When you think of Iceland, majority of you will imagine this picture: snow, ice, gray, cold, a winter wonderland. While this is exactly what awaits you on this post’s destination, Iceland has so much more to offer. We will look at hot spots for a weekend getaway as well as longer stays for the lucky ones who have the pleasure of more time in this amazing country.
Weekend in Reykjavik and the Golden Circle
Number one tip for this quaint city: be prepared to spend some money. Just to put it in perspective, you’ll spend 34% more on consumer goods than in places like Paris, London and Berlin. Best you know this going in and not think about it. My trick here is to withdraw the amount of cash you want to spend on food and drinks per day and don’t go over that spend. All of the stores accept credit cards, typically not American Express but welcome to Europe. Tip: Check out the duty free store in the airport on your way out. They have some nice selections of wine, beer and spirits that will save some bucks out in the city. However, if bar drinking is your cup of tea, then make sure to hit up the happy hour. Every place has different time slots but it’s usually between 5pm-8pm.
After you’ve done your shopping, just take a walk in the city! The websites will give their top 5 or 10 things to do and see but if you just take the afternoon to walk, you’ll see all you need.
Hallgrímskirkja church is more impressive from the outside than the inside but be sure to go up to the top for the gorgeous city views. The Tjörnin lake is a gorgeous spot to watch the birds (if you’re into flying rodents) and people watch. All can be found easily by foot!
The Blue Lagoon is on everyone’s list…and it should be. It’s a pricey attraction but worth the trip out. You’ll certainly have your ideal time to go but if you are not picky, I recommend going as soon as you land as it is closer to the airport and saves you a journey back out. Book online first!
Now, let’s get to my favorite part of any trip: the food. Reykjavik is full of tasty spots for a delicious meal: both quick and the long haul. Since budgets were in play, we opted for one fancy meal and filled the rest of our options with “quick” meals. Here are my top 3 must eats:
- Saegreifinn – The Sea Baron– This delightful little spot in the harbor is a MUST. You will not find a more delicious bowl of lobster soup…get whatever you want as long as you pair with the soup.
- Ramen Momo— Delicious ramen for a great price! Tiny little spot so either be patient or take it to go. It is also close to the harbor so lots of outside options to sit with your ramen
- El Santo— I seek out the best Mexican restaurants in every city and this one did not disappoint. They have everything from tacos and burritos to nachos con guacamole!!
After your day or two in the city, I am sure you ready for the Golden Circle. I hope you are packing proper ski clothing; not because you’re skiing, but because the weather is so unpredictable in Iceland. Wet jeans suck and could potentially send you home with some cold or flu thing that no one likes. Don’t think about being pretty; just focus on being warm and dry. Do them in any order you wish but the sights to see are Gulfoss Waterfalls, Strokkur geyser and the Pingvellir National Park (you drive through it so if you’re pushed for time, just enjoy the view from the car).
Longer than a weekend?
Lucky you! Get in your car and head west towards Vik to see black sands, Jokulsarlon, some epic waterfalls and amazing hot pots along the way. It is a much different vibe the further you move from Reykjavik but don’t think the pricing changes…it is still expensive. If you go to Vik, there are only like two restaurants in the city but be sure to make a reservation!
Seeing is free…just dress warm!!
We all know I like to do something on the extravagant side on these trips and this was no exception. We decided to try out ice climbing on the Sólheimajökull glacier courtesy of Mountain Guides. We also had a lesson on how the glaciers are melting at an extraordinary rate which got me into pure save the glacier mode. The picture on the left depicts how much of the glacier has melted just over the last decades. I encourage all of you to watch the Netflix documentary, Chasing Ice.
From Vik and the Jokulsarlon beaches, you can make any other travel arrangements that suit your needs. Other destinations to keep in mind are the West Fjords. We drove through them but with the ice and snow was a bit difficult. This is a place I would like to visit in spring/summer when the weather is nicer and we easily drive through the mountains.
Websites to follow:
http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/
This website will let you track the northern lights and where to best see them
This helps you track the weather conditions for your journey through Iceland.
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