Iceland Travel
Iceland

Iceland Travel Guide

Iceland… the land of fire and ice. Though the country may look small on a map, Iceland is filled with some of Europe’s best outdoor adventures. In Iceland you can drive the Ring Road, walk on a glacier, explore geothermal hot springs, admire grand waterfalls, and hike some of the most scenic trails in the world. Whether you are here for a memorable road trip, an epic hiking adventure, or if you want to get off the beaten path, Iceland is full of wonderful experiences.

The Essential Landmannalaugar Guide for First-Time Visitors (+ 2024 Updates)

Landmannalaugar is an area in Iceland that is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long. Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s best areas for day hikes. Take your pick from short, easy trails or tougher climbs up ancient […]

Iceland Bucket List: 40 Must-Have Experiences in Iceland

Iceland…the land of fire and ice. This small country is one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations. Go on an epic road trip, see the northern lights, walk on a glacier, visit more waterfalls than you can count, journey into the unique landscape of the Highlands, stand on volcano, relax in a hot spring, or hike […]

How to Visit the South Coast of Iceland: Must-See Sights & Itineraries

The south coast is home to some of Iceland’s most beautiful places to visit. Gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons all make the list, as well as one of the most epic hiking trails in the world. Here are the best things to on the south coast of Iceland. Everything on this list […]

Iceland Itineraries

If you are planning a trip to Iceland, here are a few travel itineraries to help get you started.

Iceland Travel Advice

Places to Go in Iceland

For a full list of things to do in Iceland, take a look at our Iceland Bucket List. You can also explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, journey into the highlands to visit Kerlingarfjöll, see puffins, explore the amazing south coast sights, or take a day trip from Reykjavík.

Iceland Bucket List: 40 Must-Have Experiences in Iceland

Iceland…the land of fire and ice. This small country is one of Europe’s best outdoor destinations. Go on an epic road trip, see the northern lights, walk on a glacier, visit more waterfalls than you can count, journey into the unique landscape of the Highlands, stand on volcano, relax in a hot spring, or hike […]

How to Visit the South Coast of Iceland: Must-See Sights & Itineraries

The south coast is home to some of Iceland’s most beautiful places to visit. Gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons all make the list, as well as one of the most epic hiking trails in the world. Here are the best things to on the south coast of Iceland. Everything on this list […]

How to Visit Kerlingarfjöll and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area, Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs. The combination of hiking trails, rust-colored mountains, and clouds of steam creates one of Iceland’s most unique hiking and photography destinations. Kerlingarfjöll is located […]

How to See the Puffins at Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland

Puffins nest in Iceland from late-April through mid-August. They can be found along the coast throughout Iceland, but there are a few places where you can easily see enormous colonies of these birds. Some of the most popular places to see puffins in Iceland are Heimaey Island, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the Latraberg Cliffs on […]

Best of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (+ One Day Itinerary & Helpful Tips)

Black sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, remote lighthouses, iconic mountains, lava fields, street art, and some of the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Iceland…this is the amazing Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Whether you plan to be here on a quick day trip from Reykjavik or on a longer stay, here are the best things to do […]

11 Best Day Trips from Reykjavík, Iceland (2024)

If you are planning a quick stopover in Iceland, Reykjavík is the perfect place to use as your home base. From here, you can explore some of the country’s top sites, such as the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the amazing sights along the south coast. In this post, we list 11 of the […]

Adventures in Iceland

If you are looking for adventure, you have a lot to choose from in Iceland.

10 Epic Hikes in Iceland: Which One Will Be Your Favorite?

One of the best ways to experience Iceland is from a hiking trail. Visit stunning waterfalls, hike through the steaming, colorful landscapes of Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll, and visit beautiful, remote destinations that you can get to only your own two feet. Here are 10 of the best day hikes in Iceland. Every hike on this […]

Best Iceland Glacier Hikes, Ice Caves & Ice Climbing

Strap on some crampons, grab an ice pick, and set off on a very cool Icelandic adventure. If you are thinking about doing an Iceland glacier hike, we have lots of great information to share with you. Hiking on a glacier was one of our most anticipated experiences in Iceland. Exploring crevasses, walking on the […]

Fimmvörðuháls Hike: A Step-By-Step Guide to Iceland’s Best Day Hike

26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 very unique landscapes…this is the Fimmvörðuháls hike in Iceland. This is one of the best day hikes we have done yet. Never have we seen so much diversity as there is on the Fimmvörðuháls hike. Start at the mighty Skógafoss waterfall. The land is lush and green […]

Glymur Waterfall: Step-By-Step Hiking Guide (+ Drone Video)

Glymur Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. You can only get to it by hiking, but what a beautiful hike it is. This hike features a short walk through a cave, two river crossings, and many amazing views of the waterfall. It’s relatively short, it’s fun, and it’s located near Reykjavík, so […]

Hike the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop, Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Mt. Blahnúkúr and Mt. Brennisteinsalda are two very popular hikes to do in Landmannalaugar, Iceland. If you can’t decide between the two, it’s possible to do both, combining the hikes into one big loop. If you are looking for an epic experience in Landmannalaugar, it’s hard to beat this hike. You will walk through lava […]

How to Visit Kerlingarfjöll and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area, Iceland

Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs. The combination of hiking trails, rust-colored mountains, and clouds of steam creates one of Iceland’s most unique hiking and photography destinations. Kerlingarfjöll is located […]

Skógafoss and the Amazing Waterfall Way Hike

The Skógafoss Waterfall hike (also called the Skógá Trail or Waterfall Way) is one of Iceland’s most underrated experiences. This trail starts at the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and follows the Skógá River upstream for 8 km (5 miles). As you hike through this lush, green landscape, you get to see 25 more waterfalls, dramatic canyons, […]

Landmannalaugar

If you enjoy hiking, like the idea of going off-the-beaten-path, or just want to see a very unique landscape, put Landmannalaugar high on your list. This area of Iceland is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. It makes a great day trip from the Golden Circle.

The Essential Landmannalaugar Guide for First-Time Visitors (+ 2024 Updates)

Landmannalaugar is an area in Iceland that is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long. Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s best areas for day hikes. Take your pick from short, easy trails or tougher climbs up ancient […]

One Day in Landmannalaugar (with Háifoss and Sigöldugljúfur)

Landmannalaugar is a wonderland of rainbow-colored mountains, lava fields, and hot springs. Hiking trails crisscross these colorful hills, making this part of Iceland one of the most unique places to go hiking. With one day in Landmannalaugar, you can hike one or two trails, soak in the hot springs, photograph the stunning landscapes, and add […]

Mt. Brennisteinsalda: Hiking the Sulphur Wave in Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Mt. Brennisteinsalda, also called the Sulphur Wave, is a rainbow-colored mountain in Landmannalaugar. This hike combines the best features of Landmannalaugar: lava fields, geothermal features, and panoramic views. You even get to hike a very short portion of the Laugavegur Trail, Iceland’s most famous multi-day trek.   Mt. Brennisteinsalda Hiking Stats Distance: 6.5 km (4 […]

How to Hike Mt. Blahnúkúr (the Blue Peak) in Landmannalaugar, Iceland

The hike up Mt. Blahnúkúr, also called the Blue Peak, is one of the most popular day hikes in Landmannalaugar. It’s a tough, short hike but the views are incredible and well worth the effort. This is not only our favorite hike in Landmannalaugar, it is one of our favorite hikes in Iceland. The spectacular […]

Hike the Blahnúkúr Brennisteinsalda Loop, Landmannalaugar, Iceland

Mt. Blahnúkúr and Mt. Brennisteinsalda are two very popular hikes to do in Landmannalaugar, Iceland. If you can’t decide between the two, it’s possible to do both, combining the hikes into one big loop. If you are looking for an epic experience in Landmannalaugar, it’s hard to beat this hike. You will walk through lava […]

Waterfalls in Iceland

Visiting and photographing the many waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Iceland. Some can be visited with a short, easy walk from the parking lot and others can only be seen from a hiking trail. Get an overview of Iceland’s best waterfalls in our Guide to the Waterfalls in Iceland or take a look at our detailed guides for more in-depth information.

20 Best Waterfalls in Iceland & Their Exact Locations

Iceland…the land of fire and ice…and more waterfalls than you can count. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you’ve heard of Gulfoss, seen photos of Skógafoss, and you are probably planning to walk behind Seljalandsfoss. These are just a handful of the best waterfalls in Iceland to visit. In this post, we list […]

Glymur Waterfall: Step-By-Step Hiking Guide (+ Drone Video)

Glymur Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. You can only get to it by hiking, but what a beautiful hike it is. This hike features a short walk through a cave, two river crossings, and many amazing views of the waterfall. It’s relatively short, it’s fun, and it’s located near Reykjavík, so […]

Háifoss Waterfall: Photos, Drone Video & HELPFUL Tips

Háifoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Located in the beautiful Þjórsárdalur valley, Háifoss makes a great detour on a road trip around the Golden Circle or during the drive out to Landmannalaugar. In this guide, we cover how to visit Háifoss, how to get here, and we let you know about several […]

How to Get to Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss, Iceland

Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss are two off-the-beaten-path waterfalls located in northern Iceland. To get here, you will need a 4×4, but you will leave the crowds behind and get to see two of Iceland’s very unique and beautiful waterfalls. A visit here can be easily combined with a visit to Godafoss. Here’s how to do it. […]

How to Get to Sigöldugljúfur (+ Drone Video & HELPFUL Tips)

Sigöldugljúfur canyon is one of Iceland’s best off-the-beaten path locations. This beautiful canyon, with its wall of waterfalls, is often overlooked or unknown to many visitors to Iceland. The first time I saw images of Sigöldugljúfur online, I thought they were fake. How could this beautiful canyon with its wall of waterfalls be real? Well, […]

How to Visit Brúarfoss Waterfall (and Is It Worth It?)

Brúarfoss waterfall is famous for its brilliantly blue color. In fact, it’s called “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.” To get here, you have two options. You can hike the trail that we outline below, or you can park in the brand new Brúarfoss parking lot that just opened in April 2023. From this parking lot, it is […]

How to Visit Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls in Iceland

Dettifoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Selfoss is a smaller but more elegant waterfall located just upriver. There are viewpoints of Dettifoss and Selfoss from the east and west sides of the river. Each side offers a slightly different experience. For the best experience, you can view Dettifoss and Selfoss from the east […]

Skógafoss and the Amazing Waterfall Way Hike

The Skógafoss Waterfall hike (also called the Skógá Trail or Waterfall Way) is one of Iceland’s most underrated experiences. This trail starts at the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and follows the Skógá River upstream for 8 km (5 miles). As you hike through this lush, green landscape, you get to see 25 more waterfalls, dramatic canyons, […]

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you.  In this […]

12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe

Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. Knowing […]

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar? We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And we see the same […]

Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes

Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]

Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag

Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]

Top Experiences in Iceland

The Ring Road. Driving the Ring Road is one of the best ways to see many of Iceland’s highlights. You will find waterfalls, glaciers, hiking trails, charming towns, and so much more along this road trip.

Tour the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle includes three of Iceland’s most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. You can self-drive the loop or take a tour from Reykjavik.

Explore Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is an area in Iceland that is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and epic day hikes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long.

See the Northern Lights. From September to April the northern lights are visible over Iceland. For the best viewing experience, see them from the Golden Circle, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or along the Ring Road.

Skógafoss. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. This waterfall is massive and to truly appreciate its size, you can stand right in front of it and witness its power.

Fimmvörðuháls Hike. The Fimmvörðuháls hike is Iceland’s best day hike. 26 waterfalls, 1 volcano, 2 glaciers, and 3 unique landscapes all combine for one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences on the planet.

The Blue Lagoon. Jump into Iceland’s natural geothermal spa just outside of Reykjavík. You can also enjoy delicious meals, skin-care treatments, saunas, and massages.

Dettifoss and Selfoss. Dettifoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Just a short walk upstream is elegant Selfoss.

Walk on a Glacier. You can walk on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, or you can walk on Sólheimajökull, a glacier on the south coast that is popular with day trippers from Reykjavík.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula. On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, photograph Kirkjufell, walk through a lava tube, see nesting birds along dramatic coastal cliffs, visit black sand beaches, drive out to remote lighthouses, visit quaint coastal towns, and see the famous Budir black church.

Kerlingarfjöll and the Hveradalir Geothermal Area. Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range located in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked away within this mountain range is Hveradalir, a geothermal wonderland of steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and rainbow-colored hot springs.

How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland?

For the best experience, plan on spending at least 7 days in Iceland. This gives you enough time to visit the south coast, Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle.

With more time (10 days or longer) you can drive the entire Ring Road around Iceland which is a fantastic experience. If you have two weeks, not only can you drive the entire Ring Road, but you can also add on a few off the beaten path locations.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

It is best to visit Iceland from May through September, when the days are long and the roads are clear of snow. Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjoll are only open during this time of year. Just keep in mind that this is also the busiest time to visit Iceland, so make your hotel and rental car reservations well in advance.

If you want good weather and lower crowds, September is a good month to visit Iceland, but some unpaved roads and F-roads can close in mid-September.

It’s possible to drive the Ring Road year-round, but during the winter months, snow and whiteout conditions are likely. You should rent a 4×4 and you should have experience driving in snow and ice.