Adventures Up North: A First-Timer's Guide To Visiting Iceland

Iceland is a bucket-list destination for many travellers, and with its otherworldly landscapes and unique culture it isn’t hard to see why. Always wanted to explore the land of fire and ice but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Read on to find out what to pack, when to visit and what to see while you’re there. 

Most Icelanders will agree that there are really only two seasons in Iceland: summer and winter.

The summer months, from June to August, are the most popular time of year for tourists. With milder temperatures, extended hours of daylight and puffins, this is the best time to visit if you want to see as much of the country as possible. In winter certain areas become inaccessible due to road closures and intense snowfall, but in summer everything is open for business! It's also the only time to experience the midnight sun. The natural phenomenon, which brings 24 hours of daylight, takes place every year in June, around the summer solstice.

Winter in Iceland, from November to March, has wilder weather but much longer nights, making it the perfect time of year to hunt for the elusive northern lights. Visiting in the off-season also means you’ll get to experience iconic attractions without the summer crowds. Plus, there’s something magical about seeing Iceland's epic landscapes covered in snow. It’s like stepping right into Narnia!

As they say in Iceland, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing and if you’ve ever wondered whether your raincoat is actually waterproof or just water repellent a trip to Iceland will leave you in no doubt.

A good thermal base followed by wool or fleece layers topped off with waterproof pants and a warm, waterproof coat will see you ready for anything. You’ll also want a beanie, scarf, gloves and sturdy shoes capable of taking on Iceland’s slippery conditions. Some tour companies will even rent out waterproof gear and hiking boots if you don’t have your own which can help make the trip that little bit cheaper. Throw in a camera and you’re all set.

Planning to do activities like glacier walking, snorkelling or snowmobiling? This will require booking a guided tour, so you typically won’t need to worry about the more specialised equipment like crampons, helmets, dry suits, etc. Your tour guide should have everything you need.

For a small country, Iceland is bursting with unique experiences and dramatic nature. Here are some of our favourite spots to explore.

Time required: 1 day

Odds are your adventure will start and end in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Spend a day admiring the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church and shopping your way along Reykjavík’s main street, Laugavegur.

Time required: 1 day

If you only have a day or two in Iceland, the Golden Circle is for you. The approximately 250km loop, beginning and ending in Reykjavík, will take you to some of the country’s most-visited spots like Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall; Geysir, where you can watch explosive geothermal eruptions every five to 10 minutes; and Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk or snorkel between continents due to the slowly growing rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Time required: 1-3 days

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula off Iceland’s West Coast is where you’ll find the imposing Kirkjufell mountain (also known as Arrowhead Mountain in Game of Thrones), Djúpalónssandur black sand beach and Vatnshellir Cave, a lava tube formed over 8,000 years ago! Not to mention the Snæfellsjökull glacier and volcano, famously the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

While this is technically doable as a day trip from Reykjavík in summer, we’d recommend spending a couple of days here to see and do it all.

Time required: at least 3-4 days

From waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skaftafell and Skógafoss to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach; if you have a few days up your thermal sleeve a trip around the South Coast will take you to some of Iceland’s most magnificent attractions. Don’t miss Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and an adventure through Katla’s ice cave while you’re there.

Time required: 1-4 days

If you’re visiting in the summer months, why not go hiking in outer space? That’s what it feels like, at least. Hiking trails in Landmannalaugar, a popular Highland destination, range from one-day excursions to more intense four-day expeditions, so there’s something here for every skill level.

Keep in mind that while a day trip to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík is definitely possible, it’s about a three-hour drive each way so make sure you take this into consideration.

1. Did you know the Blue Lagoon is a manufactured attraction? Skip the crowds and steep entry fee by going to one of the many public pools around the country instead.
2. Don’t be surprised if you turn on your shower in Reykjavík and immediately smell rotten eggs! The city uses a geothermal water source that contains sulphur, but it’s totally safe for bathing.
3. It may seem obvious but eat Icelandic food while in Iceland. Other cuisines are available but need to be shipped in, which makes them super expensive.
4. To the naked eye, the northern lights typically appear white or grey with maybe a faint hue. But just because you can’t see the fluorescent greens and pinks doesn’t mean they aren’t there. To snap the aurora with your smartphone, you’ll need to adjust your exposure and ISO settings.
5. We’d never recommend travelling without travel insurance and Iceland is no exception. Make sure you find a policy that covers any of the more adventurous activities you plan on undertaking on your trip.