The world’s economy is crashing and no country is feeling the pain of this global credit meltdown more than Iceland. The country’s overextended banking industry has collapsed and the country has declared bankruptcy. Yes, I said the COUNTRY. The last few weeks has seen its currency completely free fall. The current exchange rate is now 117 Kronur to a dollar, up from 77 in May. Compared to last year, you’re getting double your value and the winter deals are making accommodation and flights even cheaper.
So with the currency in the toilet, now is a great time to travel to Iceland- the country is finally cheap(er) to visit. Here are seven things to do in Iceland that will convince you book your ticket:
Reykjavík
This hip capital is awash in thriving cafes, high energy clubs, friendly pubs, and a brightly colored old town with rows of wood houses clustered together. It’s like more like a giant small town than a city. However, this city is one of the trendiest in the world as Icelanders are obsessed with design, technology, and architecture. Reykjavik is one of the most expensive cities in the world- but it just got a lot cheaper. Take advantage now.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool is the country’s top tourist attraction. It might be crowded and expensive but there’s nothing like it in the world. This huge, milky-blue spa is fed by mineral-rich heated seawater from the nearby geothermal plant. Add the silvery towers of the plant, rolling clouds of steam, and people covered in white mud, you’ll think you are in the twilight zone.
Thingvellir National Park
This national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site is interesting for two reasons: It is the original site of the longest running parliament in the world and it’s also where the North-American and European continental shelf plates are being torn apart. Pretty cool, huh?
Watch the Northern Lights
From September to April the Northern Lights become more visible. These dancing lights are a one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. From the clear, dark northern skies of Iceland, nothing will impede your view of nature’s greatest dance.
Gullfoss
Iceland’s most famous waterfall tumbles 105ft into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a wall of spray. On sunny days, the spray creates shimmering rainbows over the gorge. This is a truly amazing spectacle and a rewarding scene after a nice hike.
Jökulsárlón (The Jökulsár Lagoon)
Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated very quickly from 1920 to 1965 leaving this breathtaking lagoon, which is up to 190 meters deep. Icebergs float in the lagoon all year and you can watch as chunks of ice crash into the lagoon.
Glacial Trek
During the winter months, the glaciers get a bit sturdier and groups of tourists are led across them. There’s no better way to see the glaciers than walk across them. Release your arctic explorer across the glaciers of Iceland.
So go take advantage of the new exchange rate and visit a much cheaper Iceland. The locals are friendly, the nature is stunning (as are the locals), the exchange rate is the best in years, the midnight sun hasn’t arrived yet, and the weather isn’t too cold. Now is a prefect time to visit Iceland!
I looked into going…and it appears everyone in the UK has had the same idea, as flights have gone right up in price most days I’ve looked. Plus it may not be as cheap as I’d first thought – lots of staples (especially food, and oil) need to be imported. As they have to pay for these in foreign currency, they will have got a lot more expensive in Krona, cancelling out the exchange rate effect.
We took our 2 boys (then 7 and 11) to Iceland in August 2007. The highlight of our trip was Dogsledding (www.dogsledding.is) on a glacier (which was on top of an active volcano). I kind of minimized that part in talking up the activity. The glacier was Mýrdalsjökull on the South Coast near Vik. Just looked at their website and they aren’t currently offering glacier sleds (only sleds lower down on dog trolleys) but presumably they will be beginning in December. The whole trip was an “expedition” as the road up to the dogsledding must be traversed very slowly (one of Iceland’s famous gravel roads) and went on forever. Then you have to be trekked up to the glacier on more durable vehicles. They also in the past have looked for staff to live up on the glacier with the dogs – kind of an au pair type job – if anyone is interested. At any rate, we were soaked (rainy day) and splattered with ice, but had great fun.
On AIrfare to Iceland: The best deals were through Iceland Air’s “Lucky Fares”. Sign up for this weekly email on their website. I would watch the weekly email and always got better pricing by clicking through the link than not. Sometimes the email targets Europe (from the US) rather than straight Iceland, but worth a watch if you are interested in going to Iceland.
Did you read the Geography of Bliss? I wonder how happy everyone is feeling in Iceland now?
I like the looks of the Blue Lagoon.
Apparently the nightlife in Reykjavik is great.
Would love to see the Northern Light someday, and have to agree with Debo Hobo re the Blue Lagoon.
You’ve convinced me. I want to go there!
Haha nice work mate, you convinced me. Booked a few days off work at the end of Nov and flights were £200 return from London Stansted, which aint soooo bad I dont think. What are they usually if they have “shot up”….maybe if they are normally much lower I’m feeling flusher than I thought.
I dont really know whats there aside from what you have posted, but cant think of anything better to do with 3 days holiday remaining than to slap a weekend on the end of it and go have a look.
….not what i thought I would be doing yesterday prior to reading your website, thats for sure
Fantastic country – one of the most amazing I’ve ever visited. Beyond Matt’s suggestions, check out the great waterfalls (they’re everywhere), see geysirs and try to get to Lake Myvatn.
How close together are all of those things? Could they realistically be done in one trip?
Wow, what a great country.What a pictures, beautiful.
And hurry people because what happens if Iceland is totally broke?
@nicoleantoinette iceland is a relatively small country, you can visit all major stuff within 2 weeks
That’s indeed a great idea for a winter vacation! I’m actually curious enough to check the prices for accommodation in Reykjavík and see what can still be planned.
@claire: glad you had such a great time!
@Jamie: No, I haven’t read it. What is it?
@Debo/Erica: Me too, though my favorite picture is of the waterfall.
@Karie/Lee: EXCELLENT! My plan worked!
@Mark H: Thanks for the recommendation
@Nicole: Marco answered the question!
@Travel Wizard: Let us know what you find!
This place is awesome! And the Blue Lagoon is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. A must, must, must do! I can’t say enough good things about this country. I’ve been there three times and loved it. Thanks for pointing Iceland out!
Fabulous photos you’ve got there. I especially love the one on Gullfoss and Northern Lights. Have always wanted to view the latter and now that I’m closer to Iceland (as compared to when I was in Singapore), it’s more possible I would say.
However, I heard that it’s not very often that one get to see the Northern Lights and many visitors actually left disappointed. Is that true?
I love your website. You are great!
Iceland is beautiful, but unfortunately for me, I found it quite difficult to find a cheap airline ticket to go Iceland for Christmas this year…
Breathtaking but sad about what’s going on there.
And, I’ve just started reading Geography of Bliss so I can’t wait to make the connection of Happiness and these amazing photos (minus the economic issues).
@Tanya: You are welcome
@CK: It’s like whale watching- sometimes you don’t see anything!
@Hotel Espagne: I would be interested to see if you come up with anything.
@Beth: I am going to have to read this book everyone keep mentioning!!
I did a lads trip to Reykjavik for a long w/e years ago.
The women were stunning, the nightlife was insane.
The Blu Laggon is great for curing a hangover!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful place. You have convinced me.
All the photos are amazing. The photo of Reykjavik reminds me of Burano, a small island near Venice. Similar colourful small houses attached to each other.
So many places to see, can I do it ?
I’ve done the first five.
I went to Iceland in April, and I couldn’t recommend a better time to go – Gullfoss and Tingvellir were amazing under snow and ice, and the huge pond in central Reykjavík was so frozen people were riding bikes over it. Also, if you’re up for the Lights you’ll only catch them in the colder months.
On the upside, in April it’s not AS cold (having said that it hit about -6 celsius, but that’s nothing).
Other things I recommend hugely in Iceland (amazing place):
-Geysir. Incredible.
-Snowboarding/skiing – it’s criminal to go there and not do this.
-Perlan. Try to go on a day when visibility is best.
-The Beach in Reykjavík. The irony in that is wonderful.
-The North. Particularly in the winter, you’ll see Icelandic horses and a LOT of snow, along with countless frozen rivers and lakes. You’re also much more likely to see the Northern Lights there, and if you do, it will be more colourful.
And CK – I spent nine months in the Faroe Islands (right next to Iceland) and saw the Lights once there. I was lucky enough to catch them twice in ten days in Iceland, but that’s tremendously rare. You definitely have to keep your fingers crossed.
I’ve been to Iceland a couple of times, and one of the highlights for me is the ride into town from the airport. Much of it passes through a volcanic moonscape, which is one of the most surreally beautiful things I’ve ever seen.
Also, the South Shore Adventure is a packaged tour that takes you to a lot of amazing locations on a day trip out of Reykjavík. I’m not sure if it will still be running this late in the year, but it was definitely worth the price. We also tried the pony ride through the countryside. Not something I’d recommend if it’s cold.
Just spent a few days in Reykjavik in September. Exchange rate was 94 kronur to the dollar and prices were not terrible – depended on where you went, what you ate. I completely agree with SteveZ about the ride from the airport – it was fascinating. The Blue Lagoon is not to be missed, no matter what the exchange rate! All the Icelanders were wonderfully welcoming and the service was great.
The blue lagoons and the northern lights are truly amazing. Surely its a place to be visited really soon.
Regards
Liny
The Northern lights is a reason byb itself to get there !! And while one is there, the geothermal pool isn’t a bad deal too !
That is a very evocative picture of the Blue Lagoon !
This country is realy amazing… Me and my boyfriend will travel there for a New year. But I am a little bit confused about the darkness. Definitly this page helped me to decide to choose this trip on Iceland…
Thank you!
Please write me if you have some experiences traveling in winter, when the Iceland is dark
BarB
You forgot “Attend a Sigur Ros Concert” You can’t miss it if you are there. That is hoping they are on tour!
I went this summer – it was definitely the best vacation I’ve ever been on. Everybody is so nice and speaks at least English aside from Icelandic.
They say that during the dark months Iceland’s not always actually that bad, and that – especially in Reykjavik – everything is pretty well lit so the darkness isn’t really a problem. I bet the northern lights during that time are awesome; they weren’t visible during the part of the summer when I was there.
I’m heading to Iceland in March and can’t wait!! I REALLY want to see the northern lights..
So Cool! when can I go?!
Its amazing all the beautiful, wonderful things this world has to offer.
Reykjavik isn’t as friendly as you might think, well, it is quite friendly, and anyone there knows a bit of English, as it’s everyone’s second language, I’m Icelandic and live in Hafnafjörður, it’s a very enjoyable place, and I’ve had to help tourists there a few times.
Iceland is a cool place to visit, and I mean literally cool, not bring your fur gown cool, rather bring an extra sweater cool.
Just stumbled on this blog after returning from Iceland last weekend. As most people here echo, it’s a stunning place. Few other suggestions of things not to be missed:
-Snowmobiling on the Glacier makes a great, novel alternative to hiking (you can see Gullfoss, Thingvellir, Geysir and do snowmobiling in one day as a package tour – well worth it)
-Visit the local geothermal baths – it’s no Blue Lagoon but it’s what all the locals will be up to – and it’s the only cheap activity you’ll find
-If you’re a diver and interested in Geology, the diving between the European and American plates at Thingvellir Lake is the third best diving spot in the world as rated by PADI. My girlfriend was awestruck after having been reading Journey to the Centre of the Earth in anticipation.
Didn’t get to see whales or Northern Lights but for such a small country (although apparently about the same size as the UK), there’s certainly tons of stuff to enjoy out in nature.
“… groups of tourists are led across them …”
Note: “led”
Heyas All…
Thanks so much for the pictures, write up and suggestions!
I’m gonna try and make it into Iceland, Reykjavik come Jan 2009.
I hv been searching online for possible ways to see the glaciers or at least something resembling the Jökulsárlón (The Jökulsár Lagoon).
Is there a way to get to these sites easily?
In my delirious mind… I’m hoping to find a ‘bus’ or a ‘boat’ that can take us out there to be astounded, without trekking and effort.
Can someone disillusion or add onto the illusion pretty please? =P
Hello!
NICK – Can you please tell me, whit whom did you go “Snowmobiling on the Glacier”?? Prices???
I am going on the end of December (for New year)
Thank you,
BarB
Just booked my flight!Going with 3 friends and we’re totally pyschd…Hope we have enough time to get in the many suggestions everyone listed.What has been the average visit for most?
no naked juggss! i’m not going there, i’m afraid.
Iceland is so beautiful!! I would love to go there but it’s too cold =/
I cannot even handle the cold here in new york city, imagine iceland?
Wow I had no idea most of these places existed! I want to visit there now!
What a beautiful, beautiful place! So sad to hear that it’s going through a financial crisis. This is happening everywhere in the world, it seems. I do plan to visit there someday, and hope that this trend reverses pretty soon.
In summer 2009 its one of best time to go Iceland,moneu(isk)its good and Iceland are cheap for europeans.If You go to Iceland,You can contact to http://www.travelcarsiceland.com for a car rent,for travel trips(they tacke money for a tour,not persone,if You 3 or more,thats better)also tourists equipment.
thinking of visiting iceland middle of february, is this a good time ? thanks
I just booked a hotel for 9 nights in late April for about $30 a night. Flight from California is about $1,000 for a round trip. What can I expect for daily costs (food, booze, coffee) as well as things such as going to shows?
I am taking 7 late twenties girls to Reykjavick at the beginning of March for a ‘Hen weekend’ and can not wait! We are going horse riding, doing the golden circle and blue lagoon, but mostly we are going for the famous RUNTUR on a Friday and Saturday night.
Any recommendations for pubs/clubs?
Also, what do girls wear?
You could always go to the beach. Iceland beaches must be really cold.
Iceland’s most famous waterfall tumbles 105ft into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a wall of spray. This is a truly amazing spectacle and a rewarding scene after a nice hike. the photos is really welcoming! thumbs up!!
I am planning to go to Iceland this summer! and i will be 17 at the time being.. I think i am going with a couple 17 year olds. Is it possible to rent hotels and sight see even though i am at a young age?! i understand drinking no, just i mean being able to rent a hotel im worried about! please answer if you can
ahha thanks 
!
Wow… I have been pretty amazing when you’re really standing there and watching those northern lights.
Good post man….
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this! I’m going to Iceland in October (there’s a game convention) and I can’t wait. I’m definitely taking your advice!
Thanks!!!
We recently posted “seven days around Iceland’s ring road” on our blogsite and wanted to let you know we love this post. Have mentioned in the post. Check out – http://tinyurl.com/czarex
Thanks for this post Matt
so happy to see this post! us icelanders take great pride in our country ^^ i’m a 22 year old girl living in reykjavík and seeing all your questions i decided to help out a bit
here http://www.enjoyiceland.is/ is a good site on how to travel to and around iceland. i hope it helps you out. i recommend reading some of the info there before you visit our little island.
http://www.grapevine.is/Shopping/Shops/Archive/ <– interesting shops situated in downtown Reykjavík
@Rob http://midi.is/home/ is a good site to look at for shows and it has the prices depending on what you want too see. be it theater, concerts, movies or art festivals. and on foodcosts…it really depends on what store you go to. for lower prices i recommend Bónus (situated around reykjavík but downtown it’s on Laugarvegur). it’s alot cheaper than 1011, a store that’s open 24hrs. the liqour store in downtown closes at six in the afternoon but at seven on fridays. but expect to pay a bit more though at the bars, booze is not cheap in iceland!
) enjoy your stay and remember to try out the nightlife on the weekends! 
http://www.grapevine.is/Food/Restaurants/Archive/ has a list of restaurants in Reykjavík worth eating at. (Hlölla Bátar is good for hangovers
@Donna http://www.worldtravelguide.net/city/102/nightlife/Europe/Reykjavik.html has a good list and reviews on the clubs in downtown Reykjavík. from my own experience it really differs on what you like. i personally most often go to Kofi Tómasar Frænda (on the corner of Laugarvegur and Skólavörðustígur) and Hressingarskálinn (Bankastræti). those two clubs have mainstream music and are great for dancing. although Kofi Tómasar Frænda is quite small.
and you can dress any way you like 
we just put on a fancy top and a skirt/jeans or some dresses. i recommend taking a jacket with you cause it can get cold. just remember to take good care of it once inside the clubs, it’s warm in there! 
i hope you guys have fun while visiting! 
oh…and the blue lagoon is something you DON’T wan’t to miss! nothing like it in the world! (it’s situated between the airport and Reykjavík, in the middle of the volcanic moonlike surface
)
the northen lights are more visible in the colder months and are most visible outside of town (seen them numerous times and i am amazed everytime ^^).
the weather here is really nice. today it was still, rainy and about 6 degrees celsius. it goes up to about 18 degrees celsius in july and i remind you all that during summer the sun sets for about 3-4 hours so it’s bright all day long
oh and dont be afraid to drink the water from the tab, it’s the same as in the bottles you can buy here. our water is really fresh and tasty. save the money for the booze
well i sure hope this helped some of you! so glad to hear that alot of you are coming over. this truly is a place you’ll remember! i’m happy to call iceland my home
best wishes
Guðný
I am heading to Iceland on Monday 29-June (just 2 days away) for a week. I am looking forward to the trip, going to do some whale watching in Kusavik . Many thanks for the links, they are excellent resources with lots of good information.
Takk fyrir!
Aidan
Thank you for the very useful advices. My wife and I will be in Iceland next summer for 10 days. So far we’ve only booked flights from Rome, Italy via London, (July 25-Aug 4) to and from Keflavik Airport and a domestic flight Reykjavik-Akureyri (July 31-Aug 3), plus a last day/night stay at the Blue Lagoon Clinic to rest.
We need to build the rest of the journey: 5 days in the west and south followed by 3 more days in the north.
I am ready for suggestions because the more I read (books, blogs, forums, travel guide-books) the more I get confused about what to include and what to skip: I know I cannot stick everything in such a short periord of time…
We are in our fifties, so no backpacking…
So long,
Stefano
I love the coloured roofs of the houses and the boreal aurora.
Howdy!
Thank you for your advices! I found them very useful.
Iceland was really amazing for me and I highly recommend it to anyone!
I will surely go and visit the Blue Lagoon one day. It just became an aspiration.
I am going in december and we will be doing th glacier trip and staying at the blue lagoon resort
cant wait to go!
Hi,
I am looking to do a Glacier trip in Iceland this Winter as well. Do you know how long it takes and who you booked it from?
Cheers,
R
I have often read stories on net and seen stories on TV of the allure of Iceland. This does sound like a great time to visit. Visiting would be affordable for travelers and beneficial to the people of Iceland.
I went to Iceland with my boyfriend last november for the first time. We loved it so much we are going back this december. The blue lagoon is a definate as well as the northern lights tour. Argentinas resteraunt in Reykjavik is lovely and the staff were so friendly. The food was to die for, I would definately recommend it.
This website ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
A buddy and I are thinking to come to Iceland. We are guitar players and singers, especially old blues and origionals and some rock. Are there any “open mics” in Reykavik? What about clubs to do a gig in? Thanks ET in Seattle
I can’t imagine if i can go to iceland with my family someday…when i can make it come true?
My daughter is going to be a transfer student from the U.S. in Jan 2010 at the University of Iceland. Is this a safe place for a young girl?
Iceland is one of the safest countries on earth and has one of the highest standards of living.
Hey guys, Yip I am going in July and August 2010. Will be there for their famous Festival in the first week of August Verslunarmannahelgi. http://www.dalurinn.is/index.php?p=200&i=12
But before the fest I will enjoy a Salmon fishing trip. http://www.fishpal.com/Norse/Iceland/Vatnsa/?dom=Iceland
After the fest I will be enjoying one of the most scenic hikes in Iceland Hiking at the End of the World. One small problem is I need more people to join on the hike please check the link. http://www.mountainguides.is/overnight-tours/trekking-tours/hiking-at-the-end-of-the-world-img34/299/default.aspx
departing the 9th of August 2010 if you are keen please let me know…
Regards
Bradley
Hello,
Iv been planning on doing this for some time now, I would like to walk across Iceland in the winter time, round about march maybe april. The reasin then is that iv read alot about how easy it can be during the summer. As well as this id like to find myself amongst the glaciers. Id like to do this on my own, is this possible?
Just a quick note: I do recommend to visit Iceland during winter time too. I spent a week traveling around Iceland during the last week of December and it was amazing. No crowds, cheaper prices & lots of fun. It needs some planning though, as daytime lights are short and accommodation must be booked in advance in the countryside.
I am happy to have come across the ‘7 things to do in Iceland’. I plan to visit Iceland during the last week of Feb 2010 (sole aim is to see the Northern Lights, fingers crossed
) Meanwhile, what would be the minimum time needed to see these 7 places you have suggested.
No less than two weeks. You would be pretty rushed then but you might be able to squeeze it all in.
Im a bit confused, although everyone says now is the best time to visit Iceland becuase of the exchange rate, everyhting I have seen (accomodation, activities etc) are advertised in Euro’s? I thought the local currency was Krona. The £ sterling is terrible against the Euro at the moment so still makes everything look very expensive?
Congratulations Matt for your website. I have been a foreign exchange student in the U.S. (Wisconsin… go Packers!) many, many years ago and I love Boston (the most European U.S. city) and Thailand. The most memorable journey in my life has been in Indonesia in 1995.
As far as Iceland is concerned I am going there next summer and I’ve already posted after Guðný’s comment, a few lines upwards.
I’ll come back on this interesting site.
Ciao, Stefano
(Rome, Italy)