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 you should head there unprepared. This section addresses practical travel details like passports and visas, and presents an introduction to Icelandic culture and history.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Iceland’s national language is Icelandic, but many people also speak English.
- Iceland’ currency is the krona, a version of the Nordic crown, the currency used in Sweden and Norway. Lately, Iceland has faced financial troubles and the krona has lost strength.
- Citizens of countries following the Schengen Agreement, which Iceland implemented in 2001, may cross Iceland’s internal borders at any point without checks.
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For documents and health and safety advice …
The U.S. Department of State
has country-specific travel information for Iceland, a must-visit site before you leave. Get a country profile and learn about exit and entry requirements; information on crime, safety and embassies; and general tips for traveling abroad. Although it’s unlikely that Iceland will be included on either list, consult the Department’s Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts lists.
For when to go …
The New York Times Travel
section has information on Iceland’s quirky seasonal traits, including 24 hours of daylight in June.
For history …
Geographia
provides a brief summary of Iceland’s history, divided into three sections: “Viking Oasis,” “Europe’s Hard Shadow” and “Independence,” showing how the country has evolved. You’ll get a general idea of key points and players since 930 A.D.
National Geographic News
has a feature article on the Icelandic sagas, explaining the history and religious significance of these 40 narratives written in the 13th and 14th centuries.
For news and culture …
Iceland Review
is the oldest English-language magazine on Iceland, presented in a chic, easy-to-browse site. Read feature articles on Icelandic culture, including music and literature, and get updates on Iceland travel, politics and news. There are some nifty multimedia features as well, such as a video on how to make Icelandic pancakes.
The Reykjavík Grapevine
is an English-language Icelandic newspaper with articles on art, music and movies, and interviews with artists. Look for editorials, insight into Icelandic dining, and live music and nightlife listings.
For currency …
Oanda
is one of the premier providers of foreign currency information on the Web. Their FXConverter provides up-to-date conversions for all world currencies in an extremely user-friendly format.
Iceland Flights and Cruises
Finding a flight to Iceland or a great deal on a cruise heading to the ethereal country is easy with help from the sites in this section. You’ll find the best cruise and flight search tools, along with airlines that specialize in Icelandic journeys.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide offers additional online flight search tools and fare tracking resources to help you find a great deal.
- Wondering when to visit Iceland? July and August are the peak months, so try looking for flights in June, late August or early September. The weather is good but it won’t be as crowded and flights won’t be as expensive as in July and August, according to advice from travelers on the blog 43 Places.
Dulcinea's Picks
For flight search tools …
For airlines …
Icelandair
has flights from multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe to Reykjavík. Learn about different options, such as stopovers in Iceland, and find and book your flight.
Iceland Express
is Iceland’s low-fare provider but doesn’t have service from the U.S. Search for flights from Scandinavia, France, Poland, England, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
For cruises …
CruiseCompete.com
is a new site with innovative features. Search for cruises sailing to or from Iceland, or submit a ship name and sail date (after browsing ships) and be contacted by travel agencies competing to offer you a package vacation at the best rate.
Getting Around in Iceland
Planning to fit a spa visit and a hike into your trip to Iceland? This section shows you how. Learn how to travel from one glistening Icelandic location to another by consulting the sites below.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Some of the flights around Iceland can get a bit bumpy if you’re traveling into a fjord, like that near the town of Akureyri.
- U.S. and European licenses are valid in Iceland, but be advised that many rural roads are gravel and require lower speeds and extra care, according to the Icelandic Traffic Council. That said, driving through Iceland’s landscape at your own pace offers a stunning visual experience.
- Be prepared for high taxi prices. Getting from the airport to your hotel in Reykjavík could cost close to $150.
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For Iceland’s main airport …
Keflavik International Airport
is the main Iceland airport. Get directions to the airport, a list of airlines that fly there, weather conditions and other practical information. The airport is about 30 miles from Reykjavík.
For flights …
Air Iceland
has flights within the country, and both Reykjavík and Akureyri airports serve as hubs for the airline’s route network. Search for and book flights here, and learn about “action-packed day tours” to the Faroe Islands and Greenland offered by Air Iceland.
For buses …
BSI
, the Icelandic bus system, has regular service to most of Iceland, including a route around Ring Road. Learn about coach bus rental, special unlimited bus travel offers and day tours for sightseeing.
For driving …
Wikitravel
’s guide to Iceland has a “Get around” section with particularly detailed tips on driving, including how to navigate Iceland’s main highway, Route 1, known as Ring Road.
Iceland Hotels
If you’re picturing an igloo, you’re in for a surprise. Iceland features a variety of accommodation options, including cozy inns, luxury spas and hotels, and rustic campsites. This section presents the options available on the Web.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you’re planning an adventure trip to Iceland through an agency, your accommodation may be included in your package. The findingDulcinea Adventure Travel Web Guide has a section on adventure travel agencies for additional options.
- Bring an eye mask to get a better night’s sleep if you’re traveling to Iceland during June, July and August. Because of the country’s close proximity to the Arctic Circle, the sun never completely disappears from the sky during the summer season.
- For an overview of the types of accommodation available in Iceland, including hotels, guesthouses and apartments, farm and summer homes, and campsites, as well as information on Iceland’s hotel classification system, visit the Icelandic Tourist Board Web site.
Dulcinea's Picks
For hotels …
StayResIceland.com
is an accommodation search engine affiliated with the StayRes Hotels Network, giving the site access to a large database of hotel options. Search for hotels in Iceland, organized by location and budget, and browse photos and amenities before you book.
For luxury rentals …
Castle House & Embassy Luxury Apartments
are luxury, self-catering flats in Reykjavík, not far from the city center. The site provides photos, reservation information and traveler reviews courtesy of TripAdvisor.
For accommodation near the Blue Lagoon …
Northern Light Inn
is the only hotel near the famed Blue Lagoon. View photos of the property, get room rates and reservation advice, and browse the FAQ section for valuable information about Iceland travel.
For budget accommodation and camping …
Iceland on the Web
lists a variety of low-cost places to stay in two categories: Guesthouses (including bed and breakfasts, hostels, campsites and apartment rentals) and Hotels.
Campingo
links to six campsites in Iceland with detailed information about facilities and activities at each camp. Visit the individual Web sites for more information.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
