Iceland Awaits: Tips for Your Journey

I visited Iceland in August 2024, and I was constantly amazed by its breathtaking beauty. Every time I turned a corner, I found myself thinking, "It can't get more beautiful than this!"

Iceland is far from your typical destination. While this blog isn't focused on specific places to visit—since the entire country is stunning, even just driving around—it’s more about the tips I wish I had when I was planning my trip. I hope you find this helpful!

• What to Bring/ How to Pack

  • Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so thermals are essential. Don’t forget to bring a hat—some days can be very windy—and gloves.

    • For footwear, hiking shoes are a must; they were the only shoes we used during our trip.

    • Also, a waterproof jacket is crucial, and consider waterproof pants if you plan to venture behind the waterfalls at Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss 

  • I also would pack some snacks, as food in Iceland is expensive

• Car and Accommodations 

  • If you are planning on staying in Reykjavik, you may not need a car, and you also can book tours to near by attractions, however, if you want to drive around Iceland, you definitely need a car.

  • An RV or camper is the best choice since it eliminates the need to drive back to a hotel or cabin each day.

    1. Car- 4x4 as many routes are unpaved and mud roads especially if you go to the north

    2. Regarding accommodations, we stayed in an Airbnb in Reykjavik and a cabin in southern Iceland (Hella). If possible, I recommend looking for a cabin in Vik for a more picturesque experience.

• Food

  • Most restaurants stop serving food at 9 pm- plan accordingly 

    1. Food is expensive 

    2. Try Icelandic lamb - we loved Kjarr Restaurant & bar

    3. Most of the areas outside of Reykjavik don’t have many food stops- prep sandwiches/ snacks

    4. Do grocery shopping at Kronan or Bonus supermarkets

• Misc.

  • Make sure you always have gas in your car, as gas stations as not close to each other

  • You don’t need cash, all places take cards

  • Download Google map offline ( some areas may not have service)

  • If you want to experience sunset at midnight, the best time to visit is in June

  • Northern light during the summer is very faint due to long daylight hours- however, we were lucky to see it during our trip in August

    • You need to be in a very dark area, we saw it in our cabinet

• Where to Go in Iceland

  • Our Iceland trip included Reykjavik and southern Iceland, where we reached a glacier (Jökulsárlón)

    1. Also, visited Snæfellsnes ring ( the peninsula ~ 2.5 hrs from Reykjavik)

    2. Waterfalls, our favorite were Porufoss, Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss

       1. Skogafoss has a hiking trail above it which is so beautiful if you would like to hike a 27 KM trail

    3. Thermal water spas are pricy but they are an experience - we did Sky Lagoon as Blue Lagoon air was not safe due to volcanic activity 

• Final Thoughts

  I was surprised to see travelers visiting Iceland with their toddlers. The country is very kid-friendly and accommodating for those who are pregnant as well. You can choose activities that suit you and your family—whether you want to embark on adventurous outings or simply drive around and make stops along the way