Iceland Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are November and December good months to visit Iceland?
November
Off
season
December
Off
season
Did you know?
The population of Iceland is around 341.2 thous., which puts the country in 176. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Reykjavík (IS) and Washington D.C. (US) is 2805 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Reykjavík click here
Country Comparison
Compare Iceland to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Iceland
| Miles | Reykjavík | Akureyri | Húsavík | Hafnarfjörður | Keflavík | Landmannalaugar | Vestmannaeyjar | Kirkjubæjarklaustur |
| Reykjavík | - | 155 | 187 | 5 | 21 | 87 | 70 | 120 |
| Akureyri | 155 | - | 33 | 159 | 175 | 120 | 168 | 131 |
| Húsavík | 187 | 33 | - | 192 | 208 | 151 | 200 | 157 |
| Hafnarfjörður | 5 | 159 | 192 | - | 19 | 88 | 67 | 120 |
| Keflavík | 21 | 175 | 208 | 19 | - | 106 | 80 | 138 |
| Landmannalaugar | 87 | 120 | 151 | 88 | 106 | - | 53 | 34 |
| Vestmannaeyjar | 70 | 168 | 200 | 67 | 80 | 53 | - | 72 |
| Kirkjubæjarklaustur | 120 | 131 | 157 | 120 | 138 | 34 | 72 | - |
A Brief History of Iceland
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
850 - 875
Viking settlersThe first Viking settlers arrive, bringing Irish slaves with them.
930
The AlthingChieftains from across Iceland gather in Thingvellir to form the Althing, the world's first parliament, or congress.
1200s
The Old NorseIcelanders begin to write down the Old Norse sagas for the first time. Until now, the epic poems, legends and historical tales were memorized and recited.
1264
Norway takes controlAfter many attempts, Norway takes control of Iceland. The move ends bloody civil wars between settlers.
1380
Denmark's controlNorway and Iceland come under Denmark's control.
1402 – 1404
Black DeathThe Black Death plague devastates Iceland.
1600s
Pirate raidsPirates from England, Spain and Algeria raid the coasts and ruin Iceland's trade economy.
1800
The Althing abolishedThe Althing, the world's first parliament, is abolished.
1915
New flagIceland gets its current flag. It is a blue flag with a red and white Scandinavian Cross.
1917
Right to voteWomen get the right to vote in national elections.
1918
Self-ruled stateIceland becomes a self-ruled state, but is still in a union with Denmark.
1944
An independent republicAfter Icelanders vote to end the union with Denmark, Iceland is proclaimed an independent republic on June 17. Sveinn Bjorrnsson is the first president.
1973
Volcano eruptionA massive volcanic eruption on Heimaey forms Eldfell (fire mountain). Lava flows for sixth months.
1975
Prohibition of fishingIceland bans foreign fishermen from a 200-mile zone beyond its coastline. British fishermen especially resent the restriction.
1980
Vigdís FinnbogadóttirVigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes Iceland's president. She is the first woman ever elected president of a republic.
2000
Volcano eruptionMount Hekla's most recent eruption shakes the region outside Reykjavik in February. Since 1970, Hekla has erupted every 10 years.
2003
Whale huntingIn August, Iceland embarks on its first whale hunt in 15 years. Its government says the hunt is being conducted to study the mammals' impact on fish stocks.
2006
Whale-hunting businessThe country ends its 21-year ban on commercial whaling.
2010
Volcano eruptionThe Eyjafjallajokull volcano begins to erupt in March. It spreads volcanic ash across Europe, stopping airline flights and disrupting transportation for months.
Best Ways to Experience Iceland
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreIceland Krona (ISK)
- EUR
- GBP
- ISK
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- ISK
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Iceland.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Iceland for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Iceland the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, F sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type C
Type FFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 176 / 231 Ranking | 341 243 homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6% |
Area | 109 / 230 Ranking | 39.8 thous. mi² It is approximately 1% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 6 / 196 Ranking | 83.5 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 81.2women 85.8 |
Median age | 109 / 157 Ranking | 37.1 Average age of population expressed in years.men 36.6women 37.7 |
Population growth | 89 / 172 Ranking | 0.97% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 11 / 131 Ranking | 99% Ability to read, write and count.men 99%women 99% |
GDP | 16 / 194 Ranking | 55 225 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |