Iceland tours discovery guide

Iceland’s stark beauty is breathtaking any time of year, but if you want to see the northern lights, look for Iceland tour packages that depart between September and mid-April. This is when the days are shorter and the nights are at their darkest—perfect conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon. Just remember that seeing the northern lights on tours to Iceland is dependent on a variety of natural factors, including clear skies and high solar activity.

Off-season trips to Iceland are the best time to take a dip in the country’s famous hot pools, most notably the renowned Blue Lagoon. Crowds thin out in late September and October, so you’ll be able to enjoy the geothermal waters without having to contend with the hundreds of visitors who flock to this famous site during peak season.

May through August is a good time to go on guided tours around Iceland if whale watching is on your bucket list. It’s possible to see orcas, minke whales, humpbacks, and more than 20 other species year-round, but June and July are their peak season.

Summertime also marks the summer solstice in Iceland, when the midnight sun lights up evening skies from May until mid-August. If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during the warmer months, just remember that they also coincide with bigger crowds. Top destinations, like the South Coast, Golden Circle, and Blue Lagoon, get the highest number of visitors from June through August.

Iceland’s unspoiled terrain is comprised of an otherworldly mixture of extremes, and these varied landscapes make all guided trips to Iceland unforgettable. Here, surreal stretches of black-sand beaches, glacier-fed waterfalls, geothermal pools, and erupting geysers add to the epic beauty.

One of the top places to visit on all Iceland guided tours is the country’s capital, Reykjavik. This small city is easy to explore on foot. Step inside the iconic Hallgrim’s Church, which is 244 feet tall and can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city. Or, walk along the waterfront to see an abstract sculpture called The Sun Voyager, created by Jón Gunnar Árnason. Then, continue on to Höfði House, where you can snap some photos with the sea and mountains as the backdrop.

While Reykjavik is a must-see, more stunning highlights of a trip to Iceland can be found along the Golden Circle, a famous sightseeing route that stretches from Reykjavik to central Iceland. Pass through the UNESCO-protected Thingvellir National Park, a volcanic area that marks the point where two tectonic plates come together. Or, visit the Great Geysir Geothermal Area and stand in awe of Gullfoss, the roaring “Golden Waterfall.”

Beyond the Golden Circle, the beaches of the South Coast and restorative geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon offer more opportunities for exploration on our Iceland escorted tours. Iceland trip packages, like our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour, take you to the farthest-flung corners of the country, making it easy to cross hard-to-reach sites off your bucket list.

Icelandic cuisine relies on traditional, locally sourced ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Here are some authentic dishes you can look forward to while traveling on our Iceland trip packages:

• Icelandic yogurt called skyr. It has a cream-like consistency, little fat, and lots of protein. Icelanders eat it all the time, and you can often find it transformed into a smooth mousse or delicious ice cream for dessert.
• Icelandic lamb, which is considered to be some of the best in the world thanks to the free-roaming sheeps’ healthy, natural diet. Since we get you closer to culture by offering authentic included meals on tour, you’re likely to have an opportunity to try this specialty on all our trips to Iceland.
• Both fresh and dried fish, including herring and cod. In fact, fermented shark is considered an Icelandic specialty, and although it’s rarely eaten anymore, it’s an important part of Iceland’s culinary history. Still, it's a “treat” that should be tried by the very brave on our Iceland tours!
• Rye bread topped with everything from butter and lava salt to smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Pylsa, Icelandic hot dogs—or more specifically, those from Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. This Reykjavik establishment has been serving up franks since 1937, and no tours to Iceland are complete until you’ve tasted one. Try it the way a local would and ask for one with everything: sweet mustard, remoulade, and both raw and fried onions.

No matter which Iceland travel packages fill you with wanderlust, bringing the correct attire for the season is important. If you’re setting off to see the northern lights in the off-season, keep in mind that winters in Iceland are generally cold. Packing a warm coat, hat, gloves, and rainwear will keep you comfortable and dry during outdoor sightseeings and nighttime northern lights excursions.

It’s best to pack clothing made of wool, silk, or polypropylene, which will keep you warmer and drier than cotton. Also, crampons—micro spikes that attach to your shoes to give you better traction on frozen ground—may come in handy during the winter months.

Even summer temperatures in Iceland can be chilly, so packing warm layers will ensure you’re ready for any type of weather. And, no matter when you’re planning a trip to Iceland, bringing the correct footwear is key. Get ready to hit the trails and see all of Iceland’s outdoor wonders by packing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots.

If you’re still unsure what to bring on our Iceland tours, not to worry—our Customer Experience Team is always here to answer any additional questions you may have. You can even download our free mobile app before you depart so you’ll have all the info you need right in your pocket.

We recommend budgeting at least 10 days for Iceland travel, but you can get by with six. Given the country’s size, you can see Reykjavik and some highlights of southern Iceland on a shorter trip. If you’d like to venture to the nation’s northern reaches, choose a longer tour.

Iceland uses the króna. To stock up on local currency, order some from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the króna while on a trip to Iceland, check out our article on currency exchange.

Icelandic is Iceland’s lone official language, but English is widely spoken. Some sources estimate that 98% of Icelanders speak it as a second language!

Thanks to its location in the North Atlantic, Iceland experiences volatile weather, with storms blowing in and out frequently. And due to its geography, the country sees different weather patterns in its various regions. No matter where you go on your Iceland tour, it’s important to prep for cold and rain, so pack accordingly.