Iceland Travel
Iceland has a certain mystique. Although it’s part of Europe, this island nation of just over 300,000 people has an otherworldly atmosphere, with endless hours of light or darkness, depending on the season. This guide presents Iceland travel-planning tools, including information on Iceland’s best cities and attractions, flight and hotel searches, and tips from international travelers who’ve journeyed there before. Despite its recent economic woes, Iceland remains a can’t-miss destination; where else can you find volcanoes, glaciers and wild horses?
Expand All Guide SectionsTravel in Iceland
Almost anything is possible in Iceland, including high-octane adventure trips and relaxing spa sojourns. The Web sites in this section outline the range of activities for travelers to this unique island nation.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Iceland is known for its high prices, but there are ways to enjoy the island on a budget. A long-time resident of Iceland offers money-saving tips on TransitionsAbroad.com.
- As exotic and far-off as it may seem, Iceland is the closest European neighbor to the United States. Flights from New York to Reykjavík are only about five hours long!
Dulcinea's Picks
For official tourism and Icelandic travel services …
The Icelandic Tourist Board
offers an introduction to destinations around the country, and outlines the myriad sport and activity possibilities. Videos and photos, fun facts and a seasonal calendar of events lend fun and personality to this site’s essential travel information.
Market Iceland
is a guide to products and services provided by Icelandic companies to foreign countries. The site is separated into many sections of interest for travelers including places to dine, tourism (including maps), accommodation, animals, books and literature, and more.
For cities and attractions …
The New York Time Travel
section makes it hard not to love Iceland. Read an alluring account of a road trip across the country, view photos and multimedia slide shows, and get a bit of practical advice courtesy of Frommer’s. All of the site’s past feature articles on Iceland are available from this page.
Iceland4me
is a privately owned and operated Web site with many photos and information on places of interest for hiking, camping and backcountry skiing. The site is divided into regions and includes links to recommended accommodations. The owner also has a second Iceland site called Destination Iceland that includes additional photos and in-depth information on various natural attractions.
The Blue Lagoon
is a geothermal spa and popular tourist attraction in Iceland known for healing powers and active minerals. Get practical information including hours, directions and prices, and find out about spa treatments and massages. Also learn the science behind the baths.
For printed travel guidebooks …
Frommer’s
travel guide to Iceland is a thorough, detailed source of travel information with useful tips and plenty of fun features including best swimming pools and best oddball attractions.
Lonely Planet
has a less formal approach than Frommer’s and provides a brief but descriptive guide with a great “Sights” section, full of notable attractions with links to official Web sites. Also get navigational advice, view photos and scroll down to “Related Travel Stories” to listen to podcasts.
For Iceland nature and adventure travel …
iExplore
is an adventure travel Web site with a guide to Iceland’s adventure-worthy attractions. Learn about adventure tour operators and the variety of high-energy pursuits available like glacier tours, Icelandic horse trekking and river rafting. The guide also features shopping and dining in Iceland, and has event listings.
National Geographic Adventure Guide to Iceland
is a perfect tool for adventure-seeking travelers to the island. Take a video tour of the country that captures an enticing array of natural features, and read details of adventure activities in Iceland like mountain biking. Essential adventure gear is also suggested.
Iceland on the Web
outlines the country’s stunning natural features including an explanation of the northern lights, Iceland’s glaciers, unique geology, volcanoes and prominent wildlife. There are occasional embedded links to tour companies in the text, but they can be useful.
For tours and scheduled activities …
Viator
staff members handpick local tour companies providing planned activities in countries around the world. Browse the “Things to do” in Iceland, including day trips to the Blue Lagoon and a whale safari to Puffin Island. Most tours start from Reykjavík, and you can reserve your place online.
For nightlife …
Whatsonwhen
has a list of bars and clubs in Reykjavík, Iceland’s party capital. Learn the defining characteristics of each watering hole or dance floor, and find contact information, hours and directions.
Nightlife Friend
offers “personal nightlife friends” who design customized nightlife tours for up to five people. The site claims to offer VIP entrance to the best bars and clubs in hard-partying Reykjavík, and has been featured in Lonely Planet and Frommer’s travel guides.
For traveler-created guides …
TripAdvisor
has traveler advice, reviews and personal insight on all aspects of Iceland, including accommodations, activities and attractions, and things to know before you go.
Iceland Travel Requirements
Iceland’s safety record is nearly as pristine as its landscape, but that doesn’t mean ... read more »
Iceland Flights and Cruises
Finding a flight to Iceland or a great deal on a cruise heading to the ethereal country is easy ... read more »
Getting Around in Iceland
Planning to fit a spa visit and a hike into your trip to Iceland? This section shows you how. Learn ... read more »
Iceland Hotels
If you’re picturing an igloo, you’re in for a surprise. Iceland features a variety of ... read more »
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