Top places to visit in Iceland
Reykjavik
Experience Your Best Iceland Vacation
Known as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is famous for its cold weather and active volcanoes. This small Nordic country is much more than its unique landscape though, which you are sure to find out when you visit this frozen island.
Whether you are more interested in exploring its rough terrain or its nightlife, this country of contrasts will keep your days filled with plenty of places to explore and things to do. Descend into the volcanic chamber of Thrihnukagigur or visit the Húsavík Whale Museum before heading out on a whale-watching expedition. Your adventure begins with booking your travel on Orbitz.com.
Best time to take a trip to Iceland
July and August are the best months to plan a trip to Iceland, when the land is least likely to be covered with frost. The average maximum temperature during these months is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the average highs during the winter months barely rise above freezing. Most tourist attractions outside the capital city Reykjavik are closed from September through May, making tourism during those months much more difficult, and many tours do not begin operating until July due to snow cover on the ground. Reserve your travel accommodations in advance with Orbitz.com to take advantage of the small window of tourism in Iceland.
Insider tips for Iceland travel
Gamla Bakario
Try the delicacies like Neapolitans and cumin bread at this little out-of-the-way bakery in Isafjordur.
Lukku Laki
Fresh, simply prepared fish and great atmosphere abound at this cozy restaurant with a friendly owner who enjoys talking with guests.
Guesthouse Borg
This cozy guesthouse in Grindavik lets you feel like you are at home with morning coffee, breakfast, and a living room for guests.
Guesthouse Nonni
Great conversation, delicious breakfasts and warm hospitality await you at this guesthouse located in Hella.
The Elf Garden
Visit this small section of Hellisgerdi Park, where it is said elves and dwarves live among the beautiful lava rock formations.
Things to do in Iceland
Whale Watching in Husavik
The premier spot for whale watching is Skjalfandi Bay, where you can spot minke whales, orcas, humpback whales and more during the summer.
Jaðarsvöllur
The 36-hole golf course has around-the-clock daylight in the summer, letting you catch a quick game at midnight for a unique experience.
Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool
Swim in Iceland's largest geothermal pool complete with a huge curling water slide.
Gullfoss
See Iceland's most famous waterfall which tumbles over 100 feet to the canyon below. Visit on a sunny day to see spectacular rainbows.
Vikin Maritime Museum
This museum is located in a former plant for freezing fish and details how Iceland's economy was transformed by the fishing industry.
Skaftafell National Park
Walking trails and tours take you through Europe's largest national park to view waterfalls, icecaps, and birch woods.
Culture House
The Culture House is a museum for saga lovers that covers everything from Norse gods to more modern Nordic culture.
National Gallery of Iceland
Iceland's main art gallery houses works of art by famous 19th- and 20th-century artists from Iceland.
Geysir and Strokkur
Geysir started erupting in the 14th century and consistently erupts two or three times each day. Strokkur erupts 115 feet about every six minutes.
Húsavík Whale Museum
Learn everything there is to know about whales at this museum before setting out on your own to look for them.
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