Iceland
Iceland is the kind of place that doesn't feel quite real. The landscapes are wild and otherworldly, the geothermal pools are ridiculously good and, when the Northern Lights appear, the whole place feels a little bit magical. It's remote, dramatic and completely unforgettable. You've heard the hype, now it's time to see what all the fuss is about.
Read Our Backpacking GuideOur Must-Read Guides
Quick Facts
Handpicked Things to See and Do
Iceland Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickThe 3 Best Hostels in Iceland
Quick Answer – The Best Hostels in Iceland The 3 Best Hostels in Iceland Well, Iceland may be the most sparsely populated…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Iceland
Where to Stay in Iceland – Iceland Neighborhood Guide The land of ice and fire is a must-visit and sits high atop…
Editor's Pick5 AMAZING Hostels in Reykjavik (Insider Guide!)
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Reykjavik What to Expect from Hostels in Reykjavik Hostels are generally known to be one of…
Editor's Pick15 of the Best Airbnbs in Reykjavik: My Top Picks
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Reykjavik The 15 Top Airbnbs in Reykjavik Downtown Studio Prime Location | Overall…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Reykjavik – The Best Places to Stay and Areas to Visit
Where to Stay in Reykjavik Are you backpacking Iceland like the cold doesn’t affect you? Do you need a quick recommendation to…
Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
Book It
Hostels
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across Iceland.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSIM
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across Iceland.
Travel Advice From The Trenches.
Subscribe to our newsletter for practical guides, honest destination breakdowns, and budget travel tips straight from the road. No fluff, no filler.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
Our Latest Stories from Iceland
New trip stories, guides, and honest lessons, straight from the backpack.
Iceland Travel FAQs
Do you need a car to travel around Iceland?
Not necessarily, but having your own wheels makes exploring much easier, especially if you want to venture beyond Reykjavík and the main tour routes. The Ring Road circles the country, but winter conditions and rapidly changing weather can make driving more challenging, so always check road conditions before setting off.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Yes, Iceland is one of the world's popular Northern Lights destinations. You'll need dark skies and suitable conditions, so sightings aren't guaranteed, but the season generally runs from late August into April. Getting away from Reykjavík and other sources of light can improve your chances.
What are Iceland's geothermal pools like?
Yes, Iceland is one of the world's popular Northern Lights destinations. You'll need dark skies and suitable conditions, so sightings aren't guaranteed, but the season generally runs from late August into April. Getting away from Reykjavík and other sources of light can improve your chances.
Is Icelandic food really as different as people suggest?
Not really! There's plenty of delicious food to get stuck into, from fresh seafood and lamb to hot dogs, rye bread and skyr. Iceland does have a few more unusual traditional dishes though, including hákarl (fermented shark). You don't have to try it, but where's the fun in going to Iceland and not at least knowing what it is?