# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Scotland is kindness, respect and generosity. Scotland is determination, creativity and curiosity. We are castles, lochs and mountains. We are students, explorers, innovators. We are Scotland and good things live here.

We've come a long way and you could too.

Study invest live work visit

Scotland is waiting, and open to you....

#ScotlandIsNow

Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch.
icon_arrow-up
Created with Sketch.
Combined Shape
Created with Sketch.
Page 1
Created with Sketch.
MAP/CLOSE
Created with Sketch.
MAP/CLOSE
Created with Sketch.
instagram circle black
Created with Sketch.
youtube black circle
Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch.
Group
Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch. Created with Sketch.
arrow copy
Created with Sketch.
arrow copy
Created with Sketch.
i
Created with Sketch.
Fill 1
Created with Sketch.
Fill 1
Created with Sketch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Official Gateway to Scotland | Scotland.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The official gateway to Scotland provides information on Scottish culture and living, working, studying, visiting, and doing business in Scotland.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The German National Tourist Board presents Germany as a travel destination. Varied culture, fascinating nature and cosmopolitan people await you. Visit us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
View map

Pace Level

Activity Level

View map

Pace Level

Activity Level

View map

View map

Book With Confidence

Iceland is a very safe place to visit. You'll find it's a peaceful country with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. And it's good to know that Iceland has excellent, modern healthcare services.

As you may already know, Iceland does have active volcanoes but eruptions occur once every 4 years on average. There's also minor seismic activity on the island, but noticeable earthquakes are rare and the Icelandic Met Office keeps a good eye on these.

Your dedicated, Iceland-based travel consultant will stay on top of these matters, as well as changing weather reports, to keep you safe on your journey. Don't hesitate to ask the locals for directions or advice either, as Icelanders are used to travellers and tend to be helpful.

For the latest visitor guidance, you can check this Iceland travel update or read our blog: Is Iceland safe to visit?

Icelandic is the official language of Iceland. It derives from a North Germanic language similar to Old Norse that has changed little since the Viking times. You'll get by very easily with English in Iceland though, as most locals speak it. Many are multilingual in other Nordic or European languages as well.

If you want to learn some local lingo, then here are some basic words and phrases to practise:

Já = Yes

Nei = No

Góðan daginn / Góðan dag = Good day

Gott kvöld = Good evening

Hæ / Halló = Hi / Hello

Bless = Goodbye

Takk = Thank you

The best time to visit Iceland depends on the attractions, regions and activities you want to experience.

For instance, you'll have milder temperatures and longer daylight hours in the summer compared to the winter, which means more opportunities to explore.

With better weather, you can access remote regions - like the Westfjords and central highlands - between May and September. The mountain roads here close in winter as driving conditions are too difficult.

This makes Iceland summer tours ideal if you'd like to spend lots of time outdoors, discovering the island's many natural wonders. It's also the best time to see wildlife, like puffins and whales, and to enjoy activities like hiking.

On the other hand, if you're keen to chase the northern lights, you'll have a better chance of seeing them if you visit Iceland in winter. The reason is that the nights are long between October and April, so you'll have more hours of darkness to spot the colours of the aurora.

Time your Iceland trip for the winter months, and you'll also get to soak up landscapes draped in frost and snow. You may wish to discover Iceland at Christmas or New Year to revel in the festive atmosphere.

For more advice on when to go, check out these guides:

The best time to take a northern lights tour in Iceland is during the winter season, between October and April. At this time of year, you have a higher chance of spotting the aurora borealis because the nights are dark enough to see the lights shine and flicker.

For the best chance of viewing the aurora borealis, visit secluded areas away from the light pollution of towns and cities. The darker conditions will allow you to make out the colours of the northern lights more vividly.

Read these guides for more information about the aurora borealis:

There is so much to see and do in Iceland that you should decide your trip duration according to how many days or weeks you have to spare.

For a short break in Iceland, your best bet is to explore Reykjavík and the surroundings. Within 4 days you could visit the capital's many museums, shops, galleries and restaurants. There are thermal pools to swim in and festive markets at Christmastime.

You could also see top sights like Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area, which includes the hot spring Strokkur. These are all part of the Golden Circle driving route in the south. You can experience the Golden Circle on a day trip from the capital, or over the course of a few days.

Or extend your itinerary and see more of South Iceland. In 7 days you'd get to visit black sand beaches, glaciers, and other breathtaking natural attractions that Iceland's south coast is known for. Don't miss the chance to bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, an inviting geothermal pool.

Another great option is to visit West Iceland. Enjoy a northern lights adventure in the remote Westfjords, or head to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Called "Iceland in miniature", the Snæfellsnes peninsula is just 90 kilometres (56 miles) long and has a bit of everything. Discover volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, hot springs and fishing villages here.

If you have between 10 days and 2 weeks to spare, then you'll get to see the many beautiful corners of Iceland. As well as the southern and western regions, you can explore East Iceland and visit North Iceland too by travelling the country's Ring Road.

Venture east to admire fjords and gaze upon the mighty Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs float on the blue waters. Continue north to Akureyri and the Lake Mývatn area to marvel at the Krafla volcano, mud pools and craters. You can warm up with a dip in the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Essentially, the more days you have to spend in Iceland then the more you will get to experience. In winter you'll also increase your chances of spotting the northern lights!

Check out our blog for inspiration on how many days to spend in Iceland.

Iceland may be small, but it packs a punch with its wild scenery, intriguing culture and mind-boggling natural wonders. Here are some of the top things to do in Iceland:

Marvel at waterfalls

Hike in national parks

Dip in hot springs and pools

Hunt for the northern lights

Walk along black sand beaches

Taste Icelandic cuisine

Admire glacier lagoons

Venture into ice caves or lava tunnels

Learn about Icelandic legends

Look for whales and puffins

See geothermal wonders and volcanoes

Go horse riding

Read more on our blog about the best Iceland tours to add to your itinerary.

The best way to explore Iceland depends on what you wish to do and how flexible you'd like the tours to be.

Iceland self-drive packages are ideal if you want to set the pace and travel independently. On a road trip, you can take your time discovering top sights and explore off the beaten track. You also have more flexible timings and the freedom to go further afield for excursions and restaurants.

Another excellent way to travel is with a knowledgeable guide and a small group of fellow travellers. Nordic Visitor's escorted group tours of Iceland give you the opportunity to learn from a local. They'll take you to each attraction and share their knowledge and favourite spots.

Nordic Visitor only organises small minibus tours with a maximum of 16 people. This ensures you have a more relaxed and personal experience compared to large coach trips. This is a popular choice for our many solo guests and for those who don't feel comfortable driving.

If you want something exclusive and would prefer to travel alone or with friends or family members, then choose from our privately guided tours of Iceland. You'll have a local guide all to yourselves for a more personal experience.

Or you could pick an Iceland multi-day package: a city stay with quality-tested accommodation and activities arranged each day. You'll get to enjoy guided excursions with local experts, but then have free days to explore on your own.

If you want more information, contact our Iceland team and they will help you decide which travel style would suit you best.

Nordic Visitor is proud to be a local tour operator in Iceland. Reykjavík - the capital city - is where we are headquartered, and it is where the company was founded in 2002. Our Iceland travel agents are based here and have extensively explored the country.

You'll be assigned a dedicated travel consultant who will use their in-depth knowledge to arrange your Iceland tour for you. They'll share personal recommendations and can customise your itinerary to match your particular interests.

Find out more about Nordic Visitor and our passionate travel experts.

When you take a trip to Iceland with Nordic Visitor, you always get the following included in your travel package:

All accommodation

Daily breakfast

Airport transfers

Local transport specified in the itinerary (for example, this may be a rental car, private transport, or minibus)

Activities specified on the itinerary (with the chance to add optional excursions)

Entrance fees to attractions specified in the itinerary

Your own personalised itinerary with a beautiful booklet about local attractions and practical travel information

24/7 helpline during your trip for support when you need it

All taxes and service fees - no hidden charges

Depending on the travel style you choose, you'll also have the following included in your Nordic Visitor package:

Self-drive tours:

Car rental with a trusted local supplier

Unlimited mileage

Airport transfers

CDW insurance

Free unlimited Wi-Fi

Authorisation for 2 drivers

Small group tours:

Service from a professional, English-speaking local guide

Transportation in a premium mini-bus with Wi-Fi

Half board - some lunches and dinners provided

Private tours:

Private service of a professional, English-speaking local guide

Transportation in a comfortable, private vehicle

Multi-day tours:

Guided excursions from Reykjavík or Akureyri

Yes, Nordic Visitor offers an optional cancellation insurance which protects your payment. This means that, if you need to cancel prior to your arrival, you will never lose the money you've paid to us. You'll be offered a partial refund and partial travel credit depending on terms and conditions.

If you need to change your travel dates, we'll rearrange all your tour details in one place, so you have a hassle-free experience.

Read our Book with Confidence terms to find out the details and see how you can have peace of mind with risk-free, flexible booking.

If you do not have cancellation insurance with us, normal booking terms apply and we recommend you check with your private travel insurance provider.

At Nordic Visitor, we'll save you time and effort by planning your getaway for you, based on your needs and requests.

When you arrange your trip yourself, you have to carry out all the research and book all parts of your tour separately. If you need to make changes to your itinerary, you have to do all the legwork yourself.

Nordic Visitor takes care of everything on your behalf so you can relax and look forward to your trip.

Our travel experts will design your route, planned in a way that's both comfortable and convenient. For example, they'll ensure you don't cover the same stretch of road twice unnecessarily. They'll also book you into high-quality accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you.

This means you can leave all the hassle of trip-planning to the experts, who are based in Iceland. They know the country inside out, so you can rely on them to incorporate the best sights and hidden gems that you wouldn't otherwise know about.

What's more, you get access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip. Should you need any support, we are only a call away. And if you need to make changes to your itinerary for any reason, you can leave all of that to us as well.

Fortunately, if you're arriving from Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you will not need a visa to visit Iceland. You must have a valid passport with at least 3 months left before it expires.

If you're visiting from outside of these countries, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Iceland. This is a short-stay visa that permits you to travel to Schengen Area member countries for up to 90 days.

Read more about getting to Iceland on our travel guide.

Having a clean, comfortable and friendly place to lay your head after an exciting day of exploring Iceland is really important. That's why we use our in-depth local knowledge to handpick the most suitable accommodation in Iceland for you.

The hotels and guesthouses you will experience on your Iceland tour are all highly rated by visitors. Our local experts have carefully selected each accommodation partner for their exceptional standards of quality, location and character.

As our Iceland travel team is based locally, we have close connections with our suppliers and we visit them regularly. This is why we are confident that the accommodation on your trip with us will meet or even exceed your expectations.

Yes, it's easy to make customisations to your tour online. Add extra nights, upgrades and day trips to your liking as you go through the booking steps. If you'd like to personalise your itinerary further, be sure to ask your dedicated travel consultant.

They will happily tailor your tour to suit your tastes and preferences. You may have particular interests, such as northern lights, hiking, photography or wildlife. Perhaps there are certain places that hold special significance to you.

If you're visiting Iceland with kids, your personal consultant will make sure every part of your itinerary is suitable for the whole family. Or if you're on a honeymoon or anniversary trip in Iceland, they'll gladly add romantic touches to make your couples break extra special.

Most of our travel styles are flexible. But bear in mind that small group packages are a little different, as you are on a fixed itinerary for the duration of the guided tour. However, you can add extra nights to the beginning or end of your trip.

You can choose from a wide range of arrival dates depending on the package and season you are interested in. All of our tours are available to purchase online, so pick the best date for you from the availability calendar.

If your travel plans have changed and you want to amend your arrival date, contact your travel consultant to rearrange your booking.

Your flights to Iceland are not included in our packages. This gives you greater flexibility and allows you to save money by using your airline miles or taking advantage of airfare sales.

We recommend that you check flights for timings and dates, but do not purchase them until you've booked your Nordic Visitor tour. Once you've had a confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, you should then choose and pay for your flights.

Nordic Visitor packages come with daily itineraries and all of your accommodation organised for you. So once you have all of the arrangements confirmed, you can make an informed choice on your flight times. If you have any questions, you can always contact your consultant for advice.

Due to its northerly location, Iceland's climate is cool. And as you'll probably want to spend time outdoors on your trip, it's best to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Here's our recommended packing list for Iceland:

Walking boots or shoes with good grip

Waterproof jacket and trousers

Insulated jacket

Woollen or fleece jumpers

Thermal base layers

Warm hat, scarf and gloves

Warm hiking socks

Rucksack

Sunglasses

Swimwear

Quick-drying travel towel

You can read more about what to wear in Iceland on our experts' blog.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unlock authentic Iceland with the help of local experts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Journey to the Land of Fire & Ice with Nordic Visitor, a leading travel agency in Iceland founded in 2002. Our Reykjavík-based experts will plan your adventure.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Come and discover the beautiful fjords, mountains and cities on a trip arranged by Nordic Visitor, a leading Norway travel agency. You'll have a personal consultant to plan your itinerary for you, with accommodation, local transport, and 24/7 support included.

Top Norway Travel Ideas

How do you want to explore Norway? Check out these popular ways to travel.

Read and see testimonials from our amazing customers who chose to travel Norway with us.

It was a wonderful experience, can't really say enough. Everything was much better than I had expected.

From the moment we arrived on Oslo to the day we left couldn't find one thing we could fault. An experience of a life... read more

From the moment we arrived on Oslo to the day we left couldn't find one thing we could fault. An experience of a life time that was seamlessly effortless due to the fantastic arrangements made by Nordic Visitor.

Trust your Norwegian adventure to our travel consultants, who have journeyed down the same railways, coastlines or roads as you soon will.

Our Norway experts carry out regular quality checks to ensure the services you use are first-rate.

View more about us

Book with confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our cancellation insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today's exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
Book With Confidence

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Different Ways to Explore Norway

Whatever you want to get out of your Norwegian adventure, we have packages for all interests.

Exploring Norway

Travel to Norway with Nordic Visitor for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Here are just a few highlights...

Norway Travel Advice

Get our insider tips to prepare for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions
About Norway

If you're thinking of visiting Norway, you might have a few questions. Check our FAQs below for some of the most popular queries. You can also find more detailed information in our Norway Travel Guide and our attractions information pages.

It always scores high on lists such as the Global Peace Index, which places Norway above the US and many European countries in terms of safety.

Weather-wise, winter can bring occasional heavy snowfall. Fortunately, Nordic Visitor travel consultants are on call 24/7 in case of any road closures, so pack appropriately and weather won't be a concern.

Norway's weather is best between May and September, when it's usually mild and clear. July tends to be the warmest month. In winter, conditions can be pretty cold and this can extend into spring.

Of course, the weather in Scandinavia and the Nordics can be changeable in all seasons. We always advise you take extra light layers to Norway, even in summer. For more information, read our guide on what to pack for Norwegian breaks.

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do. The summer months, June to August, provide longer days and even the famous midnight sun. This makes summertime ideal for hiking, cycling or cruising.

The 'shoulder season' of May and September is still pretty warm by Scandinavian standards. Visit then and you can expect fewer tourists and vibrantly coloured scenery.

Wintertime brings longer nights and colder temperatures--sometimes downright chilly! Of course, this means the potential for snow. And in northern Norway, your chances of spotting the gorgeous northern lights increase when days are shorter.

The best places to see the northern lights in Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes and above the Arctic Circle, including the Lofoten islands. Your chances increase depending on your distance from city light pollution and the month you visit.

In Norway your chances of seeing the northern lights are greatest between September and April, with October through March being the best months.

Dark nights are essential if you wish to see the northern lights, aka the aurora borealis. This means the summer months of May to August are largely ruled out, as the sun may not set at all in northern areas of Norway during this season.

This is really down to personal preference, but let us give you some pointers.

Self-drive is good because you can travel at your own pace, go where you choose (within reason of course) and stop whenever you like. This is great for photographers, honeymooners and free spirits. Also, parents: self-drive is great for both snack and bathroom breaks.

Rail travel naturally involves a certain commitment to timetables. But taking a train is a very convenient way to travel. Everyone on board is free to enjoy the views along all the scenic routes, as none of your group is at the wheel.

Coastal cruises and ferries give you a unique perspective, admiring the fjords while gliding along them. Again, you have schedules to follow, but everyone can freely enjoy the sights.

Hopefully these tips should give you an idea of what you'd prefer. You can also narrow your choice by using our tour search filters to find your must-see attractions. Many of our packages combine a variety of travel methods, so if you're not heart-set on driving, you can always contact our travel consultants to give you advice.

A self-guided tour (or independent tour) is one where you receive an itinerary, travel information and amenities such as accommodation arranged by a travel agent. You will not have a tour group or hired guide, but you will have the added freedom to explore in your own time.

Nordic Visitor has a travel consultant available 24/7 by phone in case something goes amiss, so you're getting the best of both worlds: the chance to roam as you like, but a person to steer you if you feel lost or unsure.

One popular version of self-guided tours is self-drive, which of course includes car rental as an important amenity. However, compared to Iceland, the railway and ferry networks in Norway provide you with an added variety of self-guided transport options.

In most cases, yes. Many of our packages are flexible, with daily departures. The notable exceptions are our guided small group tour packages, which have pre-set start dates.

We advise that you book your package first to secure your tour. It may be worth checking potential flights times and prices first, but be aware some airlines and flight booking websites raise their prices between visits, so remember to do research using Private or Incognito mode.

Once your tour is confirmed by email, purchase your flights. If you have missed out on flights, please get in touch with us to change the dates of your tour.

We always advise our guests to dress sensibly throughout the year. Many of Norway's attractions are outside and the weather is typically Scandinavian. That's why we suggest packing clothes you can layer, choosing thinner items for summer and thicker for winter.

You will find more information on what to pack and wear, including summer or winter essentials, in our handy guide. But for a quick idea, consider this packing basics list:

Rucksack

Jumper or fleece

Waterproof jacket

Comfortable walking shoes or boots

Umbrella or poncho

Scarf

Gloves

Hat

Binoculars (for cruise-goers)

Sun cream and sunglasses (summer)

Sleep mask (summer)

Foot warmers (winter)

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Established in Iceland back in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been creating great experiences for travellers in Norway since 2005. We're passionate in our belief that your trip should be memorable for all the right reasons. These include:

Tailor-made itinerary: know exactly where you're going each day, and how you're getting there... even when you land at the airport.

Quality checked accommodation: wherever you stay is guaranteed to be tried and tested by our local specialists, whether it's a hotel, guesthouse, cruise cabin or cottage.

Travel guide: add some secret sauce to your getaway with our team's insider travel tips and hidden gem attractions.

24/7 helpline: relax, you can always turn to a Nordic Visitor consultant on our emergency helpline.

Do you have a question about our Norway tours Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don't hesitate to contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take an unforgettable Norwegian tour with Nordic Visitor, a Norway travel agency with regional experts. We will use our insider knowledge to plan your trip.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Denmark! We’ve put heart and soul, hygge and a little of the wonderful Danish everyday into this website, so you can see for yourself how we Danes do life and holidays. Because we are (in case you didn’t know) some of the happiest people in the world. And we just want you to be happy too.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Your Official Finland Travel Guide | Visit Finland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use this guide to plan a trip to Finland and immerse yourself in the country's nature, forests, lakes and culture.