I've read the other threads here on Iceland, but am looking for more/specific info. Our family (2 adults, 1 9-yr-old boy) will have just under a week in Iceland mid-April. We like to get off the beaten path and find "back doors." We love getting out in nature, connecting with locals, and we like to save money, without roughing it TOO much!
Getting the Lonely Planet guide, but wondering if you have ideas for itinerary, places to stay, strategies for saving money, etc.
Any specific recommendations? Thanks!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Wow Air will probably be the cheapest way to get there. Unfortunately you will need to connect in San Francisco or Los Angeles on the west coast or a handful of stops on the east coast. I think it would be easier to get to SF or LA then pick up a direct flight to Reykjavik with Wow Air.
When I was there the big hot springs by Reykjavik were booked up, so consider booking ahead if it's something you want to do.
Everything is very expensive so prepare yourself mentally for that.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Iceland appears to be in a housing shortage crisis made worst by Airbnb conversions.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
20 posts
Thanks - I just learned about WOW and wow is right! But we already booked Icelandic - want to minimize travel time.
And yes, the AirBnB effect is really impacting lots of places. I personally prefer guest houses, traditional B&Bs, and small hotels/pensions for the connection with people who can help you make the most of your time, vs being totally on your own in an apt.
In any case, I'm looking more for suggestions about great spots in Iceland, bargains, etc. Thanks again!
Posted by
Vancouver
63 posts
We shopped at Bonus, a chain supermarket with a drunk looking pig on their bright yellow sign. Not hard to miss. Lots of picnics and a lot of skyr (like yogurt but in fact a cheese) eaten on our trip. Eating out was quite expensive and Iceland is not really known for it's food. Although, in Reykjavik, try Valdis. Amazing gelato, big line ups of locals and some crazy flavours unique to Iceland.
We had 12 days and spent time in Reykjavik and then drove the circle drive around Iceland. We found that many farms had tiny cabins to rent and this was perfect for our family. Kitchens to cook in and amazing views! If you look up Icelandic Farm Holidays or farm cottages, you should find quite a few. We stayed on two pony farms and went riding which was a highlight!
Also- loved going to the public pools. There were people there of all ages, kids playing, college students recovering from hangovers in the hot pots (not tubs here!) and older businessman conducting business in the very hot hot pots. A very cheap way to hang out with Icelanders!
Other special things we saw- Jökulsárlón, the lagoon of icebergs. And Svartifoss, a crazy hexagonal waterfall. For Svartifoss- you can drive up to the top and only hike 30 mins. Saves you about a 2 hour walk along the road. Just ask at the visitor centre. In Iceland, they don't offer you a lot of information unless you ask specifically. When we asked the guide why everyone would walk the 2 hours along the road he just said- "They don't ask, you did"
Posted by
Freedonia
16070 posts
Bonus also carries premade salads and sandwiches should you not feel like cooking.
If you do go to the major tourist sites, don't plan on dining in the attached shops/restaurants. At the Geyser Hot Springs area I had a bowl of lamb soup and a bottle of water. $18
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, WA, USA
20 posts
Thank you!!! We love grocery stores in other countries!
We have about 4 days, plus the day we arrive (early morning) and the day we leave (early evening). Assuming we rent a car, do you think we'll have time to do the peninsula just north of Reykjavik (which I will not try to spell at the moment!) AND southwest Iceland?