Planning a Trip to Iceland: Everything You Need to Know

Iceland is one of the most spectacular countries in the world. Nowhere else combines glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields and black sand beaches within such a compact and easily navigable landscape. The scenery feels raw, dramatic and constantly changing — often within the same hour.

It is a destination that feels genuinely different from almost anywhere else in Europe.

This guide covers everything you need to know: when to go, where to visit, how to get around, practical essentials, and the best resources for planning.

Key Information

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Language: Icelandic (English widely spoken)
Time Zone: GMT (no daylight saving time)
Plug Type: Type C & F, Voltage: 230V
Emergency Numbers: 112 (Police, Ambulance & Fire)
Driving: Drive on the right (same as USA)

Entry Requirements

Passport validity requirements

UK passport holders can travel to Iceland visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under Schengen rules. No advance application is required for tourism. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

As Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, your passport must:

Be issued less than 10 years before the date of entry
Be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date

You should have at least one blank page.

Remember to always check the UK Government’s website for the latest travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

There are no mandatory or travel vaccines for entry to Iceland. Routine UK vaccinations should be up to date. Latest travel health and vaccine and health advice can be found on TravelHealthPro’s Iceland guide.

Customs rules

Iceland has strict rules regarding food and agricultural products. Some meat and dairy products from outside the EEA are restricted or prohibited. Fishing gear must be declared and may require disinfection to prevent the spread of disease.

There are also limits on alcohol and tobacco imports for personal use. Always declare restricted items on arrival to avoid fines.

Best Time to Visit

Iceland is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary significantly by season.

Summer (June–August): Midnight Sun & Road Trips

Summer offers long daylight hours (nearly 24 hours in June), making it ideal for driving the Ring Road and exploring remote areas. This is peak season, with higher prices and busier attractions.

Autumn (September–October): Northern Lights Begin

Fewer crowds and lower prices. This is when the Northern Lights season begins, and autumn colours appear. Weather becomes more changeable.

Winter (November–March): Northern Lights & Ice Caves

Winter is best for seeing the Aurora Borealis and visiting ice caves. Expect short daylight hours, snow, and potential travel disruption due to weather.

Spring (April–May): Shoulder Season Value

A quieter period with improving daylight and fewer tourists. Good value before peak summer prices return.

Getting There

Iceland is well connected by air, with Keflavík International Airport as the main international gateway (around 45 minutes from Reykjavík).

There are regular direct flights from the UK (around 3 hours).

The national carrier is Icelandair, alongside low-cost airline PLAY Airlines, but is well served by both national carriers, including British Airways as well as low-cost and charter airlines, notably EasyJet and Jet2 which cover all most of the larger regional airports in the UK.

Getting Around Iceland

Hiring a car is by far the best way to explore Iceland. It gives you flexibility, allows you to stop frequently (which you will want to do), and makes it easier to reach quieter locations away from tour buses.

Roads are well maintained on the main routes, though weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly outside summer. In winter, a 4×4 vehicle is often advisable.

Public transport exists but is limited and not well suited to sightseeing beyond Reykjavík.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive the alternatives are to join a tour around the island or to base yourself in Reykjavík and do day trips out to the various attractions, although be aware this can quickly become expensive.

Top Destinations in Iceland

Driving Routes

Driving is an attraction in itself as scenery is unrivalled. Easy to pull in and stop at waterfall, geysers and view points on routes

The Golden Circle

The most well-trodden tourist route, easily done as a day trip from Reykjavik. It typically includes:

Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. It’s also the historic site of Iceland’s first parliament.
Geysir geothermal area – Home to erupting hot springs, including Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.
Gullfoss – A powerful two-tier waterfall plunging into a dramatic canyon.

It is popular and can feel busy, but it showcases some of Iceland’s most iconic natural features in a short space of time.

Extended Golden Circle (South Coast Add-On)

Many travellers extend the Golden Circle south along Iceland’s dramatic South Coast towards Vík

Highlights along this stretch include (in addition to the above):

Seljalandsfoss – A waterfall you can walk behind (weather permitting).
Skógafoss – One of Iceland’s most photogenic and powerful waterfalls.
Views of Eyjafjallajökull glacier-volcano.
Sólheimajökull – Accessible for guided glacier hikes.
Reynisfjara – Famous for its black sand, basalt columns and dramatic sea stacks.

Vík itself is a small coastal village with striking scenery and a good overnight stop.

The Ring Road (Route 1)

For longer trips, driving the full island loop along Route 1 is the classic itinerary. This 1,300 km route circles the entire country.

Along the way you’ll encounter:

Vast lava fields
Glaciers and glacier lagoons (including Jökulsárlón)
The dramatic Eastfjords
Waterfalls such as Dettifoss in the north
Geothermal areas around Akureyri and Lake Mývatn
Remote coastal stretches and charming fishing villages

Allow at least 7–10 days to do it comfortably, and ideally 10–14 days if you want to explore properly rather than just drive. In winter, weather can significantly impact road conditions, so extra time (and flexibility) is essential.

Blue Lagoon & Geothermal Baths

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa and a common stop either on arrival or departure, as it is close to Keflavík International Airport.

It is commercial and relatively expensive, but undeniably atmospheric — milky blue water set in a dramatic lava field. Facilities are polished and modern, and time slots are strictly managed.

Newer — and often less crowded — alternatives have opened in recent years, notably the Sky Lagoon, which is easily accessible from Reykjavík and offers ocean views alongside a more contemporary spa experience.

If you’re travelling further afield — particularly along Route 1 — there are many alternatives that feel more natural and less commercial. Options around the country range from stylish modern spas to simpler geothermal pools set in rural landscapes, often at lower prices and with fewer crowds.

Booking in advance is strongly advised year-round, especially in summer and during Northern Lights season, as popular time slots frequently sell out.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

If travelling between September and April, the Northern Lights are a major draw in Iceland.

Sightings depend on two key factors:

Solar activity (aurora intensity)
Cloud cover (clear skies are essential)

Even during strong solar activity, heavy cloud can completely obscure the display.

There are several reliable apps and websites that provide aurora forecasts and cloud cover maps. These are particularly useful if you are staying in rural areas or driving the Route 1, as you can monitor conditions yourself and move to clearer skies rather than relying solely on a tour.

Being away from artificial light significantly improves your chances. Leaving Reykjavík and heading into darker countryside makes a noticeable difference.

Many companies offer guided tours. Some include a “guarantee” — meaning if you don’t see the lights, you can rebook for another night free of charge. However, it’s worth managing expectations. “Seeing” the Northern Lights can range from faint green wisps or subtle movement in the sky to the dramatic, fast-moving curtains and vivid colours often seen in long-exposure photographs. The latter are less common but unforgettable when conditions align.

Patience, flexibility, and multiple nights in Iceland will significantly increase your chances.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe and extremely compact. You can comfortably explore it in less than a day.

Highlights include:

Hallgrímskirkja church, which dominates the skyline
Harpa Concert Hall, with its striking glass façade
The harbour area and waterfront walks
Independent cafés, design shops and restaurants

It is pleasant, creative and easy to navigate, so definitely worth a quick visit — but the real draw of Iceland is the all the landscape found beyond the city.

Practical Essentials: What You Need to Know

Money & Payments

Iceland is largely cashless. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere — including petrol stations, cafés, public toilets and even small rural businesses. Contactless payment is also standard.

Carrying cash is unnecessary and risks you getting stuck with Króna you are unlikely to use again. ATMs are available if needed, but most visitors rarely use them.

Apps to Download Before You Go

Google Maps (download offline maps if driving)
Vedur.is (official Icelandic weather forecasts)
SafeTravel Iceland (road and safety updates)
Aurora forecast apps (if travelling in winter)
Maps.me (offline navigation backup)

Weather and road condition apps are particularly important outside summer.

Travel Adapters & Power

Iceland uses Type C and F plugs at 230V. UK travellers will need an adapter.

Internet & Connectivity

Mobile coverage is excellent in towns and along most of Route 1, but can be limited in remote highland areas. If you have European roaming most plans work in Iceland (as it is part of the EEA — but check your provider). While local networks sell SIMs and eSIMs directly, many travellers find it easier to use third-party providers.

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and even petrol stations, but as always use it safely

Navigation

Navigation apps work well across the country. If driving in rural areas or in winter, always:

Download offline maps
Check road conditions on road.is
Monitor weather closely

Highland “F-roads” require 4×4 vehicles and are only open in summer. Most routes tourists go on are well maintained and signposted.

Language

The official language is Icelandic, but English is spoken fluently almost everywhere. There is no language barrier for UK travellers.

Planning Your Itinerary

How Long Do You Need?

Iceland is compact but distances and weather can slow travel.

3–4 days: Reykjavík + Golden Circle (or extended Golden Circle depending on pace) + Blue Lagoon
7–10 days: Full Ring Road at a steady pace
10–14 days: Ring Road with detours (Snæfellsnes, Westfjords, Highlands in summer)

If visiting in winter, build flexibility into your schedule for weather disruptions.

Organised tours

Iceland is easy to explore independently, particularly if hiring a car.

However, organised tours can be useful for:

Glacier hikes
Ice caves
Highland super-jeep tours
Northern Lights trips

Well-known operators include Icelandair (for stopover packages) and numerous reputable local tour providers.

Where to Get Reliable Information

Official & Practical Resources

Visit Iceland (official tourism site)
SafeTravel.is
Icelandic Met Office (weather)
Road.is (road conditions)

Etiquette & Culture

Icelanders are informal, direct and highly fluent in English.

First names are used almost universally
Tipping is not expected
Punctuality is valued
Respect nature — off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined
Geothermal pools have strict shower rules before entering — this is taken seriously.

Food & Dining

Icelandic cuisine is hearty and traditionally seafood-focused, although meat dishes are also common — particularly lamb, which is a staple of the Icelandic diet.

Vegetarian options are widely available in Reykjavík and increasingly common elsewhere, though menus can be more limited in remote areas.

Dining out is expensive by UK standards; many travellers choose to self-cater for breakfasts and some dinners, especially when driving the Route 1.

Supermarkets

If travelling independently, supermarkets are useful for managing costs.

Main chains include:

Bónus (budget-friendly)
Krónan
Hagkaup

Opening hours are generally good, even outside Reykjavík.

Safety & Health

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.

The main risks are natural:

Sudden weather changes
Strong coastal waves (never turn your back on the sea)
Winter driving conditions

Travel insurance covering weather disruption and adventure activities is strongly recommended.

Where to get help

The UK has an embassy in Reykjavík which can assist in emergencies involving serious illness, accidents or lost travel documents.

British Embassy
British Embassy Reykjavík
Laufásvegur 31
101 Reykjavík
Iceland

Public access is by appointment only via the UK government website.

Final Thoughts

Iceland’s appeal lies in its raw, dramatic landscapes — glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and geothermal pools all within a relatively small area.

Plan around the weather, allow flexibility in your itinerary, and don’t underestimate driving times. Iceland rewards travellers who embrace unpredictability and spend time immersed in its extraordinary landscapes.