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In the event you’re getting ready to your journey to Iceland, these Iceland journey suggestions will make it easier to alongside the best way. Iceland is among the hottest European locations, and for an excellent purpose. It’s a straightforward connection between Europe and North America, and the panorama is pure and surreal.
Iceland’s panorama might be discovered nowhere else. A mix of scorching 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 suggestions will make your journey higher!
The Greatest Iceland Journey Suggestions
Iceland Journey Tip #1: There’s No “Greatest Time” to Go
So, when is one of the best time to go to Iceland? Nicely, the brief reply is it is dependent upon what you need. Are you trying to find 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 underneath the midnight solar and mountaineering 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 preferrred occasions, it could 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 every single place – even in public rest room stalls. After all, it by no means hurts to have some cash on you, however I wouldn’t convert a lot of it to Icelandic Kroner. In the event you want suggestions for journey banking, we have now a submit.
We recommend you carry round 5,000 ISK to get out of any unknown conditions. Get your self a bank card with no international transaction charges and supplies you journey rewards for utilizing it. Listed below are a couple of of our favorites.
Iceland Journey Tip #3: Drive the Ring Highway
Iceland’s Ring Highway, or Route 1, takes you across the total nation – like a hoop! It’s top-of-the-line street journeys you possibly can take on this planet and brings you to a number of the greatest spots in Iceland.
The route took us about 12 days (together with time in Reykjavik), however in case you are 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
In the event you solely have a brief period of time in Iceland however need to get out of Reykjavik (and it’s best 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 implausible sights. Together with Þingvellir Nationwide Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir and Strokkur. You can too 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’ve got additional days in Iceland, one among my prime Iceland journey suggestions 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 might be discovered on the peninsula. Aspect word: That is additionally the place you possibly can 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 residing underneath a rock. You’ve in all probability heard of the Blue Lagoon in that very same prepare of logic. The well-known geothermal spa performs host to over a million guests a 12 months.
The Blue Lagoon is an Instagram fanatics haven, and it must 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 vegetation? It’s not marketed on their stunning web site, nevertheless it’s true.
It appears foolish to go to a synthetic 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 best, and all locals will let you know that. In the event you’re on a finances, contemplate going to one among Iceland’s native swimming pools for a swim and a chat with the locals or visiting a pure pool. There are even a couple of pure swimming pools round Reykjavik that you could go to.
Nevertheless, should you don’t thoughts the value 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 getting into should you go to a public pool in Iceland. It is a non-negotiable side of visiting an Icelandic pool. You should bathe totally bare in an open bathe.
The Icelandic folks take their hygiene critically 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 admire understanding that each particular person has showered and scrubbed when I’m within the swimming pool earlier than getting into. Showers are separated by intercourse, so everyone seems to be comfy. I wouldn’t counsel skipping across the bare or bathe half as it could get you a couple of scowls from the locals, or you might even get kicked out!
Iceland Journey Tip #8: Don’t Eat Out
Iceland is among the most costly nations to go to, and these prices will hit your pockets arduous should you 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 price anyplace 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 a couple of Icelanders to a Thai restaurant anticipating to get one thing cheap – it was Thai meals. As a substitute, I appeared 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 type!
Iceland Journey Tip #9: Speak to the Locals
We discovered most Icelanders to be pleasant folks, so I encourage you to mingle with them. This may be arduous as there are solely 350,000 residents and a pair of million vacationers a 12 months. We discovered extra foreigners than Icelanders on our latest journey there, and it turned arduous to be amongst the locals.
If you wish to combine your self and be taught extra about Icelandic tradition, head to the native swimming swimming pools and native pubs and journey throughout the low season when there are fewer vacationers.
Iceland Journey Tip #10: You’re Protected
Iceland is among the most secure nations on this 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 an excellent place to journey for solo feminine vacationers.
Nevertheless, don’t suppose you might be 100% secure 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 in case you are touring Iceland within the winter.
At all times use your head when within the wilderness, inform somebody the place you’re going if mountaineering, and just remember to have a cell sign to name 112 in you might be in unsafe situations. I counsel testing Protected Journey to remain up to date on climate situations.
If visiting Reynisfjara Black Sand Seashore take the waves critically, 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 seaside locations just like the Bahamas or Hawaii for his or her explicit journey, however we discovered Iceland to be a beautiful nation for a honeymoon.
What sounds higher, absorbing the solar on a seaside whereas consuming a pina colada or absorbing the warmth in a scorching spring after chasing waterfalls in Iceland? Nicely, I suppose each sound fairly good.
Standard romantic actions embrace horseback driving, 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: Gas is Costly
In the event you plan to lease a automotive in Iceland, word that gasoline is expensive. It’s a manageable expense to neglect, so make certain so as to add it to your finances. At over $2/Liter ($8/gallon), I’d counsel planning all your 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. In case you are driving across the Ring Highway, one among my prime Iceland journey suggestions 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 known as Hestasport Cottages earlier than our Icelandic horseback driving tour. The place was heat and comfy, with a full kitchen and even a communal scorching spring to get pleasure from within the morning or night.
Yow will discover many of those off-the-beaten-path guesthouses on Airbnb. Try our submit on suggestions for getting the proper place on Airbnb.
Iceland Journey Tip #14: Iceland is a Ski Vacation spot
In the event 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 too can 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: Deliver an Eye Masks within the Summer season
One among my prime Iceland journey suggestions for the summer season is to deliver a watch masks. In the event you go to Iceland between April and September, it is going to mild out if you find yourself making an attempt 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 a watch masks in your keep on baggage.
Even when your lodge has blackout curtains, I’d nonetheless make certain to deliver one simply in case – they’re low-cost and lightweight, so there isn’t any purpose 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 essential 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 is going to price you dearly to switch your suitcase with winter garments in Iceland (keep in mind how costly gasoline is, now take into consideration hand-knit mittens). The locals say there isn’t any unhealthy climate in Iceland, simply the mistaken garments, and I couldn’t agree extra!
Additionally, deliver a washing swimsuit and a journey towel for all of the geothermal swimming pools! Right here’s a whole Iceland packing checklist.
Iceland Journey Tip #17: Deliver 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 this planet, so there isn’t any 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: Decide up your Rental Automotive from the Airport
In the event you plan to lease a automotive or campervan to get round, decide 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 method. 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, Completely happy Campers is a superb firm to go along with. We had a beautiful expertise with them. You’ll be able to simply guide utilizing this hyperlink, however make certain 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
Regardless that we lived in New York Metropolis, we’re not metropolis folks anymore. We desire to be off mountaineering, on a seaside or doing absolutely anything else, not in a busy metropolis. Nevertheless, Reykjavik shouldn’t be the same old 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 environment surrounded by the ocean and mountains. In the event you solely have a couple of days in Iceland, you possibly can base your self in Reykjavik and take day journeys out or catch the native bus to locations like Esjan & Glymur.
In my view, Reykjavik deserves at the very least someday of exploration, until you’re there throughout one among its epic festivals – then positively keep longer!
Iceland Journey Tip #20: No Waterfall is Created Equal
It’s a well-known Iceland indisputable fact that the nation has a ton of waterfalls. In the event you Google “What number of waterfalls are in Iceland?” The quantity 10,000+ comes up. I don’t suppose 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 below are a couple of of our favorites.
- Goðafoss: Waterfall of the gods within the Northeast
- Háifoss: A bit off the overwhelmed monitor, however one of many highest in Iceland
- Morsárfoss is: Highest waterfall in Iceland
- Dettifoss: Essentially the most highly effective waterfall in Europe
- Gullfoss: Alongside the Golden Circle and some of the well-known falls to go to
- Seljalandsfoss: You’ll be able to stand behind this waterfall
- Skógafoss: A novel waterfall that comes immediately from two glaciers
Plan Your Journey to Iceland
Ebook a Camper!
A campervan is one of the best ways to get round Iceland on a finances. Whereas a camper is barely dearer than a automotive, you possibly can sleep and cook dinner in it! Which means you don’t should 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 Completely happy Campers van as we did (and it’s best to they’re the BEST!) make certain to learn our full evaluation. You’ll be able to simply guide utilizing this hyperlink, however make certain to guide nicely upfront throughout excessive season.
Ebook a Tour
Generally it’s good to not should do all of the journey planning and let another person do it.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Iceland?
In my view, one of the best 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’s also summer season 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 probability 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 throughout 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 gentle, 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 form of time so I’m exhibiting you the last word Iceland bucket checklist right here. Some issues which can be a should do are go to an Iceland swimming pool, soak in a pure scorching spring, stand underneath a waterfall, and see the Northern Lights.
Pictures Gear for Iceland
A high-quality digicam is a necessary packing merchandise for Iceland if you’d like 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 might seize implausible footage as nicely. We had our DJI Mavic in Iceland, however make certain to make use of your drone responsibly as many locals are getting aggravated on the sight of them.
No matter you do, don’t forget a tripod for Iceland – particularly should you plan on photographing the Northern Lights as you’ll want one for the lengthy exposures.
Is Iceland Costly?
Iceland is mega costly. Probably the most costly nations in your entire world really. Just remember to plan accordingly and in keeping with your finances. It’s actually attainable to do Iceland on a finances of lower than $100 in case you are tenting, cooking all your personal fundamental meals, and touring by public transport or rating an excellent 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.
In the event you plan on consuming be sure you decide up obligation free alcohol earlier than you allow the airport. A pint of beer can simply run you $15-$20!
Extra Useful Iceland Journey Suggestions
- 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 guidelines!
- Iceland is among the most secure nations on this planet; nonetheless, 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 it’s best to be capable of simply keep related.
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