Tips, guides, and stories about Iceland.
Read practical planning advice, destination context, and editorial stories that support the journeys and places across Play Iceland.

Dogs, Cats, and Reptiles In Iceland. Your questions answered!
Lots of people want to know if there are any dogs in Iceland. The answer is yes, of course! There is some confusion about this topic because pet dogs were banned in Reykjavik between 1924 to 1984. Unless you had a special permit, you could not bring your dog into the city. But that’s no longer...

Black Sand Beaches In Iceland - Everything You Need To Know!
Iceland’s black sand beaches are famous all around the world. They may not be as warm as the tropical golden sands of the Mediterranean, but they are sure to take your breath away! These remarkable black beaches were formed through ancient volcanic activity. But so long as you know what you’re...

Is There Poverty In Iceland?
Iceland is well-known for its good salaries and high standard of social care. But it would be wrong to say that poverty does not exist in the country. Just like anywhere in the world, you will find both wealth and poverty in Iceland. In 2017, the most recent report available, an estimated...

Who owns Iceland? The Right To Roam In Iceland Explained!
Iceland is an independent country with its own language, culture, and traditions. It is part of the European Economic Agreement but not an official EU state. Much of the land in Iceland is owned by the state and open for everyone to use. That means that many glaciers, hot springs, and...

27 Things To See And Do In Reykjavik
As tempting as it might be to pass through the capital city without a second thought, there are so many things to see and do in Reykjavik. So, before you head out to Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches, don’t forget to spend some time exploring the fascinating museums or...

How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Iceland?
It would take a lifetime to experience everything that Iceland has to offer. But you don’t have to do absolutely everything while you’re here! If you want to get the most out of a trip to Iceland, we recommend that you stay for at least a week. But if you can possibly stretch it, two weeks...

Will My Cellphone Work In Iceland?
As much as we may like to disconnect from our devices on vacation, your cell phone will surely come in handy on your Icelandic adventure. You’ll need service to check the opening times of local attractions, use online maps, and look up weather conditions before heading out on the road....

Icelandic Law (How Not To Get Arrested!)
If you’re going to be visiting Iceland, you need to brush up on the law. Of course, there are some funny rules and regulations that we could just laugh about (like how you aren’t allowed to print the Icelandic flag on panties). But let’s focus on the things that could get you in serious...

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Iceland (Pros and Cons Of Every Season!)
Iceland is beautiful no matter when you visit. But there are some benefits and drawbacks of every season. In winter, you can expect 22 hours of darkness. But to compensate for those eerily long nights, you will have a chance to see the magical Northern Lights. Now, you won’t get to see the...

Is It Normal To Tip In Iceland?
Tipping etiquette varies significantly from country to country. When it comes to Iceland, tipping is appreciated but not expected. You are welcome to tip for good service when visiting Iceland, but it isn’t mandatory or even standard practice. Restaurants typically include service charges...

The True Cost Of Living In Iceland
You’ve probably heard a rumor that Iceland is really expensive. And compared to some countries, it’s true. Someone coming from Argentina would probably be in for a shock at the supermarket, with a loaf of bread costing three times more in Iceland than back home. But is Iceland...

Do They Speak English in Iceland?
Iceland’s official language is Icelandic. It’s an ancient Nordic language that we can trace all the way back to the early settlers and Vikings. So it can be pretty tricky for foreigners to learn the pronunciation at first. (Understatement of the year!). But you don’t have to worry. We...