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When you’re making ready to your journey to Iceland, these Iceland journey ideas will assist you alongside the best way. Iceland is among the hottest European locations, and for motive. It’s a simple connection between Europe and North America, and the panorama is pure and surreal.
Iceland’s panorama may be discovered nowhere else. A mix of sizzling springs, glaciers, moist deserts, lava fields, and a dizzying quantity of waterfalls make Iceland an journey vacation spot dream. Regardless of the way you’re planning on touring Iceland, these Iceland journey ideas will make your journey higher!
The Finest Iceland Journey Ideas
Iceland Journey Tip #1: There’s No “Finest Time” to Go
So, when is the perfect time to go to Iceland? Nicely, the brief reply is it is dependent upon what you need. Are you looking for heat (ish) climate and the midnight solar? Or do brisk winter nights, fewer crowds, and the Northern Lights strike your fancy?
After I traveled to Iceland in July, I loved partying beneath the midnight solar and climbing in a t-shirt. One other time we visiting in October and the autumn colours have been merely distinctive. To prime it off, we noticed the Aurora Borealis for the primary time.
If I have been to choose ultimate occasions, it might be June, October, and December. Typically, November and March are the months to keep away from as they’re in between seasons (chilly rain).
Iceland Journey Tip #2: Credit score Playing cards Are King
By no means as soon as did we use money in Iceland. Bank cards are accepted in all places – even in public rest room stalls. In fact, it by no means hurts to have some cash on you, however I wouldn’t convert a lot of it to Icelandic Kroner. When you want ideas for journey banking, we now have a submit.
We propose you carry round 5,000 ISK to get out of any unknown conditions. Get your self a bank card with no overseas transaction charges and supplies you journey rewards for utilizing it. Listed here are just a few of our favorites.
Iceland Journey Tip #3: Drive the Ring Street
Iceland’s Ring Street, or Route 1, takes you across the total nation – like a hoop! It’s among the finest street journeys you’ll be able to take on the planet and brings you to a number of the finest spots in Iceland.
The route took us about 12 days (together with time in Reykjavik), however if you’re brief on time, you are able to do it in 5-7 days. Nevertheless, be ready to spend so much of time within the automotive.
Alongside the route, you discover some superb issues to do in Iceland the Mývatn Nature Baths, Skógafoss, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
Iceland Journey Tip #4: Drive the Golden Circle
When you solely have a brief period of time in Iceland however need to get out of Reykjavik (and you need to), contemplate renting a automotive to drive the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer route looping out and in of the capital.
It’s solely a one-day drive or tour out of Rejykavik and can take you to some incredible sights. Together with Þingvellir Nationwide Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir and Strokkur. It’s also possible to loop within the Kerið volcanic crater and the city of Hveragerði, the new springs capital of Iceland.
A Useful Information to Driving the Golden Circle Route in Iceland
Iceland Journey Tip #5: Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
When you have additional days in Iceland, one in all my prime Iceland journey ideas is to move to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s solely a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula has been dubbed “Little Iceland” as a result of it shows all kinds of magnificence discovered all through Iceland on a compact peninsula.
Waterfalls, cathedral church buildings, a glacier, and quite a few mountains may be discovered on the peninsula. Aspect word: That is additionally the place you’ll be able to uncover Kirkjufell, the well-known mountain from Recreation of Thrones. It’s formed like an arrowhead. 😉
Iceland Journey Tip #6: Contemplate Skipping the Blue Lagoon
Because you’re studying our weblog, I assume you aren’t dwelling beneath a rock. You’ve in all probability heard of the Blue Lagoon in that very same practice of logic. The well-known geothermal spa performs host to over a million guests a yr.
The Blue Lagoon is an Instagram fanatics haven, and it ought to be for the excessive price ticket. Nevertheless, do you know the Blue Lagoon isn’t pure? Or that the water is the runoff of Geo-Thermal energy crops? It’s not marketed on their stunning web site, nevertheless it’s true.
It appears foolish to go to a man-made pool (and a hella costly one at that) in Iceland, a rustic plagued by pure geothermal swimming pools. The Blue Lagoon is a vacationer entice at its most interesting, and all locals will inform you that. When you’re on a price range, contemplate going to one in all Iceland’s native swimming pools for a swim and a chat with the locals or visiting a pure pool. There are even just a few pure swimming pools round Reykjavik which you can go to.
Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t thoughts the worth and crave the mud masks and outside spa in Iceland, it in all probability is correct up your alley, and also you’ll prefer it!
Iceland Journey Tip #7: Don’t be Afraid to Get Bare
Talking of swimming pools, you’ll have to bathe earlier than coming into if you happen to go to a public pool in Iceland. It is a non-negotiable side of visiting an Icelandic pool. It’s essential to bathe completely bare in an open bathe.
The Icelandic individuals take their hygiene severely and don’t need anybody’s soiled our bodies infecting their swimming pools. They use minimal water therapy within the pure geothermal water that fills the swimming pools.
I respect realizing that each particular person has showered and scrubbed when I’m within the swimming pool earlier than coming into. Showers are separated by intercourse, so everyone seems to be snug. I wouldn’t counsel skipping across the bare or bathe half as it could get you just a few scowls from the locals, or you may even get kicked out!
Iceland Journey Tip #8: Don’t Eat Out
Iceland is among the most costly international locations to go to, and these prices will hit your pockets exhausting if you happen to exit to eat. Espresso and a bagel in an area cafe will shortly run you $18-$20, and the common meal out at a restaurant will value wherever from $35-$70. I wouldn’t even contemplate ordering a cocktail with that meal both – we’ve paid much less in posh Manhattan bars.
The primary time I visited Iceland, I went out with just a few Icelanders to a Thai restaurant anticipating to get one thing affordable – it was Thai meals. As an alternative, I regarded on the menu, determined in opposition to paying $35 for Pad Thai, and waited whereas the others ate their meals. Then I went to an Icelandic grocery retailer after for some bread and skyr. True backpacker fashion!
Iceland Journey Tip #9: Speak to the Locals
We discovered most Icelanders to be pleasant individuals, so I encourage you to mingle with them. This may be exhausting as there are solely 350,000 residents and a pair of million vacationers a yr. We discovered extra foreigners than Icelanders on our latest journey there, and it grew to become exhausting to be amongst the locals.
If you wish to combine your self and study extra about Icelandic tradition, head to the native swimming swimming pools and native pubs and journey through the low season when there are fewer vacationers.
Iceland Journey Tip #10: You’re Secure
Iceland is among the most secure international locations on the planet! It was the third nation I traveled to solo and the primary nation I hitchhiked round. The crime price is shockingly low, which makes it a great place to journey for solo feminine vacationers.
Nevertheless, don’t assume you might be 100% protected with the low crime charges as a result of Mom Nature is a bitch. Clueless vacationers discover themselves in life-threatening conditions 3-4 occasions a day within the excessive season. It’s often of their very own doing. Iceland’s climate is notoriously unpredictable and life-threatening, particularly if you’re touring Iceland within the winter.
At all times use your head when within the wilderness, inform somebody the place you’re going if climbing, and just remember to have a cell sign to name 112 in you might be in unsafe situations. I counsel testing Secure Journey to remain up to date on climate situations.
If visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore take the waves severely, as a number of vacationers have drowned after being swept away.
Iceland Journey Tip #11: It’s a Good Honeymoon Vacation spot
Many honeymooners will journey to seashore locations just like the Bahamas or Hawaii for his or her specific journey, however we discovered Iceland to be an exquisite nation for a honeymoon.
What sounds higher, absorbing the solar on a seashore whereas consuming a pina colada or absorbing the warmth in a sizzling spring after chasing waterfalls in Iceland? Nicely, I suppose each sound fairly good.
Well-liked romantic actions embrace horseback using, chasing the Aurora, and descending right into a volcano. It’s a honeymoon for the lively couple who hate vacationer traps and sitting nonetheless.
Iceland Journey Tip #12: Gasoline is Costly
When you plan to lease a automotive in Iceland, word that fuel is dear. It’s a manageable expense to overlook, so ensure that so as to add it to your price range. At over $2/Liter ($8/gallon), I’d counsel planning your whole outings accordingly and don’t waste any gasoline.(You shouldn’t anyway!) We had a camper van for ten days and spent over $500 on gasoline for our ring street journey. YIKES!
Iceland Journey Tip #13: Go Cabin Hopping
Iceland has a number of the most charming family-run guesthouses and cottages scattered throughout the nation. If you’re driving across the Ring Street, one in all my prime Iceland journey ideas is to scope out a cabin for an evening. In comparison with lodges, they’re a number of the extra inexpensive lodging choices.
We stayed in a single charming guesthouse close to Varmahlid referred to as Hestasport Cottages earlier than our Icelandic horseback using tour. The place was heat and comfortable, with a full kitchen and even a communal sizzling spring to take pleasure in within the morning or night.
You will discover many of those off-the-beaten-path guesthouses on Airbnb. Try our submit on ideas for getting the proper place on Airbnb.
Iceland Journey Tip #14: Iceland is a Ski Vacation spot
When you’re into snowboarding and snowboarding, Iceland has some enjoyable ski resorts close to Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik. January – April is the excessive season for these winter actions. For the actually adventurous, you may also go arctic heliskiing within the Skíðadalur Valley. The mountains of the North are amazingly beautiful. Sadly, we weren’t there within the coronary heart of winter to participate of their heliskiing.
Iceland Journey Tip #15: Carry an Eye Masks within the Summer time
One in every of my prime Iceland journey ideas for the summer time is to carry an eye fixed masks. When you go to Iceland between April and September, it should mild out if you find yourself attempting to sleep at 11 p.m. This could have an effect on your sleep cycle, which can already be out of whack due to jet lag. In case your lodge or guesthouse doesn’t have black-out curtains, I counsel packing an eye fixed masks in your keep it up baggage.
Even when your lodge has blackout curtains, I’d nonetheless ensure that to carry one simply in case – they’re low-cost and light-weight, so there is no such thing as a motive to not!
Iceland Journey Tip #16: Pack Accordingly!
It doesn’t matter what time you go to Iceland, I’d pack at the very least the fundamental winter necessities. That could be a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof footwear, and a down jacket. Belief me, only one chilly day with excessive wind, and you’ll thank me.
Don’t arrive in Iceland unprepared for chilly climate, as it should value you dearly to interchange your suitcase with winter garments in Iceland (bear in mind how costly fuel is, now take into consideration hand-knit mittens). The locals say there is no such thing as a dangerous climate in Iceland, simply the incorrect garments, and I couldn’t agree extra!
Additionally, carry a washing go well with and a journey towel for all of the geothermal swimming pools! Right here’s an entire Iceland packing record.
Iceland Journey Tip #17: Carry a Water Bottle
All of the water in Iceland is 100% drinkable. Together with the remainder of Scandinavia, they are saying it’s a number of the cleanest water on the planet, so there is no such thing as a want to purchase any bottled water and put extra plastic into the world.
Get your self a refillable journey water bottle and save your cash and plastic waste.
Iceland Journey Tip #18: Choose up your Rental Automotive from the Airport
When you plan to lease a automotive or campervan to get round, choose it up and drop it off on the airport. It might find yourself saving you a buck. Public transport from the airport is missing, and the Reykjavik Specific, one of many solely buses from the capital to Keflavik airport, is 2400 Icelandic Kroner a technique. That’s a $25+ airport switch on a bus! I’d advocate selecting up and dropping off on the airport.
If you wish to lease a camper van like us, Joyful Campers is a superb firm to go along with. We had an exquisite expertise with them. You’ll be able to simply guide utilizing this hyperlink, however ensure that to guide nicely upfront throughout excessive season as they’re a household run firm and promote their vans out nicely upfront!
Iceland Journey Tip #19: Reykjavik is an Unconventional Capital Metropolis
Though we lived in New York Metropolis, we’re not metropolis individuals anymore. We want to be off climbing, on a seashore or doing absolutely anything else, not in a busy metropolis. Nevertheless, Reykjavik shouldn’t be the standard European metropolis, and we loved spending time within the charming metropolis.
There are not any excessive rises and few enterprise fits, only a laid-back ambiance surrounded by the ocean and mountains. When you solely have just a few days in Iceland, you’ll be able to base your self in Reykjavik and take day journeys out or catch the native bus to locations like Esjan & Glymur.
For my part, Reykjavik deserves at the very least at some point of exploration, until you’re there throughout one in all its epic festivals – then positively keep longer!
Iceland Journey Tip #20: No Waterfall is Created Equal
It’s a well-known Iceland proven fact that the nation has a ton of waterfalls. When you Google “What number of waterfalls are in Iceland?” The quantity 10,000+ comes up. I don’t assume anybody actually is aware of what number of waterfalls are in Iceland.
The nation is plagued by waterfalls. They’re all spectacular. Nevertheless, some notable waterfalls make for the picture-perfact postcard alternative. Listed here are just a few of our favorites.
- Goðafoss: Waterfall of the gods within the Northeast
- Háifoss: A bit off the overwhelmed observe, however one of many highest in Iceland
- Morsárfoss is: Highest waterfall in Iceland
- Dettifoss: Probably the most highly effective waterfall in Europe
- Gullfoss: Alongside the Golden Circle and one of the vital well-known falls to go to
- Seljalandsfoss: You’ll be able to stand behind this waterfall
- Skógafoss: A singular waterfall that comes immediately from two glaciers
Plan Your Journey to Iceland
Guide a Camper!
A campervan is one of the best ways to get round Iceland on a price range. Whereas a camper is barely costlier than a automotive, you’ll be able to sleep and prepare dinner in it! That means you don’t need to seek for any lodges or cope with pricey eating places in Iceland.
Plus you get to sleep in nature each night time and nonetheless use a heater if you want! If you wish to journey with a Joyful Campers van as we did (and you need to they’re the BEST!) ensure that to learn our full overview. You’ll be able to simply guide utilizing this hyperlink, however ensure that to guide nicely upfront throughout excessive season.
Guide a Tour
Typically it’s good to not need to do all of the journey planning and let another person do it.
When is the Finest Time to Go to Iceland?
For my part, the perfect occasions to go to Iceland are June, July, September, October, and December – nevertheless it all is dependent upon what you need! June-August is excessive season, however it is usually summer time in Iceland and when you’ll find essentially the most nice temperatures. It’s additionally when you’ll expertise essentially the most quantity of daylight and get essentially the most of our of your journey. December is nice as a result of it’s winter, you stand a powerful likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s off-season, and the temperatures haven’t gone to finish freezing but.
Nevertheless my private favourite time to journey Iceland is through the fall months. It’s throughout September and October the place you will note the leaves change vibrant colours across the nation. Temperatures are nonetheless delicate, and tourism is slowing down. You’ll be able to see the complete month by month breakdown for Iceland journey right here.
Issues to do in Iceland
There are actually so many issues to do in Iceland I might write a guide about it. Sadly, I don’t have that sort of time so I’m displaying you the last word Iceland bucket record right here. Some issues which might be a should do are go to an Iceland swimming pool, soak in a pure sizzling spring, stand beneath a waterfall, and see the Northern Lights.
Images Gear for Iceland
A high-quality digicam is an important packing merchandise for Iceland in order for you some nice pictures whereas in your trip. We journey with our Fujifilm Digital camera and 200mm telephoto lens. Drones have kind of taken Iceland by storm and may seize incredible footage as nicely. We had our DJI Mavic in Iceland, however ensure that to make use of your drone responsibly as many locals are getting irritated on the sight of them.
No matter you do, don’t forget a tripod for Iceland – particularly if you happen to plan on photographing the Northern Lights as you’ll want one for the lengthy exposures.
Is Iceland Costly?
Iceland is mega costly. One of the costly international locations in all the world really. Just be sure you plan accordingly and consistent with your price range. It’s definitely attainable to do Iceland on a price range of lower than $100 if you’re tenting, cooking all your personal primary meals, and touring by public transport or rating deal on a rental. The excellent news is that nature is free, and also you’ll be capable of see Iceland’s magnificence with out paying for it. So sure – it’s fully doable to have an inexpensive Iceland trip.
When you plan on consuming be sure you choose up responsibility free alcohol earlier than you allow the airport. A pint of beer can simply run you $15-$20!
Extra Useful Iceland Journey Ideas
- Icelanders communicate Icelandic, however each single particular person I got here throughout spoke English.
- The native foreign money is the Icelandic króna (ISK). ATM’s are discovered all through the nation
- Have I discussed Iceland is dear? Get monetary savings by consuming in and cooking for your self. Try our Iceland grocery retailer information for all the information!
- Iceland is among the most secure international locations on the planet; nevertheless, it’s all the time vital to make use of widespread sense when strolling alone at night time.
- Tipping shouldn’t be customary in Iceland.
- Iceland has a powerful web infrastructure and you need to be capable of simply keep linked.
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