Iceland

Iceland offers some of Europe’s most spectacular trekking landscapes where glaciers, volcanoes and geothermal valleys shape a wild North Atlantic island ideal for active exploration across regions including Reykjavik, the Icelandic Highlands, Vatnajökull National Park, the South Coast and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Reykjavik & Southwest Iceland: Iceland’s capital Reykjavik blends Nordic culture, colourful streets and historic landmarks while serving as the gateway to geothermal landscapes and national parks including Þingvellir in the Golden Circle region.

Icelandic Highlands: The remote Highlands reveal colourful rhyolite mountains, lava fields and geothermal valleys where trekking routes cross dramatic landscapes around Landmannalaugar and the Laugavegur Trail.

Vatnajökull National Park: Europe’s largest glacier dominates Vatnajökull National Park where travellers hike across volcanic terrain, glacial valleys and icefields near landmarks such as Skaftafell and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

South Coast: Iceland’s South Coast combines black sand beaches, dramatic sea cliffs and famous waterfalls where travellers explore landscapes shaped by glaciers and volcanoes around Skógafoss and Reynisfjara Beach.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Often described as Iceland in miniature, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers volcanoes, lava fields and coastal cliffs where travellers explore landscapes dominated by the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.

The best time to travel to Iceland for hiking and adventure touring is generally June to September, when longer daylight hours and milder temperatures create favourable conditions for exploring volcanic landscapes, glaciers and coastal trails.

Iceland has a cool North Atlantic climate with temperatures typically ranging between 5°C and 15°C (41°F–59°F) during the main travel season. Weather can change quickly, with a mix of sunshine, wind and occasional rain common throughout the year.

Outside the summer months temperatures become colder and daylight hours shorter, though winter brings dramatic snowy landscapes and opportunities to experience Iceland’s unique seasonal scenery, including the northern lights.

Iceland is on GMT time

Icelandic (official), English, Nordic languages, German

Icelandic Krona

+354

Electricity in Iceland is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

**IMPORTANT NOTE**

The introduction of the ETIAS has been delayed indefinitely. No action is required from travellers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.