Iceland

Travel Guide

Prachi Agarwal

Updated on 2nd July 2019

Iceland is a magical place. Jon Snow's favorite country to shoot at. GOT fans, remember “beyond the wall” scenes?

Iceland is the perfect place to run away from crowds, pollution (sound/air) and chaos. I personally remember being in total awe for the entire five days I was there. Fresh oxygen, raw nature, miles and miles of roads to ourselves: total bliss. Iceland isn't easy to plan; it has so much to offer! Geysers, waterfalls, ice caves, northern lights, volcanoes, rainbow mountains, just rainbows, black sand beaches, glaciers, heck diamond beaches....it's got it all.

Best time to visit

April to October

For northern lights & ice caves, pick April or October.

Approximate Cost

$$$

$2k-$4k per couple, depends on where you are flying from & the duration.

Top Experiences

Scenic, Adventure, Solitude

People who love nature, exploring, & are okay with cold weather.

Best places to stay

Reykjavik, Vik

Currency

Króna (kr)

1 Euro is approx 140 Icelandic krona

Visas & languages

Schengen

Icelandic, English

Getting to Iceland

Iceland has one airport: Keflavík international airport which is 50 mins drive from it’s capital, Reykjavik. There are plenty of flights to Iceland from USA or London. If you are visiting Iceland from Non-European countries, we recommend that you combine it with a big european city like London. That way you can get to explore a new country that is superbly scenic as well as chill, shop and party in fantastic location like London.

It’s best to move around Iceland and change hotels as you travel. Iceland has ALOT to offer which requires quite a bit of driving. There is just one main road, “Ring Road” that runs across the entire country with opportunities to take small detours to see different places. Also driving is highly recommended. There are limited public transport options. You can take guided tours as well but we find that the joy of driving with your family through this paradise that Iceland is, is truly something else. Camper vehicles can be good idea too so as to not tie yourself to any accommodation.

You can check out car rentals at Lagoon Cars or Cars Iceland. Understand that driving a car in Iceland is different from other countries given the icy conditions and limited well paved roads. Thus always get the extra insurance! Renting online and picking up from KEF airport should come out to be the cheapest. But do drive! :)

Places on Google Map

We recommend you to definitely do the red colored spots

Accommodation

Make Reykjavik your base if you are doing guided tours and not driving by yourself; most tours leave from there. Some of the tours may have accommodation included so check tours first before booking accommodation.

If you are driving then divide your time between Reykjavik and Vik.

Top places to stay in Reykjavik:

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Luxe, faces black sand beach

Iceland Air Hotel

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Great food and location

Hotel Kria

(image from Hotel Kria official website)

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Luxe, great location

Canopy Hilton in Reykjavik

(image from official hotel website)

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Great for families

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

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Best value for money

Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels

(image from official hotel website)

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Top places to stay in Vik:

Hostels: Kex Hostel, Galaxy Pod Hostel

Top things to do

SEE

Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss
Gljufrabui
Jökulsárlón
Diamond Beach
Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara)
Blue Lagoon
Kerid crater
Golden Circle - Gullfoss, Geysir, Thingvellir national park (optional Silfra diving)