Iceland Travel Tips

Iceland is such a completely unique country – and there are a lot of important things you will want to know before you travel there!  This blog post lists out all of the important Iceland Travel Tips you need to prepare for your Icelandic Adventure!

Most people decide to travel somewhere warm in January, like Tahiti, Hawaii, Australia, or even South America.  Me?  I like to mix things up, shake it around, and do something totally crazy.  So I find a $100 one-way flight to Iceland from Chicago.  Do I live in Chicago? Nah, but who needs to get home when you can get to Iceland from Chicago for $100?   I was not disappointed in my spur-of-the-moment decision.  January allowed breathing room in what has become a country newly excited with excessive tourism, a chance to see the northern lights, and beautiful snowy landscapes that just can never be reproduced anywhere.  These Iceland travel tips will help you plan out your Iceland Vacation in the summer or the winter!

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When to Travel In Iceland – An Overview of the Seasons

Winter (December to February):

• Weather: Winter in Iceland is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snow and ice are common, especially in the northern and inland areas.
• Daylight: The days are short, with only a few hours of daylight, and long nights. In December, the country experiences the winter solstice, which has the shortest day of the year.
• Highlights: Winter is the best time for witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), which are visible in the dark, clear skies. You can also enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice caving.

Spring (March to May):

• Weather: Spring in Iceland sees a transition from winter to milder temperatures. It’s a time when snow begins to melt, and the landscape starts to green up.
• Daylight: Days become progressively longer, and by May, Iceland experiences the midnight sun, with almost 24 hours of daylight.
• Highlights: Spring is a great time for witnessing the awakening of nature, with budding plants and migrating birds. It’s also an excellent time for hiking and exploring waterfalls as the snowmelt creates powerful cascades.

Summer (June to August):

• Weather: Summer in Iceland is relatively mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from cool to comfortably warm. Rainfall is moderate.
• Daylight: Iceland experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, with 24-hour daylight during the peak of summer. This allows for extended exploration and outdoor activities.
• Highlights: Summer is the prime season for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and road trips. The lush landscapes, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal time for nature enthusiasts.

Autumn (September to November):

• Weather: Autumn brings cooler temperatures, with increasing rainfall. It’s a transitional season from summer to winter.
• Daylight: Days gradually shorten, and by November, you’ll experience fewer daylight hours compared to summer.
• Highlights: Autumn is known for its stunning fall foliage, particularly in September and early October. It’s also a great time for fewer crowds and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights as the darkness returns. Additionally, it’s a good season for birdwatching as migratory birds start their journey south.

Iceland Travel Tips: Be prepared to spend – Iceland is not an “economical” destination.

Iceland is not the cheapest place to go in Europe by far, but that doesn’t mean it should scare you off from visiting.  In a week we spent about $1800 per person, including flights and a car rental.  (We flew Wow Air just a month before it shut down for good.  A week after we returned flights from Chicago ceased. Unfortunately at the time of this update in May 2023, flights are OUTRAGEOUSLY priced and my round trip from Boston – Reykjavik a few months ago was over $1500 round trip).

If you want a private driver instead of self-driving you can expect to spend $1000-$2000 / day for these services.

Book the unique accommodation.

While accommodation in Iceland can be expensive, it is totally worth it to book.  From unique hotels with a distinct scandinavian flare and hot tubs galore – it’s worth splurging on these little luxuries.  Hotels with dining options are essential, especially in the countryside as the grocery stores can be scant in the winter if you want to self cook and there are not many restaurant options away from the cities.  For my first trip in January 2019, we made all of our bookings through Booking.com– for our trip in March 2023, we went with one of my travel agency’s preferred partners and booked everything through us/them.

– Hey, don’t forget to save these links for later  – once you click them to add them as a favorite in your toolbar so you can come back and book!

HOTELS NEAR VIK

Solheimajaleiga Guesthouse 

This farm stay was adorable! It had great rates & a great location near Vik where you can venture out and do several things in the area.  We also saw the Northern Lights here!

HOTELS NEAR SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK

Horgsland Guesthouse or Horgsland Cottages

This place was out in the middle of NOWHERE & let me tell you this is where you feel truly at peace.  The guesthouse is like a farm stay, a bunch of rooms in an old farmhouse, but the cottages are incredibly nice and are each on their own if you have a little more money to blow.  There is no kitchen in the guesthouse, but they do make food on-site for dinner if you want, and it comes at a very reasonable cost.  We enjoyed our time here!

Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway?  If you’re feeling overwhelm at all the options on the internet, or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – let us use our local knowledge and first hand expertise to craft you a custom adventure. Submit your inquiry below!

HOTELS NEAR SELFOSS (Near Golden Circle)

HOTELS IN REYKJAVIK 

The Reykjavik Edition

If you want THE vibe, this is the place to be in Reykjavik.  With 6 bars and a prime location, this hotel is the bees knees and the place to see and be seen in Iceland. Plus, you get exclusive amenities when you book through us!

Steps away from the main shopping district, the long-awaited Reykjavik EDITION is the city’s newest see-and-be-seen hotel. The 253 stylish rooms and suites (as well as the chic rooftop bar) look out onto impressive, only-in-Iceland views, including Mt. Esja and Snæfellsjökull Glacier, while the specialty restaurant dishes up local and international favorites. The hotel also features a spa, state-of-the-art gym facilities, and nearly 6,000 square feet of event space.

INSIDER TIP

Within a few blocks from the hotel you’ll spot Reykjavik’s colorful stories-high murals. Laugavegur Street, Grettisgata Street, and Skólavörðustígur are the best places to see them.

The Boho Traveller Exclusive Amenities at The Reykjavik EDITION For 2023:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Travel during the shoulder season.

Summer is THE popular time to hit up Iceland!  If you want to beat the crowds and save some money, opt for visiting in fall, winter, or early spring (when you still have a chance to see the northern lights!). You’ll find better rates and deal with less crowds.

Pack lots of snacks!

When we had 2 croissants and a cup of coffee that cost us nearly $25 our first morning in Iceland, we quickly realised that eating out for every meal was going to rack up the expenses. Thankfully all the hotels I book for us include breakfast (perks of being a Travel Agent – breakfast included is ESSENTIAL) so that just left us lunch and dinner to figure out.  We often found ourselves on the road for lunch, so we would make a PBJ in the car or would just stick to snacking. There are some great little cafes at some of the big tourist attractions like Skogafoss and various spots in the Golden Circle. But apart from that, there isn’t much around.   Both of my adventures through Iceland snacks have been a top car priority – pull over at the petrol station and fuel up your car and yourself. 

Just beware – the grocery stores are skint on fresh veg in the winter so you might want to only opt for this route for lunches.

Iceland Travel Tips: Iceland is a One Road Country

Not literally, but pretty much!  There is one road that goes all the way around Iceland called the Ring Road.  In ideal conditions, it will take you about 18 hours to drive it completely.  Do NOT think that it will take this long in the winter though.  Snowstorms (and hailstorms, rainstorms, crazy winds, and who knows what else) can pop up in Iceland at any point in time and make driving conditions dangerous.  Even if you don’t need to pull over you will definitely need to reduce your speed.

This ring road will take you to all the main cities and attractions.  There are roads that offshoot from the Ring Road (also known as Highway 1) that will take you to specific places, like the blue lagoon. But, everything is very easy to find.  The highlands are not accessible in the winter. Usually, during the summer you will need a 4X4 or a tour to take you in there.

Read more about visiting the blue lagoon here!

It’s Cold Even in the Summer, But the Winters Aren’t As Cold As You Think

Summer is chilly (at least for me as a Floridian).  Temperatures average around 50-55 F (10-13C) and a really warm day can be 77F (25C).  Winter temperatures are around 32F (0C) but can get chillier.  The coldest we experienced on our trip was 21F (-6C).

Come prepared.

“Ready to Explore Iceland Your Way? 💫

Discover the beauty of Iceland with a bespoke, tailored trip from The Boho Traveller. Let us craft your dream adventure! Submit a travel inquiry now and start your journey to the land of fire and ice. Your Icelandic adventure awaits!

Iceland Travel Tips: You will Need to Rent a Car or hire a private driver – Unless You Want to Be on A tour Bus

Renting a vehicle gives you freedom of your time and your itinerary.  PLUS it is another way to save a few extra dollars, those tour buses usually aren’t the best way to get the most bang for your buck.  If we had been on a tour bus, we would have never been able to visit the stunning Reykjadalur Hot River (pictured below).  A private driver though will make your life incredibly easy and you’ll have that extra insight to the country you wouldn’t have driving yourself.  I have done both ways and there is no wrong answer on which one to pick!

Iceland Travel Tips: You are Going to Be Outside

If you aren’t a fan of the big outdoors, Iceland is probably not the place for you. There is lots of hiking to be done, heaps of nature trails, innumerable steep paths, plentiful thermal springs and much more waiting for you in Iceland.  I’m not saying you shouldn’t visit by any means, but if your idea of a holiday is shopping and eating, then this may not be your dream destination.  Plan on being outside and getting a little dirty.

Iceland Travel Tips: DO NOT STRAY FROM THE PATH

When you are visiting attractions, if there is a rail with a sign that states clearly “DO NOT CROSS” – I would recommend not crossing.  These signs are not only in place for your safety, but the safety of the land.  Many tourists visiting Iceland are straying from the trails to get that perfect “instashot”. It is destroying the natural vegetation that Iceland needs to survive.  So PLEASE, just follow the rules.

BE PREPARED FOR THE WIND – I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again….It’s Windy AF in Iceland

Seriously, WINDY AF.  There have been reports of people’s car doors blowing off because it’s so windy!! My hair extensions all literally turned into mini dreads, and then the mini dreads turned into GIANT dreads.  I procrastinated on brushing my hair for a few days, and let me tell you it was one of the most unpleasant things when I finally went to brush it out.  BE PREPARED FOR THE WIND AND BE SURE TO PACK DETANGLER!

Summer is the Busiest Time to Visit Iceland

If you aren’t a fan of crowds, you may want to reconsider visiting Iceland in the summer. Summer in Iceland is packed and there are way more tour buses and visitors in general.  Hitting Iceland in the offseason can up your chances for better photo ops, better experiences, and less hassle.

If you opt to travel in Spring, Fall, or even ~winter~, you could find yourself having a more enjoyable experience with fewer crowds and a chance of catching the northern lights.

Icelanders Are Super Nice and Almost Everyone Speaks English

You don’t need to worry too much about a language barrier.  In most places people will speak English.  Unless you’re in the rural countryside, you won’t have any problems.

Also, Icelanders are super friendly, though they might be a little shy!  Make sure to say hello! 🙂

Additionally, Iceland is one of the safest places to travel and there is very little crime, even pickpocketing is extremely rare.

You probably won’t need to book a “Northern Lights Tours”

Most likely, you won’t need to book that northern lights tour unless you are only going to be in Iceland 1 or 2 nights and staying in the city the entire time.  The other reason to book a northern lights tour would be if you have no idea how to use your camera and aren’t renting a car, the tour will get you right and sorted.  But, if you do a little research and learn how to use your camera, and have a car – you should be set. All you need is patience and the Aurora app.  Here is the link for iPhone. I enjoyed this app and was even able to see the northern lights in Scotland because of it!

Ask a local where the lights are usually spotted (it’s typically to the north), and check the Aurora App to see what the chances are to see the lights that night. In the winter, if the sky is clear, you will most likely see the northern lights!! I saw them 3 times in one week while I was in Iceland.

If you want to book a great northern lights tour, try these GUARANTEED Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik!

Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Will Need for Travel & Visiting Sites.

I’ve heard of several people visiting Iceland and doing the entire ring road in 4 days.  To me, this is INSANE!  We did the south coast in 7 days and my boyfriend complained about all of THAT driving!  So I can’t imagine doing the whole 18-hour ring road in only 4 days.

Firstly, I truly believe that amount of driving doesn’t give you ample time to truly experience Iceland, and you won’t be able to do any of the cool stuff, often which takes an hour or so to get to by foot after you park.  In the winter you also need to allow yourself more time to get from one destination to the next, as the weather can change in a split second, and driving in the snow in a tiny car is not the same as driving in the summer when there are 24 hours of daylight.

Do yourself a favor and take it slow.  When people ask you about your trip to Iceland, is all you want to tell them that it was a lot of driving? No?  I didn’t think so.

Everything is Photographable

Break out your camera, get clicking, and get creative.  There are so many beautiful things in Iceland to photograph, so get original and share the beauty of this northern country with the world!  Plus, the lighting is just spectacular ALL the time as the sun is never directly overhead – it’s amazing.