Destinations Ultimate Guide to Iceland 6th August, 2024

Here at Kandoo Adventures we operate several fantastic trips to Iceland and in this blog, we’ll answer some of the most asked questions about travelling to Iceland and provide you with some interesting facts about Iceland. For more information regarding our trips to Iceland, get in touch with our friendly team who are happy to answer any questions you may have.

When travelling to Iceland, it’s good to know that Iceland does not adjust to daylight savings time. Due to Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, the country experiences “midnight sun” in which the setting sun doesn’t fully dip below the horizon in the summer months. Iceland experiences its peak daylight hours during the Summer Solstice in late June.

At the other extreme, days are much shorter during winter, with only a few hours of daylight around the solstice in December.

The flight duration will differ depending on the country you are flying from. The average flight time from London to Reykjavík is 3 hours and 10 minutes, while the shortest flight from New York to Reykjavík has a duration of approximately 6 hours. There are no direct flights from Los Angeles to Reykjavík and they will include at least one stop over in the United States.

Typically, visitors tend to come to Iceland in the summer months from May to July when the temperatures are a little warmer, the roads are more navigable, and the midnight sun makes the days longer. This is because some of the most remote and exciting places in Iceland are only open during the summer months. For example, those who come to trek the iconic Laugavegur trekking route can only access this region during the summer months.

That being said, there are more and more visits to Iceland in winter each year as people come to seek out the northern lights. Due to its very northern location and dark winters, Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights on Earth. Though the northern lights, or the aurora borealis as they are otherwise known, are technically present all year round the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and April. This is because Iceland is very dark in winter and the darker it is, the better the chance of seeing the vibrant colours of the aurora.

In addition, the best time of year for whale watching in Arctic countries such as Iceland and Greenland is between April and September.

From May to July Iceland experiences its summertime. Iceland’s summer is milder, the days are longer and its truly a spectacular time to visit. During these months Iceland experiences 24/7 daylight but the weather can still be very unpredictable. Temperatures can drop as low as 7 °C and rise as high as 25 °C It can rain a lot during summer, so you still need to pack warm clothes and waterproofs as well as your summer gear.

In the winter, between September and April, Iceland’s average temperature usually ranges from around -10°C to 0 °C though temperatures regularly go down to -20°C in the northern part of Iceland but stay close to 0°C in the south. Iceland weather in winter is snowy and cold, with long nights and in the depths of winter in Iceland, the sun never really rises.

For a summer trip to Iceland, it’s not a bad idea to bring both light and warmer layers with you. Light layers include t-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts as well as shorts. For your warmer set, make sure to bring some trousers or jeans and layers such as a fleece or thick jumper. For walks on beaches, along cliffs or in national parks, you should wear some good water-resistant hiking shoes or boots. Because of the ever-present light at this time of year, we also recommended sunglasses and suncream.

When travelling to Iceland in winter, we recommend packing an insulated jacket and adding some good base layers to keep you even warmer. Good sturdy boots will also help you enjoy the rough outdoor terrain. It’s good to know that most outdoor excursions such as snowmobiling and ice caving provide the necessary winter clothing such as warm outer layers but it’s a safe idea to bring winter trousers and snow boots.

For US citizens visiting Iceland, your passport must be valid at least three months before your intended date of departure from Iceland. For this reason, we recommend that your passport has at least 6 months validity remaining whenever you travel abroad. Iceland is also a party to the Schengen Agreement, meaning that US citizens may enter Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. All visitors should also be up to date on all recommended vaccinations including hepatitis A, hepatitis B and measles.

1.       Trek in Iceland

Trekking in Iceland is popular as this icy paradise can be cold, but not too cold and the landscapes found here are like nothing you’ve ever witnessed before. Amongst the icy fields, glaciers and mountains are hidden hot springs, volcanic swimming pools, stunning fjords, crevasses and some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.

We at Kandoo Adventures offer a range of different Iceland adventure holidays including our Laugavegur Trek and Volcanoes, Deserts and Glaciers Trek where you can explore the highlights of this impressive island by foot. The beauty of a trekking holiday with Kandoo Adventures is that our trips take you to the most iconic destinations and allow you to totally immerse yourself in the unrivalled landscapes and panoramic views you’ll discover here.

2.       Swim in Iceland

Swimming in Iceland is a popular activity among locals and visitors alike, so much so that pretty much every village has their own community pool, many heated by nearby geothermal springs or underground thermal activity. With the country’s history tied to fishing, knowing how to swim became a must and so it is tradition for every Icelander to learn to swim for a young age. It’s not just about safety though, it’s also a shared love for the water.

As well as swimming pools, Iceland has many geothermal spas, hot springs, warm rivers and stunning beaches just perfect for swimming. With over 100 swimming pools and various spas, lagoons and hot springs to choose from including the famous Blue Lagoon, there’s plenty of places to choose from if you’re in search of things to do in Iceland.

3.       Go in search of the northern lights

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the night sky during the winter months in countries like Iceland, Norway and Greenland in the Nordic region. Catching a glimpse of the northern lights is on the bucket lists of millions around the world and it’s easy to understand why. Being one of the best places to see the northern lights, tying in a northern lights tour with your trip to Iceland will ensure you make the most of your visit and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

4.       Tour the Golden Circle in Iceland

The Golden Circle is the most famous of all scenic routes in Iceland, combining some of the most stunning geological wonders Iceland has to offer. Mounted with big and small highlights including the Great Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Circle Tour can be extended at will. Whether you take one or more days to complete the Golden Circle Tour, you’ll experience some of the most stunning landmarks and historically significant places in Iceland. It is a must do in any Iceland travel itinerary!