Visa Iceland is part of the Schengen Area and the EEA (European Economic Area). For citizens from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: No visa required — entry with ID card or passport (both must be valid) Stay up to 90 days without registration No border controls when entering from the Schengen Area

Icelandic Króna (ISK) The Icelandic Króna is the smallest currency in the world by circulation. Current rate (2025/2026): 1€ ≈ 150 ISK. The Króna fluctuates significantly — before the financial crisis in 2008, it was 1€ = 90 ISK, then it fell to 1€ = 190 ISK. Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 ISK. Notes: 500

The Icelandic Highlands The highlands (Hálendið) make up about 40% of the country's area and are Iceland's last wilderness: Uninhabited, without infrastructure, only accessible via F-roads (Fjallvegir = mountain roads). It is a landscape of lava fields, colorful rhyolite mountains, glacial rivers, a

Blue Lagoon — Booking & Tips

The World's Most Famous Thermal Bath The Blue Lagoon (Bláa Lónið) on the Reykjanes Peninsula is Iceland's number 1 tourist magnet — and accordingly organized. No entry without prior booking! Packages PackagePrice (2025/2026)Includes Comfortfrom 12,990 ISK (87€)Entry, silica mask, 1 drink, towel P

Iceland's Weather — Expect the Unexpected The Icelandic saying "Ef þér líkar ekki veðrið, bíddu í fimm mínútur" (If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes) is no exaggeration. In a single day, you can experience sunshine, rain, hail, snow, and storm — sometimes simultaneously. The weather is

Camping & Wild Camping

Camping in Iceland Camping is the cheapest way to travel in Iceland, and the campsites are well-equipped. There are over 170 official campsites across the country. Campsites Price: 1,500–3,000 ISK (10–20€) per person/night Facilities: WC, showers (sometimes for an extra charge of 200–500 ISK), kit

General Safety Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world — the crime rate is extremely low, there is no army, and the police do not carry firearms (they are locked in the car). Violent crime against tourists is practically unknown. The only shot ever fired by the Icelandic police in the co

Internet, SIM & Mobile

Mobile Network in Iceland Iceland has a surprisingly good mobile network along the Ring Road and in all towns. The three providers are Síminn (largest coverage, also in the highlands), Vodafone Iceland, and Nova. 4G/LTE is standard in populated areas, and 5G is being expanded in Reykjavík. Roaming

Basic Vocabulary & Pronunciation

Icelandic is a North Germanic language that is so similar to the Old Norse of the Vikings that Icelanders can read the medieval sagas in the original—a feat no other European nation can accomplish with its 1,000-year-old texts. Special Letters The Icelandic alphabet has 32 letters and includes some

Home Travel GuidesIsland

🇮🇸

Travel Guide Island

Your complete travel guide for the island of fire and ice

Capital:Reykjavík

Language:Icelandic

Currency:Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Best Travel Time:Jun–Aug (Summer) / Sep–Mar (Northern Lights)

Flight Time:~3.5 hours from DE

Visa:No visa required (EU/Schengen)

Last updated: 11 March 2026 · 12 Chapters · 79 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Ring Road Tour (Route 1)

10–14 days

The legendary circumnavigation of Iceland over 1,322 km — all highlights from waterfalls to glaciers to whales. The ultimate road trip with rental car or campervan.

ReykjavíkGolden CircleSeljalandsfossSkógafossVíkJökulsárlónEgilsstaðirMývatnAkureyriHúsavíkGoðafossSnæfellsnesReykjavík

South Coast Express

5–7 days

The compact version for first-time visitors: Reykjavík, Golden Circle, and the South Coast to Jökulsárlón. All highlights in one week.

ReykjavíkGolden CircleSeljalandsfossSkógafossVíkJökulsárlónDiamond BeachReykjavík

Winter Northern Lights Trip

5–7 days

Iceland in winter: Northern lights, blue ice caves, snowy landscapes, and fewer tourists. The Ring Road is only safely passable in the south.

ReykjavíkGolden CircleSüdküsteEishöhle (Vatnajökull)Blaue Lagune

Highland Adventure

5–7 days

For experienced travelers with 4x4: Iceland's wild interior with colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and absolute solitude. Only possible in summer (July–September).

ReykjavíkLandmannalaugarÞórsmörkAskjaMývatn

All Chapters

Planning· 2 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Iceland

8 Sections

Chapter 2

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Regions· 5 Chapters

Chapter 3

Reykjavík & Surroundings

13 Sections · 1 Walking Tour

Chapter 4

Golden Circle

7 Sections

Chapter 5

South Coast

11 Sections

Chapter 6

North Iceland

9 Sections

Chapter 7

Westfjords & Snæfellsnes

10 Sections

Understanding· 3 Chapters

Chapter 8

Land & People

2 Sections

Chapter 9

Nature & Geology

3 Sections

Chapter 10

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

9 Sections

Chapter 12

Icelandic Language Guide

1 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Reykjavík & Surroundings

The northernmost capital in the world with Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, a vibrant food scene, legendary nightlife, and the Blue Lagoon on the nearby Reykjanes Peninsula.

HallgrímskirkjaHarpa Concert HallPerlan MuseumLaugavegur & Rúntur+2

Island

Golden Circle

The three highlights Þingvellir (tectonic plates, UNESCO), Geysir/Strokkur, and Gullfoss waterfall on a day route from Reykjavík.

Þingvellir National ParkStrokkur GeyserGullfoss WaterfallSilfra Fissure (Snorkeling)+2

Island

South Coast

The most spectacular coastal route in Europe: Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), black beaches (Reynisfjara), glaciers, and the magical Jökulsárlón ice lagoon.

Seljalandsfoss & GljúfrabúiSkógafossReynisfjara (Black Beach)Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon+2

Island