Iceland is like a different planet: a country that has black sand beaches, frosty glaciers, and erupting volcanoes. It’s no wonder so many Game of Thrones fans refer to it as the Land of Ice and Fire (not to mention some of the show was filmed there). The options to get to Iceland have recently gotten easier and cheaper, which has subsequently grown their tourism industry in the past decade. Below please find our Iceland overview with tips, tricks, and information to help you start the process of planning that Icelandic adventure!
Note: see our detailed itinerary post for a sample itinerary when you decide to visit Iceland!
Airport
Keflavik airport (airport code KEF) is located about 45 minutes by car outside the nation’s capital and largest city, Reykjavik. We were originally confused we might be flying into the wrong airport, but this is Iceland’s only international airport.
KEF airport’s Wikipedia (see our 5 Tips to Help You Plan Your Next Trip for more explanation on how to use Wiki for airline help) shows us that there are many airlines that travel to and from Iceland. However, many of these airlines are seasonal due to Iceland’s extreme winters.
Icelandair will likely be your best bet according to Google Flights. We took Wow Air on our Iceland trip, but the Iceland-based airline has since ceased operations. See our Google Flights guide to assist you in planning your Iceland trip!
Arrival Time
Most flights from the United States arrive in Iceland early in the morning (some as early as 4-6am). This leaves you plenty of time before you can check into your hotel or Airbnb. We recommend contacting your hotel or Airbnb for early check-in to leave more time to drop off all items so you can explore the city.
Beating jetlag can be a real drag on your international trips, especially when you arrive first thing in the morning to a foreign country. Here’s our tips for beating jetlag:
- Hydrate – your body is dehydrated from traveling at high altitudes in a pressurized cabin. Drink plenty of water to get it up to speed.
- Stay awake – you’re tired from getting little to no sleep on the flight, but taking a nap runs the risk of sleeping for an extended time and throwing off your sleep cycles. It’s better to stay awake and go to sleep at a (somewhat) normal bedtime. This helps your body get used to the new time zone and back into a rhythm.
- Keep moving – keep your body moving on the first day. Sedentary activities will only magnify the jetlag. One example we recommend is a walking tour of the city you’re visiting, which provides you areas of the city you might’ve missed during planning. Another option is the Blue Lagoon (see more below).
Climate
Given Iceland’s northern location, temperatures are very moderate. Expect to pack cold weather clothes even for the summer months if you’re coming from the US. The summer months also encounter over 21 hours of sunlight, so get used to the sun setting after midnight and rising a couple hours later!
Car Rental
We here at Thrifty Trekkers are all about frugal travel, but a splurge item we felt necessary was for this trip was renting a car. The extra cash you spend on the rental buys you the freedom to explore the country at your leisure. The guided bus tours we encountered left you less freedom to come and go as you please. Many of the popular destinations are a few hours’ drive away from Reykjavik, so having the flexibility to travel and spend time was valuable to us.
Lunches/Grocery Stores
Naturally an island state located in the northern Atlantic Ocean has to import a majority of their consumer goods and food. This leads to higher prices for most products in Iceland. Our solution was to explore local grocery stores and pack our lunches most days while we were exploring the countryside. While we saved money, we also saved time by eating on the go.
One hidden gem we learned from locals: most of Iceland’s gas stations have an incredible selection of food! From the famous Icelandic hot dogs to full service sit down restaurants, Iceland’s gas stations were a far cry from what we were used to in America.
Exploring Iceland’s Lagoons
Let’s talk lagoons. The warm lagoons located around Iceland are famous for their relaxing nature, the most famous being the Blue Lagoon. The drawback from the Blue Lagoon is that it’s not natural (that is, geothermally heated); excess hot water from the city is pumped into the lagoon. We still recommend visiting as it’s a great option as your first day trip to keep you moving.
We loved the Secret Lagoon. Set in the middle of a field of geysers in the Icelandic countryside, it is affordable and not crowded. We were amazed that you could watch the geysers erupt at regular intervals to continually fill the lagoon in which you were relaxing. Bus tours will arrive at various times, but there is ample space to relax given the large size of the lagoon. A small café is onsite to provide food and drinks.
One note: Iceland wants to preserve their lagoons in all their glory, so please make sure to follow all posted rules about hygiene. Most of all, have a fun and relaxing time at these unique locations!
Snorkeling
Another unique adventure we enjoyed was snorkeling through the tectonic fissures at Thingvellir National Park. We used Dive.IS and 100% recommend their services. We highly recommend this adventure if you’re physically able; it’s expensive but well worth it. The dry suit keeps your torso completely dry, however your hands and feet will be somewhat exposed to the cold water. The water is so pure you can drink as much as you like!
Beyond
Think about using Iceland as your stepping-off point to an amazing European trip. Once you cross the Atlantic, flights become much cheaper to the rest of Europe. Some budget airlines have $50 one-way flights to your destination. We visited London and Munich (overviews and trip itineraries will be published in the future) to round out our European adventure.
Disclaimer: we did not receive any compensation from any companies listed above, it is our unbiased opinion.
That looks amazing. I want to visit!!
So beautiful- I need to go!!!