Region
Reykjavík & the Golden Circle
The world's northernmost capital, all colorful rooftops and geothermal warmth, paired with the classic Golden Circle loop: the erupting Geysir, thundering Gullfoss and the rift valley of Thingvellir.
Destinations · Europe
Iceland.
The land of fire & ice.
Scroll
The country
Iceland is an island of contrasts and natural wonders, where the fire of volcanoes meets the ice of glaciers in a spectacular display. This land of fire and ice offers travelers breathtaking landscapes, from the Blue Lagoon to the icy Vatnajökull National Park.
Rich in Viking history and folklore, Iceland’s culture is as compelling as its geography. The capital, Reykjavik, though small, brims with creative energy: a vibrant arts scene, incredible cuisine and a lively nightlife, all inspired by its Norse roots.
Whether you’re watching the dance of the Northern Lights, exploring the fjords, or enjoying the warm hospitality of its people, Iceland offers a blend of nature and culture that captivates all who journey here.
- Capital
- Reykjavik
- Currency
- Icelandic króna
- Ideal trip
- 5–7 nights
- Best for
- Nature & adventure
William's take
Why we love Iceland.
Iceland is the adventurer's dream country. It is perfect for a road trip, perfect for a cruise, and perfect for gathering a few friends and simply going to explore. Everywhere you turn there is something new to see.
From soaking in natural hot springs to the raw natural beauty of the landscape, the black sands and icebergs of Diamond Beach, the geothermal pools around Myvatn, and the remote drama of the east and west fjords, there is a tremendous amount to see and do. It is a country that rewards curiosity at every single stop.
Planned by Chima Travel, a family agency serving travelers since 1918 and now in our fourth generation. Proud members of ASTA, with IATA accreditation.
When to go
The best time to visit Iceland.
Iceland is really two countries on one island — the midnight-sun summer of the open Ring Road, and the dark-sky winter of the aurora. Which one you want decides everything. Here is how we'd sketch the year across the desk.
May–August
The midnight sun and the open Ring Road: long, mild days, every road and highland track in play, and puffins on the cliffs from late spring. Our favorite window for a full loop of the island.
September–October
The shoulder season we love most: autumn color, thinning crowds, and the return of dark enough skies for the northern lights, with most roads still open.
February–April
Deep winter eases and daylight returns, a fine time for the aurora, ice caves and the Golden Circle, though the north and highlands stay limited into spring.
November–January
Short, dark days and the best chance of the northern lights over a snowy landscape, paired with the Blue Lagoon and cozy Reykjavik. Many rural roads and highland routes are closed.
Where to go
The regions of Iceland.
Iceland packs glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and black-sand coasts into a single island you can circle in a week or two. These are the areas we weave together most often, from the capital and the Golden Circle to the wild north and the otherworldly Snaefellsnes Peninsula, each with its own landscape and rhythm.
Region
The South Coast
A procession of icons along Route 1: the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, and glaciers tumbling toward the sea.
Region
Jökulsárlón & the Southeast
The glacier lagoon where icebergs drift to the sea and wash up on Diamond Beach, beneath the vast Vatnajokull ice cap and its blue winter ice caves.
Region
The North & Lake Mývatn
The capital of the north, Akureyri, alongside the powerful Godafoss and Dettifoss, the bubbling mud pots and lava fields around Lake Myvatn, and prime whale watching in Husavik.
Region
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often called Iceland in miniature: the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain, lava fields and fishing villages, all crowned by the glacier-topped volcano of Snaefellsjokull.
A sample journey
One way to spend a week in Iceland.
- 1 Days 1–2
Reykjavík & the Golden Circle
Settle into the colorful capital, then loop the Golden Circle: the rift valley of Thingvellir, the spouting Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss, with a soak in a geothermal lagoon to finish.
- 2 Days 3–4
The South Coast
Follow Route 1 east past Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss to the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, with glacier walks and a night under aurora-friendly skies near Vik.
- 3 Days 5–6
Jökulsárlón & the Southeast
Watch icebergs drift across the glacier lagoon and glitter on Diamond Beach, beneath the Vatnajokull ice cap, with a boat cruise or a winter ice-cave excursion.
- 4 Days 7–8
The North & Lake Mývatn
Cross to the north for the thunder of Godafoss and Dettifoss, the mud pots and lava of Lake Myvatn, and whale watching out of Husavik, ending in lively Akureyri.
- 5 Days 9–10
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Finish on the peninsula they call Iceland in miniature: the perfect cone of Kirkjufell, lava fields and fishing villages beneath the Snaefellsjokull glacier, an easy drive back to Reykjavik.
Every itinerary we build is bespoke: this is a starting point, not a package.
Getting around
- By hire car on the Ring Road
- Self-driving is the heart of an Iceland trip — the freedom to stop at every waterfall, black-sand beach and roadside pony. We match the vehicle to the season, with a 4x4 for winter and the highland F-roads.
- By private driver-guide
- For travelers who would rather not drive, we arrange guides who know the light, the weather and the quieter corners. It earns its keep on dark winter days and aurora evenings.
- By internal flight
- A quick hop north skips a long winter drive and opens up Mývatn and Húsavík. We slot the connection in so the day isn't lost to the road.
Where to stay
- Reykjavík
- A characterful design hotel in the walkable old center puts the restaurants, galleries and harbor on your doorstep, and makes an easy base for Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon days.
- South Coast
- We favor countryside hotels and farm stays near Vik and Hella, with wide views, dark skies for the aurora, and the waterfalls and glaciers within an easy drive.
- Jökulsárlón & the Southeast
- A stay near the glacier lagoon or Hofn keeps you close to the icebergs at first light and serves as the gateway for ice-cave and glacier-hike excursions.
- North & Lake Mývatn
- Lakeside lodges around Myvatn and boutique hotels in Akureyri pair geothermal nature baths with the north's waterfalls, whales and quieter pace.
The hire car or driver-guide, transfers, internal flights and any ice-cave or glacier permits are all arranged as part of every itinerary — the logistics are handled before you arrive.
Good to know
Iceland travel questions.
How many days do you need in Iceland?+
Five to seven nights covers Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the south coast at a comfortable pace. Nine to twelve nights is the sweet spot for a full Ring Road loop of the island, taking in the glacier lagoon, the north and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?+
It depends on what you want to see. June to August brings the midnight sun, mild weather and every road open, ideal for circling the island. September to March offers the northern lights, with February and March adding ice caves, while deep winter is darkest and quietest with many rural roads closed.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland?+
Yes, from roughly late September to early April, when the nights are dark enough. Sightings are never guaranteed since they depend on clear skies and solar activity, so we build in dark-sky bases, flexible evenings and a few nights to improve your odds.
Is it better to self-drive or take guided tours?+
Both work, and we tailor it to you. Self-driving the Ring Road gives you total freedom to linger, which most travelers love in summer. In winter, or for those who prefer not to drive on ice, a private driver-guide handles the conditions and reads the weather and the light for you.
Is the Blue Lagoon worth it?+
It is a memorable soak and conveniently placed between the airport and Reykjavik, so it makes an easy first or last stop. It does book up, so we reserve your slot in advance, and we can also point you to quieter geothermal baths such as the Sky Lagoon or the nature baths at Myvatn.
From the journal
Reading on Iceland.
-
Cruises
5 Best Cruises to the Northern Lights
Five voyages into the Arctic night, where the aurora borealis dances above the deck and the cold is part of the romance.
Read more → -
Destinations
A New Era of Ocean Travel
Last month, EXPLORA I departed on her maiden journey, sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark on an epic journey through seven captivating destinations to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Read more → -
Destinations
Best Hotels Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Iceland
Jokulsarlon is one of the biggest attractions in the South of Iceland. Visitors come from all over the world to lay eyes on the incredible glacial lagoon. This leads to the…
Read more →
Ways to Explore
How to travel Iceland.
Tailormade Trips
A private journey designed entirely around you, your pace, and your people.
Cruises
River, ocean and expedition voyages, from the Danube to Antarctica.
Escorted Tours
Expertly guided, end to end, with the world's finest local operators.
All-Inclusive
Effortless resort escapes; we cut through the haze to the right one.
Let's begin
Design your
Iceland escape.
Tell us your travel dates and what you love, and we'll handle every detail.
Plan Your Trip