Tröll expeditions

Planning a trip to Iceland? | A Troll's Guide

Truth be told, planning a trip to Iceland is not rocket science. Even a troll of average intelligence could do it. There are, nonetheless, a few essential questions you need to ask yourself before you start planning your trip.

Before we get to the essential questions, let’s first look into basic stuff you need to be aware of before you travel to Iceland. First of all, you should understand that Iceland has four distinctive seasons, namely winter, less winter, least winter and summer. The more wintery the season, the more you have to be prepared for things not going as planned (think wind, rain, frozen rain, road closures, etc). 

“Awful weather? Awesome memories.”

- An Old Tröll Proverb

But enough of that. Back to the essential questions. Before planning a trip to Iceland, here are the three main questions you should ask yourself:

Answer these, and you’ll have a solid foundation for planning your Icelandic escapade!

"A stone in your shoe builds character—or a limp."

- An Old Troll Saying

Perfect your itinerary 

If you don’t have much time for research or planning these are basically your options: 

"Every great journey starts with forgetting something important."
- Words of wisdom from an old troll

Once you have the general idea of how you want your trip to be, you can start filling in the details. 


Selected Trips: Unleash your inner Troll 

Whether you’re a fan of group adventures or prefer the freedom of a self-drive journey, these trips take you to Iceland’s most breathtaking locations. Choose a scheduled multi-day tour for the ease of having everything planned—or opt for a self-drive itinerary to chart your own path.

"A true troll packs light but eats heavy."

- An Old Troll Saying

Here are a few troll-prove trips and itineraries:

3-Day South Coast Adventure

This classic journey along Iceland’s South Coast is a greatest-hits collection of jaw-dropping sights, including the Golden Circle. Many of Iceland’s most known sightseeing spots are spread over the South Coast, such as Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss and Reynisfjara. Nonetheless, a true troll will not rest on its laurels. For more action, the South Coast offers plenty of options for glacier activities both glacier hikes, ice caves and glacier lagoon kayaking. 

Perfect for those short on time or or those who want a taste of Iceland’s most iconic scenery without venturing too far from Reykjavík. You can also shorten it to a 2-day trip and skip the Golden Circle.  

This itinerary is available as a signature Tröll 3-day South Coast Tour (or as a 2-Day variant). For independent travelers, you can book hikes in Ice Caves and Glacier hikes directly. 

2-Day Snæfellsnes & Silver Circle Escape

This compact journey through the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Silver Circle showcases Iceland in miniature. Snæfellsnes offers an astonishing variety of landscapes, including the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier-volcano, the dramatic cliffs of Arnarstapi, and the serene beaches of Ytri Tunga, home to playful seals. The Silver Circle brings a geothermal twist with the bubbling hot springs of Deildartunguhver and the stunning Hraunfossar lava waterfalls.

This itinerary is available as a signature Tröll 2-Day Snæfellsnes and Silver Circle Tour (or as a Day Tour variant if you want to limit the trip to Snæfellsnes). 

6-Day Ring Road Expedition

Ready to loop around the entire country? This 6-day Ring Road journey is your ticket to Iceland’s ultimate highlights. From the glacier lagoons of the South Coast to the otherworldly landscapes of Mývatn in the north, this trip has it all. Visit roaring waterfalls like Dettifoss, meet Icelandic horses in the East Fjords, and unwind in geothermal pools.

Ideal for adventurous souls looking to cover a lot of ground and immerse themselves in Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

8-Day Ring Road + Snæfellsnes Adventure

For those who want it all, this 8-day journey combines the classic Ring Road circuit with the wonders of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Along with the iconic stops around the country—like Jökulsárlón, Dettifoss, and Mývatn—you’ll also explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, with its glacier-capped volcano and dramatic coastal cliffs.

The ultimate itinerary for travelers who want to leave no stone—or glacier—unturned.


Essential Activities: “Bucket list, meet Iceland”

Take it from a troll: whether it’s your bucket list, your “before I kick the bucket” list, wanderlust goals, or that once-in-a-lifetime dream destination roster, Iceland deserves a top spot. Whatever you call your list of must-see places, Iceland isn’t just an addition—it’s a no-brainer.

Whether you’re chasing thrills or seeking awe-inspiring experiences, these activities will leave you with unforgettable memories. Join a guided tour for expert-led exploration or take the self-drive route to create your own adventure.

Glacier Hikes: “Ice may be cold, but bragging rights are hot.”

Walking on a glacier is like stepping into a frozen wonderland where every crack and crevasse tells a story. Iceland offers some of the most accessible and stunning glaciers in the world, with adventures for both first-timers and seasoned hikers. Strap on your crampons and follow expert guides across the icy expanse of Sólheimajökull or the jagged beauty of Falljökull. 

Here are three troll insight on glacier hikes in Iceland:

Perfect for those who want to combine epic views with a bit of a workout. These hikes are available year-round, with summer offering easier access and winter showcasing stunning ice sculptures. For more intel, read more about glacier hiking in Iceland or see all glacier hike tours in one place. 

Ice Cave Adventures: “Crystal halls and sapphire walls”

Ice caves are nature’s hidden masterpieces—otherworldly chambers carved by meltwater and time. Stepping into one feels like walking through a frozen cathedral, with walls of shimmering blue ice and intricate textures that defy belief. These caves are as ephemeral as they are stunning, forming each winter and vanishing with the thaw.

Here are three troll insights on ice cave adventures in Iceland:

If you are struggling to decide which ice cave to visit (troll tip: don’t limit yourself to just one), here are some key differences that you should consider: 

Perfect for photographers, adventurers, or anyone who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into another world. Read more about blue ice caves in Iceland or check out Tröll’s comprehensive selection of bookable ice cave tours.

Snorkeling in Silfra: “The Tectonic Treasure” 

Snorkeling in Silfra is as close as you’ll get to swimming in liquid glass. This rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates offers visibility so extraordinary you’ll feel like you’re floating in air. The glacial water, filtered for decades through lava rock, creates a dreamlike underwater world that’s both serene and surreal.

Read more about snorkeling in Silfra or take a look at our comprehensive Silfra tour selection. Tours are available on-location, with transfer from Reykjavík or combined with the Golden Circle. And of course, you can opt to take it as a private tour.  

It’s not every day you can say you’ve swum between two continents, right?!

Northern Lights Hunting: “Shh…less talking, more watching”

There’s nothing like standing under Iceland’s night sky, watching as the auroras swirl in green, purple, and gold. The Northern Lights are as unpredictable as they are breathtaking, but that’s part of the thrill. Whether guided by experts or setting out on your own, each hunt is a story waiting to be told.

Here are three troll insights on Northern Lights hunting:

The Tröll Northern Lights Hunt will not only bring you to the aurora in a small group, but also give you free digital photos and refreshments (hot chocolate and a candy bar). And if you don’t catch them on that night, you will have an option to rebook a tour free of charge.

Don’t just be an online troll, pack a bag and become a real troll

So, there you have it—a not-so-comprehensive guide to adventuring in Iceland, courtesy of a troll who’s spent one too many nights under a glacier (figuratively, of course). Whether you’re here for the bragging rights, the scenery, or just to see if the weather can really change that fast (it can), Iceland won’t disappoint.

Sure, your plans might occasionally get derailed by an erupting volcano, an impassable road, or the sheer overwhelming beauty of it all, but that’s the point, isn’t it? If everything went perfectly, you’d have no stories to tell—just a suspiciously flawless Instagram feed.

So, pack your sense of humor, a warm pair of socks, and a healthy respect for the unpredictable. Book your adventure with Tröll Expeditions, and let’s turn Iceland’s chaos into your next great memory. After all, life’s greatest tales always start with, “Remember when everything went sideways?”