All Things Iceland

If you plan to visit Iceland in June, this information will help you to know what to expect when traveling during this month. That includes road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during this month.

Dr. Marysia

June in Iceland marks the beginning of summer, although the term “summer” can be a bit misleading for those from warmer climes. The average temperature ranges from 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F), but it can occasionally reach 20°C (68°F). Coastal areas, especially in the North, can still feel chilly due to the cold sea breeze. Rain is possible, but June is generally one of the drier months.

One of the most magical aspects of Iceland in June is the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. Around the summer solstice (June 21), the sun barely sets. The sky remains light throughout the night, providing a unique and ethereal experience for visitors.

June 1st –  20 hours and 6 minutes

June 15th– 21 hours and 2 minutes

June 30th – 20 hours and 54 minutes

My go-to car rental company is Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers for a camper van.

I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras.

With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental.

With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.

You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
for the discounts.

Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied.

For Go Car:
When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added.

For Go Campers:
Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase.

And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.

My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the summer list. Just know that it can be a little chilly during the evening in May, especially in the north, so you will need some layers.

The primary ring road (Route 1) that circles the country is typically clear and in good condition in June. Many of the highland roads, which are often closed during winter, begin to open in June, although some might remain inaccessible until July. It’s essential to check the current road conditions on the official Icelandic Road website (road.is and safetravel.is) before heading out. Always remember to drive cautiously, especially on gravel roads or unfamiliar terrains.

One thing to keep in mind when driving during summer is that Icelandic sheep are grazing freely in many parts of the country. They can cross the roads without notice, so please keep an eye out for them and slow down if you see them near the road.

If you want even more recommendations on amazing things to do, I have compiled over 200 awesome places, activities, accommodations and more in My Iceland Map. If you decide to get full access to it, you will also receive all of the pre-set itineraries I have made. Those itineraries include a 10-day epic Summer Ring Road Adventure, a 3-day South Coast Adventure, The Famous Golden Circle Route, and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day trip itinerary.

Additionally, if I make any updates to the map, such as new places, you will get those updates too. I am continuously adding new places. You get all of that for just $49. I launched my map last month and people have already been telling me how helpful it has been for them as they plan their adventure here. The link to grab my Iceland Map is in the show notes on my website for this episode or you can go to rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.

June is an enchanting time to visit Iceland. With long days, diverse activities, and relatively mild weather, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural events.

I moved to Iceland in June of 2016 and I started the All Things Iceland podcast in June of 2018. Also, my birthday is in June, so this is a big month for me in a lot of ways.

Júní – June

Remember to use my code iceland10 with Go Car Rental Iceland to save 10% on your full rental car cost, and iceland7 to save 7% on your camper van rental with Go Campers, plus two free duvets.

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Þakka þér fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Over the last 7 years of living in Iceland, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring and sharing about every region of this amazing country of fire and ice.

The adventures to remote hidden gems in the highlands, raw nature that has blown my mind, geothermal hot pools to relax in, and delicious food that excited my taste buds have given you a glimpse into what this country has to offer.

To make planning your adventure even easier, I have put together a map of over 200 of my favorite places, activities, accommodations, restaurants, and more for you to use.

There are itineraries, travel tips, the ability to book hour-long video trip planning calls with me, and personalized itineraries that I can make based on your preferences via this guide.

Here is the link to my latest Iceland trip planning tool.

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Some of you might have heard that we had another volcanic eruption that started last week. Well, to be fair it is a continuation of eruptions that have been happening the last couple of years on the Reykjanes Peninsula. We’ve now experienced three volcanic eruptions three years in a row. All of them are being labeled as “tourist” eruptions because they can be visited, and they pose no harm to important infrastructure or towns.

I plan to share a brief update about the eruption and what we know so far. If other significant changes happen, I will for sure publish more information.

Similar to the other eruptions in 2021 and 2022, we experienced many earthquakes before any lava was seen. There were somewhere around 10,000 earthquakes reported and the largest of those was on Sunday, July 9th, which was classified as an M5.2. It was felt across the country, which is incredible. I distinctly remember feeling it. I jumped out of bed and said “the eruption is coming!”

Well, the eruption started on July 10th at 4:40 PM not far from the previous ones in the last couple of years. It’s a fissure eruption and scientist have stated that these types of eruptions are normally most powerful at the beginning and then taper off before ending. However, no one knows how long this one will last.

Maybe it is just getting started or maybe it is soon to finish. I know many people hope for the first option, but I like to manage expectations. They are saying this eruption is much stronger than the other two so that is giving some people a glimmer of hope that it will continue for quite some time.

One fascinating thing about the location of this eruption is that it is in a flatter area. Granted, there is a lot of lava rock, moss, and rugged terrain but you don’t have to hike up steep inclines to get there. The catch though is that you do have to walk quite far.

Currently, it is a 20 km or 12.4 mile hike round trip from the designated parking lot to the volcano site. That does not include time at the site watching the eruption. You can expect to take between 3 to 4 hours roundtrip to walk there. You might be there an additional hour, or more, depending on how long you want to be there. Needless to say, it would be a long day of exploring. There are 4×4 roads in this area but only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive there now because of safety reasons.

It’s interesting to me that the amazing weather we’ve been having lately has played a role in the volcano site being potentially dangerous for visitors. We’ve had bright, sunny days with relatively warm temperatures for over a week and a half (sort of unheard of in Iceland), and due to that the moss near the eruption is very dry.

Authorities have been working around the clock to put out wildfires from the moss catching fire due to the hot lava. Unfavorable wind conditions resulted in heinous gases being pushed in the direction of the walking path and all the way to the parking lot.

People were inhaling the gases and not feeling well. Bringing a gas mask is a great idea but just know that it is best to go on a day where the wind is pushing the pollution away from you.

Due to the wildfires and people at the volcano site acting foolish by getting too close to molten hot lava, authorities closed the site for 4-days until the conditions were better. So, from July 13th until the 17th (which is the same day I am recording this episode) access to the volcano site was prohibited.

I did not go straight to the volcano when it erupted because I wanted to see what authorities had to say about the conditions. Also, it takes around 4 hours of walking to get there, and I’ve had other projects that I needed to work on. I still am not sure when I will walk there because of other obligations.

However, I did take a helicopter flight over the eruption today and it was phenomenal! If you are planning to walk to the volcano, please check safetravel.is before going to make sure the conditions are favorable for going. Do not step on any lava, even if the lava looks like it is completely solid. Also, make sure to pack layers, fluids, and food since it is quite a long trek.

For those with limited time, limited mobility, or just want to see the volcano from a different angle, I highly recommend a helicopter tour. I partnered with Volcano Heli for this 30 -40 minutes adventure and it blew my mind. The eruption is stunning from above.

I know helicopter tours have been selling out, so if you are interested in that option, I recommend booking in advance. The fun thing is that you get to see amazing views of Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula as you are checking out the volcanic eruption. I was estactic after getting off the flght would love to do another one.

Some airlines like Icelandair and Play Air are flying near the volcano so their passengers can see the eruption, which is quite nice.

This brings me to my last point before doing the random fact of the episode. There is no forecasted impact of the eruption on flights or nearby towns.

Well, maybe the gas pollution but not there is no fear of the lava flowing into a nearby town or over paved roads. Unlike some other eruptions in Iceland that have created lots of ash in the past, that is not a concern here.

I correctly predicted the date of the eruption on Threads three days before it happened.

Litli Hrútur is the name of the current volcanic eruption

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If you plan to visit Iceland in May, this information will help you to know what to expect when traveling during this month.

That includes road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during this month.

Share from the US

The other is that if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link.

Iceland’s weather in May is typically mild, but the variability is something you should always prepare for. The average temperature ranges from 4-10°C (40-50°F). There’s a noticeable uptick in the weather around this time, as it transitions from the icy clutches of winter into the softer breezes of spring. Rain is always a possibility in Iceland, so you should expect a few showers during your visit.

While it doesn’t normally snow during May, we did have some hail showers last month.

One of the most notable features about Iceland in May is the rapid increase in daylight hours. The sun sets late and rises early, so expect almost 24-hour daylight, a phenomenon known as the ‘midnight sun’. This extended daylight offers more time for exploration and enjoying the stunning landscapes of Iceland.

May 1st –  16 hours and 50 minutes

May 15th – 18 hours and 23 minutes

May 31st –  20 hours

Given the unpredictability of the weather, layering is key when packing for Iceland in May. Start with thermal undergarments, then add a layer of warm clothes, such as a fleece jacket or a wool sweater. Make sure to pack waterproof outer layers, like a good-quality rain jacket and pants. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are also essential. Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf. On a sunny day, you might even need sunglasses and sunscreen.

My Ultimate Packing Checklist is linked in the show notes and will provide you with everything you need to bring. I recommend following the summer list. Just know that it can be a little chilly during the evening in May, especially in the north, so you will need some layers.

By May, most roads, including the famous Ring Road that circles the country, are usually clear of snow and ice, making it easier to get around. However, highland roads (F-roads) generally remain closed until late June.

It’s always a good idea to check the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website for up-to-date information. Driving conditions are typically good in May, but always be cautious, as Icelandic weather can change quickly.

May is a great time to visit Iceland due to its extended daylight hours, relatively mild weather, and fewer tourists compared to the summer months. The flora begins to bloom, providing stunning backdrops for your photos. Moreover, many migratory birds, including puffins, arrive in Iceland in May, making it a great time for birdwatching.

During my first May in Iceland in 2017 it snowed off and on for a week. I was afraid that winter would never end. LOL

Maí – May

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Wow, it‘s amazing that I have been living in Iceland for seven years! Even though I know this is a decent amount of time, it feels like it i has flown by. So much has changed since I moved here in 2016, and I‘m sharing some of the major changes/transitions that have happened in my life this year.

June is a major month in my life. I was born in this month, I moved to Iceland during this month, and I started the All Things Iceland in June of 2018. The podcast was the start of all of this. When I started it I gave myself a year to be consistent with posting. Thankfully, all of that hard work paid off and I was receiving message from people saying how much they enjoyed the episodes.

I was delighted and surprised that people were listening! There is so much more I want to do with the podcast and I would love to hear the topics that you want to hear on the show. Feel free to send me an email at jewells(at)allthingsiceland(dot)com.

One major shift in my life over the last year was that Gunnar and I broke up. In Iceland, getting divorced takes a while to be finalized. After filing for separation, you have to wait six months before you can file the final paperwork for the divorce to be done.

Our divorce will be finalized this month as well. Seriously, June really does seem to be a big month in my life. It was not an easy decision to choose to do that. It certainly was not one that either of us took lightly. In the end it felt like the right decision. Being single in Iceland is foreign to me and this new chapter is one that is helping me to grow in many ways.

We had an apartment that we owned together and selling that was a major part of the breakup process. In 2021 we bought the place and had it completely renovated. Due to the renovations, we were not able to live in the apartment for six months!

I moved out of the apartment in February of 2023, which means that we only lived there for one year. I loved designing that apartment and it was a little bittersweet to let it go. However, it was best for us to sell it. Funny enough, the people who bought it are an American woman and an Icelandic man.

I was stunned and exhilirated when I was asked if I was interested to be featured in Geography of Bliss. It was such a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it. Rainn Wilson was a lovely person to hang out with and the production team were awesome. I honestly couldn‘t have had a better experience.

My Icelandic has definitely improved leaps and bounds over the years. It is still not at the fluency I am aiming for and the good news is that it‘s getting there. Currently, I am doing Siggi‘s self-study course for 3 months. It is helping me to read more regularly, build my vocabulary, and undertsand more of the language on a higher level.

As I have been adjusting to my new life, I felt the need to work on my resilience. Part of that process has been taking Andri Iceland‘s limitless month long program. It helped me to push past some limiting beliefs I had, and to think outside of the box.

It‘s amazing to think that I have 205 episodes of the podcast. That is 41 episodes a year when I divide it by 5. I‘m proud of that and thank you to all of you that have listened over the years.

Sjö ára afmæli – 7 year anniversary

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I have exciting news!! On May 18th a show named Geography of Bliss became available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. It’s hosted by Rainn Wilson. He is most known for playing Dwight Shrute on the American version of The Office. The show asks which nations are the happiest on Earth, and what it is about these countries that makes their citizens so joyful.

Iceland is the first episode on the show. I am beyond excited and honored to say that I am one of the people featured in the show!

This show was filmed over a year ago, so I have been holding onto this information for so long. It’s nice to finally let the cat out of the bag! During the episode, Rainn and I go on an ísbíltúr or ice cream roadtrip. We talk about what it has been like for me living here and if I plan to stay for the long haul.

There were many things we talked about that do not show up in the episode at all. I totally understand that not everything can be included. I think they did a great job of cutting the whole episode, which I highly recommend that you watch.

One thing I really love is that they included a shot with my sister, me and my mom in the Blue Lagoon hanging out. It was lovely to have my family in there too.

I have to address one topic that I have yet to talk about on here and that is regarding my relationship. If you are not following me on YouTube, Instagram of Facebook, then you probably are not aware that Gunnar and I have decided to divorce.

We were toegther when the show was filmed. Many months later the producers of the show reached out to me during post production to ask for permission to use videos and photos of Gunnar and I as additional footage in the show.

I explained to  them that we were splitting up and that it is probably not a good idea to share that content because we are not going to be together. Well, they replied saying they were sorry to hear about my breakup and asked if he would be open to giving his permission for them to use images and photos even though we are going our separate ways. I said I was not sure but can ask. In the end, he did give permission and that was nice of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTP503NEQqg

If you watch the show, feel free to let me know via email at jewells(at)allthingsiceland(dot)com or via social media. I would love to hear if you enjoyed it.

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Learn what to expect when traveling to Iceland in April. That includes road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during this month, some tips on driving during this time, top activities, and events that happen annually during this month.

April marks the transition from winter to spring in Iceland. The weather can be unpredictable, with varying temperatures and frequent changes. The average high temperature is 44 F (6.8 C), and the low temperature is 39 F (3 C).

I always recommend that you pack layers and be prepared for sudden weather shifts, including rain, snow, wind, and occasional sunshine.

One of the major advantages of visiting Iceland in April is the lengthening of daylight hours. During the early part of the month, you can enjoy approximately:

April 1st – 13 hours and 31 minutes

On April 15th there are 15 hours and 03 minutes

April 30th – 16 hours and 43 minutes

Because April is a transitional month road conditions can vary. While main roads are generally accessible, some secondary roads in remote areas may still be closed or have limited access due to lingering snow and ice.

It’s crucial to stay updated on road conditions and weather forecasts by checking reliable sources like the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration’s website. If you plan on driving, renting a 4×4 vehicle with studded winter tires is recommended for added safety.

My go-to car rental company is Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers for a camper van.

I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras.

With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental.

With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.

You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
for the discounts.

Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied.

For Go Car:
When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added.

For Go Campers:
Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase.

And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.

To stay comfortable during your visit in April, it’s essential to dress in layers. Start with a base layer of thermal clothing, followed by a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don’t forget to bring a hat, gloves, and a sturdy pair of waterproof boots for outdoor activities. It’s also wise to have a waterproof backpack to protect your belongings from unexpected showers.

If you want more specific help with what to pack, grab my FREE ultimate packing checklist for Iceland.

April offers a unique blend of winter and spring experiences. Here are a few reasons why it’s an excellent time to visit Iceland:

The first day of summer in Iceland is in April! Yes, you read that right. I explain in the podcast episode why that is the case.

Apríl – April in English

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I had the honor of interviewing Chief Phil Fontaine, an Indigenous Canadian leader, and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He is best known for playing a central role in raising awareness about residential schools in Canada and pushing for a Federal and Papal apology in 2008 and 2022. Additionally, he helped to get a repudiation of the Discovery Doctrine from Pope Francis about a month ago on March 30th, 2023.

The Manitoba area is where hundreds of Icelanders immigrated to in the 1800s. During the interview, we talked about his historical work and “West Icelanders” (what Icelanders are called who immigrated to the West) who settled in Gimli, and surrounding areas. He shared some fascinating insight about the community and their interactions with the indigenous community, who have been living all over Canada before any Europeans immigrated there.

Learn More about Chief Phil Fontaine here.

This episode was sponsored using funds from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada.

A special thank you to L.K. Bertram for connecting me with Chief Phil for this dynamic, educational, and insightful conversation.

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Learn all about what to expect when traveling in Iceland during March. Road conditions, what to wear/pack, what makes it worth it to visit during that month, some tips on driving in that time, top activities, and events that happen annually during that month.

Also, I want to say thank you to some people who recently left reviews for the podcast durng the month of March of 2023.

ChicagoRunner 123456789 from the United States

sarahintampa from the United States

March is still considered winter in Iceland, so you can expect cold temperatures with an average temperature of 0°C (32°F) but the range is often -2°C (around 28 Fahrenheit) and 3.3°C (around 38 Fahrenheit. In previous years it has also the wettest month of the year, so it’s important to pack waterproof clothing.

During March, Iceland experiences around 12 hours of daylight. The days are getting longer, and the sun rises around 7:30 AM and sets around 6 PM. Here are the hours you can expect from the beginning of the month vs the end.

March 1st – 10 hours and 9 minutes

March 16th – 11 hours and 47 minutes

March 31st –  13 hours and 25 minutes

Road conditions in Iceland can be unpredictable, especially during winter. It’s important to check the weather and road conditions before setting out on a road trip.

While you don’t have to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle, some people do so because you have more control over the car due the roads potentially being slippery and icy. Additionally, rental car companies here keep the nail tires on cars during March, so that helps provide extra traction on slippery roads.

While there way more daylight during this time of the year than other winter months, they are still limited, so it’s important to plan your driving routes accordingly.

If you decide to drive by yourself don’t forget to check the official websites road.is and safetravel.is before heading out to see if there are any weather warnings or road closures that might impact your trip.

My go-to car rental company is Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers for a camper van.

I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras.

With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental.

With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.

You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
for the discounts.

Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied.

For Go Car:
When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added.

For Go Campers:
Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase.

And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.

Because this is a wintery month that can still be quite cold, make sure you bring a parka and necessary layers. Make sure to grab my free Iceland Packing Checklist. There is a separate list in it for winter and for summer.

You can expect possible snow weather warnings, icy conditions (so bring your micro spikes), windy conditions (which is normal all year here), and of course some precipitations. We do have days where it is sunny and bright, but the cold is still present, so dressing accordingly will keep you warm and dry.

It’s important to dress in layers and bring warm, waterproof clothing. You should also pack sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as there may still be snow and ice on the ground.

March is a great time to visit Iceland if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of the peak tourist season. Plus, with the snow and ice, Iceland’s stunning landscapes become even more breathtaking.

You can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, which are still visible during this time. We’ve had spectacular northern lights this year but just remember that it is not guaranteed that you will see them.

Check out my episode about the Northern Lights to give yourself the best opportunity to see them while visiting.

March is the last month for all the winter activities, such as exploring ice caves and seeing the Northern Lights. To be fair, you can potentially see them in April, but the chances are so much slimmer due to longer and brighter days.

2. The Food and Fun festival

According to Icelandic meteorologist Trausti Jónsson, March of 2023 was by far the coldest it has been, on average, this century. We had many days of extremely frigid temperatures in the negatives.

These frigid temperatures and storms resulted in tourists traveling during this time needing help because they were weather clogged. Basically, they had trouble seeing on the road or pulled over because the wind was too much for them to drive. There was a yellow warning and people still decided to drive. The Icelandic Search & Rescue team had to help around 40-50 cars one night due to people not heeding the warning.

In much happier news, The Golden Plover, or Lóa as it is called in Icelandic, was spotted in late March. This bird is said to sing away the snow and mean that spring is on the way.

Mars – march

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Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta eða lesa og sjáumst fljótlega.

As I write this we are still full on in winter in Iceland, but I think it’s imperative to share some essential trip-planning tips for summer here. Summer is the high season and now that people are traveling more, I’m seeing that the number of people planning to come during this time is increasing dramatically.

Some of you might not know but I do one-to-one video consultation calls with people planning their trips to Iceland. They are one hour long and recently I have been chatting with people who are coming this summer. While the consultation calls are personalized according to what the person wants to do and see, I noticed there are some common things to know that could be helpful for everyone planning to visit during peak season.

Before I jump into my tips, if you’re interested in getting personalized trip planning advice from me, you can book me for a consultation via this link.

I’m always delighted to hear at the end of the video call that the consultation has been so helpful. One review of this service I provide is from Riana D, who wrote,

“Our conversation with Jewells made a distant and unfamiliar place that was foreign to us, Iceland, seem familiar and practical. She helped design a trip that was exciting to me, an active young adult, and accessible to my travel partner- my retired mother! I particularly recommend taking advantage of her rental car discount code.”

My go-to car rental company is Go Car Rental Iceland and Go Campers for a camper van.

I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I’ve partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from.

They’ve also given me a link so you can save 7% on your rental, plus get a couple of really useful extras.

With Go Car Rental, you’ll save 7% and get free 4G WiFi with your rental.

With Go Campers, you’ll save 7% and get a free sleeping bag included.

You can head to gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
for the discounts.

Once you enter your travel dates, the 7% discount is automatically applied.

For Go Car:
When you get to the extras section, select 4G WiFi. You’ll see the price stays the same, even though it has been added.

For Go Campers:
Choose a sleeping bag under the “Sleeping” section, and same thing, the total price won’t increase.

And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways you’re supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that.

After you have gotten your flight tickets, it’s imperative that you get your accommodations settled right away. Some people are buying their flight tickets 6 months ahead of when they travel but are waiting to book accommodations. The issue with that is accommodations are filling up quickly.

Before the start of 2023, 70% of accommodations in Iceland were booked for summertime (June – August). A lot of construction is happening here to build more accommodations, but it’s been hard to keep up with the demand of the number of travelers.

While you have a little more leeway with your rental car, I recommend getting that squared away as well. Many travelers, like yourself, want the best bang for their buck and the earlier you get your rental car, the more choices you have.

For instance, smaller 2WD cars cost less and are great for driving around the country during the summer, especially if you just plan to be on the ring road. Those are the first cars to get snagged. Also, the nicer 4×4 cars for the highlands get snagged too.

If you’re planning to use a camper van or to camp in a tent, there are some camp sites that sell out because they are so popular. Mainly, the ones in the south of the country. It’s good to map out what places you plan to visit and the campsites nearby so you can book them in advance as well.

Thankfully, there are not a lot of tours and experiences that you don’t have to book ahead of time but are a few that I recommend that you do.

The Blue Lagoon during summer usually has no reservation available once you hit the summer months. It’s not to say that some people might pull out of their reservation and space opens but it’s better to err on the side of caution and book that, if you plan to go. Glacier walks and whale watching tours also seem to get booked up quickly too.

I plan to do a whole episode about driving times to popular attractions and worthwhile locations in Iceland, but I do want to give some tips about driving around the whole country. First, it takes about 17 hours if you want to drive just around the ring road of the country. That time is if you never stopped the car, which is obviously not something that I recommend doing.

Many people assume that since Iceland is a small country, they can just drive around it in a couple of days. If you only have up to 5 days and you drive around the ring road on your trip, you miss out on seeing and doing a lot. I usually recommend at least 7 days but 10 is great because you can fit in things like glacier walks, zipping around in a boat in a glacier lagoon, enjoying spas, going into the highlands and more.

I recently had one consultation where the person is planning to drive around Iceland in 6 days. While that is tight, I helped them find a solution that makes is doable. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s great to have another driver with you so you can switch off when one person gets tired.

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The midnight sun makes driving around during this time enjoyable because the sky is bright all day long. 24-hour daylight means we literally do not have dark evenings, which is so cool. I highly recommend having an eye mask. Many visitors struggle with sleeping even though they are in an accommodation with black out curtains.

You might even need to bring melatonin because you can not buy it in Icelandic pharmacies.

Reykjavík and the south coast will be the most crowded places during the peak summer months. One way to beat the crowds is to get there very early in the morning or super late at night.

I know that doesn’t go over so well with people who want to sleep but that is the reality of the situation.

I’m not saying to skip any of these places, but I am saying to leave space on your trip to explore lesser visited areas that are equally as nice. Some of those places include the Westman Islands, which is in the south but you have to take a ferry to get there, the North, West Iceland, the West fjords, East Iceland, and the highlands.

Basically any other place than the South Iceland is less crowded. It’s not that no one will be in those places but it’s certainly not at the same scale regarding number of people in the south.

If you had a chance to listen to my episode about my “Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland’, then you probably are aware of F-roads and so on. If not, please check that out.

For this episode, I want to talk a little about venturing into the highlands as a hiker. If you plan to do multi-day hikes and want to stay in a hut, I highly recommend booking those now. The tour companies usually snatch them up for their groups. I looked at the site today, and you can find it here. There are some days left in June, July and August but not many.

If you want to hike in Iceland but are not sure which one to choose, here are some ideas. The Laugavegur hike is the most popular one. It takes most people 3-4 days. They either sleep in huts or tents. If you don’t want the hassle of booking your own hut and want a guide, there are plenty of tour companies offering services.

If you are planning to visit the Westfjords during summer, I highly recommend going to see puffins in Látrabjarg. I have been to many different places to see them, including Borgarfjörður Eystri in the Eastfjords and the westman islands, and Látrabjarg is still the best place I have experienced them. Also, taking a boat out to see puffins is fun too.

Seeing whales during this time of year is spectacular. I especially like to do it in Húsavík in North Iceland but there are great whale watching opportunities in Reykjavík as well.

The two of the biggest events of the summer are fun for everyone involved and they both happen during August.

Reykjavík Pride –  Over the course of some days, several events are happening that help to raise awareness and better understanding about the LGBTQ+ community. The  biggest part of the festivities is the Pride Parade, which is awesome. Icelanders bring their family members of all ages to walk in the parade and sing along.  After the parade, there are concerts and lots of partying.

Menningarnótt (Culture Night) –Downtown Reykjavík is shutdown and there is one big party going on. There are bands playing, lots of activities, food and fun happening all around. At the end of the night, there are fireworks!

Regardless of the season, layers is always key to staying warm and dry in Iceland. My free packing checklist for Iceland has a separate list for summer and winter.

Even though the average high temperature does not normally go above 60 degrees Fahrenheit in Iceland, it can feel much warmer if it is not cloudy. Also, no cloud coverage means you might get burned, so make sure to pack your sunscreen and sun glasses.

Authorities plan to install cameras at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Starting from April 1st, they will test them for two months and then start collecting money to park there on June 1st. The price will be 1000 ISK for a regular passenger car. If you visit both Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell in the same 24-hour period, you get a 50% discount.

Mikilvægur – essential

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