Page last updated: 11 November 2024
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has been attracting tourists from all over the world due to its breathtaking landscapes, Nordic culture, and numerous adventure activities.
How many tourists visit Iceland each year?
In 2023, over 2.21 million international tourists visited Iceland. 1
- In 2019, Iceland welcomed a total of 2.01 million tourists. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a decline in international tourist arrivals, totalling approximately 494,000 visitors.
- By 2021, the number of international tourists visiting Iceland increased to 698,000.
- In 2022, international tourist numbers reached 1.7 million, and this rose by 31% in 2023 to 2.21 million.
How many tourists visited Iceland in 2024?
- 1.74 million tourists visited Iceland from January to September of 2024. Note: This is preliminary data from Icelandic Tourism Board and may change with future updates.
| Number of International Tourists Arrival 2024 | |
| Year | Total Visits (m) |
| January | 128,061 |
| February | 155,710 |
| March | 171,969 |
| April | 137,210 |
| May | 157,366 |
| June | 212,391 |
| July | 276,621 |
| August | 281,450 |
| September | 223,025 |
How many tourists visited Iceland in 2023?
- Iceland welcomed a total of 2.21 million international tourists in 2023. This indicated a 31% increase from 2022 and exceeded the 2019 figure by 10%.
How much do tourists spend in Iceland?
International tourists generated $3.1 billion in expenditures in 2023.
- In 2019, foreign tourists spent $2.69 billion during their trips to Iceland. Due to travel restrictions, this figure decreased in 2020 to $654 million.
- In 2021 and 2022 international visitors spent $1.3 billion and $2.47 billion, respectively.
- A total of 3.1 billion was spent by tourists in 2023, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure (2019) by 15%.
How much did tourists spend in Iceland in 2023?
- International tourists generated a total of 3.1 billion in expenditure while visiting and exploring the wonders of Iceland.
Which country visits Iceland the most?
Most tourists in Iceland come from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Germany, Poland, and France in 2023.
- The USA was the top source of visitors accounting for 28% of the market share with a total of 629,015 visits. The UK also contributed 279,059 tourists.
- Germany accounted for over 6% of the market share with 136,490 visits.
- Poland and France made 134,427 and 99,208 visits, respectively.
How long do visitors stay in Iceland?
The average length of stay for international visitors in Iceland was reported to be 6.6 nights in 2023.
- In 2018, tourists enjoyed an average stay of 6.3 nights, which rose to 6.6 nights in 2019, and 6.9 nights in 2020.
- The average length of stay peaked at 8.2 nights in 2021, before experiencing a slight decrease to a still impressive 7.4 nights in 2022.
Iceland Travel Resources
What are the peak tourist months in Iceland?
- August 2023 marked the peak month with 280,721 international tourist arrivals, due to optimal summer weather conditions and a series of cultural festivals.
- July attracted 275,291 visitors, aligning with Iceland’s peak summer season and one of the warmest months.
- June was the third most popular month with 233,309 arrivals.
- Early autumn in September attracted 218,235 visitors, as the weather remained mild and tourism activities were sustained post-peak summer.
- October maintained high visitation rates totalling 202,979, driven by the autumn landscape and nature-related attractions.
How popular is Iceland as a tourist destination?
- Various tourism businesses in Iceland have consistently received the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, indicating high traveller satisfaction.
- Blue Lagoon Iceland was honoured with the 2024 Responsible Tourism Incentive Award for its efforts in sustainability and circular economy practices.
What are the main reasons people visit Iceland?
In 2023, 93% of trips in Iceland were “holiday” visits which amounted to 2 million visits.
- “Business purposes” accounted for 2.5% (55,591 visits) of international trips.
- “Visiting friends or relatives” made up 2.3% of visits, totalling 51,144 trips.
- Other personal reasons, including study, sports, shopping, and health, comprised 2.6% or 3,579 visits.
What are the top destinations to visit in Iceland?
- The Capital Region, including Greater Reykjavík, draws 97% of visitors in 2023, featuring cultural sites like the Blue Lagoon.
- Geysir/Gullfoss, in Haukadalur Valley, attracts 59.4% of tourists with its erupting geyser and waterfall.
- Þingvellir, visited by 50.4%, lets tourists walk between tectonic plates at an ancient meeting site.
- Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, captivates 47.4% with its black sand beaches and seabird cliffs.
- Skógar, visited by 43.6%, is renowned for the Skógafoss waterfall and cultural museums.
Iceland Outbound Tourism Statistics
How many people from Iceland travel overseas?
- In 2019, Icelanders made 611,000 international trips and spent over $1.51 billion on these vacations.
- For Icelandic tourists travelling abroad, Spain has traditionally been the top preference.
Where do Icelandic residents travel to?
- The list of top destinations for residents of Iceland includes Spain, Denmark, the UK, Sweden, and France.
