Iceland Holidays FAQ

Where is Iceland?

Iceland is a European island country located halfway between North America and mainland Europe. It lies just below the Arctic Circle between 64 and 66 degrees north. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik which is famed for being the northernmost capital in the world, located exactly halfway between New York and Moscow.

How long is the flight to Iceland from the UK?

From Manchester, the average flight time to Iceland is 2 hours and 50 minutes. From London, the average flight time to Iceland is 3 hours and 10 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Iceland is an incredible country to visit no matter what time of the year it is. During the summer months, particularly around June and July, the warmer temperatures and midnight sun give you the entire day to explore. The days get so long that no dark, starry night is observed leaving plenty of time for endless outdoor activities and exploration. Summer is also the perfect time to go whale watching in Iceland.

Winter also makes for an unforgettable time to visit Iceland. During the months of September and April, there is a higher probability of seeing the northern lights since the days are much shorter. In the wintertime, many of Iceland’s landscapes are covered in a blanket of snow making much of the scenery absolutely breathtaking.

What should I wear in Iceland?

What you pack for Iceland can be crucial as the weather is highly unpredictable. We recommend being prepared for cold, windy and even stormy conditions no matter what time of year you visit. Pack to accommodate up to three layers of clothing, particularly if you are planning on spending nights searching for the northern lights.

We also recommend windproof and waterproof outer layers and comfortable and waterproof walking boots for during the day and smarter clothes for enjoying the evenings. If you are planning on visiting places like the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon, don’t forget to take a swimming costume and flip flops. 

What weather can I expect in Iceland?

Iceland weather can be unpredictable so it worth being prepared for every scenario. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, winter temperatures are surprisingly similar to those of Vienna or Milan, while in summer they are usually in the range of 10-16°C.  You can expect a mixture of sunny and cloudy conditions as well as rain and wind, sometimes in a single day. In winter, snow comes and goes, and with the days being much shorter, it is more often dark than light.

What is the best way to travel around Iceland?

The answer to this question completely depends on what kind of holiday you are looking for. If you want to see lots of what Iceland has to offer, we highly recommend an Iceland self-drive holiday. This allows you to take control of your trip, hire a car and travel at a pace that suits you. You can visit all the famous sites and explore some of the country’s hidden gems with you at the wheel.

If you don’t necessarily feel confident driving on foreign roads or you would prefer to stay in one place for the entire duration of your trip, then escorted tours are a good choice. You can stay in a city centre hotel in Reykjavik have a tour bus pick you up from your doorstep. You will then be taken to your destination of choice and our highly knowledgeable tour guides will give you all the information you need.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights in Iceland are best seen during the months of September to April since this is when the nights are at their longest. It is possible to see the Northern Lights while in Reykjavik on occasion, however we recommend planning a Northern Lights tour during to trip to take you a short drive away from the light pollution to maximize your chances.

What car should I hire for Iceland?

Renting a car in Iceland couldn’t be easier. There are plenty of choices when you arrive at the airport from small compact vehicles to larger 4x4s to minibuses that will fit in the whole family. All of these options are perfectly acceptable choices for your visit to Iceland but it worth making sure you know what you want to do and where you want to go before making your choice.

For most of the main roads, a small 2WD car is a good and affordable option. However if you are looking to visit during the winter when there is more snow, or you want to explore off track and visit places of interest where there are mountain roads, we recommend going for a car with 4x4 capability.

Is Iceland a safe place to travel?

Recent studies have found that Iceland is the safest country in the world. The study compared crime statistics from the World Economic Forum, natural disaster risk assessments from the World Risk Report, health risk data from the NHS Fit for Travel site and terrorism risk levels from the Foreign Office. Iceland was crowned the least risky to visit due to a low chance of natural disasters, along with minimal crime and health risks. It is no wonder two million visitors flock there every year.

What currency do they use in Iceland?

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies but the exchange rate may not be best.

You can pay for almost everything in Iceland on debit or credit card but if you prefer to pay by cash there are ATMs in most villages around Iceland, though note that not all ATMs are accessible 24 hours.

What is the food like in Iceland?

In today's Iceland, you can find almost anything your culinary heart desires. Restaurants around the country offer a wide variety of both foreign and Icelandic dishes, inspired by the ingredients found in nature. Most traditional Icelandic dishes will contain the likes of fish, lamb and the Icelandic skyr.

As an island nation, nothing has been more vital to this the people’s survival than fishing. Most restaurants in Iceland serve ‘fish of the day’ and the country is dotted with numerous seafood restaurants, serving mostly cod, haddock, salmon, and monkfish. Skyr is another well-known Icelandic food that is a cultured dairy product with the consistency of yogurt.

The Icelandic hot dog is another famous food that many tourists wish to try on their visits with Bill Clinton even famously calling them “the best hot dogs in the world”. For those that are more experimental, we recommend trying the likes of Hákarl, otherwise known as fermented shark. Hákarl is often served in cubes on cocktail sticks and first-timers are advised to pinch their nostrils whilst taking their first bite, since the smell is actually much stronger than the taste!

How long or short are the days in Iceland?

Winter and summer time daylight hours vary significantly. From May to August, you won’t see much darkness. In contrast, in mid-winter you can expect only about four to five hours of daylight each day. Spring and fall daylight hours are roughly the same as in Europe and North America.

What electrical adaptor can I use in Iceland?

Iceland uses the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs. For these plugs, you can use adapter types “C” or “F”.

Do people tip in Iceland?

In Iceland, tipping is not expected since nearly all bills that you receive already include gratuity. It is actually quite uncommon in Iceland to add a tip; however, Icelanders will not decline a tip and will be incredibly grateful for one for good service. If you feel you have received excellent service, the best way to show your appreciation is to tip 10 percent or round up the amount of the bill.

Do Icelanders speak English?

Most natives to Iceland can speak English as it is a subject taught in Icelandic schools. Many welcome the opportunity to practice their second language — so don’t be shy about starting a conversation in English.