Reykjavik
2dIceland's compact capital and base for most itineraries.
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Destination guide
Iceland Travel Guide
Plan an Iceland trip with detailed itineraries, costs, waterfalls, glaciers and practical travel information.
Recommended stay
5–14 days
Mid-range budget
Approximately ₹2.1–₹3.2 lakh per person for comfortable hotels and guided tours.
Currency
Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Best time
June to August for the midnight sun, mild weather and full accessibility of the ring road
Why go
What makes Iceland worth the trip?
Complete Iceland travel guide covering Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast and other popular destinations, including Iceland trip costs, itineraries, transportation, accommodation, weather, food and travel tips.
Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)Blue LagoonSouth Coast waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss)Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonNorthern LightsReykjavik's HallgrímskirkjaIce caves in winter
Places
Best places to visit in Iceland
Golden Circle
1dA popular day-trip route covering a national park, geysers and a major waterfall.
South Coast
2dA scenic coastal route known for waterfalls, black sand beaches and glaciers.
Routes
Suggested Iceland itineraries
5–6 days
Reykjavik and Golden Circle
Reykjavik → Golden Circle → Blue Lagoon
A compact itinerary covering the capital and Iceland's most iconic day-trip route.
10–14 days
Full Ring Road
Reykjavik → South Coast → Southeast → North Iceland → Reykjavik
A comprehensive drive around the entire island, covering diverse landscapes.
Questions
Iceland travel FAQs
How many days are enough for Iceland?
Five to six days works well for Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Ten to fourteen days allows a full ring road drive.
Is Iceland expensive?
Yes. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, particularly for accommodation, food and organized tours.
Can Indians travel to Iceland?
Indian travelers require a Schengen visa. Iceland's applications are known for closer scrutiny of financial proof given the country's high cost of living.
When can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Northern Lights are typically visible between September and March, with the darkest winter months generally offering the best chances on clear nights.
Is Iceland good for honeymoon?
Iceland is extremely popular for honeymoons because of its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and Northern Lights.
Is vegetarian food available in Iceland?
Vegetarian options are available in Reykjavik, though choices become more limited in rural areas outside the capital.
When to go
Best time & weather
March to May
Spring
Cold, with lengthening daylight and melting snow at lower elevations.
Approximately 0°C–8°C · Moderate
June to August
Summer
Mild with near-continuous daylight in the north, the most accessible season for the full ring road.
Approximately 8°C–15°C · Moderate
September to November
Autumn
Cooling temperatures with the return of dark skies suitable for Northern Lights.
Approximately 2°C–10°C · Moderate
December to February
Winter
Cold with heavy snow possible, limited daylight, and the best conditions for Northern Lights.
Approximately -3°C–3°C · Snow
Budget
What a trip can cost
Budget
Approximately ₹1.4–₹2.1 lakh per person depending on flights, accommodation and season.
Mid-range
Approximately ₹2.1–₹3.2 lakh per person for comfortable hotels and guided tours.
Premium
₹3.2 lakh+ depending on luxury accommodation, private tours and ice cave or glacier excursions.
flights
International airfare varies by Indian departure city, airline and season, typically with a connection.
accommodation
Iceland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe for accommodation.
food
Food and dining costs are notably high, among the highest in Europe.
local Transport
Rental car is the most practical way to explore beyond Reykjavik, and fuel costs are high.
sightseeing
Guided glacier, ice cave and Northern Lights tours can represent a large part of the overall budget.
shopping
Icelandic wool products and local crafts are popular, moderate additions to spending.
total Budget
Iceland is genuinely one of the most expensive destinations covered in this guide, and budgeting should reflect that clearly.
Practical planning
Stay, eat and move around
Accommodation
- Guesthouses: Common outside Reykjavik, offering a more affordable alternative to hotels. (Mid-range)
- Hotels: Range from practical city hotels to countryside properties designed for Northern Lights viewing. (Mid-range to luxury)
Food
- Icelandic Lamb: A staple protein in Icelandic cuisine, generally free-range and grass-fed.
- Skyr: A traditional Icelandic dairy product similar to strained yogurt.
- Icelandic Vegetarian Options: Vegetable and grain-based dishes are increasingly available in Reykjavik.
Transport
- Rental Car: The most practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik, particularly for the Golden Circle and South Coast.
- Organized Day Tours: Bus-based day tours cover popular routes without the need to self-drive.
Experiences
Things worth doing
Blue Lagoon Soak
Relax in Iceland's famous geothermal spa, often visited near the start or end of a trip.
Best for Couples, Relaxation, Photography
Northern Lights Hunt
Head away from city lights on a clear night to search for the aurora borealis.
Best for Couples, Photography, Adventure
Glacier Hike
Guided walk on one of Iceland's accessible glaciers with proper safety equipment.
Best for Adventure, Photography, Nature
Go further
Add another day or another country
Day trips
- Golden Circle from Reykjavik: Iceland's most popular day-trip route covering a national park, geysers and a waterfall.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik: Sometimes called 'Iceland in miniature' for its varied landscapes in one compact area.
Make it yours
Use this as a starting point, not a fixed package.
Bring your real dates, budget and travel style into the planner and rebuild the route around what actually works for you.