Iceland Vacations

Despite a population of just 380,000, the number of museums and art galleries in the country is impressive. Cities, towns, and fishing villages alike have public places dedicated to art and heritage. Reykjavik has a thriving art, music, and theater scene. The Iceland Symphony Orchestra's cultural season begins in fall, and gives about 60 performances, including classical concerts and contemporary music.

The National Theater and Reykjavik City Theater have two full time companies that perform year-round. Major festivals include the Reykjavik Arts festival, featuring exhibitions, performances, and installations by local and international artists, Iceland Airwaves, a famous music festival showcasing Icelandic and international musicians, and Secret Solstice, a music and culture festival held under the Midnight Sun.

Iceland has many unique customs, including Bondadagur or Husband's Day that celebrates husbands and male partners, including boyfriends or fiances. It is one of the world's most feminist countries and has the smallest overall gender gap.

What is the visiting etiquette in Iceland?

The people of Iceland are considered to be friendly and courteous. When greeting someone in Iceland, it is appropriate to start with a handshake and address them by their first name, no formal titles are needed. Any type of hug or kiss are reserved for only family and close friends. Punctuality is valued in Iceland, so make certain you are conscious of time in meeting people, restaurant reservations, or attending tours. If you’ve been invited to visit someone’s home, it is customary to remove your outdoor shoes and leave them in the hall or at the door.

What is Iceland best known for?

Iceland’s striking natural landscapes scattered with Iceland volcanoes and glacial terrain have earned it its nickname land of fire and ice. Whether visiting an explosive geyser launching boiling water into chilly air or hiking to a glacier fed waterfall, there are non-stop scenic attractions to check out. The Icelandic people seek to be stewards of the land and have a strong connection to nature. They honour the land by treading lightly, ensuring to stay on paths already travelled. To prevent damage to the fragile landscape, exclusively use designated roads and respect any closures. It can be thrilling to spot wildlife such as Icelandic horses, whales, puffins, and sheep, but be sure to not disturb them and keep your distance. And when exploring Iceland’s nature be mindful of your garbage, littering is frowned upon.

In each corner of Iceland, there is a geothermal hot spring waiting for you to soak in! The warm revitalizing waters are filtered through volcanic lava rocks and filled with rich minerals. Whether you visit the famous Blue Lagoon outside Reykjavik, or the Forest Lagoon by Akureyri, it is of utmost importance to fully shower with soap before entering the water. This is taken seriously to keep everything clean, as many pools are treated with chemicals minimally.

What are some Icelandic traditions?

The ancient Viking heritage and modern Nordic influences have shaped the identity and traditions of Iceland. Icelanders treasure their epic literary sagas that recount the adventures of the Icelandic people during the Viking Age, offering glimpses into the beliefs, struggles, and triumphs of the early settlers. They continue to be preserved in modern day Iceland, passed down from generations during festivals and storytelling. The medieval sagas appeared in the 13th and 14th centuries, which are considered the golden age of Icelandic literature.

In the Nordic winter months Þorri (January and February), Þorrablót (Thorrablót) is commemorated. Families get together to toast to the gods, and enjoy a traditionally prepared feast with somewhat unusual delicacies that are dried, pickled and heavy on salt. The selection of food is a nod to the past, when winter’s darkness led to seeking sustenance due to low food sources. Highlights include cured ram's testicles, fermented shark, and boiled sheep’s head. Don’t hold back, there are a handful of restaurants around Iceland where you too can dine on a Þorrablót menu!

Summer solstice, called Sumarsólstöður in Iceland, is marked by extended sun filled days (only about a 4-hour long night!) that have historically held significant cultural importance. Traditional celebrations honour the power of the sun and associated folklore. You can even join in on public bonfires with storytelling, and folk musicians playing traditional Icelandic instruments such as the langspil and fiðla.

What are the Icelandic like socially?

The Icelandic people are known to be accommodating and hospitable to travellers, especially as recent years have seen an influx of visitors to Iceland. Most locals enjoy speaking with visitors, and willingly switch to fluent English to easily converse. If chatting with a local, the topic of weather often comes up, but try not to be negative about the weather, you might be told to áfram með smjörið, which translates to "on with the butter," or just get on with it! They are passionate about their island, and proud of what their country has to offer.

In social settings, Icelanders are said to be somewhat reserved, but also don’t take themselves too seriously. They enjoy dry humour and witty jokes, which can sometimes confound those not familiar. To avoid offending Icelanders, steer clear of any sensitive topics and maintain a neutral stance on any potentially polarizing political themes. They also appreciate their personal space, so be sure not to stand too close whether you are chatting or in a public space.

What language do Icelandic people speak?

Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. The Icelandic language has been passed down through generations, nearly unchanged since its medieval times. Linguistically, it’s considered one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn. Over 95% of Icelanders speak English fluently. The Icelandic people celebrate their native language, and actively work to preserve it, even celebrating annually with Icelandic Language Day!

Iceland does have something to offer in each season, though Icelandic weather is unpredictable year-round, changing unexpectedly and fast. Waterfalls and rainbows are common sights, but rainfall, snowfall, or extreme winds are frequent.

If you are hoping to catch the sky dance during the Northern Lights aurora, activity happens throughout the year but is difficult to observe during the summer. September to April is a popular time for Northern Lights tours. But October to March offers many opportunities too. The best places to see the mesmerizing lights include the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Grótta Lighthouse, and Thingvellir National Park

When is the ideal time to visit Iceland?

Consider visiting Iceland during shoulder season, between mid-May to mid-June and September through mid-October. The weather is good, tourists are fewer, and prices for accommodation are less expensive. Conditions for hiking remain favourable, while September through mid-October the fall foliage adds even more beauty. Also in October is the Reykjavik Food and Fun Festival, a chance to experience top chefs from around the world cooking traditional Icelandic cuisine. The famed Golden Circle drive route is still busy with all amenities open, but does not receive large numbers of summer tourists.  

When is Iceland's peak tourist season?

With long sunny days and mild temperatures, summer is the peak traveller season in Iceland. The midnight sun is out in all its glory, with up to 24 hours of sunlight to be expected. All the attractions are open, and it is an ideal time for hiking, camping, whale, and puffin watching. That said, flights and accommodation tend to run at their highest in price during the summer. If you love exploring outside, and hope to travel to each of Iceland’s corners, summer is the time to visit.

Which is the most affordable time to visit Iceland?

In the winter, Iceland gets a few hours of sunlight. The long twilight before sunlight and sunset, and the sunsets are a sight to behold. Christmas to New Year is pretty packed with tourists. It's calmer in early December and January/February, and a more peaceful time to enjoy the winter scenery and Northern Lights. Flights and accommodation are more reasonably priced, though not all parts of Iceland are accessible by car during the winter as some roads are shut down due to winter conditions. Despite the chill, winter in Iceland is a magical experience.

How long should I plan to visit Iceland?

If you are looking for a short getaway, the highlights of Iceland can be managed in a 5 day trip. You will be able to spend time exploring the capital city of Reykjavik, visit the South Coast and complete the famed Golden Circle drive.

Doing a full trip around Iceland will require a 10 day itinerary, but you may also get to experience a visit to the magical Snaefellsjokull National Park, where the glacier itself covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. Also experience the iconic Godafoss waterfall, sitting between Lake Myvatn and Lake Akureyri.

How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

Iceland is known to be an expensive country to visit, though pricing will vary greatly depending on the time of year and style of trip. For a week-long vacation to Iceland, an individual traveller should budget at least $3,500, not including the price of air travel. Preparing beforehand to find transportation, accommodation, and dining options that are suitable to your budget will be valuable.

How to plan a trip to Iceland?

The best way to explore Iceland is on a tailor-made vacation that caters to your individual interests. Do you want to bathe in the milky waters of the Blue Lagoon, or enjoy the northern lights while driving the Golden Circle? Everyone has their own style of travel. Discover tailor-made travel in Iceland with the help of a Goway Destination Specialist.

Where are the best places to visit in Iceland?

Capital city Reykjavik is easily enjoyed on foot and is a highlight for its dining and culture, including museums that trace Iceland’s Viking heritage. Take a drive along The Golden Circle, a popular 153-mile (247-kilometre) loop departing from Reykjavik. The route features three iconic stops including Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal geyser of Haukadalur, and the Gullfoss waterfall. In Northwestern Iceland, visit the sparsely populated Westfjords, home to the Dynjandi waterfall, quaint fishing villages, and wildlife such as whales, seals, and puffins. Before heading home, a relaxing stop at the famed Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is convenient, as it’s located only 20 minutes from the airport. It was formed on an 800-year-old lava field and features mineral-saturated milky blue water with a temperature between 98° to 104°F (37°to 40°C).

Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

While not a guarantee, seeing the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights, is often a highlight for travellers to Iceland. It is best to view them from September to March in the countryside, on a clear dark night without clouds. There are even special guides who will help seek out the ideal location and conditions that are best for watching the sky come to life.

What is needed to prepare for a trip to Iceland?

With Iceland’s location at the Arctic Circle, drastic temperature changes and unpredictable weather are to be expected. If you are planning outdoor adventures, pack smart with a waterproof jacket and warm layers, and do not forget a cozy hat even in the summer. It is critical to alert people to your excursion plans, so you can be helped in case of an emergency. It is popular to travel by car rental, but note that some mountain roads are only open for a short time during the Summer. Following safety signage at all attractions, such as Reynisfjara black sand beach is important for everyone. Fortunately, there are no animal predators dangerous to travellers. 

Is Iceland LGBTQ+ friendly?

For LGBTQ+ travellers seeking outdoor adventure, Iceland is a welcoming destination with strong legal protections prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2009 Iceland became the first country in the world to have a gay head of government. In a small country with a population of only 370,000, Reykjavik annually hosts a ten-day Pride festival in August that attracts 100,000 people from all over the world. While you’re unlikely to run into any discriminatory experiences, Icelandic people can be socially reserved, and regardless of orientation or sexual expression, you may witness little public affection. 

What currency does Iceland use?

The official currency of Iceland is called the Icelandic Krona (ISK). On average $1 USD is worth 130 ISK, but exchange rates are always fluctuating, so check the latest rates before travelling. Iceland operates near cashless, so electronic payment methods of credit and debit cards are preferred for all purchases. 

What language is spoken in Iceland?

The official language of Iceland is Icelandic, which is known as one of the hardest languages to learn and pronounce. Fortunately for travellers, over 95% of Icelanders speak English fluently. However, it doesn’t hurt to know a few simple Icelandic words such as hello, hallo and thank you, takk.

Do I need to tip in Iceland?

Tipping in Iceland is not customary, though you may see a tip already included at some restaurants. Otherwise, you may add a modest 5-10% to the total bill, considered an expression of gratitude for good service. Other services such as hotel luggage assistance, taxis, and tour guides can be tipped modestly at your discretion.

When Norse Vikings settled Iceland in the 9th century, they brought along their traditional Scandinavian foods such as dairy, bread, potatoes, and lamb. Historically, scarce food resources due to barren soil and harsh winters made Icelanders reliant on the food from the sea. With modern technologies, geothermal energy, and greenhouses Iceland is now able to grow fresh vegetable ingredients, enjoyed year round.

Given Iceland’s location surrounded by ocean, fish and seafood is a dominant part of their diet. Fish is Iceland's largest export product and seafood restaurants dot the country, most with a "fish of the day." Icelanders habitually eat fish on average at least twice a week. Common fish dishes use cod, salmon, haddock, and monkfish. Iceland poultry and livestock often roam free, eating grass diets, promoting quality meat.

There’s been an increase in innovative restaurants popping up, especially in Reykjavik, with local chefs striving to offer modern and exciting takes on traditional Icelandic cuisine. In more remote locations, while there are fewer dining options to choose from, high quality local fare is frequently the focus.

What is Iceland's traditional cuisine?

Traditionally, Iceland focused on a fish and meat based diet. Plokkfiskur is a hearty fish stew prepared with white fish, onions, potatoes, flour, milk, and seasoning. Fiskeboller or fish balls, the quintessential Norwegian dish, also features on Icelandic tables. It is made from minced white fish and typically served with white sauce, along with steamed vegetables. Fermented shark or hákarl is not to everyone's taste but considered a delicacy. It has a strong fishy taste; some have compared it to strong cheese. Humar or Icelandic lobster, with its tender meat, is a better bet for many visitors. It is grilled, fried, baked, or used as pizza topping. Humarsúpa is a popular creamy soup, prepared with lobster, vegetables, and seasoning, and topped with cream and chives.

A traditionally popular bread in Iceland is rúgbrauð, made from rye grains which were historically widely available and inexpensive. The bread is sweet tasting, not due to sugar, but its low and slow overnight cooking process. It is best enjoyed with cured, smoked, or pickled foods. Flatkaka is a round rye flatbread with a distinct pattern that was originally baked on a hot griddle.

Icelandic skyr, a cultured yogurt-like product rich in protein and low in fat, has been handed down since the Viking era. It can be consumed any time of day and is popular as a dessert, at breakfast with oat flakes, and also eaten with fish.

What is the dining etiquette in Iceland?

When dining in a restaurant, you can expect the dinner hour to start a little bit later, closer to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. Icelanders do eat with utensils, but it is not uncommon to see some diners use their fingers. Serving staff in Iceland is typically more hands off, so don’t be surprised if you need to politely ask for the bill at the end of your evening if it hasn’t been offered up.

If you have been invited for a meal at a local Icelander’s house, know that it is customary to take off your shoes at the door. Before sharing a meal, wait to start eating until everyone has been served, and compliment the food being served. When the evening is finished, you can thank the host by saying takk fyrir mig, which translates literally to thank you for me, and is a phrase of gratitude.

What is the drinking etiquette in Iceland?

For centuries, Icelandic settlers drank mead and ale, until imported beer became popular. In the 1930’s, the government started producing a schnapps-like product called Brennivin. Known locally as svartidauði (black death), it is distilled from potato mash and flavoured with caraway. To this day it is still the nationally known liquor of Iceland, with the same recipe and trademark label. It is served as a shot, mixed with coffee, cola and even used in cocktails. Before taking a sip of a drink, you can expect everyone to say skál, pronounced "scowl," which means cheers.

Iceland heavily taxes alcohol sales, with pricing reflecting this in stores, bars and restaurants. Today, Icelanders have significantly shifted away from being heavy drinkers. For those that do, enjoying a libation at home with friends is common. There are nightclubs highly frequented on weekends, and they tend to be busiest into the wee hours of the morning. Do note, the drinking age in Iceland is 20, and there is a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence.  

Does Iceland cater to dietary restrictions?

While traditional Icelandic food emphasizes seafood and dairy products, the dining scene is diverse. The city of Reykjavik offers many options, from fine dining, to pubs, bistros, and burger spots. The prevalence of vegan and vegetarian restaurants has also increased. Recently food halls have begun popping up around the city, where multiple vendors are in one spot. This is a great option to allow everyone in a group to end up with a suitable meal. Researching ahead you will find establishments with dietary restriction specific menus, such as gluten-free or halal options, as well as spots that are willing to modify dishes to fit any other dietary restrictions. Even though English is widely spoken in Iceland, do ensure you carry Icelandic translation cards indicating any allergies or dietary needs to ensure clear communication.

What do meals typically cost in Iceland?

Iceland restaurants prices tend to be higher than other European destinations. In Reykjavik tourist centric areas pricing is highest, though oftentimes travellers perceive the food quality to be elevated, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Expect to spend around $40 per person during a sit down restaurant lunch meal, and closer to $60 per person for a formal dinner. Smaller cafes and local pubs often offer more reasonably priced menus. Hamburgers are affordable and commonplace, served with a special sauce called kokteilsósa. Iceland is also known for serving up some of the world’s best hot dogs, so consider picking one up as an inexpensive quick dining option.

Alcohol is priced higher than average, with the cost of a beer running around $10, and a bottle of wine starting around $50, with a mid range wine costing closer to $75. Checking into restaurant and bar happy hours is a great cost saving option!