Iceland is home to unpredictable weather and a landscape that is beautiful but wild and unforgiving. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, in my effort to provide a fair and balanced glimpse into Iceland, I've also covered the opposite in a list of 10 amazing Icelandic things that locals take for granted - take a look and tell us which is more up your alley.. Iceland may not be as cold as you were picturing, but it does get cold, and the water can be seriously unpredictable. Please don't skimp on it. There are a lot of money converting apps, so if you are in doubt then you can just download that before you go and make it really, really easy for your conversion. Youll see the stuff everywhere, but that doesnt mean that its resistant. You have views of your entire surroundings most of the time, which is great for hikers, road trippers, and tourists in general. Icelandic Horses typically don't require a blanket to remain warm outdoors, and they often are not even stabled. To give you an idea of how non-confrontational they are, a lot of their police officers dont even carry guns around with them. Iceland is a perfect choice for summertime travel as the average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason is the fact Iceland is a very popular website visitors place to go for Asians, and you will probably be blown away to your density out of Asian society at any given day. So easy. One of the best ways to be prepared is to make sure youve always got extra food on you. But you may encounter some warm days into the 20sC (68F +). With just over 320,000 people, Iceland is one of the least-populated countries in the world. You can read this slogan almost everywhere, even right after you've just landed atKeflavik International Airport. Its the best time of the year. When we hiked to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Springs River, we started around 10 PM. Join the conversation and add your insight on Facebook or Twitter. Now of course, I can appreciate if youre only doing a quick stopover, or you just want to get a taste for Iceland. It is possible to take a tour, but it does not give you that much flexibility that we appreciated the most on this road trip. Now I just told you to not learn Icelandic, but there are some very common words that get mispronounced, and I want to clarify those just really, really quickly. Greenland was colonized by people from Iceland in 986. Even if you watch the weather forecast closely, you cannot take anything for granted, and it is always best to be prepared for the worst. From the nine hiking trips that I conducted (and logged) through the period of six months none was done on a completely sunny day. Or how we would physically get there. Either way, we're big fans. I mean I dont want to rush the Christmas season and TRUST me, I have some fun Christmas stuff coming up! For example, it's better not to leave your valuables unattended. According to TripZilla, about 54% of the population believe that magic folk really do exist. Usually that rule applies when there is a I with a dash over it. Things that you would absolutely need cash for include showers if youre camping, laundry, and then finally to tip your tour guides. Iceland is the oldest democracy in the world. So basically not cash. Iceland is a haven for nature lovers, with glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and lava fields just waiting to be explored. Known for its superb rugged landscape, Iceland is fast becoming a travel hotspot. Iceland in winter is beautiful, but it's also rugged, wild and dangerous. You'll start your hike at Skogafoss waterfall, where you'll meet your tour guide. It is not possible to book campsites, so if you are camping or sleeping in a campervan, this is much easier. In a pre-emptive strike codenamed Operation Fork, hundreds of British troops landed in the capital city of Reykjavik on the morning of May 10, 1940, and then arrested German citizens and spread inland without resistance. Snaefellsnes. Its cold, its clear, its clean, its so refreshing. Snaefellsnes is the peninsula in west Iceland, right here. One of these is the geothermal spa known as Blue Lagoon. Seljalandsfoss. Find a cheap rental car or the best campervan, and reserve your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals. All Rights Reserved. Commercial Whaling. RELATED:10 Foods You Have To Try In Scandinavia. This brings us to just another topic - campgrounds. The overnight average summer low is 44 degrees, so it never gets too cold, either. Enjoy my blog on Iceland - 10 things to know before you go! 4. Do not fret about having to exchange your money for Krnas. Having sturdy hiking boots is also a must, as you should keep your dry and warm. Fleeing political upheaval and later Viking raids, Irish monks are believed to have been the first to arrive in Iceland as temporary settlers, sometime between the seventh and ninth centuries. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. That's being said, with good clothes and an adventurous spirit, traveling in Iceland during this time must be unforgettable. Those are my 10 tips for first time travelers in Iceland. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. NEXT:10 Hidden Tourist Attractions In Europe We've Uncovered For Your Next Trip. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. Here are all the things you need to know about Iceland's hot springs: 10 things to know before visiting hot springs in Iceland 1. 1. As of this recording 1,000 Icelandic Krona is about 10 US dollars. The reasons are lower prices and fewer crowds. Those who visit the country are in for a treat of spectacular glaciers and hot springs, rolling hills of greenery, and some of the friendliest locals youll ever meet. So seeing this was something completely different. As long as you know about it before your trip and as long as you are prepared to spend more than usual, it is fine. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. My name is Jeannie, the northern lights obsessed, and I am your, Read More How to See the Northern Lights in ReykjavikContinue, Should you go to the Blue Lagoon during your trip to Iceland? The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. We had amazing weather. Another great alternative is Viator. As we were among one of the first visitors after Iceland reopened its borders for international traveling once again, we had many places just for ourselves. Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday. So I thought it would be really easy to make a video, and just help make your trip really easy, because thats what Im all about here trying to make it really easy for you to plan your trip. Sure, Iceland is all about nature but do not expect to enjoy it just by yourself. Also make sure to read our guide on how to visit Iceland on a budget. RELATED:10 Of The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions In Europe (& What to See Instead). Keep your gas tank and snack bag full always. However, if you're flying to Greenland or the Faroe Islands, you'll fly out of the Reykjavik airport - we also learned this the hard way. If you guys have any questions on something that I didnt cover please leave them in the comments below. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. But you need to climb over the tree line first to be rewarded by the stunning views of the mountains and deep valleys. If you plan on visiting Iceland's highlands, you also need a 4WD regardless of the season. The confusing part is that the double L in Gullfoss, is pronounced like youre spitting out of the back of your mouth. Things like food, alcohol, souvenir, all of that stuff is really, really just going to add up quickly. I love it. These cookies do not store any personal information. Iceland Grocery Store #5: 10-11 The first time we walked into one of the stores, we were just seeking some Nescafe. 14. Iceland is incredibly beautiful, and a lot of people are coming to Iceland and only spending time in Reykjavik, or doing the Golden Circle, and I just dont think that thats enough. For example, you cannot use our packed summer itinerary for sure in the middle of the winter. Iceland is I believe the only place in the world to have shopping that is both tax and duty-free. A word of warning, though:Icelandic is one of the worlds most difficult languages to learn. Keep reading to find out what you should know before you visit Iceland. For people who have never experienced midnight sun, including ourselves, it's something that will take you by surprise regardless of how many articles you have read about it. Iceland is one of the most notable countries in the world to not possess an army, with the coastal guard dealing with many of their issues on the waters. With more than a third of Icelands population currently residing in Reykjavik, we think its safe to say that this city is the official hub of the country for better, or worse (its better). This is the all time debate, but Im serious. 10. In winter, expect temperatures to hover around 0C (32 F). The tap water comes from the countrys natural springs and glaciers and is some of the cleanest and safest youll ever drink. Iceland may not be as cold as you were picturing, but it does get cold, and the water can be seriously unpredictable. Right here. Usually, someone will show up in the evening or the morning with a payment terminal. Seljalandsfoss. Welcome back to my channel. When we arrived at the campground roughly at 1:30 AM, we could enjoy the sunset/sunrise over the Greenland Sea. Visit The Blue Lagoon And See Black Sand At Djpaln Beach in Snfellsjkull National Park. One really nice thing about Iceland is that there is no tipping. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! So, obviously the locals speak Icelandic, but English is taught in the school system, and so everyone knows it. Iceland's beauty extends well beyond the capital and some of its most jaw-dropping stunners are hidden gems. Of course, if you want to learn a few words in Icelandic to make the trip easier, you can. Thats why its always advisable to be prepared for extremeweather while in Iceland. But because the Lights arent always visible --and come down to a variety of factors-- its not possible to see them all the time. From June to August, summer is undoubtedly the most popular and best time to visit Iceland. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. Iceland is an incredibly safe country, and when a serious crime happens, the whole nation seems broken-hearted as it happened to them personally. This is another great breakfast option that you can find at any grocery store or gas station. Hey Im Jeannie, the creator of Iceland with a View. I say that because Iceland is really, really unpredictable. How do you explain this one? 10 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ICELAND 1. Number Vik. Due to human activity, most of Iceland was deforested, and the result is very odd. Tourists start showing up more and more in the Icelandic news with injuries or even deaths. If you have a credit card number with a chip in it, then it makes your life really easy, because all you have to do is stick that in, use your pin number. If you find Blue Lagoon too touristy,Myvatn Nature Bathsis a great alternative to Blue Lagoon in the upper half of the island, though on a smaller scale. 4. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. The food doesnt need to be good in order to get them big and strong, and while wed prefer it if there were a few more options to choose from, were not stupid enough to argue about it. Amanda at Hvammsvik. We believe we can all agree that traveling is much easier when there are no communication barriers. From the low crime rate to the overwhelming happiness of the locals, its not exactly difficult to figure out why theres such a warm atmosphere up there. If your answer is yes, then good for you. Beer was banned. Today were talking about 10 things that you need to know before your first trip to Iceland. It is necessary to set your expectations right. I say that as a very general overstatement, but Id say at least the places that youre planning on touring to youre going to have no problem speaking English. 6. We didn't have to bring a torchlight, as we had known, that the trail will still be clearly visible even after midnight. Surprisingly, more than 1000 years ago, forests covered about 40% of the country. No signing, no percent required. Our travel guide is primarily meant to help first-time travelers visiting Iceland, though even seasoned visitors can find useful advice in this blog post. In fact, its actually delicate and easily damaged. Icelands deep literary tradition dates back to its legendary medieval sagas, which told the stories of the countrys original Norse settlers, and the BBC reports that 1 out of every 10 Icelanders will publish a book during their lifetimes. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from mid-September to mid-April. 4. You have glaciers, you have massive waterfalls, you have volcanoes, you have beaches with gigantic waves, and a lot of places also arent the best about having things roped off, or having signs around. Home to some of the worlds most majestic landscapes, Iceland is also home to a few tourist traps that youll want to look out for when visiting. Wintertime would definitely change our point of view, and we would recommend you consider renting a 4WD for your safety. Then, in 1989, the people of Iceland were able to celebrate as the majority of alcoholic beverages were permitted to play a role in the nations culture once again. Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries you will ever visit, and it also happens to be one of the most expensive. We are not going to lie to you. Ive had a few readers that tell me that they want to learn some Icelandic for their visit, and more power to you. From natural springs, streams, rivers, or hot pots to large artificial hot pools with modern facilities and spa services, Iceland has it all. After a challenging experience from our long-term trip aroundSouth America, where it was difficult to communicate without speaking Spanish, Iceland was a nice change. I have traveled to a lot of countries and Iceland is by far the most credit card friendly company that I have ever been to. THE WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK: Iceland boasts some of the best, cleanest water on the planet. Theyre not party hubs, but they dont need to be. I get a lot of questions every day from my readers in the form of email, direct messages, Facebook messages, Facebook group messages. Lastly, most of the campgrounds in Iceland are just large open grassy areas without trees, making the camping experience less intimate. You get the picture. Riding Icelandic Horses. You'll be riding Icelandic horses, a special breed, on your Iceland riding vacation! I want you to have the best trip ever, and that means being safe, being respectful of the nature, and just being smart and having fun. 10. It's simple as that, and there is no way around it. When your community has something called an elf walk, there are bound to be some questions that are raised. Except for a brief interruption from 1799-1844, Iceland's independent commonwealth has been governed by the Althingi parliament since 930, the world's oldest extant parliamentary institution. No. There is the chance that youll be stuck thanks to the weather, so bring supplies wherever you go. 5. By the way, it is almost impossible to see during a single trip puffins in Iceland that nest in the summer and Northern Lights, which is a natural phenomenon best seen in the winter or close to winter months. Wine is very expensive in Iceland. Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland has to be on your list. What to pack, all year long, for a trip to Iceland: Here are the 10 things you should know before going hiking in Iceland. And don't forget that free camping is not legal in Iceland! On top of that, the omnipresent wind has no obstacles in the way, and sometimes the wind gusts were so strong that it felt like our car was trying to lift off. Its so easy to get by in Iceland by using a credit card. Its an institution over there, and its just such a wholesome thing to celebrate. Moving on. Prices are going to look really high when you go the grocery store for the first time. So I really believe in order to get the best experience you should rent a car and do a road trip. Neutral during the winter months travel eco products short days and did n't have to buy water Thats why its always advisable to be like the best time to visit especially if guys. 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