What’s hot in Iceland for 2022

Are you planning a visit to Iceland in 2022? Dealing with almost two years of intermittent lockdowns and COVID restrictions has many of us anxious to do some international travel. And understandably, while many of us want to travel, new requirements can be confusing, we are concerned about safety, and we also aren’t sure what to do or what’s going on anymore. We are all a little bit out of practice.

If Iceland has made it to the top of your travel list, then you know it’s because of it’s vibrant capital, charming towns, pristine nature, clean air and water, and exciting outdoor activities to name a few. The land of fire and ice has endless stunning attractions and the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic makes it one of the safest countries in the world to visit.

If you are planning your visit, your first stop should be to covid.is which will show you all the entry requirements to travel to and within Iceland. If you are eligible to travel to Iceland, then you can get planning.

What’s new in Iceland?

This just in! Lonely Planet has selected the Westfjords to be at the top of the list of best regions to visit in 2022. You can find the list in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel publication, which consists of ten best countries, regions and cities. Sigríður Dögg Guðmundsdóttir, Head of Visit Iceland said:

“It’s fantastic news that the Westfjords have been recognized as one of the world’s best regions by Lonely Planet. The region is the oldest corner of Iceland and is home to some of the destination’s most dramatic scenery and best natural attractions. Over the last few years, Visit Westfjords have been working effortlessly to make the off the beaten track location not only an all-year destination, but more accessible to visitors. The Westfjords offers adventurists the chance to experience untouched nature, incredible landscapes, diverse sites and cultural attractions the Westfjords have to offer.”

Interested in visiting the Westfjords? We have just the itinerary.

Since opening to tourists earlier this year, we welcomed Sky Lagoon—a new geothermal lagoon and spa just minutes from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík. Sky Lagoon has been receiving rave reviews from foreign travelers and the locals alike, from its epic views over the ocean to its sacred 7 step ritual.

The new Zipline Adventure in Vík is also a hot new activity which includes a tranquil hike through beautiful river canyon and four (!) zipline rides. We can’t think of a better way to build bonds and enjoy Iceland’s unique brand of nature.

Earlier this month, Iceland’s first 5 star luxury hotel, the Reykjavík Edition- a Marriot property, opened it’s doors next to the iconic Harpa Concert Hall, right in the heart of the capital city. This stunning location has best-in-class accommodation, spa and nightclub, dining, and meeting spaces.

What’s trending for travelers in Iceland?

Small group tours are quickly gaining popularity – we offer our Volcanoes & Glaciers Soft Adventure tour, Iceland Complete tour, and our Spanish language Maravillas de Islandia tour with small-group departures (max. 16 people). Our popular Across the Wilderness tour also just has a max. of 24 people

Solo travel options for independent travelers – Solo travel continues to be on the rise for all age groups, especially among women travelers. People want to join groups as it offers a great way to meet new people and travel in safety, but not pay large single supplements. We offer a discount for our solo travelers on select departures of Volcanoes and Glaciers (a tour ideally suited for the active solo traveler).

New boutique accommodation options – More and more people, especially younger travelers, opt to stay in unique accommodation on their vacations and for good reason. Boutique options range from hotels with local charm to glamping in a yurt. Our new boutique accommodation for the Volcanoes and Glaciers Road Trip and the Ring Road Highlights trip offer the option to stay in a hand-picked selection of boutique hotels and lodges suited to individual tastes.

More value for road-trippers and self-drive guests – road tripping through Iceland offers loads of freedom and flexibility. We are now the only company in Iceland to offer free in-vehicle unlimited Wi-Fi in our Summer 2022 road trips. Now it‘s easy to use the GPS on your personal mobile device to navigate your route each day. We also have a new version of the Iceland Travel Companion app that works with your mobile device and provides great information on 1,500 points of interest across the island.

The northern lights might be easier to see than ever – the next solar cycle has begun, meaning sunspots that help influence northern lights are more becoming more abundant and the aurora displays are already starting to get brighter. They will be at their peak between 2023 – 2026.  If you want to witness the magical northern lights in Iceland, then try to plan your visit mid-September to mid-April.

Booking tips for those interested in traveling with us to Iceland in 2022

Yes, book early. We anticipate Iceland will continue to be a great option for people. Iceland is a small country with limited accommodation available compared to other destinations, so early booking is important.

Insure yourself! Add some extra peace of mind to your driving holiday with our new Best Cover Protection full coverage insurance plan. This is especially useful for people taking longer driving holidays or who plan to drive in more rugged areas of the country. Full coverage includes unlimited km, Collision and Damages Waiver, Theft Protection, unlimited in-car Wi-Fi, one additional driver, Super Collision and Damages Waiver, Windshield Protection, Gravel Damage, Tires and Wheels, Sand and Ash Protection, and VAT.

Consider summer travel outside the peak season (late June – mid-August). May, early June, late August and September are great times to visit Iceland. There is plenty of daylight and summer-like conditions but fewer travelers. Prices for car rental and some accommodation is lower in these periods.

Plan to enjoy the moment on your road trip or self-drive holiday. We are getting more and more requests from people who want to travel at a relaxed pace and enjoy Iceland‘s peaceful atmosphere. They ask to stay several nights in the same place during a trip so they can explore each area more. We offer several itineraries that include several nights in the same place (South Iceland at a Slow Pace, Iceland Odyssey, Iceland Grand Discovery). Our customized option also allows you to create an itinerary that builds in extra nights in the same place.

Lastly, prepare for your trip to Iceland

The Iceland Travel Podcast is a great way to get up to speed on all things Iceland. Find us and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon and the Podbean app.

We also have a number of exciting videos and features, including our Spotlight Series, which shows the very best of Iceland from destinations to local attractions such as the volcano at Geldingadalur to zip lining in Vík to the Beer Spa in Iceland‘s fantastic north. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to enjoy!

If you are taking a road trip/self-drive tour with us, you will receive exclusive access to our Iceland Travel Companion app which you can now access from your mobile phone. We encourage you to get ahead and download your map of Iceland in advance, browse the 1,500 points of interest and plan your activities!

Lastly, not sure what to pack on your trip to Iceland? Here’s what we recommend: