21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Iceland
Here is the list of essential things to know about Iceland before you go. Our travel guide is primarily meant to help first-time travelers visiting Iceland, though even seasoned visitors can find useful advice in this blog post.
Are you planning your trip to Iceland? Except for creating the perfect itinerary and writing down all the magical places you want to visit, we think it is equally important to know what to expect.
That's why we have put together this travel guide where we share things that we feel are practical to know about Iceland before you go.
Iceland is a wealthy European country where services and tourist infrastructure are on the highest level.
Even though it might sound comforting, traveling to a foreign country can always be a bit stressful. We feel you.
Every trip and every journey to an unknown place is a leap in the dark, and it always helps to know more about the country you're about to visit.
The rule of thumb is that the more you know, the better usually the trip is as you can focus more only on exploring places and new experiences.
From the ever-discussed Iceland's ever-changing weather to whether you need cash and what car to choose for your road trip, it is all here.
Traveling to Iceland is unique in many ways.
We think that it's already been said many times, but nature consisting of thousands of waterfalls, black sand beaches, high cliffs, green pastures, towering mountains, rough coastline, hot pools, volcanoes, all that very close to the iconic Ring Road, is something you must see with your own eyes.
To focus solely on the beauty around you and get the most out of your trip, read first this post on what every traveler should know before traveling to Iceland.
Names of Places in Iceland
Do you like tongue twisters? Then you are going to love Icelandic names of sites you're about to visit.
Many places and attractions carry names we simply couldn't remember, even though we really tried.
And from our personal experience and stories from other travelers we met along the way, we were not alone.
Are the names such as Fjaðrárgljúfur, Djúpavogskörin, Borgarfjarðarhöfn, or Kirkjufellsfoss are easy to remember for you? If your answer is yes, then good for you.
But for us, some names were impossible to remember.
As a result, we came up with short descriptions of these places.
So Fjaðrárgljúfur is the Justin's Bieber canyon, Kirkjufellsfoss is the pretty sunset waterfall with the single mountain from GoT, Djúpavogskörin is the place with free hot tub, and the Borgarfjarðarhöfn is that amazing bird sanctuary with puffins.
To be fair, some places such as Myvatn, Husavik, or Gullfoss have normal names that even our limited brain capacity could retain and recall.
It was always a relief to arrive in a place with a 'normal' name that we could remember even the next day.
The question is if our pronunciation of these seemingly easier names was right, probably not, but it did not bother us that much.
We were just happy that we remembered those names for a while.
Summer and Winter Daylight Hours Difference
Iceland is a challenging place to visit not only because of the constantly changing weather but also because the number of daylight hours changes significantly throughout the year.
Before you start planning your trip - read our 2-week Iceland itinerary for inspiration - it is necessary to know how many hours before sunrise to sunset you have.
For example, you cannot use our packed summer itinerary for sure in the middle of the winter.
Winter is the time of the year when you can expect only four to six hours of actual daylight, so it is necessary to plan your trip accordingly.
On the other hand, the summer days are very long due to the midnight sun, waiting to be filled with many exciting activities.
Iceland is Expensive
We are not going to lie to you. Iceland was one of the most expensive destinations we've ever visited.
As long as you know about it before your trip and as long as you are prepared to spend more than usual, it is fine.
But if you are a budget traveler counting every dollar, prices of accommodations, meals in restaurants, or food in grocery stores might catch you off guard.
That's why we feel it is imperative to emphasize that Iceland is one of the most expensive destinations in the world.
And because we usually travel as cheap as possible, we slept at campgrounds, cooked our own meals, and still, our final Iceland travel budget was higher than what we normally spend on vacation.
On the other hand, Iceland is also one of the most beautiful countries we've ever been to, and all money we spent there was well worth it.
It really pays off to dedicate some time to the planning part to save money.
Find a cheap rental car or the best campervan, and reserve your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals.
Also make sure to read our guide on how to visit Iceland on a budget.
What is one of the most expensive products in Iceland? It is alcohol.
Outside the airport, where you can buy alcohol tax-free, you either have to be willing to spend a lot on it.
Otherwise, it might be better for your wallet and liver to enjoy your holiday without drinks.
Cashless Iceland
After we landed, our first steps led to the ATM. We knew that Iceland is known for a cashless system, but it's always good to have some emergency cash with you just in case. Right?
How wrong we were. You really don't need cash in Iceland.
Still in doubt? No worries, we were skeptical as well.
You can pay by credit card in the restrooms at Skybus' terminal, for the parking in Thingvellir National Park, at campsites, even the small and remote ones, at all gas stations, in the stores, restaurants, etc.
In a nutshell, we traveled around Iceland for 14 days and didn't have to use cash once.
Of course, there was one exception to prove the rule.
So the only place where we needed cash was the shower in Vik's campground, a gateway to Dyrholaey Peninsula and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, which required 4x100 Iceland's crowns.
As we arrived late and missed the manager to change the money, we could not take a shower that day.
At the end of our trip, we had difficulties spending all the money we withdrew at the airport.
Just make sure your credit cards work abroad, and you are ready to go to Iceland.
Weather is Unpredictable
Weather in Iceland is a big deal. When preparing for the trip, it is something no traveler should take lightly.
The country is famous for its ever-changing weather and high precipitation, so you can indeed experience four seasons not only in one day but within an hour.
Even if you watch the weather forecast closely, you cannot take anything for granted, and it is always best to be prepared for the worst.
High-quality, waterproof and windproof gear for Iceland is a must, no matter if you are camping or sleeping in upscale lodgings.
In general, there are four seasons in Iceland.
Winter lasts between December and February, and it is the least visited season because of short days and cold, snowy weather.
Some roads might even be closed due to snow.
That's being said, with good clothes and an adventurous spirit, traveling in Iceland during this time must be unforgettable.
Spring and autumn can go either way, temperatures are still lower, but more and more travelers have been visiting Iceland during the shoulder season lately.
The reasons are lower prices and fewer crowds.
From June to August, summer is undoubtedly the most popular and best time to visit Iceland.
Conditions weather-wise are at their best, plus the midnight sun makes the visit unique and allows you to get the most out of the long days.
On the other hand, the country during the high season is crowded, prices skyrocket, and making all the reservations in advance (cars and accommodation) is essential.
Nature is Everywhere
Iceland is all about nature.
Sometimes our heads were spinning as there was not a single minute without stunning views, and we had a feeling it was impossible to take a break from all this beauty.
Sure, there is the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik, and the second-largest city in the country, Akureyri.
Both places offer a regular city experience and sightseeing, but other than that, prepare yourself for driving through remote areas and for being outside most of the time.
Iceland is a perfect destination for reconnecting with nature, and it is a place where you can sense the power of natural elements.
Even though traveling around and enjoying a certain comfort level is possible, you should know that the best things are to be seen outdoors.
2WD vs 4WD
One of the hardest questions to answer is whether you need a 2WD or 4WD for Iceland.
Choosing the right car can either make or break your trip.
After we drove almost 4500 kilometers in 14 days, we must say that you don't need a 4WD for the Ring Road and Westfjords.
We need to add that we visited Iceland at the turn of June and July, during the summer when the roads are in the best conditions.
In summer, renting a 2WD car is perfectly fine.
Wintertime would definitely change our point of view, and we would recommend you consider renting a 4WD for your safety.
If you plan on visiting Iceland's highlands, you also need a 4WD regardless of the season.
When we were planning our trip, Landmannalaugar was the only place that made us think about a 4WD.
Then we decided that it does not make sense to pay significantly more for this car only because of this day trip, and we hope to visit this destination in the future.
Still, there is always a possibility to return the car a day early and then take this popular Landmannalaugar Tour from Reykjavik.
When deciding on what car or campervan to choose, always consider destinations you want to visit, search for the type of roads, and always take into consideration the season of your visit.
F-Roads
Iceland has three types of roads. Sealed roads, unsealed roads, and F-Roads.
F-Roads are mountainous roads that cross Iceland's highlands and require 4WD.
And you will need not just one of those modern lifestyle cars will all-wheel drive but a proper off-road vehicle.
As we have already mentioned, we rented a small campervan for our first road trip around Iceland, and this type of car was not allowed to drive on the F-Roads.
We also did a lot of research, read plenty of articles, watched videos, and concluded that you shouldn't underestimate this type of road.
There will be sharp rocks, potholes, mud, rivers, sand, snow, etc.
If you get stuck, it's also advisable to travel accompanied by at least one another car to recover your vehicle from the mud, sand, ditch, river, or any other problem.
With a 2WD, you should always avoid F-roads to stay safe and avoid paying a rental company's penalty.
Iceland's Hot Springs Tradition
Iceland is famous for its geothermal activity, and bathing in hot pools has been a huge tradition on this volcanic island.
From natural springs, streams, rivers, or hot pots to large artificial hot pools with modern facilities and spa services, Iceland has it all.
When it comes to hot pools, the most famous place in Iceland is undoubtedly the Blue Lagoon.
You will hear and see a lot of this fascinating place, and some people say that your trip to Iceland wouldn't be complete without visiting Blue Lagoon.
If you find Blue Lagoon too touristy, Myvatn Nature Baths is a great alternative to Blue Lagoon in the upper half of the island, though on a smaller scale.
For us, the real gems were the intimate natural small hot pools that could fit only a handful of people at the time.
It is good to think about your strategy before visiting Iceland when it comes to hot pools.
Some people want to take a dip into a hot pool every day and plan their travel itinerary according to the location of the best pools. Some people instead go with the flow and visit a few of them, and only when they are close to the road.
No matter which type of traveler you are, make sure you have time to visit at least one hot pool during your time in Iceland.
By the way, if you visit one of the serviced hot pools, such as Hofsos Infinity Pool on the Trollaskagi Peninsula, you need to shower naked before entering the pool.
We find it normal as we have the same rules in every swimming pool in the Czech Republic, but many other travelers think it is strange, so be prepared for that.
Iceland Can Be Crowded
As we were among one of the first visitors after Iceland reopened its borders for international traveling once again, we had many places just for ourselves.
Of course, the top attractions such as Dettifoss or Skogafoss were still attracting quite some people, but all of our visits were very pleasant.
Probably the biggest difference was the complete lack of bus tours, which bring the hordes of tourists.
But we know that our experience was completely different from the past years.
Iceland as a travel destination has been lately very popular, and the number of travelers by far overgrown the number of Iceland's population.
Even if you travel the Ring Road that seems abandoned, be sure that parking lots near top attractions such as Seljalandsfoss or Gullfoss will be packed.
It is necessary to set your expectations right.
Sure, Iceland is all about nature but do not expect to enjoy it just by yourself. And if it happens, stand in awe quietly and savor the moment.
This brings us to just another topic - campgrounds.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds in Iceland are quite different from what we have experienced so far in other corners of the world.
Firstly, you don't have to make reservations, which is very different from our road trip experiences from the Canadian Rockies or New Zealand.
In Iceland, campgrounds work on a first-come, first-served basis.
So, you just show up, find an empty space, park your car there, and that's it.
Of course, you have to pay for the night. Usually, someone will show up in the evening or the morning with a payment terminal.
Secondly, you can pay for the campsite in Iceland with credit cards, even at the small family-run campgrounds. That's super cool and very convenient as you don't need cash.
Lastly, most of the campgrounds in Iceland are just large open grassy areas without trees, making the camping experience less intimate.
On top of that, the omnipresent wind has no obstacles in the way, and sometimes the wind gusts were so strong that it felt like our car was trying to lift off.
It also makes outdoor cooking quite challenging.
And lastly, most of the campgrounds' facilities seemed fairly short in numbers.
Sometimes, there was just one or two toilets and one shower for the whole campground, which was enough for a fraction of tourists that traveled at the same time with us.
But we've always wondered how different would it be if the tourist season was in full swing.
And not in a positive way.
If you travel in the off-season, it is necessary to search for campsites that are open year-round, as some are operated only during the summer season.
And don't forget that free camping is not legal in Iceland!
When to See the Northern Lights
Also known as the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis is one of the main reasons to visit Iceland.
If you are really serious about it, you need to plan your trip carefully.
The bad news is that you can't see Northern Lights in Iceland during the summer.
It's simple as that, and there is no way around it.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from mid-September to mid-April.
By the way, it is almost impossible to see during a single trip puffins in Iceland that nest in the summer and Northern Lights, which is a natural phenomenon best seen in the winter or close to winter months.
We opted for summer's never-ending days and puffins. Hopefully, we'll return to see Aurora Borealis someday in the future.
Midnight Sun in Iceland
For people who have never experienced midnight sun, including ourselves, it's something that will take you by surprise regardless of how many articles you have read about it.
The midnight sun is so strange, yet so fascinating, and it will take some time for your brain to adjust.
From mid-May to mid-August, you can experience this natural phenomenon in Iceland.
As we arrived in Iceland only one day before the summer solstice, which is the 21st of June, we enjoyed the midnight sun at its peak.
The midnight sun has many practical perks that you can take advantage of.
When we hiked to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Springs River, we started around 10 PM. We didn't have to bring a torchlight, as we had known, that the trail will still be clearly visible even after midnight.
Our whale watching tour in Husavik finished shortly after midnight, and we didn't have to drive on the unfamiliar road during the dark.
When we arrived at the campground roughly at 1:30 AM, we could enjoy the sunset/sunrise over the Greenland Sea.
However, if you decide on camping, we highly recommend purchasing a sleep mask before your trip. Please don't skimp on it.
Make sure to pick comfortable ones, as you don't want to be woken up in the middle of the night by a scratching mask.
Getting enough sleep is one of the essential rules of traveling to stay fit and healthy.
Forests
One of the strangest things about Iceland we noticed almost immediately after our arrival was the complete lack of trees and forests.
Surprisingly, more than 1000 years ago, forests covered about 40% of the country.
Due to human activity, most of Iceland was deforested, and the result is very odd.
In our home country, we are used to seeing forests everywhere. So seeing this was something completely different.
We would compare it to the midnight sun, as it's very hard to describe.
When we forget about all the negative effects that the whole process of deforestation has caused throughout the centuries, there is one positive thing.
You have views of your entire surroundings most of the time, which is great for hikers, road trippers, and tourists in general.
To give you an example, Larch Valley Hike and Sentinel Pass is an amazing day hike in the Canadian Rockies.
But you need to climb over the tree line first to be rewarded by the stunning views of the mountains and deep valleys.
On the other hand, the hike to Glymur waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, offers breathtaking views for almost the entire hike.
It feels like the whole trip to Iceland is just one big viewpoint.
Even when driving, for example, around the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes, or East Fjords, the landscape is without the trees blocking your view, and you can really enjoy the scenery.
Packing Tips
We have already written a post on what to pack for Iceland, but even here, we want to emphasize how important it is to pack right.
Whether you travel to Iceland in the summer or winter, the key to success is wearing many layers.
Icelandic weather is unpredictable, and even when the sun shines, the cold wind affects the wind chill factor significantly.
As we've mentioned before, we traveled around Iceland when the summer was in full swing.
Still, we wore a down jacket and rain jacket almost all the time.
Having sturdy hiking boots is also a must, as you should keep your dry and warm.
It often rains in Iceland, so pack a rain poncho. An umbrella is not a good choice because of the strong winds.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is essential for a successful Iceland road trip.
We must admit that we cannot imagine traveling around the country without our own transport.
It is possible to take a tour, but it does not give you that much flexibility that we appreciated the most on this road trip.
Also, outside the Reykjavik agglomeration, public transport in the country is not very frequent and runs only between settlements.
And that's quite limiting when you realize you'll make five to ten stops every day plus many more unplanned ones along the way.
By making this investment, you will save more money and time, especially if you travel with family, friends, or as a couple to share the cost of travel.
Make a Reservation in Advance
We've already briefly talked about the importance of making a reservation in advance but would like to go more into the details here.
Iceland, especially during the peak season, is flooded by international travelers, and the country has a limited number of facilities.
That's being said, some of the traditional stops along the Ring Road, such as Vik i Myrdal on the South Coast or the Lake Myvatn area, are fully booked several months before summer.
And it's even said that for the three busiest months, the area around Vik is booked out in 100 kilometers radius.
We believe you'll always find a room in the end, but it might be several kilometers from the place you planned for your stay, and it also might be much more expensive.
That's why you should try to create an itinerary and book all the services such as rental cars and accommodation as soon as you know your travel dates.
It is not possible to book campsites, so if you are camping or sleeping in a campervan, this is much easier.
If you prefer taking a tour, you should also book the services at least a couple of months ahead.
It is a bit different during the off-season, but on the other hand, you should book everything as well, because some of the services might be open only seasonally.
And don't forget that popular places such as Blue Lagoon or Myvatn Nature Baths should be booked for a specific time slot.
Drinking Water
It's on us. You can read this slogan almost everywhere, even right after you've just landed at Keflavik International Airport.
Water in Iceland is super-clean and plentiful, and that's why you do not have to buy bottled water at all.
Every campground or every hotel has drinking water, and in case it is necessary, you can fill up your water bottle in any stream in nature.
If you work hard to be a responsible traveler, Iceland is the country where your efforts will be much more manageable.
Say no to plastics, buy a reusable water bottle before your trip, save money, and do something valuable for our environment.
If sustainability is what interests you, read our eco-friendly packing list for inspiration for the best travel eco products.
Everyone Speaks English
We were pleasantly surprised that every camp owner, every part-time worker in the grocery store, and every local we met along the way, spoke English.
At least to some degree.
After a challenging experience from our long-term trip around South America, where it was difficult to communicate without speaking Spanish, Iceland was a nice change.
We believe we can all agree that traveling is much easier when there are no communication barriers.
Safety
Iceland is an incredibly safe country, and when a serious crime happens, the whole nation seems broken-hearted as it happened to them personally.
Although we always say you should use your common sense, Iceland is a place where you can drop your guard a bit.
Of course, not entirely, as opportunistic crime can happen even in the safest countries in the world.
For example, it's better not to leave your valuables unattended.
From our own experience, Iceland, like Patagonia, was one of the few countries (or regions) in the world where we felt completely safe.
Always keep in mind that the weather is much more dangerous than people in Iceland. And you should never underestimate it to stay safe.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Elves Are Real
Jokes aside, more than 50% of the Iceland population believes in elves, giants, and other mythical creatures.
The origin of many places in the country has a scientific explanation and then a folklore explanation.
If you don't believe us, visit places such as Asbyrgi Canyon, Godafoss Waterfall, or Kolugljufur Canyon to learn more about this fascinating side of Iceland.
Speaking about the existence of elves might be a sensitive topic, so even if you do not believe it, never question it in conversation with locals.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
