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Iceland had been sitting high on my bucket list for years, so when my fiancé (at the time) agreed to take a trip with me, I couldn’t book the flights fast enough. Let me just say, Iceland is 100% worth the hype.
From waterfalls that look straight out of a fantasy novel to cozy hot springs in the middle of nowhere, every corner of this country feels like magic. But before you get lost in a Google rabbit hole of “best time to see the northern lights,” here’s your go-to guide to planning a trip to Iceland.
When to visit Iceland
Iceland doesn’t really do “bad” seasons, just different kinds of magic. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, mild temps, and lush green landscapes. Perfect for road trips and hiking. Expect higher prices and more tourists.
- Fall (September-October): Fewer crowds, beautiful foliage, and the start of northern lights season. Our first trip to Iceland was at the end of September, and we couldn’t believe the amount of Northern Lights we saw in the time we were there.
- Winter (November-March): Snowy scenes, cozy vibes, and your best shot at seeing the aurora. But brace for unpredictable weather and shorter days.
- Spring (April-May): A great balance of decent daylight, manageable weather, and lower prices.
When we first started planning a trip to Iceland, we were between summer or fall. Ultimately, we decided to go in October to celebrate the countdown of our wedding date. We don’t regret this because seeing the Northern Lights is something I’ll never forget. On our next visit to Iceland, we’d like to go in the summer to experience 24 hours of daylight.
Getting to Iceland
Flight
Good news: Iceland is way more accessible than you might think. If you’re coming from the U.S. or Europe, flights into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) are frequent, and if you’re flexible, affordable too. Airlines like PLAY, Icelandair, and Wizz Air often run deals, especially during shoulder seasons. I personally recommend flying Icelandair from the USA.
Pro tip: Sign up for flight alerts on Google Flights. I snagged a round-trip flight from Denver for under $500!
Once you land, you’ll be about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. You can either rent a car at the airport (more on that in a sec) or take the Flybus, which drops you right in the city.
Should You Rent a Car in Iceland?
Rent a car
If you’re planning to stay in Reykjavík the whole time, you can get by without a car. But if you’re here for the real Iceland experience – think hidden hot springs, off-the-beaten-path waterfalls, and stopping every five minutes to scream “LOOK AT THAT!” My personal opinion is to rent a car.
With a car, you’re able to create your own schedule and tour around Iceland as you please. A highlight for us on our six days in Iceland was renting a car and beating the tour bus crowds at popular destinations.
Public Transportation
If you’re planning this trip solo or are trying to cut costs where you can, don’t worry. A car isn’t a necessity to see Iceland as there’s plenty of budget-friendly tour options out of Reykjavík. I’ll include my list of tours later in the post. For now, let’s talk public transportation.
Public transportation in Iceland is limited but can work well for travelers sticking to Reykjavík or major towns. Within the capital area, the Strætó bus system is reliable and affordable, with routes covering most of the city and nearby suburbs. You can use the Klapp app to plan routes and buy tickets digitally.
However, outside of Reykjavík, public transit options drop off significantly. While there are long-distance buses that connect some towns and tourist areas (especially in summer), they’re infrequent and not ideal for flexible travel.
Apps to download
Some of these apps made our experience even better because we were always prepared for the weather – and when to see the northern lights!
SafeTravel: Gives alerts about road conditions, storms, and travel warnings.
Aurora: (purple and blue logo.) This app allows users to notify the community if they’ve seen the Northern Lights, which allows other users to be notified when there was a spotting. This helped us chase the lights in our car.
Aurora Forecast: (green logo.) Aurora Fcst tracks cloud cover and aurora activity so you don’t waste a night sky-gazing with zero chance. These apps also showed us a realistic probability of seeing the Northern Lights or not so we didn’t waste time when we could rest. We were impressed with how accurate the app was for us.
Veður: Iceland’s official weather app. The weather changes constantly, so check it often.
Google Translate: Most Icelanders speak English, but signs and menus may be in Icelandic
Klapp app: if you plan on using public transportation..
Parka: For paying for parking in Reykjavík and at some tourist spots. Most waterfall parking lots are all around $7 USD.
A Few More Planning Tips
- Currency: Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK), but you’ll almost never need cash. Even the tiniest cafes, like my favorite Reykjavík Roasters cafe, take cards.
- Snacks: load up on snacks for the road to help save money. Plus, there’s stretches of road without resources.
- Pack layers: weather changes hourly, and yes, even in summer. I really liked having water-resistant layers I could throw in the trunk in between stops. I have a full packing list if you’re interested.
- Buy alcohol at duty free when you land -trust me on this one. Local prices are not it.
Where to Stay
Figuring out where to stay in Iceland really depends on how you plan to explore the island because chances are, you won’t be in just one place for long. From cozy guesthouses in tiny fishing villages, to modern hotels in Reykjavík, and remote cabins with glacier views, Iceland offers a wide range of options for every type of traveler. With my visit to Iceland, we had a car which meant the luxury of visiting many different towns. There are a few locations I recommend to stay below:
Reykjavík
Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital, is the perfect starting point for any Icelandic adventure. Despite being one of the world’s smallest capital cities, it’s packed with culture, color, and creativity – from striking modern architecture to cozy cafes and quirky street art.
Whether you’re wandering along the harbor, soaking in a local hot pool, or sampling fresh Icelandic cuisine, Reykjavík offers a unique mix of laid-back charm and urban energy. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and settle into the Icelandic way of life.
Reykjavík might not be the reason you booked a trip to Iceland – but trust me, it’s a city that sticks with you. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. Colorful rooftops, waterfront views, geothermal pools, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, it’s all here.
Reykjavík may be the perfect place to recharge after a road trip or be your home base before heading out to chase waterfalls and volcanoes. Plus, where else can you grab a world-famous hot dog, browse Nordic design shops, and catch live music in a basement bar all in one afternoon?
Accommodation recommendations for Reykjavík:
- Budget: Fosshotel Baron – This may be budget friendly but you aren’t skimping out on comfort!
- Solo: Guesthouse Galtafell – Consider a guest house when staying solo – this one in particular is highly rated by solo travelers.
- Hostel: Loft Hi Eco Hostel – So close to everything and you can’t beat the price.
- Mid-range: Hotel Leifur Eiriksson – In the heart of Reykjavík, this location is hard to beat.
- Splurge: Tower Suites – The views from these suites are unreal.
- We stayed: Downtown Reykjavik Apartments – Parking was included and we could walk everywhere we wanted to be.
Vik
Welcome to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland and a must-stop along the Ring Road that feels straight out of a storybook. With its dramatic black sand beaches, towering sea stacks, and moody coastal cliffs, Vik is small but absolutely unforgettable.
Vik is the perfect base for exploring some of Iceland’s most iconic sights, like Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and nearby waterfalls like Skogafoss. Whether you’re road-tripping through the South Coast or just chasing epic views, Vik has a way of pulling you in with its wild beauty and quiet, otherworldly charm.
Accommodation recommendations for Vik:
- Budget: Skammidalur Guesthouse – I love the options of staying at guest houses in Iceland to get a more local experience.
- Solo: Vik Hostel – Single rooms are available here if you don’t want to share a room.
- Hostel: The Barn – A budget-friendly choice that includes free WiFi and parking!
- Mid-range: Hótel Kría – A sleek-designed hotel that opened in 2018!
- Splurge: Signature by Vik Apartments -A spacious apartment with sea views.
Hofn
Hofn is a small fishing town with big personality – and even bigger views. Known as the gateway to Vatnajakull National Park (home to Europe’s largest glacier), Hofn offers a peaceful, scenic stop along the Ring Road where dramatic mountains meet the sea.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip coffee with locals, spot seals lounging along the harbor, and eat the freshest langoustine you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight or a slow morning soaking it all in, Hofn is the perfect blend of quiet charm and natural beauty.
I personally only spent a night here, but the Northern Lights danced across the sky and it’s a place that will always be special to us.
Accommodation recommendations for Hofn:
- Budget: Ãrnanes Country Hotel – Panoramic views and porch to look for the Northern Lights.
- Solo: Hofn Inn Guesthouse – I appreciate the cost of this guest house for solo travelers.
- Hostel: Hofn Hostel – Hostels are proof Iceland can be done on an extremely tight budget.
- Mid-range: Aurora Cabins – These cabins are absolutely stunning.
- We stayed: Sefdalur – We were able to drive down the road for a perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights across the sky.
Northern Lights Domes
Staying in a dome in Iceland is a magical experience that blends comfort with the raw beauty of nature. Nestled in remote, scenic landscapes, these transparent or semi-transparent domes offer panoramic views of the sky, making them the perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights dance overhead.
Inside, the domes are cozy and warm, often featuring plush beds and sometimes even private bathrooms or hot tubs. The sense of isolation enhances the experience, allowing you to truly disconnect in Iceland’s tranquil wilderness.
Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket watching the stars or soaking in the glow of the Northern Lights, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s natural wonders.
- Budget: Helja Stay Glamping Domes – This type of experience is hard to find for a budget-friendly price. This may be the best deal.
- Mid-range: Buubble Hotel – Ölvisholt – Look at the pictures and you’ll see why this should be a place you stay.
- Splurge: Golden Circle Domes – Our goal is to spend a night here on our next Iceland trip.
Things to do (Rental car required)
So you rented a car (yay!), and now the island is your personal playground. Having your own wheels in Iceland is a total game-changer. It gives you the freedom to pull over for every cute horse, every surprise waterfall, and every snack stop that calls your name. Here are the top things to do that are best (or only possible) when you’ve got a car and a solid playlist.
Drive the South Coast at Your Own Pace
This stretch of road is Iceland at its most iconic, and it hits so much harder when you’re not on a schedule. We got lucky and kept arriving before the big tour buses at every stop, which meant little to no crowds.
Must-stops include:
- Seljalandsfoss – Walk behind the waterfall!
- Gljufrabui – It’s within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss and hidden.
- Skogafoss – You’ll get drenched, but it’s fine.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Watch for sneaker waves.
- Vik tiny village – Huge charm
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – Hard to pronounce, easy to love
Do the Full Ring Road Loop
The full Route 1 circle takes about 7-10 days and gives you everything: glaciers, fjords, volcanic landscapes, tiny fishing villages, and jaw-dropping coastlines.
With a car, you can:
- Stay in countryside guesthouses
- Detour to hidden waterfalls or lava fields
- Pull over when the sky turns neon green (hi, Northern Lights)
Have an Aurora-Spotting Adventure Night
Yes, you can take a tour but with a car and the Aurora app, you can go where the skies are clearest and have your own little midnight adventure.
- Pack snacks
- Track the best time according to the app
- Find a dark, open space (away from city lights)
- Wait for the sky to glow
Things to do (No rental car required)
So, you’re planning a trip to Iceland but skipping the whole car rental thing? Totally doable and honestly, kind of refreshing. While road tripping is super popular here, you don’t need a car to soak up Iceland’s magic.
Planning a trip to Iceland doesn’t mean you need a car. Whether you’re staying in Reykjavík or booking guided day tours, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t require driving yourself through lava fields at 9am (unless that’s your thing).
Here’s how to have an epic Iceland experience, no keys needed:
Explore Reykjavík Like a Local
Iceland’s capital is super walkable, full of charm, and packed with personality.
- Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church and ride the elevator for city views
- Eat an Icelandic Hotdog (Pyslur)
- East Skyrcake at a cozy cafe like cafe Babalu
- Shop local design, pop into bookstores, and hunt for murals
- Sip on the best cappuccino from Reykjavík Roasters
Relax in the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon
You don’t need a car to enjoy Iceland’s most famous hot spring experiences.
- Blue Lagoon is near the airport and has round-trip buses from Reykjavík. We got the basic ticket for blue lagoon and had the best time. There are options to get Blue Lagoon tickets with transportation as well.
- Sky Lagoon is super close to Reykjavík and you can book a shuttle or taxi to the Lagoon. If you’d rather have transfer included in your Sky Lagoon ticket, there’s options for that too. We didn’t have time for the Sky Lagoon but it’s on our list for the next trip!
Both lagoons offer towel service, drinks in the water, and next-level experience.
Join a Golden Circle Day Tour
This is the most popular kind of tour for a reason – you get a lot of Iceland in one day:
- Thingvellir National Park
- The erupting Geysir
- The powerful Gullfoss waterfall
You can book a small-group or larger bus tour. No car? No stress.
Go Northern Lights Hunting (with a Guide)
If you’re visiting in winter, you can absolutely still chase the aurora without driving through the dark and icy countryside yourself. There are tons of Northern Lights tours that leave from Reykjavík, with pros who know where the skies are clearest. Most even include hot chocolate or drinks. Yes, please.
- Cozy Tour with Icelandic Treats & Drinks
- Budget Friendly bus tour that still includes hot chocolate
- Small group Northern Lights tour that includes photos
- Likely sellout: A Northern Lights yacht cruise at night
Tip: dress in layers so you can enjoy the outdoors.
Take a Whale Watching or Puffin Boat Tour
Right from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, you can hop on a boat tour that takes you out into Faxaflói Bay to spot whales, dolphins, and puffins (depending on the season). No car necessary, just bundle up and get your sea legs ready.
Ride Icelandic Horses
Even if you’re not venturing deep into the countryside, you can still experience Iceland’s famous horses. There are guided horseback riding tours just outside Reykjavík with pick-up options included. Great for beginners, and the horses are adorable. As we’re planning our trip to Iceland again, this is high on the list.
Final Thoughts
Iceland feels like another planet in the best possible way. It’s rugged and wild, but also super safe, clean, and welcoming. With a little planning (and the right apps), you’ll be set for an unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in steamy lagoons, or just vibing with some Icelandic sheep along the Ring Road you really can’t go wrong. I hope you enjoy planning a trip to Iceland just as much as we did!
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