The very first thing in this list of top 8 things about Iceland you should know is "Is Iceland a safe place to visit?". Thanks to its great healthcare standards, low crime rate, and other essential features, Iceland has been a safe destination to visit for many years. Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.

According to the World Happiness Report, which examines six cornerstones of happiness, Iceland is also the second happiest country in 2021. Income, independence, trust, a long and healthy life expectancy, social support, and charity are among them. As a visitor, this is fantastic news! Due to its strong healthcare system and one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Iceland continues to rank highly in these rankings. Furthermore, due to its liberal stance and accepting climate, this Nordic nation is one of the greatest places for LGBTQ+, female, and solitary travelers.

Iceland's mosaic of wild, undeveloped landscapes is unlike anything you've seen before. Volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls make up the country's raw natural beauty. You'll quickly see why it's called the Land of Fire and Ice!

Between June and August is the best time to visit Iceland (the summer season). Long days of sunlight, known as the midnight sun, and warmer temperatures are common throughout the country. Winter is an excellent season to visit Iceland for the Northern Lights, but expect lower temperatures.

Iceland is certainly a year-round vacation, as the landscapes change dramatically from summer to winter. Want to be out and about in the countryside while still getting plenty of light to observe wildlife and waterfalls? The spring and summer months are likely to be superb. Do you want to relax in the geothermal baths and watch the Northern Lights in all their glory? Then the cooler months, with their longer evenings, are perhaps the best choice.

If verdant landscapes and sunny days are your style, spring and summer are regarded the greatest and most suitable periods to visit Iceland. Early spring brings milder weather, while summer brings long days and short nights. July and August are the hottest months of the summer season, as well as the busiest for travelers. Keep in mind, though, that daylight hours throughout the summer are extremely lengthy. The sun sets for around three hours in the middle of summer, although there is light in the sky for the entire 24-hour period.

Iceland, the country of fire and ice, has risen to prominence as a top holiday destination for thrill-seekers as well as nature enthusiasts seeking something new. Active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, ice fields, and fjords may all be found here, as this sparsely populated country stands atop one of the world's most volcanically active locations, near the edge of the Arctic Circle.

The air is crystal clear, and the harsh, pristine landscapes beckon exploration and unique adventures. One option to see Iceland is on your own with a rental car for a few days to a week, including a trip along the Ring Road, which circles the nation completely. Tours that may take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights, ATV trekking through lava fields, and day trips from Reykjavik to visit some of Iceland's most breathtaking natural beauty, such as the Blue Lagoon and waterfalls, are another way to plan your journey in Iceland.

The Icelandic currency is known as the Króna or slenska Krónan, and it has the designation ISK. The Swedish krona, Danish krone, and Norwegian krone all have the same name. Iceland's single currency is the Icelandic króna, but you won't see much of it because the country is heavily reliant on debit and credit cards, and many inhabitants never use cash.

ISK money is the greatest currency to use in Iceland. What exactly is the ISK currency? Iceland's national currency is the Icelandic Krone (pronounced "krona"), which is abbreviated as ISK. If you are visiting Iceland, you can easily acquire your purchases exceeding 6000 ISK tax-free. This only applies to purchases of apparel, souvenirs, and other items, not food or beverages. When buying, make sure to request a tax-free receipt. When you return, ask for the tax-free office and any member of the staff will help you. Iceland's VAT rate is now at 25%, with 7% applied to specific items.

Transportation is one of the most essential things about Iceland you should know if you are a traveler in this country. Because there are no railroads in Iceland, the most popular mode of transportation is by vehicle. Other choices include buses, airlines, taxis, and private drivers. Except for the Westfjords, Iceland's primary route, Hringvegurinn, or the Ring Road, runs along the coast around the island. During the summer, driving the Ring Road and adjacent roads is usually not a problem, but the weather might make it more challenging during the winter months.

Apart from driving, buses (Strætó) are perhaps Iceland's second most common kind of transportation. Straetó are Iceland's public buses, and you can tell them by their yellow hue. A 1-3 day city pass can be purchased if you are staying in Reykjavik. Strtó also travels to the major cities across the country; their timetable can be seen HERE. The sole disadvantage of taking the bus in Iceland is the high cost.

Strætó runs to all major destinations in Iceland during the summer months (June to mid-September), however service may be curtailed in the winter owing to the weather.

Of course, you can take a taxi anywhere in Iceland, but it is rather expensive, so renting a car or using the bus are more affordable. The cabs have a yellow taxi symbol on the top, and you must call and hire one if you require one. However, you can generally find taxis in line at the airport, at bus stations, and downtown. Taxis are metered and can be paid with cash or credit cards. In Iceland, Uber and Lyft do not exist.

Taxi Apps: HeyTaxi Iceland, Hreyfill Taxi App

App for bus: Strætó.is

In the past, Iceland's resources were scarce and difficult to get by. The lack of sunshine severely restricted fishing and hunting opportunities, and the Arctic Circle's remote location makes importing and exporting food and goods difficult. As a result, Iceland's food culture is simple and represents centuries of struggle to exist in tough environmental conditions.

Fish, lamb, or Icelandic skyr are the most common foods in Iceland (a type of yogurt). For over a thousand years, they have been the staples of the Icelandic cuisine.

Geothermally heated greenhouses, on the other hand, make veggies more accessible, allowing modern chefs to be more creative by incorporating new items into traditional dishes.

Besides fish, if you visit Iceland, you must sample Icelandic rye bread, also known as "rugbraud", which is a dark, sweet-tasting bread with a thick consistency and no crust. It's baked in a pot over the embers of a dying fire, then covered in turf and left to stand overnight, according to tradition. Another method for making "rugbraud" is to bury the pot near a hot spring and bake the bread in the geothermal heat. The bread is known as "hverabraud" or "hot-spring bread" when this procedure is utilized.

Rugbraud goes well with fish (and is a must-have side dish with the aforementioned "plokkfiskur" fish stew), but it's also delicious on its own. Mutton pate, butter, cheese, pickled herring, or smoked lamb are all wonderful toppings for "rugbraud" and "flatkaka." Food Specialities in Iceland

One of the most attractive things about Iceland is the festival. Everyone is aware of Iceland's natural beauty, but only a few are aware of the country's cultural and festive splendor. Festivals in Iceland bring warmth and good spirits to counteract the cold weather. All holidays are joyfully commemorated, and they are accompanied by decorations, parades, and festivities that take place all around the island.

The Winter Lights Festival honors both winters and the return of daylight after the long dark days of winter. Many people are drawn to this lovely event, in which all of the city's buildings and facades are illuminated to commemorate the return of daylight to the country. This is an extremely important holiday for the Icelandic people, with festivities such as Museum Night and Pool Night taking place over several days. The country's museums offer their doors to the public for free so that they can participate in various cultural activities. On Pool Night, guests are offered a complimentary pass to use the geothermal hot pools.

Each year in August, the largest event honoring the LGBT community-Reykjavik Pride takes place on the streets of Iceland's capital city. Seminars, talks, pride marches, and fancy dress competitions are all part of the week-long celebration. This festival attracts approximately 100,000 visitors from all around the world. You can purchase a pride pass to gain access to all of the events taking place throughout the festival. The biggest day of the event is Saturday, when the city is bathed in rainbow hues and the incredible pride parade takes place all day. This is one of Iceland's most prominent festivals.

Other festivals: Design March, Secret Solstice Festival, Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, etc.

Are you looking for a hotel or place to stay in Iceland? Looking for a place to stay in Iceland to see the northern lights or in the winter? Every year, an increasing number of tourists go to Iceland to marvel at its stunning natural beauties and participate in the many fascinating tours available. Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and apartments have all opened their doors to accommodate the ever-increasing demand as the tourism sector has grown.

However, the abundance of options might make planning a vacation in Iceland difficult, so read on to learn everything you need to know about selecting the finest places to stay in Iceland.

Visitors wishing for a lavish, no-frills holiday may have to temper their expectations. While there are a few high-end hotels in Iceland that specialize in luxury, there aren't many five-star hotels that compare to international luxury standards—at least not yet. More on that hotel can be found further down in Reykjavik section.

While there are numerous possibilities for lodging in Iceland, and new facilities are emerging all the time, bookings tend to fill up quickly. Summer and Christmas, which were traditionally considered "off-peak" seasons, are generally completely booked. Visitors should plan their vacations at least several months in advance.

Where To Stay in Reykjavik With Family: Centerhotels, Fosshotel, Radisson Blu Saga Hotel

Where To Stay in Reykjavik on a Budget: Bus Hostel Reykjavik, Downtown Reykjavik Apartments, Reykjavik Loft HI Hostel

Where To Stay Near Reykjavik: Viking Hotel in Hafnarfjordur,

Where to Stay Near Keflavik Airport: Hotel Keflavik, Start Hostel, Alex Guesthouse

Where To Stay Near the Blue Lagoon: Silica Hotel