The days will already be long with the average sunrise in April at 5:37 am and sunset at 8:38 pm.  That’s 15 hours of daylight.  Because of all this sunlight and warmer temps, the trees will be blooming and the grass green; the flowers may even be blooming.  All in all a lovely time.

Spring is a great time to visit Iceland as there are fewer crowds. Plus, this time of year is still considered off-season so you’ll save money on everything from flights to accommodations to tours.  Good for your wallet.

Road conditions in spring are generally very good.  By that I mean the main city roads and main highway, called the ring road, will all be clear.  The only exception to this would be in the highland areas which will most likely be closed to non-4wd vehicles.

The other nice thing about Iceland in Spring is that Icelanders like to celebrate the coming of summer with parties, parades, music, festivals, sporting events and more. So, it’s also a lively time to be in the country.

Some fun Iceland tour ideas in spring, for those who are interested, I recommend the following:

Glacier walks, like the Blue Ice Adventure tour, a day tour that takes you on the Solheimajokull Glacier in South Iceland trekking tours , like the Landmannalaugur to Thorsmork tour, a five day trekking tour. Or, the 3-day Thorsmork to Skogar trek.

Super jeep tours, like Essential Iceland which features some of Iceland top tourist destinations like Thingvellir National park, Langjokull Glacier, hot springs, waterfalls and more.  If you want to experience Iceland glaciers, look into the Thorsmork Glacier Valley tour, which will take you near the infamous Eyjafjallajokull volcano.  Another jeep tour option is the Iceland Hot Springs and Highlands tour, a 6-day jeep tour that focuses on enjoying Iceland’s numerous natural hot springs.

If you want a tamer tour experience, I would recommend an Iceland bus tour.  There’s lots of choices and they’re very affordable and comfortable.

Last but not least, if you want to see the “big” picture, look into and Iceland airplane tour.  The link provides is to a company that has a great selection of airplane tours.

Happy travels!

A tiny sample of what you'll see, courtesy of the tiny town of Vik.

A trip to Iceland is on your agenda. Check. Here are some useful tips and information to make your trip easier and more enjoyable.  For the purposes of this article I am going to break this into general tips as well as some recommended must-see and -do tips. 

General tips:

Arriving at the airport. You’ll be arriving at Keflavik International Airport.  It’s a nice airport located about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.  All arriving passengers are funneled down a long corridor which empties out into a large area where there is food and shopping.  Just prior to this you’ll see the baggage claim exit on your right. Go through the doors and you’ll head downstairs to the baggage carousels.  I have never had to wait long.  Right next to the baggage carousels is a duty free store.  I highly recommend buying wine, beer, spirits, tobacco, candy and other items here.  If you drink alcohol, buy it here.  There are limits to how much you can buy.  If you are unsure ask the clerk.

Getting to Reykjavik.  I am assuming that most reading this article are staying in Reykjavik, even if just to start.  Once you have gotten your bags and bought supplies at the duty free store, you will head out to the airport exit.  You’ll see an exit sign that will take you down a corridor past the customs officers and then out sliding doors to the exit.  The best and cheapest way to get to Reykjavik is to buy a bus ticket.  The company is called Flybus. There’s always a representative there to sell tickets.  The cost is about 1500 Icelandic kronur, one-way (~$13).  The bus will take you to the central bus terminal, called BSI.  From there you can get a transfer to reach your hotel.  Just let the driver know where you are going and he’ll help.  You can also grab a taxi from BSI, if you want to get to your final destination a little faster.  Reykjavik is a small city and a taxi ride is pretty reasonable.

Communicating.  Almost all Icelander speak English. Many speak other languages as well. I know many Icelanders that can converse in multiple languages (English is compulsory in Iceland).  Common 3rd languages are: Danish, Norwegian, French and German.  Bottom line is, language won’t be a problem.  Note that there are few signs in foreign languages. If confused ask someone.

Eating. Iceland has come a long ways on the culinary front. That said, everyday food is decent.  Eating in Iceland, at least for Americans, is expensive. Expect prices that range from double to triple.  Eating out at a high-end restaurant is expensive.  Since everyone’s budget is different, it is difficult to write the definitive guide to eating in Iceland.  I, for one, tend to minimize how much money I spend on food while in Iceland.  If you are like me, try the local hot dogs, Thai restaurants and Subway.  If you are more adventurous, look for local delicacies like lamb, puffin, rotten shark, pony and even whale meat.

Money. The local currency is the Icelandic krona (plural: kronur). As of today, the rate of exchange is 113 kronur to the dollar.  For US travelers, this is still a favorable exchange because your dollars buy more kronur. You don’t need cash, you can use a Visa everywhere – really.  I always see tourists lining up at the bank at the airport to exchange money. Unless you are dead-set on carrying cash, there’s really no need.

Accommodations. There’s quite a range of choices and price points. Good hotels are not cheap (almost nothing in Iceland is).  I highly recommend booking in advance, no matter where you end up staying.  There are less expensive hotels, as well as guesthouses, flats for rent and, for the budget-minded, hostels and other sleeping bag accommodations.  There are two youth hostels in Reykjavik, one of which even allows you to pitch a tent in the back.  Outside of Reykjavik there are a few hotels sprinkled around the country as well as numerous guesthouses, sleeping bag accommodations and camping spots.

Car rentals. My advice is to shop around. Renting a car in Iceland is pricey. Many simply don’t rent a car and walk or take the bus, or even bus tours. Unless you rent a 4×4 jeep, don’t take you rental off-road. Seriously. You will be told not to do this and it’s good advice.

Weather. Iceland’s weather is capricious. Always bring layers. Bring rain gear and good materials for staying warm. Don’t bother bringing an umbrella, it’s often too windy. On a great summer day it can be as high as 70 degrees (maybe a little more). In the winter it often hovers around freezing.  In the winter it is not the extremes of cold but the possible extremes of weather.  It can be windy, very windy.

Length of day. Expect, at the height of summer, about 20 of day light. In the winter, expect about 6 hours of daylight, give or take.  Both have their charms.  Many think the best, or only, time to visit Iceland is summer.  I beg to differ and say that winter in Iceland holds many interesting aspects and unique things to do. It just depends on your definition.  

Things to do and see. In my opinion the best thing about Iceland is the nature.  Get out and explore. Some of my favorite Iceland tours are the following:

Iceland bus tours -  lots of choices here. Most are day tours lasting from 3-7 hours. One of the most popular is the Golden Circle Tour which will take you to see Gulfs (waterfall), Geyser (Like Old Faithful) and Thingvellir National Park.

Jeep tours – lots of choices here too. This is a great Iceland day tour idea.  These jeeps can take you where the buses don’t go and are more personal.

Hiking tours - Within this category, I include backpacking, trekking and climbing and Iceland glacier tours.

Camping – in Iceland camping is very popular and for good reason.  Iceland’s outback is like a giant national park; beautiful, exotic and unspoiled.  Some of the most memorable times of my life were while camping in Iceland. That’s not hyperbole, just fact.

There’s so much more to list, so I will do just that, list a few more things to consider during your Iceland Travel adventure: whale watching, snowmobiling, skiing (all types), exploring downtown Reykjavik, nightlife in Reykjavik (it’s kind of famous), fishing, Iceland pony riding, hot springs, the blue lagoon and, in general, luxuriating in the abundant, clean, geothermal-heated swimming pools and spas.

My question is, does it deserve such fame?  In a country that is absolutely filled with natural wonders, I think it’s a shame that many Iceland tourists would only see this one.

The Blue Lagoon was not planned.  Back in the late 1970′s, when the Svartsengi geothermal power plant came online, they used to just let geothermal hot water run-off from the plant.  This run-off started to collect in pools.  This eventually created pools large enough to bathe in.  In 1981, people started bathing in the pools (Icelanders have been utilizing geothermal hot springs for a nearly a thousand years so, this wasn’t a stretch).  But this water was different.  The water that created the Blue Lagoon came from geothermal wells almost 2 km deep and was rich in minerals and silica.  People with Psoriasis noticed that it helped their skin – boom an industry was formed.

Over the years, the Blue Lagoon went from a public bathing facility to a full-fledged spa, restaurant and hotel.  Skin care products were launched, shops were opened in Reykjavik and elsewhere and before you know it, the Blue Lagoon was famous.

Don’t get me wrong, the Blue Lagoon is worth seeing and experiencing.  The setting is other-worldly.  The milky-blue water is soothing and relaxing (no folks it’s not clear water).  There are waterfalls and saunas; even a lava cave you can swim into.  But if all you saw during your Iceland trip was the Blue Lagoon, you are seeing only the “commercialized” version of Iceland’s natural wonders.  I think many Icelander’s would agree.  Some are perfectly content to shuttle tourists to and from this place – and keep the other gems to themselves…  Well, sorry Islendingur (Icelandic people), I am going to blow the lid on this conspiracy.  Just joking.  Icelanders are extremely proud of their nation and its scenic wonders.  To list them all would take a book-literally. 

So, is the Blue Lagoon overrated?  Yes.  And, no.  You won’t find anything like it anywhere.  But that same sentence can be said about much of Iceland.  If you are planning a trip to Iceland, my advice is to experience the Blue Lagoon by booking a tour that allows you to explore the Reykjanes peninsula (where it is located), one of the most volcanically active areas in Iceland.  Here’s a link to that Iceland Blue Lagoon tour. 

But do yourself the favor of seeing more of this beautiful and exotic natural paradise.  Book a day tour, take the Golden Circle tour, visit the South Coast with it gorgeous waterfalls, see Skaftafell National park, walk on a glacier.  Do the Blue Lagoon.  Then go see some more.

"Geysir" is one of the sights on the Golden Circle tour

Planning a trip to Iceland and fancy an excursion for some sightseeing? Bus excursions are a fun, convenient, comfortable, and affordable way to explore Iceland. And, there are many, many facets of Iceland to explore; it’s a sightseeing wonderland. 

This article is intended to point out some of the top, most popular Iceland excursions. Booking a bus excursion is easy and can be done before you leave for your trip or when you’re in Iceland.  Here is a list of some of the most popular Iceland excursions:

Golden Circle – The Golden Circle is one of the most popular and well-known tours in Iceland.  It almost always consists of three attractions:  the falls of Gullfoss, the Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. This bus tour leaves from Reykjavik and the tour itself last approximately 4-5 hours with stops at each attraction for sightseeing and photos.  

Blue Lagoon – Another popular Iceland excursion destination is the Blue Lagoon, which is located on the Reykjanes peninsula. This famous geothermal spa and pool is must-see/experience, with its warm blue-green water surrounded by moon-like landscapes.  This tour also leaves from Reykjavik, or from the Keflavik airport as a way to pass time between layovers.  From Reykjavik, it’s about a 45 minute drive and about 20 minutes from the airport.

South Coast – Next on the list is the South Coast of Iceland. Tourists love visiting the glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, and black sand beaches of the southern shores of Iceland. The diversity of nature will have you awe struck. Bus tours are a very comfortable and cost effective way to see and experience this part of Iceland.  All-in-all, a great day tour idea.

Reykjavik – Reykjavik is actually a small city but, with much to see and do. Many tourists choose the bus tour of this interesting Northern capital city for the expert guides and local knowledge.

The best part of these excursions is that the tour operators make all the arrangements and you can sit back and just enjoy the ride. After every stop you will be able to hop back on the bus and share your thoughts with your family and friends. Most of the excursions pick you up at your hotel and offer multiple attractions in one tour.

Also, don’t worry about being trapped inside the bus. You will have more than enough time outside of the bus to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Iceland. The bus is merely an efficient and comfortable medium of transportation to maximize your Iceland travel experience.

Language
The Icelandic language is one of the most difficult.  My working vocabulary is limited, despite being married to an Icelander for 16 years and living in the country. That said, I can often follow along with conversation.  I remember my first trip to Iceland and taking photos of the street signs.  Icelandic looked so foreign to me.  The words can be comically long and the alphabet has numerous characters that are quite foreign to many, especially Americans.  Take for example the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a small town in southeastern Iceland with approximately 150 inhabitants.  Many of the signs for this town don’t use the full name because of its length.  You’ll often see it written as “Kirkjubæjar,” which means “church town.”

Pronunciation:
Icelandic has characters in its alphabet that may seem quite foreign to some. Here’s a quick guide to help with your pronunciation
Ð (capitalized)/ ð (lower case): called “eth” and pronounced like the “th” in there.
Æ/æ: called, “aye” and pronounced like the “i” in Iceland.
Ö/ö: pronounced like the “u” in further or murky.
Þ/þ: called “thorn” and pronounced like the “th” in thin.
Á/á: pronounced like the “ou” in ouch.
É/é: is like a normal “e,” but with a subtle “y” before it. For instance, the Icelandic word for company is, “félag” and is pronounced like “fyelag.”
Í/í: pronounced like the “ee” in eat.
J/j: are pronounced like a y in ‘yell’. Example, Jon in Icelandic sounds like “Yone”
Ó/ó: pronounced like the “o” in open.
Ú/ú: pronounced like the “o” in move.

Icelandic belongs to the North Germanic or Nordic branch of the Germanic languages.  The language has changed little since the time of the sagas, something that Icelanders (Islendingur) take much pride in.  As far as I can tell almost every word is Icelandic is conjugated, even names.  My wife’s name is Svava and depending on the context of the conversation would be conjugated as Svövu (her’s is an easy example).  Another example is the name Sigríður, which is conjugated as, Sigríði and Sigríðar.  No wonder I never learned the language.  Picking up a new language as an adult is very hard.  But don’t worry, the vast majority of Icelanders speak English quite well.

Weather
Iceland’s weather is notoriously capricious.  Even in the height of summer, you can experience 3 seasons.  Annual temperatures range from about freezing to 55 degrees F on average.   So, while Iceland is certainly not the coldest place on earth, it is almost never ‘warm.’  That said, I have experienced many summer days that were in the low 70s.  Given the country’s latitude that’s pretty warm.  It is good to be prepared with waterproof hiking shoes, rain jacket, fleece of wool inner-jacket, hat, mittens and sunglasses.  You want to bring layers.  This especially true if you are going to be in the countryside.  And, don’t bother with an umbrella, it’s often too windy.   Here’s a good site for checking the weather.

Accommodations
Hotels in Iceland are expensive.  There are no two ways about it.  If you can afford it, that’s great.  But there are alternatives.  There are two hostels in Reykjavik.  There are also flats for rent, which are a better deal if you are going to be travelling with a small group.  Outside the capital city, I suggest staying in guesthouses.  Most offer sleeping bag accommodations and are pretty affordable.  Most of the hotels will have a list of guesthouses but, you’ll also see sighs along the Ring road, Iceland’s only highway.

Car rentals
In my opinion, the best way to experience Iceland is to rent a car and explore.  Since there’s only one main highway, getting lost is not a big problem.  Renting a car is not cheap – nothing in Iceland is – but it’s worth it. I suggest you pick up a map of places off the main highway.

Driving in Iceland
Keep your wits about you.  Iceland’s ring road is a fairly narrow two-lane road. the speed limit is 110.  I suggest not driving much faster than that, even weather permitting.  Out in the country, there are dozens of single lane bridges.  These can be dangerous.  In fact, I got into a small accident on one of them.  Here’s a link to useful information about driving in Iceland,  in 4 languages.

Food
Read another article I wrote, “A guide to low cost eating in Iceland“

Things to do
Swimming.  There are numerous public pools in Reykjavik, and dozens more sprinkled across the country.  they are cheap, clean and generally offer everything from lap pools to hot tubs to steam saunas.
Iceland tours. I have gone on many tours in Iceland.  My two favorite tour operators are Icelandic Mountain Guides (www.mountainguides.is) and Iceland Rovers (www.icelandrovers.is).  Icelandic Mountain Guides specializes in hiking, climbing, backpacking, trekking and skiing.  They offer Iceland tours for people of all levels.  Some of their most popular tours are glacier walks.  Iceland Rovers specializes in guided super jeep tours.  These jeeps can seat 7 and can go just about anywhere.  The main takeaway is that booking an Iceland tour with one of these companies will afford you the opportunity to see Iceland’s beautiful outback; places the buses don’t go and places you generally can’t and shouldn’t take a rental car. They both offer a great selection of day tours and overnight tours, depending on what you want to do and how much time you have.  Another good resource for Iceland travel is the Icelandic Travel Market.  They have a website, www.icelandictravelmarket.is as well as a booking office in downtown Reykjavik.  You can choose just about any Iceland activity you can think of, either online or at their sales office.

Iceland Jeep Tours

There is really no better way to travel the countryside of Iceland than with the assistance of a specially-equipped super jeep. These 4×4 jeeps can traverse the roughest terrain, including rivers and streams. Many Iceland tour operators offer such jeep tours with expert guides who can drive you up close to the natural phenomena of Iceland, especially that which is not accessible by roads. Whether you are interested in seeing volcanoes or glaciers, these jeeps can give you a unique perspective while keeping you safe and comfortable. This is an excellent option for those who are unable to go on hikes or walks of great lengths due to disabilities or health reasons.

One of the most popular tour destinations in Iceland is the golden circle. Yes, you can take a bus tour to these attractions but it is much more exciting and far less crowded to take a jeep tour. Not only that but it will be a much more scenic route since these jeeps do not need roads for safe travel. Imagine having the freedom to drive from the falls of Gullfoss and see the shooting Geysir and Thingvellir National Park in a matter of several hours with just your friends and family. You will be able to enjoy the attractions more without the clamor and annoyance of other people and be able to take better pictures from a closer view point.

Another aspect of a jeep tour to take into account is the ride itself. Riding in these powerful vehicles is very exhilarating and has a bit of a roller coaster feel. All you have to do is hop on, enjoy the ride, and take in the sights around you. Let the experts do the work and make sure to buckle up as it may get a little bumpy!

Overall jeep tours are very entertaining Iceland tours that will give you a great feel for Iceland’s beautiful back country. So remember, next time you visit Iceland, stop by a tour operator’s office in Reykjavik and request a jeep tour for an adventure you will never forget.

Iceland Ice Climbing

Imagine yourself climbing a vertical wall of ice! Come to Iceland and you can make it a reality. Tour operators in Iceland offer expert instruction and advice to assist you in your climbing and ensure your safety. They will teach you the best climbing techniques and how to properly use the ice tools. These tours range anywhere from four to ten hours with the majority of the time spent on the ice. The greatest part of Iceland ice climbing is being able to customize your experience based on your abilities. You can climb the maximum amount allowed by the guide or just climb a few feet to feel what it is like to cling to an ice wall.

Whether you are an ice climbing expert or a first timer there is a suitable climb for you in Iceland. This is an excellent way to soak up the beautiful scenery of the Iceland backcountry. All of your equipment will be provided for you including all climbing equipment, ice axes, and crampons. Crampons are cleats that attach to your boots to allow you to gain traction on the ice. The ice axes help you to advance up the face of the glacier.

Overall, if you are adventurous and you are looking for tours in Iceland then you will thoroughly enjoy ice climbing in Iceland. This is an uncommon activity but it is very challenging, exciting, and rewarding when you exceed your own personal expectations. It feels that much better when you look around and see the magnificent Icelandic landscapes that not many people get to see. Come to Iceland and enjoy an ice climbing tour led by expert guides on some of the most famous glaciers in the world.

Iceland Horse Riding!

One of the most entertaining Iceland activities is horse riding. If you are traveling to Iceland and you are looking for fun things to do, consider taking a horse riding tour. These tours are relaxing, educational, and safe enough for children to participate. You will learn all about the Icelandic horses including the history of how they arrived on Iceland, their physical characteristics, and their behaviors. Horse riding in Iceland is an amazing way to see the famous natural landmarks just as the first settlers did more than a thousand years ago. Most Iceland tour operators offer horse riding tours to the public and their expert guides will provide you with all the knowledge and instruction you need to ride these horses safely and comfortably. The majority of tours require little to no riding experience and are easy for children ages 10 and up.

First you need to know some background information on these interesting animals. The Icelandic horse is an unusual horse, unlike most horses you are used to seeing either in Europe or the United States. They are much smaller, about the size of a pony, and they have a heavy coat to protect themselves from the harsh Icelandic climate. Icelandic horses also have two unique gaits, meaning they have two different styles of movement beyond the typical walk, trot, and gallop. The first additional gate is called the tölt which is a four beat lateral movement that is explosive but still comfortable for the rider. The second additional gait is a two beat lateral pace called skeið which is very fast and smooth. Some horses can reach up to 30 miles per hour in this gait. Horses that can perform both of these gaits are considered to be best of the breed. Although Icelandic horses are still used for traditional farm work they are also used for leisure, showing, and racing.

Due to these extra gaits, Icelandic horseback riding is very soothing and comfortable and much less bumpy than other breeds of horses. Their additional gaits keep you very stable for a steady ride, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. These horses are also not easily spooked due to lack of threatening predators on Iceland, which lets you know these horses are very mild-tempered and pose no danger to their riders.

Now that you know how an Icelandic horse moves, here is some history on their origin and purity. Viking age Scandinavians brought the ancestors of these horses to Iceland between 860 and 935 AD. These settlers idolized these horses as figures of their mythology. After attempts to cross breed with eastern countries were made, the Icelandic Parliament prohibited the importation of horses into Iceland in 982 AD. This led to the Icelandic horses being bred pure for over 1,000 years. The population today is what has survived through selective breeding, natural selection, and the volcanic eruption of the 1780s which wiped out 70% of the population. Iceland horses come in different t colors, coats, and sizes and are all used for different purposes however they are all from the same authentic bloodline.

Thanks to this isolation and preservation of breed, there are hardly diseases among Icelandic horses and they have no immunities built up. If there were an outbreak it would kill the entire population. This is why the Icelandic parliament will not allow any livestock into Iceland and once a horse leaves Iceland it can never return. All equipment used for the care of these animals that is imported must be either sterilized or be new, in the packaging, before entering the country.

Now that you have some background on these horses you are ready to ride them. The expert tour guides will fill you in on much more details and history when you are on the tour. Once again, if you are visiting Iceland and looking for some great day tours for you and your family then horse riding is a great option. Whether you want to see volcanoes, go to the beach, bathe in the blue lagoon, or explore a glacier, Icelandic horse riding can take you there. You will be relaxed, comfortable, and you might even become attached to your horse and not want to say bye at the end of the tour. Come to Iceland and see the world famous tourist attractions while enjoying one of Iceland’s most coveted past time, Iceland horse riding.

Iceland Super Jeep

Take your Iceland adventure off road in a specially equipped 4×4 super jeep and see famous tourist attractions in comfort. Jeep tours in Iceland are an excellent way to see the countryside and to get to places you cannot reach on a bus or a normal vehicle. These super jeeps are built to handle the roughest terrain in the worst weather conditions with ease. The manufacturers of these jeeps include Nissan, Land Rover, and Land Cruiser. All three manufacturers do an excellent job of equipping these jeeps with the necessary upgrades to ensure a safe off-road experience such as special tires, suspension, communications equipment, and snorkels. You might be wondering why a vehicle would need a snorkel. These super jeeps are capable of crossing large rivers, streams, snow, and ice.

Expert guides from Iceland tour operators are very skilled drivers of these vehicles and will ensure you reach your destination safely. Taking an Iceland jeep tour will allow you to visit many locations in a one day tour. These jeeps can take shortcuts that take much less time than the normal roads and traffic delays. Most tour companies offer these 4×4 tours to the Golden Circle, glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, lava caves, black sand beaches, and to see the northern lights.

Super jeeps are especially instrumental in seeing the Iceland northern lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis. These colorful lights cannot be seen very well from the city where there are many other artificial lights. You only have a small window of time to be able to see the night lights so you must be able to move away from all light sources and drive around the countryside until you find a spot where you can clearly see the colorful displays.

In an Iceland jeep you will be comfortable, safe, and excited! This is without a doubt the most thrilling way to explore Iceland and all that it has to offer. Sit back and ride in luxury as an expert driver leads you on an off-road journey to get an up close look at the natural phenomena of Iceland.