Destination guideIceland
FROMLON
ABOUT 3 HRS ✈️
TOREK

Holidays in Reykjavik

Geysers, waterfalls, whales and the northern lights, a three-hour flight away. Here's what Reykjavik and Iceland are like with the family and when to go.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🏙️ City break
NIGHTS AWAY4 to 5
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSJun–Aug
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Reykjavik at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 3 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
0 TO 1 HR BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
ICELANDIC KRÓNA (KR)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

Iceland follows Europe's border rules. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANNorthern lights, a good time to go
  2. FEBNorthern lights, a good time to go
  3. MARNorthern lights, a good time to go
  4. APRChangeable, quieter
  5. MAYLight nights, a good time to go
  6. JUNMidnight sun, best time to go
  7. JULMidnight sun, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, best time to go
  9. SEPNorthern lights, a good time to go
  10. OCTNorthern lights, a good time to go
  11. NOVDark, stormy, quieter
  12. DECFestive, a good time to go

June to August has almost endless daylight, puffins and the best weather for touring. September to March is the season for northern lights, with short days and snow. Weather changes fast at any time of year, so pack layers.

Things to do with the family

DAY TRIP

Golden Circle

A loop to an erupting geyser, the huge Gullfoss waterfall and the rift between two continents.

TICKETED

Blue Lagoon

A milky blue geothermal pool near the airport. Under-2s can't go in, and booking is essential.

TICKETED

Whale watching

Boats leave from the old harbour, with puffins on summer trips too.

INDOORS

Perlan

A man-made ice cave, a planetarium and a viewing deck over the city.

TICKETED

Hallgrímskirkja

Ride up the tower of the rocket-shaped church for views over the colourful roofs.

TICKETED

Northern lights tour

A guide drives you away from the city lights. Runs September to March.

Reykjavik: common questions

Is Iceland good for a family holiday?

Yes, for families who love the outdoors. It's very safe, and the landscapes feel like another planet. It's expensive, so self-catering helps.

How many nights do you need?

Four or five nights covers Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the south coast waterfalls.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit Iceland for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New European entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Will we see the northern lights?

Possibly, between September and March, on clear dark nights. Nothing is guaranteed, so plan a few nights and treat a sighting as a bonus.

If you like Reykjavik

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