Travel in Iceland

Trip to Iceland: What to See, Road Rules, Culture and Local Cuisine

Road Rules in Iceland

Driving in Iceland can be a wonderful adventure, but you need to be prepared:

Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on gravel roads, 90 km/h on paved rural roads.
Low beams: must be on at all times, even during the day.
Winter tires: mandatory in winter. In some areas, studded tires are recommended.
F roads (mountain roads): only accessible in summer with 4x4 vehicles.
Animals on the road: sheep and horses may appear suddenly. Extra caution is needed in rural areas.
Drunk driving: near zero tolerance (maximum 0.05% BAC).
Car rental: check if insurance against sand and ash damage is included (common in Iceland).

General Information

Official language: Icelandic. English is widely spoken.
Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, even for small purchases.
Safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world.
Internet: great coverage even in remote areas. Local SIM cards are affordable.
Climate: unpredictable. Dress in layers. The wind can be strong even in summer.

What to See in Iceland

Iceland is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, where the power of the elements always takes center stage. Here are some must-see stops:

Reykjavík: the northernmost capital in the world is vibrant and modern, yet retains the charm of a small town. Don’t miss Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Golden Circle: a 300 km route including three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: a surreal landscape with floating icebergs, often visited together with the nearby Diamond Beach.
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon: natural spas with thermal waters, perfect for relaxing.
Akureyri and the North: Iceland’s second-largest city and a gateway to whale watching and the wonders of Lake Mývatn.
Westfjords: one of the wildest and most remote regions, ideal for hiking and spotting puffins.
Northern Lights (Winter): visible from September to April, especially away from cities and on clear nights.

Traditions and Customs

Respect for nature: Icelanders deeply care about environmental preservation. It is forbidden to leave trails or damage vegetation.
Domestic geothermal heating: hot tap water often smells like sulfur. It’s natural and not harmful.
Public pools: very popular, and proper etiquette is required (naked shower before entering).
Politeness and privacy: people are friendly but rather reserved. Pushy or overly direct behavior is frowned upon.

Typical Food and Drinks

Icelandic cuisine is simple, rustic, and shaped by extreme climate conditions:

Plokkfiskur: fish stew with potatoes and onions.
Skyr: a yogurt-like dairy product, high in protein.
Lamb: Icelandic lamb is famous for its high quality.
Fresh fish: cod, haddock, and halibut are staples.
Hákarl: fermented shark, an extreme taste (only for the brave).
Brennivín: a cumin-based schnapps, nicknamed "black death".
Craft beers: very popular, especially since alcohol prohibition ended only in 1989.

When to Visit Iceland

Summer (June–August): mild temperatures (10–15°C), very long days (midnight sun), all roads open. Ideal for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures.
Autumn and Spring (September–October, April–May): fewer tourists, first glimpses of the northern lights, stunning landscapes.
Winter (November–March): snowy landscapes, northern lights, ice-related activities. Some roads may be closed, but it offers a more “mystical” atmosphere.

Conclusion

Iceland is a country where nature sets the rules. With glaciers, volcanoes, geysers and northern lights, it offers a unique experience for those who love adventure and respect for the environment. Get ready to travel in a world of its own, where every turn hides a wonder.