[takeaways] • Iceland's top five experiences are driving the Golden Circle, exploring Reykjavik, watching the Northern Lights, riding an Icelandic horse, and visiting black sand beaches.
• A standard rental car is enough for the Golden Circle route itself — a 4WD is only necessary if you plan to continue into Iceland's remote central highlands.
• Iceland's 24% VAT is always included in displayed prices by law, and tipping isn't expected since service workers are paid fair wages.
• The Blue Lagoon's geothermal springs are relaxing rather than dangerous, unlike some geysers found in American national parks.
• Reynisfjara and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are among the best black sand beach spots to explore.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Iceland keeps your prepaid data covered, so there's no risk of a surprise roaming bill back home. [/takeaways]
Iceland is a country that conjures up lots of images — dramatic landscapes, chilly vistas, and stunning displays in the night sky being among them! But these are just a few highlights of what to do in Iceland, no matter how long you plan to stay, and whether you're here for pure adventure or to soak in geothermal springs, we're sure you'll have no shortage of bucket-list items.
If you're struggling to decide on what to do in Iceland, however, don't worry. Several of the SIMOVO crew have explored the shores multiple times before, meaning we're in a great position to share some must-see and do ideas for your next adventure. Whether it's your first time out here or your 40th, use our guide as a launching pad to get out and explore Iceland at its best.
What makes Iceland so special?
Where do you start? Iceland is well-loved as one of the best locations in Europe, even the world, for watching the Aurora Borealis drift across the night sky — and you can be sure there are plenty of tours that take you to the best vantage points to spot the Northern Lights.
Beyond that, other unique experiences here include the aforementioned geothermal springs you'll be able to soak in across the region (such as those at the Blue Lagoon). This isn't like stepping into the dangerous geysers you'll find in some American national parks — these springs are toasty and relaxing in equal measure.
Many travelers who visit Iceland regularly also enjoy trailing the beaches and taking a hiking trip or two — over the glaciers! For the bravest and most prepared, there's even ice caving — which we recommend to those who really know what they're doing!
If you'd prefer a trip to Iceland that's a little more laid back, make sure to relax in Reykjavik, the country's capital — or, why not go whale watching while you sail around?
Iceland is a completely unique experience, and for many vacationers who typically stick to the same old beaches and family theme parks, there's a lot to open your eyes to here.
That said, regardless of what you end up doing here, we always recommend that you download an eSIM for Iceland to your phone. Instead of hunting around for local SIMs from stores, you'll be able to connect to the best available mobile networks with the help of SIMOVO. What's more, the data you'd like to use is prepaid, so there are never any risks of you running up high bills back home.
And, just think of all the fantastic photos and videos you'll want to share online and with friends and family! With an eSIM, you can do all of that without having to connect to shaky public WiFi.
What to do in Iceland: five top ideas
Narrowing down the best of what Iceland has to offer isn't an easy task, but don't take pity on us — we've brought together five excellent activity and attraction ideas that might just inspire you to fly out here sooner rather than later.
[numbered title="Drive the Golden Circle route" pill="Road trip"]If you can drive and you're looking for a way to sample Iceland's best sights in a single road trip, then the world-famous Golden Circle is a great starting point. It's a route that connects Geysir and Gulfoss with Pingvellir and the city of Reykjavik, meaning you get to experience Iceland's natural beauty, relaxing geothermals, and city limits all in one go. The loop should take around three to four hours to cover, according to Nordic Visitor, but naturally, you might want to get out and take a look around while en route![/numbered] [numbered title="Take a break in the capital, Reykjavik" pill="City break"]Reykjavik is a unique city that's absolutely packed with Viking history, stunning waterside views, and delightful art and architecture. While you should naturally get out and see Iceland at its natural best elsewhere, this is likely to be one of the most relaxing city breaks you'll have in Europe. Check out the modern, colorful buildings, the classic churches, and the cutting-edge street art![/numbered] [numbered title="Check out the Northern Lights" pill="Aurora Borealis"]Iceland's fantastic location and propensity for darkness make it a pivotal spot to watch the Aurora Borealis light up the sky. The region is famous for its low light pollution and its dramatic glaciers, too, which helps to frame the experience all the more memorably.[/numbered] [numbered title="Ride an Icelandic Horse" pill="Adventure"]Icelandic horse riding is very much a popular activity for travelers heading to Reykjavik and across Iceland's south coast. Many will tell you there's no better way to enjoy the bracing wilds of Iceland than to take a leisurely trot on horseback — just take a look on social media if you don't believe us![/numbered] [numbered title="Explore black sand beaches" pill="Coastal scenery"]You've likely never seen coastal stretches like these — Iceland is home to black sand beaches thanks to the area's volcanic activity. Pebbles and sand take on darker hues here thanks to hot lava cooling in the nearby ocean. We especially recommend taking a stroll or two down Reynisfjara, or exploring the Reynisdrangar sea stacks.[/numbered] [esim flag="🇮🇸" label="Iceland" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/iceland" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Keep your prepaid data covered — no surprise roaming bills back home[/esim]
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
For your best shot at seeing the Northern Lights, and for the smallest crowds and most manageable weather, you'll likely want to book flights and hotel rooms here either between March and April, or toward October.
Whenever you go, just remember that Iceland experiences what's known as Midnight Sun during the summer months, meaning that there is very little in the way of darkness. The opposite occurs in the winter — as the days get shorter and shorter!
Iceland can be quite expensive to visit during peak seasons, so make sure to plan flights and rooms as far in advance as you can. For more information on how to book a well-timed trip to Iceland, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Iceland.
Iceland travel tips
If you're set on exploring the best that Iceland has to offer, here are some fantastic travel tips to help make your time here that little bit more enjoyable.
[tip title="Cards work almost everywhere, but carry change for rural areas"]Don't worry too much about paying cash across the main cities and towns. Loose change is a must if you're exploring rural reaches, but for the most part, Iceland is more than happy to let you pay with your card (just check your issuer is happy with you spending locally).[/tip] [tip title="Save money by cooking your own meals"]Eating out can be pricey across Iceland, so to save money where possible, think about making meals yourself — grocery stores are the way forward if you'd like to dine on a budget while staying here.[/tip] [tip title="Prices already include tax, and tipping isn't expected"]Iceland's 24% VAT is included in every displayed price by law, so what you see on the menu or receipt is exactly what you'll pay — no extra tax added at checkout. Tipping isn't expected either, since service charges are typically built into prices and staff are paid fair wages. That means less internal math when it comes to settling up that restaurant bill.[/tip] [tip title="A standard car is fine for the Golden Circle — save the 4WD for the highlands"]If you have your heart set on driving around the Golden Circle, a standard rental car is perfectly capable of handling the route, as it's a well-paved, accessible loop. You'll only need a 4WD if you plan to continue on into Iceland's remote central highlands, where roads can be considerably rougher for standard tires and everyday runarounds.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Iceland?[/q] [a]Iceland's top five experiences are driving the Golden Circle, exploring the capital Reykjavik, watching the Northern Lights, riding an Icelandic horse, and visiting black sand beaches like Reynisfjara. Each offers a distinctly different way to experience the country's landscapes and culture.[/a] [q]Do you need a 4WD to drive the Golden Circle?[/q] [a]No — a standard rental car is sufficient for the Golden Circle route itself, since it's a well-paved, accessible loop. A 4WD only becomes necessary if you plan to continue beyond the Golden Circle into Iceland's remote central highlands.[/a] [q]Do you need to tip in Iceland?[/q] [a]No — tipping isn't expected in Iceland, as service charges are typically already built into prices and service workers are paid fair wages. Iceland's 24% VAT is also always included in displayed prices by law, so there's nothing extra to calculate at checkout.[/a] [q]When is the best time to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights?[/q] [a]March to April and October offer some of the best chances to see the Northern Lights, alongside smaller crowds and more manageable weather. Iceland's Midnight Sun in summer means very little darkness, which isn't ideal for aurora viewing.[/a] [q]Is the Blue Lagoon dangerous like some geysers?[/q] [a]No — Iceland's geothermal springs, including the Blue Lagoon, are designed to be relaxing and safe for soaking, unlike some naturally occurring, unpredictable geysers found in places like American national parks.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Iceland?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Iceland is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip with prepaid data, meaning no risk of a surprise roaming bill and no need to rely on shaky public WiFi. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇮🇸" label="Iceland" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$8.50" href="/products/iceland" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you land in Iceland[/esim]
