• The different types of trips that can be made there: all-inclusive stay, self-tour, thematic tour, etc. The activities to do during your stay (enjoy the benefits of geothermal water in the many pools of the country), as well as the organized excursions you can do (whale or puffin watching, quad bike tours, hiking, etc.).
• The different steps to think about to prepare your stay: purchase of plane tickets, choice of rental car, reservation of accommodation (hotels, lodgings, campgrounds, etc.). The best periods to go to Iceland to take advantage of this country, winter or summer? Or why not in spring or autumn?
• The places and tourist sites to visit and we can say that there is a multitude in Iceland thanks to the beauty of the landscapes with its volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, beaches, lava fields, cliffs, gorges or fjords, its small islands, but also its culture that we find in the museums and the few cities. The sparkling Icelandic capital
• Reykjavik which gathers two-thirds of the Icelandic population, known for its cultural life, nightlife and also its greenery and tranquility.

Our site also shares with you the Icelandic news (economic, sports, political, etc.) and some beautiful videos on this country. We also take you to discover the culture, the geography of the island or its history to understand Iceland. Thanks to this site, you will have all the information for a good traveler to go to Iceland!

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

You wish to travel in Iceland. But, for that, you have to prepare yourself, so discover our tourist guide to visit Iceland with the different sites and activities from its capital Reykjavik to the wild areas of the south coast or the center of the island. You will then be able to prepare your trip in this country and see which sites and tourist places to discover.

This video allows you to discover Iceland in a 15 days road trip through the whole country, from the south coast to the west, through the eastern fjords, the north and even the central highlands. You will discover the spectacular nature with its glaciers, its waterfalls or its ash deserts.

You want to discover a wild country only a few hours by plane from France, then go to Iceland and discover one of the most beautiful countries in the world thanks to its spectacular nature.

This island will please the passionate of big spaces, mountains, volcanoes and ice. It is not for nothing that it is called the Land of Ice and Fire. By browsing our site, you can learn more about this place, prepare your trip to Iceland, find the right itinerary, places to visit, excursions and many other tips and advice on Iceland.

To discover Iceland, you also have to know how to play with the weather and its brightness. Because the weather is not always good and the temperatures are often fresh. We can even say that the weather is often hostile and the climate rarely warm. The day is also very different from one season to another with the midnight sun in the summer and a very short day in the winter which allows to see sometimes an aurora borealis.

A stay in Iceland is a real human adventure that you will not forget in a hurry thanks to the many wonders that can be found there: glacier, volcano, fjord, ash desert, lava field covered with moss, waterfall or deep blue lake. And we must not forget the urbanized areas with the capital Reykjavik, the city of Akureyri or Husavik, as well as many other villages.

To go to Iceland is also to discover its inhabitants, who are friendly, helpful, modern and cultured, but who may seem cold at first sight. So don't hesitate to talk to them to learn more about them and the history of their country, from the colonization of the country, to the tourism explosion, through the time under the domination of Denmark and the crisis of 2008!

⭐️ How to go to Iceland?

To get to this country, the easiest way is to fly to Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport. It is served by many airlines and can be reached from most major European cities (Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London, etc.) or North America (Montreal, New York, Washington, etc.).

💰 How much does a trip to Iceland cost?

This country is often described as one of the most expensive in the world and it is true. It is necessary to count from 200 to 500 euros per person for a round trip to Iceland from France or other European countries, minimum 30 euros per day for the rental of a small car or between 80 and 250 euros per night in a hotel (except if you take a camping type of accommodation). Renting a motorhome costs between 100 and 500 euros per night depending on the type of vehicle! The average price for a day for 1 to 3 weeks of vacation is between 80 and 300 euros per day per person.

🚗 How to get around in Iceland?

Iceland is a relatively large and sparsely populated country, so public transportation is not very well developed and it is easier to rent a car to move between the different sites to visit on the national road 1.

• Enjoy the Icelandic swimming pools and hot baths, a real institution in this country with a cold climate.
• Admire the wonders of nature with the Northern Lights illuminating the Icelandic sky between September and March.
• Observe the local Icelandic fauna and more particularly the huge whales and the small puffins.

• Driving in Iceland is not easy, as the road network is quite different from the rest of Europe, so be sure to check out the Icelandic road conditions site.
• The weather is often unstable in Iceland, so go to the Icelandic reference site Vedur.is.
• When to go to Iceland? You will find the right time of the year to make your trip.

• Icelandic cuisine
• Icelandic culture and tradition
• Geography of Iceland
• History of Iceland
• Book on Iceland

Thanks to this form, you will find the cheapest air tickets to Iceland and from Paris or other cities in Europe or in the world.

You are going to this country for your next vacation, so here is a small guide that can help you find the right accommodation, a car or even a stay already organized to get there, all at the best price. With these pages, you will find solutions to find a hotel, a camping or a motor home, but also many advices to find the right rental company and the right car that will allow you to visit this country in all peace. You can also organize your trip by simply going through a travel agency or a tour operator.

You want to make a trip to this country, but you wonder at what season to go there? Iceland can be visited all year round, but it depends on what you are looking for:

• Winter is the ideal season to see snow, aurora borealis and the atmosphere is quite unique. On the other hand, the weather is often capricious, the roads can be closed and the length of the nights is important, it is more complicated to make a road trip or to travel the country.
• Summer is the perfect season to make a road trip and discover the Highlands of the country, inaccessible in winter. The sun is more present, the weather is calmer and it is then possible to visit the whole country and the great majority of the tourist sites. On the other hand the tourist frequentation is important and the prices are higher.
• Spring and autumn are also interesting seasons because the number of visitors is low and the weather is often sunny in spring with the appearance of flowers. In autumn, nature takes on different beautiful colors.

But where to sleep in Iceland? If you are looking for an accommodation, you will find on this page different solutions like hotels, campings, campervans, bed and breakfast or in refuges and, of course, the price of all these accommodations. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, but you should know that a night in a hotel is very expensive, so it can be interesting to take a tent to go camping or to sleep in a home or in a shelter.

To get around on this island, nothing better than renting your own vehicle. 4×4, touring cars or vans, what choice to make and especially how much can it cost? Indeed, car rental is expensive, so it is important to get information and to look at the prices on different websites. With your car, you can then go on the road and tour the island.

Find out everything you can do on a trip to Iceland. What are the most beautiful sites to see and the most impressive activities? Iceland is rich in natural sites, so you can drive around the country on the roads to find Icelandic glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes, glacial lagoons like the sublime Jökulsarlon and even ash deserts. In addition to nature, this island has some interesting cities (including Reykjavik, Akureyri or Siglufjörður).

Iceland is first and foremost an island with grandiose and magnificent landscapes. You can also enhance your trip with various excursions that will allow you to discover the country in a different way: whale and puffin watching, ice cave tour, boat trip on the Jökulsarlon, guided tour of the city of Reykjavik, etc. You will also find information about day trips and excursions from Reykjavik.

Want help to prepare your trip to Iceland, our site offers many tours and itineraries to do when traveling to this country. From a few days to several weeks through a one-week or two-week tour, you will be able to organize yourself in the best way for the trip of your dreams and according to the number of people you will be.

Some tours will make you discover the whole island, but others will concentrate on certain regions like the North of Iceland (with Myvatn for example), the Golden Circle, the south of the country, etc.

The road trip or self-tour is one of the ideal solutions to visit this island. So follow Iceland Explora's advice and discover our different road trip proposals from a few days to several weeks to travel the country.

This country is known to be one of the most expensive in Europe and even in the world. Discover now all you need to know about cheap trips to Iceland, but also about all the tips to travel at discount price! If you are wondering how much a trip to Iceland will cost you, then you will have all the information available on the Iceland trip budget page.

For a few years now, Iceland has been part of the stopovers of many cruises that frequent the waters of the North Atlantic. They allow you to discover this beautiful country by calling most often at Akureyri, Reykjavik and Isafjödur.

If you don't want to organize your trip to Iceland yourself, you can also decide to go with a tour operator, which will save you a lot of time. However, going with a travel specialist also has a fairly high cost, so you should look carefully to see if it is advantageous for you. The interest of taking this type of vacation is also to have an opinion on what is proposed.

Vous souhaitez partir seulement quelques jours vous changer les idées ? Alors pourquoi ne pas partir en weekend en Islande ! Located at only 3 hours from London, Reykjavik is close enough to go there and spend only a few days. Vous pourrez y visiter la capitale du pays, mais aussi aussi quelques lieux proches comme le Cercle d'Or ou le célèbre Blue Lagoon dans la péninsule de Reykjanès. Un séjour court comme un week-end se fait aussi bien à une personne qu’en couple avec ou sans enfant. You can enjoy the beautiful capital Reykjavik and the nearby regions. Certains tour-opérateurs islandais proposent des voyages tout compris avec la nuit d’hôtel et le vol au départ de Paris ou d’une autre ville.

It is necessary to choose well its circuit, its type of trip (road trip, organized tour, etc.), its means of transport (car, bus or camping car) and its mode of accommodation (hotel, bnb or camping). As for the duration, you should count about 10 to 15 days to go around Iceland.

The budget for a trip to Iceland varies depending on the type and length of stay you wish to make, as well as the mode of transportation you choose. In general, prices for accommodation (hotels, b&b), car rental, living and flights are very high, but they vary according to the time of the year (high period in summer). To get an idea, you should count on about 120 € to 200 € for a night in a hotel with breakfast. Airline tickets are between 100 and 350 € from France.

The Icelandic climate is of the subpolar oceanic type, even polar in certain zones. The weather is very often changeable and the average temperatures on the south coast are around -3 to +1 °C in winter and 10 to 15 °C in summer. The best time to travel to Iceland is therefore between May and September when the weather is sunny and temperatures are mild (around 15°C in the afternoon, often 20 to 25°C). If you want to see the Northern Lights, you should rather go in winter when it is dark.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

• What types of vehicles to choose?
• Where to rent a car ?
• Price of a car rental
• Rental insurance
• Advice when renting a car

With its 100,000 km² and 300,000 inhabitants, Iceland is quite large but very sparsely populated. Logically, you will have little public transport and no train. The best way to travel around this country is by car, so you will need to rent one. However, what type of cars should you take? This will depend on your itinerary, the number of people you have with you, but also if you want to sleep in it.

In Iceland, there is a large circular road (Route 1) that goes around the island and allows access to many of the important tourist sites of the country. However, it is one of the few completely paved roads in the country. It is therefore important to look at your itinerary (type of roads, etc.) before choosing a touring car, as with these you will not be able to venture into the Icelandic Highlands or into some of the less populated parts of the coastline (north or northwest). You can choose between many types of cars, from city cars to luxury sedans. The best cars to rent for driving in Iceland by category:

• The city cars: cheap and ideal for the cities, this type of car is not necessarily the best for Iceland. However, you can opt for the rental of a city car if you intend to stay on route 1 or in the Golden Circle. This type of vehicle is not recommended during the winter. Among the best city cars in terms of value for money are: the Hyundai i20, the Toyota Yaris, the Kia Picanto or the Renault Clio.
• Compact cars: a little bigger than city cars, they have 5 real seats and most of the time 5 doors. Renting a compact car allows you to do a lot of driving with a good comfort, but you will not be able to venture on the roads marked F. The best mid-size cars to drive around the country are: the Volkswagen Golf, the Kia Cee'd or the Hyundai i30.
• Berline and station wagons: more spacious, luxurious and with better engines, this type of car is good to rent for a family of 3 to 4 people, because you will have a large enough trunk to put your luggage. However, it is not allowed to drive it on F-roads. The best family cars in terms of quality-price are: the Honda Civic Tourer, the Toyota Auris Break, the Dacia Logan or the Skoda Octavia.

If you want to go to Landmannalaugar, Askja or other places that can only be reached by a road marked with an "F" at the beginning, it is necessary, if not mandatory, to take an off-road vehicle. With this type of car, you will not have to fear fords or bad tracks with gravel. The 4×4 is also very practical in winter when the snow starts to fall and cover the road with its white coat... You will be able to find different types of 4×4, from the practical and cheap Dacia Duster to the big American 4×4, or even the much more expensive Super Jeep. Beware, renting a 4×4 often costs twice the price of a traditional passenger car. The best 4×4 to rent to travel around the country :

• Small SUVs and 4×4s: small, not excessively expensive, they allow you to venture out on F-roads, but on the other hand they do not have much room inside and do not offer good comfort. In this category, we find mainly the Suzuki Jimny.
• SUVs and medium-sized 4×4s: these cars are large enough to accommodate 4 people with their luggage. They are often comfortable and can take F-roads. Be careful though, most of them are SUVs and their off-road capabilities can be mediocre. In this category, the best value and competence in 4×4 is undoubtedly the Dacia Duster, you can also turn to the old Suzuki Grand Vitara (before 2017). The current Toyota Rav4, Suzuki Grand Vitara or Hyundai Tucson are good vehicles, but quite average 4×4s.
• Big 4×4 and SUV: very practical to take a big family or if you have a lot of luggage, they can be real 4×4 or big SUV. The most performing 4×4 is undoubtedly the Toyota Land Cruiser, you can also opt for the Land Rover Discovery, the Land Rover Defender or the Nissan X-Trail.

The camper or the different types of campers (campervan, campercar, tentcar, etc.) are an ideal solution if you want to make a road trip without worrying about your accommodation. But be careful, the prices are often much higher than for a traditional car. The roads being what they are in Iceland, it can be interesting to opt for an all-terrain version of the campervan (on a pickup) or the camper van (in a 4×4).

If you are going to Iceland with friends or a large family, a fairly economical solution can be a minibus which can carry more than 6 people. Be careful, most of the minibuses are not off-road and are therefore forbidden to use the F tracks and you will have to stay on the road.

Find the best rental car for your trip to Iceland through our partnerships with two specialists: Reykjavik Cars and Guide to Iceland.

Take advantage of exceptional offers on many vehicles, from city cars to minibuses, 4x4s or luxury sedans.

[obflink-button label="Our booking offers on Reykjavik Cars" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-voiture" target="_blank" display="full" wide="yes" class="tds-button td-fix-index" size="tds-button1 tdm-btn tdm-btn-md tdi_26" background="#f7b738" radius="1"]

If you are going on a trip to Iceland, you are likely to arrive at Reykjavik International Airport which is actually 40 km west of Keflavik. You will probably ask yourself if it is more convenient to rent a car directly at the airport or in the capital? This will depend on your schedule and how long you want to stay in Reykjavik (as you don't need to be motorized). However, in most cases, it is more convenient to pick up your rental car directly at the airport or in the city of Keflavik (with free shuttles from the airport), which will save you the cost of a cab or bus transfer.

This is probably the big question because, as you may have noticed, renting a car in Iceland is very expensive. We easily turn around 80 to 100 euros per day for a small touring car and, for a 4×4, you will hardly find below 150 euros per day.

However, these rates are indicative and they can vary greatly depending on the season, the duration for which you have booked the car or with whom you have decided to go. Among the different car rental companies, there are the big international names such as Europcar, Avis, Hertz or Sixt. The latter offer mostly cars in very good condition, but they are often more expensive than other rental companies.

Indeed, you can also rent a car from one of the many companies that you can find on the internet. You will often get very good cars, but for more attractive rates. If you don't know who to choose, there are also some local comparators such as Guide to Iceland which have a large choice of cars at Keflavik airport or in Reykjavik or French or international players such as the car rental comparator Liligo which also has a large choice of offers at the best prices. Another solution, it is possible to rent used cars on some websites. It is the opportunity to have good prices and thus to rent a cheap car in Iceland.

When you go to rent a car on this island, you will have the choice to make the reception of the car and return (pick-up and pick-off) in different places:

• Car rental in Reykjavik
• Car rental in Keflavik airport
• Car rental in Akureyri

You will also find below the most extensive list of car rental companies where you can make your reservation for a trip to Iceland.

• A Car Rental
• Ace Car Rental
• Affodable Campers
• Alamo
• Amd
• Artic Trucks
• Atak Car Rental
• Auto Car Rental
• Notice
• Away Car Rental
• Bali Car Rental
• Blue Car Rental

• Budget
• Camp Easy
• Camping Cars
• Camping Iceland
• Cheap Jeep
• Dollar.
• Rent-a-car Company
• Europcar
• FairCar
• Fara
• Go Car Rental
• Go Iceland

• Great Iceland
• Hertz
• Ice Rovers
• Icerental 4x4
• Lagoon Car Rental
• Lava Auto Car Rental
• Lotus Car Rental
• Magic Car Rental
• MyCar
• NiceTravel
• Northern Lights Car Rental

• Procar
• Rás Car Rental
• Route 1 Car Rental
• Six60.is
• Sixt
• Solstice Campers
• Stractacars

• The season: of course there will be a difference depending on the time of year you go, in winter, autumn or early spring the rates are often 10 to 30% lower than between June and September. However, even at this time, you will still have prices that are much higher than in France or in most other European countries.
• The type of vehicle: it will also make a big difference in the rental price, a 4×4 being always more expensive than a sedan or city car, except in the case of the very accessible Dacia Duster. To access less expensive vehicles, it is also possible to turn to older vehicles that can be found in some local rental companies.
• The choice of the agency: if you go through the big international names like Hertz or Europcar, the rates are generally much higher than in local agencies.
• Duration of the rental: the longer you rent your vehicle, the more profitable it will be for you with lower prices.
• Reservation: make it online and several months before leaving, it is often much more economical than doing it on the spot and at the last moment.
• Rental locations: prefer Keflavik airport, where there are more offers and therefore the rates are cheaper. You should also avoid returning your vehicle to a different location than where you rented it.
• Options: avoid as much as possible the different options proposed by the rental companies which will increase the total cost of the rental.

When you go to rent a car in Iceland, the agency will often offer you many insurances. But it is not always easy to find your way around. So here are the car rental insurances that are offered in Iceland:

• Assurance CDW : vous assure contre les dommages que vous avez causé.
• Gravel protection : vous protège contre contre les dégâts des graviers sur le pare-brise et la carrosserie.
• Super CDW : c'est tout simplement l'assurance tous risques.
• Assurance TP : protection contre le vol du véhicule, mais comme il n’y a quasiment pas de vol en Islande, c'est donc quasi inutile.
• Assurance SADW : protection contre les dégâts causés par les tempêtes de sable ou de cendre. Même si ce phénomène existe, il est plutôt rare et si vous regardez régulièrement la météo vous pourrez éviter les zones qui seraient affectées.

Les assurances les plus utiles sont les assurances CDW, Gravel Protection, ou bien Super CDW.

Here are some tips on how to find cheap car rentals in Iceland:

• Book your rental several months in advance, you can often save hundreds of euros.
• Beware of the transport costs between your rental place (for example the airport or the city of Reykjavik) and the rental company's offices, it can sometimes cost 50 to 100 euros (for the outward journey and the same amount for the return journey!).
• As Iceland does not have the euro, try to take advantage of the times when the Icelandic krona (ISK) is lowest to rent.
• Compare the offers between the different car rental companies (Icelandic, but also international).
• Equip yourself with a GPS: most agencies offer a GPS in the car and it is of course optional. It is not necessary to have one, especially if you have a good smartphone. Even if you can't activate the internet with your phone plan, it is possible to use Google Maps offline and download the maps beforehand, the GPS will then work without any problem.
• Road maps are also very useful: if you don't have a GPS or even if you don't have one, a road map is often useful. Especially because the tracks are sometimes badly indicated on the main GPS. More info on the page dedicated to road maps in Iceland.
• Don't forget also to get information about driving in Iceland

The price of a rental car is very high in Iceland, most vehicles are available at rates starting from 20 or 30 euros, but they often rise to more than 100 euros especially when you take a 4x4.

The most efficient way is to go through a local agency that knows the country well, because it often offers the most suitable vehicles. You can therefore go to GuidetoIceland or Reykjavik Car.

Les routes goudronnées sont assez rares en Islande, à part la route 1 et les routes autour des grandes villes ou encore du Cercle d'Or. Il est cependant intéressant d'avoir un véhicule tout-terrain si l'on part en hiver ou bien si l'on veut visiter le centre de l'île comme le Landmannalaugar.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

But how exactly is the phenomenon of the aurora borealis explained? Discover everything you need to know in this guide, with an explanation of the phenomenon, but also and above all tips and tricks not to miss these magnificent lights that may illuminate your nights during your trip!

Want to discover the Icelandic night sky during the winter to see the Northern Lights? Here is a list of excursions or stays to book.

The high latitudes on which this country is situated will allow you to admire them in beautiful places. But to enjoy the show to the full, you'll need to get yourself in the right mood. You'll probably struggle to photograph an aurora borealis - however majestic - from downtown Reykjavik! Note that the nights in Iceland do not return until around August (before then, the famous midnight sun will prevent you from seeing anything).

So don't plan your trip before the aurora borealis period which starts in September and ends in early April, and you should prefer the months when the sunlight is weakest to try and see as many as possible (in the middle of winter between December and January). It should also be noted that some years (such as 2015 and 2016 when we could observe some magnificent ones over Reykjavik) are more prolific than others to observe them thanks to the peak of solar flares.

To observe the Icelandic aurora borealis, several conditions must be met. Below are the most important points to consider in order to maximise your chances of seeing one:

• The season: The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland and most of the regions near the North Polar Circle between late August and early April. Outside of these months, the light is too strong and the aurora is almost absent at night.
• Light pollution: natural or human light is particularly harmful if you want to observe them, so you must do everything possible to keep the night as dark as possible. It is therefore necessary to move several kilometres away from cities (such as Reykjavik or Akureyri), but also from villages, farms, isolated houses and greenhouses (vegetable greenhouses are very bright in Iceland, they can be visible from several kilometres away even at night). The moon is also an annoying source of light, especially when it is full, so choose a period without a full moon. Last but not least, in winter snow often covers a large part of the country and snow has a very high albedo, so any light source will be reflected on this white surface.
• Cloud cover and therefore the weather: to see the sky full of auroras, it will be important to pay attention to the weather and in particular to the cloud cover during the night, i.e. whether the sky is cloudy or clear. It is possible to see a map of the country's cloud cover directly on the Vedur website.
• The intensity of solar activity: this luminous phenomenon is of solar origin and therefore, to have the best chance of observing them, you should look at the solar activity and the chance of seeing auroras on the Vedur site or on this page https://www.aurora-maniacs.com/previsions-aurores.html.

To see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you may have to go on a real hunt, as it is not always easy to see them, as many parameters have to be combined for you to be lucky. One of the first and most important things to consider is simply the location. Then you will have to organise your trip as well as possible.

Indeed, even if an aurora is shining in the sky, you will have difficulty seeing it if you are in Reykjavik or in another large city in the country. Isolation is preferable: go into the wilderness, Iceland has no shortage of absolutely fascinating places to observe these meteorological phenomena without any external disturbance (light, among others). The objective is to find a spot far from inhabited areas or greenhouses (they are very bright at night in this country).

In Iceland, certain areas are often interesting, notably the north and east of the country, because the cloud cover is less important there than in the south and west of the country. The centre of the island is also perfect, for example the Landmannalaugar region. However, these areas are inaccessible during much of the Northern Lights season, due to the snow in winter.

Afterwards, it is worthwhile to go to places that are already beautiful and take good pictures of these places illuminated by these solar manifestations. Here are some places that will make a magnificent setting to admire them: Gullfoss or other waterfalls such as Skogafoss or Godafoss, the beach of Reynisfjara with the peaks of Reynisdrangar in the background, the mountain of Kirkjufell (a well-known spot for the aurora borealis), the lagoon of Jökulsárlón, the region of Landmannalaugar or the western fjords.

A small unusual place to observe this phenomenon: directly from the aeroplane flights as you approach the island. Indeed, as you are at altitude and often above the clouds, you can see this phenomenon more easily!

It is possible to see the Northern Lights thanks to travel specialists who offer evening expeditions from Reykjavik. However, as it is a natural phenomenon, you cannot be sure of seeing it every time. So there are many tours on offer that take you to the best spots. If, even after taking your tour, you haven't had a chance to see this sublime phenomenon, then rest assured, they will offer you a date or a refund. But why would you choose a Northern Lights tour instead of going on your own? There are several reasons:

• Going through specialists is more convenient, as you don't need to prepare your trip to see the Northern Lights. They can also take you to the best place at the best time.
• If you don't have a car and are stuck in Reykjavik, it is advantageous to use this type of service.

There are also many different kinds of excursions to see, but the prices are often quite different:

• Mini-bus or bus tours from Reykjavik or Akureyri
• The super jeep tour to get away from the city
• A tour or road trip in Iceland that includes Northern Lights evenings and other activities
• Cruises to see the Icelandic aurora

To choose the right tour, check out the reviews of each tour specialist and look at the prices.

Seeing the Northern Lights without going on a tour that may cost a certain amount of money is largely possible. But you will need to have your own car and also to be well informed and take into account the above information to make the best possible observation. The hunt for the aurora borealis can therefore be quite complicated and time consuming and you will often have to wait for long minutes outside when it is sometimes cold. Also be careful to see an aurora well, as some are very faint and it is therefore necessary to take a picture with a few seconds' exposure and check that a green shape appears on the picture.

When staying in hotels, it is also quite common for the accommodation to warn you if an aurora appears in the middle of the night. So be sure to check whether the hotel you are staying at offers this service.

Do you want to keep a souvenir of the aurora you might see during your travels in Iceland? Then, discover here all our advices to take a beautiful picture of this phenomenon:

• Equip yourself with a tripod, it is mandatory because to take a picture of the aurora borealis you have to take long shots without moving.
• It is necessary to have a camera with a manual mode like an SLR, a hybrid, many bridges or compact pro.
• Opt for a wide angle camera to have a large field of view.
• Adjust your camera properly:
  • Aperture: with a lens that allows f/2.8
  • ISO: use a high value, paying attention to noise
  • Exposure time: 10 to 30 seconds
• Avoid using autofocus and switch to manual with infinite focus to be sure you can capture the aurora borealis.
  Test your different settings to get the right shot.

The light events we generally talk about are called polar auroras - for the good reason that they occur frequently at the poles - but the term "aurora borealis" refers only to the northern hemisphere.

In the southern hemisphere, they are called southern lights. They have an ethereal shape that makes them look like a gigantic veil; they also have the slight movements of a veil. They are often green (but sometimes also blue or violet) and have a mystical quality that makes them absolutely fascinating. Nordic mythologies spoke of the dawn as the Bifröst, a kind of bridge of light connecting heaven and earth and allowing spirits to travel.

However, the reason for their appearance is quite rational! It is a luminous phenomenon, the parameters of which scientists have understood after long research (and after having noted that auroras were also born on other planets in our solar system, such as Jupiter for example!)

Before going into detail, it is worth remembering one thing: the polar auroras are the result of an interaction. This interaction involves the particle-laden solar wind and the Earth's upper atmosphere.

The solar wind, which logically arises from the magnetic activity of our sun, will generally be pushed to the poles of the globe. But if the activity is particularly strong, the solar wind will be moved further and further away from the poles.

In 2003, for example, the aurora borealis was observed as far away as France! However, this is a rare enough event to be remembered and, obviously, Iceland is the place to go if you want to see an aurora almost every night.

Having said that, their birth in general is the result of an interaction. But let's be clear about what interaction we are talking about: the charged particles carried by the solar wind are particles of matter, which form a plasma and which are, so to speak, the "responsible" ones for the light we enjoy every day. The particles in this plasma are electrons, neutrons and positive ions.

When this mixture collides with our magnetic envelope, which was produced by our good old Earth for the sole purpose of protecting us from solar flares, the atoms of the latter take a big hit. They become 'unstable', which in physics means the release of a photon (for each destabilised atom).

And so the aurora borealis appear: oceans of photons spat out by atoms that the sun has made unstable.   So now that you know all about the aurora borealis, you can plan your trip to Iceland to see them.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

Discover this animated map which allows you to get the temperature, precipitation or wind in this island, but also in the rest of Europe or France. It is also possible to obtain more or less long term forecasts.

Here is a list of specialized sites for Iceland:

• en.vedur.is
• icelandmonitor.mbl.is
• lachainemeteo.com
• meteofrance.com

Known for its harsh climate, this island offers a relative mildness, especially considering its latitude. However, never expect to be hot, even in the middle of summer, as temperatures rarely exceed 20°C.

Whatever the season, the weather is tempered by the ocean and despite its boreal location, and this offers often turbulent weather with rain, wind and snow being very frequent, especially in winter, but also in spring and fall.

Summer is the hottest season, and even if snow and cold are absent, it is often cool and humid, with the weather changing very often. Another peculiarity of this country is the sun and the day which are very little present in winter, which allows to admire the Northern Lights.

On the contrary, during the summer, the luminosity is always important and the sun almost never sets. Finally, the weather is often very different from one place to another in Iceland. The west, where Reykjavik is located, is more subject to precipitation and mild weather, as is the south. The north and east of the country are drier and colder in winter, often hotter in summer.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

[obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"]

• Why choose a camper van in Iceland
• Camping car or camper van ?
• Where to rent a motorhome ?
• Living in a motorhome

• Autonomy and freedom in terms of accommodation, you can change your route whenever you want
• Saving on food (no need to eat out all the time)
• A trip adapted to children
• To have access to a toilet and a shower in all circumstances

• The price of the rent very expensive in Iceland
• Limited space inside
• The climate of this island is not the most pleasant to live in motorhome, especially during the winter season
• Impossible to drive a motorhome when it is too windy

Find the best motorhome or campervan rental for your trip to Iceland through our partnerships with two specialists: Motorhome Iceland and Guide to Iceland. Take advantage of exceptional offers on many vehicles, from the two-person camper to the large six-person motorhome, including the pickup truck transformed into a motorhome.

[obflink-button label="Book on Motorhome Iceland" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" display="full" wide="yes" class="tds-button td-fix-index" size="tds-button1 tdm-btn tdm-btn-md tdi_26" background="#f7b738" radius="1"]

If you have decided to rent a motorhome for your next trip to Iceland, you will see that you will have to make another choice. Indeed, in addition to the basic motorhome, Icelandic rental companies offer other types of vehicles that are quite similar but with some differences: the campervan, the 4X4 camper and the 4X4 motorhome.

This is the vehicle that we meet on the roads in summer. It is a type of van that has been extensively fitted out to provide a kitchenette, a room with a shower or simple tap, a toilet and one or more beds. With this type of vehicle, you carry a small house with you, but it is impossible to go on the roads F.

Iceland being a very wild country, off-road versions of the campervan exist and they are brought on a pick-up car platform. Able to use the F trails, they also offer the same features as a classic version (even if there is often less space).

In a simple van, a sleeping space has been created, often with a water tap and a mini kitchen. Not very cumbersome, the campervan is very practical to visit a country at lower cost.

This is the off-road version of the campervan, essential if you want to venture off Route 1.

Comparison chart

[table id=1 /]

As always when it comes to renting a vehicle or a car, it is never easy, especially when you see the prices. So you will have to find a site with a quality service, motorhomes in good condition, but especially with an accessible quality-price ratio. As far as rental prices are concerned, motorhomes are not that accessible. Indeed, when we look at the prices, they are between 200 and 600 euros per day depending on the type of vehicle, the comfort and the number of people you can put inside. Of course, the prices will vary greatly depending on the season or the rental company. Among the rental companies that offer motorhome rentals in Iceland, you can turn to :

• campingcarislande.fr
• extremeiceland.is
• campingcar-online.com

Some are more specialized in campervans, like :

• kukucampers.is
• happycampers.is
• campeasy.com

Most of the players are local and the few rental companies found in France, subcontract to Icelandic companies. If you don't know who to choose, there are also a few local comparators like Guide to Iceland ou Compare car Rental. It is preferable to rent your motorhome at the airport, but you can also do it in Reykjavik.

Living in a motorhome is not always easy, especially when you are not used to it and when you have your first experience in a country as cold as Iceland. You will have to get used to the promiscuity of the places, but also to the rather imposing size of the vehicle. Here are some advices and information about the use of a camper van in Iceland (some points can also be applied to the use of a camper van)...

Motorhomes are quite long (between 5.50 and 8 meters for some), heavy (up to 3.5 tons), wide and high vehicles. It is therefore important to pay attention to certain points when driving with this type of vehicle. However, in Iceland the use of motorhomes is quite easy for several reasons:

• There are few cities, and it is easier to drive in rural areas
• The paved roads are generally wide and in good condition
• No trees and therefore no difficulty in seeing

You should however :

• Limit yourself mainly to Route 1 and other major roads in the country
• Do not go on off-road roads (strictly forbidden)
• Be careful with the violent wind that can overturn your vehicle

Sleeping in a camper van means that you will only have 8 to 10 square meters of living space, so logically you won't have much space. It is therefore necessary to store your various things well in order to better organize yourself. You will see that one of the main problems of the motorhome is its exiguity! Here are the main important points about the motorhome in Iceland:

• Space is limited. If you are several adults (more than a couple), opt for a 6-seater vehicle for more comfort and privacy.
• The beds are often large and rather comfortable, but the ceiling is very often low, thus be careful with the bumps!
• The shower is often in the same place as the toilet. In addition to being small, the water pressure is very low and the hot water is very limited, so don't expect to spend hours in the shower.
• The kitchen is small, but if you are well organized you can easily cook inside.
• The fridge often doesn't cool much, it acts more as an icebox than anything else. Fortunately the Icelandic climate is cold.
• The motorhome being made of sheet metal or plastic materials, it can be cold at night (sometimes 5°C inside the vehicle if you don't have a heater), so you should either opt for a heater or think about having blankets and warm clothes (even comforters).
• The standard electric plugs of the motorhome cannot be used in any conditions, indeed they work only when you are connected to the mains (so you have to go to the campsite), so foresee a 220 V adapter for cigar-lighter to recharge your various cameras.

Taking a camper or a campervan in Iceland, it is the possibility to sleep when and where you want. At least partly, because the wild camping in vehicle is completely forbidden since the end of 2015. It is thus advised to sleep in a camp-site, at least one night out of two, but the cost is then rather high, because you will pay the camp-site per person between 1500 and 2500 ISK per night.

The price of a camper van or a camping site is quite expensive with rates starting at around 40 euros in the off-season and up to 80 euros in the high season. The most expensive campervans (4x4 pick-up or large motorhome) are rented at around 200 to 300 euros per day.

The most efficient way is to go through a local agency that knows the country well, as it often offers the most suitable vehicles. You can therefore go to GuidetoIceland or Motorhome Iceland.

These vehicles are totally different in size and they offer different comforts as well. The camper van is more comfortable and allows you to have a shower and a toilet with you, while the camper van will often require a stop at the campsites in the evening.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

• A first layer that is in direct contact with the skin, it should preferably be breathable and therefore we opt most of the time for technical synthetic materials or merino or Icelandic wool (which is warmer and ideal for winter). Cotton should be avoided because it dries very slowly. It is possible to find this type of layer in long or short technical underwear (depending on the season) that can be found in stores specializing in sports or outdoor.
• The second layer, or middle layer, is the one that provides insulation and warmth. The objective is to capture the air around your body, as it is an excellent thermal insulator. We mainly use fleeces, wool sweaters or down jackets. The goal is to have a garment that keeps warm and transfers moisture to the outer layer.
• The third and final layer serves as protection against wind or external humidity (rain, fog or snow). So we find mainly waterproof clothing, but the best is that it is breathable as Gore-Tex to avoid that the sweat does not evacuate. You can find clothes like Kway for summer or anorak and technical jacket for winter.

For the upper body, the three-layer rule is crucial to avoid getting cold, sweaty or caught in the rain. We find in this category mainly :

• Technical underwear with long or short sleeves
• Wool tops
• Polar fleeces
• Wool sweaters
• Down jackets
• Raincoats
• The anoraks

In the lower body clothing, we find mainly the pants, but not only, because it is also possible to use the rule of three layers.

• Pants: avoid jeans and prefer hiking pants that dry quickly. For the summer, you can opt for pants that can be changed into shorts on the hottest days.
• Technical underwear when it is a bit cold.
• Waterproof overpants to protect against the often frequent rain.

To get dressed and not to be cold, it can be useful to take different accessories as :

• A rather warm pyjama
• A bathing suit to enjoy the Icelandic hot springs
• Woolen or polar gloves
• A hat
• A scarf, a neck warmer or a balaclava
• A Buff
• Hiking socks and warm socks (woolen)

When you go on a trip to Iceland, it is important to be well equipped with shoes. Indeed, you are likely to walk often and, as the weather is often capricious, the ground will often be slippery.

If you only have room for one pair of shoes, then it's best to opt for high hiking boots. They may be a bit heavy, but they also allow you to walk well in all conditions, without the risk of twisting your ankle or slipping on wet ground.

It is best to take quality hiking boots with non-slip soles and waterproof and breathable material (like Gore-tex), which will prevent your feet from getting soaked after a simple rain shower. If you don't have room in your suitcase, you can also put them directly on your feet. If you're going in winter, it's best to have winter hiking boots that are warmer, more insulating and with better crampons.

If space is at a premium, you can also opt for tennis shoes, which will be ideal for city walks or long car rides, as this type of shoe is lighter.

If you go during the cold season, crampons are often very practical. To be added to your shoes, they allow you not to slip even on ice.

If you are camping or want to take advantage of the many hot baths in Iceland, then sandals or flip-flops are very useful to avoid walking barefoot. They can also be used to cross fords.

As for each of your trips, you should not forget the toiletries such as deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizing wipes, shower gel, but also sunscreen, moisturizer, tissues or toilet paper if you go camping.

A microfiber towel is also very useful for the pool or the shower (when camping).

If you are going to go camping in a tent, camper van or campsite, it is necessary to have certain things. You will find more information on the dedicated articles:

• Camping in Iceland
• Going camping in Iceland

In this category, we find in particular the identity card or the passport up to date, a wallet with your credit card, the European health insurance card up to date, always useful in case of problem, and of course a driving license if you rent a car. Don't forget to bring a tourist guide, as well as road maps and why not a small roadbook.

Many other accessories are useful during a trip to Iceland, including travel equipment and electronic equipment. Travel gear:

• A 15 to 30 liter hiking backpack is usually more than enough.
• An anti rain protection for your bag to keep it dry.
• Binoculars because it is possible to observe many birds or marine mammals in Iceland.
• A compass is useful especially if you go on long hikes or treks.
• Hiking poles because the ground is often crumbly and slippery in Iceland.
• Survival blankets, as this can be very useful in many situations: in a tent to insulate you from the cold, during a hike if you get lost, or in the car in winter if you get stuck in the snow.
• Warmers to warm your hands or feet, it's especially useful in winter.
• Water bottles, water pouches or isothermal bottles (like at Koppla.fr).

Electronic equipment:

• The camera is almost mandatory, even if a smartphone can nowadays largely suffice. Iceland being known by photographers for its fantastic landscapes, if you like photos don't forget your best optics and telephoto lenses.
• Your smart phone.
• A camera like Gopro, DJi Osmo or more classic can be interesting if you want to bring back beautiful videos, otherwise you can use your phone.
• A tripod or a selfie stick.
• Rain protectors for the cameras.
• SD cards to store your photos.
• A laptop or a tablet with a hard drive to back up your photos and videos.
• Backup batteries for the phone and other devices.
• A drone, because some landscapes are beautiful to film with this type of machine, but be careful to respect the rules.
• A car cigarette lighter adapter, which will allow you to recharge all your devices during your travels.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

[obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"]

Discover all you need to know about Blue Lagoon, its origin, its benefits, etc. You can discover it during a trip to this country, because thanks to its geographical location, it is very easily accessible.

Note from the site:

Note from the "Green Guide

When you arrive by bus or car at the Blue Lagoon, you discover a totally mineral and volcanic universe. You have to walk a few hundred meters through the lava on a path to reach the complex. We discover a low building, made of wood, lava, glass and concrete, which allows it to integrate well with its environment.

The Blue Lagoon has the advantage of being located close to the international airport and Reykjavik, so it is easy to get there, even during a weekend in Iceland and in summer as well as in winter!

Thanks to the water temperature, it is possible to swim all year round, whether it is raining, snowing or sunny, day or night. It can be a wonderful experience to bathe in warm water while the surrounding landscape is covered in a white blanket. At night, don't hesitate to scan the sky to admire the stars, but especially the aurora borealis!

Located near the small town of Grindavik (4 km north), about 20 km east of Keflavik and about 50 km southwest of Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon spa complex is right in the southwest of the island and more precisely in the Reykjanesskagi peninsula. It is in the middle of the tourist routes.

To get there, you can rent a car and park in the parking lot. It is also possible to take the bus from Reykjavik or Keflavik International Airport (which allows you to enjoy Blue Lagoon upon arrival or just before departure).

GPS coordinates :
63° 88′20″ N
22° 44′97″ O

• Comfort : from 6 990 ISK
• Premium : from 9 990 ISK
• Luxury : from 53 000 ISK

• From January 1 to May 24: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
• From May 25 to June 28: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
• From June 29 to August 19: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
• From August 20th to October 1st: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
• From Oct. 2 to Dec. 31: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

• December 21-23: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
• December 24: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
• December 25: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
• December 26-30: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
• December 31: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• January 1: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

• Reykjavik
• Keflavik
• The bridge between the two continents
• Seltun
• Volcano of Fagradalsfjall Geldingadalur
• Kleifarvatn

• Secret Lagoon
• Myvatn Nature Baths
• Geosea Husavik

Discover the many activities you can do when you go to the Blue Lagoon.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

[obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"]

The volcano of Geldingadalur (the valley of the castrated or geldings) is located in the peninsula of Reykjanès, in one of the 6 volcanic systems which compose it, that of Fagradalsfjall in the center of the volcanic complex. It is a not very active volcanic system, erupting about every 800 years, but with long-lasting eruptions. This system is surrounded on the west by the Reykjanes system and on the east by the Krýsuvík system.

Geldingadalsgos (the castrated eruption) is located just on the southern flank of Fagradalsfjall, a 230-meter high volcano mountain, in the Geldingadalur depression. A fault opened on about 200 meters and several cones were created, first three, then two, and these two then almost joined. Then for a few weeks many more cracks were created to the north-east of the first zone. After 6 months, the lava field extended considerably and after the eruption stopped at the end of September there were about 150 million cubic meters of lava emitted and more than a square kilometer surface.

But only a few weeks after the eruption of Fagradalsfjall has evolved again. Indeed, only one crater remained active, with powerful lava fountains with lava geysers of more than 400 meters high. A few weeks later, the geysers subsided and the lava continued to flow towards Nátthagi. Now the lava flow is about 2 km from the sea and the Suðurstrandarvegur road. The volcanic eruption is located in the immediate vicinity of Grindavik and the Blue Lagoon (about 10 km as the crow flies), and about 20 km from Keflavik airport and 35 km from Reykjavik (again as the crow flies).

This volcano has erupted in the most populated and active area of the island, which has been carefully monitored by the authorities. Today it has become a real tourist attraction with several thousand visitors per day when the area is not closed. Before its eruption on March 19 at 21h40 (Paris time), the whole Reykjanes peninsula experienced almost 1 month of intense seismic activity with about 60 000 earthquakes, including several hundred with a magnitude greater than 3.0.

As the eruption is taking place at the moment, the situation can change at any time. You can also look on this page or on safetravel.is for more information. There are several marked paths from road 427 7-10 kilometers east of Grindavik and you will have several parking places. The path A has disappeared when it was cut by the lava flow. This leaves path B (a little less than 4 km) which goes to the northwest and path C (a little more than 4 km) which goes to the northeast. Path C is the easiest because it allows you to reach the lava fields of Nátthagi in only 1 hour round trip, but it takes 2 to 3 hours if you go to the end to see the crater. For the path B, it is more difficult by going up more and it takes 3 to 4 hours round trip, but you can't see the interior of the crater, only its steep walls.

To reach the volcano of Geldingadalur, you have to take the road 427 east of Grindavik and park 7 km away. The volcano is 32 km from the airport or 59 km from Reykjavik by road. You will have to park in one of the paying parking lots in the area. Some are closer to path B and others to path C.

GPS coordinates :
63° 53′ 28″ N
22° 16′ 31″ O

• Opening hours: the area is accessible without fixed hours.
• Duration: from 3 hours to much more if you are overwhelmed by the beauty of the solidified lava.
• Rates: 1000 ISK for one car in one of the parking lots.
• Learn more about Safetravel.is and volcanoweather.is
• Bring very good walking shoes with crampons, the path is sometimes difficult and slippery. Walking sticks are recommended.
• Take backpacks with food and water, a lamp if you walk at night, a mask anti-Covid.
• Follow the marked paths indicated by posts.
• Do not leave any waste on site.
• You are not allowed to go to the site if you are under quarantine.

• Blue Lagoon
• Reykjavik
• Keflavik
• Lake Kleifarvatn
• Seltun

You will be able to stay nearby, either in Grindavik towards the Blue Lagoon, or towards Keflavik or in the agglomeration of Reykjavik.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

Why travel in August?

Benefits

• During August, the climate is rather mild with afternoon temperatures around 15°C, with peaks around 20 to 25°C. In terms of rainfall, rain is more common than in April and July. Above all, it may start snowing again in the Highlands at the end of the month. The sunshine is consistent thanks to very long days at the beginning of the month, but decreases sharply towards the end of August.
• All the roads and tracks of the country are open during this month, which allows to visit the coast, the Westfjords peninsula, but also the Highlands.
• During the month of August, it is possible to discover Iceland and its beautiful landscapes (volcanoes, fjords, glaciers, cliffs, mountains, etc.).
• From the second part of August, it is possible to admire the first aurora borealis of the year.

Disadvantages

• During this month, tourist traffic is at its peak, so do not expect to discover the major tourist sites alone.
• August being a very busy month, the actors of the tourism sector take advantage of it to increase the prices of hotels, accommodation rentals, but also for car rentals or some tourist activities. The extra cost is about 10 to 30% compared to the low season.

August climate

Travelling in August: how to prepare?

Reservation of the flight to Iceland

Should I rent a car?

Rent a car in Iceland

What should I take before I leave?

• A softshell jacket that keeps you cool, cuts the wind and doesn't get wet if it rains.
• A raincoat and waterproof pants for the heavy rains that can happen in any season.
• All-season hiking clothes that dry quickly: short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, hiking pants.
• As it can be cold, you should think about tights, sweaters, fleeces, light gloves, a scarf and a hat.
• The sun can also beat down, so take a sun hat or cap, as well as sunglasses and UV cream.
• A hiking backpack.
• Hiking shoes that have already been used to avoid blisters
• A bathing suit for swimming in the pools and hot springs.

Where to sleep?

• The hotels
• Youth hostels
• Campsites
• The bnb and guesthouse
• The camper

What to do in August?

• Take a self-tour/roadtrip to discover Iceland for a few days or several weeks.
• Discover the Icelandic Golden Circle and its beautiful sites, but also other emblematic sites such as Landmannalaugar, the Jökulsarlon lagoon, the Snæfellsnes peninsula and of course the capital Reykjavik.
• Go hiking or trekking for several days to discover the magnificent landscapes of Iceland.
• In Reykjavik, you can enjoy its active nightlife by going to the bars or partying at the festivals.
• Enjoy the hot water of the natural or artificial Icelandic hot baths that can be found in almost all the country.
• To see the last puffins fly away for several months in the Atlantic waters.
• Admire whales and other cetaceans swimming in the waters of the Icelandic fjords.
• Take a ride on one of the famous Icelandic horses, the opportunity to discover this island differently.
• The cultural agenda is poor in 2021 because of the new restrictions due to covid-19.

• Iceland in June
• Iceland in July
• Iceland in September

Why travel in September?

Benefits

• If you go to Iceland in September, the arrival of autumn does not prevent you from enjoying mild temperatures, ideal for a walk. Why not take the opportunity to explore the Landmannalaugar region? This is your last chance to see it because it is inaccessible in October.
• With the change of season, the sun sets earlier! If you go for a walk in the evening outside the city, you will undoubtedly be able to observe the dance of the Northern Lights. A show that leaves you speechless!
• Rest assured that most roads will remain open in September! You will be able to access most of the proposed activities: hiking, climbing, horseback riding, roadtrip... However, be careful towards the end of the month, because depending on the weather, most of the highland tracks close from 15/09
• You can discover exceptional bucolic landscapes that take on a sublime autumn color between gold and orange.
• Much less crowded than the two previous months, September allows to be a little more quiet. Prices are also down, especially for hotels and rental cars.

Disadvantages

• Since it is the beginning of fall, it will probably be a good idea to leave with boots! Indeed, Iceland in September is certainly pleasant, but the first storms start to arrive. Without forgetting that Iceland is known for its unstable climate and, on the heights, the first snows can quickly fall!
• Traffic is sometimes more difficult in September. The arrival of winter changes the climate, with muddier tracks and therefore impassable, despite the occasional appearance of the sun! The F-roads in the highlands start to close as soon as the first snow falls.

The climate in September

Leaving in September: how to prepare?

Reservation of the flight to Iceland

Should I rent a car?

Rent a car in Iceland

What should I take before I leave?

• A fleece or softshell jacket will keep out the cold and drafts, so you won't get soaked if it starts to rain.
• Don't forget the raincoat as well as the pants, because the rain will be there.
• In Iceland in September, you can't miss the hikes that promise to be long on winding paths. Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing, such as short or long-sleeved T-shirts, depending on the temperature.
• It might be cold! Don't forget to bring tights, fleeces, sweaters and light gloves, as well as the usual scarf and hat to ward off the cold. To protect yourself from the cold, the most important thing is to have several layers to protect yourself as much as possible and to be able to adapt to the changing weather.
• If you like the altitude, you can be exposed to the sun despite the cold. Take a hat, sunglasses and a cap with you! Don't forget to protect yourself with sunscreen, as the cold is deceptive.
• Put it all in a hiking bag.
• Prepare hiking shoes - if possible not new ones, to avoid blisters.
• Finally, if you are heading to the hotel pools or prefer the hot springs, a bathing suit is always useful.

Where to sleep?

• The hotels
• Youth hostels
• Campsites
• Bnb and guesthouses
• Motor homes

What to do in September?

• To go to the volcano Fagradalsfjall which is still in eruption since more than 5 months.
• Leave for a few days or several weeks for an Icelandic roadtrip.
• Discover the emblematic sites of the country which are mostly open: the Golden Circle, Landmannalaugar, Jökulsarlon or Reykjavik.
• Go on beautiful Icelandic hikes to admire the country.
• Walk the streets of the capital Reykjavik and enjoy its atmosphere, restaurants and bars.
• Bathing in Iceland's natural or artificial hot tubs, such as the Blue Lagoon.
• Admire the first aurora borealis of the year, which are magnificent!
• Watch whales and other cetaceans swim and dive.
• Ride an Icelandic horse.

• Travelling to Iceland in summer
• Iceland in August
• Iceland in October
• Iceland in November

Wild and populated, green or icy, the West of Iceland is a land of great richness of the country in terms of landscapes. Many visitors travel through this region to discover its secrets and there are some great tourist spots such as the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Reykjanes peninsula and of course the North-West fjords. Among the most famous sites, there is of course the famous Blue Lagoon, the gateway to the center of the Earth (according to Jules Verne!) which can be found on the Snæfellsjökull and of course the biggest city of the country, Reykjavik. Discover our travel guide on the Icelandic West with the different pages below:

The western region that stretches along the entire western coast from the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Northwestern Fjords is known to have several beautiful tourist areas to visit.

The western region of Iceland is known to be home to some of the most beautiful tourist sites in Iceland, both in terms of natural and cultural sites.

The famous spa and hot water bath is now known all over the world.

The magnificent waterfall of the bride's veil is one of the most beautiful in Iceland.

This beautiful cliff dominates the western cape of the island and is populated by birds.

The most famous mountain of Iceland seems to be in the middle of the mother.

It is an amazing waterfall that literally comes out of a lava flow.

This beautiful black wooden chapel is located in the middle of the fields.

The amazing church of Reykjavik is also the symbol of this city.

Want to visit the beautiful eruption of Geldingadalur, then more info here!

You can also discover the following points of interest:

• Reykholt
• Bifrost
• Hvalfjörður
• Keflavik

To travel to the west of the island is to discover a region with many activities. In this area, you will be able to occupy yourself for several days, even several weeks if you are fond of hiking and other treks. West Iceland allows you to do :

• Hikes and treks, especially in Snæfellsnes or in the Westfjords
• Different roadtrips and self-tours to discover this great region
• To discover the most beautiful fjords of the country which are located in the northwest
• To observe Icelandic birds, including the famous puffins
• Climbing or walking on the glaciers including the famous Snæfellsnes
• Discover the geothermal activity of the Reykjanes peninsula

• On the whole, the region is well served by road 1 and other secondary roads that cross it, but as it is composed of several peninsulas, it is quite far from the capital, especially the Westfjords. It takes several hours to reach it and in winter the road is often closed because of the snow.
• The West being so vast, there are several facets at the tourist level. Reykjavik and the Reykjanes peninsula have an excellent tourist infrastructure, it is a little less the case in Snæfellsnes and even more in the West Fjords.
• The tourist car will be sufficient to travel around the region, except if you go to the Westfjords.
• The south-western quarter has an often mild climate, while the north-western quarter is much colder. In any case, precipitation is omnipresent.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

[obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"]

Iceland Explora takes you to the northernmost capital of the world. You will discover on this page all you need to know about this city, as much on the historical and geographical level, as on the touristic or practical level, to be ready to discover the sparkling Icelandic capital and go on a trip...

• Visit the city
• Where to go out?
• What to buy?
• Practical information
• History and geography of Reykjavik

Note from the site:

Note from the "Green Guide":

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][tdm_block_inline_image display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="1046" media_size_image_width="800" img_width="100%" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" image="3662" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjQ1IiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h2" custom_title="To visit in Reykjavik" f_header_font_weight="700" f_header_font_transform="" f_header_font_size="18" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ=="][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" f_list_font_size="14"]

To visit Reykjavik, you have to take your time, because even if the Icelandic capital and largest city of the country seems small for many, it remains very interesting from a cultural and patrimonial point of view, but also to go out in a bar, to drink a coffee, to eat at a good table or to discover the Icelanders.
This guide will allow you to answer many questions you may have about this city:

• How to enjoy Reykjavik?
• How long does it take to see and visit the city?
• What are the most important sights to see?
• How to go out and have fun in this city?

You can then organize yourself to discover this unusual capital during a simple weekend or during a trip of several weeks in Iceland.

When visiting Reykjavik, it is interesting to visit or to pass by some places like the following ones. You will find more information on our dedicated pages with a little bit of history, but mostly information about what to visit and also other practical information like the price, the duration of the visits and of course our opinion.

By the way, if you want to visit the city, you can take the Reykjavik City Card.

Here are the most emblematic places of the capital of Iceland:

This concert and conference hall represents the Reykjavik of the 21st century.

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsiYmFja2dyb3VuZC1jb2xvciI6IiNmZmZmZmYiLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiIn19"][tdm_block_inline_image display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="167" media_size_image_width="250" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6ImJsb2NrIn19" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" image="12288" img_width="eyJwaG9uZSI6IjEwMCUifQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" block_template_id="td_block_template_2" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjciLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiIn19" custom_title="Perlan" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-left" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/reykjavik/perlan/"][td_block_text_with_title tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" f_post_font_size="14"]

Located on a hill overlooking the city, Perlan houses a beautiful viewpoint, a restaurant and an exhibition on volcanoes and glaciers.

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="167" media_size_image_width="250" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6ImJsb2NrIn19" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" image="12284" img_width="eyJwaG9uZSI6IjEwMCUifQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" block_template_id="td_block_template_2" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjciLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiIn19" custom_title="Hallgrimskirkja" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-left" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/reykjavik/hallgrimskirkja/"][td_block_text_with_title tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" f_post_font_size="14"]

The church and the emblematic building of the Icelandic capital.

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][tdm_block_inline_image display_inline="yes" media_size_image_height="167" media_size_image_width="250" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6ImJsb2NrIn19" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-center" image="12290" img_width="eyJwaG9uZSI6IjEwMCUifQ=="][td_block_title title_tag="h3" custom_title="The National Museum of Iceland" content_align_horizontal="content-horiz-left" custom_url="https://www.islande-explora.com/voyage-islande/reykjavik/musee-national-islandais/" block_template_id="td_block_template_2" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjciLCJkaXNwbGF5IjoiIn19"][td_block_text_with_title tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" f_post_font_size="14"]

You will find beautiful collections of handicrafts and art objects on the history of the country.

[/td_block_text_with_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][td_block_text_with_title f_post_font_size="14" tdc_css="eyJhbGwiOnsibWFyZ2luLWJvdHRvbSI6IjIwIiwiZGlzcGxheSI6IiJ9fQ==" f_list_font_size="14"]

Discover more sights and places to visit in Reykjavik.

• Reykjavik City Hall
• Reykjavik 871±2: these ruins make it possible to discover one of the first dwellings of Reykjavik which dates from the time of the colonization.
• The port of Reykjavik
• The Althing
• The old streets of the city center: often colored, with small buildings, the streets of the center also shelter some old houses and many stores and restaurants.
• The Cathedral of Reykjavik
• The sun traveler: this aluminum structure represents a Viking ship and is located on the waterfront.
• The Whale Museum: if you can't see them in real life, you can also discover them directly in this museum.
• Arbaer Farm Museum$
• Viking Maritime Museum
• National Gallery of Iceland: Icelandic art museum with many Icelandic paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th century.
• Northern Lights Center: this small exhibition allows you to admire the Northern Lights if you have not had the chance to see them in real life.
• The Einar Jonsson Museum
• Reykjavik Art Museum
• Reykjavik Art Museul Hafnarhus
• Viðey Island
• Museum of Sagas
• Reykjavik Art Museum
• Safnahusid
• Tjornin: this beautiful little lake allows you to have real nature in the city center and to discover many birds. In winter, you can even see it frozen.
• Volcano House Iceland
• The beaches of the city with its hot pots: in the south of the city we find the beautiful beach of Nauthólsvík where it is possible to enjoy a hot bath or even a cooler bread in a sea pool or even directly in the sea!

If you don't have time to do everything, here are some ideas that may help you to know what to do in this beautiful city:

• Ideas of visits to make in Reykjavik
• 7 activities to do to have fun in this city

Discover the different tours that take you through the streets of the biggest city of the island or that start from the Icelandic city. From 1 day to 4 days, Reykjavik has many assets to be more than a simple base camp for the tourists who leave to discover the island! But how to get organized and prepare your trip? The answer just below:

• 3 to 4 days tour in Reykjavik + excursions
• Tour of 2 to 3 days in Reykjavik and then observation of the Northern Lights

If you want to venture out of the capital, but are still only a few hours away by car, here are some activities you might consider doing:

• The Golden Circle with its three main sites: Gullfoss, Geysir and Thingvellir.
• The Blue Lagoon: the famous spa and hot tub is only less than an hour from the capital of Iceland and there is a hotel.
• The Reykjanes peninsula is also nearby with some beautiful tourist sites including the volcanic eruption site of Fagradalsfjall.

Besides the cultural and heritage aspect of the city, Reykjavík is a young city with many activities to go out, eat or drink. Strolling through the streets of the city center, you will discover many cafes, restaurants, stores and of course bars.

As far as restaurants are concerned, there is a wide choice in town, especially in the Laugavegur area. The cuisine served is often Icelandic, but not only with fusion, American, Italian, Indian, Asian, and even French cuisines... But be careful with the prices, because they are often high.

To take a coffee, a tea, to eat a good pastry, that is part of the Icelandic habits. So logically we find in the city of south-west Iceland many cafes where it is good to live. If you want to find the right coffee, go here!

Even if there is no discotheque or nightclub in Iceland, there is no lack of nightlife with many bars open until late. The best time to party in this city is in the summer when the daylight never completely disappears. The young Icelanders and now tourists, make the rounds of the bars until 4 or 6 o'clock in the morning under a subdued light. In winter, the atmosphere is quieter, except during the New Year period, when the city lights up with a thousand fireworks!

Discover now our selections:

• The best bars in Reykjavik

The city also lives to the rhythm of the festivals it hosts throughout the year. Ideally located between America and Europe, it has been attracting major festivals for a few years now, such as Sónar Reykjavík in February, Secret Solstice in June and Iceland Airwaves in November.

Main agglomeration of the country and big tourist area, you can find in Reykjavik many stores to make your tourist purchases and buy puffins (stuffed animals, mugs, t-shirts, etc.), books, food, clothes, wool and many other gifts.

During your trip to Reykjavik, where will you sleep? The easiest way is logically to spend all your nights in the same place. Depending on your budget, your taste and the possibilities of accommodation, you can choose a hotel, a BnB, a youth hostel or a camping.

The price per night is usually quite expensive, but it varies a lot depending on the type of accommodation you choose. The camping will cost between 20 and 30 euros, the youth hostel between 50 and 100 euros and for a night in a hotel, you will have to count between 70 and 250 euros, even more.

As far as hotels are concerned, there is a wide range of establishments from no star to 4 stars. Some hotels are clearly upscale and design, others much less chic, so discover now the Top 10 hotels in Reykjavik.

• Timetable : The city is accessible all year round, but the different monuments have their own timetable

• Duration : a minimum of one day to visit the city, but the best to enjoy it is to stay between 2 and 3 days. If you really don't have time, you can stay only half a day, but you will only touch the surface of Reykjavík.

You can also rent your car directly from Reykjavik and the capital also has a domestic airport, so you can fly from there to other cities in Iceland or even Greenland.

Reykjavík literally means "bay of smoke" (vik for bay and reykja for smoke), simply because - according to the book of colonization ( Landnámabók) - hot springs in the area caused vapors and smoke to rise above the bay which today houses the largest Icelandic city. Indeed, Reykjavik is not only the capital of Iceland (politically, legally, economically and culturally), but it is also today the largest city in the country.

The capital is located in the southwest of Iceland on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and more specifically on the indented shores of coves, peninsulas and small islands (of which the best known is Viðey) of the Faxaflói Bay. The majority of the city is located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, which is surrounded by two fjords to the north (Kollafjörður) and south (Skerjafjorður), but the agglomeration has largely extended outside the original territory of Reykjavik towards the south (with the towns of Kópavogur, Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður), the west (with Seltjarnarnes) and towards the north (with Mosfellsbær). The municipality of Reykjavik consists of 9 different districts and two unpopulated areas called "hinterland". The city center consists mainly of the districts of Vesturbær and Miðborg.

Topographically, the capital of Iceland is far from being flat with many reliefs between the coastline and the hills which are numerous. There is notably the Perlan hill in the south and outside the city (but in the municipality of Reykjavik), a few kilometers to the north the Esja mountain culminates at 914 meters. Reykjavik is also crossed by the Elliðaá river which has its source a few kilometers to the east. In the historical city center, there is also the small lake of Tjörnin.

To finish the geographical presentation of Reykjavík, we must logically focus on the urbanism and the population of the city. On a territory of 274 km2 (more than 2 times the surface of Paris) we find a population of approximately 120 000 inhabitants, that is to say a very weak density of population of 442 inhabitants per square kilometer! With the whole agglomeration, the population reaches 200,000 inhabitants, almost a third of the country's population. The city's urban planning is rather dispersed with a predominance of individual housing, even in the city center. However, there are many apartment buildings in this area, as well as some small towers along Sæbraut.

Reykjavik is also known for its green spaces, and the city can even be considered as the greenest European capital with 23% of the city's surface being green spaces, or 411 square meters per person. When we look in detail, we see that 10% of the surface are nature reserves, a little over 1% of agricultural land, 6% of parks and about 3% of public gardens. More information on these data in the available Travelbird study.

Located at 64° north latitude, the city of Reykjavik is the most northerly capital city in the world and yet it is not, by far, the coldest. It is the proximity of the ocean and the presence of the North Atlantic Drift (a branch of the famous Gulf Stream) that offers the city a sub-polar oceanic climate. The average temperature is 4.4°C with only -0.5°C in January and 10.6°C in July. As far as records are concerned, the city of Reykjavik also suffers from the maritime influence with -19.7°C for the minimum temperatures and 26.4°C for the heat records.

[table id=2 /]

The other particularity of the climate of the Icelandic capital is its sunshine with an almost complete night in winter (a few hours of daylight) and on the contrary a complete day in summer (the sun sets for a few hours, but it is always daylight: it is the midnight sun!)

[table id=4 /]

Present capital of Iceland, Reykjavik entered the History since the very beginning of the colonization of the island by the Vikings. Indeed, according to the book of the colonization Landnámabók, it is in the Bay of Smoke that would have arrived the first Norwegian colonists led by their leader Ingólfr Arnarson in 874. However, almost no population settled in this place and the current location of Reykjavík will remain a simple place for several centuries.

It is necessary to wait for the XVIIIth century so that we see really appearing Reykjavik in the History with the first urban and industrial developments. It is thanks to the king of Denmark who, in 1752, gave lands to support the development of the wool industry, fishing, shipbuilding or exploitation of sulphur that this area develops. In 1786, Reykjavik, like 5 other communities of the country, obtains a merchant charter and it is thus this date which is retained for the foundation of the city.

Several decades later, Reykjavík is still the only city in Iceland and it becomes the main center of the Icelandic independence. For this reason, the city was chosen to host the re-establishment of the parliament (the Althing) in 1845 and it became the de facto capital of the island. In 1874, the first constitution gave the assembly legislative powers and in 1904 the country had its own executive power with the Government House. On December 1, 1918, the country became officially independent, as it changed from a Danish colony to the Kingdom of Iceland, whose king was also the king of Denmark.

After the First World War, the city developed thanks to the fishing industry, but it quickly suffered the effects of the 1929 crisis. During the Second World War, it came under the control of the Allies with the British sending 4 warships to Reykjavik on May 10, 1940 to take control of the country which was then neutral. Thanks to the ideal geographical situation of the country between Europe and America, Reykjavik will play a role in the routing of material, then of men from the United States. The British built the Reykjavik airport and the Americans the Keflavik airport 50 kilometers to the west. During all the conflict, the capital will take advantage of this situation to develop economically, because it remains far from the war zone.

The end of the Second World War also meant the total independence of Iceland, which then became an independent republic of Denmark and its crown with Reykjavik as its capital. In the following decades, the population will also increase rapidly with the urban exodus which is set up, because the Icelandic capital attracts many young people.

Since the 1980s and until today, the city has become increasingly important and renowned at the international, cultural, economic and political level. In 1986, it hosted a summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The city has seen the birth of many artistic talents such as Björk, which made it known on the international scene and, since the years 2000-2010, it hosts many music festivals. Economically, the city has taken advantage of the development of finance and information technology to become modern. Many neighborhoods were redeveloped in the early 2000s, but it was not until the following decade that the whole thing was completed because of the 2008 financial crisis that hit Reykjavik hard.

The Reykjavik area is close to many other tourist areas such as :

• The Golden Circle and the Golden Circle including Geysir, Thingvellir or Gullfoss.
• The Snaefellsnes peninsula with its mountains, glaciers and coasts.
• The Reykjanes peninsula with the Blue Lagoon and the eruption of Geldingadalur.

Book your car in Iceland

Official partner Lava Car Rental · local agency rated 4.6/5 on Google (4,770 reviews)

Book my car →

[obflink-image image="https://www.islande-explora.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/300X300-FRENCH-CAMPINGCAR.jpg" link="https://www.islande-explora.com/rc-reservation-camping-car" target="_blank" class="test" display="not_home" align"left" width="300" height="300"]