First-Timer's Guide to Iceland: Tips to Survive (and enjoy) Reykjavik During Midnight Sun Season

Carissa Davila
Jul 20
3 min read

Just got back from Iceland. Tired, windburned, well-fed, and obsessed. This is my third visit to Reykjavik during Midnight Sun season, which has been both beautiful and borderline disorienting each time. Between the 24/7 daylight and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences (glacier snowmobiling? fermented shark??), I picked up a lot of tips that I really wish I had before I went.

So if you're planning your first Iceland trip - especially during the summer, here's what to expect, how to plan, what to pack, and how to keep your budget from crying.

✈️ TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

1. Midnight Sun = Sleep ConfusionYou think you’ll be fine — until it’s 2:30 a.m. and your brain thinks it’s noon. Pack a sleep mask, consider melatonin, and expect your schedule to be a little chaotic. Honestly, we leaned into it: naps when needed, dinners at 10 p.m., and no regrets.

2. No Ubers. Use Hopp Instead.There are no Ubers or Lyfts in Iceland. Hopp is their local ride-share app — it works well in Reykjavik, but outside the city, you’ll need to rent a car or book tours with pickup included.

3. Food Delivery? Use Wolt. Craving food but too cold/tired to go out? Wolt is Iceland’s version of Uber Eats. Reykjavik has solid options — sushi, Thai, burgers — and delivery was quick even during peak hours.

💰 ICELAND ON A BUDGET (YES, IT’S POSSIBLE)

Let’s not sugarcoat it — Iceland is expensive. But there are ways to make it manageable:

Book tours early. Last-minute prices are higher and things fill up fast. Viator and Arctic Adventures have solid options.
Stay in a place with a kitchenette. Groceries are cheaper than eating out. Reykjavik has stores like Krónan, Bonus, and Hagkaup — grab bread, cheese, fruit, skyr yogurt, and call it breakfast.
Tap water is gold. It’s some of the cleanest in the world. Bring a reusable bottle.
Pack snacks from home. Protein bars, instant oatmeal, etc. — you’ll thank yourself on a long tour day.
Use a travel card with no foreign fees. Iceland is cashless-friendly, even for street food.

We averaged about $20–30/day on groceries/snacks and saved dining out for special meals. Worth it.

🌭 FOODIE EXPERIENCES: HOT DOGS, HORSE, AND FERMENTED SHARK

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur – This is the famous hot dog stand near the harbor. Cheap, quick, and iconic. Icelandic dogs are lamb-based, with crunchy onions and unique sauces. Just go. More than once.

Reykjavik Food Tour – Highly recommend! We tasted local staples like fermented shark (Hákarl — yes, it’s exactly as intense as you’ve heard), lamb soup, rye bread ice cream, and other bites you wouldn’t normally try on your own. It's a great way to dive into the food scene without committing to full plates of mystery meat.

Steikhúsið (The Steak House) – If you're curious (or brave), this is where you’ll find horse steak on the menu. It's not for everyone, but it's legal, traditional, and part of the Icelandic food culture. The meal itself? Surprisingly tender and well-prepared. They also serve more familiar cuts if you're not feeling adventurous.

❄️ WHAT WE DID: TOURS WORTH EVERY KRÓNA

Northern Circle Tour – This all-day adventure covered waterfalls (Godafoss, Dettifoss), volcanic craters, geothermal fields, and small fishing villages. The landscapes constantly changed — mossy lava one moment, snow-capped peaks the next. Bring snacks, layers, and an external battery for your phone.

Snowmobiling on a Glacier (Langjökull) – Easily one of the most surreal experiences of my life. The silence, the wind, the white-out views... like driving through another planet. You’re fully geared up with suits, helmets, and guides, but still — layer under that gear and wear waterproof gloves. It gets cold fast.

🎒 QUICK TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Pack for all seasons — in one day. Waterproof jacket, layers, and good boots are non-negotiable.
Don’t drink the hot water — it’s safe, but smells like sulfur due to geothermal heating.
Tours > renting a car if you're nervous — roads are wild, weather is unpredictable, and some places don’t have cell service.
Alcohol is expensive — bring duty-free from the airport if you’re planning to drink.
Most people speak perfect English — but learning a few Icelandic words goes a long way.

FINAL THOUGHT

Reykjavik was the perfect home base — artsy, walkable, and full of surprises. Iceland is raw, strange, beautiful, and nothing like anywhere else I’ve been. If it’s your first time, go with an open mind, warm socks, and a flexible plan.

Feel free to reach out if you're planning your first Iceland trip — I’ve got all the notes, maps, and tour links ready to share!