Iceland – Random Thoughts

I just recently got back from a trip to Iceland where I spent four days and got a chance to see Reykjavik and some other parts of the country. Here are some random thoughts about the trip while my memory is still fresh.

Iceland is expensive. Be prepared to spend a decent amount of mula on hotels, food, drinks, tours, etc. I would suggest booking a hotel that includes breakfast – load up in the morning, grab some snacks with you and there’s a good chance you will last until dinner. If your stomach starts crying and begging for food – try lamb soup for lunch; I got the impression that the soup is served everywhere around lunch time. I’m not a big fan of lamb, but in Iceland it tasted different for some reason – very delicious; after trying lamb soup couple times I even ordered lamb for dinner – the best lamb I’ve ever had (and the most expensive)!! Also, whale meat tastes like steak. A raw, bloody steak. Not my cup of tea. But ice cream in Iceland tastes totally different than anywhere else in the world – yum yum yum! Must be something in the water….or cows are just happier in Iceland.

The best lamb ever!

Weather is crazy and totally unpredictable in Iceland – dress in layers. Before the trip I did some research and quite a few sources said that it’s possible to experience sun, rain and snow in the same day. False! You can get all of that plus wind and hail in 15-20 minutes. It goes something like this: the tour bus arrives at the destination and you get off to walk around, enjoy some sun and take pictures. Once you start taking pictures, it starts raining – you head back to the bus to grab a rain jacket. By the time you get to the bus it starts snowing. You sit in the bus waiting for hail to stop and guessing if the windshield is strong enough to withstand it. The windshield proves to be stronger, defeats the ice cubes falling from the sky and salutes the sun once again! Time for pictures!

One of the “must see/do’s” in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. Keep in mind that you will need transportation to/from there – around a 20min drive from the airport and around a 50min drive from the city. If you are flying from the States, it’s very likely that you will be arriving early in the morning, so it kind of makes sense to visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city. Be prepared for the crowds, sulfur smell, construction cranes and selfie sticks. I’d say 2-3 hours in a hot open air jacuzzi is enough to recharge; you can even take a nap in the relaxation area. I wouldn’t recommend eating there – the food/drinks are very expensive. The cheapest option just getting into the Lagoon costs 40 Euros – this will only cover your entrance; if you want towels, slippers, bath robe, drinks, masks or a massage – be prepared to spend more. If you want some privacy and feel like spending $375 a night – the Silica Hotel is just steps away from the Blue Lagoon. Keep in mind the place is very touristy, not many locals go there – there are plenty of other (cheaper/free) hot springs where the locals go. Overall I liked the experience  – I think it’s totally worth visiting once, but I’m not sure if I would do it again.

Jacuzzi time

Downtown Reykjavik can be easily explored on foot, there’s no need for a car. A pair of comfortable shoes is all you need (and a rain jacket). There are lots of restaurants, boutique shops, colorful houses and street art. If the weather is nice and sunny, it could be very pleasant and fun to walk around…..I’m guessing summer would be the better time for that. For the best views visit the Hallgrímskirkja church and take the elevator up – incredible 360 degree views.

Reykjavik

If you want to see the rest of the country, your best options are to rent a car and drive around or to book a tour. I’d say the first option is more suitable for those who are planning on spending more time in Iceland; the second option works better if you have just a few days and want to get the most out of your trip. Since I only had four days in Iceland, I used GetYourGuide company for the tours. There are plenty of different tours to choose from in terms of how much time you want to spend (half day, full day, multi days) and what part of the country you want to see. The most popular ones seem to be the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Although I wasn’t too impressed by some of the sites, I’d say overall the scenery is stunning. Some of my favorites:

• The west side of Iceland – Snæfellsnes National Park, Arnarstapi and Hellnar – I found it very calm and peaceful.
• Gullfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls – can’t really compare those to Niagara Falls but still looks pretty impressive; definitely worth seeing in my opinion.
• The black sand beaches at Reynisfjara are something else – very “raw” and powerful. The Sólheimajökull glacier is a must see while it’s still there.

Bottom Line

All in all, Iceland is definitely worth a visit and has to be a must for all the nature lovers! Although the weather would probably be more enjoyable in the summer months, the spring is also a viable option if you don’t mind some rain and wind. Also, since Reykjavik is a relatively short flight from the USA and Europe, I think it’s possible to make it a long weekend destination if you plan it right.