Iceland is one of the most incredible countries in the world, and despite it’s wild landscapes and remoteness, it has become one of the best and easiest countries for solo travellers. If you are thinking about heading to Iceland in the future, here is a short guide with practical and useful information to help make it as stress free as possible!
Language
Language barriers are almost completely non-existent in Iceland. Icelandic people all speak fluent Icelandic but almost all native Icelanders also speak fluent English. However, like anywhere else in the world, if you are planning to stay or travel with a group of Icelandic people for more than a few days it is polite to learn a few Icelandic words and phrases.
Money
The Icelandic Krona is the official currency in Iceland. There are ATMs inside Keflavik International Airport where you can obtain the native currency; however, credit cards and debit cards are the most popular form of payment in Iceland – even in the remote northern areas – so having cash isn’t essential. The few exceptions to this rule are flea markets and some food trucks.
Electricity
EU electrical plugs and EU two pronged adapters are all you need to recharge your devices in Iceland. Buy them in advance as these are more pricey once you get to the Land of Fire and Ice.
Tipping
Tipping is not essential in Iceland, but as in most places, widely appreciated. If the service is exceptional – feel free to give a tip, if not – don’t feel obliged.
Booking
Tours can be booked pretty spontaneously – but accommodation can be harder to guarantee. In Reykjavik, the cheaper dorm bunks get booked up pretty quick and hotels are pretty pricey – so if you are on a budget – booking ahead isn’t a bad idea. Outside of Reykjavik accommodation can often be booked spontaneously – but if you are travelling in high season (the summer months) accommodation can still book out in advance.
Budget
If you have visited other Scandinavian countries the required budget won’t surprise you too much – it’s pretty on par with Oslo. However, if you haven’t had a Scandinavian adventure before, the cost of things may shock you. Expect to spend at least $120 AUD each day – potentially more. Set aside up to $40 per day for a bunk in an 8 bed dorm, getting a meal for less than $15 is considered a bargain, expect to pay around $15 per pint of beer in a pub and tours start at around $120 for a full day. If you are on a tight budget, planning and booking ahead will be your best bet at saving some dollars. Also, find the nearest Bonus supermarket and cook in your hostel for the cheapest eats. Iceland is definitely not a budget destination, but if you can spare the money, it is worth every cent.
Tours
The amount of tour companies in Iceland is absolutely huge. There are lots of different companies offering lots of different tours for lots of different prices. The choice can be overwhelming! As a general rule of thumb, the smaller companies are more expensive but provide a far superior experience in smaller groups, whereas the larger companies take huge tour groups in enormous buses for a cheaper price. I personally hate feeling like cattle on an enormous tour bus, so I usually avoid the larger companies like the plague, but if you are on a budget and don’t mind large groups – these trips may be perfect for you. Work out your budget and what you want to get from the tour – then book a trip.
I have had wonderful experiences with the following tour companies and would highly recommend them: Eskimos Iceland, Saga Travel, 3H Travel, Dive.IS and Time Tours.
Weather
Icelandic weather does what it wants – when it wants. Regardless of what time of year you travel, be prepared for unseasonable warmth, freezing cold, rain and snow. I personally preferred to travel in the winter as I experienced less rain and more snow; however I have met people who love the Icelandic summer – go with whatever you prefer – the winter does mean better chance of seeing Northern Lights though!
Taxis
Like everything in Iceland – taxis don’t come cheap, they are pretty pricey as far as taxi drives go – but they are safe, abundant and easy to find. Most cities are pretty walk-able, so if you can do the walk, do it and save the money for more important things.
Food
Icelandic food is expensive and there isn’t any way around it. Bonus supermarkets have the cheapest grub but if you aren’t accustomed to Scandinavian prices the cost of goods will still probably be a shock to the system. One of the best semi cheap (yet filling) meals in Reykjavik is at Noodle Station where you can get an enormous bowl of delicious ramen noodles for around $14. If you are heading to a more upmarket restaurant be prepared to fork out at least $60 – even more if you plan on drinking.
If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and eat what the Icelanders eat, be sure to try the following:
Skyr is a sweet dairy product that is thicker and sweeter than a strained yoghurt. It is eaten for breakfast, as a snack and also put into smoothies. It is delicious and you will miss it when you leave!
Fermented shark is the food of the Vikings and I will be honest – tastes truly disgusting! Many restaurants will offer a small sample of the dish (for a fee) so that you can say you have tried it.
It is not uncommon to see puffin and whale on the menu in Iceland. I have not tried whale but I have tried puffin and if you can ignore the fact that you are eating the adorable clowns of the sky – it is pretty tasty.
Traditional fish stew is absolutely delicious and available everywhere – eat it with the Icelandic rye bread. The rye bread is made in the traditional Icelandic way – dough is put in a pot which is buried near a hot spring – after 24 hours the earth will have baked a beautiful bread! It is sweeter than the bread most people are accustomed to but definitely worth trying.
Seafood in general is of a high quality in Iceland – sushi and sashimi is usually pretty top notch.
Social taboos about eating horse meat don’t exist in Iceland so don’t be shocked if you see it on the menu.
Lastly, Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a hotdog stall next to the Kolaportid flea market and is famous for selling the best hotdogs in all of Europe. They are cheap, cheerful and so damn tasty that they are pretty much worth making the trip to Iceland for on their own!
Alcohol
Alcohol is pricey in Iceland – what a shock, right? However, as an Aussie who is used to alcohol being pricey due to an increased Goods and Services tax – the prices didn’t phase me too much. Americans and Canadians from across the pond however may find the prices a little ridiculous. “Pre-drinking” at home is standard Icelandic practice in order to save money.
Brennivín – or the ‘Black Death’ – is considered by many to be the national drink of Iceland. It is an unsweetened schnapps and certainly not the most easily downed of the hard liquors! Try it with some fermented shark to feel like a real Viking!
Gull is one of the most highly consumed beers in Iceland and is of a pretty fantastic quality – supposedly due to the purity of Icelandic water. It is available on tap almost everywhere and is popular for good reason.
Accommodation
There are many different types of accommodation in Iceland – from your fancy five star hotels to your boutique hostels and your budget b & b’s. I am mostly a hostel sleeping, budget backpacking kinda gal and as a result, can only comment on the quality of the hostels.
I have stayed in the following places and highly recommend them:
Loft Hostel in Reykjavik is centrally located, close to pubs, easy to locate, clean and reasonably priced. The staff are helpful, the beds comfortable and the bar upstairs has damn good prices during happy hour.
Located in downtown Reykjavik, KEX hostel is a bit on the ‘hipster’ side of life – but has comfy beds, modern amenities and absolutely gorgeous shared lounge areas.
Akureyri Backpackers is located in Northern Iceland and is absolutely fantastic. The shared kitchen facilities have everything you could ever possibly need and the showers (though a little cramped) have the most wonderfully hot water and amazing water pressure!
Hlemmur Square is in a great location, has big lockers, free Wi-Fi and particularly attractive staff! The sheets are clean, the mattresses comfy and the showers hot. What more do you want?
Internet
Iceland has one of the highest rates of internet access in the world. Free Wi-Fi is abundant and usually of pretty decent quality. Don’t go looking for an internet cafe, with free internet access so accessible, paying for Wi-Fi would be a waste of money.
When To Travel
There are pros and cons to travelling in Iceland in all seasons.
The summer months bring the midnight sun, milder weather and decreased likelihood that mother nature will throw a wrench in your plans; however the summer is high season – which means many more travellers and higher prices. Also, if you want to see the Northern Lights then it goes without saying that this is not the time for you to visit!
Shoulder season brings less people, cheaper prices and during the autumn months the Aurora will begin her dancing through the sky. The weather is much more unpredictable during these months though – be prepared for anything.
Winter is my favourite time to visit Iceland. Hostels are cheaper and less crowded, snow falls, the northern lights are always a possibility and major attractions such as Strokkur geysir have far fewer visitors. It does get pretty damn cold during these months – especially at night – be sure to pack thermals and heavy duty gloves or mittens.
Flights
Flights to and from Iceland have never been more accessible than now. There are regular flights from many European and American destinations with a variety of airlines. Iceland Air is the airline of choice for many – often offering multi day stopovers in Iceland at no extra cost. If budget is your middle name, WOW Air have pretty cheap flights from London to Reykjavik and are pretty great for a budget airline.
If you want to get away from the capital city but don’t have the time or means to drive – domestic flights with Air Iceland (not to be confused with the similarly named Iceland Air) are the way to go. Air Iceland is also the only airline to get you to Greenland from Iceland – a side trip that I’d highly recommend you take.
Water
Don’t be alarmed if you notice a strange smell while showering in Iceland. What you are smelling is sulphur! It is naturally occurring in Icelandic water and only noticeable when warm. It isn’t harmful and you’ll adjust to the smell before you know it.
Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant in Iceland. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins if you are travelling to the west fjords during the spring and summer months. By autumn all these migratory birds will be long gone.
Minke whales and humpback whales can be seen all year round (though less in winter), and orcas and blue whales can sometimes be spotted in the summer months. Dolphins and seals can also be spotted most of the year if you are spending time out on the water.
Arctic foxes can also be spotted – particularly in the northern parts of the country. It is interesting to note that Icelandic arctic foxes do not turn white like foxes native to areas further north – instead they stay grey!
When many people think of Iceland, Icelandic horses are the first things that spring to mind. This unique breed of horse is much smaller than the horses most people would be familiar with. It is Icelandic law that these horses can not be exported in and of the country and no horses can be imported from elsewhere.
Sex
If you find yourself being propositioned by locals quite blatantly – try not to be offended. Native Icelanders are very open with all things sexual and casual sex is considered quite normal. Icelandic people can be quite blunt and to the point – so it makes sense that they would be this way in regards to sex too. If you aren’t down to get lucky while travelling, just tell them you aren’t interested – it’s no big deal.
What To Pack
In addition to packing all your usual travel essentials, make sure you pack the following: thermals, thick woolen gloves/mittens, thick and warm socks, strong hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and some fleece lined stockings to wear under your pants.
Why To Travel
I have been posting over the past few months about all the incredible places I have seen, experiences I have had and people I have met whilst in Iceland. The country is like no other in the world and so special. Boasting stunning geothermal wonders and out of this world landscapes, a vast array of arctic wildlife, glaciers to hike, dogsleds to ride, volcanoes to climb (or descend), mountains to hike, tectonic plates to touch, northern lights to marvel at and more waterfalls than you can poke a stick at – Iceland is a place that gets under your skin and into your soul.
Such a great post. I have been to Iceland once, on business, for one whole day. You tempt me to make a ‘proper’ visit, when I can afford it!! ha ha ha
Oh wow – yep you definitely need a return visit! Hopefully soon 🙂
Wow, that last shot. Phenomenal, Great post (as usual!). Thanks for all the useful info. Have a great weekend.
Thank you 🙂 It helps when the country is as photogenic as Iceland is! Glad you enjoyed reading!
Great insight.. Quite helpful as it nearly covers all the venues.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful 🙂
Very comprehensive guide. Anyone who reads this would be well prepared.
I’ve enjoyed your posts. You’ve covered a lot of very interesting and unique features. Thanks.
Thank you – I have enjoyed sharing! But many more still to come 🙂
Perfect timing, Iceland is at the top of my list for future travels. And since I live in Sweden, it’s only a quick flight away! Thanks for the info!
Awesome! I hope you get there soon 🙂
Thanks for this post – I’d love to go to Iceland and this is really helpful for planning!! Can I ask – which months are their winter and which are summer? Thanks 🙂
Summer months in Iceland are June, July and August but winter goes from November through March I would say, usually. It can vary between years, we’ve had winter from September through May but also December through April, so as you can see it can be different 🙂
It seems you almost described the whole country in your post from booze to accommodation 🙂
I tried! I am sure there is a tonne left uncovered though!
Thanks for the informative post. I’ve been meaning to get out to Iceland and this wisdom will be helpful in planning. Pumped to have discovered your blog!
Awesome! That’t the kinda thing I love to hear 🙂 I hope you get there soon!
Love this post – it’s been exciting following your journey through what seems like a beautiful and ethereal country. You’ve made your blog a great resource for aspiring travelers there and I hope to be one of those in the future! Great work!
Thank you so much Jennifer! I hope you continue to follow my journey – many more adventures to come 🙂
Thank you for this post, it is wonderful hearing the comprehensive insight of information from a down to earth traveler. Reading your posts pushes Iceland way up on my bucket list and will be a must see. Thanks again.
Thanks so much Terry! I am so glad you found it helpful! Hopefully you can get there in 2016 🙂
Would be nice but we already have 3 trips planned for this year, soon I hope.
Where are those three trips to?
Right now 8 days in DisneyWorld Florida, in April a week up to Vancouver, Wa for my grandsons 1st birthday, then in June an Alaska cruise with family. For the rest of the year we play it by the day.
still on my list of places I long to go to!
Any chance you can get there soon?
not this year – my Masters is taking up all my resources – but they have just advertised for cheap-ish flights
Ooh do it! A week wouldn’t hurt ha
Awesome!!! Iceland is in our upcoming travels. Great inspiration!
Awesome! When are you headed there?
Nice one Ellen, very interesting! Did you win the competition?? 😊
Hasn’t ended yet – but I think the competition is just too stiff for me to win!
Awesome!
Very helpful post! I’m hoping to visit Iceland in 2017. Seems like a long way off but I’ll keep this post bookmarked until then!
2017 will roll around before you know it – I can’t believe it’s already February!
Very interesting outline of a visit to Iceland. I don’t think you missed anything out . . . :-o)
Thank you 🙂
Iceland is my destination in March and your post is super helpful! Thank you for sharing this! ☺️
Awesome! How long will you be there for?
This tight little island is certainly on my radar for 2018, should all go well. WOW’s fares should compensate for the rest of the charges.
Fantastic! Any idea how long you will go for?
Good summary about travel to one of the best destinations in the world. I would add that if planning a winter visit, February is a better time than Dec/Jan as the Icelandic storms have often settled by then and you just have some glorious days with blue skys and snow – prefect for northern lights viewing.
See I love the unpredictability January brought because it made no two days the same 🙂 I loved having a blizzard one day and then clear skies the next, makes it exciting!
Super read. That last picture is beautiful 😀
Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Great post!
I really hope that I will find the time to go to Iceland one day. 🙂
Do it! It will be well worth the effort 🙂
Such a great post, thanks for your insight! Iceland is on my bucket list and I’m hoping to make it out there soon. 🙂
Any chance you could get there in 2016? 🙂
I sure hope so!
Such an interesting and informative post – I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland! x
http://sarahpratley.com/
Glad you enjoyed! Any chance you can get there soon?
This is one great post!!! So many tips for future Icelandic travellers… Love, Kathleen x
Thanks Kathleen 🙂 Hopefully people find it helpful!
Very comprehensive and incredibly useful. I will be printing this out when I head out there!
Awesome! When are you headed there?
Hopefully within the next year. Have a lot booked in at the moment so need to find time/money! Where’s next for you?
Just got back from Timor-Leste and headed to the Philippines next 🙂
A really good overview… but $15 for a pint? Damn! 😉 –Curt
Yup – pretty exxy!
It’s so nice that the country is so accommodating to tourist. This was a great post! I can’t wait to go there later this summer if everything goes according to plan.
http://clairneriah.com/
Awesome! How long are you planning to stay for?
For about a week, I’m really looking forward to exploring
Wonderful, I bet you will love it 🙂
Thanks love 🙂
Such a great in-depth post about my favorite country!
It’s true, it’s very expensive, but when I go I just fill up on hot dogs! 🙂
I didn’t realise drinking was that expensive though – I’ve always gone sober for the week, i’d heard it was steep – but that’s crazy!
Those who can’t do without a tipple, should look to stock up on a few bottles at the airport (tax and duty free).
I’m off to Iceland for the third time this September to get married in Vik, so i’m going to have to buy the champers at the airport when I arrive! 🙂
http://www.thisfpplanet.com
The hot dogs are so amazing haha!
Oh wow congrats – Vik will be such a beautiful place to tie the knot! Please come back here and send me a link to all the pictures – I am sure they will be gorgeous 🙂
I love your blog. I have nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award, you can see it here http://lindabrillblog.com/2016/01/27/one-lovely-blog-award/. God bless!
Very good read! I actually didn’t think to add this country to my travelling list, but you have convinced me! What’s the best place?
I loved the northern areas and in the central highlands as they were much less busy and had such gorgeous and dramatic scenery 🙂
I loved the northern areas and in the central highlands as they were much less busy and had such gorgeous and dramatic scenery 🙂
Great post, very accurate! 🙂 May I suggest that you add to the water section that we have the best water in the world (totally biased opinion 😉 ) so I would advice people to fill their bottles of tab water and skip buying it at the store 🙂
Haha I shall make sure to edit that in! The water is extremely wonderful – your biases are pretty spot on 🙂
just simply gorgeous!!!
Reblogged this on A Hike in Every Country and commented:
Great info! Traveling solo to Iceland is definitely something I’d like to do.
Glad you enjoyed! Hopefully you can get there soon 🙂
Woke up “thinking” about your “Iceland” as I got out of bed this morning:) Love your outline. Yes, can understand how a “far away place” can get under your skin becoming part of your DNA.
It’s kinda strange but it really does happen! I never thought I could fall in love with places so deeply but it’s amazing what the heart and soul learn to love!
:):):) A “longing”…:)
Definitely an accurate describing word!
Thanks for this – Iceland is definitely on my 2016 travel wishlist!! Mainly for the wildlife, so I’m glad you mention the whale watching and arctic foxes! Crossing my fingers that I’ll spot some when I finally get to go 🙂
When are you headed to Iceland and which areas/regions were you thinking of visiting?
I want to gooooooooo!
Do it! You definitely would not regret it!
Iceland is way tops on my list. Thank you!
Awesome to hear! My pleasure 🙂
This is such a great post, thank you for all the detail! Iceland is absolute top of my list, I wrote about it briefly in my Trval bucket list post. It looks incredible! I have subscribed 🙂
http://www.lizzysprettythings.co.uk
This is so courageous, i dont know if i could travel the world alone despite how in dependant i feel i am.., good on ya n nice post will be reading the rest x
If you can do it at least once I guarantee you will be glad you did! Even just for a short trip! 🙂 Hope you enjoy the blog!
Love this !! Xx
Iceland is on my list….can’t wait now..lol
Any plans to visit in the not so distant future?
Great article!❤️ It’s one of my dream destinations. Pinning this in my browser. ☺️ Check out my blog, too. It’s still a baby, but will mostly discuss travels in the Philippines.
I just got back from a little adventure in the Philippines – absolutely adored it!
Just got back from Iceland and this guide was definitely helpful during my trip! 🙂
Awesome! I love getting this sort of comment! Where did you go during your trip? Please feel free to share this guide with anyone else you know who may be heading to Iceland 🙂
I stayed in Reykjavik and just did day tours to the Golden Circle, Northern Lights and around the south coast! Will do, I know a few people who will be heading there soon! 🙂
I enjoyed your article very much… my Daughter and I are headed to Iceland in July for a 6 day riding vacation and a couple extra days to just do whatever! So excited and nervous. This is our first trip to another country.
How exciting! Iceland is an amazing country to visit, even more special as it’s your first foreign trip! I hope you both have an absolutely amazing adventure there 🙂
Nice read! I leave for Iceland next week!
How was your trip!?
It was awesome!! So awesome that I’m already planning my next visit!
Where did you go? What did you see/do? 🙂
I did the Blue Lagoon straight from the airport and did the full Golden Circle tour. I tried to see the lights, but I think I was too late. I went to Prikid for drinks and dancing and went to Cafe Haiti for dinner. Next year, I want to do south coast, see the lights, and explore more of the city.
I want to go to Iceland
Do you know any hostels that are good for a solo traveler passing through Iceland? I’m looking for one where people are more apt to socialize and meet strangers. Thanks!
I have stayed at a bunch in Reykjavik and Loft Hostel is my favourite – a great place to meet people!
Your post is wonderful and so motivating, covering all in a small package.
Planning to go there in the first week of November, this year foir 5 days. But Solo, for the first time. Would have love to go with a near friend but nevertheless…. Want to see the whole south, From Reykjavik upto Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Hope the weather permits. Any suggestions how to spend my 5 nights and days there to see the maximum and best budget.
Are you planning on renting a car and staying in different places each night? Or are you going to base yourself in Reykjavik and do day trips out?
Great advice! I’m going next month and I’m so excited 🙂
Awesome! How long will you be there for?