The Only Iceland Travel Tips You’ll Need: A First-Timer’s Guide
Iceland, my favourite place I have ever been to, and a place that needs to be planned! Let’s start with a foundational piece of advice. Iceland isn’t a destination you can just show up to and ‘wing it’, especially if you have specific things you want to see and do. A little bit of planning goes a very long way here and will save you both money and disappointment. Let’s make sure you arrive feeling prepared and ready for anything the Land of Fire and Ice throws at you! 🇮🇸
When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
This is the big one, the question that shapes your entire trip. There’s no right or wrong answer, because each season offers a completely different Iceland. It’s like visiting two different countries. I’ve broken it down to help you find your perfect fit.
☀️ Summer (June – August)
The Vibe: Midnight Sun & Green Landscapes
Perfect for: Lush hiking, seeing puffins, driving the entire Ring Road, and enjoying warmer(ish) weather.
You get 24-hour daylight with the Midnight Sun, which feels bizarre but is brilliant for cramming in activities. The landscape is intensely green, and all roads, including those in the highlands, are open. The downside? It’s peak season. Expect higher prices and more people at popular spots.
❄️ Winter (October – March)
The Vibe: Northern Lights & Snowy Wonderland
Perfect for: Exploring blue ice caves, glacier hiking, enjoying fewer crowds, and seeing awe-inspiring snowscapes.
This is the time for classic Icelandic magic. You have a real shot at seeing the Northern Lights and can explore the breathtaking blue ice caves (which only exist in winter). It’s a photographer’s dream. The catch? Daylight is limited, the weather is no joke, and driving can be seriously challenging.
✋🏼 Good to Know: My personal favourite time? The “shoulder seasons” of September or May. I love September because you get decent daylight and roads are still clear, but the crowds have thinned and you have a genuine chance of seeing the first Northern Lights of the season. It’s the best of both worlds.
🗺️ Guide to Iceland: Iceland in Winter vs Summer: When to Visit!
Flights from Trip.com (Best Value for Iceland)
Booking in Advance is Your Secret Weapon
Please, please, please book your key items in advance. I can’t say this enough. On my trip, I had my heart set on a cosy little guesthouse on the South Coast. I waited too long, and it was fully booked. I was so disappointed. Iceland’s popular, and things sell out months ahead, especially unique tours and accommodation.
Leaving it to the last minute guarantees two things: stress and paying way more than you need to. This is especially true for your rental car and anything iconic like the Blue Lagoon. Let’s be honest—we all love feeling like we got a good deal, and booking early is the key.
Recommended Guesthouses in Iceland: Booking Iceland!
🗺️ Iceland Related: The Ultimate South Iceland Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-See Places 🇮🇸
Our Google Map Legends
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
The Art of Layering: How to Dress for Four Seasons in a Day
“If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes.” This isn’t just a cute saying in Iceland; it’s a statement of fact. You will experience a whole mix of weather in a single day. The trick isn’t a massive coat; it’s smart layering.
Base Layer: Think thermals. Merino wool is your best friend here—it keeps you warm even if you get a bit damp and doesn’t hold odours.
Mid Layer: A good-quality fleece or a woolly jumper. This is your main insulation layer.
Outer Layer: This is non-negotiable: a fully waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers. I’m not talking ‘shower-resistant’. You need gear that can handle being battered by a waterfall’s spray or a sudden downpour.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential. You’ll be walking on uneven ground, black sand, and maybe even ice.
🔹 Pro Tip: Forget the umbrella. Seriously. The wind in Iceland makes them completely useless and, frankly, a bit dangerous. A good waterproof hood is all you need.
Finding Your Icelandic Home: Guesthouses, Farm Stays & More 🏡
Okay, let’s talk about where you’ll rest your head after a long day of chasing waterfalls. Choosing where you stay in Iceland can totally transform your trip, and honestly, this is one area where planning ahead pays off big time. You’ll find a fantastic range of options beyond just standard hotels.
Here’s what we found worked best:
Guesthouses: For me, this is where the real charm is. Often family-run, guesthouses offer a cosy, personal experience. You get to meet local owners who are often full of amazing advice. Remember that guesthouse I mentioned I missed out on? I made sure to book it a year in advance for my next trip, and it was worth the wait.
Farm Stays: Fancy waking up to the sight of fluffy Icelandic horses outside your window? A farm stay makes this a reality. They offer a unique, tranquil experience and a wonderful glimpse into rural Icelandic life.
Hotels: You’ll find these mostly in Reykjavik and the larger towns. They’re reliable and offer more amenities, but can sometimes lack the personal character of a guesthouse.
Hostels and Camping: For those of us keeping a close eye on our króna, these are brilliant. Icelandic hostels are clean and modern, and camping in summer (with the right gear!) is an amazing way to stay close to nature.
💡 My Single Most Important Accommodation Tip: Unless you are only in Iceland for a very short city break, do not book all your nights in Reykjavik. The single best thing you can do is book your accommodation along your route. If you’re exploring the South Coast, stay in Vik or near Höfn. This saves you hours of backtracking in the car each day and allows you to explore further without feeling exhausted. I wasted so much driving time on my first visit—a mistake you don’t have to make!
✨ Pro Tip: Look for places that offer a ‘guest kitchen’ or a kitchenette. Being able to make your own breakfast and pack sandwiches for the road will literally save you hundreds of pounds. It was a complete game-changer for our budget.
Use Booking.com to find your perfect Icelandic stay!
Getting Around: The Great Car Rental Debate
For the ultimate sense of freedom, nothing beats renting a car in Iceland. It was my favourite part of the trip. You can stop wherever you want for photos (safely, of course!), discover hidden spots, and move at your own pace. If you’re anything like me and love exploring, this is the way to go.
However, if the thought of driving in a foreign country, potentially in snow and ice, gives you anxiety, then a tour-based trip is a fantastic option. You can set up a home base in Reykjavik and take day trips to all the main sights without the stress of navigating or checking road conditions. You just sit back and enjoy the view.
Crucial Tips for Driving in Iceland 🚗
If you choose the freedom of a car, there are some rules of the road you absolutely have to know.
Gravel Rash: Get the Gravel Protection (GP) insurance for your rental. Many smaller roads are unpaved, and stones can fly up and chip the paintwork. I’ve seen the repair bills; it’s worth the small daily fee for peace of mind.
The Wind is a Door-Snatcher: This sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s not. When you park, always try to face into the wind. When you open your door, use two hands to hold it firmly. A gust of wind can catch it and bend it backwards, causing thousands in damage.
F-Roads = 4×4 Only: The rugged highland roads, marked with an ‘F’ (like F249), are for serious 4×4 vehicles only and are only open in summer. Taking a normal car on them is illegal, voids your insurance, and is incredibly foolish.
Petrol Station Deserts: When you’re leaving a town and see a petrol station, fill up. I mean it. In the East or Westfjords, you can drive for well over an hour without seeing another one.
🇮🇸 Icelandic Fact: All drivers are required by law to have their headlights on at all times, day or night, rain or shine. It’s an easy one to remember and helps with visibility in the rapidly changing light.
🗺️ Related Post: Reykjavik, Iceland: An In-Depth Guide for First-Time Visitors
Recommended Tours and Tickets
Keep Your Wallet Happy: Budgeting in Iceland 💸
Okay, let’s talk money. Iceland is expensive, there’s no sugar-coating it. But I wasted money on things I didn’t need to on my first visit. You don’t have to. Here’s what we found worked best.
Embrace Bónus: This budget supermarket is your friend. Look for the big pink pig logo. Stocking up on breakfast items, snacks for the road, and ingredients for simple dinners will save you a fortune.
Drink from the Tap: The tap water here is some of the purest, most delicious water on Earth. It’s filtered through lava rocks! Bring a reusable bottle and fill it everywhere for free. Buying bottled water is just throwing money away.
Duty-Free Arrival: Alcohol is eye-wateringly expensive due to high taxes. If you enjoy a beer or a glass of wine in the evening, the first thing you should do after landing at Keflavík is to visit the duty-free shop in the arrivals hall. It’s what all the locals do!
🗺️ Related Must-read: Explore More for Less: 10 Tips for Budget-Friendly Travel
Our Google Maps Legends
Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
The Icelandic Food Scene: Way More Than Shark!
While some people are brave enough to try the fermented shark (Hákarl), I’m here to tell you there’s a whole world of incredible food to discover.
I am genuinely obsessed with the Icelandic hot dogs, or ‘pylsur’. Go to the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand in Reykjavik and order one “með öllu” (with everything). It comes with raw and crispy fried onions, ketchup, a sweet brown mustard, and remoulade. It’s a taste explosion. Also, you must try the rich and hearty lamb soup (Kjötsúpa) and, of course, the creamy, protein-packed Skyr.
Respecting the Locals: Etiquette and a Bit of Takk
Icelanders are generally reserved but incredibly kind and helpful, with a fantastic dry wit. A simple ‘Takk’ (thank you) is always appreciated.
💡 Good to Know: The Pool Rule. This is the big one. Before you get into any public pool or geothermal lagoon (yes, even the Blue Lagoon), you must shower naked in the communal changing rooms. It’s a non-negotiable rule for hygiene. It might feel weird the first time if you’re not used to it, but trust me, nobody cares. Let’s simplify this: it’s normal, respectful, and everyone does it.
The Northern Lights: Managing the Magic ✨
Seeing the Northern Lights was a life-changing moment for me. But it’s so important to know that it’s a game of chance. You’re dealing with nature, and she does what she wants.
For a successful sighting, you need a trifecta:
Darkness: You have to be there between late September and early April.
Clear Skies: Your biggest obstacle is often cloud cover.
Solar Activity: You need the sun to be active.
✨ Tinker’s Pro Tip: My best advice is to treat the Aurora as a potential, incredible bonus to your trip, not the sole reason for it. This way, if you see them, it’s pure joy. If you don’t, you’ve still had an amazing time exploring glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes. That’s a win-win.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon: The Joy of Local Pools
The Blue Lagoon is stunning. It’s a world-class spa and an amazing experience. But I wish I knew sooner about Iceland’s local pools, the sundlaugs. They are the heart of every community.
Nearly every town has a geothermally heated public pool complex, usually with a main swimming pool, several hot pots of varying temperatures, and a sauna. It costs a fraction of the Blue Lagoon, and it’s where you’ll find actual Icelanders relaxing and chatting after work. It’s one of my favourite things to do for an authentic slice of Icelandic life.
The Golden Circle: A Classic for a Reason
Yes, it’s touristy. But you can’t come to Iceland for the first time and not see the Golden Circle. It’s an easy day trip from Reykjavik and delivers three jaw-dropping sights:
Þingvellir National Park: The historic heart of Iceland, where you can literally see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Gullfoss Waterfall: A beast of a waterfall that thunders down in two stages. The spray on your face is unforgettable.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to the celebrity hot spring, Strokkur, which reliably shoots boiling water into the air every 5-10 minutes.
Go South: Where the Postcard Pictures Are Made
As amazing as the Golden Circle is, for me, the real Iceland begins when you drive east along the South Coast. This is where you find those epic landscapes that made you want to book the trip in the first place.
Here’s where you’ll walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall, feel the power of Skógafoss, and stand on the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara beach. If you can, push on to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs break off a glacier and float out to sea. It’s one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Safety First: Please Respect the Power of Nature
Okay, let’s have a serious chat for a second because I want you to have an amazing and safe trip. Iceland’s nature is no joke. It is beautiful but unforgiving.
Check the Experts: Always check vedur.is for the weather forecast and road.is for road conditions before you set off. Things can change in minutes.
The Sneaker Waves: At beaches like Reynisfjara, the waves are unpredictable. A seemingly calm sea can suddenly send a massive wave far up the beach. Never turn your back on the ocean. The warning signs are there for a very real reason.
Get the App: Download the ‘112 Iceland’ app. It allows you to check in your location so rescue services can find you more easily if you get into trouble while hiking.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Just a Quick Word on Safety
The Czech Republic is a very safe country, so you can relax. The main thing, like in any big European city, is to watch out for pickpockets in super-crowded areas (looking at you, Charles Bridge). Just keep your bag zipped and be aware of what’s going on around you. Also, avoid those shady money-changing booths with the “0% commission” signs. It’s a trap! Their rates are awful. Use a proper bank ATM instead.
Slow Down and Soak It In
If I could give you just one tip, it would be this: don’t over-schedule your days. The best memories I have are from the moments I wasn’t rushing. Sitting at a quiet café, stumbling upon a hidden garden, or just watching the trams go by from a park bench. That’s where you’ll find the real heart of Czechia.
So there you are! All the practical advice and personal tips I wish someone had given me before my first trip. Iceland is a country that’s so much more than just a destination; it’s an experience. I just recommend you are prepared! Have a good one! 🌍 ✨
Your Turn! What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you been to Iceland? What are your top tips for a first-timer? I’d love to hear your stories and any advice you have! 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Simliar Articles:
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula Highlights: Iceland’s Western Coast
- The Land of Fire and Ice: Iceland’s Most Impressive Waterfalls
- Iceland Bucket List: Best Things to Do in Iceland
Recommended Websites and Resources:
Your Questions, Answered (FAQs)
Is Iceland expensive for tourists?
Yes, it’s definitely on the pricey side. But you can absolutely do it on a reasonable budget. The trick is to prioritise. Spend your money on once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a glacier hike, and save money by shopping at Bónus, making your own packed lunches, and drinking the free, delicious tap water.
What's the best currency to use in Iceland?
The official currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK), but honestly, you hardly need it. I’ve tested this, and you can pay for pretty much everything, from a hot dog to petrol, with a credit or debit card (Chip+PIN is best). I usually take out the equivalent of about £50 in cash just for emergencies, but I’ve often come home with most of it.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive in Iceland?
This totally depends on your trip. In summer, if you’re sticking to the main Ring Road and popular sights, a standard 2WD car is absolutely fine. You only need a 4×4 for the highland F-roads. For winter travel, I’d strongly recommend a 4×4. The extra grip and clearance provide a huge confidence boost on snowy or icy roads.
Can I see the Northern Lights in summer?
Sadly, no. From around mid-April to mid-August, the Midnight Sun means it never gets dark enough. To see the Aurora, you need proper darkness, which is why the viewing season runs from September through to early April.
How many days do I really need for a first trip?
I’d say 5-7 days is a great starting point. That gives you enough time to settle in, explore Reykjavik, do the Golden Circle, and see the highlights of the spectacular South Coast without feeling like you’re in a constant rush. If you dream of driving the entire Ring Road, you’ll want at least 10-14 days to do it justice.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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