Hiking glaciers. Chasing rainbows. Dodging trolls.
Iceland Travel Guide
From towering volcanoes and black-sand beaches to 200-foot waterfalls and everything in between, Iceland is an adventure lover’s dream.
Experience Iceland
Exploring Iceland is mostly just asking yourself, is this real life?
Planet Earth: Iceland
Who knew you could live inside a nature documentary?
Keep your eyes peeled for “sneaker waves” at Reynisfjara Beach.
Indulge in the ultimate spa day at the Blue Lagoon.
Toe the line between continents at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Observe the explosive power of Strokkur Geyser.
Discover the giant frozen troll candles of Skógafoss.
Visit the 5,466-foot Eyjafjallajökull Volcano.
Follow the walking path behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Spot the famously massive brown trout of Thingvallavatn Lake.
Count the rainbows forming over Gulfoss Falls.
Go nocturnal as you search for the elusive northern lights.
History or folklore?
Locals are so passionate about both, it can be tricky to tell them apart.
Visit the world’s first parliament site at Thingvellir National Park.
Uncover Öxarárfoss, a waterfall that (allegedly) turns into wine.
Debate what turned the trolls of Reynisfjara Beach to stone.
Hunt for gold forgotten by Vikings at Skógafoss Waterfall.
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Get to know Iceland’s traditional grass-roofed architecture.
Go prehistoric at the 10,000-year-old Great Geyser.
Learn the fascinating history of the Icelandic Horse.
Lights, camera, Iceland
See the spots where some of your favorite films and television shows came to life.
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Help defeat the First Order at Starkiller Base AKA Eyjafjallajökull.
Journey with Arya and The Hound through Thingvellir National Park.
Cross swords with Batman and Ra’s al Ghul at Iceland’s South Coast.
Join Thor on his Journey to The Dark World AKA Skógafoss.
Get Black Mirror vibes without Black Mirror plot points in Reykjavík.
Escape the mundane with Walter Mitty.
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Stand for justice with Captain America in Vik.
Flights. Accommodations. Activities. Rockstar Tour Director that can help you pronounce Eyjafjallajökull.
This is group travel with EF Ultimate Break. Expertly crafted itineraries, everything included. We keep your stress levels low and holy-s#!t-that-was-awesome levels high.
Lowdown
Language: Icelandic
Currency: Icelandic króna
Capital: Reykjavík
Most ‘Grammable: Seljalandsfoss
Epic Spa Day: The Blue Lagoon
Cutest Encounter: Puffins
Drink up: Viking beer
Eat up: Famous Icelandic hot dog
Elves or Trolls?: Yes
What’s that smell?: Sulfur from all the geysers
Phrases to know
Hello: Halló (hah-loh)
Goodbye: Bless (bles)
Thank you: Takk (tahk)
Cheers: Skál (sk-ohl)
Please: Vinsamlegast (vihn-sahm-lay-gast)
I come completely from the mountains: Ég kem alveg af fjöllum (meaning you don’t know what’s going on!)
The raisin at the end of the hot dog: Rúsínan í pylsuendanum (similar to the cherry on top)
Eat like a local
Bonus points if you eat with a local.
The ultimate Iceland getaway
Less than a week, more than meets the eye.
We’re in the know on where to go
Our specialty? Jaw-on-the-floor scenery.
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Pro tips
- Know what to expect from the weather. Iceland in the summer means comfortably warm temps (it never gets truly hot) and long days to the tune of 20+ hours of sunshine! In the winter, it’s quite the opposite (only 4 hours of sunshine) but presents unique sightseeing opportunities like witnessing the Northern Lights.
- Prepare for the hygiene rules. Hot springs, bathhouses, and lagoons are coveted relaxation places in Iceland. Because so many locals and tourists go in these calming waters, there are attendants there to make sure you shower (in your birthday suit) before heading in. Yes, it may be a little awkward, but, when in Iceland, right?
- Do not litter. The ecosystem in Iceland is incredibly delicate due to thousands of years of isolation. Nothing will make the blood of an Icelander boil more than the sight of somebody littering.
- Don’t worry about exchanging all your money into Icelandic currency. Most shops and restaurants will accept Visa/Mastercard, even in the small villages. Tipping isn’t customary in Iceland. However, if someone wows you with their service, go for it!
- Consider packing street crampons, especially if visiting October-March. No need to buy serious ones meant for glacier hiking—the ones that go around your shoe for extra traction are sufficient.
Iceland inspo
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Traveler photos from Iceland
5/5: fullkominn!
That means “perfect” in Icelandic. It's how our travelers feel about our Iceland tours.
Our kick-a** Tour Directors
We ❤️ them—and you will too.
Andy
“I love Iceland because it unites history, culture, science and nature with fantasy and mythology in the most harmonious way. As a Tour Director, I get to share my passion for Iceland with so many lovely people! When I am on tour with EFUB, the excitement from the group makes me feel as though I am seeing Iceland for the first time.”
Still undecided? We’ll help you find the perfect trip.
Our expert Trip Consultants are waiting to hear from you. Seriously. They freakin’ love helping travelers figure out their dream trips.