Flights to Iceland

Getting around

Most visitors hire a car or join tours, as public transport outside Reykjavík is limited. The Ring Road circles the island in around 1,300 km, and a week allows time for the south coast and the Golden Circle at a relaxed pace. In winter, roads can close at short notice, so check road and weather updates daily and consider a four-wheel drive. Domestic flights reach Akureyri and the north.

History

Norse settlers arrived in the late 9th century, and in 930 they founded the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, at Þingvellir. The sagas written in the following centuries tell the stories of these early families. Iceland was later ruled from Norway and Denmark, gained home rule in the early 20th century and became an independent republic in 1944.

Waterfalls, glaciers and lagoons

The Golden Circle links Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser and Gullfoss waterfall in a day. Along the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are short drives apart, and Reynisfjara's black sand beach has dangerous waves, so stay well back from the water. Further east, icebergs float in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula has caused closures near Grindavík, so check what is open before you visit.

Entry, money and time

Iceland is in the Schengen area, so British visitors don't need a visa for short stays, and the Entry/Exit System applies. The króna is the currency, but cards are accepted almost everywhere. Traffic drives on the right. Iceland is on GMT all year, the same as the UK in winter and one hour behind in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

June to August brings long days, open highland roads and puffins on the cliffs. September to March is the season for the northern lights, though clear skies are never certain, and daylight is short in December.

Planning a northern lights break? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll find flights to suit your dates.