Ever dreamed of being in a place where you can stand between two continents, hike on glaciers in the morning, soak in a hot spring by noon, and chase the Northern Lights at night—all while munching on a hot dog that’s apparently a national treasure? Well, pack your puffiest jacket, friend. You’re going to Iceland.
Unless you’re already living on a glacier (in which case, impressive), your adventure to Iceland starts in the skies—most travelers fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 45 minutes from the capital, Reykjavík. There are direct flights from many major cities across Europe and North America, and if you fly with Icelandair, you might even score a free stopover on your way to or from Europe. Think of it as a bonus chapter in your travel story.
Welcome to Iceland: Step off the plane and into the wind—it might feel like it’s trying to carry you off, but don’t worry. That’s just Iceland’s version of a warm (well, brisk) welcome.
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK). 1 USD = ~140 ISK (subject to change, of course).
Card Culture: Iceland is nearly cashless. You can buy a coffee, rent a car, or probably pay a troll with a tap of your card or phone.
Budget Warning: Iceland is pricey. Think $20 burgers and $5 coffee. But the landscapes? They’re free and utterly priceless.
Iceland may look small on the map, but don’t let its size fool you—it’s packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, cozy towns, and nature that seems to have skipped the rulebook entirely. From bubbling geothermal wonders to glacier-filled lagoons, here’s your friendly guide to some of the must-see spots that’ll make your Icelandic adventure unforgettable:
Colorful buildings, cool cafés, street art, live music, and the Hallgrímskirkja church that looks like a spaceship. A perfect blend of Nordic charm and hipster vibes.
Milky blue waters, silica mud masks, and drinks at a swim-up bar. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Just book in advance unless you enjoy disappointment.
Floating icebergs, seals, and a vibe straight out of a fantasy film. (It actually is in one—Batman Begins, anyone?)
Black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and puffins (in summer). Plus, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls that are total Instagram bait.
From September to April, you’ve got a good chance of seeing the sky throw a rave. Pro tip: Get away from city lights and pray to the weather gods for clear skies.
It depends on what you’re after:
Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, all roads open, puffins, and more tourists than you can shake a walking stick at.
Winter (November–March): Northern lights, fewer crowds, snow-covered landscapes, and the chance to test if your parka is actually “Arctic-rated.”
Shoulder Seasons (May & September): Best of both worlds—milder weather, fewer tourists, lower prices, and still a good shot at auroras or accessible roads.
Yes, hákarl (fermented shark) exists, and yes, it smells like regret. But Icelandic cuisine is more than ancient Viking dares:
Hot Dogs (Pylsur): The real national dish. Try one from Bæjarins Beztu in Reykjavík. Get it “eina með öllu” (with everything).
Lamb: Icelandic lamb roams freely eating herbs and grass. It’s basically gourmet by default.
Skyr: Like yogurt, but thicker, creamier, and with a cooler name.
Seafood: From langoustines to Arctic char, if it swims, Iceland makes it tasty.
Icelanders are a fascinating bunch. They’re warm, witty, and wonderfully weird—in the best way.
Literature Lovers: They have more writers per capita than anywhere else. There’s even a tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve and reading them all night (Jólabókaflóð!).
Elves Are a Thing: Over half the population believes in huldufólk (hidden people). Roads have been diverted to avoid disturbing elf habitats.
Language: Icelandic hasn’t changed much in 1,000 years. So yes, their teenagers can read medieval Viking texts. Casual.
Pack for all seasons, even in one day. The weather is a rollercoaster run by Loki himself.
Rent a car if you want to explore outside the capital, especially the Ring Road. Just don’t drive off-road—it’s illegal and will get you Viking-level fined.
Respect nature. Don’t step on moss. It’s older than your family tree.
If you’ve ever wanted to see waterfalls that roar, volcanoes that smoke, and landscapes that look like Mars and Heaven had a baby, Iceland is waiting—probably under a layer of fog and magic.
Wiser Trips, Better Memories
