Last Minute Holidays to Iceland in October

October resorts in Iceland are best judged by how easily they connect you to the landscapes you came to see, and by how much shelter they offer from the wind.

• Akureyri: Akureyri is the largest town in the north, set on a long fjord and framed by mountains, and it leads with a calmer pace than the capital. In October the botanical garden and cafes make it a relaxed base, while the town centre is a short walk from the harbour. Godafoss waterfall is within driving distance, so you can keep your days full without constant packing and moving. It is a sound choice for travellers who want quiet evenings and a northern perspective on the country. It is exactly the brief our Iceland holidays deals are built around.
• Stykkisholmur: Stykkisholmur is a small harbour town on the western peninsula with ferry links to the Westfjords, and it suits travellers who want a slower October. Its harbour serves as the base for boat trips into the bay, which offer a different view of the coast from the road. The trade-off is that it has fewer services than a larger town, so you will want a car and a plan. We think it rewards travellers who are happy to stay put and explore on the water.
• Husavik: Husavik is a small harbour town in North Iceland and a major hub for whale watching, with tours running from the harbour close to the town centre. In October the sea conditions can be rougher, so flexibility on boat trips matters, and we recommend building in a spare day. The town is compact and easy to walk, which keeps logistics simple. For a quieter northern stay with a clear reason to visit the water, it is one of our strongest picks. It is exactly the brief our Iceland Family Holidays deals are built around.
• Hofn: Hofn is a fishing town in the southeast and a practical base for visiting the glacier lagoon and the dramatic headlands nearby. It sits well away from the bigger towns, so you trade nightlife for a sense of space and a clear view of the ice cap. Distances on the ring road are long, which means a car is essential and day plans should be realistic. For travellers who put scenery first, this town gives a focused and memorable October stay.
• Seydisfjordur: Seydisfjordur is a small fishing town in the east, reached through mountain roads and linked to Denmark by the Smyril Line ferry. Its colourful wooden houses and strong arts scene give it a character unlike any other base in the country, which is exactly the kind of relaxed, unhurried brief our Iceland Adults Only Holidays deals are built around. The mountain roads can be affected by weather in October, so you should check conditions before you travel and allow extra time. We recommend it for those who value a distinctive, slower-paced stay over convenience.