Travel Guide to Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice Tour

There is no other destination like Iceland. Volcanic landscapes and frozen glaciers have earned it a nickname as the Land of Fire and Ice, but bring an otherworldly combination of rugged beauty, untamed wilderness and intriguing culture. Those who visit here are treated to spectacular views, adventure, and a glimpse into a lifestyle that is both modern and traditional.

Iceland has sparked the imaginations of travelers the globe over with its stunning Northern Lights and geothermal pools, black-sand beaches, and raging waterfalls. This is going to be the guide that gets you through all the facts you need to know about organising a memorable trip to Iceland.

Why Visit Iceland?

Iceland is not any other European country, it is like entering another planet. Some reasons why it is so outstanding are found here:

Artificialized Landscapes: A kind of natural playground is composed by glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, lava fields, and fjords.
Northern Lights: During the period between late September and early April, you get an opportunity to see the aurora borealis moving in the night sky.
Midnight Sun: Iceland has up to 24 hours of light all through summer, and this is just the right time to go on a long road trip and have an outdoor adventure.
Geothermal Wonderments: The nation is dotted with hot springs, geysers, and lagoons, which are not only soothing, but also breathtaking.
Adventure: Iceland is a playground of adventurous activities whether it is hiking glaciers, going on a lava cave tour, or whale watching.
Icelandic Culture and History: Icelandic culture is constructed according to the assumption of Norse mythology, sagas and relation to land that can rob only several more beauties that cover the nature.

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Iceland is a destination that can be visited all year round, which makes the experience entirely different depending on the seasons.

Summer (June-August): the hotest months, the average temperature is 10-15degC (50-59degF). The moment has come to take a road trip, go hiking, camping, and have fun in the midnight sun. A higher number of tourists and higher prices to be expected.
Winter (November-March): Cold, dark, snowy – this season is perfect to see the Northern Lights, do winter sports and relax in the hot springs with not as many people. The temperatures average -1degC to 4degC (30-39degF).
Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October): There are fewer visitors, reduced prices, and an excellent combination of sunlight and shadow. Both fall color and seeing the aurora are especially good in September and October.

Getting to Iceland

A vast majority of passengers come to Keflavik International Airport (KEF) which is situated approximately 50 kilometers away in Reykjavik. It has direct flights to the big cities in Europe and North America.

Stopover programs are also offered by some budget airlines such as Icelandair and Play Airlines, where customers can spend a few days in Iceland before they travel to other destinations without any additional charge.

Getting Around Iceland

Exploring Iceland is something that is best done in your own time, and the way you do it should depend on your intentions.

Car Rental: The most popular is the Renting of cars. Most of the key attractions are linked by the well-known Ring Road (Route 1) that encircles the island. During winter a 4×4 is advisable because of the ice.
Campervans: Campervans are a kind of transportation and accommodation which is a perfect way to travel during the midnight sun and to go on a road trip.
Public Transport: Except in Reykjavik, and on some regional bus services, is not so good to see the countryside.
Guided Tours: No one wants to drive, so day tours and multi day tours are offered covering such attractions as the Golden Circle, South Coast, and glacier hikes.

Where to Stay in Iceland

Accommodation varies between the budget hotel and the luxury lodges and boutique hotels.

Reykjavik: The city offers the largest selection of hotels, guesthouses, as well as Airbnbs. Remain here when culture, nightlife and easy access to tours are desired.
Farm Stays and Countryside Guesthouses: These are found all over the island, and they offer a home like atmosphere with a local flavor.
Cottages and Cabins: These are best suited to those who want to be isolated and close to nature. Most of them are accompanied by outdoor hot tubs.
Camping: This is widely used during the summer period, and the country has numerous camping sites. In some places, wild camping is limited, though it is also available.

Top Attractions in Iceland

The Golden Circle

The most well-known sightseeing trail and has been made easily accessible as a day trip out of Reykjavik includes 3 attractions:

Thingvellir National Park: Another UNESCO site which you can visit to see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Geysir Geothermal Area: This area is home to Strokkur which is a geyser that bursts every few minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall: A large two-level cataract that rushes into a canyon.

South Coast

A country of picturesque scenes:

Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls: The most outstanding waterfalls to take photos of.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: It is famous because of basalt columns and massive waves.
Vatnajokull Glacier and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs floating in a lagoon with seals swimming in it.

The Ring Road (Route 1)

The Iceland ultimate road trip. It goes round the island in approximately 7-10 days and includes fjords, fishing villages, volcanic craters, and unending natural marvels.

The Blue Lagoon

This is one of the most iconic sites that make Iceland so attractive; located in a lava field, the milky-blue mineral-enriched water creates a geothermal spa near an airport.

Reykjavik

There is no northern-most capital in the world that can provide:

Hallgrimskirkja Church: This is a spectacular building with a view of the city.
Harpa Concert Hall: A new constructivist architectural wonder.
Laugavegur Street: It is a street that is full of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Strong night life, museums and art galleries.

The North

Akureyri: The tiny and lovely town of Akureyri, has easy access to fjords and whale-watching tours.
Lake Myvatn: Lake Myvatn is surrounded by geothermal scenery and special lava formations.
Dettifoss Waterfall: This is the strongest waterfall in Europe.

The Westfjords

This is a remote and seldom visited area with amazing cliffs, bird-watching at Latrabjarg and wild nature.

The Highlands

The Highlands are reachable only in summer with 4×4 cars and offer surrealistic landscapes such as Landmannalaugar with its rhyolite mountains of all the colours.

Unique Experiences in Iceland

Northern Lights Tours: You can take a winter tour after the aurora borealis. Guided tours would give you an edge, as they will bring you to dark-sky sites.
Whaling: Tours around Reykjavik, Husavik, and Akureyri provide the opportunity to see humpbacks, orcas, and even blue whales.
Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving: See ice-caves and tunnels in Vatnajokull or Myrdalsjokull.
Hot spring bathing: In addition to the blue lagoon, there are natural pools, such as the secret lagoon or Reykjadalur valley.
Riding: Ride the Icelandic horse which has a smooth ride, the tolt.
Volcano Tours: This company has been taking tourists to lava fields or even inside inactive volcanoes, such as Thrihnukagigur.

Food and Dining in Iceland

The Icelandic food is influenced by nature–free-roaming lamb, dairy products and fresh seafood prevail.

Must-Try Foods

Lamb: Spit-roasted or smoked or made into hot dogs (local specialty).
Common Fresh Fish: It has cod, haddock and Arctic char.
Skyr: A yogurt-like dairy product that is high in protein.
Hot Dogs (pylsur): Hot dogs are sold at food stands especially the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavik.
Rye Bread: This is usually baked in geothermal steam.
Kleinur: A doughnut pastry that is twisted.

Traditional foods such as fermented shark (hakarl) or sheep head are also available to the adventurous, but are not common everyday food.

Culture and Etiquette

Language: Icelandic is the official language though practically everyone speaks English.
Tipping: There is no expectation of it because service fees are part of pricing.
Be friendly with Nature: Stay on the trail, do not disturb moss or animals and follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
Swimming Pools: A large aspect of everyday. Prior to admission, they are required to take shower without clothes.

Safety in Iceland

Iceland is a very safe nation and the crime rate is extremely low. But nature will be respected:

Weather: The weather is subject to change. Investigations of forecasts and road conditions are always necessary.
Traveling: Roadways may be icy or most of the country roads are gravel. Stick to speed limits.
Safety Outdoor: All heights, all glaciers, all seas are underestimated. Follow local directions and warning signs.

Budgeting for Iceland

Iceland is also considered to be expensive, but with the right planning it can be used.

Accommodation: Hotels are not as expensive as hostels and guesthouses. In summer, camping is inexpensive.
Food: Eating out is pricey. Saving money by going to such grocery stores as Bonus or Kronan.
Transportation: With groups it is cheaper to rent a car, and in the case of tours it might be better to go alone.
Free Attractions: Waterfalls, mountains, beaches and plenty of other marvels in Iceland are all free to visit.

Suggested Itineraries

3 Days: Short Stay

Day 1: Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon.
Day 2: Golden Circle.
Day 3: South Coast (Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss).

7 Days: Classic Ring Road

Reykjavik/Golden circle/South Coast/Vatnajokull/East Fjords/North Iceland/Westfjords (option) back to Reykjavik.

10+ Days: In-Depth Iceland

Complete Ring Road and detours to the Highlands, Westfjords and a longer stay in the North.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Iceland is not just a holiday, but an experience of the most unadulterated elements of nature. There is not many locations on the planet that are as harmonious as glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and geothermal power. Be it chasing the Northern Lights in freezing winter or driving in the middle of the midnight sun in summer, or immersing in a hot spring of steam-like water after a day of sightseeing, Iceland is bound to awe you.

It is a nation that teaches you to appreciate the power of nature and be amazed by its beauty. And it is a place where all the roads are leading to another wonder to be found.

Bring on your warm things now, sharpen your sense of adventure, and be ready to hear the story of a journey of a lifetime. Iceland awaits.

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