Take Your Pick in Reykjavik
Iceland is a country unlike any other in the world. With hot springs, 100% geothermal energy, and the best yogurt, travelers will never want to leave. The pressure is on, with cheap flights starting at 99€ round-trip from Paris. It might seem overwhelming to plan a trip to a land so different than home, yet with a few tips it can be super easy to conquer one of the most unique countries in the world.
Get Out of The Capital
The country is not as big as one might think, but be sure to plan on getting out of the capital, Reykjavik. Reykjavik is endearing and different than any other city with colorful houses standing next to each other on streets that all lead up to the large cathedral, Hallgrímskirkja, but there is so much more to discover. Plan on renting a car, purchase paper maps, consider renting a wi-fi hotspot and make sure to research online before you go. There are thousands of blog posts, websites, and articles explaining how to travel and the etiquette of road rules.
Image Credit: Lillian Wagner
Consider Leaving the Capital for a Road Trip
Iceland has a huge ring-shaped road along the coast of the country called The Ring Road or Route 1, take advantage of this. Most of the road is paved and it’s host to some of the most incredible views in the world. The road is one thousand three hundred and thirty two kilometers long and gives travelers breath taking views which include glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs. A road trip will give you a chance to explore the whole country rather than just the city life in Reykjavik.
Be Adventurous
If you are one who needs a strict itinerary then Iceland is not the place for you. You will need to be flexible, willing to make stops when you see something interesting and possibly use a paper map when the internet or service provider is not working.
Lodging, Cars, and Route 1
The best way to start the road trip would be in Reykjavik. The capitol has lots of options for car rentals, food, alcohol, and supplies. When in the capitol city, be sure to visit the sites as well as stocking up on the goods you will need for the trip. It is possible to purchase goods outside of the capital, but it may be more expensive and less accessible. For lodging, Airbnb and farmhouse lodging have the best selection. In the larger cities there are hotels of course, but staying like a local will help you get into the culture as well as allow you to wash clothes and make meals to save space and money for better things on the trip.
Image Credit: Lillian Wagner
Must See’s and Must Do’s of Iceland
Gullfoss Waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers, Mývatn National Park, and Vik black sand beaches are some of the you should not miss. The Northern Lights are found in the winter months but winter visits mean 4 hours of daylight as opposed to 18 hours in the spring. Don't forget to visit some of the geothermal pools and spas in many cities, where locals begin and/or end their days. The hot pools can get up to 46°C, relaxing your muscles and allowing for some of the best sleep of your life. It an experience unlike any other for only about 10€ for unlimited access all day.
A Bit of Advice
Be aware of obscure business hours in banks, grocery stores, and alcohol distributors. The banks are typically open from 11 AM to 4 PM, grocery stores from 8 AM to 5 PM and the alcohol distributors have different hours each day of the week and are only open an average of three hours per day. The best grocery store for food that is at a reasonable price would be Bonus, easily spotted with a pink pig and yellow background. Don't miss out on a very popular yogurt called Skyr that is packed with protein and flavor and try the local beer, Einstok. Keep away from whale dishes, these are not traditional dishes and the whaling industry is decimating the whale population.
