There’s a lot to do in Iceland. From nature to museums, you’ll never run out of neat activities in Reykjavik and beyond. Some require a car, but you can definitely get around the city on foot – even in the winter.
Are tour groups expensive?
You don’t necessarily need to work with a tour group to find something fun. During my first trip, I worked with a travel company called Iceland Excursions to do some snorkeling, horse back riding, etc.
I highly recommend them. They’re pretty affordable, and they can pick you up from your apartment/hostel for adventures. Many bring you way outside of Reykjavik.
Should I travel alone?
I’ve traveled alone to Iceland, and I’ve traveled with other people. I’ve always felt safe. Like in any place, use common sense. Overall, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. I’ve even hitch-hiked there.
Are there any free things to do?
I’ll cover this below, but yes – there’s free stuff to do in Iceland. It can get pretty expensive, so it’s cool to have a few freebies on hand to spare your wallet.
How cold is it?
You’d be surprised. Aside from the usual cold that comes with snow and ice, I’ve always been pretty comfortable in Iceland. It’s honestly nothing that a long-johns and a parka can’t solve. Just assess the weather before you go, and make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and gloves. Those are two things I’d absolutely recommend, and never go to Iceland without.
Also, while we’re on the topic – if you are traveling to Iceland and planning to just pick up winter wear when you get there, this is a big mistake. Iceland, especially Reykjavik, can be extremely expensive.
Unless you find something at a thrift store (there’s very few and I do not advise risking it), you’re going to have a hard time. Then, you’ll be cold as fuck. Bring a jacket with you. Check the weather before. Trust me on this one.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical temperatures by season:
Warm Season – June through early September. Average high is 53°F, 11 celsius with lows in the 40°F, 4.4 celsius range.
Cold Season – November through April. Average high is 40°F, 4.4 celsius with lows in 28°F, -2 celsius range.
If you want to read more about temperatures in Iceland, check out WeatherSpark.
What about camping?
If you go in the summer, camping is a cheap, awesome alternative. A lot of cities in Iceland have places to camp. Often, they’re full of eager tourists looking for fun stuff to do. It’s a great place to meet people. Also, many of them have incredible lost and founds. I snagged a pair of waterproof boots at one.
Can I drink the water?
The stream water is freshwater and you can drink right from it. The water is also perfect for drinking right from the tap. Don’t waste your money on bottled water. It’s not necessary.
Are there a lot of bugs?
Except for drunk tourists, there are no bugs in Iceland. There’s also no pollution. It’s a wonderful place to be.
Do I need to learn Icelandic?
Everyone speaks fluent English, so don’t worry about that. If you want to pick up some phrases, there’s a lot of Icelandic classes and courses you can check out. Be warned that it’s a difficult language, one of the most challenging to learn in the world.