Iceland Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

Visit Iceland, the official travel guide of Iceland, says the country is typically divided into seven regions: South Iceland, East Iceland, North Iceland, the Westfjords, West Iceland, Reykjanes and the Reykjavík capital area.

This guide covers the places where the tours on this page run: Reykjavík and the Golden Circle, the Vatnajökull area around Skaftafell, Landmannalaugar in the highlands, Flúðir and Húsavík.

Places to visit in Iceland

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the capital and, according to Visit Iceland, the country's cultural and economic centre. Around 249,000 people live in the Greater Reykjavík Area, nearly two-thirds of Iceland's population. Visit Iceland adds that winter brings the northern lights and summer brings endless daylight.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a round-trip sightseeing route from Reykjavík that Visit Iceland puts at roughly 250 km. It combines Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal area, where the Strokkur geyser erupts. Þingvellir has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004.

Flúðir

Flúðir is a village in the Hrunamannahreppur district, in the Golden Circle area. Visit South Iceland lists the Secret Lagoon there among the village's services. Visit Iceland describes the Secret Lagoon as a natural hot spring.

Skaftafell and Vatnajökull

Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 and covers all of Vatnajökull, which Visit Iceland calls Europe's largest glacier. It includes Skaftafell in the south. Boat tours run on the Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón glacier lagoons, and Visit Iceland advises booking ahead.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, surrounded by colourful mountain ranges. The Environment Agency says it is the starting point of the Laugavegur trail. It is reached by road F208 and then F224, and the agency says you should always check road conditions before driving into the highlands.

Húsavík

Visit North Iceland says Húsavík is known for whale watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay and is often called the Whale Capital of Iceland. Its Whale Museum displays a 22 m blue whale skeleton.

Getting to Iceland

Keflavík International Airport, about 48 km from Reykjavík, is Iceland's main international gateway and operates 24 hours a day. A Flybus shuttle runs between the airport and Reykjavík in connection with arriving and departing flights, and the drive to the city takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Visit Iceland also notes that Akureyri International Airport in North Iceland has seasonal international flights from London and Manchester. The ferry M/S Norröna sails weekly from Denmark to Iceland via the Faroe Islands.

Getting around

Visit Iceland describes the country as a road trip destination, where most visitors use a rental car. For the highlands you need a proper SUV with insurance for F-roads. Roads and weather can change quickly, so check road conditions and the forecast before you set out.

Strætó buses reach almost the entire country, and Visit Iceland advises booking rides longer than two hours in advance. Icelandair flies from Reykjavík's domestic airport to Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður.

When to go to Iceland

Summer (June to August)

Visit Iceland puts the true summer season at June through August, with nearly endless daylight. Once the F-roads open, typically between late June and early July, you can drive a 4x4 into the highlands.

September to April

Visit Iceland says the northern lights season generally runs from September to April.

October

October sits between autumn and winter, and Visit Iceland says conditions can change quickly. Daylight in Reykjavík falls from around 11 to 12 hours at the start of the month to roughly eight hours by the end.

What to book ahead

• Book Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón boat tours ahead; Visit Iceland advises prebooking.
• Reserve long Strætó bus rides in advance, since departures may be cancelled if no one has booked.
• If you want a rental car for the highlands, check that the vehicle and insurance cover F-roads.
• Guided tours run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Directorate of Immigration (Útlendingastofnun).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Golden Circle?

Visit Iceland calls it Iceland's most famous scenic route, a round-trip sightseeing tour from Reykjavík. It combines Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur geothermal area.

When can I drive to Landmannalaugar?

Access is by F-roads, which Visit Iceland says typically open between late June and early July. Opening dates vary, so check road conditions before you go.

When is the northern lights season?

Visit Iceland says the northern lights season generally runs from September to April.

Where does the ferry from Denmark arrive?

Visit Iceland says M/S Norröna sails weekly from Denmark to Iceland via the Faroe Islands. Check the operator's schedule for current dates.

Do I need a visa for Iceland?

It depends on your nationality. The Directorate of Immigration publishes the current rules, so check its website before you book.