Iceland

Iceland concentrates glaciers, active volcanic zones, waterfalls and black-sand coast along a single ring road, which is why self-drive dominates. It is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and costs are driven mostly by accommodation, food and vehicle hire. Weather and road conditions change hourly, so itineraries need slack built in.

Cities

Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the main town of the Westfjords, a harbour on a spit inside a steep fjord, and the base for Hornstrandir nature reserve and the Dynjandi waterfall. Getting here is the hard part: a long drive on partly gravel roads or a short flight from Reykjavík. In return the region is nearly empty even in July.

Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a small, walkable capital of corrugated-iron houses, geothermal pools and a strong music scene, and almost every trip starts here. Two days covers the museums, the Hallgrímskirkja tower and a neighbourhood pool, which is where locals actually spend their evenings. It is also where rental cars and tours are picked up.

Vík í Mýrdal

Vík is the small service village at the southern tip of Iceland, under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and beside the Reynisfjara black beach. It is the standard overnight stop on the south coast, within reach of Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and the glacier lagoon further east. Sneaker waves at Reynisfjara are genuinely dangerous and claim lives.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Snowmelt, powerful waterfalls, highlands still closed.
• Summer: Near-24-hour daylight, all roads and highland routes open, peak prices.
• Autumn: Northern lights return, ring road still easy, fewer visitors.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.