Iceland travel advice
Natural connections
Natural connections
Emmanuelle Bluman from our Iceland based supplier Alkemia offers some Iceland travel tips for connecting with the unique landscape:
“Most of what you'll experience you won't have anywhere else because Iceland is a volcanic land almost on the Arctic Circle. In winter, you have the Northern Lights -, in summer the Midnight Sun. You have geysers, smoke, solfatares [aka fumaroles – geothermal openings in the Earth's crust that emit gases from inside the planet], places where basically the ground is boiling under your feet! Untouched and wild places like none that exist in the rest of Europe - no houses, just hiking paths.... And not forgetting bathing in natural hot water pools!”
Our Iceland Vacations
Iceland vacation, small group
Delve into the ancient land of Vikings and volcanoes
From
US $3205 to US $3565
8 days
ex flights
Iceland highlights self drive vacation
A road trip adventure full of Iceland's highlights.
From
£1890
14 days
ex flights
Camping in Iceland vacation for 18-29s
Unzip your tent to Iceland's greatest geysers and glaciers
From
US $1785
7 days
ex flights
Iceland Northern Lights adventure vacation
Stay in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle
From
US $1850
5 days
ex flights
Midnight sun photography vacation in Iceland
Photograph amazing landscapes in Iceland's midsummer light
From
£3750 to £3950
12 days
ex flights
Toasty dips
Toasty dips
Tom Wilkinson of supplier Exodus sings the praises of hot dips in his Iceland travel tips:
“Thermal baths are a key part of Icelandic culture - a very social thing to do, where friends meet, chat and unwind. Where else would you be floating about in 30 degree water, face covered in therapeutic mud, in an outdoor pool with little flecks of snow settling on your nose and ice in your hair?!”
Hot culture
Hot culture
Laura Greenman of our supplier Magnetic North offers recommendations on Iceland's superb cultural scene – musicians like Bjork and Sigur Ros, artist Ólafur Elíasson, writers Arnaldur Indridason and Nobel Prize winner Halldor Kiljan Laxness - which can sometimes be overlooked in the rush to see Iceland's natural wonders:
“Iceland's cultural impact is staggering when you consider the size of its population. Artists, musicians, writers, film-makers - Iceland has a rich cultural mix often inspired by the landscapes and wildness of its natural beauty, that has had a far-reaching impact around the world. Reading a chilling crime thriller brings to life some of the atmosphere of the island!”
Our top Iceland Vacation
Iceland 6 day self drive tour
6 days exploring highlights of Iceland
From
£885
6 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way.
Everything is tweak-able, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way.
Travel Team
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Iceland tips from our travelers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Iceland travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
We have selected some of the most useful Iceland travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation - and the space inside your suitcase.
Be aware that you need good equipment to photograph the Northern Lights, but it is still a memorable event without photos - and others will share photos with you
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- Valerie Oakley
"Most of the walking is not easy (rock piles, sand, pebbles, very deep moss, up/down). I am not complaining - it was great."
- Ardath Walcott
“Be prepared for long days on photographic breaks! Up at 4am for sunrise shoots on the beach in freezing winds, through an action-packed day shooting glaciers, to night quests for the Northern Lights, in bed around 2 am. Bring at LEAST 6 layers of thermal clothing, and the chemical hand-warmers were a salvation when standing around at night, just waiting for the Lights to appear.”- Suzanne de Pelsenaire
“No need to take out lots of cash as can pay by card. Add a day or two in Reykjavik onto your vacation.” - Rebecca
“Be prepared for long days on photographic breaks! Up at 4am for sunrise shoots on the beach in freezing winds, through an action-packed day shooting glaciers, to night quests for the Northern Lights, in bed around 2 am. Bring at LEAST 6 layers of thermal clothing, and the chemical hand-warmers were a salvation when standing around at night, just waiting for the Lights to appear.”- Suzanne de Pelsenaire
“No need to take out lots of cash as can pay by card. Add a day or two in Reykjavik onto your vacation.” - Rebecca
Most of the walking is not easy (rock piles, sand, pebbles, very deep moss, up/down). I am not complaining - it was great.
![]()
- Ardath Walcott
"Be aware that you need good equipment to photograph the Northern Lights, but it is still a memorable event without photos - and others will share photos with you" - Valerie Oakley
“Travel light as you are moving around. I wore my walking boots all the time and didn't really need another pair of shoes. And no need to take a skirt or dress - just spare trousers and layers.” - Gillian Girling
“Prepare real winter clothes to protect yourself not only just the cold weather but also the wind. I thought that I brought enough but next time I will bring more wind-proof jackets and pants.” - Chada Ruangtoowagoon
“Although our guide said he has 100% rate for seeing the Northern Lights, it's always good to think about other activities and excursions to avoid disappointment.” - Si-Ling Pang
“Travel light as you are moving around. I wore my walking boots all the time and didn't really need another pair of shoes. And no need to take a skirt or dress - just spare trousers and layers.” - Gillian Girling
“Prepare real winter clothes to protect yourself not only just the cold weather but also the wind. I thought that I brought enough but next time I will bring more wind-proof jackets and pants.” - Chada Ruangtoowagoon
“Although our guide said he has 100% rate for seeing the Northern Lights, it's always good to think about other activities and excursions to avoid disappointment.” - Si-Ling Pang
More about Iceland
Summer for midnight sun and migrating whales, winter for Northern Lights.
Iceland's landscapes are Tolkien-esque, and the culture is fed by this unique geography.
Westfjords and Snaefellsnes are wildly beautiful; the Golden Circle justly famous.
The Northern Lights add a dramatic paintbrush to Iceland's colossal canvas.
Iceland's incredible landscapes might have been designed for a photography vacation.
Iceland's remote location, wild landscapes and folklore are woven into the culture.
Iceland's capital is home to colourful homes and modernist architecture.
Self driving in Iceland lets you discover natural landscapes, not crowds.
We look at overtourism and how you can visit Iceland without contributing to the issue.
Touring Iceland is convenient, and often more enjoyable than independent travel.
Midnight sun photography vacations in Iceland are the stuff of bucket lists.
Learn how you can travel Iceland better, with less impact and helping locals.
Our exploration of whaling in Iceland looks at the reasons and justifications for the industry and what responsible travelers can do to help the survival of these creatures.
Find all of our Iceland guides in one place for more information on the different types of vacations such as walking or cruising in Iceland...
