You’re Going to Iceland With GLO…
You’ve got the trip confirmed. Iceland is happening. And if you’re like most students arriving for a GLO program, you have roughly a thousand questions and not enough answers.
This guide covers everything — what to do on your free time, what to pack, how much to budget per day, and what to actually expect when you land in Reykjavik in August. No filler. Just what you actually need.
What August in Iceland Is Actually Like
Let’s start here because Iceland in August is genuinely different from anywhere else you’ve been.
First: the sun doesn’t fully set. You’ll have 18–20 hours of daylight, which means at midnight it still looks like early evening outside. This is incredible and also deeply disorienting if you’re not prepared for it. Bring a sleep mask. Seriously.
Second: the weather is mild but unpredictable. Average temperatures hover around 50–59°F (10–15°C), which feels warm enough for a t-shirt in the sun and absolutely freezing when the wind picks up. Iceland’s weather can change within the same hour — sunny, then foggy, then raining, then sunny again. Pack accordingly (more on this below).
Third: August is peak season, which means crowds at popular spots and higher prices. The upside? Puffins are still around until late August, hiking trails are fully open, and the Highland roads (F-roads) are accessible.
What To Do on Your Free Time
GLO programs are packed, but you’ll have windows of free time — evenings, a free day, or early mornings before sessions. Here’s how to make the most of it.
In Reykjavik
Walk Laugavegur Street
This is Reykjavik’s main strip and the beating heart of the city. Lined with independent coffee shops, vintage clothing stores, Icelandic design boutiques, and restaurants, it’s the kind of street you can wander for hours. Don’t just walk it once — come back in the evening when it has a completely different energy.
Visit Hallgrímskirkja Church
The iconic church that dominates Reykjavik’s skyline. Entry to the church interior is free. If you want to go up to the observation tower for panoramic city views, that’ll cost you about $10. Worth it for the photos, but not essential.
Soak in a Geothermal Pool
This is a non-negotiable Icelandic experience. The public geothermal swimming pools (sundlaugar) are where locals actually go — not tourist traps. Laugardalslaug is the city’s largest and most beloved pool complex with hot tubs, cold tubs, steam rooms, and a lap pool. Entry is around $10. Bring your own towel to avoid paying rental fees.
Open on weekends from 11am–5pm, this is a hidden gem that most tourists skip. It’s Reykjavik’s only flea market and sits right at the Old Harbour. You’ll find Icelandic woolen goods, vintage items, and local food stalls. Great for picking up affordable souvenirs and living like a local for an afternoon.
The Sun Voyager Sculpture and Old Harbour
A short walk from the city center, the Sun Voyager (Sólfarið) is one of Iceland’s most recognizable sculptures — a dreamboat made of steel that looks out over the bay. The surrounding Old Harbour area has great food trucks and is beautiful at golden hour (which, in August, happens very late).
A striking dome-shaped building on a hill overlooking Reykjavik. Inside is a nature museum with an artificial ice cave, a planetarium, and an observation deck with 360-degree views. Admission is around $30–40, but the observation deck alone is worth visiting at sunset (which in August, again, is very late).
Day Trips From Reykjavik
If you have a full free day, these are the two most iconic options:
The Golden Circle Iceland’s most famous day-trip route hits three major landmarks: Þingvellir National Park (where you can walk between two tectonic plates), the Geysir geothermal area (where you’ll watch Strokkur erupt every 5–8 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall. You can do this on a guided tour for around $70–100, or rent a car with a group to do it independently.
The South Coast Black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, the powerful Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, the village of Vík, and views of Eyjafjallajökull glacier. A full-day tour runs around $80–120. If you’re going in a group, splitting a rental car is significantly cheaper.
What To Pack (August Edition)
Iceland will humble you if you underprepare. Here’s the real packing list:
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket or rain shell — this is the single most important item. Not water-resistant, actually waterproof.
- Layers, layers, layers. A base layer, a mid-layer fleece or sweater, and your outer shell. You’ll add and remove them constantly.
- One warm sweater (or buy a classic Icelandic wool lopapeysa sweater when you arrive — they’re worth it)
- Comfortable walking shoes that can get wet — your white sneakers will suffer
- Warm socks (wool if you have them)
- A hat and light gloves — even in August, mornings and evenings get cold
- Swimsuit and a microfiber towel for the geothermal pools
Practical Essentials
- Sleep mask — the midnight sun is not a joke
- Sunscreen — the UV index can be surprisingly high with all that daylight
- Portable charger — you’ll be taking photos constantly
- Reusable water bottle — tap water in Iceland is some of the best in the world, completely free and safe to drink everywhere
- Any prescriptions or over-the-counter meds you rely on (pharmacies exist but why risk it)
How Much to Budget Per Day
Iceland is expensive. No sugarcoating it. Reykjavik consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world, so going in with a realistic budget will save you a lot of stress.
Here’s a practical student breakdown:
💰 Budget Day (~$60–80)
- Skip breakfast out; grab something from Bónus (Iceland’s budget supermarket, marked with a pink pig logo) the night before — yogurt, bread, fruit
- Lunch: Hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu, the most famous hot dog stand in Iceland. One hot dog costs about $6. Two fills you up.
- Free activities: Hallgrímskirkja interior, Sun Voyager walk, Laugavegur wandering
- Geothermal pool: ~$10
- Dinner: Icelandic Street Food restaurant in the city center serves traditional lamb soup with free refills for around $15
Total: ~$60–80 without a paid tour
💳 Mid-Range Day (~$100–150)
- Breakfast at a café on Laugavegur
- One paid attraction (~$30 for Perlan or tower access)
- Lunch at a casual restaurant — fish and chips, Thai, or a burger runs $15–25
- Geothermal pool: ~$10
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant — budget $25–40
Total: ~$100–150
🏔️ Adventure Day (~$150–200+)
- Golden Circle or South Coast guided tour: $80–120
- Meals on the go: $30–50
- Snacks and drinks: $20
Total: $150–200+ depending on the tour
Pro tips to save money:
- Shop at Bónus supermarket for snacks, drinks, and easy meals
- Tap water is free and delicious everywhere — never buy bottled water
- Alcohol is eye-wateringly expensive in Iceland. A beer at a bar can run $12–15. If you want to drink, pick something up at the Duty-Free shop at the airport when you land
- The Reykjavik City Card is worth it if you plan to hit multiple museums and use public transit — it covers pool entry, buses, and many attractions
A Few Things That Will Catch You Off Guard
The light will mess with your sleep. At 11pm it looks like 5pm outside. Set alarms. Use a sleep mask. You’ll thank yourself when you have a company visit at 8am.
Everything closes earlier than you expect (except bars). Most museums and attractions close around 5–6pm. Plan accordingly and don’t assume you can pop in for a quick visit after dinner.
Credit cards are accepted everywhere. Iceland is nearly cashless — you can use your card at flea markets, tiny cafés, even food trucks. Don’t bother getting cash.
The wind is a force. Not the romantic kind of breezy. The kind that blows your hat into the ocean. Tie things down.
Don’t miss Skyr. It’s Iceland’s native dairy product — somewhere between yogurt and cream cheese — and it’s everywhere. High protein, filling, and genuinely delicious. It’s a perfect budget breakfast from the supermarket.
The GLO Difference: What You’ll Experience Beyond the Tourist Trail
Here’s the thing most Iceland travel guides can’t give you: you won’t just be a tourist here.
Through GLO’s program, you’ll be sitting in rooms with Icelandic business leaders, walking through companies that are doing genuinely innovative things in geothermal energy, sustainability, and tech. You’ll leave with perspectives on how a country of only 380,000 people punches so far above its weight — economically, creatively, and culturally.
The hot dogs and the waterfalls are great. But the conversations you’ll have during the program? Those are what you’ll actually be talking about five years from now.
Make the most of both.
Planning to study abroad with GLO? Explore our Iceland seminar programs or reach out to learn more about upcoming programs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Studying Abroad in Iceland with GLO
Is Iceland safe for students traveling alone or in small groups?
Yes — Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Reykjavik is walkable, well-lit (especially in August with nearly 24 hours of daylight), and low in crime. Solo exploration during free time is completely normal and encouraged.
Do I need to exchange money before arriving in Iceland?
No. Iceland is almost entirely cashless — your debit or credit card works everywhere, including food trucks, flea markets, and small cafés. Skip the currency exchange and just make sure your bank doesn’t charge heavy foreign transaction fees before you go.
What is the currency in Iceland?
The Icelandic Króna (ISK). As of 2026, roughly 130–140 ISK equals $1 USD. Most prices you’ll see quoted online are in ISK, so it’s worth downloading a currency converter app before you land.
Is it worth buying the Reykjavik City Card?
If you plan to visit multiple museums, use public buses, and hit the geothermal pools more than once, yes. It pays for itself quickly. If you’re only in the city for a couple of days and mostly doing outdoor activities, you can skip it.
What should I eat in Iceland on a budget?
Hit Bónus supermarket for breakfast and snacks, grab a hot dog from Bæjarins Beztu for lunch (seriously, it’s iconic for a reason), and look for the Icelandic Street Food restaurant for an affordable dinner with traditional lamb soup and free refills. Try Skyr at least once — it’s Iceland’s native dairy staple and costs almost nothing at any supermarket.
Can I drink the tap water in Iceland?
Yes — Icelandic tap water is some of the cleanest in the world, sourced directly from glaciers and springs. Never buy bottled water. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it everywhere for free.
What’s the weather like in Iceland in August?
Mild but unpredictable. Expect temperatures between 50–59°F (10–15°C), long daylight hours, and weather that can shift from sunny to rainy to windy within the same afternoon. Layers and a waterproof jacket are non-negotiable.
Will the midnight sun affect my sleep?
Almost certainly yes, at least for the first couple of days. At midnight in August it still looks like late afternoon outside. Bring a sleep mask, use blackout curtains if your accommodation has them, and set alarms — especially if you have early GLO sessions the next morning.
Do I need travel insurance for an Iceland study abroad program?
Yes. Always. Iceland’s healthcare is excellent but costs for visitors can be high without coverage. Check whether your university offers travel insurance for study abroad students, or look into independent student travel insurance plans before departure.
What makes a GLO seminar in Iceland different from just traveling there on my own?
When you travel to Iceland independently, you see the waterfalls and eat the hot dogs. When you go with GLO, you also sit inside Icelandic companies, hear directly from business leaders, and understand how a country of 380,000 people built one of the most innovative and sustainable economies in the world. The cultural experience is the same — the professional and academic layer is what you can only get through GLO.
