Iceland Summer Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Land of Fire and Ice.
Essential Travel Information for Iceland
Everything you need to know before your summer adventure in Iceland
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa-Free Travel: Most travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.
- Proof of Onward Travel: Immigration may ask for proof of onward/return travel.
- Health Requirements: Check current travel advisories and entry requirements.
Currency & Payments
- Icelandic Króna (ISK) is the official currency.
- Credit Cards: Iceland is largely cashless - cards are accepted almost everywhere.
- ATMs: Available in most towns, but less common in rural areas.
- Tipping: Not customary in Iceland. Service charges are typically included. Rounding up is appreciated.
Mobile & Internet
- WiFi: Widely available and generally free in accommodations and cafés.
- SIM Cards: Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone offer tourist SIM packages.
- Cell Service: Reliable in cities and towns but may be limited in remote areas.
- Power: Iceland uses 230V electricity with Type C (European 2-pin) and Type F (German 2-pin with side clip earth) plugs.
- Emergency App: Download the 112 Iceland emergency app for added safety.
Time Zone
- Iceland follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.
- Iceland does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
- During summer, Iceland is 4 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time.
Summer Weather
- Temperature: Averages 10-15°C (50-59°F), but can vary widely.
- Precipitation: Rain is common, even in summer. Be prepared!
- Wind: Can be strong and unpredictable. Windproof clothing is essential.
- Midnight Sun: Near-constant daylight from May to August.
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency Number: 📞 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
- Search & Rescue: 📞 112
- SafeTravel Iceland: Register your travel plans at safetravel.is
- Road Conditions: +354 1777 or road.is
- Weather Info: +354 902 0600 or vedur.is
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 3 months)
- Driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Credit/debit cards
- Travel insurance details
- Flight itinerary & accommodation details
- Small amount of Icelandic Króna (ISK)
- Printed maps as backup
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of important documents
Clothing Essentials
- Waterproof/windproof jacket (essential!)
- Waterproof/windproof pants
- Insulating mid layers (fleece/wool)
- Quick-dry shirts/t-shirts
- Thermal base layers (even in summer)
- Hiking pants (preferably water-resistant)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Warm socks (wool or synthetic)
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Swimsuit for hot springs
- Sleep mask (for the midnight sun)
- Indoor shoes
- Flip-flops
Gear & Equipment
- Day backpack (water-resistant)
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Portable power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Camera and extra memory cards
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Microfiber travel towel
- Reusable shopping bag
- Thermos for hot drinks
- Dry bag
- Waterproof phone case
Health & Personal Care
- Prescription medications
- Basic first-aid kit
- High SPF sunscreen (even with clouds)
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness medication
- Personal toiletries
- Earplugs
- Hand warmers
Iceland Packing Tips
- Layer Up: Iceland's summer weather can change rapidly — layering is essential! The Icelandic saying goes "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."
- Quality Rain Gear: Don't compromise on your waterproof jacket and pants. You’ll be visiting several waterfalls, and the wind can blow mist and water onto you when you get close!
- Swimming Essentials: Pack flip-flops and a towel for geothermal pools and hot springs.
- Extra Socks: Wet feet get cold quickly. Pack more socks than you think you'll need.
- Slip-on Indoor Shoes: Icelanders remove shoes indoors, and having a comfy pair of slip-ons is convenient.
- Sun Protection: Despite mild temperatures, the sun can be intense during long daylight hours.
Top Destinations & Experiences
Discover the incredible places to explore during your Iceland summer adventure
The Golden Circle
Iceland's most popular day trip route features three stunning natural attractions all within a short drive from Reykjavík.
Must-See Highlights:
- Þingvellir National Park – Walk between two tectonic plates at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 5-10 minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall – Experience the power and beauty of this massive two-tiered waterfall.
South Coast Wonders
Iceland's South Coast features some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier views.
Don't Miss:
- Seljalandsfoss – Walk behind this unique waterfall for an unforgettable perspective.
- Skógafoss – Powerful 60m waterfall with rainbows on sunny days.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Famous black sand beach with basalt columns.
- Vík – Charming coastal village with dramatic sea stacks.
- Vatnajökull National Park – Home to Europe's largest glacier.
Midnight Sun Experiences
During summer in Iceland, the sun barely sets, creating the perfect opportunity for unique experiences under the midnight sun.
Summer Activities:
- Midnight Hikes – Experience popular trails without the crowds.
- Evening Hot Spring Bathing – Relax in geothermal waters under the golden light.
- Puffin Watching – Visit coastal cliffs to see these charming birds.
- Whale Watching – Summer offers excellent whale sightings around Iceland.
- Photography – Capture landscapes in the magical "golden hour" light that lasts for hours.
Icelandic Summer Cuisine
Summer in Iceland offers fresh, local ingredients and a range of outdoor dining options. Here are some foods and drinks you shouldn't miss:
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Fresh Seafood
Try Arctic char, langoustine, and the famous fish stew (plokkfiskur).
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Icelandic Yogurt
Skyr - a high-protein, low-fat dairy product similar to yogurt.
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Rye Bread
Traditional "hverabrauð" is baked slowly using geothermal heat.
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Lamb Dishes
Icelandic lamb is free-range and has a distinctive flavor.
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Ice Cream
Icelanders love ice cream year-round, even in cold weather!
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Local Beer
Try craft beers from Iceland's growing microbrewery scene.
Icelandic Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Shoe Removal: Icelanders typically remove shoes when entering homes.
- Punctuality: Being on time is important in Icelandic culture.
- Swimming Pool Etiquette: Showering naked before entering pools is mandatory.
- Quiet Appreciation: Icelanders generally speak softly and value peaceful environments.
- First Names: Icelanders use first names for everyone, regardless of status or age.
Responsible Tourism
- Stay on Paths: Vegetation in Iceland is fragile and slow to recover from damage.
- No Off-Road Driving: This is strictly prohibited and heavily fined.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, especially in wilderness areas.
- Respect Closures: Some areas may be closed for environmental recovery.
- Geothermal Area Safety: Stay on marked paths at hot springs and geothermal areas.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Iceland's beautiful nature can be dangerous. Always check weather forecasts (vedur.is), road conditions (road.is), and register your travel plans at safetravel.is. Never underestimate the power of Icelandic weather, which can change rapidly.
Additional Travel Tips
- Tap Water: Iceland has some of the purest tap water in the world and is generally safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. To reduce plastic waste, opt for a reusable water bottle or canteen filled with filtered tap water instead of purchasing bottled water!
- Budget Planning: Iceland is expensive. Be prepared for higher costs compared to many other destinations.
- Car Rental: Consider adding wind insurance to your rental, as strong gusts can damage car doors, and choose a 4WD vehicle if you plan to self-drive outside of Reykjavík.
- Northern Lights: Not visible in summer due to the midnight sun.
- Swimming: Public pools are in nearly every town and are a cultural experience.
- Language: While Icelandic is the official language, English is widely spoken.
- Alcohol Purchasing: Only available in state-run Vínbúðin stores.
- Need help searching for a flight? We recommend Skyscanner.com to compare different routes and rates. Click here to search!
Luggage Restrictions
