50 Iceland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go

In the event you’re making ready to journey to Iceland, these Iceland journey suggestions will allow you to alongside the way in which. Iceland is without doubt one of the hottest European locations, and for motive. It’s a straightforward connection between Europe and North America, and the panorama is pure and surreal.

Iceland’s panorama could be discovered nowhere else. A combination of sizzling springs, glaciers, moist deserts, lava fields, and a dizzying quantity of waterfalls makes Iceland an journey vacation spot dream. Irrespective of the way you’re planning to journey to Iceland, these Iceland journey suggestions will make your journey higher!

Our Greatest Iceland Journey Ideas

There may be No “Greatest Time” to Go

So, when is the perfect time to go to Iceland? The brief reply is that it relies on what you need when touring to Iceland. 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?

I’ve now traveled to Iceland 3 times – in June, July, and October. June was probably the most unpredictable, and though I believed I’d be frolicking beneath the midnight solar the entire time, the fact is we bought three days of sunshine, three days of downpours, and per week of cloudy meh climate our total two weeks.

After I traveled to Iceland in July, I loved partying beneath the midnight solar and climbing in a t-shirt. One other time we visited in October, and the autumn colours have been merely distinctive, and we really had higher climate than we did in June and July! To high it off, we noticed the Aurora Borealis for the primary time.

If I have been to select superb instances, it could be June, October, and December. Usually, November and March are the months to keep away from as they’re between seasons (chilly rain). Nevertheless, after our most up-to-date two week journey in June, all I’ve to say is plan for all the things in Iceland – the climate actually is unpredictable.

It’s not AS costly as it’s possible you’ll assume.

Iceland is understood for being one of the crucial costly locations on the planet – and it’s! Although, with some planning, it doesn’t should be. A few of the finest methods to save cash are to journey in the course of the low season and keep away from consuming out. Eating places and alcohol in Iceland are pricey.

In the event you focus extra on climbing excursions and fewer on paid points of interest just like the Blue Lagoon or snorkeling the Silfra Fissure, you’ll save a bit of cash!

We’ve traveled to Iceland 3 times now. The primary time I backpacked on a funds of $30 a day (again in 2013 – inflation!); the second time was in 2017, and we traveled in October to save cash.

On our final journey, we visited Summer season Solstice, the excessive season in Iceland. I budgeted your complete journey, and for 2 weeks, we spent $7500 for 2 individuals, or about $600 a day, and $300 per particular person per day. This included our campervan, campsite charges, actions, meals – all the things. It’s definitely removed from the most affordable journey we’ve ever taken, nevertheless it might have gotten costlier, and we didn’t maintain again on experiences both.

Tipping in Iceland

It’s not customary to tip in Iceland, so relaxation assured that prime restaurant invoice contains the tip!

Hire a Campervan!

We’re agency believers {that a} campervan is one of the simplest ways to get round Iceland. Whereas a camper is costlier than a automobile rental, you’ll be able to sleep and prepare dinner in it! Which means you don’t should seek for any motels or cope with pricey eating places in Iceland.

Whereas the summer season charges with a campervan are fairly excessive, we love the liberty and adaptability the campervan offers us. Being able to drive for so long as we would like in the course of the day, stopping at as many sights as we would like, with out worrying about making it to our lodge or dinner reservation, is the final word freedom.

Having a campervan additionally allowed us to remain out properly previous midnight to see the well-known websites with out the gang, and crash within the camper for an influence nap after. Like I mentioned, a camper is the way in which to do it for those who’re after freedom.

Plus, you sleep in nature each evening and nonetheless use a heater within the winter if you want! If you wish to journey with a Comfortable Campers van as we did (and you must they’re the BEST!), make sure that to learn our full assessment. You may simply ebook utilizing this hyperlink, however make sure that to ebook properly upfront throughout excessive season.

You don’t have to order a campsite.

You need to keep at a campsite for those who plan on tenting round Iceland, whether or not with a tent, campervan, or RV. In contrast to tenting within the US or Canada, you don’t have to order the campsite upfront. There are tons of of campsites round Iceland, and you may roll up at any time, with out reservation, and arrange camp.

In the event you arrive late at evening and nobody is there to take fee, you’ll be able to pay within the morning when the workplace opens!

Iceland Campsites…

Talking of campsites in Iceland, don’t arrive in Iceland anticipating to seek out personal grounds within the woods with a pleasant place to construct a hearth as we did. These exist in North America and usually are not a lot in Europe. We haven’t camped a lot round Europe, so I can’t shed an excessive amount of mild on that. However campsites in Iceland, in comparison with grounds within the US or Canada, are…not that nice.

Campsites in Iceland are often nothing greater than a parking zone, generally, there’s grass, generally there are bushes for some privateness, and generally it’s fairly actually a parking zone. The good ones have clear bathrooms and sizzling showers; generally, there’s a kitchen space too. Hopefully the bottom is degree, so you’ll be able to park your campervan, arrange your tent on degree floor, and sleep comfortably.

Campsites in Iceland are sometimes run by native Icelanders who occur to have some further land for campers. We camped at 14 campsites in Iceland in the summertime and paid anyplace from 1600 ISK to 2500 ISK per particular person per evening for parking on the land for a complete of $350 for the 2 weeks – along with our campervan rental.

We searched for many of our campsites on Google Maps and have been meticulous with staying at campsites solely rated above 4.0. We paid further consideration to critiques that talked about sizzling showers and clear amenities – as a result of not each campground presents this. Generally they cost further for showers.

Most campsites solely function in the summertime, so in case you are touring Iceland within the low season or winter, you’ll should work a bit more durable to seek out open campsites. Sometimes, some campsites homeowners will allow you to nonetheless park on their land within the winter, however no amenities are often obtainable past this. We realized this the onerous approach after we traveled in October.

E book Your Lodging in Advance

In the event you’re not tenting or in a campervan/RV you’ll have to ebook motels and guesthouses, and there’s not almost sufficient lodging to cater to the massive variety of vacationers Iceland sees in the summertime.

You’ll wish to ebook your lodging properly upfront if touring throughout excessive season (summer season months). How far upfront? I might suggest 6+ months or extra to attain a number of the finest charges and have extra choices to select from.

paid parking stations Are annoying

Most locations in Iceland provide free parking, permitting you to drive with out concern about parking charges or street tolls. However, it’s essential to remember that sure places require parking fee, and at instances, vacationers might unintentionally overlook checking for paid parking spots.

These charges apply in nationwide parks like Skaftafell or Thingvellir, downtown Reykjavik, and widespread points of interest such because the Geldingardalir (Fagradalsfjall) volcano and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

A lot of the paid parking areas in Iceland are like one thing out of the longer term too. No parking attendant is checking to see for those who paid. As a substitute, you’ll discover a digicam that takes your license plate as quickly as you pull into the lot.

Meaning as quickly as you pull into the lot, your license plate is famous, and also you’ll be topic to pay the parking payment, even when you find yourself not staying or didn’t imply to tug into the lot.

Some parking areas give a 10-minute grace interval, however some don’t, and it grew to become annoying for us as we weren’t given an opportunity to determine if paying 1000 ISK to park was well worth the viewpoint or sight we have been at. The best method to pay for parking is thru the Parka app (Obtain: Google Play | App Retailer)or the web site parka.is 

Most Roads are only one lane

Nearly all of roads in Iceland encompass two-lane paved stretches, and this contains the Ring Highway. Nonetheless, it’s not unusual for a “most important” street to unexpectedly transition from a easy, well-paved floor to a gravel street.

Luckily, even these gravel roads are typically well-maintained and pose no problem for all sorts of automobiles, even 2WD vehicles, guaranteeing secure journey situations.

Watch Out For Sheep!

Like within the neaby Faroe Islands, sheep are in every single place in Iceland and also you’ll have to be careful for them whereas driving. They generally tend to wander into the street, and also you’ll have to decelerate and keep away from them.

Don’t velocity

In the event you hire a automobile in Iceland and have plans to drive round; take note of the velocity limits. Don’t velocity – you don’t desire a rushing ticket in Iceland! There are velocity cameras round Iceland, however they often provide you with truthful warning when they’re there.

F Roads

When renting a automobile or campervan, certainly one of our high Iceland journey suggestions is to seek out out about F-Roads.

In Iceland, F-roads, also called mountain roads or highland roads, are a particular classification of roads that traverse the nation’s distant and rugged inside. The “F” stands for “Fjallvegur” in Icelandic, which implies “mountain street.” These roads are unpaved and sometimes solely accessible throughout summer season when situations are extra favorable.

F-roads are characterised by difficult terrain, together with gravel, rocks, river crossings, and steep inclines. They typically require automobiles with excessive floor clearance, four-wheel drive (4WD), and specialised tools to navigate safely. Resulting from their distant nature and tough situations, touring on F-roads is taken into account an journey and requires cautious preparation and warning. Not each rental automobile or campervan can journey on F-Roads, and also you’ll have to hire a 4×4 particularly if you wish to get into the Icelandic Highlands. This will add to your journey’s price, nevertheless it’s price seeing the gorgeous Highlands.

Don’t drive a automobile not rated to deal with the F Roads down an F-Highway. In the event you injury the car, insurance coverage out of your rental automobile company is often voided, and you would pay giant on your mistake.

Credit score Playing cards Are King

By no means as soon as have we used money in Iceland. Bank cards are accepted in every single place – even in public toilet stalls. In fact, having some cash on you by no means hurts, however I wouldn’t convert a lot of it to Icelandic Kroner. In the event you want suggestions for journey banking, we now have a publish.

We advise 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 offers you journey rewards for utilizing it. Listed here are just a few of our favorites.

Drive the Ring Highway

Iceland’s Ring Highway, 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 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 automobile.

Alongside the route, you discover some wonderful issues to do in Iceland, together with the Mývatn Nature Baths, Skógafoss, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Drive the Golden Circle

In the event you solely have a brief period of time to journey in Iceland however wish to get out of Reykjavik (and you must), take into account renting a automobile 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 improbable sights. Together with Þingvellir Nationwide Park, Gullfoss Waterfall,  and Geysir and Strokkur. You can even loop within the Kerið volcanic crater and the city of Hveragerði, the recent springs capital of Iceland.

A Useful Information to Driving the Golden Circle Route in Iceland

Head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If in case you have further days in Iceland, certainly one of my high Iceland journey suggestions is to go 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 could be discovered on the peninsula. Aspect word: That is additionally the place you’ll be able to uncover Kirkjufell, the well-known mountain from Sport of Thrones. It’s formed like an arrowhead. 😉

get off the ring street

I do know we mentioned to drive the enduring Ring Highway, and also you 100% ought to; nevertheless, don’t overlook to enterprise off the loop round Iceland. The Ring Highway stays fairly busy, particularly in the summertime and alongside the south coast of Iceland.

A few of our greatest stops have been discovered by venturing off the Ring Highway. We particularly cherished exploring Husavik and hikgin to Glymur Waterfall!

The South Coast of Iceland

We’ve now pushed the Ring Highway twice, in each instructions, in addition to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and different components of the nation. The one space that’s considerably busier than the remainder of Iceland is the Southern Coast. That is the place well-known websites like Skogafoss, Vik, and Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool are.

The southern coast is arguably probably the most dramatic a part of Iceland with waterfalls galore. Additionally it’s not a far drive from Reykjavik, which means many individuals can take day journeys to the realm. This retains the Southern Coast lots busy!

Go to Landmannalauger!

Together with getting off the Ring Highway, we extremely suggest you carve out time in your Iceland itinerary for Landmannalaugher.

That is within the Highlands of Iceland, and to achieve Landmannalauger, you’ll want a type of 4×4 automobiles we mentioned, otherwise you’ll wish to leap on a tour! Seeing this otherworldly land the place so many films have been filmed is properly price it.

Take into account Skipping the Blue Lagoon

Because you’re studying our weblog, I assume you aren’t residing beneath a rock.  You’ve most likely heard of the Blue Lagoon in your Iceland journey analysis in that very same prepare 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 needs 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 lovely 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 lure at its most interesting, and all locals will inform you that. In the event you’re on a funds, take into account going to certainly one of 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 could go to.

Nevertheless, for those who don’t thoughts the worth and crave the mud masks and out of doors spa in Iceland, it is perhaps proper up your alley, and also you’ll prefer it!

It took me three visits to Iceland to lastly collapse and ebook a really costly ticket to the Blue Lagoon to see what all of the fuss was about, and out of all the ten+ sizzling springs I visited within the nation, the Blue Lagoon was simply probably the most disappointing.

Our Favourite Thermal Baths & Scorching Springs

Talking of sizzling springs and thermal baths we visited many on our journey. One in all our favourite issues to do within the early morning or within the night was hit up a sizzling spring. Listed here are a few of our favorites:

Reykjadalur Scorching Springs: Hike to those free sizzling springs and keep just a few hours.

Hvammsvik sizzling springs: Our absolute favourite sizzling springs in all of Iceland.

Vok Baths: Situated in Northern Iceland, these baths have floating swimming pools

Forest Lagoon: Situated within the metropolis of Akureyri, these sizzling springs are hidden away within the forest and have the perfect chilly plunge.

Krauma: Simply an hour from Reykjavik, these are a really quiet various to the Blue Lagoon.

Sky Lagoon: Improbable various to the Blue Lagoon, nevertheless no milky blue water.

Additionally, I figured I ought to point out that in case you are tenting and don’t wish to be bothered with showering on the campsites, all of the pay for thermal baths and geothermal spas have luxurious showers – sometimes with toiletries!

Don’t be Afraid to Get Bare

Talking of swimming pools, you’ll have to bathe earlier than getting into for those who go to a public pool in Iceland. This can be a non-negotiable facet of visiting an Icelandic pool. You need to bathe totally bare in an open bathe. (Within the vacationer thermal baths there are sometimes personal showers).

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 figuring out 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 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 would even get kicked out! It’s okay – nobody is wanting.

go to websites exterior of peak hours

Most of the most well-known sights in Iceland, particularly alongside the South Coast and Golden Circle, are extremely busy. I’m speaking about lovely Skogafoss, Reynisfjara Seashore, Svartifoss, and Seljalandsfoss. These locations are wonderful and price stopping by, however certainly one of our high Iceland journey suggestions is to go to these exterior the hours of 10-6 pm.

In the summertime, you’ll be rewarded for those who keep up previous midnight and go to – belief me! The sleepless nights are price it if you understand you’ll have these widespread locations whereas the remainder of Iceland sleeps.

The identical goes for the Thermal Baths.

This identical idea additionally applies to the favored geothermal swimming pools in Iceland. As an example, the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Vok Baths are widespread stops in Iceland.

We at all times visited the baths both as quickly as they opened or about two hours earlier than they closed and located these intervals to be probably the most crowd-free and peaceable – particularly on the well-known Blue Lagoon!

Rethink Consuming Out

Iceland is without doubt one of the costliest international locations to go to, and these prices will hit your pockets onerous for those who exit to eat. Espresso and a bagel in a neighborhood cafe will rapidly run you $18-$20, and the typical meal out at a restaurant will price anyplace from $35-$70 per particular person. I wouldn’t even take into account ordering a cocktail with that meal both for those who’re on a funds – 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 cheap – it was Thai meals. As a substitute, I regarded on the menu, determined in opposition to paying $30 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 and lived off that. True backpacker type!

The grocery shops are the place you’re going to get the perfect worth in Iceland, and you will discover virtually something you need at them! Our favourite grocery retailer is Bonus – simply search for the porky pig!

Get Your Alcohol at Obligation Free

We didn’t drink a lot in Iceland, moreover just a few glasses of wine or beer whereas stress-free on the thermal baths. The Icelandic authorities imposes excessive taxes on alcohol as a method to discourage extreme consumption and to generate income. These taxes can considerably enhance the retail worth of alcoholic drinks.

Moreover, Iceland has a small inhabitants and restricted native manufacturing of alcohol, which signifies that a good portion of alcoholic drinks must be imported. This all signifies that alcohol, particularly liquor and wine, is extremely costly.

In the event you plan to drink a bit in Iceland certainly one of our high Iceland journey suggestions is to get your bottles at obligation free if you land in Reykjavik. It’s just about open 24/7 and is the most affordable place you’ll be capable to rating booze in Iceland.

Don’t take a taxi from the Airport to the Metropolis

Talking of the airport, one other certainly one of my high Iceland journey suggestions is to keep away from taking a taxi from the airport to Reykjavik. This taxi journey, for those who select to simply accept, could also be one of the crucial costly in your life.

A taxi from the airport to metropolis can price upwards of $200! We paid $30 to drive 5 minutes from the airport to our lodge in Keflavik as we arrived tremendous late at evening.

There are personal buses that can take you from Keflavík Worldwide Airport to Downtown Reykjavik for a extra inexpensive worth.

gasoline stations are the place it’s at

Gasoline stations are the place you will discover virtually all the things in Iceland – not simply gas! It’s the place you will discover inexpensive meals and fast takeaway meals choices. A improbable approach to save cash for those who don’t have a kitchen however don’t wish to splurge on an costly Icelandic meal.

We discovered many N1s to have nice eating choices (and infrequently extraordinarily clear toilet amenities). That is the place you would often discover a meal for beneath 2000 ISK.

eat at meals halls

One other wonderful means to save cash in Iceland is to eat on the meals halls. Meals halls usually are not in every single place in Iceland, and usually within the larger cities and cities like Reykjavik, Selfoss, and Akurya.

That is the place you would discover loads of completely different eateries for the entire household with out spending an arm and leg for lunch or dinner!

Discuss to the Locals

We discovered most Icelanders to be pleasant individuals, so I encourage you to mingle with them. This may be onerous as there are solely 350,000 residents and a couple of million vacationers a yr. On our current journey there, we discovered extra foreigners than Icelanders, and it grew to become onerous 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 in the course of the low season when there are fewer vacationers.

Most Icelanders can converse English.

We’ve but to come across an Icelander who can’t converse English, they usually converse it virtually completely – maybe even higher than you! So that you by no means have to fret about communication or issues getting misplaced in translation right here.

You might be Secure

Iceland is without doubt one of 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 an excellent place to journey for solo feminine vacationers.

Nevertheless, don’t assume you’re 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 instances 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.

All the time use your head when within the wilderness, inform somebody the place you’re going if climbing, and just be sure you have a cell sign to name 112 in you’re in unsafe situations. I counsel trying out 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 by sneaker waves, and it’s turn into one of the crucial harmful locations for vacationers to go to in Iceland.

Iceland is a Nice 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 a beautiful 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? Effectively, I assume 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 energetic couple who hate vacationer traps and sitting nonetheless – and don’t thoughts a little bit of unpredictable climate!

Gasoline is Costly

In the event you plan to hire a automobile in Iceland, word that gasoline is dear.  It’s a manageable expense to overlook, so make sure that so as to add it to your funds.

At over $2/Liter ($8/gallon), I might counsel planning all your outings accordingly and don’t waste any gas. We had a camper van two weeks and spent over $600 on gas for our ring street journey. YIKES!

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, certainly one of my high Iceland journey suggestions is to scope out a cabin for an evening. In comparison with motels, they’re a number of the extra inexpensive lodging choices.

Earlier than our Icelandic horseback driving tour, we stayed in a single charming guesthouse close to Varmahlid known as Hestasport Cottages. The place was heat and comfortable, with a full kitchen and even a communal sizzling 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 publish on suggestions for getting the right place on Airbnb.

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. You can even go arctic heliskiing within the Skíðadalur Valley for the actually adventurous.

The mountains of the North are amazingly beautiful. Sadly, we weren’t there in winter’s coronary heart to take part of their heliskiing.

Deliver an Eye Masks within the Summer season

One in all my high Iceland journey suggestions for the summer season is to carry an eye fixed masks. In the event you go to Iceland between April and September, it’s going to nonetheless be mild out if you find yourself attempting to sleep at 11 p.m.

This may occasionally 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 on baggage. (Aspect word – even our campervan had blackout curtains – a win for Comfortable Campers!)

Even when your lodge has blackout curtains, I might nonetheless make sure that to carry an eye fixed masks simply in case – they’re low-cost and lightweight, so there isn’t any motive to not!

Pack Accordingly!

I might pack no less than the essential winter necessities it doesn’t matter what time you go to Iceland. That may be a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof sneakers, 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’s going to price you dearly to exchange 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 dangerous climate in Iceland, simply the incorrect garments, and I couldn’t agree extra!

Additionally, carry a showering go well with and a journey towel for all of the geothermal swimming pools! Right here’s a whole Iceland packing checklist. 

carry rain pants

If there’s one mistake we now have made each time in Iceland (and we’ve been 3 times in June, July, and October), it’s forgetting rain pants. The climate in Iceland is extraordinarily unpredictable, and even in the summertime, it will possibly rain rather a lot.

I’m not speaking about little dribbles of rain both; we have been caught in torrential downpours extra typically than I wished to be – within the lifeless of summer season, no much less! I can’t stress sufficient how essential rain jacket and rain pants are.

We traveled in every single place with our Arcteryx Shell (which retains us bone dry) and to Antarctica with Helly Hansen Rain Pants – a lifesaver. I want we had them on our most up-to-date journey to Iceland!

Deliver a Water Bottle

All of the water in Iceland is 100% drinkable. Together with the remainder of the Nordics, they are saying it’s a number of the cleanest water on the 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.

Choose up your Rental Automobile from the Airport

In the event you plan to hire a automobile 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 4000 Icelandic Kroner a technique. That’s a $35 airport switch on a bus! I might suggest selecting up and dropping off on the airport.

If you wish to hire a camper van like us, Comfortable Campers is a superb firm to go together with. Now we have many great experiences with them. You may simply ebook utilizing this hyperlink, however make sure that to ebook properly upfront throughout excessive season as they’re a household run firm and promote their vans out properly upfront!

Reykjavik is an Unconventional Capital Metropolis

Though we lived in New York Metropolis, we’re not metropolis individuals anymore. We favor 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 get pleasure from spending time on this charming metropolis.

There are not any excessive rises and few enterprise fits, only a laid-back ambiance surrounded by the ocean and mountains. In the event you solely have just a few days in Iceland, you’ll be able to simply base your self in Reykjavik and take day journeys or catch the native bus to locations like Esjan.

For my part, Reykjavik deserves no less than sooner or later of exploration, until you’re there throughout certainly one of its epic festivals – then positively keep longer!

Watch out with sizzling water.

When getting within the bathe or washing your palms watch out. In the event you flip the recent water faucet too rapidly and stick your palms/physique in you’ll be able to simply burn your self. Geothermal water is used to warmth round 90% of Iceland’s houses, and water will get sizzling FAST!

Get able to hike

Sick of spending cash on actions? Among the best issues to do in Iceland is hike! There are many wonderful and delightful hikes in Iceland, all free to get pleasure from. Essentially the most you’ll should pay for is parking your car on the trailhead at some places.

A couple of of our favourite hikes in Iceland are to Glymur Waterfall, Mulagljufur Canyon, and Reykjadalur Scorching Springs.

No Waterfall is Created Equal

It’s a well known Iceland undeniable 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 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 a picture-perfect postcard alternative. Listed here are just a few of our favorites.

Goðafoss: Waterfall of the gods within the Northeast

Háifoss: A bit off the crushed 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 one of the crucial well-known falls to go to

Seljalandsfoss: You may stand behind this waterfall

Skógafoss: A novel waterfall that comes straight from two glaciers

We made it a mission to see as many waterfalls in Iceland as doable, however even attempting all our would possibly, we couldn’t even scratch the floor.

Generally, particularly alongside the Southern Coast, you’ll see a brand new waterfall each two minutes. Some are simply accessible, whereas some require a hike. Our greatest recommendation is to pinpoint those on the high of your bucket checklist and attempt to see these first – any further waterfalls are only a bonus!

don’t stroll on the moss

Whereas touring in Iceland, you’ll absolutely see all of the moss across the nation. This moss could be very particular and delicate. Moss in Iceland grows extraordinarily slowly, generally just some millimeters per yr.

It’s delicate and might take many years and even centuries to get better if broken. Keep away from stepping on the moss-covered areas and persist with designated paths or trails. Even for those who see one thing you wish to get near, and there’s no set path to it, please depart it’s, admire it from a distance, and hold it pristine. All the time apply Go away No Hint ideas.

The variety of vacationers we noticed in Iceland trampling on a lot delicate moss with out even realizing it was additionally troublesome, all for the sake of a photograph. Please respect the paths and surroundings, and depart the realm as wild as you discovered it.

The climate is healthier within the north

That is utterly based mostly on our personal experiences within the nation, however what we now have heard from locals is a real realization. The climate in Iceland is healthier within the north of the nation than within the south.

Normally, South Iceland tends to be milder and wetter as a result of affect of the Gulf Stream; then again, North Iceland tends to have a extra pronounced continental local weather, with colder winters and hotter summers.

We’d continually test the webcams and climate forecasts on the Iceland Met Workplace, and each time it was sunshine within the north, it was dreadful within the south. That mentioned, Iceland’s climate is notoriously unpredictable, and situations can change quickly whatever the area.

you gained’t be capable to do all of it

I’m going to finish these Iceland journey suggestions with one thing crucial that each traveler wants to listen to – sit back since you gained’t be capable to do all of it.

It’s an enormous nation, and there’s a zillion issues to do. You’ll want a lifetime to see all of it. So give attention to these highlights of yours and intention to go to Iceland greater than as soon as in your life!

Plan For Iceland Journey

Extra Useful Iceland Journey Ideas

Icelanders converse Icelandic, however each single particular person I got here throughout spoke English.

The native forex is the Icelandic króna (ISK). ATMs 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 without doubt one of the most secure international locations on the planet; nevertheless, it’s at all times essential to make use of frequent sense when strolling alone at evening.

Iceland has a robust web infrastructure, and you must be capable to keep related simply.