Planning your Iceland trip from A to Z: Glaciers, geothermal springs, and lava caves

As the travel industry begins to reopen after COVID-19 closures, TPG recommends consulting your doctor, adhering to health guidelines, and checking local travel restrictions before making your next booking. We’re here to assist you in your preparations, whether it's for next month or next year. Check out TPG's country-by-country guide to learn when Iceland might reopen for American travelers.

Editor's note: This article is regularly updated with the latest information.

Iceland has become an incredibly popular destination in recent years, and it’s easy to see why: Its landscapes are truly unique, featuring stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and active volcanoes. While access has been challenging lately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has started welcoming EU, EFTA, and UK tourists as of June 15, though some restrictions apply, which we’ll outline below. Travel limitations for those holding other passports remain until July 1.

With a wealth of outdoor adventures, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious relaxation in geothermal spas, it's clear that Iceland is a must-visit for all types of adventurers. Add to this the fact that flights from some parts of the U.S. take less than six hours, and even less from Canada and Europe, and it’s no wonder tourists are drawn to this remarkable destination.

Getting to Iceland

For travelers from the EU, EFTA, and UK heading to Iceland, a preregistration form must be completed 72 hours prior to your arrival. Once in Iceland, passengers can opt for a COVID-19 test upon entry (free until July 1) or choose to quarantine for two weeks. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

Despite being a relatively small country, Iceland is accessible by nonstop flights from 19 airports across the United States and Canada. For North American flights, you'll arrive at Keflavík Airport (KEF), which is about 45 minutes from the capital, Reykjavik.

To travel from the airport to the city center, popular options include Flybus, renting a car, or taking a Blue Lagoon bus if you're planning a visit to a geothermal spa on the way, although this service is closed until June 18. Starting June 15, Flybus is operational for all scheduled flights. Taxis or private transfers to the city center are also available, though they can be quite costly.

While renting a car isn't necessary in Reykjavik, I highly recommend it if you plan to explore areas outside the city. There are numerous tours available, but I prefer the freedom of setting my own itinerary, especially since driving in Iceland is quite straightforward.

Note: Flight schedules are currently unpredictable, with many routes temporarily reduced or canceled. Like many airlines, it's uncertain how many of these temporary changes will become permanent. Currently, the only flight to Iceland from the U.S. is Icelandair's route from Boston (BOS).

Before the pandemic, nonstop flights from the U.S. and their departure cities included:

• Delta: New York (JFK) and seasonally from Minneapolis (MSP)
• United: New York (EWR)
• Icelandair: Anchorage, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York (JFK), New York (EWR), Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. (IAD), Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver
• American Airlines: Dallas (DFW) (shifting to PHL this year)
• Air Canada: Montreal and Toronto

Unfortunately, using miles to fly to Iceland isn't as straightforward as it is to many other European destinations, particularly for nonstop flights. If you're in New York, Dallas, Montreal, or Toronto, you can redeem miles more easily on a U.S.-based airline, especially if you're open to layovers.

For Icelandair flights, your primary redemption option is Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, unless you're a member of Icelandair's own Saga Club loyalty program. One-way flights are priced at 30,000 miles for economy and 50,000 miles for business class (Saga class). Given the high taxes and fees associated with this redemption, you might find it more advantageous to pay for your ticket with a credit card that offers fixed-value points, which can then be redeemed for the amount spent. For instance, if you use your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the purchase is categorized as travel on your statement, you can eliminate the charge at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Alaska Airlines recently unveiled three new promotions aimed at helping its members earn extra elite-qualifying and redeemable miles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Most tourists tend to stick to Reykjavik and the nearby areas within a two- to three-hour drive. To explore this part of the country, visitors typically choose one of two options: either they stay in Reykjavik and take day trips, or they switch accommodations every day or two depending on their travel itinerary.

During my trip to Iceland, I spent a day in Reykjavik at the start and a few days at the end, staying at two different hotels in between to avoid backtracking.

Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel

The Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel is located right in the city center, making it a good choice for redeeming your points, but it can be quite noisy. For weekend guests, it's near nightclubs and the famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand — something to consider if you or your children are sensitive to noise while sleeping. A standard room for two guests costs 70,000 Radisson points per night, while a premium room for three guests is 105,000 points. Currently, Radisson is offering a €50 credit per stay, which includes breakfast.

I stayed at this hotel during my visit to Iceland. While its location was perfect for exploring Reykjavik, I personally preferred my stay at the other Radisson property — the Radisson Blu Saga — which is a bit further from the city center.

I stayed at the Radisson Blu Saga at the end of our trip, using it as our base for exploring sites a few hours north of Reykjavik. The hotel requires significantly fewer points (44,000 for a Standard room and 66,000 for a Business Class room), and parking is both easy and complimentary, which was convenient since we had a rental car. Plus, there's no nightlife noise right outside your window. In the evenings, we took a budget-friendly taxi into Reykjavik (or you could walk there in about 20 minutes). I booked a standard room at both properties using points, and the hotel gladly provided a rollaway bed at no extra charge after I emailed them in advance.

The Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature card offers 50,000 points with your first purchase and another 35,000 points after you spend $2,500. With this offer, you can secure at least one free night at the Radisson Blu 1919, or use points plus cash to lower your expenses. Alternatively, since the Radisson Blu Saga costs significantly fewer points, this could provide you with nearly two nights' stay right away. Additionally, after spending $10,000 on the card within a cardmember year, you can earn a free night certificate (up to three nights), along with an extra 40,000 bonus points for each renewal.

The details for the Radisson Rewards Premier Visa Signature card have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

101 Hotel and ION City Hotel

There are two Marriott properties located in Reykjavik — the 101 Hotel and the ION City Hotel. These hotels are very close to each other, both situated in the heart of Reykjavik, and they require the same number of points for a stay (60,000 points per night for a standard redemption).

The main distinction between the 101 Hotel and the ION City Hotel is that the former provides a queen bed for standard point redemptions, while the latter offers a double bed. Both hotels are quite small (the 101 Hotel has only 38 rooms and the ION City Hotel has just 18), which means that award availability is limited. Your choice may ultimately hinge on which hotel has availability. Unfortunately, both properties restrict occupancy to two guests per room, even for cash bookings. The 101 Hotel features sofa beds in select suites, and the ION City Hotel permits rollaway beds in its suites, so if you're traveling with a child, it's advisable to contact the hotel directly to inquire about which suites can accommodate three guests.

If you're looking to redeem your Marriott points but are open to staying outside the city, there's another Design Hotel located near the Golden Circle (a 186-mile scenic route connecting Reykjavik with southern Iceland). The ION Adventure Hotel also costs 60,000 points per night for standard redemption, just like the other mentioned Marriott properties, but it features a natural spa complete with a sauna and an outdoor hot pool.

If you're short on points, both the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card can assist you in boosting your point balance.

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre

Note: This property is temporarily closed until June 30, 2020.

The Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik is located just a few blocks from the main street, Laugavegur, making it an excellent spot for visitors. This hotel showcases local Icelandic design throughout, from the lobby to the guest rooms. A major advantage of this property is that it offers complimentary breakfast featuring locally inspired dishes to all guests—no elite status required. This benefit applies to all Canopy hotels.

It's also worth mentioning that this hotel consists of several interconnected buildings, which can make navigating to your room a bit of a maze. If you're traveling with young children or have mobility concerns, this layout might pose some challenges.

The number of points needed for a complimentary night varies by season, generally ranging from 50,000 to 70,000 points per night. If you're planning to use Reykjavik as your base for five nights or more and hold Hilton status, you’ll enjoy a free fifth night on all point bookings. If you lack status, any of the four Hilton credit cards will grant you Hilton status automatically, including the no-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Card (see rates & fees).

Silica Hotel

The Silica Hotel is categorized as "unique and luxurious". Situated at the Blue Lagoon, room rates begin at around $412 per night. This is a perfect getaway for couples seeking a private lagoon experience combined with indulgent spa treatments. For those desiring an ultra-luxury stay, consider splurging at the Retreat Hotel, where rates start at a staggering $1,314 per night.

Since you cannot typically redeem hotel points for a stay at either of these properties, it’s an ideal chance to use flexible points, like the Barclaycard Arrival miles. With this program, you can redeem at a rate of 1 cent per mile; for instance, a $600 per night room would require 60,000 miles. These flexible points can also be utilized throughout Iceland while exploring areas beyond the city center. For example, I stayed at the Icelandair Hotel in Vik (on the South Coast) and redeemed my Capital One Venture miles for the stay. (Tip: If you’re looking for a simple place to rest in Vik, the Icelandair Hotel is a fantastic option).

Airbnb

Airbnb accommodations are highly sought after in Reykjavik, often offering lower prices than hotels and more space for families. Outside the city center, they also provide some unique experiences. Here are a few strategies to lower your overall expenses and make the most of your points and miles:

• Buy discounted Airbnb gift cards on Raise or eBay to lower your total expenses.
• Gather Airbnb gift cards from retailers like Staples or grocery stores to maximize the points, miles, or cash back you earn by using the best credit card. For instance, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card gives you 5% cash back at office supply stores (up to $25,000 each account anniversary year).
• Earn Delta miles during your Airbnb stay by registering your Delta SkyMiles number. You can also earn British Airways Avios in a similar way.

Things to see and do

Iceland offers a captivating landscape filled with numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy a blend of nature and city experiences within just a few days. The season of your visit and the weather can influence the activities available, but no matter when you go, there are plenty of sights to explore.

Discover Reykjavik

While the nightlife and dining scene draws many tourists, there's an abundance of daytime activities to enjoy in Reykjavik. A stroll along Laugavegur, the city's main street, is a must, where you'll encounter numerous cafes, shops (particularly Icelandic brands), restaurants, and nightclubs. Don’t miss the city pond, known as Reykjavíkurtjörn. The Old Harbor area is also worth exploring, featuring the Harpa Concert Hall, the Maritime Museum, and the Saga Museum. From Old Harbor, you can embark on whale-watching tours or visit Puffin Island.

In addition to wandering the streets and soaking in the atmosphere, make sure to visit the striking Hallgrimskirkja Church. Its distinctive architecture offers some of the finest views of the city on a clear day.

I highly recommend experiencing a public swimming pool, as there are several in the city and it’s a truly unique activity. I visited the Laugardalslaug pool, which features two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and waterslides. Although it’s a bit of a walk from the city center (30–40 minutes), it’s situated in a charming area and allows you to explore additional sights along the way. For those at the Hilton Nordica, it's practically in your backyard. Nearby, you'll also find botanical gardens, a park, and a zoo.

Take a trip to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most famous geothermal spa, easily accessible from both the airport and Reykjavik. Many visitors choose to stop at the lagoon right after landing or before their departure flight, as it’s just a 20-minute drive from the airport.

However, be aware that the Blue Lagoon can get quite crowded and may feel a bit overly commercialized. If you explore other regions of Iceland, you'll discover several lesser-known geothermal spas that might offer a more serene experience—though the convenience of the Blue Lagoon is hard to match. It’s also a stunning location where you can enjoy various spa treatments if you wish.

During my trip to Iceland, we made a morning visit to the Blue Lagoon before our flight back to the U.S. With a late afternoon flight, we had ample time to relax at the lagoon, which was perfect. There are numerous tours available that will transport you from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon and then to the airport, but we found it easy to drive ourselves with our rental car.

Children must be at least 2 years old to enter the Blue Lagoon. Kids aged 8 and under are required to wear floaties, which are provided at no cost. Admission prices start at $44 per person, so it's advisable to book in advance for the best rates.

Viking World

Children will love exploring Viking World, home to the famous Icelander Viking ship. Admission is around $12 per adult, but you can save money with a family ticket that covers two adults and children under 14. Next door, the Zoological Viking Home offers a chance to interact with animals like rabbits, lambs, and goats.

Much like the Blue Lagoon, this is an ideal stop on your way to or from the airport, as it's a bit distant from the city but conveniently located near the airport.

Explore the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of the top attractions just outside Reykjavik. Spanning 186 miles, the drive takes over three hours, but expect to spend more time as you visit various sites along the route. The three major highlights are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. While there, you can also enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving at Thingvellir, snowmobiling on Langjokull glacier, rafting on the Hvíta river, or relaxing in geothermal pools.

Explore the Leiðarendi Lava Caves

Iceland is home to numerous lava caves, and Leiðarendi is conveniently located just 25 minutes from the city. Here, you can enter the cave and observe the walls and lava streams. Children will enjoy exploring the caves and discovering the folklore surrounding trolls associated with them.

Note: Many tours require children to be at least 6 years old, so it's best to verify the specific age requirements for each tour.

Visit a glacier

Iceland offers numerous glaciers for hiking, but I highly recommend Sólheimajökull glacier located on the South Coast, just over two hours from Reykjavik. Here, you can embark on a glacier walk, try ice climbing, or go snowmobiling. A three-and-a-half-hour glacier walk costs about $71 per person, and typically children must be at least 8 years old, so confirm with your specific tour provider. This glacier is part of the southern loop, which also features the stunning black sand beaches of Vik, only 20 minutes away, along with two breathtaking waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

During my Iceland trip, we spent the night in Vik, which allowed us to enjoy a glacier hike and fully explore the South Coast. Although we wanted to head east to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, we ran out of time. However, I've heard fantastic things about it from others.

Explore Inside a Glacier

For those wanting to venture inside a glacier, Langjokull is the place to go—it's Iceland's second-largest glacier. The "Into the Glacier" experience is a three- to four-hour tour that lets you walk through man-made ice tunnels.

The tour is rather pricey, costing $148 per adult, while children aged 0–15 are charged $88.

Witness the Northern Lights

If viewing the Northern Lights is on your wish list, Iceland is among the best destinations. There are various tours available from the city center that take you out to see the lights in the evening or late at night, but be prepared for a commitment. There's no guarantee that you'll see them, and it might take several nights to catch a glimpse. If the Northern Lights are a priority for you, plan your visit during the winter months.

Final thoughts

Iceland is an extraordinary destination that deserves a spot on everyone's travel list. Its close proximity to the U.S. makes it perfect for a long weekend getaway or a longer adventure where you can drive the entire Ring Road over a few weeks.

Keep planning your Icelandic adventure:

• How to reach Iceland using points and miles
• How to redeem points for accommodations in Iceland
• Optimal times to visit Iceland
• Travel tips for Iceland
• Common pitfalls for tourists in Iceland
• 10 insider tips about Reykjavik
• 7 must-do activities on your next Iceland trip
• A review of the Hilton Canopy in Reykjavik
• A comparison of Radisson Blu 1919 and Radisson Blu Saga

With additional contributions from Mimi Wright.