Iceland’s unique geography puts it on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s the land of fire and ice, where nature puts on one of its most dramatic shows. With its towering waterfalls, glacial lagoons, bubbling hot springs, and the otherworldly Northern Lights, it’s easy to see why this island nation captures the hearts of travelers. But exploring Iceland takes a little planning if you want to make the most of the experience without overspending or getting caught out by the unpredictable weather.
If you’re considering a trip to Iceland and have questions, I hope my travel tips will help you. These are my top travel tips for visiting Iceland for the first time. My goal is to answer your questions so you feel comfortable on your trip. Between this and your free Iceland travel guide (click on the picture below to sign up!), you’ll be all set for your first trip to Iceland! These Iceland travel tips are designed to be to the point and (most importantly) practical.
I am hopeful that this article answers all your questions about traveling, but if you still have any, feel free to leave a comment for me to answer. Let’s make your trip to Iceland an epic one!
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Planning Tips for Visiting Iceland
Check the holidays
This is true for any country – check the public holidays before you travel. It’s important to know when businesses are closed for the holidays – for example, National Independence Day is June 17th!
Book in advance
Planning your Iceland adventure ahead of time is essential; it’s one of the most indispensable pieces of travel advice you could receive. This is especially true for visiting tourist attractions like the Blue Lagoon.
Reserve all of your travel arrangements in advance – from flights to rental cars and from accommodations to tours. The sooner you book, the better your options will be and the more money you’ll save. Many people rent cars in Iceland, so if you’re looking to rent an automatic car or one for an extended time, this is especially true.
Hotels with the best value for money fill up quickly, pre-booking car rentals at the airport are recommended to get the best deals, and tour packages also sell out rapidly.
Planning ahead is the best way to keep your Iceland trip costs down and make it as worry-free as possible, so get your reservations settled before you go.
Iceland uses the Icelandic krona, not the Euro
Iceland utilizes Icelandic króna and no, you can not pay in euro or the US dollar. If you absolutely wish to bring money, don’t bring more than 100 USD. That should be sufficient for little expenses where credit cards are not acceptable.
Cash is not required. Credit is King.
Many people seem to be unsure about whether cash is needed in Iceland; I’m here to tell you the answer is no, it isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer cash then check out my guide on how to figure out how much cash you should bring on your trip!
It is attainable all across Iceland to purchase items with a credit or debit card. Literally anywhere. Even a small fee of 200ISK (1.5 USD) for a snack at a grocery store. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Don’t be afraid to make a road trip
While you might not have enough time to drive the entire Ring Road around the island, I do suggest taking a road trip for at least part of your time. We unexpectedly rented a car when a tour was canceled. Driving from Reykjavik to Vik ended up being the highlight of our trip.
In winter, it might be better to take a day trip from Reykjavik or a multi-day organized trip (that even includes the blue cave!), so that you don’t have to worry about the winter roads. Either way, you’ll see some incredible sights on the road.
Packing for Iceland Travel Tips
Be prepared for quickly changing weather.
It’s virtually impossible to answer what the weather will be like during your trip. Of course, temperatures will likely be lower in January than July, but that’s about all I can offer.
In Iceland, the weather is so changeable that winter can switch to summer in a single day. This is due to the tempering effects of Gulf Stream, resulting in an average temperature of 0°C (31°F) in January and 13°C (55°F) during July in the capital city, Reykjavik.
Regardless of when you travel to Iceland, it’s important to be ready for all possible kinds of weather. Conditions can change quickly and dramatically, from brilliant sunshine to driving rain or even complete fog. Anything is possible!
Additionally, don’t solely rely on the weather forecast. Many times, the temperature may appear to be manageable but with wind, it can make a huge disparity. The weather can also change based on location in Iceland as well.
Pack (and wear) layers!
When going on trips, it is wise to dress in layers with some casual and smart clothes. You should bring a warm, wind- and waterproof jacket along with your swimsuit no matter what season it is.
Having proper layering is key, no matter the season. A reliable waterproof jacket, boots, and pants are a must. Don’t forget to pack a buff, gloves, and a hat if you are venturing out in cold weather. If you’re planning on going into one of the hot pools or public pools, don’t forget a bathing suit to enjoy the warm water.
Iceland uses European travel adapters
Be sure to pack a Type C adapter for Iceland. Electricity is 220 volts. If you have a high-voltage device (like a hair dryer or straightener) you’ll need a converter. Luckily most hotels provide a hair dryer so save your luggage space. I always pack my universal adapter, so I never have to worry if I’m packing the right adapter!
Don’t forget waterproof shoes
To make the most of your Iceland trip, it is recommended that you bring a pair of sturdy waterproof shoes. I brought these boots and packed my Yak Traks since I visited in November. The boots are waterproof and the Yak Traks helped me have better grip in the snow and ice.
Preparing for your trip to Iceland
English is widely spoken.
While the official (and main) language is Icelandic, pretty much everyone speaks English. I often found locals very excited to talk to me in English and show me hidden gems. If you’re looking to learn a little bit, you can get your free Iceland guide with essential phrases and more practical information.
Monitor weather warnings and traffic reports.
If there is one Iceland travel tip to always keep in mind, it’s this one. No matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland, it’s important to make sure you stay up-to-date on any weather alerts or road closures. In particular, if you are planning a trip during the colder months, keeping tabs on these warnings is essential for your safety and enjoyment. During the winter months in Iceland, a number of roads may be closed, even sections of major routes such as the Ring Road. Therefore, it is critical to confirm no closures are in effect before traveling.
Plan your budget for the trip carefully.
In Iceland, accommodation, gas, dining out, and organized activities are among the most expensive services. As a whole, Iceland is one of the most expensive countries I’ve ever visited. Planning ahead can help you save a lot of money. In the case of budgeting, it is always better to overestimate how much money you’ll need. Iceland grocery stores have some of the best deals if you’re looking to save money on food and snacks.
Don’t worry though – some of the best things are free! There are plenty of natural landmarks in Iceland to see that do not have an entrance fee.
In Iceland, tipping is not necessary.
In Iceland, tipping is not considered to be necessary as restaurant bills generally include service charges. Tips are not expected by staff.
For many people, giving a tour guide in Iceland a gratuity is enjoyable, though it’s not mandatory. If you truly want to express your gratitude, remember to bring along a few notes of cash; often times people just leave tips in USD or EUR.
Ensure that your credit card has a chip and a PIN
Some of the retailers in Iceland require a PIN to use our credit card. If your credit card doesn’t have a PIN, be sure to have a debit card that does. You don’t want to be in a remote area of Iceland trying to get gas when you find out your credit card won’t work.Â
If you don’t have a debit card, you can purchase a prepaid card that has a PIN. N1 is the most common brand.
Exploring Iceland Travel Tips
Don’t be afraid to explore Iceland at night
If you’re visiting in the summer, the daytime is incredibly long in Iceland. In the peak of summer (June) the sun sets around midnight and then begins to rise at 3am. This means you’ll have plenty of time to explore without crowds AND put more in your itinerary.
If you’re visiting in winter, however, this can be a bit limiting. While you won’t be able to see natural landmarks at night, the Northern Lights are only visible between October and March! Icelandic weather in the winter is even more unpredictable.
Be aware though that many restaurants and gas stations close around 9 pm.
Pack a Sleeping Eye Mask (especially in summer)
I always pack a sleeping mask – it’s the curse of being a light sleeper. However, because of the above tip with dark only being from 12 am-3 am, this is especially important. I love this mask as it doesn’t put pressure on my actual eyes.
Don’t be afraid to go to a local pool or smaller waterfalls
While the Blue Lagoon and Skogafoss are incredible destinations, there are plenty of options to explore. Most towns in Iceland have hot springs or pools that visitors are allowed to swim in. You can find some with steam baths or kids’ pools! Iceland also has over 10,000 waterfalls, so check out some of the other beautiful waterfalls in Iceland during your trip. There are plenty of geothermal pools and less famous waterfalls.
Don’t plan too much in one day
This is especially true if you’re driving. Iceland doesn’t look like a big country but add in hills and curves in the road and potentially crazy weather – that 2-hour drive can quickly become a 4-hour one! Plus you also don’t leave time for spontaneous stops. You also don’t want to limit your time at black sand beaches or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Drink the tap water
You don’t need to spend money on bottled water in Iceland. The tap water is very pure and safe to drink. Just refill your reusable water bottle before you head out for the day.
Tips for Driving in Iceland
Drive carefully
Driving in Iceland is an incredibly tranquil experience, with the majority of roads relatively free of traffic outside of Reykjavik. Exploring Iceland’s main Ring Road by car is especially easy and enjoyable during the summer season due to its right-hand traffic system.
It is so important to pay attention while driving. There are a number of one-lane bridges, unpredictable curves, and even sheep. Be mindful of the road signs, they try to give you an idea of what is coming.
For the sake of convenience, don’t stop on the side of the road; this makes it difficult for other drivers to pass. At most attractions, like the DC-3 plane wreck, there are parking lots available.
Determine when a 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily need a 4WD or 4×4 vehicle to explore Iceland; many parts of the Ring Road are paved and attractions along this popular route can typically be reached in a regular car, especially in the warmer months.
It is highly recommended that you rent a 4WD or 4×4 vehicle if you plan on traveling to Iceland between October and May.
Familiarize yourself with Iceland’s F-roads, and learn how to drive them properly.
F-roads in Iceland are secondary routes and are usually comprised of gravel. For driving on the F-roads, you will need a 4WD, or a 4×4. In some cases, only a 4×4 super jeep will suffice.
When renting a car, make certain that you choose one that is suitable for the roads you plan on driving and that your rental agreement allows you to use it on F-roads. (This is where that advanced planning will come into play!) Additionally, keep in mind that even very comprehensive insurance policies will not cover river crossings.
Splurge on the full insurance
Iceland roads are no joke. While statistically, there is a low chance of anything happening, if something does, you want to be covered. Strong winds, unpredictable weather, and windy roads can all make driving a hassle and potentially unsafe. Get the coverage, it’s worth it.
Save “Travel Tips for Visiting Iceland” for Later!
This post couldn’t come at a better timing as I’m going to Iceland this year! So excited and can’t wait, especially after reading all your tips. Thank you 😊
That’s awesome! So excited for you!!
Iceland is on my bucket list. There are some great tips in this post. I always debate what currency is best when travelling so I typically exchange my money for US as it seems to be the popular currency. It’s great to know they prefer credit cards…makes it easier. I also had never heard of Froads…it would be a 4×4 for me as I love exploring.
I can’t wait to visit Iceland. It is on my bucket list for such a long time and your post makes me want to go there even more! Thank you for sharing this tips with us.
I hope you get to visit soon!
I did the Ring Road with a guided tour and was often grateful, that I wasn’t driving and instead just enjoyed the comfort of a bus. Driving in Iceland is certainly an adventure in itself and not to be underestimated. As you mentioned, some roads are mere dirt roads and not paved, so it can feel like you went off the main track even though you’re still on the main road. Can you recommend any reliable car rentals, or do they have the usual ones e.g. Europcar, Sixt?
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Lots of really good advice here and having been to Iceland I would certainly recommend any reader to pay attention to what is said here.
I found Iceland to be very, very expensive for a Brit. One of the few places where I had to look at the menu board outside to determine if it was within my budget.
I drove a car with a friend for 3 days here and it was fine, great roads, and standards. Many of the attractions are free, as you say, so it compensates the expensive accommodation and food. The Blue Lagoon is an absolute must (but very expensive). It’s a unique place to visit for the silica bath and swimming in the open air. If going in Winter take proper Winter snow/ski ware. My friend just took normal jeans and a normal coat and was so cold, he had to borrow some of my gear. Great article here to keep yourself informed.
I loved my trip to Iceland but reading this before would have been even better. The midnight sun, while I’d heard of it, I still wasn’t prepared for. It was very odd to be walking in daylight at midnight. I do want to do a road trip at some point so the driving tips are really helpful, especially good to know about the F-roads. It’s hard to know in many places where prefers cash vs credit. I didn’t use half my cash in Iceland and I only took about $100, so very much agree that credit is king here
Excellent advice for first-time travelers to Iceland. Being an extremely safe and worry-free country for travelers, there are many things to keep in mind.
When I was there I made the huge mistake of not renting a 4×4, and it was winter. It was extremely difficult to drive in inhospitable conditions with a normal car.
Take advantage of all the hot springs whenever you can, as there are many and free along the Ring Road.
Iceland is (so far) the only place where I actually cooked in the hostel kitchen for some meals instead of eating out; it was the food and beer that seemed most expensive to me. Iceland is so cool though and I’d love to go again, this time in summer, and use your tips for driving around the island.
I wish I had come across this article before my trip to Iceland, very useful tips and I completely agree with planning your budget and getting travel insurance. I travelled in the summer but really want to go back in Winter and explore Iceland at night.
Wow, these tips are incredibly helpful! I’m planning my first trip to Iceland, and this post came just in time. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights!