Iceland is a magical place and on many peoples bucket lists, so if you are traveling to Iceland, you are going to want to know what to expect. Use the guide to visiting Iceland as a starting point for planning your trip!
Guide to Visiting Iceland
What You Need to Know About Traveling to Iceland
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik and it is where most people live. When travelling to Iceland, you will either fly into Reyjavik or nearby Keflavík. Either way, you will most likely make Reyjavik your home base.
Iceland is the perfect vacation destination for those who love to spend time outdoors. You will find the landscape of Iceland stunning, with its combination of volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, hot springs and lava fields.
Visiting Iceland in the summer months will give you the optimal time to explore with nearly 23 hours of sunlight!
Don’t be afraid of driving in Iceland. It is easy to rent a car and a great luxury to be able to venture on your own to see all the many sites along places like the Golden Circle.
What Language do people in Iceland speak?
Most Icelanders speak English, so if you are traveling to Iceland from an English speaking country, you will have no problem talking to the locals.
What Currency does Iceland Use?
The currency in Iceland is called Króna or Isk. Many places in town (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) take US dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies. Nearly everyone accepts credit cards, so no need to go overboard in changing out currencies when traveling to Iceland.
When dining in Iceland, tips are built into the check, so no need to leave a gratuity.
What is traditional Icelandic Food & Drink
Icelanders are big on Farm to Table menus. You will find their restaurants featuring ingredients that are found locally, so expect a lot of fish dishes.
While you might think that a hot dog is an ordinary food item, the ones found in Iceland are anything but that. These hotdogs are made from a mix of organic lamb, beef and pork and then topped with raw or fried onions and served on a warm bun.
Iceland is known throughout the world for their Skyr Yogurt. Recently this has made its way to US grocery stores, but it is not nearly as tasty as the authentic Iceland Skyr you find in Iceland that is free of preservatives. You will find it served with fresh jams and bread for breakfast.
Kjötsúpa is a rich soup that is popular among Icelanders and features lamb, potatoes, rutabagas and carrots
The bread in Iceland is amazing. Rúgbrauð is a traditional rye bread that is cooked underground with the heat from the local hot springs. It is usually topped with butter, fish or cheese.
While visiting Iceland in the spring (March-May) can be cold and wet, it also will give you a chance to see the Northern lights and snow, things that you might not catch if you were there any other time of the year!
Between the longer days and temperature, you will find that you will be able to spend most of your time in Iceland outdoors, but you are going to need to dress appropriately. Wondering what to pack as far as clothing for Iceland in summer? We have the perfect packing list for you! It is important […]
Spend part of your time in Reykjavik exploring this part of the city, enjoying the hip, artsy vibe. The above sculpture is the Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat which can be found at the entrance to the City Hall. Reykjavik is best explored by foot. Aside from street art, you will also find a unique […]
Wondering how to best spend your time in Iceland? We have a list of our favorite 10 things to do while you are in this place known for unique outdoor adventures. You will find that the guides have a wealth of information about what to see and do in Reykjavik along with great Icelandic landmarks. […]
Iceland has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and it is easy to see why. It has a unique history and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. From natural hot springs to majestic waterfalls, Iceland has enough bucket list items to keep you busy for weeks! […]
Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle Renting Cars in Iceland You will find that renting cars in Iceland is quite easy. There are several rental car agencies right outside the airport and they easy to work with. I do suggest that you book your rental car for Iceland ahead of your trip so that you can have […]
The food is locally produced (minus the fruit), fresh & delicious. Overall, we were very pleased with the Bergsson Mathus breakfast in Reykjavik and will be going back on our next trip to Iceland. It was a great way to start our day before heading out along the Golden Circle! Have you enjoyed traditional Icelandic […]
When you arrive to Secret Lagoon, you will check in at the front desk and be given the option of purchasing a drink, snack, or renting a towel. Towel rentals are great because many people who are traveling internationally fail to bring a towel with them and you will appreciate the towel when you get […]
Have you been to Iceland in June? What did you enjoy most?
Wearing the right types of clothing can make a huge difference in the activities you can do outside (and in Iceland, that is a lot). What to Wear in Iceland in March Since the weather is unpredictable in March, you will want to be sure to bring along clothing that is not only warm, but […]