Frequently asked questions about traveling with Iceland Unlimited

Yes, and this is where local knowledge makes all the difference. Some of Iceland's most photographed spots like the view behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall or the climb to the top of Skogafoss require more physical ability, but there are always alternatives that deliver equally memorable experiences. Seljalandsfoss has a beautiful frontal view from level ground. Skogafoss is genuinely stunning from the base without climbing any stairs. Some black sand beaches have smoother access points than others. When a particular viewpoint genuinely isn't workable, we know comparable alternatives that most tourists never discover. Our founder has personal experience navigating Iceland with mobility limitations, so we've spent years finding the best accessible approaches to Iceland's highlights. During your consultation, we'll be completely honest about what's achievable and what isn't, and we'll suggest alternatives that ensure you're not missing out on Iceland's magic. Your itinerary will be designed around incredible experiences you can actually enjoy rather than aspirational sites that would leave you frustrated.

This is one of the biggest advantages of working with Iceland Unlimited rather than joining large group tours. On our small group tours, everyone shares similar mobility considerations and understands the value of a comfortable pace. There's no pressure to keep up with hikers in their twenties, no feeling like you're slowing anyone down. For private tours, the pace is entirely yours. Your guide adjusts to your rhythm, takes breaks when you need them, and ensures you have time to truly experience each location. For self-drive tours, you have complete freedom to spend as long as you want at each stop. Many of our guests tell us that traveling at a thoughtful pace actually made their trip more meaningful because they weren't exhausted trying to check boxes on an aggressive itinerary. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether small group, private guided, or self-drive works best for your travel style and comfort level.

This is exactly the confusion we help solve. Many tour descriptions use vague language like "moderate walking" that could mean anything from a 10-minute stroll to a 2-hour hike over gravel. We're completely transparent about physical requirements because we understand the frustration of arriving somewhere only to find it's beyond your comfort level. When we say a site requires "short walks on maintained paths," we mean 5 to 10 minutes on paved or boardwalk surfaces. When we describe something as having "some uneven terrain," we're letting you know there's gravel or natural paths that might be challenging with a cane or if you have balance concerns. The beauty of custom tours is that we design around your specific abilities. During your consultation, we'll ask direct questions about how far you can comfortably walk, whether stairs are manageable, and what type of surfaces work best for you. Then we build an itinerary that stays well within those boundaries while still delivering an incredible Iceland experience.

We plan for exactly that. Our tours include comfortable vehicles with easy entry, frequent rest stops, and itineraries paced around your needs rather than rushing between attractions. Many of our travelers use canes or walking sticks, some bring folding walkers, and others simply need to take their time. The paths at major attractions like Gullfoss and Geysir are well maintained and have handrails in most areas. We can adjust daily distances, build in extra time at each location, and ensure you're never feeling pressured to keep up with a group that's moving too fast. For self-drive tours, we'll suggest accommodations on the ground floor or with elevator access and plan shorter driving days if that helps. Your travel consultant will ask about your specific needs during the consultation, whether that's grab bars in bathrooms, properties without stairs, or restaurants with accessible seating. Every detail gets considered so you can focus on enjoying Iceland rather than worrying about logistics.

Absolutely. Iceland's most iconic sights are surprisingly accessible without any hiking required. The Golden Circle attractions like Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall all have paved paths or short walks from parking areas. The South Coast's famous waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are visible from very close to the parking lots. Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon puts you face to face with icebergs from a viewing platform just steps from your vehicle. The key is knowing which routes and viewpoints work best for limited mobility, and that's where our expertise comes in. We've spent years identifying viewing areas that deliver incredible experiences without requiring stamina or balance on uneven terrain. During your consultation, we'll design an itinerary around the most rewarding sites that match your comfort level, ensuring you see Iceland's highlights without exhausting yourself or missing out.

Every senior tour we create starts with understanding you, not fitting you into a preset package. During your consultation, we ask about your mobility, interests, energy levels, and what matters most to you in Iceland. From there, we customize everything. If you want cultural experiences, we might emphasize Reykjavik's museums and charming villages. If nature is your priority, we focus on easily accessible viewpoints of waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal areas. We adjust driving distances between stops, select hotels based on your preferences (central location versus quiet retreat), and plan daily schedules around your ideal pace. We can include rest days, suggest accessible restaurants, arrange special experiences like private northern lights viewing from your accommodation, and work around any dietary needs. The beauty of working with Iceland Unlimited is that nothing is locked in stone. Once we create your initial itinerary, we refine it until it's exactly what you want.

This depends entirely on your comfort with Iceland's unique driving conditions. Our self-drive tours give you wonderful freedom and flexibility at your own pace, and many senior travelers love this independence. However, Icelandic roads present challenges that differ from most countries: sudden weather changes, one-lane bridges, gravel surfaces, and in winter, potentially difficult conditions. If you've driven in similar environments (Scottish Highlands, rural Ireland, Colorado mountain roads) and feel confident, self-drive can be excellent. If you have any hesitation, our guided tours let you relax and enjoy the scenery while our experienced drivers handle the roads. During your quote consultation, we'll discuss your driving experience honestly and help you make the right choice. We can also suggest a hybrid approach where you self-drive easy routes and join guided tours for more challenging areas.

Winter can be magical in Iceland, and with proper planning, it's absolutely safe for senior travelers. The main roads we use on our tours are well maintained and prioritized for clearing, and we only travel in conditions our experienced guides deem safe. For ground conditions at attractions, we provide or recommend ice grips that fit over your shoes, making walkways much safer. However, many of our senior travelers prefer visiting between May and September when paths are ice-free and you still have a chance to see the northern lights in September. During your consultation, we'll honestly assess whether your travel dates work for your comfort level, and we can always suggest the best timing for your specific needs. Your safety and peace of mind are more important than sticking to any particular season.

We're Iceland's only tour operator founded by someone who uses a wheelchair, so accessibility and comfort aren't afterthoughts for us. Unlike large coach tours with 30+ people and rigid schedules, our senior tours focus on your pace and preferences. Your travel consultant works with you to customize every detail, from selecting hotels in central locations to adjusting daily distances based on how you're feeling. We also include more frequent rest stops and never rush you through attractions. Most importantly, you're not competing with younger travelers for attention or feeling pressure to keep up with a different pace. Our guides understand that thoughtful travel creates better memories than exhausting schedules.

Not at all. Our senior tours are specifically designed for comfortable exploration without strenuous activity. Most of Iceland's incredible sights, including Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and glacier viewpoints, are accessible with short walks on maintained paths from parking areas. We carefully select attractions based on accessibility and can customize any itinerary to match your comfort level. Many of our senior travelers have joint replacements, use walking aids, or simply prefer a gentler pace, and they experience Iceland beautifully. During your consultation, we'll discuss your specific needs and preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Small group tours and self-drive tours both offer fantastic Iceland experiences, but serve different travel styles. Small group tours provide expert guidance, insider knowledge, social connections with fellow travelers, and the freedom to relax while someone else handles driving and logistics. Self-drive tours offer complete independence and the ability to travel entirely at your own pace. Consider a small group tour if you enjoy guided experiences and meeting people, and a self-drive tour if you prefer total autonomy. We offer both options to suit different preferences.

Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, and safety is our priority. Our experienced local guides monitor conditions constantly and have backup plans ready. The small group size makes us agile when we need to adjust the itinerary. If weather makes an activity or location unsafe, your guide will provide the best alternative available. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of small group travel with local experts.

Yes! We encourage travelers to add extra days in Reykjavik before or after their small group tour. This gives you time to explore Iceland's capital at your own pace, visit attractions not included in the tour, or simply recover from your flight. We can help arrange additional accommodations and suggest activities for your extended stay.

Our small group tours vary in activity level. Most involve moderate walking with some stairs and uneven terrain at natural attractions. We provide detailed activity levels for each tour. The small group size allows us to accommodate different fitness levels, as your guide can adjust pacing and offer alternatives when needed. If you have specific mobility concerns, contact us to discuss which tour would work best for you.

Our small group tours typically include transportation in comfortable vehicles, expert local guide throughout your journey, hand-selected accommodations, most breakfasts, and all entrance fees to attractions on the itinerary. Some tours also include select lunches or dinners. Specific inclusions vary by tour, so check individual tour pages for details. Not included are flights to Iceland, most lunches and dinners (giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants), and optional activities.

Absolutely. Many of our small group tour participants are solo travelers who love the instant community these tours provide. You'll explore Iceland with like-minded adventurers, share meals and experiences, yet maintain your independence. Solo travelers often tell us our small group size makes it easy to form friendships without feeling lost in a crowd. Single supplements may apply for private accommodation.

Our small group tours have a maximum of 20 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere where your guide can provide personalized attention and everyone gets to know each other. This is significantly smaller than most operators who run groups of 30-40+ people. Twenty is the perfect size for genuine connections, comfortable vehicles, and the flexibility to make spontaneous stops without the logistics challenges of larger groups.

Yes, Iceland is an excellent self-drive destination, even for first-timers. We provide detailed itineraries with clear directions, and Iceland's main roads are well-maintained and clearly marked. Our routes avoid challenging roads unless you specifically request adventure routes. You'll have 24/7 access to our local team who can advise on conditions, suggest alternatives if weather impacts your plans, and answer any questions. We also include comprehensive driving tips for Iceland's unique conditions. Thousands of travelers complete our self-drive tours safely each year, including many who've never driven outside their home country.

We match vehicles to your specific itinerary and season. Summer tours on paved roads use comfortable standard or compact cars, while tours including highland F-roads or winter travel receive 4x4 vehicles. All our rental vehicles are modern, well-maintained, and include comprehensive insurance, GPS navigation, and unlimited mileage. We partner with Iceland's most reliable rental companies to ensure you receive a quality vehicle suited to your journey. If you have specific vehicle preferences or accessibility requirements, we can accommodate those as well.

Absolutely. Every tour we offer is fully customizable to match your interests, pace, and travel style. Want to spend extra time in a specific region? Prefer boutique hotels over countryside guesthouses? Need accessible accommodations or senior-friendly pacing? We tailor every detail. During the booking process, let us know your preferences, and we'll adjust your itinerary accordingly. Even after booking, we remain flexible and can modify your plans as your trip approaches.

Every Iceland Unlimited self-drive tour includes your rental vehicle with comprehensive insurance, hand-selected accommodations with breakfast, and a detailed personalized itinerary created by our local experts. You'll receive turn-by-turn directions, insider tips on when to visit attractions, restaurant recommendations, and optional activity suggestions along your route. Most importantly, you'll have 24/7 access to our Reykjavik-based support team throughout your journey. We handle all the complex planning so you can focus on exploring Iceland.

Iceland uses Type F electrical outlets (European standard) with a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. Bring a plug adapter if your devices use a different plug type.

Absolutely. Iceland has some of the purest and cleanest drinking water in the world—straight from natural springs. No need to buy bottled water.

No. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from late August to mid-April, primarily on clear, dark nights. They are most active in the winter months, away from city lights.

The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. Most locals are fluent and happy to assist visitors in English.

Yes, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world with very low crime rates. However, nature can be unpredictable. Always follow weather alerts, road conditions, and safety advice when exploring outdoors.

The currency is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the country.

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA, US, UK, and Canadian citizens can enter without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). Other nationalities should check with the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration or their local embassy.

The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable. Expect rapid changes, even within the same day. Summer temperatures: 10–15°C (50–59°F) Winter temperatures: -1 to 4°C (30–39°F) Always pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy shoes, regardless of the season.

Iceland is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences. - Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, milder weather, and access to the highlands. - Winter (October–March): Best for viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing snowy landscapes. - Shoulder seasons (April–May and September): Fewer crowds and lower prices, with a good mix of daylight and activities.

Iceland Unlimited’s office is open from: 9 AM to 5 PM local time, Monday to Friday from 1 Sept to 30 April. During the summer Iceland Unlimited is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 9 AM to 2 PM. In case of emergencies our customers can call our emergency phone number +354 774 0070 during closing hours. In case of severe emergencies during your travel in Iceland, such as car accidents or similar the official Icelandic toll free emergency number is 112 (equal to 911 in the USA)

Iceland Unlimited aims to answer all e-mails within 24 hours. You can also reach us by phone. Our main number is +354 415 0600

Most of our customers choose to have their travel documents handed to them on arrival. If you prefer to have them shipped to you then we aim to do it 48 hours after full payment has been made.

When you have submitted your booking and personal details through icelandunlimited.is a travel consultant will view the booking. They will crosscheck your booking and send you confirmation within 48 hours. Your credit card will be charged with a 20% deposit at that time. If our travel consultant is unable to obtain confirmation then an alternative will be offered. If you do not accept the alternative or Iceland Unlimited is not able to offer you an alternative, no charge will be made on your credit card. When your booking has been confirmed and your credit card has been charged, Iceland Unlimited will issue vouchers for your travel arrangements. Travel documents will not be delivered until full payment has been made. It’s optional whether we post your travel documents or arrange for you to pick them up on arrival to your holiday destination.

All travel arrangements should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. For holiday packages and custom-made tours, we strongly recommend you book with a few weeks/months notice. For larger groups we recommend you book with a few months’ notice.

We will charge you a 20% deposit at the time of booking or soon there after. The balance will be charged approx. one month before your departure.

Everything you see on this site; all the products and packages are created by us. Iceland Unlimited organises all the travel arrangements in close co-operation with the very best local providers who are valuable members of our team.

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IcelandUnlimited.is is the official booking platform and trading name of Iceland Unlimited Holdings. We are a fully licensed and locally operated travel agency based in Reykjavík, Iceland. Specializing in incoming tourism, we offer tailor-made travel services and guided tours throughout Iceland and Greenland. Our office is located at Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík, and we proudly work only with certified guides and trusted local partners.

We accept all major credit cards. We also allow you to pay by electronic bank transfer.

We regret that we are unable to offer a full refund in the case of cancellation. The cancellation fee depends upon the length of notice and type of booking. Please refer to our Booking Information section “Cancellations.”

Iceland Unlimited operates in Iceland and Greenland. The company has its headquarters in Suðurlandsbraut 34, 108 Reykjavík

Yes. Visitors can drive in Iceland with a valid driver's license from their home country. If your license is not in Latin script, an international driving permit is recommended.