10 things to know about iceland

The bad news is that you can't see Northern Lights in Iceland during the summer. Welcome back to my channel. The average summer temperatures in Reykjavk are 10-13C (50-55F). Icelandic weather is unpredictable, and even when the sun shines, the cold wind affects the wind chill factor significantly. In Iceland, however, its not necessary to speak Icelandic because basically everyone speaks excellent English. The First Settlers Were Not Vikings. All free and law-abiding citizens could attend as the assembly passed laws and administered justice. Contrary to popular belief, the entire country isnt carpeted in ice. That didnt stop the British from invading, but at least the locals were able to keep their dignity intact. Geothermal Power Iceland is a tiny island nation located in the north Atlantic, parallel to Greenland and between North America and Europe. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Iceland is also famous for its Skyr yogurt, which is a very filling yogurt, almost resembling a greek yogurt. At the end of our trip, we had difficulties spending all the money we withdrew at the airport. Usually that rule applies when there is a I with a dash over it. From sheeps head to lamb meat soup to fermented shark and beyond, there just isnt much to scream and shout about when it comes to the local cuisine in Iceland. This goes way back to prohibition times. NEXT:Disney World: 10 Things You Didnt Know About The Desserts At The Main Street Bakery. Im giving you the pros and cons of the most famous hot spring in Iceland! On top of that, back during World War II, Iceland remained largely neutral and didnt want to get involved with any kind of conflict. Iceland is a stunning, otherworldly country. Except for a brief interruption from 1799-1844, Iceland's independent commonwealth has been governed by the Althingi parliament since 930, the world's oldest extant parliamentary institution. Also, outside the Reykjavik agglomeration, public transport in the country is not very frequent and runs only between settlements. From the low crime rate to the overwhelming happiness of the locals, its not exactly difficult to figure out why theres such a warm atmosphere up there. Either way, we're big fans. Many places and attractions carry names we simply couldn't remember, even though we really tried. Maybe this fact is a reason for the second point 2. Even when driving, for example, around theWestfjords, Snaefellsnes,orEast Fjords, the landscape is without the trees blocking your view, and you can really enjoy the scenery. But if you have the time I really, really recommend driving at least around Ring Road, traveling into the [inaudible 00:07:22], doing a trip to the Highlands, or any way that you can get a little more exposure to Iceland. You can be anything you want to be and while you could argue this is true in other countries, especially in places like the United States where they pretty much sell phrases like that on a t-shirt, its not always the case. Except for creating the perfect itinerary and writing down all the magical places you want to visit, we think it is equally important to know what to expect. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Southwest Iceland, best things to do, what to see and do, travel guide, top attraction, europe, Budget Travel Tips, budget guide, Iceland Travel Tips, Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Best Things to Do + Itinerary, Golden Circle, Iceland: Self-Drive Travel Guide, A Complete Guide to Iceland's South Coast, 21 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Iceland, The Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn in Iceland, A Complete Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. One of the strangest things about Iceland we noticed almost immediately after our arrival was the complete lack of trees and forests. And if it happens, stand in awe quietly and savor the moment. The first settlers were actually Celtic monks around (770 AD), a full century before the vikings arrived. When we were planning our trip, Landmannalaugar was the only place that made us think about a 4WD. The Blue Lagoon is a must-see if you're visiting Iceland; here are 10 things you should know about it before you go. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Keep your gas tank and snack bag full always. Im talking like Icelandic water is like the best in the world. We are not going to lie to you. This might be a little bit of common knowledge, but Reykjavik actually last year was named the number one most expensive city in the world. All Rights Reserved. 3. This brings us to just another topic - campgrounds. It often rains in Iceland, so pack a rain poncho. I mean I dont want to rush the Christmas season and TRUST me, I have some fun Christmas stuff coming up! In a nutshell, we traveled around Iceland for 14 days and didn't have to use cash once. Theyre not party hubs, but they dont need to be. A little bit about the land of fire and ice 10 Things to Know 1. Wintertime would definitely change our point of view, and we would recommend you consider renting a 4WD for your safety. On top of that, the omnipresent wind has no obstacles in the way, and sometimes the wind gusts were so strong that it felt like our car was trying to lift off. Weather The weather in Iceland is in general bad and you'll have to be very lucky to get a sunny day for hiking there. Iceland is an alluring and beautiful country, with a rich history and plenty of fascinating facts about it that most people don't know! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Some historians believe that Columbus visited Icelands Snaefellsnes Peninsula on a trading mission in 1477 and there learned of Viking explorations of the New World. It captures the heart of the terrain, in addition to the volcanoes that threaten to wreak havoc across the country. The Golden Circle, which includes the Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park is Iceland's most popular tourist route, but it's not the only route worth taking while visiting the country. You have views of your entire surroundings most of the time, which is great for hikers, road trippers, and tourists in general. Iceland as a travel destination has been lately very popular, and the number of travelers by far overgrown the number of Iceland's population. Still, we wore a down jacket and rain jacket almost all the time. RELATED:10 Etiquette Tips That Every American Traveling To Europe Should Know. And you should never underestimate it to stay safe. To give you an example,Larch Valley Hike and Sentinel Passis an amazing day hike in the Canadian Rockies. 20 Iceland Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go - The World Pursuit Everything in that part of the world is quite raw and rugged, which is probably why so many of their men go on to become strongmen. So Vik is the town that is in south Iceland where the Black Sand Beach is. It took us to some of the most beautiful, Lets state the obvious: jet lag is REAL. The noxious gas clouds blotted out the sun across Europe and caused freak weather events, such as acid rain and floods. To this day, alcohol can still only be purchased at Keflavik International Airport and in Vibudin, the state-run alcohol store, often given the Orwellian nickname "Rikid" (or "the government"). Even if you watch the weather forecast closely, you cannot take anything for granted, and it is always best to be prepared for the worst. Another great alternative is Viator. The Icelandic landscape is unpredictable and there are a variety of things to be aware of. I do know that some people find their tour guide to be very helpful and enjoyable, so theyll tip their tour guide, but of course this is never expected by the tour guides, only appreciated. On the other hand, Iceland is also one of the most beautiful countries we've ever been to, and all money we spent there was well worth it. Just imagine visiting a place where there is black lava around a geothermal spa. Iceland may not be as cold as you were picturing, but it does get cold, and the water can be seriously unpredictable. Reykjavik is home to 200,000 people, more than half of all Icelanders. Iceland is I believe the only place in the world to have shopping that is both tax and duty-free. 10 useful things to know for a trip to Iceland - A Luxury Travel Blog And lastly, most of the campgrounds' facilities seemed fairly short in numbers. World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers to cover your trip essentials. To make our list, we considered a range of factors, including the types of QC each brand handles, its team's expertise, and the warranty it provides. A national referendum led to the legalization of most alcoholic beverages in 1935 with one exceptionbeer containing more than 2.25 percent alcohol. As we have already mentioned, we rented a small campervan for our first road trip around Iceland, and this type of car was not allowed to drive on the F-Roads. The resulting Haze Famine killed 9,000 peoplea fifth of the countrys populationand led the Danish government to briefly consider evacuating the islands remaining residents to Denmark. Heres another one that you might not have heard before: respect the moss. Right here. RELATED:The 10 Most Photogenic Winter Landscapes In America. I want you to have the best trip ever, and that means being safe, being respectful of the nature, and just being smart and having fun. Drink the water. Hopefully, we'll return to see Aurora Borealis someday in the future. When deciding on what car or campervan to choose, always consider destinations you want to visit, search for the type of roads, and always take into consideration the season of your visit. But, did you know that Icelandic is in one of the top five most difficult languages in the entire world to learn? 5. A lot of people are traveling to Vk on their trip, but they say it Vik. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. Then, in 1989, the people of Iceland were able to celebrate as the majority of alcoholic beverages were permitted to play a role in the nations culture once again. Firstly, you don't have to make reservations, which is very different from our road trip experiences from theCanadian RockiesorNew Zealand. 10 Fascinating Things About Iceland You Didn't Know About - TheTravel If you prefer taking a tour, you should also book the services at least a couple of months ahead. 10. A lot of people head to Iceland for this major, Read More New Years Eve in Reykjavik Iceland | How to plan your tripContinue, If you are planning an October trip to Iceland, then get excited my friends, because I have the most comprehensive guide for planning your October trip to Iceland. Snaefellsnes. But, the winters in Iceland can get pretty wild with freezing winds and heavy snowstorms. Both places offer a regular city experience and sightseeing, but other than that, prepare yourself for driving through remote areas and for being outside most of the time. Now I just told you to not learn Icelandic, but there are some very common words that get mispronounced, and I want to clarify those just really, really quickly. Author: aaron . Here's our list of top 10 things to do and see in Iceland. Or how we would physically get there. Shield volcanos are also found in California and Idaho as well as Iceland and the Galapagos Islands. When we forget about all the negative effects that the whole process of deforestation has caused throughout the centuries, there is one positive thing. Prices are going to look really high when you go the grocery store for the first time. I say that because Iceland is really, really unpredictable. I Visited Iceland in March! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The question is if our pronunciation of these seemingly easier names was right, probably not, but it did not bother us that much. Iceland is home to unpredictable weather and a landscape that is beautiful but wild and unforgiving. We believe you'll always find a room in the end, but it might be several kilometers from the place you planned for your stay, and it also might be much more expensive. Its full of culture, fishing expeditions, nice locals, and thats just when youve arrived at the airport. Oh my gosh its so delicious. One of the ways to do that is to avoid buying things that you dont have to, such as bottled water. So its not Vic, its Vik. 10 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Iceland Having sturdy hiking boots is also a must, as you should keep your dry and warm. There's no way of sugar-coating it - Iceland is eye-watering expensive. Icelands rich democratic tradition dates back more than a millennium to the institution of a national assembly, the Althingi, to govern the island in 930. Say no to plastics, buy a reusable water bottle before your trip, save money, and do something valuable for our environment. If you get stuck, it's also advisable to travel accompanied by at least one another car to recover your vehicle from the mud, sand, ditch, river, or any other problem. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. By making this investment, you will save more money and time, especially if you travel with family, friends, or as a couple to share the cost of travel. Its a sensitive topic that is better left untouched. Even though traveling around and enjoying a certain comfort level is possible, you should know that the best things are to be seen outdoors. 10 Things You Didn't Know About Iceland - Annie Anywhere In summer, renting a 2WD car is perfectly fine. Thats a very first world problem and were well aware of that fact, but if you are craving a cheeseburger of some description, just make sure it isnt from McDonalds because youre going to be out of luck. Find a cheap rental car or the best campervan, and reserve your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals. You will hear and see a lot of this fascinating place, and some people say that your trip to Iceland wouldn't be complete without visiting Blue Lagoon. This especially comes in handy at gas stations. If youre going to go out of your way to name a nation something, then youd better make sure its as cool as this. . I think a lot of people kind of know that it's expensive, but not how much. Hey, Team Iceland. Right here. When your community has something called an elf walk, there are bound to be some questions that are raised. These cookies do not store any personal information. Hey Im Jeannie, the creator of Iceland with a View. The reason is the fact Iceland is a very popular website visitors place to go for Asians, and you will probably be blown away to your density out of Asian society at any given day. So I really believe in order to get the best experience you should rent a car and do a road trip. Then we decided that it does not make sense to pay significantly more for this car only because of this day trip, and we hope to visit this destination in the future. Also known as the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis is one of the main reasons to visit Iceland. Surprisingly, more than 1000 years ago, forests covered about 40% of the country. We feel you. Its the best time of the year. No signing, no percent required. Final things to recall from the appointment Asian women in all parts of The climate there is just not compatible with their reproductive cycle. 13 Weirdest Things About Icelandic People & Culture | Gui We hope it helps when planning your trip. 10 Things You Should Know About Iceland - HISTORY There are 30 active volcano systems in Iceland, and the country tends to see an average of one eruption every five years. #icelandwithaview, THOSE GREENS THO are the northern lights on y, Everything you need to know about NOVEMBER in Icel, Wheres your next adventure? 15. In truth, this would probably be a really good thing if the rest of their food wasnt so questionable. Some people want to take a dip into a hot pool every day and plan their travel itinerary according to the location of the best pools. How do you explain this one? Iceland was trying to gain independence from Denmark. 10 Things to Know For Iceland 1st Timers | I am Reykjavik Of course, you have to pay for the night. As we've mentioned before, we traveled around Iceland when the summer was in full swing. 10. Those who visit the country are in for a treat of spectacular glaciers and hot springs, rolling hills of greenery, and some of the friendliest locals youll ever meet. Iceland Grocery Store #5: 10-11 The first time we walked into one of the stores, we were just seeking some Nescafe. The Politics 1. For people who have never experienced midnight sun, including ourselves, it's something that will take you by surprise regardless of how many articles you have read about it. and it sucks. 1/10 The Land of Fire and Ice This sounds like the latest book in the Game of Thrones series, but trust us, it isn't. The down to earth nation of Iceland has gained this remarkable nickname over the years, to the point where it has stuck as a popular tourism selling point. This, of course, is quite controversial, and has caused tension between the peaceful country and other nations. Fleeing political upheaval and later Viking raids, Irish monks are believed to have been the first to arrive in Iceland as temporary settlers, sometime between the seventh and ninth centuries. What is one of the most expensive products in Iceland? You get the picture. Jokes aside, more than 50% of the Iceland population believes in elves, giants, and other mythical creatures. Weather conditions have a huge impact on this. Iceland is perfect for leisure travelers, families, and outdoor types. The Weather (Especially the Wind) Learn about Iceland's problems, so you can consider them when planning your trip. There are many things to remember while hiking through the Icelandic landscape. It took a long time to settle due to the large mass of inhabitable land, however it grew overtime to be the great country it is today. 26 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Iceland | Exodus Here is a travel guide to Iceland: 10 things to know while planning your trip. Whether you travel to Iceland in the summer or winter, the key to success is wearing many layers. In general, there are four seasons in Iceland. Beer could sometimes be found stashed away in a fisherman's garage, but was less than 2.25% alcohol. Hey, Team Iceland. I dont necessarily know if its going to be the cheapest conversion, but at least its going to be really, really easy and you dont have to run around the city trying to look for a bank thats opened. 10 Things No One Tells You About Visiting Iceland - World Wide We think that it's already been said many times, but nature consisting of thousands of waterfalls, black sand beaches, high cliffs, green pastures, towering mountains, rough coastline, hot pools, volcanoes, all that very close to the iconic Ring Road, is something you must see with your own eyes. The origin of many places in the country has a scientific explanation and then a folklore explanation. I know its a hard word, but now you know. Icelands government-run television station, which began broadcasting in 1966 and was the countrys sole channel for 20 years, went dark every Thursday until 1987 in order to promote human interaction. This stunning destination allows for you to travel miles upon miles without even seeing another soul, which should be enough of an incentive to go. Those are my 10 tips for first time travelers in Iceland. Snaefellsnes is the peninsula in west Iceland, right here. Conditions weather-wise are at their best, plus the midnight sun makes the visit unique and allows you to get the most out of the long days. The country is famous for its ever-changing weather and high precipitation, so you can indeed experience four seasons not only in one day but within an hour.