"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.

Reykjavik

One place you may have never considered visiting of your holiday is Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Iceland is a tiny island located in the North Atlantic Ocean which is often overlooked by prospective tourists and vacationers. However, Iceland is somewhat of a hidden gem, overshadowed by its larger, more popular European neighbors such as England and Ireland. Whether you want to experience some of most breath taking natural scenery in the world or explore an interesting culture dating back thousands of years I would highly suggest Iceland as your next destination.

The best way to take in the natural phenomena of Iceland is through guided tours from professional tour operators. They will ensure you are safe and comfortable as you hike and drive to mountains, valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches, and much more. Some tours are strictly hiking while others require vehicle assistance in order to reach terrain where there are no designated roads. Iceland tour operators drive specially equipped super jeeps that can cross rivers and drive over boulders. They are professionally trained to operate these 4×4 vehicles and will be able to provide you with a safe and luxurious ride to see the back country of Iceland.

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a place of bustling industry and riveting culture and lifestyle. Make sure to spend some time roaming through the streets of the city to get a sense of the Icelandic metropolitan way of life. In Reykjavik you can find beautiful architecture, delicious culinary offerings, and an evolving culture from rural to metropolitan. Do not be concerned with the language barrier as most Icelanders speak English and several other languages as well.

Overall, Iceland has a lot to offer tourists and travelers. Iceland combines the allure of untouched beautiful nature with bustling metropolitan city life creating a culture like none other.   So remember, if you decide to visit this beautiful island you should definitely take an Iceland hiking tour or an Iceland jeep tour and take some time to soak up the sights and sounds of Reykjavik. Hopefully this article has encouraged you to make your next holiday an Iceland holiday!

A nice photo of Landmannalaugur

The Iceland golden circle tour is typically a visit to the Althingi park, site of the old original Icelandic Parliament, Gullfoss (a large and beautiful waterfall) and, Geysir.  The tour can be done on a bus, or for the more adventurous in a super jeep.  The latter includes more unique sightseeing opportunities – because buses can’t really go off-road – and more personalized service.  It’s a good tour to get a sense of Iceland’s backcountry and see some highlights.

By no means are the aforementioned spots the only natural highlights in Iceland.  For those eager to get off the beaten path a bit more, here are some suggestions of other ‘must see’ spots in Iceland.
Hot springs abound in Iceland.  And, I don’t mean all the public pools in Reykjavik.  I am talking natural hot springs.  Some are slightly, man-altered where hot water is diverted into a stream and people get to soak with the wide open sky above them.

The South coast of Iceland is great for viewing waterfalls and glaciers.  Don’t be intimidated by the distances in Iceland, it’s a small country and driving times are minimal.  Book a tour, rent a car or, if you must, take a bus tour.  You might notice that I am not a huge fan of the bus tours.  They are too impersonal for my taste.

Landmannalaugur is unique and totally unforgettable.  Located in the southern highlands of Iceland, it is full of rugged terrain, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.  There is abundant geothermal activity, which also means there are geothermal pools for bathing.  In general, the whole area is filled with geological wonders in amazing colors including areas of rhyolite.  There is great camping area within this park that is popular with Icelanders.
Thorsmork glacier valley is a natural oasis that lies just behind the now famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.   The area can only be gotten to by jeep, so for this one I recommend booking a tour.  But, it’s worth it.  What you’ll see is glacial rivers, geological wonders and waterfalls, all tucked into one unspoiled glacial valley.

The Snaefellsness peninsula is one of my personal favorites.  Head north from Reykjavik and in about 3 hours you’ll be at Snaefellsjokull, a small glacier cone that dominates this beautiful peninsula.  This area has beautiful vistas, quaint towns, comfy hotels and good food.

Listing everything is not possible, but here’s a few more ideas with minimal or no descriptions:

• Black sand beaches can be found on the Reykjanes peninsula (where the airport is) and along the south coast.  Black sand beaches are fairly rare.
• Drive the ring road and visit all the quaint fishing villages, stay in guesthouses, or camp along the way.
• Fly or drive to Akureyri, the capital of the North.  It is small but beautiful, tucked in at the end of a long fjord.  From there visit Lake Myvatn.

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.

Iceland Whale Watching

One of the most spectacular activities you can do in Iceland is whale watching. There is nothing like watching some of the world’s largest animals burst through the surface of the water. You might also able to see dolphins, different types of birds, and other possible species as well. These whale watching tours are offered by expert guides who are very knowledgeable about the behaviors and patterns of the local whale population.

On most Iceland whale watching tours you will most likely see Mink and Humpback whales and occasionally dolphins and porpoises. These beautiful creatures can normally be found no more than 15 nautical miles outside the Reykjavik harbor. It is truly a gift to be able to see these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Be sure to listen closely as the guides will describe the sightings in depth including what type of whale you are observing, how they are behaving, and why they are behaving in such a manner.

For those who are worried about the cold of the North Atlantic Ocean, most boats have indoor heated cabins with large windows to the outside. Also, the sightings are not guaranteed and there will be no refund on any tour for not seeing any whales or other species. Every whale watching tour is different depending on the sea conditions, the weather, and the season. However, just going out on the sea is an adventure on its own and you have a strong chance of witnessing some interesting wild life.

If you are considering Iceland travel you should also plan to go whale watching in Iceland. This is a great experience that shows you what the surrounding sea life is like in Iceland and what the native fishermen see on a daily basis. Iceland whale watching will add excitement to your trip and make for some great pictures! Bring warm clothing as the North Atlantic can be quite chilling even on sunny days.

Iceland Hiking!

Iceland has some of the best hiking in the world with a wide variety of terrain and many trails with different levels of difficulty. When you hike in Iceland you have the opportunity to traverse volcanoes, glaciers, and mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an expert there is a hiking experience that will safely allow you to witness the beauty of Iceland. Tour operators in Iceland offer hiking tours to many of Iceland’s most famous natural landmarks and tourist attractions. These tour operators incorporate vehicle assistance to be able to cover more terrain and provide another level of safety and comfort.

There are so many different mountain ridges, peaks, and valleys to explore you will have a very difficult time choosing which tour you should take. The tour operators have Iceland hiking tours ranging from a day to month long. You will have to consider how strenuous of a hike you are capable of handling without putting your health at risk. Expert guides have been exploring these mountainous regions for years and will provide the assistance and guidance you need to safely enjoy the natural surroundings of Iceland.

Iceland hiking allows you to seek solitude and quiet in a modern world where that is nearly impossible. Also, there are many interesting attractions to see on these hikes beyond the scenery such as the hot springs and lava caves. You will be able to take a break from your hike and take a warm, soothing bath in the Iceland hot springs. You can also explore the underground caves that have been the source of many Icelandic superstitions and myths. If you choose to go on a multiple day hike the Iceland tour operators will provide all necessary equipment, food, huts, and transportation.

Hiking in Iceland is a refreshing way to experience the awe of nature and escape the urban lifestyle for short time. By taking one of these Iceland hiking tours you will get a better understanding of the land and have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in a foreign environment. Although an Iceland hiking tour can be challenging, it is all worth it once you reach the top!