Things to do in Iceland | Gray Line World Wide (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to explore all of Iceland? ›

Iceland in 8-12 days. 8-12 days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Iceland as it means you can explore different regions. You could drive around the Ring Road in a full circle to reach the diverse corners of Iceland, from the South Coast to eastern fjords, around North Iceland and over to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

The Ring Road is in fact the nickname of Route 1, Iceland's main motorway. This route loops the island in a full circle, skirting around Iceland's central, uninhabited highlands. Along the way around the Ring Road, you'll find the most popular tourist attractions.

Absolutely! In fact, Iceland is a popular road trip destination. Opting for a self-drive tour means that you can discover Iceland at your own pace, taking in the views as you go and stopping along the way.

1. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Iceland is considered one of the best destinations in the world to experience this incredible natural wonder. Thanks to its location near the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers an ideal vantage point to experience the Northern Lights.

Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Here are 8 ways I saved money during my trip. Iceland has the eighth-highest cost of living in the world, according to Numbeo. I saved money on my trip by booking a red-eye flight and renting a car further from the airport.

It really boils down to what you want to see and how much time you have. The Golden Circle is great for a shorter trip, hitting up famous spots like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. The Ring Road, meanwhile, takes you on a grander tour of Iceland, showcasing diverse landscapes and numerous attractions.

Best Times to Visit Iceland for Smaller Crowds

The busiest months in Iceland are June, July, and August, when most natural attractions are open and easily accessible. For fewer crowds, come in May or September to mid-October: temps are warm enough, (a daytime average of 50°F) and you'll still have ample daylight.

If you are planning your first visit to Iceland, most likely you want to see the highlights. For many first-timers, Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the south coast tops the list of places to visit.

The Westfjords

“The Westfjords is the most beautiful region in Iceland. The mountains surrounding with their beauty, warm but also frightening with their rock slides and avalanches.”

Is the blue lagoon or sky lagoon better? ›

The Blue Lagoon is the more famous of the two, so you can brag to your friends back home. It's also bigger, so better equipped to deal with the crowds that can descend on Iceland's more popular attractions. But the Sky Lagoon is newer and more modern, plus those ocean views take some beating.

If you want to primarily explore the Icelandic hidden gems, you would be better off renting a car and going on your own. Another option is to take pricier super jeep tours or hire a private guide. That is by far the most expensive option.

You can visit Iceland now

Since 2021, several volcanic events have taken place on the Reykjanes peninsula. You might be wondering whether it's safe to visit Iceland in situations like this. Fortunately, these eruptions are not dangerous, provided you stay away from the affected area and follow all safety advice.

Family in Iceland is especially important, as the country is so small. Icelandic families are often larger than other Northern European countries. Extended family members usually don't live together but uncles, aunts, and grandparents often help with childcare.

And Iceland is number one in the world when it comes to the Global Peace Index and takes the top spot in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report.

Probably the most well-known appeal of visiting Iceland is to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Aside from this awe-inspiring event, Iceland is known for its beautiful waterfalls, diverse bird and marine life as well as a vibrant music and arts scene.

The Gulf Stream current and warm southwesterly winds make the climate more moderate and pleasant than one might expect from a northern country. Iceland is known for explosive geysers, geothermal spas, glacier-fed waterfalls like Gullfoss (Golden Falls), and whale watching. More than 270,000 tourists visit each year.