn more in our Icelandic languages and phrases guide.

The best way for you to see Iceland depends on when you want to visit and which attractions you want to see. If you want added privacy and independence on your trip then a self-drive tour would suit you best. This way, you get the freedom that comes from having your own vehicle and the opportunity to set your pace and spend as long as you want at each location. You’re also able to travel further afield for tasty restaurants.

Another great way to travel is with a guided small group, as you’ll get to see Iceland with a local and experience the country from their perspective as well as enjoy their hidden gem locations. As well as this, your guide looks after all the driving, leaving you to sit back and look forward to the next stunning location.

For added privacy and the opportunity to have an expert guide to yourself or your travelling party, choose a privately guided tour. You get to enjoy the personal one-to-one experience but also keep the autonomy of self-drive tours, as you can set the pace and tailor your tour to fit your Iceland travel wish list.

For more information on the best way to see Iceland, get in touch with our travel consultants.

The aurora borealis is a seasonal attraction, since the dark conditions of winter make the northern lights more vivid. Therefore we advise visiting between October and March for the best chance of viewing the aurora borealis in Iceland.

Get more insider tips on chasing them down in our northern lights guide.

There’s no set amount of time to spend on your visit to Iceland, but for an opportunity to see the main attractions, like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Goðafoss Waterfall we’d advise that you spend at least 7 or 8 days in Iceland. That said, if you have a limited amount of time to visit, we’ve got short break itineraries that fit as many areas and attractions into as few as 4 or 5 days.

For a longer leisurely trip around Iceland, consider taking 10-14 days to explore Iceland’s many natural attractions and charming coastal towns. If you stay longer you’ll be able to spend more time in each area and immerse yourself in the local culture.

For more information, we’ve written about how long it takes to drive around Iceland and the best time to visit Iceland.

You can drive around Iceland with ease providing you follow local road rules and laws. You drive on the right-hand side of the road in Iceland, and like other parts of Northern Europe, passengers must wear seat belts. Motorists are obliged to use headlights at all times and the speed limit is 50 km/h or less in city and residential areas. Read our guide on how to drive in Iceland for driving laws, road hazards and useful links.

When you book a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, we provide the perfect road trip experience and look after all of the small details such as booking the accommodation and organising the itinerary and activities. As well as this, all of your car rental and insurances are organised for you so all you need to do is buckle up and choose the perfect soundtrack to your adventure.

For more information, check out our guide to on how long it takes to drive around Iceland.

Iceland is a great country for a family trip with its abundance of natural beauty and activities. There are some tours that better suit families though, such as, self-drive packages that couple the flexibility of driving with all the conveniences of having your route and hotels planned for you. Contact your travel consultant about the best family-friendly restaurants and activities in Iceland and they can tailor your journey accordingly.

Yes, you can choose your ideal arrival dates when you book a Nordic Visitor tour. We have a wide range of arrival options depending on the package and season. Our packages are all available to purchase online so you can choose the best dates for you. If you’ve already got a tour but now need to change your dates, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to rearrange your package.

We recommend that you book your package to secure your preferred dates before buying your flights. Of course, you can check over flights so that you have a better idea on the dates for flying.

By booking your travel package first, you get introduced to your dedicated travel consultant and you will receive all of your tour information, meaning you can make a more informed choice when organising flights in and out of Iceland. If you have any questions you can always contact your consultant for advice.

Iceland has so many sightseeing highlights and locations that planning can seem endless, especially when you’re deciding the way you want to travel.

We suggest you start by deciding the time of year you'd like to visit, as this will affect the attractions you can see. For instance if you’re keen to explore the central highlands, then you’ll need to book an Iceland summer vacation. From there, have a think about whether you want a tour with independence and flexibility (like a self-drive or multi-day tour) or whether you’d prefer a guided tour where you’re taken to each attraction privately or with a small group. After this, you would need to research and book the local hotels you’d like to stay at and arrange any attraction tickets and passes.

However, for the sake of convenience and enjoyment, purchasing a Nordic Visitor tour would save you not only time and hassle, but also give you a travel experience that’s been created by a local who knows all the best hotels, attractions, and routes. When you travel on a Nordic Visitor package, we take care of all the details so that you don’t have to.

Considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Iceland is an island country with a wealth of stunning views and attractions. There are also plenty of things to do and in the space of a few hours you could be exploring crashing waterfalls, endless lava fields and active geysers. For an amazing time, add these to your list:

• Blue Lagoon: Relax in famously soothing mineral rich waters
• Golden Circle: Explore waterfalls, active geysers and more natural attractions
• Ring Road: Travel the expanse of Iceland on this renowned route
• Reykjavik: Wander around colourful streets and try the delicious local fare in the many cafes and restaurants
• Central Highlands: Take a guided 4x4 super-jeep tour to see vast uninhabited mountains and wilderness
• Þingvellir National Park: Visit the location of Iceland’s first parliament and swim between continental plates in the Silfra fissure

Discover more of the best things to do in Iceland and other travel inspiration on our blog

The cost of visiting Iceland depends on the type of tour you’re taking and for how long. Due to this, your vacation could cost anywhere between $2,000 or $20,000 depending on the package and how many are in your party.

While we can’t guarantee how much day-to-day costs will be, we can assure you that Nordic Visitor tours provide excellent value with packages all including hotel stays with a hearty breakfast, vehicles, guides (if applicable), itineraries and transfers from the airport to Reykjavík as well.

For more information on costs and currencies, explore our travel guide.

All our packages are customisable and, depending on the tour, you can add extra days and experiences to your itinerary. Self-drive tours allow you to spend as much time as you want at each location along your route and travel off the beaten path for restaurants and our hidden gem recommendations.

Another flexible travel option is taking a multi-day tour. On these packages you explore Reykjavík as you please but benefit from an expert guide on day tours and excursions that will take you to the Golden Circle attractions and many more sightseeing locations.

Small group tour activities are pre-booked in advance to give you a great rate and can be customised by adding days before or after your tour. Depending on the itinerary, you can also add activities like city tours and whale watching.

Privately guided tours of Iceland combine the best of self-drive tours and group packages as you have a local guide to take you to all your attractions and share their favourite spots.

Every itinerary is created to give you amazing memories by taking you to the best attractions and areas in Iceland, so whether you want to course the Icelandic highlands or have a spa break in the Blue Lagoon, we have a tour for you. However, if there’s something you want to do or an area you want to visit then contact your dedicated travel consultant and they’ll try to fit it into your journey.

The weather in Iceland is as changeable as its striking landscape, so when you visit we highly recommend you pack for varying climates. Another top tip is to pack for the attractions and activities you’ll visit, such as bringing along swimming costumes for the Blue Lagoon. What you pack will also depend on the season you visit; with winter temperatures reaching as low as 0.8°C (33.4°F), it would be best to bring plenty of warm layers. Here are our top recommendations on what to bring to Iceland:

• A lightweight jacket or wool sweater
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Sensible footwear with good grip
• Gloves, scarves and thermal socks
• A swimsuit and quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen and bug repellent in the summer months
• An insulated coat, thermal layers and long johns in the winter months
• A flask for hot drinks

For more ideas on what you’ll need on your tour, read our packing guide.