Highlights

Glacial Lagoons

Iceland’s glacial lagoons, like Jökulsárlón, are surreal landscapes where icebergs drift serenely across icy waters. Seals often swim nearby, and boat tours offer close-up views of the floating ice.

Waterfalls

Iceland is home to iconic waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascade; Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered fall; and Skógafoss, known for its misty rainbows and dramatic drop.

Þingvallavatn

Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, lies in a rift valley between tectonic plates. It’s a serene spot for diving, fishing and exploring the historic Þingvellir National Park nearby.

Vatnajökull National Park

This vast park features Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, along with volcanoes, ice caves and black sand plains. It’s a haven for hikers, photographers and lovers of wild nature. 

Snæfellsjökull National Park

Dominated by the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, this park inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It’s rich in lava fields, sea cliffs and mystical folklore.

Northern Lights

From September to April, Iceland’s dark skies come alive with the aurora borealis. The Northern Lights dance in green, pink and violet hues, and are best seen in remote, low-light areas.

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Iceland: +354 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Iceland Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Iceland | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

 

Emergency Services: 112 

The 112 Iceland app from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) helps in an emergency. 

 

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Iceland. You can seek consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Reykjavik. 

 

Canadian Embassy, Reykjavik 

Túngata 14, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland 

Phone: (+354) 575 6500 

Email: rkjvk@international.gc.ca  

 

You can also seek consular help from the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark: 

Australian Embassy, Copenhagen 

Dampfaergevej 26, 2nd floor, 2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark  

Phone: +45 7026 3676 

Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au  

Facebook: Australia in Denmark, Norway and Iceland 

 

New Zealand Embassy Stockholm, Sweden 

6 Skarpögatan, Östermalm 115 93, Stockholm, Sweden 

Phone: +46 8 400 172 70 

Email: NZEmbassyStockholm@mfat.govt.nz  

Customs

Icelandic culture is deeply rooted in Norse heritage, literature, and a strong connection to nature. Travellers will find Icelanders to be friendly, reserved, and highly respectful of personal space and privacy. Punctuality is valued, and casual dress is widely accepted, though practical clothing is essential due to the unpredictable weather.  

 

Icelanders take immense pride in their environment, so visitors are expected to follow strict rules about littering, off-road driving, and respecting natural sites. It’s also worth noting that swimming pool etiquette is important. Showering without swimwear before entering public pools is mandatory and strictly enforced. 

Electricity

Plug types: Type C and Type F 

Voltage: 230 volts 

Frequency: 50 Hz 

Health

The standard of health facilities and care in Iceland is high. However, services can be limited in rural and remote areas.  

 

There is no specific health risks associated with travelling in Iceland with health risks like those in Australia and New Zealand. 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Iceland Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Iceland | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

How to Get There & Getting Around

International flights arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50km from Reykjavík.  

 

Once in Iceland, the best way to explore the country is by car or coach along the Ring Road (Route 1), which loops around the island and connects most major sights. During summer, a 2WD vehicle is usually sufficient, but in winter or for highland travel, a 4WD is recommended.  

 

Public buses are available but limited outside urban areas. For those not keen on driving, guided tours from Reykjavík offer access to popular destinations like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. 

Holidays & Festivals

  • Þorrablót (Jan–Feb) – A midwinter festival honouring Norse traditions with traditional food and storytelling. 
  • Labour Day (1 May) – Celebrates workers’ rights with parades and public speeches. 
  • Independence Day (17 June) – Marks Iceland’s independence from Denmark in 1944 with parades and cultural events. 
  • Reykjavík Arts Festival (May) – A major cultural event highlighting music, theatre, and visual arts. 
  • Verslunarmannahelgi (First weekend in Aug) – A long weekend celebrating merchants, often with music festivals and camping.

Language

Icelandic, with English also widely spoken in urban areas and amongst younger people. Danish is also taught in schools and spoken by many because of historical ties to Denmark. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The official currency of Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted—even for small purchases—so cash is rarely necessary. 

 

Tipping is not a customary practice in Iceland. Service charges are usually included in prices, and staff are paid fair wages. A small tip for exceptional service (rounding up or 10%) is appreciated but not expected. 

 

Tax-free shopping is available for non-EU visitors on purchases over a certain amount, so keep your receipts. Prices are fixed, and bargaining is not part of the shopping experience in Iceland. 

 

Popular Souvenirs in Iceland include Icelandic wool jumpers, volcanic rock jewellery, skincare products made with geothermal minerals, liquorice and Icelandic chocolate. 

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Iceland is part of the Schengen area. You may be able to enter Iceland without a visa in some cases. Get an entry stamp in your passport from border control when you first enter the Schengen area. Travellers do not need a visa if staying in Iceland for 90 days or less.  

 

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australian and New Zealand passport holders, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025. 

 

The EES is a digital border system that registers non-EU visitors travelling into the Schengen Area. When entering the Schengen Area, you'll need to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.  

 

You'll need to do this on your first visit to the EU after the EES is introduced.​ If you visit the Schengen Area again within three years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit. This process should only take a few minutes per person; however, you may experience longer queues at borders when the new system starts. 

 

Official Travel advice visit:  

Iceland Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Iceland | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

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