The important details needed when planning a trip to Iceland. The more we like, the more information we gather and we love Iceland.
DINK Details
Deets: - Famous for Northern Lights¹ - The Dinks prefer the beautiful landscapes - Hot Springs! | Gear: - It will rain. Poncho for the win. - Waterproof hiking boots - Gloves |
Transport: - Highly recommend renting a Car - The tours are worth it but they rush. Iceland is meant to be explored. | Spending: - Every place takes credit card - The food is around Manhattan prices, drinks a little more |
1. Most bright in the winter but the summer has some amazing nights
We will live here one day.
Why Iceland
The landscape
Amazing views of unique and wondrous lands
The Ice
It is Iceland after all
The Waterfalls
Since the landscape is nuts and there are glaciers everywhere, awesome waterfalls!
The Hot Springs
All over the country, they range from carefully designed to naturally occuring.
The Food
Great seafood and lamb. My personal favorite, langoustine (tiny lobsters).
The Animals
Very cute and all around iceland. Lots of boat tours for whales too.
Transportation
Car Rentals
We love Geysir car rentals. They have the best prices for cars that can travel on the special F-Roads. They have offices at the Airport and Reykjavik.
For rentals outside of the Airport and Reykjavik, we have gone with Europcar. Great service and never a problem with insurance.
Airport Shuttle
If you are not renting a car, this is the best way to get to the capitol, Reykjavik. There are two shuttles (flybus and greyline), both are good. They say they run every hour but I believe it is more frequent. Book online (around $75 round with free cancelation).
Both got to the BSÍ Bus Terminal (grey icon on the map). For an extra fee when booking, they offer a transfer to hotels and other stops in town.
Bus stops
Some are not on Google Maps so use this site.
Parking
If you are parking in the city, it is recommended to get Easypark app. You can park and refill remotely. Parka is good as well.
Details:
Easypark App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.easypark.android&hl=en_US&gl=US
Parka App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=is.parka.parka&hl=en&gl=US
Remember to REMOVE your rental car from the app at the end of the trip. Otherwise the next car renter will charge you.
You can always pay at the meter too.
F-Roads
Iceland has harsh terrain and not all roads are paved. Unpaved roads (labeled as "F-roads" on maps) require special 4x4 vehicles or "F-Class" vehicles. If you are driving on the main highway (Route 1), going between towns or just driving on local town roads, you will be most likely be fine without a 4x4.
Details:
The Law:
If you are caught driving a standard car on an F-Road, you will be fined. This is one of the better outcomes
Damages:
These roads are rough and can damage your car with rocks, sand, water and more.
Even F-Class vehicles need insurance.
River Crossings
These are common on F roads.
With a good car clearance (length from road to vehicle's undercarriage), you will be fine.
If not, your car's engine can flood and you are paying for all of that.
Help
Some roads are quite remote so if you run into danger and dont have service it might be awhile until help arrives.
Weather Conditions and Seasons:
Storms can close roads so look them up ahead of time
Some roads are closed a good portion of the year, check when they open
https://www.road.is/travel-info/condition-and-opening-of-mountain-roads/ explain
Map
A map of road conditions
Webcams for fun
Stay
Bungalo
Great site when you can rent from Icelandic owners. It's what Airbnb wants to be. These reservations usually require multi-day stays.
Airbnb
Honestly there are a lot of good options and they keep changing. Unlike the U.S., there is an effort to regulate the service with, Responsible hosting in Iceland. Check-in is easy and the houses are wonderful. You actually get to say hi to the owners sometimes.
Top Itineraries
The following are some recommendations for unique plans from Reykjavik
Thorsmork
Detailed Guide: Staying in Þórsmörk: Básar, Húsadalur and Dealing with Krossá
Days: 2-4 days
Drive Time: 2 hours (one way)
F-Road Required: Yes (or bus)
Difficulty: Easy -> Hard
Details:
This plan takes you to one one the most beautiful places in Iceland. Lush with trees, old volcanos, endless mountain tops and hidden gorges, the hiking is unforgettable. The land is remote but there are cabins, tents and glamping options for sleeping. The camps are well equipped and have restaurants and restrooms. Showers are in a hut so keep them quick. We got a cabin with a stove so feel free to bring some non-perissables if you want to cook.
Travel Day (Car Rental):
7:00am - Grab breakfast at the famous Brauð & Co
famous for the cinnamon bun
Gets busy fast
8:00am - Pick up your rental car if you haven't already.
(Optional) 10:00am - Hike the Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools (Hot River)
5 mile hike
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/iceland/southern/reykjadalur-hot-spring-thermal-river
Bring a bathing suite
2:00pm - Grab lunch in Selfoss. We ate at Krisp
3:00pm - Checkout the famous Seljalandsfoss
There are 3 falls and a hidden cave one if you walk further north.
4:00pm - Head down the f249 road, river crossings and to Basar Camp
5:00pm - If your camp is on the other side, look for the bridge
6:00pm - Check in, eat, sleep and look for northern lights.
Days 2 - 3:
Follow our guide on hikes or enjoy the luxuries at camp
Heading Back
9:00am - Wake up, grab food and get dressed
10am - Cross the river or wake up in Basar. Grab the car
11am - 3 tiny hikes, Nauthúsagil, Eyjafjallajökull and Stakkholtsgjá
(Optional Ferry) 12 noon - Westman Islands, Heimaey
Take the ferry there, walk around, save puffin (if in season)
6:00pm - Grab a fancy dinner at Tapas Barinn
I always get "A journey of uncertainty"
Western Fjords
Days: 4+
Drive Time: 5-6 hours (one way) / Flight to Isafjordur
F-Road Required: No
Guide: WIP
Experiences
Northern Lights
On everyone's bucket list for a reason. They can tear through the sky, making you question what's real for the first moment. After seeing them 10 times, I will still do whatever I can to see them again.
Details:
Forecast Tool: https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/
As we know, the weather is unpredictable
The vedur forecasting tool tells you activity and cloud coverage
Season: Aurora activity is highest in the winter but happens in the summer.
We have seen them every season
The winter is cold and a lot of things are closed
Tips: Look for dust in the sky and wait
Hot Springs
WIP
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