Iceland
Iceland is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic known for glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs, and dramatic, empty landscapes. Most visitors base themselves in the capital, Reykjavík, and drive the Ring Road, the highway that circles the entire island and links most of the country's main sights.
Iceland suits travelers who want dramatic nature, road trips, and outdoor activities over city sightseeing — there are very few large towns outside the capital. Weather changes fast at any time of year, so pack layers and waterproofs regardless of season, and build spare time into any itinerary in case of road closures.
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Money & payments
Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK), not the euro.
Iceland is one of the most cashless countries in the world — card and phone payment work almost everywhere, including small cafés, parking meters, and public toilets, so carrying cash is rarely necessary. Iceland is also one of the most expensive countries in Europe for food, lodging, and car rental.
Explore Iceland
Iceland's Absolute Essentials
This selection features Iceland's volcanic landscapes, glacial formations, and architectural landmarks. Key sites include the tectonic rift at the Bridge Between Continents, the floating icebergs of Jökulsárlón, and the black sand at Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara. The list covers powerful cascades like Dettifoss and Skógafoss, the geothermal activity of the Geysir area, and the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Urban highlights include the glass-fronted Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík and the historic Old Harbour, a hub for whale watching and maritime history.
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Iceland's Editor's Choice
Iceland’s diverse landscape features the 60-meter Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where visitors can walk behind the cascade, and the deep Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon carved during the last Ice Age. Geological highlights include the tectonic rift at Silfra, the Bridge Between Continents on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the active Hekla and Snæfellsjökull stratovolcanoes. Coastal landmarks range from the iceberg-filled Jökulsárlón lagoon to the bird-watching cliffs of Látrabjarg. In Reykjavik, the Harpa Concert Hall showcases contemporary glass architecture inspired by basalt landscapes.
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Iceland's Hidden Gems
This collection features remote sites across Iceland, including the 128-meter Hengifoss with its distinct red clay layers and the basalt-columned Aldeyjarfoss in the Highlands. Geothermal highlights include the hikeable hot river of Reykjadalur and the historic Snorralaug pool in Reykholt. The list also covers architectural history at Grafarkirkja, Iceland's oldest turf church, and secluded natural wonders like Gljúfrabúi, a waterfall tucked inside a narrow canyon near the southern coast.
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Iceland's Natural Wonders
Iceland's landscape is defined by the interplay of volcanic activity and glacial forces. This collection features landmarks like the 60-meter Seljalandsfoss, which allows access behind the water curtain, and Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. Geothermal features include the original Geysir and the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon spa. The list also spans the basalt sea stacks of Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, the Krafla volcanic caldera, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. These sites represent the island’s geological diversity, from the organ-pipe basalt formations at Svartifoss to the swimmable thermal rivers in the Reykjadalur valley.
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Icelandic Lakes and Reservoirs
Iceland's diverse water bodies range from the massive Þórisvatn reservoir to the tectonic rift lake Þingvallavatn, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This collection features volcanic crater lakes like the geothermal Víti, the bird-rich eutrophic waters of Mývatn, and man-made reservoirs such as Blöndulón. These sites showcase unique geological phenomena, including glacial runoff, geothermal activity at the Blue Lagoon, and coastal rock pools like Brimketill, providing insight into the island's volcanic and hydraulic landscape.
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Historic Icelandic Churches
This collection highlights Iceland's architectural evolution through its religious landmarks. It features rare turf structures like Grafarkirkja and Víðimýrarkirkja, which represent traditional 17th and 19th-century construction. The list includes the basalt-stone Þingeyrarklausturskirkja and modern designs like Blönduóskirkja, modeled after volcanic forms. These sites range from the historic 11th-century foundations at Þingvellir to the iconic red-roofed coastal church in Vík, showcasing diverse building materials including wood, stone, and concrete.
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Icelandic Stays
This collection of Icelandic accommodations spans from remote highland mountain huts to modern hotels along the Ring Road. It includes specialized lodging like the farm-based Vogafjós Farm Resort near Lake Mývatn and the minimalist Fosshotel Núpar set within the south coast lava fields. Options range from basic sleeping bag accommodation for hikers in Landmannalaugar and Emstrur to full-service hotels in Borgarnes, Vík, and Keflavík.
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Iceland's Top Viewpoints
Iceland's landscape offers diverse vantage points across its volcanic terrain and coastal fringes. This selection includes the 198-meter Glymur waterfall, the powerful Dettifoss in Vatnajökull National Park, and the westernmost point of Europe at Látrabjarg Cliffs. Visitors can observe seal colonies at Illugastaðir, the teal waters of Viti crater, and the moss-covered Skaftáreldahraun lava fields. Coastal formations like the basalt arch of Gatklettur and the rhinoceros-shaped Hvítserkur stack highlight the island's unique geological erosion.
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Icelandic Camping Adventures
Iceland's camping network connects major geological landmarks with managed facilities. This selection includes the 198-meter Glymur waterfall, Europe's most powerful cascade at Dettifoss, and the turquoise waters of Brúarfoss. Campgrounds like Skaftafell provide direct access to Vatnajökull National Park’s glacial tongues, while sites on the Reykjanes Peninsula and in northern towns like Húsavík offer proximity to geothermal baths and whale watching. These locations provide infrastructure for tents and caravans near rift valley lakes and the ancient basalt structures of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
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Icelandic Landmarks and Coastal Sentinels
This collection spans Iceland's volcanic and maritime history, from the basalt fortress of Borgarvirki to the industrial ruins of the Djúpavík Herring Factory. It features vital coastal beacons like the orange Svörtuloft lighthouse and the historic Reykjanesviti. Historical sites include the Law Speaker’s rock at Þingvellir and memorials dedicated to early Viking settlers and the power of glacial floods, providing insight into the nation’s cultural heritage and its relationship with the North Atlantic.
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Icelandic Museums & Galleries
Iceland’s museums offer a deep dive into the North Atlantic island’s evolution, from the Viking Age to modern geothermal innovation. This collection highlights the country's maritime heritage at the Herring Era and Víkin museums, while reconstructed farmsteads like Glaumbær and Laufás showcase traditional turf architecture. Natural history is represented through the life-sized models at Whales of Iceland and the Seal Center. Unique cultural insights are found at the Sorcerer Cottage and Eiríksstaðir, the former homestead of Erik the Red.
10 placesTours & Activities
Map of Iceland
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Iceland. Service staff are paid a standard wage, and a service charge is generally already built into prices. Rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a little extra for outstanding service is fine, but it is a bonus, not an obligation, and no one will be offended either way.
round up the fare
Electricity
Iceland uses Type C and Type F plugs (the same two-round-pin style as most of continental Europe) at 230 V / 50 Hz.
Language
Icelandic is the official language, but English is spoken fluently by nearly everyone, including in small towns, so a lack of Icelandic is rarely a barrier.
Staying connected
Prepaid SIM and eSIM plans from Síminn, Vodafone, or Nova are easy to buy at Keflavík Airport or in Reykjavík. Coverage is strong along the Ring Road and in towns, but can drop out in the highlands and other remote areas — download offline maps before heading into the interior.
Safety & emergencies
Iceland has very little crime, and theft or violence against tourists is rare. The real risks are natural: sudden weather changes, slippery ice on trails and roads, and rogue "sneaker" waves at black sand beaches like Reynisfjara that can pull people into the sea without warning. Never walk on a glacier without a certified guide, and check road and weather conditions before any long drive.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink everywhere and among the cleanest in the world; in some areas hot tap water smells faintly of sulfur, which is normal and not a safety issue. Pharmacies are available in every town, though hours can be limited outside Reykjavík. No special vaccinations are required for entry.
Visas & entry
Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, though it is not a member of the European Union. Citizens of the EU/EEA, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers from countries without a visa-waiver agreement need a Schengen visa, applied for through an Icelandic embassy or consulate before travel.
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Etiquette
Icelanders are informal and direct; small talk with strangers is less common than in some other cultures, but people are happy to help if asked. At public geothermal pools, a shower without swimwear is mandatory before entering the water — attendants do check, and skipping it is considered a real breach of hygiene etiquette, not just a suggestion. Shoes are usually removed when entering someone's home.
Holidays & opening hours
Public holidays can affect bus schedules and rural shop hours more than in Reykjavík. Many businesses close early or entirely on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve afternoon.
Getting around
- By car: Self-driving the Ring Road (Route 1) is how most visitors see the country; a standard 2WD car covers it in summer, but winter conditions can require more caution and better tires.
- By bus: Scheduled coaches connect Reykjavík with major towns, but service thins out in winter and doesn't reach many natural sights directly.
- By air: Domestic flights from Reykjavík to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, and Ísafjörður save hours of driving and are worth it for a short trip covering more than one region.
- In Reykjavík: The capital is compact and walkable, with a small city bus network (Strætó) for longer hops.
Driving
- F-roads: Mountain roads marked with an "F" lead into the highlands and are only open in summer. They require a 4x4 by law; a 2WD rental is not insured or permitted on them.
- River crossings: Some F-roads cross unbridged glacial rivers with water levels that change hourly; never attempt a crossing you are unsure about.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on paved rural roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads.
- Weather and road conditions: Check road.is and the forecast before any long drive; strong crosswinds and sudden storms are common and can make driving dangerous with little warning.
- Livestock: Sheep roam freely near many roads, especially in summer; slow down in open farmland.
- Fuel: Stations are self-service, often unstaffed, and require a card with a PIN; some accept only Icelandic-issued cards after hours, so fill up before remote stretches.
Food & drink
Fish and lamb anchor most traditional Icelandic cooking, reflecting the country's farming and fishing history. Skyr, a thick, yogurt-like dairy product, is eaten daily, and rúgbrauð, a dense rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat, is a classic side. Lamb soup (kjötsúpa) is a common comfort dish, especially in colder months.
Hot dogs (pylsur), made partly from lamb, are a beloved everyday snack sold at stands across the country. Hákarl, fermented shark with a strong ammonia smell, is a traditional dish now eaten mostly by tourists as a novelty rather than an everyday food — approach it with a small taste rather than a full portion. Coffee culture is strong, and a coffee break is a normal part of the day.
Where to explore
Reykjavík is the capital and by far the largest city, home to most of the country's museums, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as the main gateway airport at nearby Keflavík.
Akureyri, in the north, is the country's second-largest town and a good base for exploring Lake Mývatn and the northern fjords. Húsavík, further along the north coast, is known as a whale-watching hub. Höfn, in the southeast, is a common stop for visitors heading to the glacier lagoons and Vatnajökull National Park.
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