Iceland Travel Guide

Travelers have long been drawn to Iceland to immerse themselves in natural wonders and soak up the healing properties of geothermal springs. Adventure seekers can explore through hiking, snowmobiling, kayaking, and horseback riding across pristine landscapes, and wildlife enthusiasts come to spot creatures like puffins and whales. Iceland is also one of the best places on earth to take in the northern lights, and thanks to a boom in astro-tourism, an influx of visitors is expected to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse that will traverse the western part of the country on Aug. 12, 2026. 

Beyond its abundant natural beauty, Iceland is also home to cultural gems and a surprisingly strong culinary scene. Reykjavik, the capital city, is brimming with museums, galleries, cozy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and boasts an iconic church. The country also recently ranked No. 1 in the Global Peace Index—its 18th consecutive win—for its low crime rate and its citizens’ high standard of living and sense of well-being. 

And even though its landscapes can feel far-flung and wild, the Land of Fire and Ice is just a short flight from several East Coast cities—little more than five hours from Boston and New York. Icelandair makes a visit even easier with its stopover offer, allowing passengers flying between Europe and North America to add a no-charge layover in Iceland. 

To help you plan your perfect trip to Iceland, read on for the best hotels, restaurants, adventures, and more. 

Best Hotels and Resorts

Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll

Set amid dramatic mountains and valleys in Iceland’s remote, rugged central highlands, Highland Base at Kerlingarfjöll offers access to a range of outdoor adventures like hiking, snowmobiling, and skiing. The property is also home to scenic geothermal baths and an afternoon waffle service for refueling in the cozy restaurant amid views of the surrounding snowy mountains. “Whether you want to explore the outdoors or stay in, this hotel is truly a cozy base,” says Susmita Baral, a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. “There’s even an underground passageway so you can access the restaurant and other parts of the property without stepping foot outside.”

Deplar Farm

Deplar Farm isn’t a new lodging option, “but it’s one that continues to evolve and delight,” according to Gwen Nicol, Head of Sales at Pelorus Travel and a T+L A-List travel advisor. The remote luxury lodge located on northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula offers a range of amenities like geothermal outdoor pools and a wellness spa. “In summer, winter, and heli-ski season, there is something for everyone looking for soft adventure in a relaxed, luxurious lodge,” Nicol adds. “The setting is hard to beat too!”

Hotel Rangá

Located at the base of a volcano, roughly 60 miles from Reykjavik on Iceland’s South Coast, Hotel Rangá is known for its cozy, continent-themed suites, outdoor geothermal hot tubs, and on-site stargazing observatory. The hotel is a perfect home base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders like ice caves, glaciers, and black sand beaches.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

For a more private visit to the Blue Lagoon, the world-famous geothermal spa known for its milky-blue, mineral-rich waters, book a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland. The sleek and serene property is home to a subterranean spa with its own secluded lagoon and multi-step rejuvenating ritual, plus Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant featuring an Icelandic tasting menu and a wine cellar carved into 800-year-old volcanic rock.”The property is a great choice for the end of an Iceland trip,” says Baral. “Not only is it a great way to relax and indulge in self-care before returning home, but it’s also just 20 minutes from the airport.”

The Reykjavik Edition

The Reykjavik Edition is a luxury hotel in Iceland’s capital with a modern Scandinavian design, a spa, local art, and a rooftop bar with stunning harbor views. (And, on a clear night in the winter, maybe even the northern lights.)

Best Things to Do

Golden Circle

First-time visitors should plan to drive the Golden Circle—a 186-mile route with stops that include Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. Rent a car or book a tour and make sure to plan stops at Kerið Crater Lake, the Friðheimar tomato greenhouse, and Efstidalur II, a dairy farm along the route, for scoops of ice cream made from fresh milk.

Geothermal Springs

Iceland is home to countless hot springs and even a thermal river, so be sure to seek one out and take a dip in warm, mineral-rich waters. Blue Lagoon, located in Grindavík near the Keflavík International Airport, is arguably the most famous. Other options include Sky Lagoon, just outside Reykjavik in Kópavogur, and Seljavallalaug, a scenic swimming pool in southern Iceland filled with geothermal water. Beyond these, Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon, an acclaimed Icelandic chef, recommends finding more rustic, remote versions. “I love geothermal hot springs in nature and would recommend one in Húsafell or Kerlingarfjöll,” he tells T+L.

Vatnajökull National Park

Iceland’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site (spanning 14 percent of the country!), Vatnajökull National Park is home to Europe’s largest glacier, plus volcanoes, ice caves, waterfalls, and vast lava fields. “You can take adventurous glacier hikes, discover blue ice caves, or simply gaze at the building-sized icebergs floating in the numerous deep glacier lagoons,” says Ryan Connolly of Hidden Iceland, a local tour operator and DMC specializing in premium and luxury travel. Two of the company’s founders lived and worked as glacier guides in Vatnajökull National Park, so they include a visit in most of their South Coast itineraries year-round.

Westfjords

Roughly 250 miles north of Reykjavik, the Westfjords is a remote region of Iceland known for rugged fjords, stunning waterfalls, and abundant hot springs. It’s also home to Saltverk, the Icelandic sea salt made using geothermal energy, which makes a nice souvenir. Ingi Þ. Friðriksson, director of food and beverage at Blue Lagoon Iceland, is from the Westfjords. He recommends Heydalur, a family-owned restaurant and accommodations, the under-the-radar Hörgshlíðarlaug Hot Spring, and Dynjandi, what he calls “the most beautiful waterfall in the world.”

The Settlement Exhibition

Located atop an old Viking village, the Settlement Exhibition is a “wonderfully interactive walk back in time to learn all about Iceland’s rich Viking heritage,” says Connolly, who suggests checking it out on a free day in Reykjavík.

Best Restaurants

ÓX Restaurant

Michelin-starred ÓX restaurant is a speakeasy-style, chef’s table experience led by Vigfússon, tucked behind the chef’s other restaurant, Sumac Grill + Drinks. “Their 14-course with wine pairing menu is likely to be the best culinary experience you’ll have while in Iceland,” Connolly says. “Make sure to book far in advance as they are rarely available last minute.”

BakaBaka

Visit BakaBaka in the morning for coffee, fresh cardamom buns, and croissants, and then go back in the evening for wood-fired pizzas and natural wine. The perpetually buzzing all-day cafe in downtown Reykjavik is run by a co-founder of Brauð & Co, known for its outrageously delicious cinnamon rolls.

Skool Beans

Situated in a converted yellow school bus in the town of Vík on the South Coast, Skool Beans “welcomes every guest with an open fire, a three-legged cat named Jeffrey, and some of the best locally brewed coffee, tea, and hot chocolate variations in the country,” says Connolly. “The ever-smiling owner, Holly, is always more than happy to create a brand-new concoction from all the exotic ingredients she has to hand.” It’s a must-visit stop for a toasty break from outdoor adventures.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is Reykjavik’s most famous hot dog stand, best known for its Icelandic lamb hot dogs topped with a mix of crispy onions, sweet mustard, and remoulade. A beloved local institution since 1937, Vigfússon calls a visit to the iconic stand a “must-do” while in Iceland. 

Vínstúkan

The cozy, intimate Vínstúkan is one of Reykjavík’s more traditional wine bars and a local favorite. “Alongside their locally sourced meals, often taking on more of a tapas-style sharing menu, is their exceptional collection of wine from around the world,” says Connolly, who recommends asking the knowledgeable servers for excellent recommendations. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to experience.

• Summer (June to August) offers the midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight, and average temperatures hovering between 50 and 55 degrees. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures like exploring hiking trails and waterfalls. It’s also the season for puffin spotting and road trips around the Ring Road. 
• Winter (November to March) is the ideal time to go for a chance to spot the northern lights and soak in geothermal hot springs surrounded by a snow-covered landscape. Though colder and darker, winter also offers unique activities like ice caving and glacier hiking.
• The shoulder seasons in April and May and September and October bring fewer crowds, mild weather, and a chance to see both lush landscapes and early auroras.

How to Get There

Icelandair offers direct flights from several major U.S. airports—including Boston, Denver, Nashville, and Seattle—to Reykjavik, often with affordable fares. This makes visiting Iceland, or even adding a multiday stopover en route to another European destination with Icelandair Stopover, a budget-friendly option.

Towns and Cities to Know

Reykjavik: Iceland’s vibrant capital has a cache of museums and galleries, geothermal pools, and eclectic restaurants, all set against a backdrop of abundant natural beauty. Its mix of urban charm and proximity to nearby natural wonders like the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon makes it an essential stop on any Iceland itinerary.

Akureyri: Known as the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest city, offering a charming mix of colorful architecture, a botanical garden, and views of the Eyjafjörður Fjord. Visit in the summer for whale watching in Eyjafjörður and, in winter, skiing at nearby Hlíðarfjall mountain.

Skagafjörður: A scenic fjord in northern Iceland, Skagafjörður is known for its dramatic landscapes of mountains, rivers, and coastal cliffs. Vigfússon loves to visit the region in the summer. “Skagafjörður is a fjord with two islands, and in mid-June, you can see the sun coming down between the islands and just touching the sea and going up again,” he says. “Plus, there is a geothermal pool there called Grettislaug.”

Húsavík: On the northeast coast of Iceland, Húsavík is a popular stop to visit Húsavíkurkirkja, the 1907 wooden church, plus the Húsavík Whale Museum and geothermal baths.

Egilstaðir: The largest town in East Iceland, Egilsstaðir is a gateway to Hallormsstaðaskógur (Iceland’s largest forest) and the mystical Lagarfljót lake, home to the legendary Icelandic sea serpent (aka Lagarfljót Worm). It’s an ideal base for exploring the unspoiled beauty and unique folklore of the Eastfjords. But word to the wise: “Google Maps will tell you to steer off Ring Road and take Öxi Pass to save time, but that’s not a great route for most tourists,” Baral says. When you visit, Vigfússon recommends dining at Níelsen Restaurant. “It’s a really cozy small house with great food,” says the chef. “Chef Kari is using local ingredients from the area of East Iceland.” 

Höfn: Höfn, a coastal town in southeast Iceland, has views of Vatnajökull glacier and a reputation for being the lobster capital of the country. Plan a trip in June for its annual Lobster Festival.

Vík í Mýrdal: The tiny southernmost village in Iceland, Vík í Mýrdal (aka Vík) is best known for its black-sand beaches, basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara, and proximity to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier (about 19 miles north of the village). Its otherworldly beauty and natural wonders like Dyrhólaey and Skógafoss waterfall make it an essential stop for travelers exploring Iceland’s South Coast.

Ísafjörður: The largest town in Iceland’s remote Westfjords has dramatic fjord landscapes and a vibrant cultural scene—it’s the site of two of the country’s popular musical festivals: Ísafjörður Rock Festival and Við Djúpið Music Festival. “If you make it here, definitely visit Tjöruhúsið for a meal,” says Baral. “The restaurant serves the daily fresh catch in a family-style buffet in the warmer months.”

How to Get Around

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car, with the famous Ring Road (Route 1) offering a scenic, 828-mile loop around the island, connecting major destinations like Reykjavik, Akureyri, Vik, and Höfn. You can rent a car at the airport or in downtown Reykjavik. “If you’re going to drive, be sure to get familiar with the local rules. One regulation that often surprises travelers is that you need to have your headlights on, no matter what time of day,” Baral says. “Also, be wary of shortcuts recommended on Google Maps—they can land you on roads not suitable for tourists or the faint of heart.”

If you’re staying in the capital, Reykjavik has a reliable and affordable public bus system called Strætó, which also makes stops between Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and the city.

Guided tours, domestic flights, and ferries to more remote regions like the Westfjords and islands are also popular options for travelers who want to explore further beyond.