Blog

Travel tips, guides, and stories from Iceland

photo of black whale in ocean during daytime

Húsavík: Why Iceland's Whale Capital Delivers

Húsavík sees more whale species more reliably than almost anywhere in Europe. Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.

field and mountain near body of water

Exploring the Westfjords: Iceland's Most Remote Region

The Westfjords take real effort to reach — and that's exactly why they're worth it. Here's what to expect from Iceland's most remote region.

white clouds over calm water

Akureyri and North Iceland: A Complete Travel Guide

North Iceland is more than a detour from the Ring Road. Here's how to plan a proper trip to Akureyri and the region around it.

A whale's tail breaks the ocean's surface.

Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales up close. Here's exactly when to go and what species to expect.

aerial view of houses during daytime

Reykjavík With Kids: The Honest Version

Sideways rain, pool culture, pylsur negotiations, and naps in the car — what it's actually like to do Reykjavík with small humans. A local mom tells it straight.

field and mountain near body of water

Akureyri and North Iceland: A Complete Travel Guide

North Iceland is more than a detour from Reykjavík. Here's how to plan your time in Akureyri and beyond, from whale watching to volcanic landscapes.

an iceberg on a beach near the ocean

Diamond Beach Iceland: The Complete Visitor's Guide

Chunks of glacier ice wash up on a black sand beach next to one of Iceland's largest glacial lagoons. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.

snow mountain with Aurora borealis

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland: A Complete Guide

When to go, where to go, and what actually improves your chances of seeing the aurora. No fluff, just a practical guide.

white smoke coming out from a water fountain

Geysir and Strokkur: Iceland's Golden Circle Geothermal Stop

Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, 20-30 metres high. Here's what to know before you visit the Geysir geothermal area on the Golden Circle.

a geyser spewing water into the air at sunset

Geysir and Strokkur: What to Expect at Iceland's Geyser Valley

Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes without warning. Here's what to see, how long to stay, and how to fit it into your Golden Circle day.

white sheep on green grass field during daytime

What Icelanders Actually Eat (It's Not All Fermented Shark)

Forget the tourist shock food — here's what Icelanders really eat, from Sunday lamb soup rituals to our bizarre liquorice obsession, with tips on where to find the best of it in Reykjavík.

a lake with houses and mountains in the background

Midnight Sun in Iceland: What to Expect and When to Go

Iceland's midnight sun means daylight around the clock from late May to late July. Here's what it actually feels like — and how to make the most of it.

Francis of Delirium performing in Reykjavík at Iceland Airwaves in 2022

Iceland Airwaves 2026: The Streets, Shygirl, MAMMÚT & 28 More Acts Take Over Reykjavík

The world's most northerly music festival returns November 4-8 with The Streets performing 'A Grand Don't Come For Free' in full, Shygirl opening the party, and Daði Freyr backed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.

aerial view of city buildings during daytime

Reykjavík City Guide: What to See, Eat & Do

Reykjavík is small enough to walk in a day but has enough to fill a week. Here's how to spend your time in Iceland's capital.

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Hot Springs in Iceland Beyond the Blue Lagoon

Iceland has dozens of hot springs worth visiting. Here are the best alternatives to the Blue Lagoon — cheaper, quieter, and just as good.

a group of birds standing on top of a grass covered hillside

Puffins in Iceland: Where and When to See Them

Iceland hosts the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony. Here's exactly where to find them, when they arrive, and how to get close.

snow covered mountains

Landmannalaugar & the Highlands: Your Summer F-Road Guide

The F-roads into Iceland's central highlands open in summer. Here's how to reach Landmannalaugar, what to hike, and whether you need a 4x4.

a geyser spewing water into the air at sunset

The Golden Circle: Iceland's Most Popular Day Trip

Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss in one day — here's what to actually expect, how long to spend at each stop, and how to beat the crowds.

field and mountain near body of water

The Roads Nobody Talks About: My Favourite Drives That Aren't the Ring Road

Forget Route 1. These hidden drives across Iceland — from remote fjord roads to highland F-roads — are the ones I actually take when I want to feel something.

an aerial view of a car driving on a road

Driving in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know

Planning to drive in Iceland? Here's what the rental brochure won't tell you — road types, weather rules, F-roads, and how to stay safe.

herd of white and brown donkeys on snow-covered land

Horse Riding in Iceland: Meeting the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is unlike any breed you've ridden before. Here's what to expect from a horse riding tour in Iceland.

field and mountain near body of water

Hiking the Laugavegur Trail: A Hut-to-Hut Guide

The 55 km Laugavegur Trail runs from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk over 4 days. Here's everything you need to plan it properly.

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Stop Asking If Iceland Is Expensive. Here's What Things Actually Cost in 2026.

Real prices, real tips, and zero sugarcoating — a local's breakdown of what you'll actually spend in Iceland this year.

waterfalls at daytime

Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss: Iceland's Two Best Waterfalls

Both waterfalls are on the same South Coast route, about 30 minutes apart. Here's what to expect, how long to spend, and which one to prioritise.

four white concrete houses beside body of water

The East Fjords: Why Iceland's Quietest Region Is Worth the Drive

Most visitors skip the Eastfjords entirely. Here's what they're missing — and how to do the drive properly.

cars parked in front of store during daytime

Icelandic Food: What to Eat and Where to Find It

From lamb soup to skyr, here's what Icelandic food actually tastes like and where to eat it without overpaying.

a very tall building with a lot of windows

Reykjavík Arts Festival 2026: Björk, Hildur Guðnadóttir & More

Iceland's premier cultural event returns May 30 – June 14, 2026 with Björk's echolalia exhibition, Mahler's 8th Symphony, and Hildur Guðnadóttir as artist-in-residence.

7-Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary: Ring Road & Beyond

A practical day-by-day Iceland road trip plan covering the Golden Circle, South Coast, glaciers, and the East Fjords. Real stops, real timings.

A whale's tail breaks the ocean's surface.

Whale Watching in Iceland: The Complete Guide

From humpbacks to minkes, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see whales. Here's everything you need to plan your trip.

field and mountain near body of water

Þingvellir National Park: History, Nature and the Golden Circle

Þingvellir is where Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD and two tectonic plates slowly pull apart. Here's what to see and how long to spend.

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What to Pack for Iceland: The Essential Checklist

Iceland's weather changes fast and the wrong gear ruins trips. Here's exactly what to pack, whatever season you're visiting.

aerial view photography of white and red concrete house near village

I've Lived Through 35 Icelandic Winters. Here's What Actually Happens.

Four hours of daylight, sideways rain, and the smell of rúgbrauð in the oven. An Icelander tells you what winter here is actually like — the dark parts and the brilliant ones.

brown rock formation beside body of water during daytime

Þingvellir National Park: History, Geology and What to Actually Do There

Þingvellir is Iceland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and sits on an active tectonic rift. Here's what to see and how long to spend there.

body of water

Hot Springs in Iceland Beyond the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is great, but Iceland has dozens of hot springs worth your time. Here are the best alternatives, from wild mountain pools to local baths.

brown and black mountain under white clouds

Volcanic Iceland: Lava Fields, Geysers and Eruptions

Iceland sits on one of the most active volcanic systems on Earth. Here's where to see it up close — safely and on your own schedule.

a horse standing in a field

Horse Riding in Iceland: What to Expect on the Trail

The Icelandic horse is unlike any breed you've ridden before. Here's what makes them special and how to plan a ride in Iceland.

black rocks near body of water

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland's Greatest Day Trip

Glaciers, lava fields, fishing villages, and sea cliffs — Snæfellsnes packs everything Iceland does well into a two-hour drive from Reykjavík.

a large body of water sitting next to a lush green hillside

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik: 12 Unforgettable Tours

Discover 12 unforgettable day trips from Reykjavik — from Golden Circle to glacier hikes. Book your Iceland tours easily through QRTours.

A beach with a mountain in the background

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast

Black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and some of Iceland's most accessible waterfalls — here's how to do the South Coast properly.

a geyser spewing water into the air at sunset

The Golden Circle: Iceland's Best Day Trip from Reykjavík

Three of Iceland's most impressive natural sites in one circular route from Reykjavík. Here's what to expect and how to get the most out of the day.

a horse standing in a field

Horse Riding in Iceland: Meet the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is unlike any breed you've ridden before. Here's what to expect from a horse riding tour in Iceland.

body of water

The Best Hot Pools in Iceland: A Local's Guide

From free roadside pools to famous geothermal lagoons, here's where to actually soak in Iceland — and which ones are worth your time.

person on white cave

I Guide People Into Ice Caves for a Living. Here's What I Wish They Knew.

A glacier guide shares what the brochures won't — the wrong shoes, the silent moments, the caves that disappear, and why the real thing beats every Instagram photo you've ever seen.

photo of black whale in ocean during daytime

Húsavík: Why Iceland's Whale Capital Lives Up to the Name

Húsavík is the best place in Iceland — and arguably Europe — to watch whales. Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.

photo of black whale in ocean during daytime

Húsavík: Why Iceland's Whale Capital Lives Up to the Name

Húsavík is Europe's best base for whale watching, with humpbacks spotted on nearly every trip. Here's what to know before you go.

field and mountain near body of water

Þingvellir National Park: History, Geology and the Golden Circle

Þingvellir is where Iceland's parliament was founded in 930 AD and where two tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. Here's what to see and how long to spend.

A person stands near a glacier and lake.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A Complete Visitor Guide

Everything you need to know before visiting Iceland's most magical glacier lagoon — from ice cave tours to the famous Diamond Beach.

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Ring Road Iceland: The Complete Guide to Route 1

Everything you need to know about driving Iceland's Route 1 — the 1,332 km road that circles the entire island.

ice formation under gray sky

25 Best Things to Do in Iceland: A Complete Guide

From glacier hikes to geothermal pools, here are 25 genuinely unmissable Iceland experiences — with honest tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

gray concrete road near mountain during daytime

Best Time to Visit Iceland: A Month by Month Guide

From the midnight sun to dancing northern lights, discover exactly when to visit Iceland for the experience you're dreaming of.

waterfalls at daytime

Iceland's Hidden Gems: Places Most Tourists Miss

Skip the crowds and discover Iceland's best-kept secrets — from secret hot springs to dramatic landscapes most visitors never see.

A beach with a mountain in the background

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Everything You Need to Know

Reynisfjara is Iceland's most dramatic coastline — but it's also one of its most dangerous. Here's how to visit safely and make the most of it.

person in red jacket and black pants standing on rock formation during daytime

Ice Cave Tours in Iceland: What to Expect

Thinking about exploring an ice cave in Iceland? Here's everything you need to know before you go, from what to wear to which caves are worth it.

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Iceland Self-Drive vs Guided Tour: Which Is Right for You?

Can't decide between renting a car or joining a guided tour in Iceland? Here's an honest breakdown to help you choose.

Total Solar Eclipse Iceland 2026: Your Complete Guide

Total Solar Eclipse Iceland 2026: Your Complete Guide

The 2026 total solar eclipse crosses Iceland on August 12th. Here's everything you need to know to witness totality in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Exploring Vík í Mýrdal: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Cutest Village

Exploring Vík í Mýrdal: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland’s Cutest Village

If you’ve been stalking my Instagram stories, you know I have been completely swooning over Iceland. But there is one spot that stole my heart (and filled up my camera roll) faster than anywhere else: Vík í Mýrdal.

Húsavík: Your Complete Guide to Iceland's Whale Capital

Húsavík: Your Complete Guide to Iceland's Whale Capital

Húsavík is Europe's premier whale watching destination — here's everything you need to know before you go.

gray asphalt road under cloudy sky during daytime

Iceland Ring Road: Perfect 7 & 10 Day Itineraries

Plan the ultimate Iceland Ring Road trip with our tried-and-tested 7 and 10 day itineraries. Every stop, every highlight, no fluff.

gray concrete road near mountain during daytime

Iceland on a Budget: How to See More and Spend Less

Iceland doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here's how savvy travellers explore volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs without blowing the budget.

a man standing in front of Boiling Lake

Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss: Iceland's Waterfall Icons

Two epic waterfalls, one unforgettable road trip. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss on Iceland's South Coast.

aerial view of city buildings during daytime

Day Trips from Reykjavík: Top 10 Tours for Every Traveller

From glacier hikes to golden waterfalls, these are the best day trips from Reykjavík — whatever kind of traveller you are.

ice formation under gray sky

Snowmobile Tours on Iceland's Glaciers: What to Expect

Riding a snowmobile across an Icelandic glacier is one of the most exhilarating things you can do here. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

a body of water surrounded by grass and rocks

Snorkelling in Silfra: Swimming Between Two Continents

Silfra in Þingvellir is one of the few places on Earth where you can snorkel between tectonic plates. Here's what it's really like.

a group of people standing on top of a snow covered mountain

Glacier Hiking in Iceland: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Never strapped on crampons before? Iceland's glaciers are more accessible than you think. Here's everything you need to know before you go.