İzlanda

The timing of your trip to Iceland depends on what you want to see. In summer (June-August), the weather is milder and it hardly gets dark at night; during this period, glaciers and natural beauties can be seen at their best. In winter (October-February), it is possible to see the Northern Lights, but the weather is quite cold and roads can be challenging.

Autumn (September-November) and spring (April-May) are less crowded periods; here you can find both reasonable weather conditions and relatively affordable prices. If seeing the Northern Lights is your priority, there is a window from early September to late March, but the chances of success are higher in September-October and March.

Reaching Iceland from Turkey usually requires a transfer. There are no direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir to Reykjavik; you need to fly to Keflavík International Airport (about 50 km from Reykjavik) from Copenhagen, Helsinki, or other European cities. Major airlines include Icelandair, SAS, and Lufthansa. To get from the airport to Reykjavik, there are options for bus, taxi, or car rental.

Renting a car in Iceland is important because most parts of the country are difficult to reach by public transport. You need an international driver's license and a credit card, and must be over 21 years old. In winter, consider renting a 4x4 vehicle; roads can be under very difficult conditions.

Most places in Reykjavik can be explored on foot; the center is quite compact. The city features Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa building, traditional colorful houses, and museums. Wandering between squares in the city center is enough for a cultural experience. Northern Lights tours and tour operators start from here.

A car is necessary to explore other cities in Iceland (like Akureyri). Popular routes such as the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) and South Iceland (Jökulsárlón, Skaftafell, Svartifoss) are mostly done with day tours or by your own car. Inland areas are open in summer; access may be restricted in winter.

You can explore Iceland in a minimum of 5-6 days; this period is sufficient to cover the Golden Circle and South Iceland routes. However, 8-9 days are ideal to thoroughly explore the country, allow a chance to see the Northern Lights, and visit inland areas. If you only want to stay in Reykjavik and its surroundings, 3-4 days might also be enough.

A typical itinerary: Day 1 in Reykjavik (adjusting to time), Day 2 Golden Circle, Days 3-4 South Iceland (Jökulsárlón, glaciers), Day 5 East Iceland or North Iceland (Akureyri, Mývatn), Days 6-7 Northern Lights tours and city exploration in Reykjavik. Longer routes can be extended up to 2 weeks.

Golden Circle Route: Starting from Reykjavik, you will see Þingvellir National Park (tectonic rifts), Geysir geothermal area (hot spring geyser), and Gullfoss waterfall (magnificent falls). You can do this within the same day and return to Reykjavik. The route is approximately 300 km.

South Iceland Route: Starting from Reykjavik, it includes Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Mýrdalssandur black sand desert, Vik seaside village, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (icebergs floating), Svartifoss black waterfall, and Skaftafell National Park. This route requires at least 2-3 days. If you are going to the East, you can add the Diamond Circle (Akureyri, Goðafoss, Mývatn).

Reykjavik city center (101) is the most popular area for accommodation; hotel, hostel, and Airbnb options are abundant. Staying close to the center is practical as all tours and activities start from here. Hotels in the city center are expensive but of high quality. More affordable options are found on the outskirts of the city (other areas of Reykjavik) and in small towns (Borgarnes, Hveragerði).

If you are doing the South Iceland tour, staying overnight at intermediate points (Vik, Höfn) is beneficial for breaking up the journey. Akureyri is ideal for exploring North Iceland. Airbnb and guesthouse options in Iceland can fill up quickly during the tourist season, so book early. Hotel prices vary between 150-400 USD depending on the season.

Food in Iceland is quite expensive; you should expect breakfast for 15-25 USD, lunch for 20-35 USD, and dinner for 30-60 USD in restaurants. Traditional Icelandic cuisine is based on fish, Arctic char, lamb, and seafood. Svið (sheep's head), fermented shark (hákarl), and dried fish (harðfiskur) are typical dishes. Fish and chips and seafood soup are found everywhere.

In Reykjavik, there are all kinds of places from fine dining options to tourist restaurants. If you are on a budget, it is economical to shop at grocery stores (Bónus, Nóatún) and prepare meals in a hostel/apartment kitchen. Some cafes offer breakfast buffets. Don't miss trying traditional Icelandic restaurants; but be prepared for their prices.

Iceland is an expensive destination. Daily budget: Economical: 100-150 USD (hostel stay, self-catering, public tour). Mid-range: 200-300 USD (3-star hotel, some restaurant meals, tour). Luxury: 400+ USD (4-5 star hotel, fine dining, private tour). Tour prices range from 60-150 USD (Golden Circle 70-100 USD, Jökulsárlón 100-130 USD). Car rental is 40-80 USD per day; gasoline is expensive.

The total cost for 1 week for a mid-range trip can be 1500-2000 USD (including accommodation, food, transportation, tours). In winter, activity costs increase (Northern Lights tour 80-150 USD). The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK); ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in most places. Alcoholic beverages are very expensive (a beer costs 8-12 USD).

The main shopping areas in Reykjavik are Laugavegur street (clothing, shoes, art), Bankastræti and its surroundings (shops). Laugavegur street is an area that offers an experience by walking outdoors. Duty-free shops are found at the airport (for arrivals and departures). Buying traditional Icelandic cloaks (Lopapeysa—wool sweaters) and local handicrafts is popular; these products are expensive but high quality and original.

The traditional market (Kolaportið) sells old items, local products, and souvenirs on weekends. Grocery stores like Bónus, Nóatún meet daily needs and are cheaper. Gifts taken out of Iceland can be found in the library—from Arctic Monkeys to Icelandic products. Prices are generally 2-3 times higher than in Turkey.

Visa: Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa. Iceland is located in the Schengen area; a visa is obtained from the Icelandic embassy in Sweden or another Schengen country. The visa process can take 4-6 weeks. Weather conditions: Roads can be dangerous in winter; appropriate vehicle and experience are required. Safety: Iceland is a very safe country; crime rate is low.

Money: Turkish Lira is not used; Icelandic Króna (ISK) or foreign credit cards are required. Hot water: The smell of geothermal sources (sulfur) is normal; you might sweat in the Blue Lagoon pool but it is healthy. Nudity: In Iceland, walking naked after a sauna and bath is normal; get used to it. Roads: In winter, the ring road (1) is safe, but inland routes (F roads) may be closed. Check the weather forecast.

Golden Circle: The tectonic cracks of Þingvellir, the geyser moment of Geysir (popularly called 'Strokkur'), the two-tiered waterfall of Gullfoss. South Iceland: The icebergs of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the black waterfall and black basalt columns of Svartifoss, the black sand beach and waves of Vik. Reykjavik: City view from Hallgrímskirkja church, modern architecture of Harpa building, milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Northern Lights: Can be seen anywhere in Iceland (away from light pollution); best between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM and on clear nights. Other spots: Mývatn geothermal area (colorful hot pits of Hverir), Goðafoss waterfall (North Iceland), Akureyri city. Carry a tripod for phone or SLR photography; the wind is strong and sunset/sunrise light is captivating.

Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 365 thousand km² in size. Its population is about 380 thousand, most of whom live in and around Reykjavik. The capital is Reykjavik; the official language is Icelandic. The currency is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). The country was settled by Norwegians in 861, later became independent, and declared a republic in 1944. Iceland has no army; it is a member of NATO. Electricity and heating are entirely provided by geothermal and hydroelectric energy.

Besides its nature, Iceland's culture is also rich; the Edda and Sagas, stemming from Viking heritage, are written historical works. The modern Icelandic music scene is strong (Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men). The food culture is inspired by fresh fish. Its people are brave but friendly to tourists. The summer with no sunset (June solstice) and the late summer Midnight Sun phenomenon are attractive. Seeing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) offers a unique developmental experience in itself.