iceland travel restrictions
From Friday, February 25, there are no longer any COVID-related border restrictions for travel to Iceland*.
All visitors are welcome, regardless of vaccination status, with no requirement to pre-register before visiting. There is no longer a requirement for a PCR test to board aircraft, and no testing or quarantine upon arrival. There is no longer a requirement to present a certificate of vaccination or of prior COVID-19 infection.
- NOTE: Foreign citizens who require a visa to visit Iceland must still fulfill this visa requirement. Check the list of who needs a visa on the Directorate of Immigration’s website
best time to visit iceland
The best time to visit Iceland is in the summer in July and August. But during this season, bad weather (rain and strong winds) can also come. For hikers the best time to visit Iceland is summer, when all the mountain trails are open and all the most famous trails are accessible.
As for the Blackpals who want to see Icelandic whales, according to Icelandic marine biologist Dr. Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir, is June and July. In northern Iceland, you will have wider windows to enjoy visits from dolphins and humpback whales in the Atlantic waters from May to August. Some humpback whales even survive until the end of the year. Blue whales also pass in June.
The summer months in Reykjavík can also see some more promising whales and dolphins, while killer whales congregate in Western Iceland along the Snaefellsnes peninsula during the first half of the year.
Don’t miss coming to the hot springs too. Icelandic hot springs are one of the most important components and local culture for Icelandic people.
Reykjavík’s public baths are open all year round (and very refreshing in late winter), but the island also has hundreds of hidden “hot spots” that take direct advantage of geothermal activity.
diamond beach iceland
Iceland’s Diamond Beach is on the south coast, 235 miles (377km) from Reykjavik. It takes almost five hours to drive to the Diamond Beach, so booking an organised tour is a great way to visit without worrying about navigation or making the long drive yourself. Reykjavik Excursion tours to the Diamond Beach include stops along the natural wonders of the South Coast, breaking up the journey.
Iceland’s Diamond Beach is just off the main ring-round (Route One) that loops around the whole island, so it’s a must-see stop if you’re taking a road trip around the entirety of Iceland.
You can visit Diamond Beach at any time of year. Because it is glacial ice, the diamond chunks don’t melt in summer and still make their way to the shore for perfect pictures. In summer, the abundance of sunshine means they glow all the brighter during the day, and the long hours of daylight mean there’s less pressure to leave early for the five-hour drive from Reykjavik.
In winter the sea can be wild, which makes for an even more dramatic picture as waves crash against the black sand. The eternal golden ‘sunset’ light in winter can make the Diamond Beach photogenic at any time during the daylight. Be sure to wrap up warm in winter as the beach is exposed to the elements. You can even spot the Northern Lights at the Diamond Beach in winter. Located so far from any kind of town or city, there’s no light pollution so it’s a great place to spot the green glow dancing against the night sky. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from the waves in the dark.
iceland restaurants
Iceland’s culinary star has been on the rise thanks to cutting-edge chefs who focus on Nordic cuisine as well as innovative takes on other cuisines. The Michelin Guide has taken note, naming Dill Restaurant Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. From an Icelandic hot dog stand that’s a must-try to high-end spots that encourage diners to try new takes on classic ingredients through tasting menus, including fermented shark and salted cod, there’s a world of flavor waiting for you.
Grillmarkaðurinn
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
+354 571 7777
The award-winning Grillmarkaðurinn (Grill Market), known for working with local farmers and suppliers to create meals that are fresh, organic, seasonal, and delicious, is a definite culinary highlight for foodies visiting Iceland. The welcoming and impressive interior blends contemporary style with natural textiles, as well as elements like moss and basalt. The menu is generally centered around fish and meat, ranging from salted cod with lobster salad to grilled pork ribs and dry-aged rib eye, but there are vegetarian dishes available, too. Everything is grilled to perfection and artfully presented on wooden cutting boards. The wine list is expertly curated, too. Staff are professional and friendly.
Dill Restaurant
Sturlugata 5, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík’s Dill restaurant, run by chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason and sommelier Ólafur Örn Ólafsson, is the first venue in Iceland to win a coveted Michelin star. It specializes in New Nordic Cuisine, which means that the kitchen updates traditional dishes such as arctic char, pork belly, and lamb shanks in highly creative and ultradelicious ways—often pairing them with healthy ingredients like barley, berries, and kale. The restaurant is open four evenings a week, and the seven-course menu changes regularly based on availability of local ingredients. Food can be paired with a fabulous selection of champagnes and wines. It’s not the cheapest choice in town, but it is one of the best.
The Laundromat Café
Austurstræti
Website
+354 587 7555
Reykjavík’s Laundromat Café is one of the city’s most casual and upbeat places to hang out, whether you want to drink a fine craft beer, enjoy brunch, or—yes—do your laundry. The sister enterprise of the original establishment in Copenhagen, it’s kitted out in a classic American-diner style, with leather stools around a central bar and a smattering of perpetually full tables and booths. The menu spans healthy brunches, Sunday roasts, soups, sandwiches, and burgers, and there’s also a decent list of wines and beers (including local craft beers). Plus there are hundreds of books you can borrow, trade, or buy, board games to play (Yahtzee, backgammon, chess, or cards), and newspapers and magazines to read. Laundry machines can be found in the basement, and there’s a playroom for kids plus a children’s brunch option.
