Iceland Travel Guide

• Iceland is one of Europe’s hidden gems, a unique island full of extreme scenery, from snow-capped mountains to volcanic islands, frosty glaciers to barren highlands, whale-filled wild seas to thundering waterfalls. See the magical Northern Lights and marvel at one of the world’s natural wonders, or go whale watching off Icelandic shores. Bask in thermal pools, enjoy the buzzing nightlife in Reykjavik or get the ideal paid job and earn money in Iceland. Enjoy a warm Icelandic welcome in the land of ice and snow as you discover one of the world’s best-kept travel secrets. 
• Great gap year opportunities for paid work on farms, in tourism or as an Au Pair
• Earn money and get a job set up before you go
• Jaw-dropping scenery makes for a stunning adventure on this fascinating island
• See the unmissable spectacle of the Northern Lights
• Outdoor activities are a must-do – hike a glacier, see snow-capped volcanoes, visit the empty, wild highlands or go birdwatching
• Soak your cares away in an amazing hot thermal pool

The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik, the most Northerly capital city in the world. Set among breathtaking snow-capped volcanic mountains, add in the vibrant mix of Viking history and an ultra-modern club scene, and you’ll stumble upon one of the world’s best-kept city secrets. 

• Explore the heady mix of ancient Viking and modern Scandinavia in the exciting capital city of Reykjavik. 
• Chill out in the gorgeous geothermal pools for a spot of switch-off time
• Hike across one of Iceland’s extraordinary glaciers
• See the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most amazing natural spectacles! 
• Go Whale watching from the pretty fishing town of Húsavík
• Spot millions of Puffins nesting on the unique volcanic islands of Vestmannaeyjar
• Watch the geysers erupt at Strokkur
• Get paid work, earn money and enjoy the Icelandic lifestyle

Fish and seafood are, not surprisingly, usually on the menu in Iceland, with a delicious range of fresh or cured fish on offer. Lamb is a popular meat, and potatoes or soups are frequently added to a meal. Rye bread is a popular accompaniment. 

If you are feeling adventurous you can try some of Iceland’s most exotic offerings, such as seabird e.g puffin or gull, or the infamous fish dish Hákarl, a putrefied shark meat known for its overpowering taste and smell!  They also eat Whale in Iceland, which may offend our more ethically-minded UK visitors. 

An everyday ingredient is skyr, a soft cheese/yoghurt which Icelanders eat daily with almost anything! 

Iceland's weather is unpredictable and can change from bright sunshine to wet weather within hours. There is high rainfall throughout the year, but from September-May this often turns to snow. 

The south and west are the wettest parts of the country, and in the mountain regions temperatures can plummet quickly.  June-August is the busiest tourist season.  Areas of geothermal activity are higher in temperature and make for an interesting contrast in the climate. 

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

The national language in Iceland is Icelandic, although English is widely spoken. 

Iceland uses the two-pin European plug socket, so if you are using UK appliances you will need to bring a universal adaptor. 

Iceland is a very friendly, informal, democratic and liberal country. People treat each other with respect, and Icelanders can be private, reserved people so please act with consideration and respect. 

If visiting an Icelandic home, it is customary to remove your shoes. Smoking in public places is banned.  Alcohol is very expensive and drink-driving is strongly clamped down upon. 

Iceland has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe destination for travellers.  Use caution in busy urban areas and keep an eye out for petty crime. 

The weather can be highly unpredictable and you should wear appropriate clothing in anticipation of cold conditions, especially in winter. Those driving in winter should carry food, water and blankets in their car. Emergency huts are provided in places where travellers risk getting caught in severe weather, and car-hire companies can provide snow tyres or chains in winter.

Exercise caution when hiking due to changing weather conditions, and be aware that the water in hot springs and mud pots can come out of the ground at 100°C. Always get local advice before hiking around live volcanoes. In glacial areas beware of dangerous quicksand at the end of glaciers, and never venture out onto the ice without crampons and ice axes.

Driving on Iceland’s roads can be dangerous, with locals often not heeding speed or safety limits. 

Do not become involved with drugs, as Iceland has strict drug use and possession laws. 

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.