Reply to: Iceland - anyone been? Tips?

[SarahL2012]

Been twice - first time in backpacker mode when I filled up the rucksack with packet tuna (the ones that look at bit like cat food) & crackers. It kept the food cost down and I didn't touch a drop of alcohol all week - would have blown the budget!

Second time was last year where we drove from Reykjavik to Akureyri & then flew back to Keflavik airport from there. Fantastic trip - we even saw a blue whale. Skaftafell NP is unmissable and the hotel there served us a fabulous meal in the evening. In fact the food was great all the way round, but it is pricey. Every night was special occasion prices really.

Just trawled through the emails to find the itinerary. This little guesthouse was great - Guesthouse Egilsstodum in Egilsstadir - but most of the rest of the time the company we used just booked us into big touristy places. Personally I would have preferred most guesthouse / B&B. Would probably have been cheaper as well!

[MarillionFan]

For years I've been meaning to spend a couple of weeks there over Christmas, when I've heard it's really good. But while the aged Ps are still around it seems better to spend Christmas day with the family, as I don't see them very often during the rest of the year.

Also, does it seriously cost £500 a day for the basics, or was that comic hyperbole?!

About £500 per day is about right. I did a trip to NY via Iceland and stated 6 nights and cost close to that.

[mudskipper]

For years I've been meaning to spend a couple of weeks there over Christmas, when I've heard it's really good. But while the aged Ps are still around it seems better to spend Christmas day with the family, as I don't see them very often during the rest of the year.

Also, does it seriously cost £500 a day for the basics, or was that comic hyperbole?!

Depends how much alcohol you include in the basics.

I didn't find it overly expensive when I went.

[OwlHoot]

.. I found the place quite reasonably priced, since I live in Switzerland.

For years I've been meaning to spend a couple of weeks there over Christmas, when I've heard it's really good. But while the aged Ps are still around it seems better to spend Christmas day with the family, as I don't see them very often during the rest of the year.

Also, does it seriously cost £500 a day for the basics, or was that comic hyperbole?!

[NickyBoy]

Remember to try out their national dish.

Hákarl will make a man out of you.

[tarbera]

After about 3 days of burning £500 a day on the basics you will have seen it all. Try a Sheep's head

[zazou]

It depends what you are into really. So many spectacular sites to see, do you like hiking or helicopter rides? But be warned, do make a plan B as weather can be heavenly there in the summer or just dull and grey.
You will definitely need a car there as public transport isn't really thought out very well and be prepared for a bit of a wild west traffic culture.

Inside the Volcano, Iceland Volcano Tour | InsideTheVolcano.com

Iceland tourism and travel guide

** edit **
The restaurants there tend to serve very fresh food and there are many to choose from. You might feel a bit short changed if buying table wine though.

[d000hg]

The only Aurora you will be able to see in June is in Antarctica

Two weeks is just enough for the ringroad and a few side trips. To see it all you will need 4 weeks

Oops, I missed it was in June.

[NotAllThere]

Did a three day trip a few months after Eijakofoaldslasfllflsaflul calmed down. Did a day trip private tour to the Eijak(etc.) glacier. My daughters are going there this summer for a ten day walking trek.

I seem to recall that Humarhusið was quite a good place for dinner.

I found the place quite reasonably priced, since I live in Switzerland.

[Eirikur]

The aurora has to be on your list but with that amount of time and a car you should be easily able to find somewhere isolated for a good show.

The only Aurora you will be able to see in June is in Antarctica

Two weeks is just enough for the ringroad and a few side trips. To see it all you will need 4 weeks

[d000hg]

Sounds amazing. If you're really trying to cover the whole place 2 weeks should be wonderful.

The aurora has to be on your list but with that amount of time and a car you should be easily able to find somewhere isolated for a good show.

Where were the hot springs in the famous Michael Palin trip, where he pretends to be grabbed by a monster?

Also - have you watched Secret Life of Walter Mitty? That reminded us how much we want to visit sometime, it just looks stunning.

[mudskipper]

I went. Loved it, but think 2 weeks might be pushing it.




Fell flat on my arse trying to get up close and personal with the viking ship - the base is slippy!

[tractor]

.....

If you go to the blue lagoon do not put your hair in the water. It will ruin it for weeks.

But if he washes his hair before he goes, the water will be fine won't it?

[SueEllen]

If you go to the blue lagoon do not put your hair in the water. It will ruin it for weeks.

[Eirikur]

Been there twice, it's fantastic, but extremely expensive.
I went camping on both trips which will save you a lot of money.
If you take your own car it may be cheaper than renting (not sure if the Denmark-Faroes-Iceland ferry still stops at Shetland, but there are shipping firms like Eimskip who also take private cars.