Iceland travel guide

Europe · 3 destinations

Iceland

Iceland is raw geology on display — geysers, glaciers, black-sand beaches, and the Northern Lights, all reachable on road trips out of Reykjavik along the Golden Circle and the South Coast.

From India

~8–10 hrs

🛂

Visa

Visa Required

Language

Icelandic, English

💰

Currency

ISK (Krona)

Capital

Reykjavik

Best Time

Jun – Aug (midnight sun), Sep – Mar (Northern Lights)

visa & entry

Entry Requirements for Indians

What Indian passport holders need to know before booking

🛂

Visa status

Visa Required

Schengen visa required

Full list: visa-free countries for Indian passports →

Practical tips

  • ›Always carry a digital copy of your passport and visa
  • ›Check the official embassy website for the latest requirements before booking
  • ›Book return flights before applying for visa
  • ›Keep proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

top experiences

What to Do in Iceland

Iconic activities and unmissable experiences across all destinations

trip planner

How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland?

Pick a trip length and get a ready-made day-by-day route — where to go, what to see, and how it all connects

travel guides

Iceland Travel Guides

In-depth city guides, budget breakdowns, and first-hand tips for your trip

budget guide

How Much Does Iceland Cost?

Daily budget estimates — accommodation, food, transport, and activities

🎒

Budget

USD 130-320/day/day

🛏️ Hotel

Hostels, simple guesthouses, or budget homestays

🍜 Food

Local restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and street snacks

🚌 Transport

Shared taxis, buses, autos, walking, or scooter rental where practical

🎟️ Activities

Major sights, viewpoints, markets, and self-guided walks

Stay close to Essential Core to reduce local transport costs.

✈️

Mid-range

$50-$130/day

🛏️ Hotel

Comfortable boutique hotels, homestays, or well-rated 3-star stays

🍜 Food

A mix of local institutions, cafes, and one nicer dinner

🚌 Transport

App cabs, private taxis for day trips, or pre-booked local transfers

🎟️ Activities

Guides, ticketed attractions, short experiences, and curated day trips

Book stays near Essential Core in peak season for easier sightseeing.

👑

Luxury

$180-$500+/day

🛏️ Hotel

Premium resorts, heritage hotels, villas, or high-end boutique stays

🍜 Food

Best restaurants, private dining, and specialist local food experiences

🚌 Transport

Private car with driver, airport transfers, and custom excursions

🎟️ Activities

Private guides, premium experiences, spa time, and flexible day trips

Use Reykjavik as a slow base rather than rushing through every sight.

Indicative USD ranges for a solo traveller. Prices vary by season, room quality, and transport style.

seasonal guide

Best Time to Visit Iceland

Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and highlights

January

3°C/-2°C · Cold, very short days

February

4°C/-2°C · Cold, snowy

March

5°C/-1°C · Cold, improving

April

8°C/2°C · Cool, lengthening days

May

11°C/5°C · Mild, long days

June

14°C/8°C · Mild, near-endless daylight

July

15°C/10°C · Mild, warmest month

August

14°C/9°C · Mild, still bright

September

11°C/6°C · Cool, darkening evenings

October

7°C/3°C · Cool, wetter

November

4°C/0°C · Cold, short days

December

3°C/-1°C · Cold, darkest month

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak season
Shoulder season
Average
Off-season
Best months:JuneJulySeptember

June-August offers nearly 24-hour daylight and the mildest weather, ideal for the Golden Circle and hiking. September-March is aurora season, with the longest, darkest nights (best odds) around November-February — though this also means the coldest weather and shortest days. Iceland's weather is famously changeable in any month.

common questions

Iceland Travel FAQ

Answers to what Indian travellers ask most

How many days do I need in Iceland?

5–7 days is ideal to cover the main highlights without rushing. If you have 10–14 days, you can explore regional destinations at a relaxed pace and go deeper into local culture.

What is the best time to visit Iceland?

Jun – Aug (midnight sun), Sep – Mar (Northern Lights) is the recommended window — expect the most favourable weather, lower chances of disruption, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Iceland?

Schengen visa required. Always verify current entry requirements on the official embassy or government website before booking flights.

What currency is used in Iceland?

Iceland uses the ISK (Krona). Carry some local cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors — card acceptance varies outside major cities.

Is Iceland safe for Indian tourists?

Iceland is generally well-regarded for safety among international travellers. Exercise standard travel precautions, stay aware of your surroundings in tourist areas, and keep digital copies of important documents.

What language is spoken in Iceland?

The primary language is Icelandic, English. In major tourist areas and hotels, English is widely understood. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated by locals.

keep exploring

More Destinations in Europe