There are plenty of reasons why Iceland is one of the hottest travel destinations: it’s home to some 30 active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, and bubbling geysers, to name a few of its natural attractions. The Land of Fire and Ice is also famous for specific sites, like the largest glacier in Europe by volume and crystalline ice caves that can only be explored in the winter. And that’s to say nothing of the flickering Northern lights above.
When to go
What you see and do will be almost entirely determined by the time of year you visit Iceland. Summertime can offer travelers nearly 21 hours of daylight, with the sun rising as early as 2:55 a.m. near the end of June and setting just before midnight. Moderate temperatures, typically in the 50s and 60s, can be enjoyed from May until September. July and August are the peak tourist months. Extra daylight for sightseeing is an obvious draw for Iceland-bound travelers, but visiting in the winter shouldn't be discounted.
Getting around
All international flights land at Keflavík International Airport, which is a 40-minute drive from the capital, Reykjavik. Travelers can take the Flybus airport shuttle to Reykjavik Bus Terminal for 2,500 ISK ($21.50) or spend a bit more for the Flybus+ option, which will deliver you directly to your hotel or Airbnb. Cabs also frequent the route between the airport and downtown Reykjavik, and will cost you about 15,000 ISK ($130). Driving is the best option for exploring Iceland. In addition to major rental companies like Hertz and Budget, travelers should consider Green Motion (this European rental agency specializes in eco-friendly vehicles) and Campervan Iceland — a great option for saving money while still seeing all of the vast island.
What to pack
Regardless of when you’ve planned your trip, pack for all four seasons of the year — and plan to use every single piece of clothing. Leave your fancy garments behind: especially if you’re traveling on a budget airline, you’ll want to save room in your pack for what matters most. Don’t leave home without a T-shirt, thermal base layers, a rain jacket, hiking boots, a swimsuit or two, a hat, sunglasses, waterproof hiking pants, gloves, and other jackets. If you expect to do a lot of hiking, particularly in the winter, pack a headlamp. Travelers bound for Iceland in the summer should bring an eye mask to help with falling asleep while the sun is still up.
