Iceland: the land of fire and ice. A land of contrasts — of lush green hills and black sand beaches. Of crystal blue glaciers and dancing green skies. Midnight sun and all day night. A popular destination, and at just five hours flying from the east coast, an easy getaway for a short trip. There’s so much to see and do in this tiny island country, from the cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavik to the fishing villages of the north coast, the Golden Circle to the Ring Road. And if you’ve been vaccinated, you can go to Iceland.
Vaccinated: Iceland
It’s time for the weather to warm up and the days to get longer. Iceland is an outdoor destination year-round, but the thaw and extended sunshine make it the perfect time for road trips. Drive the popular Golden Circle or head out to the less-visited Westfjords, which can be especially difficult to reach in winter.
What you lose in snowmobiling opportunities you gain in off-roading on ATVs. And while the country’s dwindling glaciers are melting in summer, sighting one is an excellent reward after a long hike.
Vaccinated: Iceland entry protocols
The Icelandic government announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine. The exemption also applies to those who can provide valid proof of prior infection. Other visitors must provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Iceland, followed by a five-day quarantine and a second test in Iceland.
As we learned with my Egypt trip, though, it’s best to keep an eye on these things as they do change frequently.
Iceland by the Numbers
In 2014-2015, Iceland had just over 1 million visitors each year. By 2018, that number was over 2.3 million. And in 2019, it dropped slightly to just over 2 million (thanks partially to the collapse of budget airline Wow Air). The population of Iceland, by stark contrast again, is just over 368,000. It’s safe to say that Iceland has joined the ranks of Barcelona and Venice, where tourists far outnumber the locals. (I’ll talk about sustainable tourism later!)
If you’re fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you’re once again welcome in Iceland (effective April 6). With official paper or electronic proof of vaccination, Americans can skip testing and quarantine requirements. The decision to allow vaccinated visitors from outside the Schengen zone is another sign that the world is reopening. If you’re not yet vaccinated but have proof of prior infection, you can skip testing and quarantine too.
What to do in Iceland
With the end of winter comes the return of wildlife, including mating and nesting puffins. Lest you forget, Iceland is an island, and the waters surrounding it teem with whales in the summertime, making cruises a great day trip when your legs need a rest. While the Northern Lights are tough to spot, the Midnight Sun is an equally impressive phenomenon.
If you can’t make it to Iceland until the weather turns cold again, that’s more than all right. With all the outdoor adventures, a winter trip to Iceland is like visiting the North Pole at Christmastime. You can even spend a night under the stars watching the Northern Lights dance.
There’s not a bad time to visit Iceland.
Where to stay in Iceland
Golden Circle
ION Luxury Adventure Hotel: Less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Reykjavík and set against a backdrop of majestic mountainous lava fields, ION Adventure Hotel is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are seeking a quiet, soulful soak beneath the Northern Lights, a challenging trek across an ancient glacier, or a day of fly-fishing in plentiful icy rivers, ION’s location by the Golden Circle route makes it the perfect base from which to explore Iceland’s rich heritage, hardy flora and fauna, and myriad opportunities for extreme adventure. Close to Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), ION provides easy access to all the essential attractions of “the land of fire and ice”.
Buubble: Some childhood dreams stay with us for our whole lives. Sleeping under the stars or watching the aurora borealis dance is one of those lifelong dreams. To fulfil these dreams the Buubble concept was born. (This is not a normal hotel! Guests have access to shared facilities, but you must bring your own toiletries and food.)
Reykjavik Area:
Canopy by Hilton, Reykjavik City Centre: Set across six connected houses, the hotel joins a neighbourhood rich with history, colour and life. Staff will introduce you to the area with a local treat at check-in and provide bikes. Make restaurant, bar and retail discoveries on Laugavegur Street, or visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and snap a perfect pic of the city from 73 meters up.
Silica: Set in the heart of a stunning lava landscape, Silica Hotel is a just 10-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The hotel offers its own private bathing lagoon, which is available for hotel guests every day from 9am to 10pm. The hotel has won several design awards. Built in harmony with the surrounding landscape, it offers an oasis of calm, relaxation, and healing. The hotel has 35 bright and spacious double/twin rooms. All rooms offer private facilities and a veranda, with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields.