Travel advice for Iceland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
Iceland presents few difficulties for travelling with children. Icelanders are very child-friendly people; cities and towns are relatively safe, low-crime places with familiar amenities; and supermarkets and pharmacies are well stocked with nappies, formula and anything else you might need (though do keep in mind where the next shops might be in the countryside). Boredom might be a problem on long car journeys between sights, though the many swimming pools – some sporting waterslides – make great places to let off steam once you arrive somewhere.
Meet your Iceland local travel expert
8 days / from2092 USD
Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip
This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!
view tour ⤍8 days / from2052 USD
Iceland's Wild West
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!
view tour ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Iceland's Highlights from East to West
Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1650 USD
Discover North Iceland and Snaefellses
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
Best of the West
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsulas. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and thundering waterfalls.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1880 USD
East to West with the Westmand Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
view tour ⤍13 days / from2200 USD
All of Iceland in 13 days
In just under 2 weeks, explore the highlights Iceland has to offer. From the popular Golden Circle, follow the Ring Road and explore waterfalls and lagoons on your way around the island. This itinerary leads you all the way to the North and the Westfjords of Iceland.
view tour ⤍12 days / from2100 USD
Incredible Iceland in 12 days
This driving trip trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most incredible sights and natural wonders. Drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains as you gaze over stark landscapes of shining silver steaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss...
view tour ⤍9 days / from1800 USD
West & Arctic Coast Way Highlights
The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons. Visit the 'capital of the North' Akureyri before continuing to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Exploring the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lagoons - Iceland offers stunning landscapes to explore. This itinerary allows you to discover the south in your own rental car. Drive the famous Golden Circle and discover waterfalls along the way.
view tour ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Arctic Coast Way Fly & Drive
North Iceland is one of Iceland's most fascinating regions with plenty of famous sights and lesser-known sights - impressive waterfalls, geothermal activity, lava formations and canyons. A visit to Akureyri as well as charming fishing villages along the coastline are included in the itinerary.
view tour ⤍10 days / from2000 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 10 days
Spend 10 days driving along Iceland's scenic Ring Road, which stretches around the outside of the country. Soak in a thermal tub or pool beside gushing geysers or waterfalls, and relish the prospect of whale-watching, bird-watching, and glacier hiking in magical surroundings.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Wild, wild West Drive
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! Snaefellsnes is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
A week's trip to the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
With just a week's time, you'll be able to discover the popular Golden Circle, Skogafos and Seljalandsfoss, as well as Skaftafell National Park. This self-drive trip focuses on the south coast only, limiting your driving distances each day and as such allowing you more time to explore.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Classic Highlights with the Westman Islands
This Classic Highlights trip to Iceland's most visited sights with a day off the beaten path in the gorgeous Westman Islands. This trip is perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sights of Iceland, and have an extra day to do something different without adding a lot of extra driving.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Westfjords Circle and Strandir
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! You also take a detour to where the road ends in remote Strandir to drive along the coastline.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1320 USD
Classic Highlights - Golden Circle & South Coast
Our most popular short trip to Iceland's most visited sights! The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route with the rift valley at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. The South Coast is well known for its waterfalls and the Glacier Lagoon.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Ring Road Express with the Golden Circle
Iceland's Ring Road is the most popular tourist route around the Iceland. The landscape is everything you have dreamed of - breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords and charming fishing villages.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Explore North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1250 USD
Western Iceland: Cliffs, Coast and Waterfalls
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of Iceland’s remotest spots, such the dramatic Latrabjarg Cliffs and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Drive through glacial valleys and soak up breathtaking sunsets. Laze afternoons away soaking in natural hot springs!
view tour ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Iceland: West and North combined
Take the road less traveled and explore the North and the Westfjords of Iceland in your own rental car. Glaciers, lava fields, beaches, waterfalls and much more await those adventurous enough to explore Iceland further.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Longer North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Have a bit more time to explore Northern Iceland? Stunning waterfalls, mighty canyons, a diverse scenery and much more is waiting for you. Take your rental car and go at your own pace, discovering Northern Iceland in a bit over one week.
view tour ⤍7 days / from1800 USD
From East to West with the Westman Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Wild West Drive and Strandir
This holiday is perfect for travellers who want to go off the beaten path and explore the stunning landscape of the Westfjords & Snaefellsnes including the remote Strandir regions. With your rented SUV, you can set your own schedule to explore the scenery.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Classic Ring Road with Snaefellsnes
There's a good reason the Ring Road is Iceland's most popular route: famous glaciers and volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and amazing lagoons await. The Snaefellsnes peninsula makes the perfect add-on to your tour, granting you a compact overview of Iceland's scenery.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Extended Wild, Wild West
Awaken the adventurous part of your soul and visit the Westfjords and parts of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that are yet to be discovered by most Iceland visitors. Here's where you'll have nature to yourself, from lava fields and craters to red sand beaches.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
North Iceland Fly and Drive
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! This holiday is perfect for those pressed on time, in just five days you get to explore the highlights of North Iceland in your own rental car, so going at your own pace.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1800 USD
Longer South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Discover the Golden Circle on a slightly longer tour: from waterfalls to black sand beaches, driving the popular Golden Circle all down to Snaefellsnes, the peninsula known as “miniature Iceland”, This itinerary allows you to go at your own pace in your own rental car.
view tour ⤍6 days / from1715 USD
Iceland: Landscapes and Lagoons
This unforgettable driving trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Whilst soaking luxuriantly in geothermal pools, you will relish the thought of driving through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, walking along black sand beaches.
view tour ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
Circling the Westfjords
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! Suited for those on a tight schedule, this 5 day itinerary allows for a compact yet activity-packed trip.
view tour ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 8 days
Spend eight days driving along Iceland's iconic Ring Road route, which runs around the whole of the country. Pass through spectacular scenery every day, and stopping off to stay in Vik, Akureyri and Reykjavik, whilst exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and much more!
view tour ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
North Iceland circle
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! A rich wildlife and landscape makes this part of Iceland a visitor magnet all throughout the year. This holiday includes your domestic flight to Akureyri and a rental car to explore the region in depth.
view tour ⤍15 days / from2400 USD
All of Iceland in 15 days
The extension to our popular all of Iceland route: visit the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall on the diamond circle route, as well as one of the most remote regions in Iceland: Strandir. This itinerary is best for those looking to explore Iceland at a leisurely pace.
view tour ⤍11 days / from3549 USD
The Magic of Eastern Iceland
Be enchanted by eastern Iceland as you drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, looking over treeless landscapes of shining silver streaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss. Enjoy a whale-watching trip at Húsavík and soak in geothermal pools.
view tour ⤍9 days / from1900 USD
Classic Iceland in 9 days
This tour includes all of Iceland's highlights: the breathtaking waterfalls on the Ring Road, the popular golden Circle as well as the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic landscapes. Get ready for a fast-paced self-drive adventure and discover Iceland.
view tour ⤍16 days / from2500 USD
Total Immersion: Your 16-day Road Trip
Ready to explore the nooks and crannies of Iceland? This 16-day itinerary allows you to discover the tourist highlights as well as the off-the-beaten-track destinations. From waterfalls over glaciers to volcanoes - tour the island in your own rental car.
view tour ⤍However, given the lack of warning signs or barriers at waterfalls, hot springs, cliffs, crevasses and the like, children must be closely supervised at all times in the countryside. Along with everyone else, children also need to come prepared for the weather, with plenty of warm, waterproof clothing and tough shoes for use outdoors.
Due to its small consumer base and dependency on imports, Iceland is an expensive country. To minimize costs, you need to be as self-sufficient as possible: bring food and a sleeping bag if you’re intending to use self-catering budget accommodation, along with a tent and all camping gear if camping. Bus passes will minimize transport costs, and a Hostelling International Card will get you a few hundred krónur a night off youth hostel rates. Seasons also affect costs: places to stay and car-rental agencies drop their prices between October and June, though at that time inexpensive summer-only accommodation will be shut, campsites will probably be under snow, and bus services are infrequent or suspended.
Budget travellers who camp out every night, use a bus pass and cook for themselves, can keep average daily costs down (and less for cyclists). Throw in a few nights in hostel-style accommodation and the occasional pizza and you’re looking at a little more. Mid-range travel still means using a bus pass to get around, but favouring hostels and eating out cheaply most of the time. Staying only in guesthouses or hotels and eating in restaurants for every meal will increase your daily expenditure somewhat significantly.
None of the above takes into account additional costs for entertainment such as tours, entry fees, drinking or alternative transport such as flights and ferries, for which we’ve given prices in the Rough Guide to Iceland. Car rental will also add to costs, plus fuel.
Iceland is a peaceful country, and it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter much trouble here. Most public places are well lit and secure, people are helpful, if somewhat reserved, and street crime and hassles are rare. Needless to say, hitching alone, or wandering around central Reykjavík late at night, is unwise.
Most incidents involve petty crime and are largely confined to Reykjavík. Many criminals are drug addicts or alcoholics after easy money; keep tabs on your cash and passport (and don’t leave anything visible in your car when you park it) and you should have little reason to visit the police (lögreglan). If you do seek them out, you’ll find them unarmed, concerned and usually able to speak English – remember to get an insurance report from them if you have anything stolen.
As for offences you might commit, drink-driving is taken extremely seriously, so don’t do it: catch a taxi. Being incoherently drunk in public in Reykjavík might also get you into trouble, but in a country campsite you probably won’t be the only one, and (within reason) nobody is going to care. Drugs, however, are treated as harshly here as in much of the rest of Europe.
Sexual harassment is less of a problem in Iceland than elsewhere in Europe. Although you might receive occasional unwelcome attentions in Reykjavík clubs, there’s very rarely any kind of violent intent. If you do have any problems, the fact that almost everyone understands English makes it easy to get across an unambiguous response.
Iceland is an egalitarian, outgoing country, and public behaviour is much the same as wherever you’ve come in from. Icelanders are proud of their country’s modernity, its written culture and the fact that many people can trace their family histories right back to Saga times: they are thin-skinned about depictions of Iceland as a nation of backward, axe-wielding Beserkers in horned helmets.
Discussing the environment can lead to heated arguments; over-grazing of sheep has caused widespread erosion over the centuries, countered by the importation of arctic lupins to help stabilize and revitalize the soil – which are themselves now spreading out of control. The right to continue whaling is also pursued as a cultural issue. Pride in Iceland’s Nordic heritage occasionally surfaces as low-level racism, though with noticeable populations of Chinese, Thai and Filipino migrants settled in Reykjavík, not to mention tourists of all nationalities passing through, this is not a major a issue.
The major social blunders made by visitors are usually at swimming pools; forget to follow the rules about shoes, towels and showering (see Swimming and hotspots) and you can expect to be soundly rebuked by locals.
Electricity is 240v, 50Hz AC. Plugs are round-pin with either two or three prongs; appliances fitted with overseas plugs need an adaptor.
Citizens from Schengen countries, the European Economic Area, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other nations require no visa to visit Iceland for up to ninety days providing that their passport is valid for at least ninety days after the date of arrival. For the full list, and information on how to apply for a visa if you do require one, contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
Iceland is a very small and close-knit society, where it’s generally said that two Icelanders meeting for the first time can usually find people they know in common – not exactly ideal conditions for a thriving gay scene to develop. Indeed, for years many gay people upped and left for the other Nordic capitals, most notably Copenhagen, where attitudes were more liberal and it was easier to be anonymous.
The Icelandic gay and lesbian association, Samtökin 78, at Laugavegur 3 in Reykjavík, promotes awareness of homosexuality and gay rights at a political level and also offers a support network in the capital and out in rural communities, where attitudes towards homosexuality are not nearly as enlightened. In line with other cities where the gay scene has moved online, there are no longer any specifically gay bars in Reykjavík or the rest of Iceland.
Samtökin’s efforts have certainly paid off at the political level – after much lobbying, Iceland’s politicians not only agreed to allow gay marriage in 1996 (in effect the right to register legally a partnership between two same-sex partners, thus granting legal parity with straight couples), but also to allow gay men and lesbians to adopt children, making Iceland the first country in the world to pass such progressive legislation.
Iceland’s healthcare system is excellent and available in most communities. Tourist offices or accommodation can recommend doctors and hospitals – all of whom will be English-speaking. There’s at least one pharmacy, or apotek, in every town, as well stocked as any you’ll find at home. Most open during normal business hours, though some in Reykjavík and Akureyri stay open longer. No vaccinations are required for visitors to Iceland.
To avoid being charged for emergency healthcare in Iceland, Scandinavian citizens must show medical insurance and a valid passport, while citizens of the European Economic Area can simply show their European Health Insurance Card and passport at a health centre or hospital for free treatment. Citizens of other countries need to contact the nearest Icelandic Embassy or representative for information on whether they qualify; if not, you’ll have to pay at the time and then claim back the money from your travel insurance.
If you’re spending much time outdoors, be aware that the weather and distance might cause difficulties if you need medical attention in a hurry, and it’s wise to carry a first-aid kit. Two important items to include are a roll of elasticated sticking plaster (band aids) and crepe bandages – both vital for supporting and splinting sprained muscles or broken bones.
Most problems you’ll encounter, however, are minor. Though you might not think the northern sun would be much trouble, it’s still strong enough to cause sunburn and eye strain – especially when reflected off ice or snow – so use sunscreen and sunglasses. Hand cream or moisturizer and lip balm are a good idea too, as the cold dry air, wind and dust can painfully crack exposed skin. Eye drops will also relieve irritation caused by dust. Flies are not the problem in Iceland that they can be in Scandinavia; Mývatn is the only place you’ll encounter them in plague proportions, though very few bite. Water is safe to drink throughout Iceland.
The most serious thing to worry about is hypothermia, wherein your core body temperature drops to a point that can be fatal. It can occur if you get exhausted, wet and cold while out hiking or cycling; symptoms include a weak pulse, disorientation, numbness, and slurred speech. If you suspect hypothermia, seek shelter from the weather, get as dry as possible, and prevent further heat loss – aside from clothing, a foil “space blanket” available from camping stores will help. Sugary drinks can also help (alcohol definitely doesn’t), but serious cases need immediate hospital treatment. The best advice is to avoid hypothermia in the first place: while hiking, ensure you eat enough carbohydrates, drink plenty of water and wear sufficient warm and weatherproof clothing, including a woollen hat and gloves. During the colder parts of the year, motorists should always carry a blanket and warm gear too, in case they get stranded by snow.
Travel insurance policies provide a level of cover for medical treatment and loss of personal items, as well as unforeseen cancellation or curtailment of your journey. Cover for adventure activities such as whitewater-rafting, snow sports and trekking, usually incurs an extra premium. Read the small print of prospective policies carefully; cover can vary wildly for roughly similar premiums. Also make sure you check the level of excess, the amount of each claim that you have to pay. Note that no vehicle of any kind is insured against damage incurred while crossing a river.
With medical coverage, ascertain whether benefits will be paid as treatment proceeds or only after return home, and whether there is a 24-hour medical emergency number. When securing baggage cover, make sure that the per-article limit will cover your most valuable possession. If you need to make a claim, you should keep receipts for medicines and medical treatment, and in the event you have anything stolen, you must obtain an official statement from the police.
Iceland is one of the highest per-capita users of the internet, with most homes and businesses connected. Many Reykjavík cafés and most accommodation around the country provide free wi-fi for customers, while public libraries and tourist offices often have terminals with access at a fee.
European Economic Area nationals may stay in Iceland longer than three months on condition that they secure work for a further period of at least three months. Once in employment, there is no time limit on the length of stay in Iceland but residence and work permits are required; check with the Directorate of Immigration and the Directorate of Labour for information. Non-EU nationals must apply for residence permits before leaving home, and must be able to prove they can support themselves without working.
Post offices are located in all major communities and are open from 9am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday, though a few in Reykjavík have longer hours. Domestic mail will generally get to the nearest post office within two working days, though a recipient living out on a farm might not collect it so quickly. For international post count on three to five days for mail to reach the UK or US, and a week to ten days to reach Australia and New Zealand. International parcels aren’t outrageously expensive – check postur.is for rates – but not particularly fast; ask at any post office about Express Mail if you’re in a hurry, though you’ll pay far more than for the normal service.
A range of excellent maps of the country are available for all types of use – if you can’t find what you want overseas, you’ll be able to pick it up in Reykjavík and Akureyri, or sometimes from local tourist offices and fuel stations. In addition to the maps detailed below, Iceland’s hiking clubs and national parks put out a few maps of varying quality for popular nature reserves and national parks (available from park offices).
Maps are published by Mál og menning and Ferðakort/Iðnú. Both produce single-sheet road maps of the entire country, along with four or five separate regional sheets at around 1:250,000. Ferðakort’s speciality is detailed maps, suitable for hiking, of specific areas such as Westman Islands, Hornstrandir, Skaftafell and so on at 1:25,000–1:200,000; Mál og menning has a similar 1:100,000 series with 1:50,000 inserts. The best available road atlas is Mál og menning’s 1:300,000 Kortabók, which breaks the country down into sixty pages as well as including plans of larger towns.
Iceland’s currency is the króna (krónur in the plural), abbreviated to either Isk, Ikr or kr. Notes are issued in 5000kr, 2000kr, 1000kr and 500kr denominations, and there are 100kr, 50kr, 10kr, 5kr and 1kr coins, decorated with fish. Check current exchange rates at xe.com.
Banks with ATMs are found around the country, including in many single-street villages. Normal banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.15am to 4pm, though a few branches in Reykjavík open for longer. All banks change foreign currency; some stores and accommodation in Reykjavík also accept US dollar, Euro or UK sterling.
You can get around Iceland without ever touching cash: almost everywhere takes credit cards (Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted), and many businesses’ tills – and all ATMs – are wired into the Cirrus/Maestro/Electron network, which allows you to pay, or draw cash from ATMs, direct from your home bank account using a debit or bank card. Cash withdrawals will be charged a fee per transaction; check with your bank for their rates.
Alternatively, you can use travellers’ cheques to carry your funds around. Some banks issue Travel Money Cards, basically an ATM card which has been precharged to a certain value, and which you can draw on until the funds are exhausted. Again, check with your bank for details, especially regarding compatibility with Icelandic machines.
Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 10am–6pm and Saturday 10am to mid-afternoon; if they open on Sunday, it will probably be after noon. In cities and larger towns, supermarkets are open daily from 10am until late afternoon; in smaller communities, however, some places don’t open at all at weekends.
Out in the country, fuel stations provide some services for travellers, and larger ones tend to open daily from around 9am to 10pm. Office hours everywhere are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; tourist offices often extend these through the weekends, at least in popular spots. Most businesses close on public holidays.
All phone numbers in Iceland are seven digits long, with no regional codes. Phone book listings are arranged in order of Christian name – Gunnar Jakobsson, for instance, is listed under “G”, not “J”. Normal landline rates are reduced on domestic calls at weekends and evenings on Monday to Friday.
Iceland uses both GSM and NMT mobile phone networks. GSM covers most coastal regions, including all communities with over 200 inhabitants. Coming from the UK or EU, your own country’s pay-as-you-go sim cards might work in Iceland with varying roaming rates. Alternatively, buy a new sim from fuel stations or newsagents in Iceland. You’ll only need NMT coverage if you’re spending a lot of time in Iceland’s Interior; contact Icelandic car rental companies or hiking organizations for more information.
Iceland is staggeringly scenic, as well as being packed with birds and enjoying weird atmospheric effects such as the Northern Lights (in winter) and the Midnight Sun (seen in late June only in the extreme north of the country). Prime landscapes to catch on camera include icebergs at Jökulsárlón; Strokkur erupting at Geysir; the rift valley at Þingvellir; desert along the Sprengisandur route; one of Vatnajökull’s glaciers; the West Fjord’s flat mountain tops; and Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall. As for birds, you simply must go home with a snap of a puffin (easiest on Heimaey or at Ingólfshöfði), while Mývatn’s ducks, teeming seabird colonies anywhere around the coast (though best perhaps at Látrabjarg in the West Fjords) and white-tailed eagles (try on Snæfellsnes) are all worthy targets.
Icelandic woollen sweaters are a popular practical memento of a trip here. Many are now machine-made overseas (causing much indignation in Iceland), though it’s still possible to find sweaters made by hand in cottage industries, where consistent patterns, colours, sizes, shapes and fittings are nonexistent – shop around until you find the right one. Other good clothing buys include woollen hats and mittens, and stylish – but extremely expensive – weatherproof outdoor gear made by local brands 66°N, Icewear and Cintamani.
Stores in Reykjavík also stock a range of silver and lava jewellery, in some intriguing designs. And Iceland’s wild-caught smoked salmon is probably the best you’ll ever eat, firm-textured and robustly scented without being too oily – it costs much the same as you pay at home for farmed versions.
Iceland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) throughout the year. GMT is 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time and 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Reykjavík’s tourist information offices have brochures for the whole country, with independent tourist offices in almost every other town, often housed in the bus station. Your accommodation can be another good source of local details, as families may have lived in the region for generations, and have very thorough knowledge.
Iceland is fairly well prepared for disabled travellers. New hotels are required by law to make a percentage of their rooms accessible, while transport – including coastal ferries, airlines and a few public tour buses – can make provisions for wheelchair users if notified in advance.
Your first contact in Iceland is Sjálfsbjörg, Reykjavík’s Disabled Association, whose staff can advise on accessible accommodation and travel around Iceland. Alternatively, contact service operators direct; details are listed throughout the guide.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
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Carson (United States)
I must tell you that my tour with you is probably THE best tour I've ever taken (and I've taken a lot). My guide Rico set a bar so high that I don’t know i...
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