Iceland
Northern Europe · Europe
- Capital
- Reykjavik
- Currency
- Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Language
- Icelandic
- Timezone
- UTC (no daylight saving)
- Safety rating
- 9.6/10
- Best time to visit
- June to August for midnight sun, waterfalls at peak flow, and Highland (F-road) access. September to March for northern lights. February is the best month for northern lights with sufficient darkness.
Overview
Iceland is the land of fire and ice — active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, and the Aurora Borealis all coexist on this volcanic island in the North Atlantic. The Ring Road (Route 1) circumnavigating the island is one of the world's great road trips. Reykjavik is an unexpectedly cosmopolitan capital with world-class restaurants and a thriving arts scene.
Visa requirements
Part of the Schengen Area (not EU). EU/EEA citizens enter freely. USA, Canada, Australia, UK enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Iceland uses the Króna — not the Euro.
Safety information
Consistently ranked the world's most peaceful country. Crime is virtually non-existent. Primary hazards are natural — volcanic activity, unpredictable weather, and flash flooding on roads. Always check road conditions (road.is) before driving in winter.
Travel tips
Rent a 4WD in winter and shoulder seasons — essential for F-roads (Highland) and storm conditions. The Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) can be done in a day from Reykjavik. Book the Blue Lagoon in advance — it sells out. Petrol stations are scarce in the Highlands — fill up whenever you can.