12 best iceland guide books

Iceland guide books are written resources designed to provide travelers with comprehensive information and advice about visiting Iceland, a stunning Nordic island nation in Europe known for its dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique cultural experiences. These guide books cover a wide range of topics related to travel in Iceland. Here are some key aspects:

  1. Geography and Landscapes: Iceland guide books often start by introducing the geography and natural wonders of the country. They describe Iceland's volcanic terrain, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, and other iconic landscapes.

  2. Travel Planning: These books help travelers plan their trips effectively. They include information on when to visit, visa requirements, currency, and other essential logistics.

  3. Accommodations: Guide books typically list various accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and campsites, along with reviews, prices, and contact details.

  4. Sightseeing: One of the main focuses of these books is to highlight popular tourist attractions and lesser-known gems. This may include information about national parks, museums, hot springs, and historic sites.

  5. Activities: Iceland offers a wide range of activities, such as hiking, glacier trekking, whale watching, and horseback riding.Guide books provide details about these activities, including recommended tour operators.

  6. Dining and Cuisine: Information on Icelandic cuisine and dining options, from traditional dishes like lamb stew and fermented shark to modern restaurants and cafes, is often included.

  7. Transportation: Travelers can find advice on transportation options, such as renting a car, taking buses, or using domestic flights to explore the country.

  8. Cultural Insights: Guide books may offer insights into Iceland's rich cultural heritage, including its literature, art, music, and folklore.

  9. Language: Some guide books provide basic Icelandic language phrases and tips for communicating with locals.

  10. Safety and Etiquette: Information on safety precautions, weather considerations, and cultural etiquette is essential for a successful trip.

  11. Maps and Itineraries: Many guide books include detailed maps and suggested itineraries to help travelers navigate Iceland efficiently and make the most of their time.

  12. Budgeting: Tips on managing expenses and staying within a budget are often included to help travelers plan their spending.

Popular Iceland guide book publishers include Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Rough Guides, and Bradt Travel Guides, among others. Travelers often rely on these resources to get a well-rounded understanding of Iceland and make the most of their trips to this unique and captivating destination.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best iceland guide books on the market
  

Fodor's Essential Iceland (Full-color Travel Guide)

Fodor's Travel

Based on 66 reviews Check latest price

Product features

HELPFUL PLANNING ADVICE

Find what you need faster with color-coded category icons and easier-to-read two-column text.

GORGEOUS COLOR PHOTOS

Beautiful photos packed throughout will fuel your wanderlust.

ITINERARIES AND MAPS

Itineraries, maps, travel tips, and neighborhood guides will acquaint you with your destination and help you maximize your time.

IN-DEPTH FEATURES AND EXPLANATIONS

Learn about history, culture, and more with in-depth spotlight features

Rick Steves Iceland

Rick Steves

Based on 60 reviews Check latest price

Photographing Iceland: An Insider's Guide to the Most Iconic Locations

Rocky Nook

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Iceland (2020) (Pocket Travel Guide)

DK Eyewitness Travel

Based on 175 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Top 10 Iceland Sights

Find out what to see and do at Þingvellir National Park, the Blue Lagoon, Geysir Hot Springs Area, Gullfoss, Lake Mývatn Area, Vatnajökull National Park, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs, Jökulsárlón and the Landmannalaugar Area.

Make the most of your time in Iceland

This Top 10 guide also features the best museums, waterfalls, volcanoes, hot springs and geysers, places to see birds and wildlife, outdoor activities, hiking trails, nightlife, activities for children, things to do for free and must-see experiences off the beaten path.

Travel like a local

Discover the best sights, shops, nightlife, cafes, pubs and restaurants on offer throughout Iceland. The pull-out map makes getting around a breeze, whether you are traveling by bus, car, taxi, ferry, foot, bicycle or by Iceland’s unique horses.

Lonely Planet Iceland (Country Guide)

Lonely Planet

Based on 347 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Welcome to Iceland

Hitting headlines, topping bucket lists, wooing nature lovers and dazzling increasing numbers of visitors – there seems no end to the talents of this breathtaking northern destination.

Including:

Lonely Planet Iceland's Ring Road (Road Trips)

Lonely Planet

Based on 119 reviews Check latest price

Product features

Welcome to Iceland's Ring Road

Discover the freedom of open roads with Lonely Planet Iceland's Ring Road Road Trips, your passport to uniquely encountering Iceland by car. Featuring five amazing road trips, plus up-to-date advice on the destinations you'll visit along the way, you'll discover bubbling geothermal springs, see the Golden Circle's exploding geysers and chase the northern lights around Reykjavik; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to destination, rent a car, and hit the road!

Including:

Insight Guides Iceland (Travel Guide with Free eBook)

Insight Guides

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Iceland: The Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide By A Traveler For A Traveler: The Best Travel Tips; Where To Go, What To See And Much More (Lost Travelers, ... Iceland Guide Book, Best of ICELAND Travel)

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Frommer's Iceland (Complete Guides)

FrommerMedia

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Northern Lights: A Practical Travel Guide (Bradt Travel Guide)

Bradt Travel Guides

Based on 43 reviews Check latest price

A Kid's Guide to Iceland

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Rick Steves Iceland

Rick Steves

Based on 407 reviews Check latest price

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