Discover Tailor-Made Iceland Vacations

During summer, everyone in Iceland hits the outdoors, taking advantage of the pleasant weather and the midnight sun. This means that places like Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon, and the Golden Circle can get crowded, but it’s undoubtedly the best time to visit for hiking, biking, puffin-spotting, and generally enjoying the outdoors.

Autumn in Iceland arrives in a flurry of colour, with many natural attractions, such as Pingvellir National Park, at their most vibrant and beautiful. Most of summer’s tourists have also packed up by this time, resulting in smaller crowds and cheaper prices. 

During the winter, tourists and locals alike take to the slopes and trails on skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles, and sleds to enjoy the winter landscapes. The night sky is often lit up with the dazzling Northern Lights, so this is the time to go if you hope to see them. It is also the most satisfying season to soak in a geothermal pool after a day outside or to curl up with a warm drink in a Reykjavik cafe or inn.

The arrival of spring, meanwhile, is ideal for activities like bird- and whalewatching. Summer’s crowds have yet to materialize, so Iceland’s roads, national parks, and thermal springs are relatively crowd-free. Another bonus to visiting now are the accommodation and dining bargains that can be had throughout the country. 

For more information on when to book your Iceland trip, check out our guide to Best Time to Visit.

In the capital of Reykjavik, which has a population of just under 139,000 people, the cultural amenities are akin to those of a much larger city: It boasts a symphony orchestra, two prominent theatre companies, and an international film festival. Still, Icelanders have retained their quirkiness: Among their unique customs is the annual marking of Bondadagur or Husband's Day, which celebrates husbands and male partners, including boyfriends or fiances. 

Iceland is in fact one of the world's most feminist countries and has the smallest overall gender gap.

Intrigued? Discover Iceland’s rich traditions for yourself during your own island adventure.

From its Viking roots to the thriving food scene of modern Reykjavik, each meal reflects the island’s ability to transform nature’s challenges into culinary creativity. With its rugged coastlines, geothermal energy, and fresh local ingredients, Iceland has turned isolation into inspiration.

Historically, Icelandic cooking revolved around fish, lamb, and dairy—staples that sustained early settlers through harsh winters. Today, these traditions endure in dishes such as plokkfiskur, a creamy fish stew, and rúgbrauð, a dense rye bread slow-cooked to caramelised sweetness. Humar, the tender Icelandic lobster, and humarsúpa, its velvety soup counterpart, showcase the country’s refined seafood culture. For the adventurous, hákarl, or fermented shark, remains a rite of passage. Skyr, the thick, protein-rich dairy product dating back to Viking times, bridges Iceland’s past and present, now found in cafés across the country.

Dining in Iceland combines simplicity with sincerity. Expect relaxed service, later meal times, and heartfelt customs—such as removing shoes when dining in a home and waiting for everyone to be served before eating. The local spirit, Brennivín, is often shared with a toast of “skál,” meaning cheers, while craft beer and cocktails have joined the modern repertoire.

Destination Specialist Callie Chan recommends trying a ""Smooth Landing", A cocktail that includes Landi (Icelandic Moonshine), homemade rhubarb, lemon, egg white"

Though prices lean higher than in mainland Europe, Iceland’s focus on quality ingredients ensures memorable meals. Reykjavik’s growing number of vegan and gluten-free options, plus traditional pubs and food halls, make it welcoming to all travellers. Eating in Iceland is more than nourishment—it’s an exploration of tradition meeting innovation on the edge of the Arctic.

Iceland’s official currency is 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 on a near cashless basis, so electronic payments through credit and debit cards are preferred for all purchases.

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 percent of Icelanders speak English fluently. However, it doesn’t hurt to know a few simple Icelandic words, such as hallo (hello) and takk (thank you).

Iceland’s weather can be very unpredictable, so pack for the season but also bring extra layers of clothing (such as sweaters or waterproof jackets) to accommodate any sudden fluctuations in temperature or changes in the elements.

Driving in Iceland can also be impacted by weather, as well as potential hazards like single-lane bridges, blind hills, and even roaming sheep. While paved roads, especially the Ring Road, are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, particularly in summer, many unpaved F-roads require a 4x4 vehicle and are more challenging. Drivers must also adhere to strict speed limits, use headlights at all times, and be prepared for strong winds, heavy rain, and even snow, regardless of the season.

Overall, Iceland is considered very safe for travellers, with a friendly, welcoming populace and little violent crime.

For more practical info on visiting the country, consult our guide to Things to Know Before You Go.