【Ultimate Iceland Trip Planner】Visas, Best Time to Visit, Costs & Must-See Sights
Introducing Iceland
People say “Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime destination”—and after visiting, we agree. It’s the only place where volcanoes and glaciers share the same backyard, where the Northern Lights ripple overhead, and where raw nature steals the show. But it’s not just scenery. Think lava-tube tours, glacier walks, aurora hunting, geothermal lagoons and more—experiences that make it genuinely hard to leave.
Iceland spans 103,000 km² with a population of around 390,000, making it Europe’s least densely populated country. Icelandic is the official language, yet English is widely spoken—getting around is easy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable trip.
▼ Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland
▼ Hallgrimskirkja—Reykjavik’s most iconic landmark (Photo: Guide to Iceland)
Entry & Visas (Hong Kong Passports)
Iceland is in the Schengen Area. Holders of HKSAR or BNO passports may visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with at least 3 months’ passport validity after departure. The EU plans to introduce ETIAS (a travel authorization) as early as 2026—if you’re traveling in or after 2026, check the latest requirements before you go. (Note: ETIAS is expected to cost €7, valid for three years.)
Best Time to Visit
Iceland is a year-round destination. Summer and winter feel like different worlds, with dramatic daylight swings—so choose by what you want to see.
May–September (Summer, peak season): Long daylight hours (near 24-hour daylight at the height of summer), milder weather, and the chance to see purple lupines, seabirds (including puffins), and the “midnight sun.” Adventure options like zip-lining and paragliding open up. Prices are higher, but this is the most convenient time to drive the Ring Road.
December–March (Winter): Icy landscapes, blue ice caves, and the Northern Lights. Expect roughly 4–6 hours of daylight and temperatures from about 2°C down to −10°C or lower. You’ll typically need 2–3 extra days for winter itineraries to allow for weather. We don’t recommend a full Ring Road drive in winter unless you have a generous buffer—storms can close roads.
How to Get Around
Tourism infrastructure has grown rapidly since 2003, and travel is straightforward. The most flexible way to explore is self-drive. Public transport is limited outside city areas, and domestic flights serve only a few towns, so driving is the practical way to circle the island: just follow Route 1 (the Ring Road). Private car/van charters are available but often pricey.
Not driving? Join day tours or multi-day tours from Reykjavik to top spots within 2–3 hours: the Golden Circle, Vik, and the Diamond Beach. Reaching farther-flung regions such as Lake Myvatn (north) or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (west) may require longer tours. You can also book a full package with a tour operator—local tours tend to be insightful but costlier; Hong Kong–based packages are usually cheaper and include flights, but itineraries are more standardized.
Flights & Airlines
There are no nonstops from Hong Kong to Iceland. Most travelers connect via London or Helsinki.
From London, popular options include Cathay Pacific and British Airways to London, then a short hop (~3 hours) to Iceland. Service quality is strong, though peak-season fares can reach around HK$15,000 return; off-peak fares often start around HK$7,000+.
Via Helsinki, Finnair offers convenient connections (Helsinki–Iceland ~4 hours). Pricing is often competitive—roughly HK$9,000 return in peak periods and as low as about HK$4,000 off-peak, subject to sale fares and availability. Long-haul tickets typically include checked baggage and inflight meals/entertainment.
▼ Compare airfares across trusted OTAs ▼
Pro tip: prices move fast—tap to check live fares and lock in a deal.
Time Needed, Key Cities & Sights
Trip length depends on your route. In summer, allow 12+ days to drive the Ring Road. In autumn/winter, add 2–3 days for weather. If you’re focusing on Reykjavik and nearby highlights, 5 days is comfortable. Here are the essentials:
Must-see highlights:
- Reykjavik – The capital’s star is Hallgrimskirkja, a basalt-column-inspired church and true city icon. Don’t miss the rainbow-painted street framing the perfect church view. Nearby, the Golden Circle packs a day with Thingvellir National Park, active geysers, the thundering Gullfoss, and Kerid Crater—a greatest-hits tour of Icelandic geology. Most stops are free; drivers can park at official lots, and numerous operators run easy Golden Circle day tours.
- Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – A surreal lake fed by the Vatnajokull ice cap, dotted with drifting icebergs (spot playful seals if you’re lucky). In winter, join guided glacier hikes and venture into shimmering blue ice caves. Across the road, Diamond Beach glitters with polished ice chunks washed ashore—photography heaven and never the same twice.
- Lake Myvatn – Best in summer (winter road closures are common). Famous for its soothing Myvatn Nature Baths—a more relaxed alternative to the big names—plus vast craters and otherworldly lava fields. Nearby geothermal areas hiss with steam and the scent of sulfur. Follow marked paths; the water here is scalding and not for bathing.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula – An easy day or overnight from Reykjavik and packed with postcard icons: Kirkjufell, the black-wood Budakirkja, dramatic black-sand beaches, sea cliffs and arches. Its darker skies also make it a popular Northern Lights hunting ground.
▼ With luck, you’ll catch a mirror-calm “sky reflection” at Vestrahorn (Stokksnes)
▼ The Myvatn Nature Baths are famous—and far less crowded—perfect for an unhurried soak (Photo: Klook)
▼ Ice fragments wash onto Diamond Beach and sparkle like gemstones in the sun
▼ Iceland embraces inclusion—you’ll spot rainbow touches everywhere (Photo: yourfriendinreykjavik.com)
Essential Experiences
Iceland isn’t just about looking—it’s about doing. Don’t leave without these:
- Soak in a Geothermal Lagoon
With more than 200 volcanoes, geothermal water powers life here. In greater Reykjavik, the headliners are Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon—both hugely popular, so book 1–2 weeks ahead. On a Ring Road trip, keep an eye out for smaller natural hot springs too. - Glacier Hiking
Beyond volcanoes, Iceland’s glaciers (including the world’s third-largest ice cap by area) set the stage for year-round hikes. In summer you can sip crystal-clear meltwater; in winter, guided tours may enter ethereal blue ice caves. Compare operators by inclusions, gear and reviews; common options are 3-hour or 5-hour hikes depending on fitness. - Northern Lights Hunting
Iceland sits at the ideal latitude for aurora viewing. While auroras can occur year-round, the dark skies from October to March offer the best chance. Join a guided tour—or sometimes you’ll see the lights by simply stepping outside your room when conditions align.
▼ Winter skies often dance with auroras (Photo: Guide to Iceland)
What to Eat
Icelandic cuisine is shaped by the sea and sub-Arctic climate—traditionally built on seafood, lamb and dairy, preserved by smoking, drying or fermenting to last the long winters. Today’s kitchens pair pristine local produce with inventive techniques for surprisingly refined flavors.
Signature bites to try:
Skyr – Thick, creamy and protein-rich, similar to yogurt—delicious with cream and jam.
Hangikjot – Smoked lamb, deeply aromatic—a festive staple and everyday favorite.
Plokkfiskur – Cozy fish stew (often cod) with potato, onion and a buttery white sauce.
Hakarl – Fermented shark—pungent and polarizing, but undeniably traditional.
Svid – Singed sheep’s head with potatoes and sauce—a window into culinary history.
Laufabraud – Paper-thin, crisp “leaf bread,” especially at Christmas.
Kleinur – Twisted doughnuts, perfect with coffee.
Rugbraud – Dense, slightly sweet rye bread, sometimes baked using geothermal heat.
Costs in Iceland
Compared with Hong Kong, prices are higher. Expect around HK$500 per person at well-known restaurants, and from about HK$100 for a simple lunch. On a budget? Cooking some meals can easily halve your food spend. Iceland uses the Icelandic krona; a rough guide is HK$1 ≈ ISK15. Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere—cash is rarely needed.
Sample Winter Budget (12 Days)
Here’s a ballpark for a 12-day winter trip. Summer often runs HK$3,000–4,000 higher for flights and hotels.
- Return flights HKG–Iceland: HK$6,000
- 11 nights’ accommodation: HK$11,000 (≈ HK$1,000/night)
- 12 days car rental: HK$8,400 (≈ HK$700/day)
- Fuel & parking: HK$2,500
- Attraction fees: HK$500
- Activities: HK$2,000–3,000
- Food & drink: HK$3,000–4,000
Total: Approximately HK$33,400–35,400 for 12 days.
Safety in Iceland
Iceland is consistently ranked among the safest countries on earth, with very low crime rates and famously friendly locals. As with anywhere, keep valuables with you and stay aware in busy areas.
Tours & Itineraries
Not sure where to start? Browse sample itineraries from reputable operators to see the must-dos, then customize to your style.
For reference: Wing On Travel、Goldjoy Holidays、TCI Tours.
