backpacking Europe
Iceland

Backpacking Iceland in 2025

A complete guide for backpacking in Iceland with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.

Visit Iceland

Welcome to Iceland, a captivating canvas of otherworldly landscapes that beckon backpackers seeking unparalleled natural beauty. Pros? Immerse yourself in geothermal wonders, cascading waterfalls, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The country's compact size makes it easily navigable, perfect for an adventure-packed trip. However, be mindful of the higher cost of living, which can impact budget-conscious travelers. Iceland's unique blend of untouched wilderness and modern comforts sets it apart, offering a rare opportunity to explore a land of fire and ice, where every turn reveals a new and awe-inspiring spectacle, making it a distinctive choice for backpackers worldwide.

Best known for:Known for: scenery | uniqueness | safety
Best time to visit: June - August

Why to go?
Why backpacking in Iceland

Scenery

Iceland offers a diverse range of breathtaking sceneries that are best explored by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The country's unique geological features make it a paradise for exploring natural wonders. The Golden Circle is a popular …

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Uniqueness

Exploring Iceland is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its stunning and diverse natural landscapes. From majestic waterfalls and geothermal hot springs to vast glaciers and volcanic landscapes, Iceland offers a wealth of untouched …

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Mountains

One of the great mountains to explore in Iceland is Mount Kirkjufell. Located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss. It is a popular spot for …

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Wildlife

Iceland is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse and unique ecosystems. From puffins and arctic terns nesting on coastal cliffs to whales and dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters, there are plenty of opportunities to see a wide …

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Backpackers

The backpacker scene in Iceland is vibrant and diverse, with travelers from all over the world coming to explore the country’s stunning natural landscapes and unique culture. Hostels and budget accommodations are plentiful, offering a social and …

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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Iceland

Golden Circle: This popular tourist route includes the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Blue Lagoon: Relax and rejuvenate in the famous geothermal spa, known for its mineral-rich waters and stunning surroundings. It’s a must-visit for a unique and soothing experience.
Reykjavik: Explore the vibrant capital city of Iceland, known for its colorful buildings, lively nightlife, and unique cultural attractions like the Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja Church.
Glacier Hiking: Embark on an unforgettable adventure by hiking on one of Iceland’s magnificent glaciers, such as Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull. Experience the breathtaking beauty of ice formations and stunning landscapes.
Northern Lights: Witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon of the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. Head to remote areas with minimal light pollution for the best chance to see this natural spectacle.

But Iceland offers more...

🌆 Cities: Akureyri, Husavik, Reykjavik, Selfoss, Vik

🎎 Festivals: Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik Arts Festival, Reykjavik International Film Festival, Secret Solstice, Thjodhatid

🏔️ Hikes: Fimmvörðuháls, Glymur, Hornstrandir, Landmannalaugar, Laugavegur Trail

🏞️ National parks: Jökulsárgljúfur, Skaftafell, Snæfellsjökull, Vatnajökull, Þingvellir

Stories

Hiking the Laugavegur

Iceland | Why should a 4-day trip be a road trip? Before our Wacky Wheels adventure in September, I decided to go for a trip on foot: the famous Laugavegur track in Iceland.The odd thing of this trip is that the entire route is known at the start, even before solving a single puzzle. Basically the only puzzle there was, was following the blue GPS arrow on...

Meeting Siberian beer hunters, world jugglers and oil tanker captains

Iceland | Iceland: how I met Siberian bear hunters, world jugglers and oil tanker captains... After my five day hike (see previous post) I was up for a 10 day drive all around the island. To earn some credits back for the numerous times I had been picked up before in my life, I had decided to take a bunch of hitchhikers on the way.But soon that seemed the ...

🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Iceland

The best time to visit Iceland for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). The long daylight hours provide ample time for exploring the stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and natural attractions that Iceland has to offer. Additionally, many campsites and facilities are open during this period, making it easier for backpackers to find accommodation and amenities.JANFEBMARAPRMAYSEPOCTNOVDEC

detailed advice per month

Risk level: low (0%)
Safety advice for Iceland

An ongoing volcanic eruption has occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula north of Grindavík. Strong earthquakes could occur before and after an eruption, leading to further volcanic eruptions. Avoid areas near eruption sites and areas close to mountains with steep slopes on the Reykjanes peninsula due to the danger of falling rocks. It's also in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis are a threat in coastal areas.

Due to increased seismic activity, there's currently an 'Emergency phase' on the Reykjanes peninsula. Monitor the local media for reports on volcanic and seismic activity.

Iceland's climate is unpredictable. Iceland experiences snow, sand and ash storms. Check local sources for weather and updates about road closures and other disruptions.

Some places in the Arctic are a long way from mobile phone coverage and help in an emergency. If you need help, you may have to wait a long time. Only book travel with companies that have onboard medical help.

Petty theft can happen. Gang-related activity can also occur. Pay close attention to your belongings and surroundings.

source: smartraveller.gov.au

Iceland
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Iceland sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.

Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.

Lonely Planet

Rough Guide

Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Iceland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Iceland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.

Check visa requirements for Iceland

Check vaccination requirement for Iceland

Get your travel insurance

Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Iceland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.

Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.

Hostelworld

Expedia

My personal packing list 🎒
author

Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.

Money & Documents
Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies)
Passport photographs
Credit and debit cards (on world profile)
Cash (US$ or €)
Money belt
Vaccination proofs

Clothing
Light, quick-dry clothing
No jeans, too heavy
Ultralight rain/wind jacket
Thermo underwear
Quick-dry towel
Sunglasses

Electronics
Mobile phone + charger
Power bank
Travel adapter
Local sim card (buy it on arrival)

Health
Toothbrush
Deo
Sunscreen, lips sunburn
Anti-diarrhea
Paracetamol
Blister plasters
Anti-mosquito (DEET)
Toilet paper
Nail scissors

Others
Small number lock
Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes)
Card game(!)
Ear plugs
Travel pillow