Iceland is magical all year long. This land of fire, ice, and natural beauty offers visitors something at any time of year. Whether you’re looking for endless sun, the Northern Lights, or simply a chance to relax in a geothermal hot spring, Iceland has you covered.

You really can’t pick a bad time to go to this small island nation. But if you need some convincing, here are my top five reasons to visit Iceland.

5 Reasons to Visit Iceland

1: Ice Caves
  • Ice caves: Iceland is home to some of the most stunning ice caves in the world. These caves are formed by glaciers and meltwater, and they offer a unique and unforgettable experience, as they all change almost daily. You can take a guided tour of an ice cave to learn more about their formation and see the incredible ice formations up close. We loved visiting Katla! Iceland travel is a great way to see some of the most stunning ice caves in the world.
2: Waterfalls
  • Waterfalls: You’ll find some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world here. In the winter, many of these waterfalls freeze over, creating stunning ice sculptures. In the summer, they’ll be in full swing, rushing down with incredible power. Some of the most popular waterfalls to visit are Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Svartifoss. But those are just the start of the epic falls!
3: Hot Springs
  • Hot springs: After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a hot spring. Iceland has many geothermal hot springs. Some are accessible for free via hiking, such as Landmannalaugar or Reykjadalur. Others are within paid, organized facilities, such as the famous Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
4: Epic Hiking
  • Epic hiking: Iceland offers some of the most epic hiking in the world, with trails to suit all levels of experience. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Laugavegur Trail, the Fimmvörðuháls Pass, and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. Iceland travel truly offers some of the most stunning hikes!
5: Northern Lights
  • Northern Lights: Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis are a natural light display caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s atmosphere. It must be remembered, The Northern Lights are most visible in the winter, when the nights are long and dark. We had the most luck at Grotta Lighthouse near Reykjavík in February! 

Bonus reasons to visit Iceland

Iceland travel offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to adventure seekers to foodies.

  • Whale watching
  • Icebergs
  • Food tours and breweries
  • Puffin colonies
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Horse bake riding
  • Lava caves
  • Glacier hiking
  • Museums
  • Ice climbing
  • Snorkeling and diving
  • White water rafting
  • Geothermal beaches
  • Glacier plane rides
  • The list goes on forever..

Iceland trips can be long or short

The land of fire and ice is small, but mighty! Iceland easily fits within the state borders of Colorado, which is the US’s 8th largest state in terms of landmass. It is a relatively small country, but there’s so much to see and do that you could easily spend weeks exploring. Iceland travel is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Those short on time can still drive around the entire country of Iceland via Ring Road in 6-7 days, though realistically you’re really going to want double that to explore all Iceland has to offer! 

I’ve done the 2 week road trip in the summertime and it was incredible. We drove the entirety of Ring Road, visiting the south, east, north, and west parts of this beautiful land. Read my blog post about that drive to copy this incredible trip.

I’ve also done a mini 4-day road trip in the winter and it was just as great. I stuck to the southern part of Iceland, which has the most well known attractions, such as the “Golden Circle”. Whatever time frame you have to visit Iceland – I promise you won’t regret going! Let me plan your trip for you!

No matter how much time you have to visit Iceland, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

When to visit Iceland

Iceland travel is becoming increasingly popular, so it’s important to book your trip well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season.

The best months to visit Iceland depend on what you want to see and do. If you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights, then the best time to visit is during the winter months from September to April. However, keep in mind that the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable during this time of year, so it’s important to pack accordingly.

If you’re more interested in mild weather and long days of sunlight, then the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer months from June to August. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the best months to visit Iceland for specific activities:

  • Northern Lights: September to April
  • Whale watching: May to September
  • Hiking: June to September
  • Ice caves: November to March
  • Midnight sun: June to July
  • Puffin watching: May to August
  • Skiing and snowboarding: February to April

Ultimately, the best time to visit Iceland is the time that works best for you and your interests. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, then you can avoid the crowds and save money by traveling during the shoulder season (May-June and September-October).

What to know about Iceland travel

Iceland travel can be expensive, but there are ways to save money, such as cooking your own meals and staying in hostels or guesthouses.

  • Iceland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors, but it can also be expensive.
  • The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather.
  • If you’re planning on renting a car, be sure to book it in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season.
  • Iceland is a relatively small country, but there’s a lot to see and do, so it’s important to plan your trip accordingly.
  • Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as skyr, lamb, and seafood.
  • Respect the environment and leave no trace.

Iceland travel is worth the investment, and you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.