←Iceland travel guide
Capital Region, Iceland
Reykjavik
A compact capital of colour, geothermal pools, and creative energy
CultureNature & OutdoorsNightlife
Reykjavik sits on the shore of Faxafloi bay with Mount Esja rising across the water and the old harbour at its centre, making it the most northerly capital city in the world. Home to roughly two-thirds of Iceland's population, it packs an outsized cultural scene into walkable neighbourhoods lined with colourful buildings, warm pools, and restaurants shaped by a proud local food tradition.
Check Iceland visa requirements →
Best time to visit
June to August
Region
Capital Region
Main airport
Reykjavik KEF (KEF)
Also serves: RKV
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Reykjavik
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of dual significance: the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, first convened here in 930 AD, and the park sits squarely in the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Visitors can walk along the dramatic Almannagjaa gorge that marks the edge of the North American plate and, at the Silfra fissure, snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear glacial water between two continents.
Nature
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a vast geothermal spa set within a dramatic lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, roughly midway between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik. Its milky-turquoise waters are rich in silica, mineral salts, and algae, maintaining a temperature of around 37 to 39 degrees Celsius year-round. The complex includes saunas, an in-water steam cave, and a range of treatments using the lagoon's mineral-rich resources.
Wise
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Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Iceland.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Reykjavik
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Iceland
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Iceland page at Yoogo.
Iceland uses the Icelandic krona (ISK), and card payments are accepted almost universally, from city restaurants to rural petrol stations. Carrying a small amount of cash is rarely necessary, though it can be useful in very remote areas.
Iceland consistently ranks as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, with very low rates of violent crime. Petty theft and pickpocketing do occur in tourist-heavy areas of Reykjavik, and the main safety considerations for most visitors are related to unpredictable weather and remote Highland terrain rather than personal security.
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Iceland beyond Reykjavik, as public transport outside the capital is limited. Reykjavik itself is served by the Straeto bus network, and the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle.
June to August brings the Midnight Sun, mild temperatures, and full access to all roads and the Highlands, making it ideal for outdoor activities and hiking. September to April offers the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, with the darkest skies occurring from November to January.
The official language is Icelandic, one of the North Germanic languages and closely related to Old Norse. English is very widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in Reykjavik and in the tourism industry, so communication is rarely a difficulty for English-speaking visitors.
Iceland has no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry, and the country has high standards of hygiene and healthcare. It is advisable to be up to date with routine vaccinations such as tetanus and measles before any international travel, and to consult a travel health professional for personalised advice.
Tipping is not customary in Iceland, as service charges are generally included in prices and hospitality staff do not expect gratuities. Rounding up a bill or leaving a small tip is perfectly acceptable if you wish to, but it is never obligatory.
Mobile coverage is strong in Reykjavik and along the main Ring Road, though it can be patchy in remote Highland and Westfjords regions. eSIM plans from providers such as Airalo offer a convenient way to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card, and many plans support 4G and 5G speeds on local Icelandic networks.