Why Visit Iceland in 2024?

With new places to visit and things to do popping up, there have never been more reasons to go to Iceland. Whether it's exploring new ice caves near Reykjavík or enjoying amazing Aurora-spotting opportunities, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy!

Is Iceland a good place to visit? You bet! There are plenty of brand-new reasons to visit Iceland in 2024, including:

Of course, any of these new attractions can be paired with tried-and-tested favorites, such as:

Here we’ve rounded up the top 5 reasons you should visit Iceland this year. 

There’s no question that Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. With dark winter nights and lots of remote places, you’ve got a great chance of witnessing this celestial light show here.

This year, experts predict we might see some of the best Auroras in over a decade! That’s because the sun is reaching the ‘peak’ or ‘solar maximum’ of its 11-year cycle, bringing more intense solar activity. 

So what does this mean for us stargazers? We can expect more dramatic (and regular!) Aurora Borealis displays. 

Technically, you can spot the Northern Lights just about anywhere in Iceland. But if you want to increase your chances, you’ll want to escape to a remote location away from the city lights. These places include iconic landmarks such as the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon or Þingvellir National Park.

While you’re here, keep an eye on the Aurora forecast provided by the Icelandic Met Office to see if you have the right weather conditions.

There are few places anywhere else in the world better suited to slow travel than North Iceland. This sustainable approach to traveling is all about forging a connection with the places you visit. You have a deeper sense of where you are in the world and learn about the local people and culture.

Some people skip North Iceland or just pass through it, but for no good reason. It’s got a captivating blend of mind-blowing nature, charming villages, and rare wildlife. Here you can go whale watching, soak in a bubbling hot spring, and see a roaring waterfall, all in the same day.

As well as nature, the region delivers on culture too. North Iceland is home to Akureyri, Iceland’s second city. The beautiful old town hugs the sides of the Eyjafjörður fjord. In summer, explore the surprisingly lush botanic gardens, or come winter you could go skiing in the mountains.

You’re spoiled for choice with local restaurants and boutiques too. Just outside the town, you’ll find the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin). This is the only place in the country where you can bathe surrounded by trees.

Drive further north and you’ll reach the town of Siglufjörður, known for its wonderfully restored historic buildings. Or instead, you could head east from Akureyri to Húsavík, a fishing village known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

To get to North Iceland, you can take a scenic 5–hour drive along the Ring Road from Reykjavík or a short domestic flight. However, flying directly into Akureyri is becoming a popular alternative.

Akureyri Airport has started offering more international flights this year. And thanks to a recent expansion, you can expect to see more direct travel options, making it even easier to explore this region.

So come to North Iceland and follow the path less traveled. You’re guaranteed to see a different side of the country.

As one of the world’s most queer-friendly destinations, the Land of Fire and Ice offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Every August, Iceland’s capital city hosts Reykjavík Pride, the country’s biggest annual festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The colorful multi-day event, affectionately nicknamed ‘the world’s biggest small Pride’, welcomes over 100,000 guests from Iceland and around the world.

This year marks the festival’s 25th anniversary, so you can expect an extra special celebration full of exciting events, including a pride parade, concerts, street parties, and much more. 

If you want to join in on the festivities, make sure to come to Iceland between 6–11 August.

Venturing inside an ice cave is one of the most incredible experiences you’ll have in Iceland. The best way to explore these mesmerizing wonders is with the help of an experienced guide who can safely lead you through them. 

There are several different ice caves you can visit in Iceland, depending on which part of the country you’re in. Some of the most popular ones are Katla, which sits under an active volcano, and the ice caves of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.

The latest addition to this list is Askur, a newly discovered natural ice cave on Mýrdalsjökull glacier in South Iceland. Located just 2 hours outside Reykjavík, it’s the closest ice cave to the capital, making it easily accessible. A guided tour takes you over 100 meters (328 feet) into the heart of the glacier.

While you’re in this region, don’t miss some of Iceland’s most famous attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.

If ice caving is on your bucket list, the best time to visit is during winter, from October to March. Since many of them are natural, they’re not always safe to enter during the rest of the year because of the melting ice. That said, the man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, is open to visitors year-round!

Zip lining is quickly becoming a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Iceland, and for good reason. You get a unique view of the country’s jaw-dropping landscapes and an adrenaline rush to remember!

In 2023, Iceland’s longest and fastest zipline opened up to travelers in the geothermal town of Hveragerði. This thrilling adventure takes you 1 km (0.6 mi) over the stunning Svartagljúfur canyon, with its many waterfalls and spectacular views.

The ride ends at the trailhead of Reykjadalur, a valley filled with natural hot springs. If you want to enjoy a relaxing soak afterward, make sure to bring your swimsuit!

You’ll find the Mega Zipline about 45 minutes outside Reykjavík. If you follow the Ring Road, Iceland’s main highway, it should take you less than 1 hour to reach it.

Choosing when to go to Iceland might seem tricky, but it just comes down to what kind of experience you want to have.

If chasing the Aurora Borealis is top of your list, then you need to go in winter, as they only appear in dark skies. Plus, you’ll be able to see Iceland in its snowy, icy glory (a sight definitely worth seeing). Winter is long in Iceland, but October, November, December, and January are all popular months to visit.

Alternatively, if you want to see the midnight sun and enjoy warmer weather, then a summer vacation is for you. At this time of year, you can also travel to Iceland’s highlands. Summer arrives fairly late here, so you’d be looking at a trip in June, July, August, or early September.

Of course, February to May is also an option too. That said, winter isn’t truly over until around March or April, so that’s worth bearing in mind when picking your dates.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Iceland in 2024, how do you start planning everything?

First of all, decide how you want to travel. If you’re happy to take the wheel of your rental car and have the freedom to go wherever you like, whenever you like, an Iceland self-drive tour is for you.

On the other hand, if you’d rather not drive, you might prefer a multi-day tour from Reykjavík. Travel this way and you can join day trips into the countryside by bus. For a more social experience and an expert by your side, a guided group tour is a great option.

If you’re planning a summer trip, you might even consider a camping vacation so you can get close to nature. At the other end of the spectrum, a private tour might suit you if you want to take advantage of the knowledge of a local guide.

With Iceland Tours, you get accommodation, local transport, and an itinerary arranged for you. This means less stress, and more time getting excited about your Iceland vacation.

You can now secure your booking with just a 5% deposit. So why not book an Iceland vacation package today and start looking forward to your 2024 adventure?