Welcome to Iceland

Iceland is a land of absolute extremes — and only about 3.5 flight hours from Germany. On an island just below the Arctic Circle, you experience a natural force that exists nowhere else on Earth:

• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) — from September to March, green, violet, and red curtains of light dance across the night sky. An experience that leaves you speechless
• Midnight Sun — in June and July, the sun practically doesn't set. 24 hours of daylight transform the island into a surreal wonderland
• Geysers & hot springs — Iceland sits on a volcanic hotspot. The Strokkur geyser shoots boiling water 30 meters into the air every 5–10 minutes, and steam rises from the ground all over the country
• Glaciers & icebergs — the Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe (8,100 km²). At the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, turquoise icebergs drift into the sea, and at Diamond Beach, ice blocks lie like polished diamonds on black volcanic sand
• Waterfalls — Iceland has thousands of waterfalls. Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind!), Skógafoss, Goðafoss, Dettifoss (the most powerful in Europe) — each one a sensation
• The Ring Road (Route 1) — 1,322 km of adventure lead around the entire island. The most legendary road trip route in Europe
• Volcanoes — over 30 active volcanic systems. In 2010, Eyjafjallajökull disrupted European air traffic, and new fissures have been opening on the Reykjanes Peninsula since 2021

Iceland is one of the world's safest countries — no army, practically no crime, a stable democracy with the oldest parliament in the world (founded in 930 AD). Icelanders are friendly, educated, and almost all speak fluent English.

What makes Iceland unique: The untamed, raw power of nature. Here, the Eurasian and North American continental plates collide, volcanoes create new landscapes, glaciers carve valleys, and hot springs steam beside icy rivers. It feels as if the Earth is not yet finished with its creation here.

Iceland can be divided into five main regions for travelers. The Ring Road connects them all:

Reykjavík & Surroundings

For whom: City explorers, culture lovers, first-time visitors
The northernmost capital in the world surprises with a vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, colorful houses, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja. Most tours start from here, and the Blue Lagoon is only 45 minutes away on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Golden Circle

For whom: Day-trippers, nature lovers, beginners
The three highlights Þingvellir (tectonic plates + UNESCO), Geysir/Strokkur, and Gullfoss waterfall can be easily experienced as a day trip from Reykjavík. The most compact dose of Icelandic magic.

South Coast

For whom: Adventurers, photographers, waterfall lovers
The most spectacular coast in Europe: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black beach of Reynisfjara, the Dyrhólaey cape with puffins, and at the end the magical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with Diamond Beach.

North Iceland

For whom: Whale watchers, nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path travelers
The "Capital of the North" Akureyri, the mystical Mývatn Lake with its pseudocraters and lava fields, the mighty waterfalls Goðafoss and Dettifoss, and Húsavík — the whale watching capital of Europe.

Westfjords & Highlands

For whom: Adventurers, solitude seekers, experienced travelers
The most remote regions of Iceland: The Westfjords offer dramatic cliffs, lonely fjords, and the Dynjandi waterfall. The highlands (accessible only in summer with 4x4) are Iceland's last wilderness — Landmannalaugar with its colorful rhyolite mountains is the highlight.

1. Circle the Ring Road — 1,322 km around the island: glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, black beaches. The ultimate road trip requires at least 8–10 days. → Chap. Arrival & Transport
2. Chase the Northern Lights — From September to March, the Aurora Borealis appears in the dark sky. Best seen away from city lights in clear weather. An experience you'll never forget. → Chap. Best Travel Time
3. Bathe in a hot spring — From the world-famous Blue Lagoon to the new Sky Lagoon to wild hot pots in nature: Iceland is a giant thermal bath. → Chap. Reykjavík
4. Stand before the Strokkur geyser — Every 5–10 minutes, a fountain of boiling water explodes 30 meters into the air. The anticipation while waiting is almost as good as the eruption itself. → Chap. Golden Circle
5. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss — The only major waterfall in Iceland you can completely circle. Seeing the landscape through the water curtain from behind — magical (and wet!). → Chap. South Coast
6. Marvel at Diamond Beach — Glittering ice blocks lie on black volcanic sand like diamonds on velvet. Opposite, the Jökulsárlón lagoon sends its icebergs into the sea. → Chap. South Coast
7. Whale watching in Húsavík — The whale capital of Europe offers almost guaranteed sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and with luck, even blue whales. → Chap. North Iceland
8. Dive between the continental plates (Silfra) — Float in the crystal-clear glacier water of the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir between Europe and America. Visibility: up to 100 meters. → Chap. Golden Circle
9. Observe puffins — From May to August, millions of these cute birds nest on Iceland's cliffs. Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg, and the Westman Islands are the best spots. → Chap. Nature
10. Hike on a glacier — A guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or Skaftafellsjökull. Crampons, ice axes, and a world of blue ice. → Chap. South Coast
11. Experience Dettifoss — Europe's most powerful waterfall thunders 500 m³/second into a 44-meter-deep gorge. The raw power is overwhelming — no wonder it was a filming location for "Prometheus". → Chap. North Iceland
12. Eat an Icelandic hotdog — The Pylsur (hotdog with lamb, crispy onions, and three sauces) from Bæjarins Beztu is a cult. Bill Clinton has eaten here. 590 ISK for pure happiness. → Chap. Food & Drink

Iceland has an oceanic climate, which is much milder than the name suggests — thanks to the Gulf Stream. However, the weather is extremely changeable. "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes" is the Icelandic motto.

Summer: June–August (peak season)

The best travel time for most visitors:

• Temperatures: 10–15°C (can rise to 20°C), nights around 5–8°C
• Midnight Sun: Almost 24 hours of daylight — on June 21, the sun in Reykjavík practically doesn't set
• All roads open: The highland roads (F-roads) are only passable in summer (approx. June–September)
• Puffins: From May to mid-August on the cliffs
• Drawback: Highest prices, most tourists, no Northern Lights

Winter: November–February (Northern Lights season)

• Temperatures: -2 to 4°C in Reykjavík (mild thanks to the Gulf Stream), colder in the north
• Northern Lights: The main attraction! Darkness from 4 PM offers perfect conditions
• Ice Caves: The spectacular blue ice caves in Vatnajökull are only accessible from November to March
• Restrictions: Only 4–5 hours of daylight, highlands closed, some roads in the north difficult

Shoulder Season: May & September–October

The perfect compromise: Fewer tourists, lower prices, and depending on the month, both long days and Northern Lights chances. September often offers the most stable weather.

Climate Table: Reykjavík

Iceland is one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world. Prices are significantly higher than in Germany — expect to pay twice to three times as much for food and drinks. However, with the right strategy, Iceland can also be explored on a smaller budget.

Daily budget per person

Price examples (2025/2026)

Iceland requires a thoughtful packing list — the weather is extremely changeable, and good equipment can make the difference between a dreamlike and a miserable experience. Here are the essential items that should not be missing from any Iceland backpack:

Clothing — The Layering Principle

Equipment

• Sunglasses: Essential — the sun is low and reflects on glaciers, water, and snow. UV protection 400
• Sunscreen (SPF 50): UV radiation in Iceland is surprisingly strong due to the thin atmosphere and reflection on ice — even on cloudy days
• Water bottle: The tap water is one of the purest in the world — fill your bottle everywhere for free. Don't buy plastic water!
• Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential in winter (short days), useful for ice caves and Northern Lights hunting
• Power bank: The cold drains batteries. A good power bank (20,000 mAh+) keeps your phone alive for photos, navigation, and the vedur.is weather app
• Dry bag/Pack sack: For camera, phone, and valuables during waterfall visits and boat tours. You'll get wet at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss!
• Swimwear + quick-drying towel: For hot pots, thermal baths, and wild hot springs. You'll bathe more often than you think
• Adapter: Not needed! Iceland uses Type C/F (Europlug) — the same as in Germany

For Campers additionally

• Sleeping bag: Comfort temperature -5°C or warmer. Even in summer, nights can drop to 2–3°C
• Sleeping mat: R-value at least 3.0 for summer camping, 5.0+ for shoulder season. The ground is cold!
• Camping stove + gas: Buy gas canister at the airport or in Reykjavík (not allowed on the plane!). The "Primus" brand is available everywhere
• Dish soap + sponge: Available at most campsites, but not always

Summer vs. Winter

Iceland has a first-class healthcare system — life expectancy is among the highest in the world (84 years). Medical care is modern and comprehensive, although limited in remote areas.

Medical Care

• Landspítali (University Hospital Reykjavík): The main hospital in Iceland with an emergency room — open 24/7. Address: Hringbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Tel: +354 543 1000
• Akureyri Hospital: The second largest hospital in the north. For emergencies in North Iceland
• Health Centers (Heilsugæslustöðvar): In almost every major town. Usually open Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM. Walk-ins possible, but with waiting time
• Pharmacies (Apótek): In Reykjavík and all major towns. Many medications that are over-the-counter in Germany require a prescription in Iceland

EHIC Card (European Health Insurance Card)

As an EU/EWR citizen, you are entitled to basic medical care with the EHIC card (on the back of your German health insurance card) under the same conditions as Icelanders. This means: You pay the Icelandic co-payment (approx. 6,000–10,000 ISK / 40–67€ for a doctor's visit). A travel health insurance is still strongly recommended — it covers repatriation, mountain rescue, and treatment costs beyond basic care.

Typical Health Risks

• Cold and hypothermia: The most common problem, especially during hikes and glacier tours. Wet clothing + wind = dangerous. Layering principle and spare clothing in the backpack!
• Burns from hot springs: The second most common tourist injury. Geothermal water can be 80–100°C hot. NEVER enter unmarked springs, always test the temperature first
• Sunburn: Yes, even in Iceland! UV radiation is surprisingly strong due to the thin atmosphere and reflection on glaciers and snow. Sunscreen (SPF 50) and sunglasses are essential
• Blisters: During long hikes on uneven terrain. Break in hiking boots beforehand, take blister plasters
• Midges at Mývatn: The name means "Midge Lake" — and it's no joke. In summer (June–August), the midge swarms can be extreme. A head net and DEET spray help. The midges don't bite, but they crawl into eyes, nose, and mouth
• Altitude sickness: No risk in Iceland — the highest point is Hvannadalshnjúkur at only 2,110 meters

Travel Pharmacy

Recommended items for the Iceland trip:

• Painkillers (Ibuprofen/Paracetamol)
• Plasters, blister plasters (Compeed), wound disinfectant
• Remedies for travel sickness (for whale watching tours and rough seas!)
• Sunscreen SPF 50 + lip care with UV protection
• Insect repellent (DEET) for the Mývatn region
• Eye drops (against wind and sand)
• Personal long-term medication in sufficient quantity