Iceland — a land of fire and ice, towering glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders — is a dream destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. But visiting Iceland isn’t as simple as booking a flight and winging it. The island’s unique landscapes and unpredictable weather demand careful planning and a spirit of flexibility.
At Ice Guardians, we spend our days in the great outdoors leading an array of thrilling Iceland adventure activities. But we don’t just welcome guests to Vatnajökull National Park and show them its wonders, we live in the area too. We’re all too familiar with Iceland’s quirks!
As local experts, then, we have put together our top five travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure in this one-of-a-kind country. Let’s get started on our advice — and if you have any questions for us in the meantime, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
Plan Which Areas of Iceland You Want to Visit
Make no mistake, visiting Iceland isn’t like your typical city break where you can spend entire afternoons meandering through the streets waiting to see what gems you find. Iceland’s vast landscapes and remote attractions require thoughtful planning. The first question to ask yourself is: which regions of Iceland do you want to explore? Your answer will determine the length of your stay, your travel route, and the activities you prioritise.
Iceland is divided into distinct regions, each offering unique experiences. The world-famous South Coast is where you’ll find Vatnajökull National Park, enormous glaciers, black sand beaches, and iconic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. The Golden Circle, closer to Reykjavík, boasts the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Even further afield, the Westfjords and Eastfjords promise dramatic scenery and untouched wilderness, while the North offers opportunities to spot whales and soak in geothermal baths.
And all this barely scratches the surface! If you have limited time, focus on one or two regions to fully immerse yourself in. Overloading your itinerary can leave you feeling rushed and unable to appreciate Iceland’s awe-inspiring beauty.
Decide What Time of Year You Want to Visit Iceland
Iceland is a country of contrasts, and the season you choose for your trip will shape your experience. Summer and winter offer vastly different opportunities, so it’s important to align your visit with your interests.
Summer in Iceland (June to August)
This is the season of the midnight sun, endless daylight, and milder weather. It’s the best time for road trips, hiking, and exploring the highlands, which are often inaccessible in winter. Summer is also prime puffin-spotting season and offers a chance to see Iceland’s lush greenery and blooming wildflowers. The warmer months are also when we provide our adrenaline-pumping Iceland canyoning adventures!
However, summer is also the peak tourist season, so popular attractions can get crowded, and accommodation tends to book up quickly.
Winter in Iceland (November to February)
If witnessing the northern lights is on your bucket list, winter is the time to visit. The long nights provide the perfect backdrop for the aurora borealis, and Iceland’s snowy landscapes are magical. The drop in temperatures also creates stable ice caves once again, meaning you can enjoy the wonder of Vatnajökull Glacier ice cave tours! And while Iceland glacier tours are great in the winter, they are very much a year-round activity, so you can embrace the challenge whenever you plan to visit!
Keep in mind that winter weather can be harsh, with short daylight hours and road closures due to snow or ice, so flexibility is key. Be sure to read our blog How Challenging is Winter in Iceland? for an insight into what you can expect.
Spring and Autumn in Iceland
These shoulder seasons offer a mix of benefits from both summer and winter, including fewer crowds and lower prices. Autumn’s golden hues and spring’s thawing landscapes are equally enchanting.
Rent a Car and Hit Iceland’s Ring Road
While Reykjavík is a vibrant and charming city, the real magic of Iceland lies far beyond the limits of the capital. To experience the best of our country, renting a car and exploring the Ring Road (Route 1) is a must. Our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road takes a closer look at this topic, so check it out when you have finished here. With that in mind, we’ll keep this brief.
The Ring Road is Iceland’s main highway, encircling the island and connecting most of its major attractions. Driving the full route takes about 7 to 10 days, but you can also focus on specific sections, such as the south coast. This particular stretch of the Ring Road is home to some of Iceland’s most famous scenery. There’s so much to see and do that we even dedicated a whole blog to a sample Iceland south coast itinerary.
Driving in Iceland is relatively straightforward, but it’s crucial to be prepared. Familiarise yourself with Iceland’s road conditions, as gravel roads, highland tracks, and sudden weather changes can present challenges. Ensure your rental car is equipped with winter tyres if you’re visiting in colder months, and always check the weather and road conditions before setting out. The Iceland Traffic Centre and Icelandic Met Office are essential resources.
Pack for Iceland’s Changeable Conditions
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. You might start the day in sunshine, encounter a rainstorm at lunch, and find yourself surrounded by snowflakes by evening. Packing the right gear is essential to staying comfortable and making the most of your trip.
Layers are your best friend. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must, especially if you’re planning glacier hikes or trekking to remote waterfalls. Don’t forget accessories like gloves (bring spares!), a hat, and a scarf — even in summer, it can get chilly near glaciers or waterfalls.
Check out our comprehensive Smarter Iceland Packing List for detailed recommendations. Being well-prepared will not only keep you warm and dry but also allow you to focus on the incredible landscapes rather than worrying about the weather.
Be Flexible and Embrace the Iceland Experience!
If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, let it be this: flexibility is key when travelling in Iceland. Our island’s unpredictable weather and rugged terrain mean that plans can change at a moment’s notice. Roads might close due to snowstorms, tours might be cancelled because of high winds, and the northern lights might elude you despite a promising forecast.
Instead of letting these challenges dampen your spirits, embrace them as part of the Icelandic experience. Use unexpected downtime to discover nearby attractions, relax in a geothermal hot spring, or savour a leisurely meal of Icelandic lamb stew or fresh Arctic char.
When planning your itinerary, build in buffer time and consider backup options for each day. For example, if Plan A gets cancelled, Plan B can be anything from visiting a nearby museum to taking a scenic drive along the coast. Spontaneity often leads to the most memorable adventures.
The best swimming pools on the south coast of Iceland make for great primary and backup plans! Read our picks and find out which ones fit your itinerary.
Explore Vatnajökull Glacier and More with Our Iceland Adventure Activities!
We hope you’ve found our top five travel tips for Iceland inspiring! As you continue to plan your dream trip to the Land of Fire and Ice, be sure to book your Iceland adventure activities early. Our excursions tend to sell out, especially during the peak season, so don’t miss your preferred experiences and times!
If you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The Ice Guardians team is here to help however we can.
