Our Iceland destination expert answers your top travel questions
We can’t say enough about Iceland—the dreamy landscapes, soothing geothermal pools, standout food, and waterfalls (many, many waterfalls). You’ll find plenty of Iceland convos and planning tips on our Iceland forum, especially from our destination expert Kim Thieman, AKA @873KimT873. Thieman first visited Iceland in 2015 and loved it so much, she kept coming back. She knows every corner of the country, from the most spectacular scenic spots to secret hot springs, and a lot more. So who better to turn to for your burning travel questions?
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
TRIPADVISOR: So first question: “I booked a short stopover on Icelandair, so I only have one day in Reykjavík to explore. What should I do?”
THIEMAN: I'll tell you, the transfer time is tighter than you think. The international airport is a 45-minute shuttle or taxi ride outside of the city. Personally, I’d rather not rush to Reykjavík and cram in a full day of sightseeing. My advice? Book a half-day tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including pick up and drop off at the airport. The famous Blue Lagoon is also very close to the airport, so you can soak in a geothermal bath and have a relaxing spa day on your layover. How cool is that?
TRIPADVISOR: That beats waiting at a gate any day. Another one: “The Blue Lagoon is stunning, but I’d like to find a more private pool. Where do you suggest?”
THIEMAN: Icelanders take bathing very seriously—it’s a human right and ritual here. Visiting a small, local pool is a good way to get in touch with the community. Grettislaug is in the middle of nowhere; it’s one of my favorites because nobody knows about it. (The secret’s out now!) If you’re in the Westfjords, go to Krossneslaug, which feels like an infinity pool by the ocean. Or, make a day of it by hiking an hour to the Reykjadalur geothermal river, not far from Reykjavík. Just don’t expect the milky turquoise water that you see in the Blue Lagoon or Lake Myvatn up north (the only two pools that have this hue).
TRIPADVISOR: They all sound incredible. Another traveler asked: “Do you need to rent a car to get around? How is the public transportation?”
THIEMAN: Listen up: Driving can be really difficult and dangerous in Iceland. You should only rent a car if you are a safe, capable driver—and I don’t mean in cities and highways but in rural, mountainous, winter conditions (think: black ice and steep cliffside roads with no shoulders). For that reason, I suggest booking a guide rather than getting behind the wheel yourself. There are plenty of operators that have everything from specialized, private super jeep trips to large coach bus tours (the most affordable option).
TRIPADVISOR: Good to know. Here's one about getting out of the city: “We want to take a few day trips from Reykjavík, but we’re not sure which ones to choose?”
THIEMAN: Don’t make this common mistake: Reykjavik isn’t the best homebase. If you’re staying longer than three or four days, move around the island. There are few roads, so you’d be backtracking a lot to Reykjavik and wasting precious time in transit. That said, I would do the Golden Circle day tour first because it’s a good intro; it hits Gullfoss waterfall, the place where the two tectonic plates meet, and the large lake. After that, I’d sign up for the more far-flung trips like the one along the south coast of Vik, where you can see the black sand beach, do a glacier hike, or try ice climbing.
Another favorite is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula for its waterfalls, lava fields, lighthouses, and more. A tip: You can only take a day tour here in the summer. Also, skip the Glacier Lagoon because you’ll be stuck in a car for 10-12 hours, unless you break it up into a multi-day tour.
TRIPADVISOR: This adventurous couple wants to know: “My girlfriend and I often do long hiking trips, with no crowds. Where should we go?”
THIEMAN: Most people explore to the south but skip the rest of the country, which is a shame. The Westfjords region is the most remote, but it’s worth the effort to see the impressive cliffs and rugged landscapes. Put aside at least four or five days for it and hire a guide as it’s a risky area to drive. To the north, the Ring Road is a popular route, but it’s nowhere near as busy as the south coast. The highlands are also untouched, but you’d need to join a hiking tour to see it.
TRIPADVISOR: For foodies: “Where should we go for traditional Icelandic cuisine (local spots, food trucks, and street eats, rather than Michelin-starred restaurants)?”
THIEMAN: Café Loki (like the Norse god) is an essential stop. I always order the lamb paté on homemade rye bread or the lamb soup, and for dessert, go with the rye bread ice cream. It sounds strange, but trust me, it’s amazing. Next up: The Icelandic Bar, in the city center. The chefs whip up comfort food with an Icelandic twist, like reindeer burgers and hot dogs with lobster meat instead of sausage. I’m not going to lie, I think the shark and brennivín alcohol both taste pretty gross, but I feel like you got to try it.
TRIPADVISOR: I think I’ll stick to the lamb. In terms of timing: “When should we visit? Winter seems unbearably freezing but summer might not have all the activities my family wants to do.”
THIEMAN: You’re right about that: a lot of tours are only accessible in certain timeframes. If you want to go hiking in the highlands, then July and August would be your best bet. In fact, most trails won't even be open outside of those two months. Whitewater rafting or horseback riding is ideal in the shoulder months around summer (late May to early September). To see the natural ice caves or the northern lights? Come when it's dark and cold (November through March).
TRIPADVISOR: Here’s a question about chasing waterfalls: “There are so many beautiful waterfalls, but we don’t have time to see them all. What are your top three?”
THIEMAN: I always joke that your first day in Iceland, you stop at every cascade in awe, but then on day four, you say, “Oh look, it's waterfall #22,685.” The famous waterfalls are nice, but there are a bunch of hidden gems that are equally great. One I really love in the Westfjords is Dynjandi; it’s breathtaking and there are seven or eight smaller waterfalls just downstream. Don’t miss Gljufrabui, which is tucked away in a very narrow canyon. (Pack water shoes: you have to walk through a stream to get to it.) It’s five minutes to the side of the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, but a lot of people don't know it even exists. For something really special, visit Laugarvellir, a geothermal waterfall in the highlands (Iceland’s one and only). You can sit in a hot pool under the warm cascade.
TRIPADVISOR: Okay you must get this one a lot: “I’m dying to see the northern lights. How can I catch them? Are there tours or hotels that help with that?”
THIEMAN: Funny enough, I went to Iceland originally just to see the northern lights (I wasn’t successful), but I still fell in love with the country. The most reliable way to see them is by joining a land-based northern lights excursion. The overland guides are all in constant communication, so if one of them sees it, they'll alert the others. A quick tip: The boat tours don’t have as much mobility and flexibility, meaning you’re not as likely to catch it.
Some hotels in the countryside offer wake-up calls, so guests won’t miss a minute of the celestial show: The Northern Light Inn, on the Reykjanes Peninsula; Ranga in the south; Hotel Husáfell in the highlands; and Budir, a basecamp for snowmobile and cave tours in the north. One of the wildest resorts has glass bubble rooms, so you can stargaze in bed.
TRIPADVISOR: Sounds like an adventure and speaking of: “My main reason for visiting Iceland is to take a few adventure tours. What are some great options?”
THIEMAN: I would prioritize ice climbing since you don't know how much longer the glaciers are going to be around. There's a northern river where you can go whitewater rafting on grade IV / V rapids in the summer—a heart-hammering experience. I also like the speed boat tours around the Westmann Islands. The Inside the Volcano tour takes you into a rare magma chamber, or you can explore the Lofthellir ice sculpture cave with The Cave People. For a once-in-a-lifetime activity, snorkel between two tectonic plates in Silfra’s glacial water. There’s nowhere else in the world that you can do this!
TRIPADVISOR: OK, I have to make a trip to Iceland ASAP.
THIEMAN: You should, but I have to warn you, it's highly addictive!