Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Plan Your Trip
Outdoor Adventures
Iceland's spectacular natural beauty encompasses Europe's largest nation-
al park and the mightiest ice cap outside the poles, plus a sea full of whales
and the world's biggest puffin colonies. There are soaring mountains, hid-
den valleys, dark canyons, pristine lakes, roaring waterfalls, twisting rivers
and fjord-riven coastlines. Getting among it is easy, and utterly exhilarating.
Best Time to Go…
For Multiday Hiking
Wait for spring thaw; trekking is at its best July to mid-September.
For Highlands Exploration
Mountain roads open sometime from June to early July,
and close again by late September.
For Midnight Sun
Around the summer solstice (21 June), the daylight is endless (es-
pecially in the north).
For Northern Lights
You'll need dark, clear nights; winter is best, but viewings can oc-
cur anytime between September and April.
For Skiing
The season runs December to April, with best conditions (and increasing
daylight) in February and March.
For Whale Watching
Tours operate year-round, with peak viewing June to August.
For Puffin Viewing
Peak puffin time is mid-May to early/mid-August (maybe slightly
earlier; some arrive in April).
For Icy Endeavours
Glacier hikes and snowmobile trips can generally be done year-
round (conditions permitting). Boat trips are scheduled on Jökulsárlón April to October.
Mid-November to March is best for ice caves.
For Horse Riding
Multiday treks are great in the shoulder season (May and September
to early October) when the weather is cool but mild, and tourist numbers are lower.
