How Can I Travel To Iceland On My Own?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you’re planning to visit Iceland for at least 5 days or more, then

a self-guided road trip is the best way to go

, so long as you’re comfortable with renting a car and driving yourself. If you have at least 7 days, you can follow our 7-day Golden Circle and Southern Iceland itinerary.

How expensive is traveling to Iceland?

The average Iceland trip cost for a family spending a week in Iceland is around

$6,500-7,000 including airfare

. Yup, that is about a $1,000 a day. I have worked with families of five that have spent $25,000 on a 10-day trip, and couples who have spent $5,000 on a week-long trip.

How many days do I need in Iceland?


A minimum of 1 week in Iceland is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country in the same trip

. Staying for less than 7 days in Iceland is still doable, but there’s no doubt you’ll want to come back again to see and do more.

What should you avoid in Iceland?

  • Avoid: Busy and expensive hot springs.
  • Do: Go and find quieter or cheaper hot springs.
  • Avoid: Buying bottled water.
  • Do: Drink from the tap.
  • Avoid: Spending all your time in Reykjavik.
  • Do: Get out and explore the rest of the country.
  • Avoid: Expensive day tours.

Is Iceland safe for tourists?


Iceland is not only one of the safest countries in the world

, but it is the safest country in the world and has been every year from 2008 through 2020, according to the Global Peace Index. 1 Petty crime like pickpocketing and robbery is rare, and violent crime is almost non-existent.

Is 4 days in Iceland enough?

Four days is

more than enough time to immerse yourself in Icelandic culture and nature

. Although you might not choose to tour the whole island in four days, you may want to take multiple trips out of the capital city.

Is 3 days enough in Iceland?

Iceland is a marvellous country to visit for any length of time, and

even a holiday as short as three days can be maximised

so that this beautiful island will forever be enshrined in your memories.

Do they speak English in Iceland?

English has been and continues to be taught as a second language in the schools, so

almost every person in Iceland is fluent in English

. Since Iceland is geographically positioned very close to Eastern Scandinavia, Swedish and Danish are not officially labeled as foreign languages.

Can I use US dollars in Iceland?

Money. Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK).

Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies

. Payment: Icelanders usually pay for everything by credit or debit card.

Is Iceland cheap to live?

Iceland. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Iceland is

about 40.21% higher than that of the United States

(rent not included). In addition, rent in Iceland is 15.57% higher than that in the United States.

Is Iceland really expensive?

According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index,

Iceland currently ranks as the third most expensive country in the world

. Local banks have also studied the essential travel costs for tourists, and the numbers are staggering.

Do and don’ts in Iceland?

  • Do’s. Please be considerate and mindful of the locals. Be open-minded and don’t yuck their yum. Rent a car! …
  • Don’t. Do not be an ugly tourist and stay safe. DO NOT hike glaciers without a guide. Don’t assume their horses are ponies.

What is the best month to go to Iceland?


May and September

are the best time of year to go to Iceland because they offer lower prices and fewer crowds but without the harsh weather conditions found in the winter. Many people worry about whether Iceland is expensive.

Do you need a car to visit Iceland?


Iceland has a good network of bus routes that allow you to see the country without a car

. The key to using public transportation in Iceland outside of Reykjavik is to plan ahead. Check out the map of Iceland’s public transportation routes to get a sense of where you can go via bus.

What is illegal in Iceland?

Not only is it illegal to

sell panties, boxers, thongs, and jock straps with the Icelandic flag on them

(that would be disrespectful), it is also illegal to sell or advertise items of foreign origin if the image of an Icelandic flag has been put on them (that would be unpatriotic).

What are the dangers in Iceland?

This means that Icelanders have to be prepared for a multitude of natural hazards:

Storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and avalanches

. The monitoring of such hazards and an effective system of public warning and response is seen as essential for public safety and welfare.

Is Iceland safe for solo female Travellers?

Fortunately,

Iceland is one of the safest and best places for solo female travel

. The combination of Iceland’s low crime rates and stellar gender equality makes it the perfect solo female travel destination.

Is Reykjavik safe at night?

Reykjavik is

one of the safest cities in the world

, just use common sense like not wonder alone late / in the middle of the night in side streets where no one is around.

Does Iceland require quarantine?

Entry rules for Iceland

All visitors are welcome, regardless of vaccination status, with no requirement to pre-register before visiting. There is no longer a requirement for a PCR test to board aircraft, and

no testing or quarantine upon arrival

.

What language is mostly spoken in Iceland?


Icelandic

is a North Germanic language spoken by about 314,000 people, the vast majority of whom live in Iceland where it is the national language. It is most closely related to Faroese and Western Norwegian. The language is more conservative than most other Western European languages.

How long does the Golden Circle take?

The whole Golden Circle route can easily be done in one day, as the classic journey covers around 230 kilometres (140 miles to you and me). You can actually drive the route in

just over 3 hours

. But, of course, you need to factor in time to enjoy the attractions, take photos and stay fuelled as well.

How many days in Reykjavik is enough?

Generally, we advise to visit for not less than

7-8 days

as you will then have sufficient time to explore much of the tours and attractions in Iceland and Reykjavik.

Does it snow in Reykjavik in February?

February, like most months in Iceland, is the month to dress in layers. While it’s nowhere near as cold as say, December,

you can still expect ice and snow

.

What is the cheapest time to go to Iceland?

Put simply, the cheapest time of year in Iceland is during its off-peak season; this covers

September to November and January to May

. Visiting Iceland in Autumn or Spring will be kind to your wallet and allow you to visit popular destinations without them being crowded, a win-win!

How do people spend 4 days in Iceland in winter?
  1. See the northern lights.
  2. Taste some local cuisine.
  3. See the waterfalls in their winter ice “outfits”
  4. Go horseback riding.
  5. Visit a local swimming pool.
  6. Soak in a hot spring.
  7. Stroll around Reykjavik.
  8. Do the Golden Circle.

Which airport should I fly into Iceland?

Most travelers who fly to Reykjavik will land at

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

. As Iceland’s main transportation hub, the airport has three runways welcoming over 4.8 million passengers yearly. Flights to Reykjavik are offered by several U.S. carriers, including Delta Airlines, Icelandair and WOW Air.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.