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Iceland Travel Guide

Writer's picture: Luke MackenzieLuke Mackenzie

Updated: Mar 20, 2024

The island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal hot springs, and dramatic coastlines.



Kirkjufell


Best times to travel

The best time to travel to Iceland really depends on what you want to see. Largely this could be focused around the Northern Lights for most people.


  • Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season with long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and vibrant landscapes. It’s great for exploring the highlands and partaking in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

  • Shoulder seasons (May and September): These months offer fewer crowds, reasonable weather, and a small chance to witness the Northern Lights towards the end of September.

  • Winter (October to April): Ideal for seeing the Northern Lights, especially from late September to late March. However, it’s also characterized by short daylight hours, cold temperatures.


Do note! All year round Iceland has very unpredictable weather, crazy winds and it can change at anytime and quickly!


Visa

Iceland comes under the Schengen Agreement, the same as the majority of Europe so see if your passport allows entry into the Schengen zone visa free.


Arrival Information

Keflavik airport is quite far from the main city Reykjavik, don’t get a taxi unless you’re a millionaire or traveling in a group. It will cost you almost $200AUD.

There are buses that run from the airport right into downtown Reykjavik that will be roughly $44AUD one way, however you can book a return ticket for slightly cheaper.

These can be booked in the arrivals hall after you clear immigration.

As for a SIM here, I just use Airalo for E-sims. (I will use Airalo worldwide unless I’m in South East Asia where they have great pricing on data packages)

Try Airalo Here:


From left to right - Puffin Dyrholaey, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, Skogafoss Waterfall


Some rough prices

Like everywhere the daily budget for Iceland can vary depending on factors like accommodation, food preferences, activities, and transportation choices.


Accomm:

Hostels - $160-100+AUD a night

Mid range hotel - $250-350AUD a night

Luxury hotel - $400AUD + a night.


Meals: Fast food: $10-20AUD

Standard Restaurant - $20-$40AUD a meal

Fancy Restaurants - $40AUD+ a meal


Beverages:

Bottle of water - $1.50-3AUD

Coca Cola - $2.50-3AUD

Beer - $11-15AUD


Shopping at Grocery stores will save you a lot of money here. They have great fresh sandwiches and other food ready to eat. For around $6AUD.


Getting around

Public Transport - This can get you around the main cities but not really out to any remote areas/tourist attractions.

Rent a car - This is one of the most popular options as it offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore the Ring Road or venture into the highlands. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for certain areas, especially in winter.

Rent a Campervan - I’ve done this each time I’ve gone to Iceland as it also doubles as your accommodation. Makes it easy to get around, cook your own food from the grocery store and you travel the Ring Road with ease.Domestic flight - If you don’t have time to drive, you can also just jump on a flight to other parts of the country.

Tours - If your time is short in Iceland, jump on a tour from Reykjavik and do tours such as the Golden Circle.



Litli-Hrútur Eruption, 2023


What to pack

Iceland has some of the wildest weather I’ve experienced in my travels and it can change very quickly - even in the summer!


1. Warm Layers: Thermal underwear, wool sweaters, fleece jackets, and insulated waterproof outer layers.

2. Waterproof Clothing: A good quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are essential for staying dry and warm, especially if you plan to explore waterfalls or go hiking.

3. Good shoes!: Waterproof hiking boots with good traction are needed for exploring Iceland's diverse terrain, including glaciers, lava fields, and rocky landscapes.

4. Gloves, Hats, and Scarves: Pack warm gloves, hats, and scarves to protect yourself from the cold, especially if you plan to spend a heap of time outdoors.

5. Swimwear: Plot twist Iceland is great for swimming! Don’t forget to pack swimwear for visiting geothermal pools and hot springs, such as the classic Blue Lagoon.

6. Smaller Backpack/Daypack: A good daypack is great for carrying essentials like water, snacks, camera gear, and extra layers while exploring.

7. Sun Protection: Even in colder months, the sun in Iceland can be intense. Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF to protect yourself from them UV rays.

8. Camera gear!: Iceland's landscapes are incredibly photogenic, so don't forget to pack your camera gear, including extra batteries and memory cards. In the colder months, the cold can drain batteries quick! Hot tip, keep them in a woolen sock so they don’t lose charge as quickly.

9. Reusable Water Bottle: Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring and save you money on bottles of water. Also save the planet!

10. Travel Adapter: Iceland uses the Europlug (Type F) electrical outlets, so bring one of them!



From left to right - Reynisfjara, Downtown Reykjavik, Icelandic Horse


Hotel and Hostel Recommendations:

I can only recommend Hostels and Campgrounds in Iceland which I’ve stayed at recently so here is a handful.

Kex Hostel Reykjavik - This would be my first choice when staying in Reykjavik

Bus Hostel Reykjavik - This hostel is also good, just a little out of town and not much atmosphere, however the Bus stop is close by.

Skogar Campsite - Located at Skogafoss

Vík Tjaldsvæði - Campsite in Vik

Camping Höfn - Campsite in Höfn


Top 10 things to do or see whilst there according to Luke:

1. Drive the Ring Road! See it all! - need minimum 2 weeks for this.

2. Kirkjufell/Kirkjufellfoss Waterfall is my favourite place in Iceland!

3. The Golden Circle is always a classic, easy to jump on a tour out of Reykjavik if you don’t want to rent a car.

4. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss - this two waterfalls are pretty much next door to each other on the Ring Road and amazing to see. You can also camp at Skogafoss.

5. Dyrholaey and Dyrholaey Viewpoint great views of the black sand beaches and also a good place to see Puffins in the Winter (go around sunset)

6. Reynisfjara - cool volcanic beach with huge geological formations. Watch out for the waves though, its a very dangerous spot! People get swept out to sea here. So just don’t be an idiot near the ocean and you’ll be fine.

7. Snæfellsnes peninsula and amazing corner to explore!

8. The Highlands! Much easier to reach during summer - you will need a 4x4 though.

9. Whale watching from Husavik

10. Rent a campervan - Seriously, this is the best way to see the country in my opinion.


Other things to note! 

What currency: The Icelandic Krona

Languages: They speak Icelandic here, but you will be perfectly fine to get by with English.


Current as of my last trip in July 2023.


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Copyright © 2025 Luke Mackenzie Photography  imlukemackenzie

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