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Just starting out with planning

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I am thinking about going to Iceland next May (or maybe the May after that... it depends on how my savings go and I plan to make a final decision in November since that's when I need to start booking things).

I can't take a lot of time off work and I don't exactly have a high paying job. So my vacation will be about 8 days/7 nights. I plan on traveling with my daughter (who is a foodie and a vegetarian). She will want to dine at a Michelin star restaurant or two (looks like Iceland has a few). And I will be traveling with my elderly mother who has mobility issues. She uses a cane but when I took her to Germany last year, we bought an "off road" wheelchair with mountain bike tires on it for her and it was a game changer since I could push her long distances over just about any terrain. Only once did we have to go to a bike shop for a quick repair. If mom is going next year, the plan is to take that chair again. I've pushed her up the hills in Bavaria and even on gravel paths (it's a good workout) but it's doable. Mom is also prepared to forgo some details she might not be able to get to. For example, she might want to go to Seljalandsfoss with us, but if it's not easy to walk with a cane... slowly... only my daughter and I will walk behind the falls. Mom will just sit and soak in the nature for a while until we get back to her.

I actually think this might be a good vacation for mom since it will be a lot of driving vs. cobblestone roads, castle steps, and trying to rush onto trains (which was a bear with the wheelchair). It sounds like the buildings are more modern too which might be easier for her. I am not sure how far parking lots are from sites though. At least the wheelchair is off road.

Of importance to each of us:
Me- I love history and science. I see this as more of a science vacation and want to see glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes.
Daughter- Food, coffee houses, and experiencing the culture.
My mom- Just wants to go and hasn't expressed any particular interests. She may have "bad days" where she just wants to stay at the hotel.

I literally just started working on this, but I want to plan as much as I can so I have a true idea of cost so I can pick the final date/year by November. Besides, I am a weirdo who really enjoys planning and researching. I've managed to plan three great vacations for the three of us over the past 10 years (Hawaii, England/Paris, and Germany) and I've never been disappointed (and neither has my daughter and mom). From what I've read and watched (and listened to) so far from various resources, I am thinking it's probably only reasonable to plan a trip around the southern part of the island. I think the Ring Road isn't doable with our limited time. Is that a correct assessment? And am I missing out on any "once in a life time" things father away if I stick to the south?

By the way, I have Rick's book on Iceland on order from the library. I want a 2023 (or even 2022 version) to buy and keep but I can't find one. Maybe some of this is answered in those books, but I am a bit excited (and eager).

Thank you!

Posted by
8429 posts

CAE, Rick's Iceland book won't be updated until April of 2024, so right now the only one available is the 2020 edition. Lonely Planet has an Iceland guidebook that was published in 2022 you might want to look at.

I can't answer all your questions but can definitely tell you that the Ring Road would not be doable in the 7 nights you have (and by the way, 7 nights usually only equates to 6 days, not 8, since your arrival and departure days won't give you a lot of time). The airport is located about 45 minutes outside of the city so it takes time to get there, get to your hotel and so on, so I wouldn't count on accomplishing too much the day you get there, other than just walking around.

And I know you know this, but be aware that going to expensive "foodie" restaurants will be very very pricey. You might want to limit yourself to one or two splurges. A lot of people will buy food at stores rather than eating every meal in a restaurant. And there is a lot of history there. I still remember standing in Thingvellir National Park in 930 AD where the first parliament was and being very emotional about it.

Yes, I think Kelly mentioned the distances you have to walk and I also found when I was there that car parks can be a bit far from the sites. I didn't really think it was that bad and I don't think it will pose any significant problem, although you as the pusher might get tired. :) You might find this website helpful. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-info/iceland-in-a-wheelchair-adventures-accessible-to-everyone

Posted by
2798 posts

Yes the ring road is definitely too much for your time frame. The time we did it we had 12 days and it was still rushed. Maybe that’s why we kept coming back:)

You can do the south coast and/or Snaefellsness in your time allotted. The big thing is to book far in advance.

I did not find walking distances that far from most parking areas to the actual sites. A few yes, but not many at all.

I personally like the Lonely Planet books better than RS fir Iceland. Plus Jeannie from Iceland With A View is now partnering with LP and she is a wealth of information. Look on Facebook and you tube for her.

We didn’t find restaurant prices to be much different than here at home. I think the fast food over there is more costly but we have never opted for those. Look at Ingolfsskali Viking Restaurant near Selfoss for a really good dinner with fantastic atmosphere. Messinn was s our favorite restaurant in Reykjavik but they also have one in Selfoss now. Definitely do the food tour in Reykjavik. It is an excellent thing to do on day of arrival as you learn about the country and you try so many places that you can rhyme return to those you really like. The Citywalk “free” walking tour is also really good for day of arrival.

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