Daylight hours vary greatly depending on the season. During our 4 day road trip of Southern Iceland we typically scheduled one big activity and stopping at 3-4 sights while on the Ring Road. Driving distances tend to take longer then you think and you want to leave plenty of time to explore and enjoy Iceland’s natural beauty. Don’t try to schedule too much into one day. There are plenty of tours in Iceland with qualified guides that can help you experience the glaciers safely.Ģ3. When I saw just how far some of the glaciers have retreated in recent years and the landscape left behind I was in awe of just how powerful and fragile glaciers can be. Try to get close to a glacier either on a glacier hike or a boat tour of a glacier lagoon, (as beautiful as glaciers are they can be quite dangerous, be sure to use an experienced guide). Bring a good rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof hiking boots. If you plan on getting close to any of the waterfalls in Iceland make sure to wear your rain gear, you will get wet (I learned this the hard way). I ended up getting a beautiful light gray loose weave infinity scarf that will see plenty of use next winter.Ģ1. Luckily for me knitting is considered an art form in Iceland, Each of the rural guesthouses I stayed at in Southern Iceland offered up locally handcrafted items while in Reykjavik boutiques featured modern hats, scarves and sweaters. As much as I wanted to bring home a lopapeysa of my own I knew it would never get cold enough here at home to get much use. I even saw a couple of younger guys wearing them while ice climbing.Ģ0. Both warm and water resistant I saw modern interpretations on chic urbanites in Reykjavik and more traditional versions in the countryside donned for horseback riding and farm work. Lopapeysa, or the iconic Icelandic sweaters, are not just for tourists. You may see all four seasons in one panoramic view.ġ9. No matter the season storms and wind can be common.ġ6. Average daily temperatures in the summer reach around 50-55 ☏ (10-13 ☏) while winter temperature vary at 0-32 ☏ (-6-0 ☏). As one Icelander I spoke to put it, ” There is no bad weather, only bad clothing”. Rain is common and the clouds are some of the most dynamic I’ve ever seen. Weather in Icelandġ5.Be prepared for an and all kinds of kind of weather. I was honestly impressed at the seemingly impossible places sheep would end up.
Much to my dismay the fuzzy Icelandic horses aren’t always the most cooperative models.ġ4. You will run out superlatives to describe Iceland’s landscape when you return home.ġ3.
Most of Iceland looks like nowhere else on Earth. Some parts of Iceland look like Montana, some areas look like the moon. Carry some extra snacks and plan accordingly.ġ2. Despite what the guidebooks say, cafes and bathrooms near National Parks and major attractions may not be open. (There was definitely a chuckle or two when I did try out my very limited Icelandic).ġ1.
While it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of the language where ever you travel everyone I encountered spoke excellent English. Just make sure you have a chip and PIN card, especially for more remote gas stations.ġ0. Our car rental agency also provided us with a discount card.Ĥ.We did not exchange currency for this trip as credit cards are widely accepted. Gas is expensive compared to the US and should definitely be factored in if you are trying to stick to a budget. (Check out this guide to driving in Iceland for more tips).ģ. Coming from North America it was an easy transition for us as Icelanders drive on the right and the maps provided by our car rental agency were very easy to use. The best way to see Iceland is to rent a car and get out on the open road. Search for Hotels in Reykjavik Driving in IcelandĢ. If you have more time consider taking a road trip out to the Westfjords or exploring the amazing sights along the Ring Road. My four day itinerary of Iceland’s South Coast takes you to see waterfalls, glaciers and glacier lagoons. Spend a day or two here but be sure to go explore some of Iceland’s natural wonders. The northernmost capital is both forward-thinking and traditional when it comes to design, music and literature making it a worthy contender for your time however what really makes Iceland special is what lies outside the city limits. The Casual Travelist receives a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.ġ.Get out of Reykjavik and explore the countryside.
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