Iceland FAQ

Almost everyone flies into Keflavík International Airport, about 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík. How to get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík.

Yes. Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. The main risks are nature and weather: sneaker waves on the black beaches, slippery paths in winter and fast weather changes. Follow signs and closures and check the forecast.

Hardly ever. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts. The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK).

No. Service is included in prices in Iceland. Tipping is not expected, but guides are always happy with a tip if you enjoyed the tour.

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so the same entry rules apply as for most of Europe. Check the rules for your passport before you travel; many nationalities can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

Most visitors stay 5–10 days. With fewer days, stay in Reykjavík and take day tours. With a week or more, consider a multi-day tour, a travel package or a self-drive trip around the Ring Road.

Icelandic, but almost everyone speaks good English.

Yes, most visitors find Iceland expensive, especially food and drink. Booking tours and hotels early, and buying groceries for some meals, helps a lot.

It depends on the season. Around 21 December Reykjavík has only about 4 hours of daylight; in June it barely gets dark at all.

Changeable. You can get sun, rain, wind and snow on the same day. Summers are mild and winters are cold but less extreme than many expect. Check vedur.is and umferdin.is before you drive.

Layers. Good hiking boots, a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, a warm hat, gloves and warm socks, plus a swimsuit for the lagoons and pools.

For most trips, yes. They are required for glacier hikes and ice caves, because the crampons are fitted over your boots.

From October to April paths near waterfalls and viewpoints are often icy, so spikes help a lot. For glacier tours, the guides provide crampons.

European type C/F sockets, 230 V.

Not for the Ring Road and most main sights, which are on paved roads. A 4x4 is required on F-roads to the highlands (summer only) and is more comfortable in winter.

Yes. Guided day tours from Reykjavík cover the Golden Circle, the South Coast and more, and multi-day tours and packages take you around the country.

From about September to mid-April, on dark nights with clear skies and solar activity. Check the aurora forecast on vedur.is.

Most Northern Lights tours let you rebook for free on another night if you don’t see the lights, so book one early in your trip. If the tour is cancelled because of the weather, you can rebook or get a refund.

Sometimes, on strong nights, but light pollution makes them much weaker. A tour takes you to dark places with the best chance that night.

As early as you can, especially in summer. Most day tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start; the exact rules are shown on each tour.

After booking you receive a confirmation email with your booking number and voucher. Show it (on your phone is fine) at the start of the tour.

Safety comes first in Iceland. If the operator cancels, you can rebook for another day or get a full refund.

Yes. Send us a message with your dates and interests and we will suggest a plan with tours, hotels or a self-drive route.

It varies by tour, but usually transport, a guide, hotels and breakfast. Each tour page lists exactly what is and isn’t included.

Most multi-day tours and packages have a single supplement if you want a room to yourself.

Warm base layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, hiking boots with ankle support, a hat and gloves. Boots can often be rented.

Yes. The guides give instructions before you start. You need a valid driving licence to drive; passengers don’t.

No, but you must be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. The water is about 2–4 °C all year, and you wear a drysuit.

No, glasses don’t seal under the mask. Wear contact lenses instead.