Travel to Iceland — everything you need to know
When to go to Iceland?
- June – August — Midnight sun : Days with almost no night (midnight sun), the mildest weather, and accessible roads including the Highlands. Waterfalls are at full flow.
- September – November — Northern lights : The first northern lights become visible, temperatures are still reasonable, and autumn colours are spectacular. Fewer crowds.
- December – March — Winter & Northern lights : Prime northern-lights season. Long nights, magical snowy landscapes and frozen lakes. Bring proper cold-weather gear.
Weather in Iceland
Check the weather city by city, starting with Reykjavik.
- Reykjavik: daytime highs from 3 to 15 °C depending on the season, 73 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Iceland?
Iceland is an end-of-the-world destination, a land of northern lights, geysers, active volcanoes, immense glaciers and spectacular waterfalls. The land of fire and ice, with Reykjavik as the world's northernmost capital, offers landscapes of almost supernatural beauty.
Golden Circle
The essential route from Reykjavik: Strokkur geyser, Þingvellir National Park (birthplace of democracy, tectonic rift) and the Gullfoss waterfalls.
Highlights : Strokkur geyser, Gullfoss waterfalls, Þingvellir National Park, Kerid crater lake.
South Coast & Jökulsárlón
Iceland's most spectacular coastal route: the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black-sand beach and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its icebergs.
Highlights : Jökulsárlón — iceberg lagoon, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Skógafoss & hiking trail.
Snæfellsnes
A glacier-capped peninsula that inspired Jules Verne (Journey to the Center of the Earth). Snæfellsjökull glacier, basalt cliffs, fishing villages and northern lights.
Highlights : Snæfellsjökull glacier, Lóndrangar cliffs, Arnarstapi village, Djúpalónssandur beach.
Reykjavik
One of Europe's smallest capitals is full of surprises: colourful architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, new Nordic restaurants and the Blue Lagoon just 40 minutes away.
Highlights : Hallgrímskirkja — iconic Lutheran church, Blue Lagoon, National Museum of Iceland.
Travel budget for Iceland
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. Plan for a substantial budget, especially for accommodation and food. Renting a car is essential outside Reykjavik.
- Backpacker : 80–120 €/j — Camping + self-catering + shared car
- Comfort : 160–260 €/j — Guesthouse + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 400 €+/j — 5★ hotel + Nordic fine dining + premium experiences
Practical tips for travelling to Iceland
- Flight from Paris : ~3h direct (Icelandair, easyJet, Vueling)
- Visa : No visa required (Schengen area)
- Currency : Icelandic króna (kr) — card payments accepted everywhere
- Language : Icelandic — English spoken fluently everywhere
- Electricity : Type C/F — 230V (same as in France)
- Mobile network : EU roaming included — excellent coverage on the Ring Road
- Tap water : Excellent, among the best drinking water in the world
- Health : European Health Insurance Card valid, no particular health risk
Compare Iceland with other destinations