Iceland

[sazzaa]

Anyone been? (Not the frozen foods place)

Looking to book a holiday there for next year but if anyone has been it would be hugely handy to know which activities are recommended etc...

 

[Alex H]

Yes But only for a weekend Did the usual touristy stuff - trip round Reykjavik then on to glaciers, extremely large waterfall, historic sights etc.

Strange weather - changes every 10 minutes even in June when we went!

Very expensive, although this was a while ago (20 years it seems, now I've looked it up )

I think trekking on the glaciers was a 'big thing' but as I said our time there was short.

There is only one main road around the island (the '1') and a few minor ones.

Boiling water pools

Strokkur Geyser

Gulfoss Waterfall

Hopefully someone will be along with more up to date info

 

[sazzaa]

Looks amazing.... I'm looking at doing a couple of weeks there and driving round the island, doing things like kayaking, whale watching, snow mobiling, maybe even a bit of cycling on the way... I'm just really looking for feedback from people who have actually been, it doesn't seem to be a hugely popular holiday destination...

 

[Hitchington]

Yes, I've been, 2 years ago. It's an amazing place. Activity wise? Get a book/map on/of Iceland, hire a car or 4x4 and go on a road trip around the island, camping or guest houses. Don't base youself in one place. When I went with a couple of pals we stayed in a hostel in Reykjavik and hired a car, but because everything is prettey far away we spent long portions of our trip driving back and forth, which was ok but we missed the East side of the Island completely.
I'll post some photos and other thoughts later when I'm back at home. You have to go!

 

[sazzaa]

Finally got this booked! Doing 8 days of activities/driving, then heading offroad to a camping site in the interior then last few days in Reykjavik for their Pride festival. So excited!!

 

[Fnaar]

They've got a special offer on frozen falafels.

 

[ufkacbln]

Apparently this is the best year for a long time for the Northern Lights - So I am booked on a trip in March

You need to be fully aware that you may not see the lights, but make the most of the Holiday and if you don't see the lights then you have still enjoyed yourself

This is the package I am on;

Northern lights explorer

I can get cheaper with self organisation, but it was more convenient given other pressures to simply bite the bullet and go for the organised package

 

[Bollo]

Yes, yes yes! I went there in 1999 and drove around the south of the island. Best holiday ever.

 

[sazzaa]

Apparently this is the best year for a long time for the Northern Lights - So I am booked on a trip in March

You need to be fully aware that you may not see the lights, but make the most of the Holiday and if you don't see the lights then you have still enjoyed yourself

This is the package I am on;

Northern lights explorer

I can get cheaper with self organisation, but it was more convenient given other pressures to simply bite the bullet and go for the organised package

That looks good! We decided to go in summer and make the most of daylight (even though it means not seeing the northern lights), so we're doing the first 8 days of this - http://www.icelandunlimited.is/tours/activity-round-trip-in-11-days/ Then doing our own thing for the second week. It seems package holidays are the way to go with Iceland, they're apparently very good at it!

 

[Bobby Mhor]

Just as an aside...

Northern Lights' live' info HERE

 

[ufkacbln]

Basically it is down to the weather

If you have a cold celar night then you will see them, cloudy and you won't

 

[mr_cellophane]

Did the full circle about 25 years ago in May. It was unusually hot, over 80. No air con in the coach as they don't usually need it. We stayed in schools so the beds were a little small. There was a classic car charity rally round the island while we were there. That was odd, all these 50's and 60's cars in a convoy.
Stayed with a family on the last day who couldn't speak English.
The tour was all English or German.
Odd fact, the Icelandic telephone directory is in first name order.

 

[sazzaa]

I'll be heading here for a few days of camping, been told it's "the real Iceland" and absolutely spectacular... http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Landmannalaugar&FORM=HDRSC2

 

[classic33]

Earthquake recorded!
http://www.jonfr.com/volcano/

 

[Accy cyclist]

I went there in 1985 for a short holiday. It was in July and one day it reached over 60F, if i remember rightly i was told by a local it was considered to be a "heatwave"!