Iceland holidays: geysers, lava and the northern lights
Waterfalls along the Ring Road, hot springs in the lava and the aurora over black beaches. Iceland is closer than you think, and stranger than you expect.
Nesjavellir, Iceland
The aurora over the lava, an hour from Reykjavík.
Why go to Iceland?
Iceland is one of the few places where you can watch a geyser erupt, walk behind a waterfall, stand on a glacier and bathe in water heated by the earth, all in the same long weekend. The landscape is young and restless: moss-covered lava fields, steam rising from the hillsides and black beaches pounded by the Atlantic.
There are direct flights from the UK to Keflavík, so Iceland works as well for a short break as for a longer road trip. Most people start in Reykjavík and drive from there.
Things to do in Iceland
The Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss in a day. Read our guide to the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.
The south coast: the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black beach at Reynisfjara and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Northern lights: in the dark season, roughly September to April. See the best places to see the northern lights.
Hot springs: from the Blue Lagoon to small natural pools by the roadside.
Iceland is best explored by car. Read our guide to car hire in Iceland before you book.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, with the lava right up to the water.
Where to stay in Iceland
Reykjavík is the natural base, but it is outside the city that the hotels become part of the experience. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Aurora and wilderness: ION Adventure Hotel at Nesjavellir, with a glass bar facing the sky. See rooms at ION Adventure Hotel.
A lagoon of your own: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, built into the lava. See rooms at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.
By the glacier: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, near Jökulsárlón. See rooms at Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon.
Hot springs in the west: Hotel Husafell, with several outdoor pools. See rooms at Hotel Husafell.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Moss-covered lava at the foot of Vatnajökull.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Summer brings light nights, green landscapes and open highland roads. Autumn and winter bring darkness and a chance of the northern lights, but shorter days and winter driving. Spring and early autumn are a good compromise. Whatever the season, check the weather and road conditions before you drive, as the weather changes quickly. Explore more of Europe.
Frequently asked questions about holidays in Iceland
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Summer is best for light nights, hiking and road trips, while September to April is northern lights season. Spring and early autumn are a good compromise with fewer crowds.
Do I need a hire car in Iceland?
Yes, if you want to see more than Reykjavík and the Golden Circle. A car gives you the freedom to drive the south coast and stop where you like. In winter, choose four-wheel drive.
Where should I stay in Iceland?
Stay in Reykjavík for the first nights, then add a few nights somewhere like ION Adventure Hotel, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, where the hotel is part of the experience.
Can you see the northern lights in Iceland?
Yes, from roughly September to April, when it is dark and the sky is clear. Stay outside the city to avoid light pollution.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
A long weekend is enough for Reykjavík and the Golden Circle. To see the south coast and Jökulsárlón, allow at least five to seven days.