adminTrip Preview: Iceland
Introduction to Iceland
Iceland is a beautiful country that almost feels like a fictional land of majesty. Where volcanic fires and glacier ice combine. Despite the name, Iceland’s land is covered by lushious green hills and valleys with breathtaking views just about anywhere you go.
When Should I Visit?
Iceland is a fantastic destination to travel to year-round, though depending on the time of year you travel, each time has its pros and cons. If you are planning on visiting, keep in mind the following:
Winter
Mid-october to end of April:
- Least busy time to visit
- Closer to December, darker the days. March has up to 12 hours of daylight
- Best time for Northern lights
Fall/Spring
April, late September, Early October
- Not likely to be hot, but no winter chill
- Better chance of greener landscapes
- Less chance of northern lights, but less busy
Summer
June -August
- Most popular time to visit
- Prices are higher, and attractions are more crowded
- Roads open around country, attractions more accessible
- No northern lights, but beautiful landscape and more active wildlife
My wife and I decided to visit in October to take advantage of the less occupied destinations and gorgeous green landscapes.
And We’re Off!
After a deep dive into researching all that Iceland has to offer, it was no easy task determining which locations to visit and what excursions we would embark on. Given our time restraints, there is no way we could tackle the entire country. Therefore, we decided to limit our adventures to the West and South Coast areas. And with so much to do, we chose some adventures that are sure to impress. When it’s all said and done, our trip should look something like this:
Day 1 – A Long Day of Travel
When I started planning this trip, my hometown was a big advantage, due to my nearest airport being a hub for WOW Airlines, which was Iceland’s premiere budget airline. This would’ve meant cheaper tickets and a direct flight. When news broke the WOW was unexpectedly going out of business, it was back to the drawing boards but I was dead set on visiting Iceland regardless of the shakeup. With flights now booked, we will be making a layover in New York on the way to Iceland. Although this was not how I hoped to embark on this amazing adventure, it’s unfortunately a fact of travel. So after taking off from New York in the evening, we will finally arrive in Iceland, bright and early, the following morning. And then the real fun begins.
Day 1 – Arrival to Reykjavik
Upon arrival in Reykjavik, we will pick up our vehicle for our stay. Since we will be traveling by car throughout our trip, we reserved a Toyota Rav4 with 4 wheel drive. October is typically a transition season into winter so I’m hoping the weather won’t be too intense. But that said, with unknown terrain and plenty of driving, it’s a safe call to make sure you have enough traction to get where you need to be. From the car rental, we are hopping right into the action! Since we arrive early in the morning, we will head right to our first excursion on the South Coast and arrive in Þorlákshöfn (no clue how to pronounce this). It is here that we will hop on some ATVs and embark on a tour along the black sand beaches by the Atlantic Ocean. And then cruise inland routes to capitalize on the fantastic nature views
Although we initially planning on going on our first excursion on day 2, but our awesome travel agent pointed out that it would be out of the way to travel there on day 2, and there are a ton of great sights to see on the way to Vik. After getting some great advice, we opted to enjoy the sight-seeing on day 2. After what’s sure to be an amazing first adventure in Iceland, we will make our way to Reykjavik, where we will stay at the Skuggi Hotel downtown. The remainder of the day will be a great opportunity for shopping, and picking up any groceries and supplies we may need. One thing to note about Iceland; although a beautiful country, keep in mind that food in Iceland is pricier than you may prefer so plan on saving money on food by shopping for your own groceries and sticking to the gas station hotdogs (the much acclaimed, cheapest food option).
Day 2 – Off to Sléttuvegur
After an eventful first day in Iceland, we will head to the village of Sléttuvegur, in the Vik area, where we will be staying at Hotel Kria. The hotel is located in a prime South Coast location and the views are breath taking. Our second day was left free for exploring the majectic locations nearby. In hope of getting some great photos and taking in amazing views, we will be exploring some top notch locations nearby. The following sites are all within driving distance:
- 2h20 from the Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon)
- 25 min from Skógafoss
- 55 min from the boat to the Vestmann Islands
- 10 min to Dyrhólaey (the arch with the hole)
- 10 min walk to the Black Sand Beach
- 1h45 from Skaftafell
- 1h45 from Thórsmörk
Day 3 – Ice Caving in Vik
After a restful night in Vik, we will depart on our next adventure, exploring ice caves in Þórsmerkurvegur. We will meet you at our meeting point in the scenic town Vik and then embark on a exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of Iceland’s 13 glaciers. When we arrive at the glacier, we will hike and explore the hidden crystal ice cave. We’ll get to explore for about an hour as the local guide will provide insight into how the ice cave was formed. Finally, we will leave the ice cave and continue back to Vik where we can continue with any adventures that arise. Depending on which area we explore the day prior, we will most likely try to tackle more miles on the road to check out the must-see locations such as Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon,
Day 4 – Off to Southwest Iceland – Hamarsvöllur
After what is sure to be a long couple of days, some relaxation is surely in order. After heading an hour north of Reykjavik, we will check in at the Hamar Icelandair Hotel. The hotel is the perfect combination of leisure and comfort, mixed with a little more isolation. Located on a beautiful golf course, the hotel grounds itself are picturesque. In keeping with the relax and recharge theme of the day, we will visit Krauma, where we will experience nature from its core by bathing in the geothermal baths. The hot water originates in Europe’s most powerful hot spring Deildartunguhver, at a temperature of 100°C (212°F). To achieve the perfect bathing temperature we mix the hot water with cold water from Rauðsgil, which originates in the glacier Ok, the smallest glacier in Iceland. Krauma offers five relaxing natural geothermal baths, a cold tub to get your blood circulation going, two calming saunas and a relaxation room where you can rest by the fireplace while listening to soothing music. This was a must-add perk of our trip because I wanted to experience a natural bath while in Iceland, and we may or may not visit the Blue Lagoon later in our trip. Regardless, this place seemed like a perfect option in the event we didn’t go to Blue Lagoon. Because of the areas gorgeous views, the rest of our day will most likely consist of taking in more photography opportunities and enjoying the rest.
Day 5 – Whale Watching in Ólafsvík
Day 5 will be our last big excursion as we head to the South Coast to hit the seas and try our hand and spotting some whales! I’m nervous that I may not see anything but I’ve always wanted to try whale watching and see if I can glimpse the amazing whales like Orcas and Sperm Whales. If nothing else, it would be a great experience sailing off the coast of Iceland. This unique trip takes you into the waters where ocean giants swim in the shadow of the magnificent Snæfellsjökull Glacier, searching around the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see toothed-whales such as orcas, sperm whales and pilot whales than along this beautiful coastline.
As the orcas and sperm whales are best seen during the summer months, I’m not sure what to expect. From what I’ve read, starting in July and on into the autumn, the chances of seeing pilot whales, often in groups of hundreds of animals, increases. Other whales that you might see are humpback whales and minke whalles, as well as white-beaked dolphins. The boat get as close as it can without disturbing the whales, so I’m hoping to see some awesome marine life.
Day 6 – Downtown Reykjavik
We will spend our final full day in Iceland in downtown Reykjavik, where we will check back in at the Skuggi Hotel. Our last day will be a great time to get some last shopping in and all of the great locations downtown. We also might check out the Blue Lagoon if we are feeling up to in. There is no shortage of things to do downtown, so we will be winging it most of the day, as we reflect on our week of amazing experiences.
Day 7 – Goodbye Iceland
On Day 7, we begin our long journey home. We’ll return the rental car and head to the airport. After planning this trip for about a year, I’m already sad that the trip will come to end after 7 days. I think it’s safe to say that it will be a trip of a lifetime and a week I won’t ever forget.
I hope you enjoyed my trip preview of Iceland, and I look forward to writing my follow up review upon return. As always, keep on wandering friends!
