Iceland Flights & Travel Guide

In some ways, Iceland is simply magical. Its location conjures images of an iced-over piece of land at the top of the world. But what many travelers don’t know is that Iceland's combination of hot and cold make this country a mystifying destination. Iceland is technically part of Europe – a Scandinavian country about the size of Kentucky or England. And despite assumptions, Iceland is not all…well, ice. There is a unique yin-yang to Iceland that only those travelers booking flights to Iceland will be privileged to discover.

From glacier-covered-volcanoes and steaming hot outdoor pools, to 24-hour days of pure sunshine, Iceland is nothing if not unique. The people speak the ancient Norse and the weather rarely dips below the mid-20s, even in the winter. During the winter, there is about four hours of daylight and January only sees about three sunny days the entire month. Still, about 300,000 people call Iceland home and visitors booking Iceland flights and accommodations will be welcomed with warm hearts to this country at the top of the world. Need another reason to fly to Iceland? According to an annual U.N. report published in 2007, Iceland was named the most desirable country to live in.

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Iceland Climate

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When to Fly to Iceland

Peak Season:

During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late fall feature long twilights. Temperatures are mild during the summer months -- June through August -- many hotels across the country only open during this period. Travelers booking Iceland flights and accommodations should plan ahead -- many hotels aren't open year-round flights to Iceland can be pricey.  

Off Season:

From mid-November until the end of February, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in fall and early winter. However, swimming in Iceland's heated pools during the cold winter months is a surreal experience.

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Getting Around Iceland

Domestic Iceland flights are available from Reykjavik to various destinations from Air Iceland and Eagle Air. Flying – especially in the winter – is the easiest, quickest and often the cheapest way to get around.

Iceland Air also connects with bus services, to provide travel to destinations not served by flights.

Other than flying, the only reliable way of getting around is by bus. There is no train service in the country and, though car hire is available, this is not a recommended means of transport, due to ice and poor roads. The bus network is extensive. Advance purchases are not necessary and tickets can be bought from the driver.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Reykjavík (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Iceland.

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Iceland Insider Information

• Reykjavik is the top tourist destination in Iceland and has enjoyed an increase in visitors in recent years, all keen to see the surrounding natural wonders such as geysers and volcanic landscapes. However, despite its popularity, be aware that most tourism takes place in summer. Arrive off season and you may struggle to find a hotel to stay in or restaurant in which to each. If you’re not visiting in the summer months, be sure to book ahead.
• Icelandic cuisine primarily consists of three ingredients: fish, fish and more fish. Some of the finest fish in the world is caught in Iceland’s waters, so be sure to sample the many seafood dishes. However, don’t miss other local specialities, such as skyr, a type of yogurt often eaten for pudding, Icelandic crepes, or even porromatur, the traditional food of Iceland, which includes such gastronomical delights as rams’ testicles, rotten shark and singed sheep heads.
• There are many snowmobile tours available to explore the glaciers, from a variety of operators. One of the most popular places to visit is the Snæfellsjokull volcano, which is covered by a glacier. It is here, Jules Verne wrote in A Journey to the Center of the Earth, that there is an entrance leading to the center of the earth.
• Easily reachable from Reykjavik is the Blue Lagoon spa, geothermal waters in a lava formation. As well as the expansive, warm waters, supposed to promote good health and have “positive effects on the skin,” there is a waterfall, a steam bath inside a lava cave and a sauna.
• The stunning Northern Lights can often be seen in fall and early winter in northeastern Iceland. This is also the time when the sun doesn’t break above the horizon and there is 24-hours of darkness. If staying only in the northern regions in hope of seeing the lights isn’t appealing, it’s possible to take 3-4 day trips from Reykjavik.
• Visit the Great Geysir in the Haukadalur valley to see the spectacular sight of the hot springs erupting up to 200 feet in the air. As well as the Great Geysir, the nearby Strokkur geyser erupts more regularly, to a height of about 65 feet. Also nearby is the Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall.

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Iceland Airports

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Passport/Visa

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Entry Requirements

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