Iceland at a Glance

WHY VISIT ICELAND?

Iceland, often nicknamed “The Land of Fire and Ice”, is a nature lover’s paradise with its hot springs, glaciers, lava fields and waterfalls. With a largely unspoilt and surreal landscape, it’s no wonder it has inspired travellers, artists and photographers from around the world. And that could include you too!

If you’re seeking an adventure like no other, Iceland won’t disappoint. With its miles of scenic roadway around the island and endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, this is a dream destination. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, want family-friendly activities or are searching for thrills, Iceland has it all.

• Explore a range of Iceland vacation packages
• Learn more about this destination with our Iceland Travel Guide

Despite the country’s name, Iceland isn’t as icy as it may sound. Summers are surprisingly mild and green. You can also expect plenty of daylight hours, especially around midsummer thanks to the “midnight sun”.

Whereas during winter, the longer nights create ideal conditions for the northern lights. This natural phenomenon is well worth adding to your bucket list!

Of course, no matter the season, you can always count on the warm hospitality of the Icelanders. They are a people fiercely proud of their well-preserved language and heritage that stretches back over a thousand years ago to the Viking Age.

From the lively Reykjavík capital city to the rural fishing villages, the unique Icelandic culture with its blend of old and new can be experienced at every turn.

 See more travel information, such as currency, internet access and more, at our practical information section.

• View summer tours in Iceland
• Or check out winter tours of Iceland for your chance to see the northern lights

HOW TO GET TO ICELAND

The main gateway in Iceland is the Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 minutes from Reykjavík. Flight times are approximately 3 hours from London and 5 hours from New York. Icelandair operates direct flights from numerous European and North American cities. And you'll find many other international airlines with flights to Iceland.

Find more information, including entry requirements and airport transfers, at our Getting to Iceland section.

GETTING AROUND IN ICELAND

Route 1, or the “Ring Road”, is the main highway that circles Iceland and connects its communities. As there are no trains in Iceland, you can choose to explore the countryside with a self-drive package, by bus as part of a guided group tour or with a private driver-guide. 

There are also some domestic flights from the Reykjavík Domestic Airport to many towns around the country, such as Akureyri in the north.

In the capital city, Reykjavík, you can easily do most of your sightseeing by foot. Reykjavík is also the starting point for many exciting day tours to the surrounding countryside, such as bus sightseeing tours, 4x4 jeep safaris, horse riding excursions, whale watching tours, glacier hikes and more.

Note: English is widely spoken in Iceland, so you shouldn't have any problem getting around. See more about the Icelandic language and learn a few useful words for your stay.

• Why not try an active tour around Iceland? 
• Or pick your favourite of these classic Iceland holiday packages

WHEN TO VISIT & ICELANDIC WEATHER

There really isn’t a bad time to visit Iceland – it’s just a question of what you’re looking for.

Would you like maximum sunlight for driving and sightseeing? June, July and August are the months when you can expect the longest daylight hours. You’ll also enjoy the mildest weather and best availability of outdoor activities.

In late June you'll experience the peak of the midnight sun phenomenon, in which the sun doesn't fully set below the horizon. Just make sure to bring a sleep mask as it can be hard to fall asleep while it's still bright outside.

Do you like to have more space to yourself? May and September are ideal months if you want to enjoy decent weather but have a quieter time. The temperatures are generally mild – although a bit more unpredictable than in summer – and there is ample daylight hours for sightseeing.

Do you prefer winter scenery and chances for seeing the northern lights? October to April are the best months for Icelandic northern lights tours, when nights are darker and longer.

Alternatively, explore northern lights tours in all Nordic Visitor destinations for a bigger range of options. This also includes Norway and Lapland in Scandinavia.

Of course, the weather is at its coolest in winter, but the snowy and frosty conditions make for fabulous geothermal spa relaxation. For celebrations to remember, look up Christmas packages and New Year’s tours to Iceland.  

And, as we say in Iceland, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. Luckily, you'll find a handy packing guide with suggestions by Iceland travel experts in our Iceland Travel Guide.

• Come enjoy the midnight sun with these Iceland itineraries
• Check out northern lights packages in Iceland

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN ICELAND

There are countless magnificent places and sights to see all around Iceland. Here are some of the most popular highlights:

• Reykjavík, the small yet lively capital city
• The Golden Circle route, including the Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot springs area and Þingvellir National Park
• Eyjafjallajökull volcano and glacier
• The village of Vík and the interesting rock formations of Dyrhólaey
• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Vatnajökull glacier
• Landmannalaugar, a geologically unique area in the highlands
• The lunar landscapes of Lake Mývatn
• Akureyri, “The Capital of North Iceland”
• The Westfjords and the Látrabjarg sea cliffs
• Snæfellsnes peninsula and its majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier

See more Icelandic attractions by region.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND

Iceland offers a wide range of activities, from family-friendly recreation to more adventurous pursuits. Why not try one of these?