Iceland: 6 Things I Learned
By Kelly Studer | Explorer X Travel Designer
Photo by Kelly Studer
One of the first things that struck me in Iceland had nothing to do with waterfalls or glaciers. Every hotel I stayed in asked the same question at check-in: “Would you like us to call your room if the Northern Lights appear tonight?”
You could opt out, of course — but the assumption was that you’d want to know, even if it meant being woken up in the middle of the night. I loved that. It felt thoughtful, quietly magical, and completely unpretentious. A small detail, but one that said a lot about how Iceland approaches hospitality, and travel in general.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kelly Studer, a travel designer who joined the Explorer X team in January 2025. In early November, I had the opportunity to explore Iceland in depth alongside our in-country partners. I was excited — and honestly a little apprehensive. I don’t tolerate cold particularly well, and I assumed I’d be bracing myself against the elements most of the time.
I was wrong — in all the right ways. Iceland completely won me over with its dramatic landscapes, kind and quirky people, a culture rooted in ease and humility, and a way of traveling that balances adventure with restoration better than anywhere I’ve been. It was equal parts wild exploration and deep exhale.
Here are six “aha” moments from the trip that I think are especially helpful for anyone considering Iceland for their next great adventure. And if it hasn’t been on your radar, you may want to reconsider!
1. Iceland Is One of the Safest Places I’ve Ever Traveled
Iceland stands out for how safe it feels — not just statistically, but emotionally. There’s virtually no crime, no military, and I don’t remember seeing a police officer even once. Trust is simply part of everyday life.
One guide told me it’s common for people to leave their car keys on the hood while they go explore nearby nature. When I arrived at Deplar Farm, they showed me to my room but didn’t give me a key. Naturally, I was a bit puzzled and confused. I was told I didn’t really need one — they wanted it to feel like staying in a home with friends.
Iceland is one of the few places I’ve traveled where personal safety never crossed my mind. I didn’t feel the need to be on guard, and that absence of concern created a sense of calm I noticed right away.
2. If You Think It’s “Too Cold,” Think Again
Iceland’s Arctic-adjacent location gives it a reputation for extreme cold, but the reality is more nuanced. Thanks to the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic current, winter temperatures often hover around freezing — much milder than many inland places at the same latitude.
Wind and weather changes are real, and some days feel colder than the thermometer suggests. But with proper layers, it’s very manageable…and surprisingly comfortable.
What truly offsets the cold is Iceland’s hot spring, hot tub, and sauna culture. After a blustery day outdoors, soaking in warm water or spending time in a sauna feels incredible. And as you would guess, there are cold plunge opportunities for the brave. The contrast doesn’t just make the cold tolerable — it makes the whole experience better.
3. It’s Basically Impossible Not to Slow Travel in Iceland
I couldn’t help but notice how calm, focused, and relaxed I felt the entire time I was traveling in Iceland. Maybe it’s the cold that naturally slows you down, the rhythm of the land, the hot spring and sauna culture, or the easy going ways of the Icelandic locals. Either way, it works magic on your nervous system.
It is larger than many people expect, with long stretches of road and very little development. The vastness and emptiness is remarkable. You can drive for hours and pass nothing but land, sky, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic fields — and that’s kind of the point. There’s something mesmerizing about this place. Mother Nature reigns supreme here. She’s both quiet and very loud at the same time.
If you’re used to being busy and over-scheduled in your everyday life, Iceland is the perfect antidote. Doing less doesn’t feel like missing out, it feels like more.
4. Low-Key Luxury Is Where Iceland Truly Shines
This might surprise you, but “luxury” accommodations are relatively new in Iceland. Over the last several years, more high-end hotels and villas have emerged — and they all seem to share the same approach. Luxury here is relaxed and low-key, never formal or fussy. It’s down-to-earth, attentive without being precious, and warm and personal rather than stiff or performative. What stood out to me most is how naturally this mirrors Icelandic culture itself.
Deplar Farm, in the north, is a perfect example. This all-inclusive, 13-room retreat is remote, intimate, understated, and entirely choose-your-own-adventure — from heli-skiing and surfing to full spa mode. One of my favorite “little” details? They serve a savory snack every day at 6pm … and they’ll find you wherever you are to offer it. More often than not, they found me soaking in the outdoor hot spring with a cocktail in hand. Truly heaven. It felt less like a hotel and more like a beautiful house shared with friends: cozy spaces, playful touches (including Viking costumes), incredible seasonal food served at a communal table, and even a custom playlist you can turn on in your room. I could write a whole post just about this place!
In the south, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Hotel, which opened in 2024, offers a different kind of magic. The rooms are beautifully designed, the dining is excellent, and the hot tubs and saunas overlook a lake with a glacier in the background. It was such a delight to see guests wandering around in robes and slippers, moving between hot tubs and lounge areas as if that were exactly how the place was meant to be enjoyed.
5. Start (and End) Your Trip Right
Most U.S.-based flights arrive early in the morning. My recommendation? Start your trip with a night in Reykjavik. From the airport, it’s about a 45–60 minute drive into the city. Drop your bags at your hotel, grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s excellent food halls, and then head straight to Sky Lagoon.
Spending a few hours soaking there and experiencing their 7-step Skjól ritual is one of the best ways to recover from jet lag. It’s relaxing, stunningly beautiful, and very Icelandic. By the time you’re done, hotel check-in feels perfectly timed.
On the other end, consider spending your last night at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon or its sister property, Silica Hotel. This is your last chance to indulge in their world-famous hot spring and spa, potentially see the Northern Lights, and it’s an easy 15-minute drive to the airport.
6. When to Go Depends Entirely on What You Want
Iceland has something special to offer in every season; it really comes down to what kind of experience you want.
Deep Winter (mid-Nov–mid-Feb): Best Northern Lights viewing, ice caves, dramatic frozen landscapes, fewer crowds, and slightly better pricing (except over the holidays) — with limited daylight and unpredictable weather.
Late Winter / Early Spring (mid-Feb–March): Longer days, continued auroras, more stable conditions, and heli-skiing season in the north.
Spring Shoulder (April–mid-May): Fewer crowds, increasing daylight, emerging wildlife — but no Highlands access yet.
Summer (late May–early Sept): Midnight sun, best overall weather, full road access (including the Highlands), puffins, whale watching — and the highest prices with more crowds.
Fall Shoulder (mid-Sept–early Nov): Northern Lights return, great hiking and food experiences, fewer travelers — with shorter days and occasional storms.
Different regions shine at different times, which is where thoughtful planning really matters. Ideally, summer trips should be planned 6+ months in advance; other seasons can often work well with 3–4 months’ lead time.
Begin Your Journey to Iceland
There’s so much more to Iceland that you’ll have the pleasure of discovering when you go. I could go on and on about how fascinating, magical, and otherworldly it is but you really have to experience it for yourself. If you have questions, want to learn more, or – better yet – want to begin planning your adventure to Iceland, reach out to us to Begin Your Journey.
More of Kelly’s Photos from Iceland
