Tours in Iceland

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best time of year to visit Iceland?

   There’s no wrong answer. In July and August the temperatures are milder and there’s enough daylight to cram in lots of sightseeing – handy when there’s so much to see. The depths of winter increase your odds of seeing Aurora Borealis – if you can tackle the elements – but the shoulder seasons offer the best of both worlds. From September to November and February to March are popular for people who want plenty of snow but still some sunshine, plus a decent chance of encountering the Northern Lights.

2. What’s the climate like in Iceland?

   Cold! Temperatures rarely rise above mild but summers are pleasantly fresh, as lowland snow melts and days last up to 21 hours. In winter sunlight is limited and temperatures drop to freezing, meaning glaciers are at their most spectacular, hot springs their most useful, and Northern Lights their most visible. Be prepared for dramatic, sudden weather changes whenever you visit.

3. What’s the currency in Iceland?

   Icelandic króna

4. What language is spoken in Iceland?

   Icelandic is the local tongue, but English is spoken widely and many Icelanders speak various other European languages.

5. Is Iceland very expensive?

   In relation to most countries, yes, Iceland is pretty expensive. Think of it as on a similar price point to major US cities in terms of accommodation, food and drink. As a remote island with only one major airport, the flight prices for your travel dates lie very much in the hands of airlines. That said there are ways of budgeting any trip to Iceland, and the prices here aren’t crazy. You can certainly have a weeklong trip to Iceland that costs less than $2,000, for example.

6. What is the time difference in Iceland?

   Iceland shares a time zone with London and the rest of the UK – Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) – which means it’s 5 hours ahead of New York and 8 hours ahead of LA. 

7. Major Airports in Iceland:

   • Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Reykjavík
   • Akureyri Airport (AEY)

8. What are the top five attractions in Iceland?

   • Golden Circle – famed adventure route covering Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir Geothermal Area
   • Reynisfjara – a mesmerising black sand beach
   • Blue Lagoon – iconic geothermal lagoon turned luxury spa
   • Sólheimajökull – epic glacier straddling the icy no man’s land between two volcanoes
   • Northern Lights – not an attraction per se, but spotting this natural phenomenon is one of Iceland’s biggest draws

9. What are the top five local Icelandic dishes to try?

   • Fermented shark – the ultimate acquired taste. We can’t promise you’ll enjoy, but you have to try it
   • Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – the Reykjavik hot dog stand, made famous by Bill Clinton
   • Kjötsupa – wholesome lamb stew
   • Plokkfiskur – fish stew with cod or haddock and potatoes
   • Brennivín – Iceland’s signature spirit – AKA “black death” – handy for plucking up the courage to try fermented shark