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ICELAND
DESTINATION GUIDE
As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Iceland in a way like no other. Iceland is the original land of fire and ice. More than ten percent of the country is a slow-moving glacier, whilst bubbling ground and rising steam erupts through its raw landscape. Despite this otherworldly natural setting, a tour with Trafalgar proves there is more to Iceland than milky blue thermal pools, basalt volcanic cliffs and some 20,000 waterfalls. With us, you will get to know the people and culture, gaining a deeper appreciation of this earthly paradise. Learn of a Viking past, hear mythological tales of trolls, elves and hidden pots of gold, and connect with locals in the quirky capital of Reykjavik. Architecture, music and culinary delights almost compete with the phenomenal sky display of the Northern Lights. This escape to the edge of the world is an invitation that’s impossible to resist. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.
"Iceland is like nowhere else on the planet - the waterfalls, views and landscapes are absolutely stunning - and that's without even mentioning the Northern Lights"
John,
Travel Director
Iceland at a
glance
Currency
Icelandic Króna
Winter avg temp
-1°C
Summer avg temp
14°C
Time Zone
GMT
Capital City
Reykjavík
Language
Icelandic
Good Morning
Góðan daginn
Good evening
Gott kvöld
With slow-moving glaciers, milky blue thermal pools, basalt volcanic cliffs, 20,000 waterfalls and the spellbinding Northern Lights, Iceland is an earthly paradise. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director to get under the surface of the original land of fire and ice.
Our top 3 things to do in Iceland
Known for its natural phenomena, from geothermal activity and hot springs to light sky displays, Trafalgar will surprise you with another side of Iceland. Step into the country's Viking past, music traditions and cultural quirks.
Explore the quirky capital of Reykjavik
No guided tour of Iceland is complete without a visit to the most northern capital of the world, Reykjavik; a city small in size, but gregarious in style. Take in the creative intensity of the city’s people, which has flourished into a unique art and culinary scene that embraces Nordic culture and the avant-garde. All set amidst storybook gabled houses, jagged basalt rock and the sea.
Admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Of the 10,000 plus waterfalls that can fill Iceland trips, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of the standouts. At Seljalandsfoss, water cascades off a cliff that was once part of Iceland’s coastline, flowing into pools surrounding lush green fields. At Skógafoss you will find an old-world majesty, with mythology speaking of trolls, elves and hidden pots of gold.
Journey through Iceland's volcanic landscapes
For a land named after ice, it can be bewildering to find this country is also one of fire. Connect with this geothermal mecca of over 130 volcanic mountains by traversing raw moonscape lava fields, exposed black sand beaches and the fringes of volcanoes.
Best museums in Iceland
Iceland’s extremist landscape ranges from volcanic fields of dried magma to jutting glaciers that spike like crystals. But the contours of its people are just as intriguing to explore. Nowhere do their stories unfold better than the varied museums we take you to in the capital of Reykjavik.
National Museum of Iceland
In the centre of Reykjavik sits Iceland’s National museum – a brutalist building with an igloo shaped dome. Explore Viking weaponry, Norse mythology and Lion-Knight legends, then wander upstairs to gain an understanding of the fight for independence from Danish rule. This museum shares the unbelievable chronology of the island’s history.
Reykjavík Maritime Museum
An island nation wedged between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, fishing has always been a vital part of Iceland’s livelihood. Learn of a modern emergence through fishing and uncover artefacts of violent cod fish wars at the Reykjavik Maritime Museum - a chronicle of the Icelandic people’s seafaring ways.
Icelandic Phallological Museum
Located in Reyjavik, the Icelandic Phallological Museum contains the world's largest display of penises. The extensive collection includes 280 specimens from 93 animal species including whales and seals, and land animals ranging from bulls to hamsters.
Best food in Iceland
Much of Iceland’s fascinating food is steeped in the history of Viking times and woven with greater Nordic culture. Trafalgar will indulge you in many obscure delicacies from this self-sufficient country and our tours of Iceland start and end with a surprising local dish.
Smoked Puffin
Despite their fishing heritage, Icelanders take much of their cuisine from the land. The national bird of Iceland, the puffin, is one that historically saved its residents from starvation. Today, it is considered a local delicacy. Sample it for yourself accompanied by lashings of delicious blueberry sauce.
Hardfiskur
For centuries, Hardfiskur has been a staple of Icelandic cuisine. This protein-rich snack is made by curing the bacteria of oily fish in the icy Atlantic air before pounding it soft with a mallet. See the fish hanging up to dry all over the island; an insight into traditional Nordic cooking processes.
Icelandic hot dog
Hotdogs are abundant in Iceland, found at petrol stations, roadside stands, malls and ferry terminals. They are most often made of local, organic, grass-fed lamb as a result of meat import restrictions and a population of sheep that doubles that of humans. Eat yours topped with sweet brown mustard, remoulade, capers, herbs and raw onions.
A raincoat
With rain falling an average of 213 days a year in Iceland, a raincoat is definetely an item you won't want to forget. A much needed extra layer for the subarctic climate, it will also provide protection from overzealous waterfalls.
Swimsuit
Icelanders take bathing very seriously. With more pools per capita than any country in the world, you may wish to take a few pairs of swimming costumes to ensure you always have one dry.
Thermals
Having a dry layer of warmth close to your skin is something to have handy for Iceland whether summer or winter. It’s especially helpful to have close for those for those who love to spend time outdoors exploring the country’s extreme landscapes.
Ear-muffs
Exposing your ears to the elements can send chills through your body - easily preventable with a warm pair of ear-muffs.
What to pack for Iceland
Other things to know before you go
Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.
Road Trip Adventures
Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!
Guide to Iceland Visa Application
Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Iceland and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.
This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.
Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience!