Iceland had been on our dream list for a long time and finally, they slowly started to come true. We started planning half a year before the trip so that we could really get everything down to the last detail. However, not everything could be foreseen, and occasionally the plan would slightly fail on the spot, but thanks to this, we can share with you a complete guide entitled: How to prepare for a trip to Iceland.

This guide allows you to plan your trip to this wonderful island, answers a few significant questions and shows you how to organize a trip simply cheaply.

Iceland, where to start planning?

Puffin toy

When planning a trip to Iceland, the first thing you need to consider is what you want to see. If you’re hoping to witness the Northern Lights, it’s obvious that you’ll need to visit during the autumn or winter months. This is when the days in Iceland are shortest, which enhances the chances of observing this incredible phenomenon. However, keep in mind that during this time, daylight hours are extremely limited, which significantly narrows the window for visiting other attractions.

If you want to see as many of Iceland’s natural wonders as possible, summer is the best time to go. With up to 20 hours of daylight, you can embark on numerous fascinating trips, and the abundance of daylight often leaves you feeling full of energy. However, even then, you’ll need to prioritize your plans. For example, if you want to see puffins, it’s best to visit Iceland in June or July, when these adorable birds come ashore to lay eggs and raise their young.

On the other hand, if you want to apply for a permit to fly a drone over national parks, you’ll need to avoid the spring and summer months. During the bird nesting season, you definitely won’t receive permission to fly.

So when is the best time to visit Iceland?

Puffins birds from the rock
  • Northern Lights viewing: from September to April. Best effects in the winter months.
  • Glacier trekking: safest in October and April. The days are longer, the ice is still firm, and there are fewer treacherous crevices.
  • Puffin watching: June, July.
  • Drone flights over national parks (with prior permission): any time except April 15 to July 20, during bird breeding season.
  • Whale watching: from April to September.

Is Iceland expensive?

Black beach

Is Iceland expensive? This question has been on our minds ever since we thought about organizing a trip. Everywhere you look on blogs, YouTube channels, forums, they say Iceland ruins wallets. And looking at the prices of tours organized by some travel agencies, you might get the impression that Iceland is only for those with exceptionally deep pockets. Some 4-day trips can cost over 1 200 euros without a flight ticket! Add food (which isn’t included) and the cost of a 4-day trip starts to hover around 2 000 euros per person. A nightmare!

But that’s misleading! Iceland isn’t as expensive as it seems!

Our 8-day trip, including flight tickets, car rental, fuel, food (often in restaurants), accommodations in pretty nice places, and parking, cost about 1 000 euros per person. We also included a visit to the Blue Lagoon, where the ticket was 100 euros per person. So, as you can see, you can explore Iceland quite cheaply or rather, not as expensively.

How did we manage? You need to hunt for flight tickets, giving yourself some time to observe and buy them at the right moment. The same goes for accommodation, where you can find promotions and great locations at reasonable prices.

Renting a car, this is where travelling in a larger group helps to reduce costs. There were four of us, so the cost of renting a car and fuel was divided into four parts. Iceland also favours economical driving because there’s really no need to rush. The views outside the window encourage a leisurely drive, which means economical driving.

Where to store cheap groceries in Iceland?

If you want to save money on food again, there are two options. Either you bring supplies from Poland or you buy them at local discount stores. There are a few to choose from. We used Bonus and Kronan, the latter of which seemed more wallet-friendly to us. And aesthetically, it somehow suited us better.

Sample prices in Iceland (Currently one Swedish krona is 11.30 euros)

  • Coca-Cola 2 liters: approximately 22 SEK.
  • Beer in a can (Kronan market): 120 SEK.
  • Bread in a bakery: 2000 kroner.
  • Reindeer burger with fries in Reykjavik: 2500 SEK.
  • Icelandic fish stew Strondin restaurant in Vik: 3790 SEK.
  • Fish and chips Strondin restaurant in Vik: 3890 SEK.
  • Diesel: approximately 320 SEK/l.

How to get to Iceland by buying cheap tickets

Flight tickets to Iceland are not the cheapest, but persistence and using flight search engines can help you find the best deals.

We paid about 160 euros round trip to Reykjavik in July. So, as you can see, it’s quite a reasonable amount that won’t break the bank from the start. Just remember to buy at the right time.

Iceland good hotel/flat rental

Iceland and flat in the rock

The highest expense you need to prepare for is the cost of renting a flat or house. Unfortunately, prices here can be quite surprising. Once again, search engines and bargain hunting come to the rescue because occasionally, you can snag a deal, as we did. Suddenly, the cost can drop by several hundred zlotys.

Sharing accommodations with more people also helps reduce costs. You may lose a bit of comfort, but you gain significant savings.

We rented a great two-story flat in the centre of Reykjavik, which comfortably accommodated 4 people without feeling cramped. It was also very well-located, with just a few minutes’ walk to the city centre or the promenade.

In southern Iceland, we recommend the Lambafell Hotel, which is slightly off the beaten path, making it an exceptionally peaceful place. It also has an outdoor jacuzzi, which is a blessing for tired muscles after a day of hiking. Additionally, it’s perfectly located near the free thermal pool Seljavallalaug, nestled in a wonderful mountain valley. The only downside is the lack of variety in the breakfast, but it’s difficult to complain when it’s included, and coffee and delicious pastries are available throughout the stay. You can help yourself anytime.

What to take with you to Iceland?

Iceland and the waterfall

First, when planning a trip to Iceland, prepare yourself for rain and for getting completely soaked from head to toe while visiting waterfalls. Therefore, your backpack must include a good waterproof jacket and waterproof pants. Of course, since you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Iceland, good waterproof trekking shoes are also essential. The shoes can be below the ankle unless you plan to trek on glaciers, in which case ankle-supporting boots are recommended.

Since we’re talking about good shoes, quality socks are also a must. There’s nothing worse than blistered feet on the trail.

A water bottle is another essential item for Iceland’s wilderness. However, you don’t need to burden yourself with a bottle with filters, as the water here, from practically any tap, is incredibly clean and tasty. If, like us, you enjoy having a coffee during a break, please keep in mind a thermos. Of course, it shouldn’t be too large, since there’s no point in carrying unnecessary weight.

We also packed thermal clothing, although we didn’t have the chance to use it. Considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather and the potential for strong winds, this type of clothing is still necessary.

Even if you’re flying to Iceland in the summer, please note a hat or at least a headband to protect your head from the cold. Occasionally, it really is helpful. Gloves are recommended if you’re planning glacier hikes.

Another somewhat unexpected item of clothing that you truly must bring is a swimsuit. After all, there’s nothing better after a long hike than a soak in natural hot springs.

Lastly, I’d suggest bringing a sleep mask, which can help you trick your body and get better sleep during the long summer days.

Car Rental and Driving on Icelandic Roads

Iceland and plants, flowers in the mountains

Renting a car in Iceland is one of the first things you need to sort out. Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy, and you can arrange everything online. Like many other Polish visitors to Iceland, we used the services of a company with a familiar-sounding name: ICEPOL. As you might guess, it’s a company where you can communicate in Polish, since it’s run by fellow Poles.

Your first interaction with their friendly staff will be at the airport, where someone from ICEPOL will pick you up and take you to their office. There, you’ll receive the keys to the car you previously selected. You can also enjoy a coffee and choose additional car accessories like a charger, phone mounts, or even a child seat. After a brief rundown on refuelling, you’re ready to hit the road.

  • Cost of renting a passenger car: from 12,000 SEK/day.
  • Cost of renting a 4×4 with a tent: from 30,000 SEK/day.
  • Cost of renting a camper for 4 people: 60,000 SEK/day.

Refuelling your car in Iceland

Wreck plane in the Ieland

Refuelling a car in Iceland is a bit different from what we’re used to in Poland, and at first, it might cause a few minor challenges. There are no cashiers to pay after refuelling. Almost every station is self-service. But don’t worry, as each pump allows you to set the language to Polish, which makes it much easier to navigate the process.

To start, if you have a loyalty card (issued by the car rental company, for example), you’ll need to swipe it first to apply any discounts. Next, you’ll swipe your payment card, and the pump will set a fuel limit based on the available balance on your card.

After completing these steps, you can begin refuelling. Just be sure to insert the nozzle fully into the fuel tank, or the refuelling process may not start. I encountered this issue on my first attempt: errors kept popping up that I couldn’t understand. Pushing the nozzle firmly into place solved the problem.

Once you’ve finished refuelling, the payment for the fuel is charged directly to your card, and that’s it—you’re ready to hit the road!

Parking price and availability

Iceland and car park

Recently, Icelanders have started charging for parking, and at almost every attraction you visit, you’ll need to pay a fee. The payment system is a bit different from what we’re used to, and you won’t find attendants checking for tickets or traditional parking meters where you insert coins.

In Iceland, a camera reads the licence plate of the vehicle as it enters the parking area, and it’s our responsibility to pay for the parking through an app, where you enter your details. To access the app, you simply scan a QR code on the parking sign.

If you leave without paying, the information is immediately sent to the car rental company, and when you return the keys, you’ll receive an invoice with an additional 200 SEK service fee.

The parking fee at most attractions is 1000 SEK.

Traveling by car in Iceland

Iceland and the view from the drone

Driving around Iceland is simple and enjoyable. The island is circled by Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, and you’ll spend most of your time on this route. Only when heading to specific attractions will you branch off onto side roads. Don’t worry about getting lost—it’s nearly impossible.

The roads are calm, with a relaxed driving culture. No one seems to be rushing, reckless overtaking is rare, and most drivers stick to the speed limits. From my observations, it feels very safe. Furthermore, I didn’t spot any police patrols, though they’re probably out there keeping an eye on speeders.

In wilder areas, you might face some interesting challenges, such as crossing rivers. Smaller rivers are typically forded, which means a 4×4 vehicle is essential for these crossings.

Iceland, how to visit cheaply?

Glacier in Iceland

When it comes to accessing attractions, Iceland is surprisingly affordable. The reason? There are no entrance fees for most attractions. The only cost you’ll encounter is the previously mentioned parking fee, which you can either pay via the app or with a surcharge through the rental car company.

In essence, you can explore Iceland’s natural wonders for free. That is, unless you want to indulge in extreme activities like glacier trekking. In such cases, it’s better to go with a guide and rent the necessary gear, which can be a bit pricey (unless you have your equipment, in which case you can go independently).

The same goes for whale-watching tours, ice cave expeditions, or even descending by lift into a volcano’s crater. These types of excursions definitely break the budget, as they can be costly.

Iceland how to pay? Cash or card?

As we prepared for our trip to Iceland, we wondered whether we needed to carry cash and whether we should bring our Revolut card. We are so used to handling physical money that we couldn’t imagine actually being able to pay with a card everywhere in such a wild place as Iceland. To our surprise, this is indeed the case.

Cash is hardly needed. The only instances where we encountered a need for coins were in a few restrooms, but even there, no one was paying with cash because Icelanders simply don’t use it. Everyone pays with cards everywhere. Even when we took a detour and stopped at a tiny cabin nestled in a cave, far from any signs of civilization, we were able to pay for our coffee with a card.

Is Revolut needed in Iceland?

As I mentioned, we were wondering which cards to use during our trip and whether we needed Revolut. However, after checking with our banks, we found that there were no issues with currency conversion on our cards.

Iceland is part of agreements with the European Union, which means we can easily use our cards without worrying about additional fees. Interestingly, when paying with our cards, we often had the option to choose the currency at the terminal, and occasionally, we opted to pay in euro.

What languages ​​are spoken in Iceland?

Glacier in Iceland Ewa Baranowska

In Iceland, many people speak English, so you can easily get by. If you meet someone who doesn’t speak the language, they’ll ask a friend who does.

What is worth seeing in Iceland?

The topic of Icelandic attractions is practically endless! There are so many natural wonders that you really need to think carefully and plan what you want to see. If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, it would be wise to start in Reykjavik, which you can explore in a day. Thereafter, head to the surrounding area to see the attractions of the Golden Circle. Then, a short drive south will lead you to breathtaking waterfalls, cliffs, and black sand beaches.

I’m sure that, like us, you’ll find yourself hiking the local trails with your mouth agape in awe. And as soon as you arrive, you’ll start planning further adventures into the more remote areas of this incredible island.

More about the attractions will be shared soon in a separate post!

What are typical Icelandic foods?

Goulash in a restaurant in Iceland, food

When planning my trip to Iceland, I came across some bizarre dishes served in restaurants that were more off-putting than inviting. One such dubious delicacy was roasted sheep’s head, which you could try at one of the Reykjavik restaurants. To be honest, I didn’t try it because I saw it on the plate at the neighbouring table and decided it just wasn’t for me. Judging by the expressions of those eating it, the dish must have been quite appetizing. If you enjoy food staring back at you from the plate, bon appétit!

Another “delicacy” I did try was hákarl, which is fermented shark that has been cured for several months. Upon opening the container, a strong ammonia smell hit my nose, and the taste was even worse—somewhere between raw herring and rotten egg. A single bite was enough, and I immediately returned the rest to nature.

Aside from these inedible culinary curiosities, Icelanders have some really delicious dishes. The reindeer burger was fantastic. The traditional fish stew at a restaurant in Vik was excellent. And the ubiquitous Icelandic fish and chips were tasty in every restaurant we visited.

Oh, and I can’t forget the excellent calamari we had at a restaurant in Vik. In short, the food was delicious. And I almost forgot—there’s one more dish that has become legendary: the famous Icelandic hot dogs. But are they really that amazing? Honestly, I think the ones from IKEA are tastier, and we ate at the stand where Bill Clinton and James Hetfield dined. So we supposedly tried the best hot dogs in the world. Well, maybe I just don’t know what I’m talking about, or perhaps my taste buds have been dulled!

Iceland and eating in restaurants, won’t it ruin our budget?

Iceland and Ewa Baranowska and Michał Baranowski

Since we’re on the topic of dining out, it raises a crucial question: won’t all these delicious foods blow our budget? Surprisingly, no! The previously mentioned reindeer burger cost around 3,000 SEK. While that sounds like a lot, when you compare it to prices at local burger joints back in England, it doesn’t seem so bad.

The Icelandic stew set us back about 290 SEK—again, it sounds high, but the dish was truly delicious and filling, and it was the perfect reward after a long day of exploration. So, the price didn’t matter much in that context. A hamburger with fries at Reykjavik Airport costs 200 SEK, which is pricey, but I recently noticed a nearly identical price at Wrocław Airport—170 SEK.

Fish and chips in virtually every restaurant we visited cost about 2,500 SEK. So, even here, the price for such a tasty dish isn’t exorbitant and is relatively affordable for most budgets. Of course, we didn’t always eat in restaurants; we also bought food at supermarkets. But as you can see, we allowed ourselves a bit of culinary indulgence now and then!

Shopping and what to bring home with you – Icelandic shopping guide

Iceland puffin as a toy and souvenir

Since we usually travel with just a small backpack, we don’t have much room for souvenirs. It’s a pity because there are several wonderful keepsakes I would have loved to bring back. To this day, I regret not getting the figurine of the Norse god Tyr, but if I had taken it, I would have had to leave behind my drone, pants, and camera.

However, even with limited space, you can still bring back something interesting. Naturally, magnets take the top spot because every trip needs a magnet, period! Secondly, we managed to bring home a tiny puffin from a museum in Reykjavik, which now adorns our shelf.

Viola, who travelled with us, couldn’t resist buying merino wool leg warmers, which are said to be worth every Icelandic crown. On the other hand, Alberto prepared for the Polish winter by buying some excellent gloves in Iceland. Additionally, I dragged home some Glacier Gin from the airport shop, handcrafted on the island. It turned out to be an exceptional purchase, not only because the bottle looks beautiful, but also because the gin is remarkably smooth. Piotr confirmed this at our “founding” meeting on our trails, where we polished off the entire bottle.

And finally, there’s the Icelandic aquavit Brennivin, a local brandy served in every bar. While we’re on the topic of shopping, it’s worth noting that if you spend over 12,000 SEK, you can apply for a 14% tax refund. Just keep the receipt after your purchases, fill out a form, and submit it at the airport’s information desk. It’s not a complicated process, and there’s a good chance you’ll find a friendly Polish staff member at the counter to clarify any uncertainties.

Can you fly a drone?

Of course, you can fly a drone in Iceland, but there are some restrictions. The same rules apply as in Poland. If you’re a registered operator and have the proper qualifications (unless you’re flying a drone weighing up to 250 g), you can fly! However, you need to be cautious about no-fly zones. You won’t miss them, as there will definitely be signs indicating where flying is prohibited.

Regarding flights in National Parks, you can obtain a permit, provided that you don’t plan to fly during the bird nesting season. It’s always best to check the specific regulations for the area you’re interested in to ensure compliance and to protect the local wildlife.

To sum up the already lengthy Icelandic guide

Yoda cave in Iceland

Iceland personally amazed me! I can even say, and these are not just empty words, that my trip to Iceland was the best I’ve ever experienced. I truly rested and relaxed here. The island and all its natural wonders filled me with an incredible energy, and even weeks after returning, I still felt great.

It was so wonderful that we are already planning our next trip, and there will surely be more to come. I’ve started to understand people who go there for just a weekend and end up staying for a lifetime.

I hope this guide helps you feel what I felt while walking the trails of Iceland. Have a great trip!

Polish version