Iceland Holidays

Ice + fire Iceland

AKA the land of fire and ice, is all about the drama. Things are only done in extremes here, from boiling volcanos and thermal lagoons to frozen waterfalls and knee-deep snow. Even the seasons are all-or-nothing, with the sun only showing its face for a few hours in the winter and then sticking around all summer long. Whatever time of year you visit, insane scenery and natural beauty are guaranteed.

City scenes

Although it’s the northernmost capital city in the world, Reykjavik certainly doesn’t feel cold. Everything about it is warm and welcoming, from the people and its colourful streets to its buildings covered in murals and its long list of lively bars. For the best view, climb to the top of Hallgrimskirkja Church and you’ll be able to see the whole city, its harbour and out to sea. It’s not all about the looks, though. The locals here are super friendly and proud to be Icelandic, so if you want to get to know the real Reykjavik, you’ll easily be able to find someone who’ll show you around.

Wildlife watching

Channel your inner David Attenborough by getting up close and personal with some of Iceland’s wildlife. Grab your binoculars and join a whale-watching cruise around the coast, keeping your eyes peeled for humpbacks, orca and even dolphins. Prefer sticking to dry land? Head to Budir Beach for some free seal-spotting, or go for a hike out in the countryside to see the native Icelandic horses. They’re extra furry in the winter, and they love being outside even when it’s snowing.

Best time to visit

Iceland Iceland’s like a completely different place from one season to the next. Winter’s the best time to catch the Northern Lights and frozen waterfalls, and everything looks extra pretty covered in snow. But they weren’t lying when they decided on the country’s name. You’ll definitely feel the cold with temperatures dipping into the minuses, and the sun’s only around between 11am – 3pm in December and January.

On the flipside, summer here comes with 24/7 daylight – it’s not called the land of the midnight sun for nothing. The mercury rises to the mid-teens, so it’s prime for packing in the hikes or doing some wildlife spotting, as the whales and orcas are more likely to say hello when the waters are calmer and the weather is warmer. If you’re after a sweet deal, there are fewer tourists in spring and autumn, and the whole landscape is very easy on the eye when it’s covered in wildflowers or orangey browns. Weather during these seasons can be a bit unpredictable, though, so you’ll want to pack wisely.

Getting around

Iceland may be small, but there’s a lot to see. You’ve got a few options for getting around…

Car hire

A car is your ticket to exploring Iceland. Stick to the main Ring Road to reach all the must-see spots, or head off the beaten track – literally – on the F-roads that’ll lead you into the highlands. You’ll want a 4x4 to tackle those bad boys.

Bus

If driving's not your thing, Iceland's got your back with a network of buses linking Reykjavik to points of interest all over the island. Services becomes less regular the more remote you go, so it’s a good shout to plan ahead. Or, keep the planning to a minimum by hopping on a guided tour. From quick day trips to epic excursions into the wilderness, these tours are perfect if you’re pinched for time and want to squeeze it all in.

On foot

For seeing the sights in the capital, walking is the cheapest way to get around. To make sure you’re not missing out on anything, City Walk Reykjavik does guided walking tours of the city with a pay-what-you-like policy.