Guidebook Updates for Iceland
When we learn of important changes to the information in our guidebooks on Iceland, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- Iceland has implemented pay parking at many of its natural sights. Expect to pay around 1,000 ISK ($8) at most natural sights (easy to pay via the Parka's site or app; many sights also have payment machines on site).
- Play Airlines, which offered low-cost flights from Iceland to Europe, has gone out of business.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- As the Blue Lagoon has recently closed to visitors for short stretches in response to volcanic activity along the nearby Sundhnúkur fissure, it's a good idea to check its current opening status before booking a visit.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- The access roads to the viewing platforms for Stuðlagil Canyon have been rerouted. You'll pass the turnoff for the hike before the turnoff for the viewpoint, so decide ahead of time which to do. Further changes are expected in the future.
For books printed before April 2024, the following may apply:
- Skyr Guesthouse in Hveragerði has closed.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- The Mývatn Nature Baths are undergoing a complete renovation; the new baths, now rebranded as "Earth Lagoon," are expected to open in the spring of 2026.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- Hlemmur bus junction — one of the two main bus junctions in downtown Reykjavík — is being torn down and replaced with a pedestrian mall. Hlemmur Food Court is still there. Lots of buses that used to converge at the bus junction now have stops in the general area.
- Aurora Reykjavík: The Northern Lights Center has moved to Fiskislóð 53, next to the Lava Show, Flyover Iceland, and Whales of Iceland.
For books printed before April 2024, the following may apply:
- The Katla Geopark Exhibition Center has closed. Some of its exhibits have moved into the Vík tourist information office (which is now called the "Katla Visitors Center").
- Icelandair no longer operates Hotel Vík. It is now Hotel Vík í Mýrdal, with 78 rooms (+354 487 1480, [email protected]).
- Iceland By Bus, which ran buses from Reykjavík to Þórsmörk, has ceased operations. South Coast Adventure runs Þórsmörk buses from Hvolsvöllur and other points along the South Coast.
- Hótel Selið has closed.
- Álfasteinn Country Home has closed.
- Fosshotel Hekla has closed.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
For books printed before April 2024, the following may apply:
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- In Ísafjörður, the Museum of Everyday Life has closed.
For books printed before August 2026, the following may apply:
- Heimaey Island no longer has a tourist information office.
- There are no more kayak tours from Vestmannaeyjar, but Ribsafari runs excellent tours on RIBs and slower passenger boats.
- The new Hop-On Hop-Off Vestmannaeyjar bus provides a good view of the island and good transportation for those without a car.