So, you’ve decided to visit Iceland—great choice! This little island in the North Atlantic has been stealing hearts for years with its wild landscapes, quirky culture, and endless sense of adventure. But if it’s your first time, you probably have a ton of questions. What’s the best time to go? How do you get around? What should you pack? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Best Time to Visit Iceland
Iceland is a year-round destination, but your experience will look very different depending on when you come.
- Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, green landscapes, and access to highland roads. Perfect for road trips, hiking, and festivals.
- Winter (November–March): Short days, lots of snow, and magical Northern Lights. Great for ice cave tours, winter sports, and cozying up in hot springs.
- Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October): Fewer crowds and cheaper prices. You can catch glimpses of both summer greenery and autumn colours.
Tip: If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, plan for late September to early April. If you want to experience the Midnight Sun, visit in June or July.
Getting to Iceland
Most visitors arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. There are regular flights from major cities in Europe and North America, and budget airlines often offer deals.
Pro tip: Book your flights early, especially if you’re travelling in summer when demand is high.
How to Get Around
Iceland isn’t the kind of place where you stay in one city. The magic lies in exploring the countryside, waterfalls, volcanoes, and coastlines.
- Car Rental: The most flexible and popular way. Renting a car lets you set your own pace and stop at hidden gems along the way. For first-time visitors, Dollar Car Rental Iceland is a great choice. With convenient pick-up at KEF Airport and a wide range of budget-friendly cars, you’ll find the right vehicle whether you’re sticking to the Ring Road or heading out on a snowy winter drive. Check out dollar.is to see the options.
- Tours: If you don’t feel like driving, guided tours cover highlights like the Golden Circle or South Coast.
- Public Transport: Limited outside Reykjavík, so not ideal for sightseeing.
Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
Here are the must-sees that every first-timer should try to fit in:
- Golden Circle: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
- South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature” with lava fields, glaciers, fishing villages, and sea cliffs.
- Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon: Soak in geothermal waters with a view.
- Reykjavík: Explore Iceland’s colourful capital, with its cafés, art, and music scene.
What to Pack for Iceland
Icelandic weather is unpredictable, so the key is layers.
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm sweater or fleece
- Base layers (wool or synthetic)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Swimsuit (yes—you’ll want it for hot springs!)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent)
- Sleep mask if visiting in summer (Midnight Sun means bright nights!)
Money and Costs
Let’s be honest—Iceland isn’t cheap. But knowing a few tips can help.
- Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK).
- Cards: Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, even in tiny cafés.
- Tipping: Not expected, service charges are included.
- Budget tip: Buy snacks at grocery stores and refill your water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Food & Drink
Don’t leave without trying:
- Lamb: A staple of Icelandic cuisine.
- Skyr: A thick, protein-packed dairy product (like yogurt).
- Seafood: Fresh and delicious, from cod to Arctic char.
- Hot dogs: Yes, really! Icelandic hot dogs are legendary.
Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty of options, especially in Reykjavík.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
- Weather changes fast: Always check the forecast before heading out.
- Daylight matters: Plan activities around sunrise/sunset hours depending on the season.
- Driving rules: Headlights must be on at all times, and off-road driving is strictly illegal.
- Apps to download: Vedur (weather), SafeTravel, and Parka (for parking payments).
Final Thoughts
Visiting Iceland for the first time is exciting, a little overwhelming, and totally unforgettable. From the moment you step out of the airport and see lava fields stretching to the horizon, you’ll realise you’re in for an adventure like no other.
And the best way to experience it all? With the freedom of your own rental car. Dollar Car Rental Iceland makes it simple, affordable, and reliable to hit the road right from the airport. That way, you can focus on chasing waterfalls, glaciers, and maybe even the Northern Lights.
👉 Start your Iceland adventure at dollar.is and find the car that fits your trip.