There are plenty of good reasons why Iceland has become such a popular destination in recent years. First off, it’s a stunning landscape that drops you into the middle of truly spectacular sights, from black sand beaches to bubbling geothermal springs, from craggy hills to rolling green fields. And the very real possibility of spotting the Northern Lights.

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But when you discover Iceland, you’ll also be immersed in a country with a fascinating history and lively, sophisticated culture. “The Icelandic traditions are still strong,” says Jeannie Ralston, Founder and CEO of NextTribe. “The hand-knits, the wood carvings, and the modern, minimalist pottery are so beautifully made. And I haven’t even mentioned delving into the coffee and food culture there!”

Come learn about all Iceland has to offer.

A Brief History of Iceland

Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice,” is a fascinating island nation with a rich history that stretches back over a millennium. Its story begins around the late 9th century when Norse settlers, led by Ingólfur Arnarson, arrived on the island, making Reykjavík the first permanent settlement. The early settlers established a unique democratic assembly known as the Althing in 930 AD, which remains one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Iceland maintained relative independence until the 13th century when it came under Norwegian and later Danish rule.

In 1944, amidst the turmoil of World War II, Iceland declared full independence from Denmark, establishing itself as a republic. Since then, it has transformed into a prosperous and stable country, known for its stunning natural landscapes, strong cultural identity, and commitment to sustainability. It’s also noteworthy for its flourishing arts, such as the music created by Bjork and Sigur Rós as well as the playful, provocative works of visual artist Ragnar Kjartansson.

Discover Iceland: Natural Beauty Everywhere

Iceland’s landscape is unlike anywhere else on Earth, shaped by volcanic activity, glaciers, and geothermal forces. There are times when you will likely feel as if you’ve parachuted onto another planet. As a travel experience goes, it can be nothing short of mind-blowing. Its striking terrain includes majestic waterfalls, sprawling lava fields, jagged mountains, black sand beaches, and expansive glaciers. The island is crisscrossed with hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its rugged beauty and natural wonder up close.

One of Iceland’s most iconic natural features is its abundance of waterfalls, such as Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”), Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the cascade), and Skógafoss, which dazzles with its thundering power and often graces visitors with rainbows. The country is also renowned for its geothermal hot springs, such as the Blue Lagoon and the more remote Mývatn Nature Baths, where visitors can soak in warm-bordering-on-hot, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by otherworldly landscapes.

From thundering waterfalls to black sand beaches to hot springs, Iceland offers an unbeatable array of natural experiences and sensory thrills.

To discover Iceland’s coastline is equally breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs, basalt columns at Reynisfjara Beach, and stunning fjords that provide a habitat for puffins, seals, and whales. Whether it’s the stark beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the serene glacier lagoons like Jökulsárlón, the country offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts or those who just enjoy gazing out a car window at magical sights.

Worth noting: What’s wonderful about traveling to Iceland is that you don’t get only this fabulous natural experience while roughing it, as you might on other outdoorsy, remote trips. With a trip to Iceland, you also get a charming city and local culture to immerse yourself in. The best of both worlds, indeed!

Weather in Iceland: Find Your Best Time to Visit

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but it also means that each season brings its own unique charm. Summers (June to August) are the warmest, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C), and the midnight sun offers extended daylight hours perfect for exploring. This can be the best time for hiking, whale watching, and road trips along the famous Ring Road, which also means you’ll have peak tourist season.

Autumn (September to October) brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a chance to see the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis) as the nights grow longer. NextTribe trips to Iceland typically happen just as summer turns to fall, so we take advantage of the best of both seasons.

Summer brings endless days and warm weather, but every season has something special to offer visitors to Iceland.

Winter (November to March) is a stunning time for travelers willing to bundle up and brave the cold, with average temperatures around 30°F (-1°C). It’s the best season for seeing the Northern Lights, exploring ice caves, and enjoying snow-covered landscapes. I went in January and found the dramatic, snow-packed terrain to be unforgettable. The whole world looked as if it was in black and white; nothing but ice and bare trees and cliffs. Buying ice cleats, which are readily available and strap over your boots, was a must-do for walking around icy patches.

Spring (April to May) is a transition period with melting snow and budding greenery, making it a beautiful yet quieter time to visit. Regardless of the season, visitors should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as sunny skies can quickly turn into rain or snow.

Getting to Iceland from the US

Traveling to Iceland from the United States is surprisingly easy. Direct flights are available from major cities like New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Chicago, with a flight time of around 5-6 hours to Keflavík International Airport, located about 30 miles (48 km) from Reykjavík. Icelandair and PLAY are popular airlines offering competitive fares, and the airport’s proximity to the capital makes it convenient for travelers to start their Icelandic adventure.

Exploring Reykjavík: The Heart of Iceland

Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, is a vibrant blend of modernity and tradition. It’s fairly compact, with many attractions just a short walk away from one another. Here’s what to see when you set out to discover Iceland.

What to Do in Reykjavík

Welcome! This city is full of charm and fun streets to explore, shop, and cafe-hop.

• Museums: Dive into Icelandic history at the National Museum of Iceland, which chronicles the nation’s journey from the Viking Age to modern times. I especially loved the exhibits showing historical items from daily life, such as toys, ice skates, and household items from the last century. (The cafe was lovely, too. A perfect spot for cake and coffee.) For art enthusiasts, the Reykjavík Art Museum offers contemporary works, housed in a lovely old building, while the Whales of Iceland exhibition showcases life-sized models of these majestic creatures.
• Shopping: Laugavegur Street is the main shopping artery, lined with unique boutiques (bookshops, vintage clothes, candy, and even the hardware stores are fascinating), cozy coffee shops, and local art galleries. Look for handcrafted woolen goods, especially the famous Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters, which are not only stylish but practical in Iceland’s chilly climate.
• Architecture: The city is home to striking modern architecture, such as the huge, towering Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose design was inspired by basalt columns, and the glassy Harpa Concert Hall, known for its captivating geometric facade that reflects the ever-changing Icelandic sky.
• Dining: Don’t miss a meal at Matur og Drykkur. This is one of my favorite places on the planet, and everyone who has followed my recommendation and made a reservation has agreed that it’s a memorable tasting menu that will make almost anyone a fan of traditional, locally-driven Icelandic dining. (Fingers crossed that they make the fish soup with apples the night you’re there.) And as you are out strolling, may I suggest a coffee at Mokka Kaffi? It was established in 1958, so it comes by its mid-century panache naturally. 

The Best Lagoons in Iceland

No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to one of its famous geothermal springs or lagoons. Yes, you are in the land of the famous Blue Lagoon, but it’s not the only game in town.

• Blue Lagoon: Located near the Keflavík Airport, this iconic spa is famous for its milky-blue waters rich in silica and algae, known for their soothing and skin-rejuvenating properties. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious soak at the Blue Lagoon while surrounded by volcanic rock formations.
• Secret Lagoon: For an authentic experience, head to the Secret Lagoon in the town of Flúðir. This natural hot spring is one of Iceland’s oldest and is less crowded, offering a peaceful setting to unwind. It’s a gorgeous thing to soak there under the stars. Then you can lounge around and have a beer or a candy bar (or both) afterward.
• Mývatn Nature Baths: Situated in the north, these baths provide a quieter, less commercialized experience. The surrounding landscapes of lava fields and craters add to the unique atmosphere.

Thingvellir National Park: A Geological and Historical Treasure

Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir National Park is how you may see it written) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iceland’s most significant cultural and natural landmarks. It is here that the Althing, the world’s oldest parliament, was established over a thousand years ago. The park is also geologically fascinating, as it lies on the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Visitors can explore the dramatic rift valley, hike along scenic trails, or even snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. It’s a rugged, unspoiled spot that will reveal Iceland’s natural beauty year-round.

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Other Highlights Around Iceland

• Golden Circle Route: A popular day trip from Reykjavík that includes the geysers of Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
• South Coast: Explore iconic sites like the beaches of Vik composed of black sands, the striking Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where icebergs float serenely in the deep blue waters.
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this area offers a bit of everything—from volcanic craters and lava fields to picturesque fishing villages and the towering Snæfellsjökull glacier. (It may not be the biggest glacier in Iceland, but it’s awe-inspiring and over 700,000 years old.) It’s a terrific way to see an array of breathtaking landscapes.
• Icelandic Horses: ​These enormous, shaggy creatures are so fun to spot as you explore Iceland. For those who want to get up close, book a horseback ride on one. A very fun option as far as outdoor activities are concerned.
• Taste Iceland’s Top Tomatoes: Spend a few hours at Friðheimar, an amazing compound where gorgeous, flavorful tomatoes are grown in pesticide-free, greenhouse conditions for year-round availability. There’s a fabulous restaurant where not only will you have the best tomato soup of your life, but you can sample all other kinds of tomato-centrice dishes, including ice cream!
• Bake Bread on a Geothermal Field: Another personal favorite is the bread-baking experience at Laugarvatn Fontana. You book your time slot and are introduced to the baking technique of burying the dough in a pot in the hot soil next to the geothermal springs. Then, it’s unearthed (the dough buried the prior day), and you’ll enjoy thick slabs of slightly sweet, warm Icelandic rye slathered with butter. The best!
• Learn About the Icelandic Sagas: Want to take a trip back in time and discover the ancient stories about Iceland’s early days? You can visit the rather kitschy Saga Museum in Reykjavik or (my preference) the Settlement Museum in the charming town of Borgarnes, which leads you through little dioramas sharing the lore of Egil Skalla-Grimsson.
• Get Educated. It’s worth looking into an immersive class while you’re spending time in Iceland. You’ll find everything from classes teaching you how to make woolen items to Viking-inspired knives; from quick courses in painting to breathwork.

Icelandic Food & Drink to Try

Iceland’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition but has evolved into a modern, sustainable gastronomy.

• Seafood: Being an island nation, Iceland has access to some of the freshest seafood in the world. Try dishes like plokkfiskur (fish stew), langoustine soup, or Arctic char.
• Lamb: Icelandic lamb is known for its unique flavor, attributed to the sheep grazing on wild herbs and grass. Grilled lamb chops and lamb soup (kjötsúpa) are popular dishes.
• Skyr: A creamy, yogurt-like dairy product, skyr is both a staple and a versatile ingredient used in desserts or enjoyed on its own with fruit and honey.
• Brennivín: Known as the “Black Death,” this traditional schnapps made from fermented potatoes and caraway seeds is an acquired taste but a must-try for those interested in local spirits.
• Hákarl: For the adventurous, sampling fermented shark (hákarl) is a rite of passage, though it’s often accompanied by a shot of Brennivín to help wash down its pungent taste. No worries if you take a hard pass on this one. You can watch the videos on social media of people confronting this “delicacy.”

Iceland is a destination that truly has something for everyone—whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to unwind in the embrace of nature’s wonders. From its rich Viking history and captivating capital city to its otherworldly landscapes and delicious cuisine, a journey to Iceland is bound to leave you enchanted and eager to return.