And now...the 100 best things in Iceland.

9. Stay warm

Amy,

You may have to finish the list for us. None of us know all these wonderful things about Iceland. The only one I could think of is "runways at the airport just the right length so that Icelandair planes can take off to fly to the rest of Europe!"

Not at all difficult to do in
10. the Blue Lagoon, geothermal pool with terrific skin care properties, and
11. with a woolen sweater from all those sheep you'll see wandering about or
12. at the original Geysir and
13. in the boiling mud. (Okay, so maybe that's not on a par with the Louvre.)

Rex -
How about snarfing down the free salmon at the airport gift shop while you wait for your plane?

Ok, that was for "Silly". Now a few more for Rex...
14. whale watching on a fishing boat
15. the President's house, just right on out there in the open
16. greenhouse towns of amazing flowers and fruit
17. elves in Hafnarfjordur (no, I didn't see them, but that doesn't mean they're not there)
18. only five hours from the east coast
19. 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer (and I come from a 90's/humid city)
20. Viking sagas
21. Rotten shark and pickled rams'--uh--parts (so, it's an adventure)
22. Beautiful singing voices (pick up some CD's)
I could go on, but I don't want to be greedy...
23.

Well, maybe just a few more...
23. Thingvellir, the Viking parliament, claimed as the first in Europe
24. Tectonic plate fissures in Thingvellir national park (of course that's exciting!)
25. Hotdogs (the national snack) down by the harbor
26. Active volcanoes
27. Snowmobiling on a glacier
28. Puffins galore
29. Lava fields with tiny wildflowers growing
30. Sculpture museum of manageable size
Hey, anybody else???

Admire the Beautiful Blond women of Iceland.and their perfect skin

That'll do for 31.
32. Visit the old style turf home and museum in the village of Skogar. It's like visiting an elderly relative with a fascinating history.
33. Public heated swimming pools all over
34. Lobster pasta under blue and white Viking sails at Pasta Basta in Reykjavik
35. Walk to the city airport and catch a flight to the north or to Greenland (and realize how "mild" Iceland is in comparison to Greenland)

Topping this because certainly more people than Amy have gone to Iceland.
This is interesting!

Thank you, Nancy. The Iceland Appreciation Club here was starting to feel a little lonely.
36. Climb to the top of Skogafoss (falls) and "on a clear day, you can see forever"
37. Gaze into the calm teal waters of a crater lake
38. Only telephone book that I know of in Europe that's listed by first names
39. Great cheap public transport system in Reykjavik
40. Tipping is not expected or even usually approved
41. Colorful houses glowing in the lambent light
42. Friendly helpful people who do not find it necessary to hover or handhold

We're flying Iceland Air for the first time in a few days...and this trip, we're not spending any time in Iceland, not with a two week max itinerary. But the enthusiasm of Amy, and others, sure makes it seem like a good bet for some future stopover. Iceland? Lobster? We'll be there!

I'll second the Gullfoss Waterfall and walking through Thingvellir National Park in the canyon where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Just driving through the incredible landscape is perfect.

Amy,
2 questions;
Hot dogs are the national snack?!
Is Iceland really as expensive as I have been led to believe?
Since I live in a climate which is cool to cold, for at least 6 months of the year (and I am being generous) , 55F as a summer temp is not terribly appealing to me.
But, what is Christmas time like there?

Yup, the hotdog thing is for real. There is a tiny stand down by the harbor where there is always a line of people in business suits, tourist togs, and everything in between. (The hotdog stands are all over Denmark, as well.) The reason for the hotdog popularity is probably partly due to, yes, unfortunately, it is quite expensive in Iceland, as many things need to be imported to the island. However, you can get good deals on hotels and tours through Icelandair (and, I'm sure, others) and there are farm holidays and such in the summer that cost even less. We usually "picnic" one meal and do one in a restaurant; the included breakfasts in the hotels are large, not continental, usually.
I haven't yet been there at Christmas, much as I would like it; there are special trips for that time, and the average temp in the winter is actually one degree higher than NYC! Of course, the long, long summer days are offset by very short ones in the winter. Check out Icelandair's site; they've got terrific brochures that give you a real feel for the place.

Thanks so much. I almost booked one of those cheapie Icelandair fares this spring, but changed my mind for various reasons. But I'm still interested in the stopover in Reikjavik and the local sights and will probably do it some year. I appreciate the information.

Amy:
Thanks for this post. I am going to Iceland in July for two weeks and could not believe there are so few Iceland postings. I also have heard it is really expensive but I think the scenery and nature in all its glory should offset that. Plus, I will have so many extra hours in the day to enjoy it. Thanks again. Now I am really anxious to go.

Amy,

Thanks for you post!! I am considering it for a vacation in may/june, but have not done too much research on Iceland. How is "getting around" in Iceland? Do most tourist rent cars or use public transportation? ( I noticed you said they have a good system). Additionally, where did you stay?

You're quite welcome!
A few more...
43. highest # of books published and sold per capita in the world--and some of them are in English
44. **warning**very touristic, but fun: buy a Reykjavik Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt and confuse the living daylights out of most of the people in the USA
45. Dryohaey (sp) Peninsula, where the seabirds by the hundreds nest in the cliffs
46. beautifully kept flower filled cemetaries (what? doesn't everybody like cemetaries?)
47. big hotel rooms (by European standards)
48. view from Perlan, the restaurant atop the water tower in Reykjavik
49. Keflavik Airport's size and manageability
50. Farmhouses that take guests

Shannon, I've always used the public transport/taxis in Reykjavik, and tours (mostly of about 12-20 people) to reach the outlying areas. The tours were definitely not the typical coach tours!! I understand the driving can be difficult as not all the roads are paved or even marked. In addition, some places are inaccessible except by special vehicles. However, they do offer fly+drive packages, so it must be doable! Just depends on your sense of adventure in driving, I guess. I've stayed in Hotels Island and Saga, and prefer Saga's location. I can't remember the hotels in some of the outlying towns, but usually there's not a whole lot of choice: )
Have a wonderful time, all of you who are going this summer. I'll be in Portugal, but I'm looking at Iceland for October.

Amy,
thanks for the tour of Iceland.
Maybe some year!
How long is the flight from Boston/NY?

I fly out of JFK in New York, and it's a five hour flight. First time I flew out of JFK (to Russia in 1984) I saw the Icelandair sign and thought to myself: " Who in the world goes there??" : )

51. You can really CHILL OUT there!

Amy -- I am *really* enjoying this thread. I don't expect to visit Iceland any tiem soon -- but the "arm-chair" visit was much appreciated!

Amy,
thanks for all your info.
My son **loves** oizza, so will be happy with our trip to Italy this summer.
My daughter loves hot dogs(!)so maybe a trip to Iceland is in the picture for the future.
I gather you really enjoy Iceland.
How many times have you been able to visit there ?

Glad to share!
Nancy, I only "discovered" Iceland in 1995, so I've only been able to go twice, as France, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Denmark "interfered" and my travelling buddies refused to go back to the same place all the time; )
However, I do want to try to get back ASAP, but of course there are many many more places I'd like to visit as well! (the eternal dilemma of the traveler, isn't it?) I've been travelling to Europe since I was 19, and, Lord willing, I've got at least another 40 years or so to try to visit as many different places as possible and still return to the old favorites. Oh, for an unlimited travel budget!!
(But that's another thread, I think.)

Neat, interesting thread, Amy.
How about for #52...look for Bork's home, birthplace, or something like that...?

Who be Bork?

You can easily rent a car in Rejkavik and drive out along the Ring road all around the island or just out on day trips into the country-- to Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Blue Lagoon etc... A car allows you to be as independent as possible.

Amy,
thanks again for all the info!
I am copying this thread to keep for future.
Even if I can not convince the rest of my family to go, I can certainly see a longweekend in Iceland, sometime in my future.
Thanks again for this great thread!
Have fun on all your journies.

Topping this for Jeri.

Topping

We were in Iceland the week before Christmas,it was in the 30's the whole time and lovely. Rented a car and the country is amazing. The deals in December are great, cheap hotel rooms but meals are expensive. The Blue Lagoon is worth going to, we went twice in one week!

We are going to Iceland in a month (for the 2nd time) and after all the positive responses can't wait. I just hope they have improved the coffee. The last time we were there(1967) it was made from seaweed. Is it still? But believe me coffee is not high on our priorities.

Um, the coffee still wouldn't make the 100 best list, let's say, but I don't think it's seaweed anymore.
XX {That's my fingers crossed for going back to Iceland in--Ta dah!--August of this year. It looks pretty promising right now, so here's hoping!

Topping this one for Anissa--and for me!
I didn't make it in August, but I'm scheduled to go this Friday!

Amy,

Thank you!!! I'm so excited to go over - the only Scandinavian country that I've been to is Denmark and I can't wait to see Iceland. It sounds lovely, although I wish that I could see it in the summer - I'm afraid that going in November, while lovely, may be cold for my southern bones and I won't have as much daylight as I would like! But, beggers can't be choosers as the saying goes. How far is the Blue Lagoon in time from the city? And how far is the tectonic plate?

Hi, Anissa!
The Blue Lagoon is maybe 30-45 minutes outside of the city; there are busses and bus tours that go. Thingvellir, with the tectonic plate fissures, is usually part of what's called the "Golden Circle" tour, so I'm not sure how long it would take to just go to there. Also, unfortunately, if it snows it's not accessible.
It probably will be pretty cold, but the Gulf Stream moderates the temperatures and it really doesn't get terribly bad, from what I understand. Do take a waterproof coat, though--it can go from rain to sun back to rain just about instantly! (Or, in November, possibly snow.) I'll probably post back after my trip with "fall-ish" info, as my trips before were in the summer. (but I'd go any time--or could you tell?

Amy - you shouldn't be alone! Booked a quick trip to Iceland this past March and LOVED it.

53. Most literate country in the world at 99.9%
54. 8th wealthiest country in the world
55. Standing between the North American and Eurasian tetonic plates - one of the most amazing feelings
56. Icelanders speak several languages fleuently.
57. Gullfoss - an amazing waterfall that's gorgeous in the winter.
58. The 'safety' signs around the geysirs - simply posted 'it's hot'.
59. Blue Lagoon skin care products; the best lotion I've ever found! Look on www.bluelagoon.is.
60. It's home of the first parlimentarian government in the world.
61. You get to fly on Icelandair - where the flight attendents don't take any c*** from passengers, and you suddenly realize who buys all the old planes! EEK! Forutnately, the pilots have got to be good to regularly fly in such a harsh environment.
62. Fish stew - Really quite yummy there.

Anyone else?

Where is Gullfoss?? Is that close enough that I can get there? I'll be there mid-day on Fri, and will have all day Sat and sun, my plane leaves on Mon. Also, are things open on Sun? or should that be my "rest/relaxation day??"

Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle - kind of near Pingvellir (I'm sure I'm spelling that wrong) National Park. Ask anyone when you are there - not a far drive from Reykjavik.

There are plenty of tour itineraries that you could go on, or replicate on Sunday. I'd take a rest if you'll be busy other days and hang out at the Blue Lagoon. Though it might be a bit warm now, I gotta say that sitting in 100 degree water in March in -10 degree weather was pretty cool. Never thought I'd wear both a bathing suit and my ski hat together...quite a site! They also have a lovely looking restaurant there.

#63 - no lutefisk???

OK, did I miss it in the list somewhere, or has no one yet spoken those immortal words:

Phallological Museum!!!

Escritora, I was waiting for you to bring that one up! I knew if I waited long enough you couldn't resist.

Okay, Escritora, you've got number 64! Jen, thanks for your glowing contributions. (By the way, the beginning of the parliament place is an Icelandic letter that looks like {according to one guide} a "pregnant i", but it's pronounced like the th in "thing" and is usually spelled like that for the non-Icelandic)
I've got a few more to add after a renewing visit, October 5th to 10th.
65. Rainbows!!!
66. the view from Hallgrim's church bell tower--especially at noon with the carillon going wild above your head
67. the kid's park and zoo at Laugardalur
68. an official city guide that includes how to say the phrase "you're cute" in Icelandic, English, and German
69. black sand beaches, with cliffs and caves
70. soup, soup, beautiful soup
71. the tapestry that autumn makes of the low growing plants
72. "Our only army is the Salvation Army"
73. dogsledding available!
74. tap water that's better than most bottled water
75. the puffiest, fluffiest sheep ever-- they're so cute!
76. skyr--sorta like yogurt, only a lot better
77. sculpture in many public places
78. greenhouses that grow tropical plants and flowers, just a few degrees below the Arctic Circle
79. a special glowing quality to the light--but it's not there for too long this time of year!
80. waterfalls of all kinds--including one you can walk behind
81. a glacier that is black due to volcanic ash--land of fire and ice incarnate!
82. the little steam engine that could, sitting at the harbor
83. extremely exhilarating wind (and even rain--but do wear something to cover your ears)
This is just off the top of my jet-lagged head--maybe I'll make it to a hundred this time. Or maybe I'll just go back sometime, and actually get to the north!

Wow! I wanna go. Amy, do you have a list of your ten best seafood meals in Iceland?

Cool! Thanks for all the info! I'm always looking for great places to go

#84 Play the Iceland's national sport, tree hunting.

I've been thinking about Iceland, too. What's the best time of year to go?
BTilke (Brussels)

BT - go anytime! Obviously, summer is warmer...but I went in the winter (really cheap airfare - 2 for 1), and it had its own magical feel. Such a great place!

61:have afternoon tea in the tiny cafe by candle light on the top of towering spire of Hallgrimskirkja church,overview miles of miles of Reykjavik.

62:riding Icelandic horse on purple Lupins covered meadows or lava fields.

63:catching trouts in the crystal clear glacier stream.

64:hiking on black sand deserts with giantic black and white glaciers by the skyline.

65. visiting tiny fishing ports along the picturesque fjords on the east coast.

BTilke: Iceland is for all seasons, but if you really like to appreciate the magnificient sceneries ,summer will be a better choice for the long daylight and open roads.

Oops, please change the number to 85.

Just reminded of one for #90 by an e-mail I received...
90. low population density! (oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above; don't fence me in)
91. And speaking of starry skies, aurora borealis can be seen here--but alas, not when I was there (the nights weren't clear or cold enough)
For a one-time deal, I'd choose summer, I think, because it's only then that Thor's Woods (Thorsmork) is accessible, plus you get all those lovely long sunlit days. On the other hand, I do agree that any time would be great!

Amy how long does it take to get to Iceland from the East coast. What is the best time of yr to visit? Should I say if you don't want to have to bundle up. Glad you enjoyed your vacation so much.

Escritora's comment piqued my interest and so had to go surfin'. Yup, there really is an Icelandic Phallological Museum.

http://www.ismennt.is/not/phallus/ens.htm
See for yourself !!!

OK - I have a couple more...

92. The Tower room in the Hotel Borg. Great hotel room(s), with living room, 2 bathrooms, and a huge bedroom.
93. Dinner at Apotek.
94. Nightclubs that stay open until 9:00am!

Catching up on a few of the questions...
I don't actually have a list of my top 10 seafood places, as some of the best were in farmhouses and little spots in the fishing villages. Hotel Island's restaurant was good five years ago (haven't been since) and Laederbrekker and Caruso in the downtown area of Reykjavik were very good. One of the top-ranked restaurants in the world is in one of the hotels there-- Siggi Hall's Odinsve, I believe it's called--but I haven't had the luck to get there yet!
Mo, it's a five hour flight from the east coast. Icelandair and Amtrak do a codeshare to BWI that works really well from my area, and they also fly out of New York.
And...
95. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and a flakey pastry from the bakery along the main street while you're waiting for your hotel...and then being able to check in at 9:30AM! Calloo, callay!! (Of course, this was probably due to it being off-season, but still!) Also, hotel breakfasts are pretty good and sustaining.

95.) One the of the Government web pages (I forget which one) actually advised tourists that Icelandic women can be "dangerously friendly".

96.) The Irish pub, where you can sit at any table, speak to anyone, and no one buys individual drinks... everyone offers to get the next round for the whole table.

97.) The sheep round ups. Oh man... best part of our trip!

It was great, they really don't have a lot of fences there in Iceland, so the farmers jump on their horses, and just start rounding up sheep that are roaming the country side. Many of the locals show up to help round up sheep into a central area and start grabbing them in this big cement circle where they all are sorted by ear tags. If you find one that's yours, you grab it by the horn and drag it to your pen. I'll never forget seeing a tall, beuatiful icelandic woman who, at 9:00AM had a tall can of beer in one hand and a sheep by the horns in her other hand!

I fell 1 number behind...

we're actually on 98 right?

98.) The nice people in the tourist office at the bottom of the hill who translated the Icelandic news for a frightened American on Sept. 11th.

99. The low crime rate - we left our camera in the taxi from the airport to Reykjavik, told our hotel of this, and they replied 'oh, there's only 1 taxi company that services the airport - what kind of car did you drive in, and was it a male or female driver?' Once we had given those facts, a phone call was made to the taxi company, and our camera was returned an hour later. Unreal!

Ooh, this is exciting! We're almost at 100! Can I quote just a fragment of Emily D.?
100. "Beauty crowds me"...but that's the only thing that does.

topping for Debbie

I went to Iceland in 85. Even then, a can of coke from a drugstore was like $2.75. I must say, the most beautiful women in the world made me forget about my fleeting dollars fast.

Dan,

Of course, if you even look at one of those beautiful women, you probably get bonked by one of those big Icelandic men! They are bit protective, which is not a problem - just warning you.

Thanks for the tip, but my wife who I met after my trip, would bop me even harder.

topping

Blue Lagoon. Great Restaurants??? Things have changed since I lived there for three years 72-75. It is a beautiful and very different country. Will have to go back for a return visit one of these days. Have they changed the drinking/driving laws? Surprised nobody mentioned the fact that if you have car keys in hand and walk toward your car you can be arrested for drunk driving, given a test ,thir choice not yours,and if guilty face severe penalties.

Topping for Tracey.

Someone asked about seafood restaurants- Naust is great, and so is the Pearl which I'm surprised no one has mentioned. It has a glass dome ceiling and the food is great.

We will be at Reykjavik for one day off a cruise ship. What shuld we try to see and what is there to buy? Loved your 100 things thread. Did not know there were so many things to do in Iceland.
Thanks for your help.
Victoria

`
Up for Helen. Put your concerns re: earthquakes/volcanoes aside. Rather take a trip to Iceland and see for yourself.

The Black Castles at Lake Myvatin.
Seeing President Vigdis Finnbogadottir walking about talking to people perfectly naturally and with no armed gorillas protecting her. Seeing icebergs for the first time, I hadn't realised that they were so beautiful or that they were blue.

The Black Castles at Lake Myvatin.
Seeing President Vigdis Finnbogadottir walking about talking to people perfectly naturally and with no armed gorillas protecting her. Seeing icebergs for the first time, I hadn't realised that they were so beautiful or that they were blue. On my first trip, flying over Surtsey while it was erupting. It was a very dangerous thing for the pilot to do and he had to make an emergency landing in Glasgow. It was an unforgettable sight though!

Victoria, hope this isn't too late--
If you only have one day, um... run away from your cruise ship and don't come back for a week?
Seriously, though, it would depend, obviously, on your own interests, but I'd suggest a horseback ride/Blue Lagoon combination followed by a Viking dinner with singing. But if you just stay within Reykjavik, be sure to go to the top of the church tower and through the park that is by the city hall and to the shops that sell lovely woolies and the hot dog stand by the harbor!
Have a wonderful trip.

Topping

For the person asking what to do in Iceland...

bump

ttt for Joe

ttt again

Drink a toast to Magnus von Magnusson, the world's strongest man.

And the last thing to do:

Have a drink (or a bottle) of "Svartadaudir" (Black Death). Nothing compares, and only Icelanders survive this homemade stuff.....
Bjorn, Oslo

Sylvia (and anyone else )

Where in Iceland did you see icebergs?

Up for Callie.

such a good read deserves a bump... =)

Topping by request...

get back up there!

topping for lindaandroger

kavey

Ok, Amy, I have to ask even if this isn't what this discussion is about! How in the world do you afford so many trips?! From someone who wants to see the world, I'd like to know your secret!! You just aren't exceedingly rich are you?!?! I hope not, cause then I have no hope, at least not right now, LOL!!

Um, maybe you have me confused with someone else...I only go on about two or three trips a year, which is the cost of
1. the car that I don't have since I live in a city with a great public transportation system
2. the business suits I don't have to buy 'cause I can dress like Ms. Frizzle, and
3. the perpetual supply of really good chocolate that I don't have because I prefer to travel instead!
(Not to mention that I travel sorta cheaply.)

Of course, I've been travelling for a loooooong time, so I've been to a lot of places. Age is a good thing.

#101 - find Bjork's house, stand in front, take a picture - go back to the states and show it to your fellow Bjork fan friends - who will be totally envious

Up for Dave's Days!

Sending this up for Greg the radio guy...
and 'cause I'm getting homesick for Iceland and December's a long way away....

and it's 98 degrees outside.

I will have to add the 101 here:

101) The cooles group in the world - Sigur Ros - they are like the voice of the angels. don't miss it.

just read these somewhere:
102. 80% of homes in Reykjavik are geothermatically heated. it's also the cleanest capital city in the world.

103. Icelanders have the longest life expectancy in the world. (I thought it was Japan)

104. It is illegal to burn trees or shrubs in Iceland

105. There are 45 golf courses in Iceland

106. 11% of Iceland is covered with glaciers

107. You cannot graduate from school in Iceland unless you know how to swim.

Anyone for 200?

108. The Iceland Review online...wonderful resource.

(I'm also seeing if topping this will put it back into the indexing...but at least now I've got it saved in my files.)

Topping this again (my apologies) for the general query on Iceland, as this post is no longer in the indexing.

I'm getting ready to book for New Year's in Iceland--bonfires, parties, fireworks...sounds like lots of fun!

If anybody knows a way to get this re-indexed (er, is that the word?) I'd appreciate it.

Hello, brave and intrepid souls!

I'm trying this just one more time--bringing the thread back into circulation to see if now, now that a wind of change has blown through (et cetera), now this thread can become indexed again.

I'm just an eternal optimist, I guess!

(PS I didn't get there at New Years--no connecting flight available New Years' Day {so I went to Vancouver instead and had a great time, but that's a different board} so I'm hoping to do so next New Year)

To the top for annie613~~Happy trails to all!

...and the 100th post about the 100 best things in Iceland.

100. A supermarket where the clerk tells you the total in accentless Japlish, knowing well that almost nobody speaks Icelandic except Icelanders.

(Runner-up is the pleasant shopping center in Reykjavik, the largest in the country. It is not too large! ...but fun, nonetheless.)

Have just booked first trip to Iceland (enroute to France). The thread is entertaining-wonder if there will be something to add....

I'm topping this for the Thanksgiving queries, as it doesn't come up in an Iceland search.

Thanksgiving should be great; the latest I've been is mid-October, but Reykjavik is cozy even then and there are many adventure tours geared to the winter months. (Here's hoping I'll get there this New Year!)

One of the most memorable things we did was to take a day excursion plane trip to Greenland.

Sending this up for Suzanne, who contacted me...and for the rest of the Iceland dreamers!
(For those of you who can take vacations at any time, Iceland's really cheap to get to right now. Alas, I can't go.)

Walking into a pub in Reykjavik and paying $8.50 for a glass of beer......OUCH!!!!!!

I'm going in June. This is making me even more excited about it.

We are going after christmas this year. We will be staying near Grindavik.

What a great thread! We're stopping there - but just a day - on a cruiseship, but now I have some ideas about what to do.

Those of you with your noses in the air about cruising need to think of it as a buffet. You sample some of the items and then decide which ones you want to go back and have more!

At my age, it's the quickest way to sample lots of places - and then go back for a couple of weeks.

We did this last year. We were on a cruise that started in Venice - we fell in love. We went back to Italy 2 more times and could go back many more.

But! The world calls. I want to see all I can while I can.

It does sound as if we'll be going back to Iceland, though, just from reading (and virtually experiencing Iceland) through this thread!

THANKS!

bump

#101. Sauteed cod cheeks for dinner (the sweetest morsels of fish in the world.)

#102. Salty licorice

#103. The incredibly hot water flowing from the taps in the hotel in November (supposedly they just pump in hot water from a geothermal spring). Ahhh.

#104. The adorable houses in Rekjavik.

#105. The super-clean, easy to use busses.

(Here's a foodie question: I've read that the hotdogs every one eats on the streets are actually made of lamb. Can you taste the difference? Any interesting toppings?)

Yeah, the hot dogs are lamb, from what I've read; they're really pretty good, and I'm not a hotdog fan. Try them with crunchy fried onions and "remoulade" (which seems to be different in every country; here it's a tasty mix of --um--hey, I didn't ask! ) The stand down by the harbor was my favorite spot, and hot dogs sure do help with the meal budget.

Happy New Year to all--maybe NEXT year I'll be celebrating in the land of fire and ice!

Did anyone mention ice wine?

106. The very small, chess absorbed island of Grimsey, north of the mainland, with the incredible arctic terns. When the terns are nesting, WATCH OUT!!

107. The wind... We saw the paved surface get blown off the Ring Road after a storm.

108. 66 North clothing and gear (an Iceland company). If you get a little chilly in Iceland, you can always buy a great 66 North hat, scarf, or jacket.

I can't wait to go back to Iceland.

dear amy: i'm a craniosacral therapist from venezuela and hopefully going solo for my birthday on the first week of october! i want spas, 'hot pots', blue lagoon, seafood, beautiful totally different scenery... what's the weather like in late sept/early oct? i'm flying in from orlando ( my closest hub)... thanks for all the best things to do! jjjjjjj

Hi, lavici! I was there in the second week in October and the temperatures were from "cool" to downright cold in the early mornings; there was a fair amount of rain but that's not uncommon any time of year there.

Of course, your daylight hours are shorter than in summer, but the lovely colors at places like Thingvellir (note, everybody: any keyboard tricks for the "pregnant P" that makes a th sound in Icelandic?) make up for it.

It's really easy to arrange most things in Iceland, and of course it's a bit of off-season, so there shouldn't be too much trouble booking spa sessions, but I don't have first hand experience with those. The Blue Lagoon is on many tours; I do recommend the "Golden Circle" tour at least just for seeing much of the fascinating landscape.

Happy trails (and birthday, early )

bookmarking

Amy,

Thanks for this thread. My family is stopping for 3 days in Reykjavik on our way back from London (after 3 months in Australia). I was starting to wonder why I was adding another stop to our long journey, and now I'm wondering why I didn't add more time to Iceland.

Any suggestions on reasonable places to stay or ways to find reasonable places? We need someplace that can accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids (12 and 14).

Also, do you think we should book the Circle tour before we get there?

Thanks again!

Hi, AndiK! I believe that "farmstay" programs tend to be the most reasonable, and I've also heard good things about "Room with a View." I haven't been to Iceland in a couple of years now, but I do know that the downside of it being expensive still holds true. On the other hand, it's a great spot for doing "street food" and supermarket picnics.

I would probably book the Grand Circle tour for your middle day, although it probably isn't essential to book in advance; hard to say, though, as Iceland seems to be a bit more popular than back in '96, on my first trip.

Have a great time!

109. Being in a Danish rock star's video because we happened to be driving through the lava fields near Grindavik (the right place) while they were filming (the right time)!

Good water, but that's the only thing one can afford to drink up there. (Drink the cold water--not the warm stuff)

110. The little hole in the Reykjavik city trash cans.."Gum only."

111. Osar hostel & the seal colony.

112. Hot tubs filled with fresh, naturally hot water. No chlorine necessary!

Bookmarking....one month til Iceland! Yay!

Just bringing this up for the new Iceland queries...and to see if this will make it appear in the search function.

How I'd love to be going to Iceland again, but so many other places call...

TTT ...... again.

ttt... 'gain!

Oh, give the rest of us a break. We all know that to arrive at 100 best things about Iceland while being truthful, you have to say things like "they rinse out their garbage cans with hot geyser water."

122. (The numbering got off a bit)
No decomposing Beat poets lying about!

bookmarking this very very very old thread

I have to say I like the winter weather. May sound weird but our winters are SOOOOO much colder that it winter is a treat there.

And the people - loyal independent and very interesting! A beautiful country.

Finally got trip pix online...just a few years old, but it might give you a bit of an idea:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/569734296LtBiWA

Amy-thanks for getting me on this thread.It doesn't come up with regular Iceland threads. Anyone else have something to add to this to help me plan a family vacation to Iceland this summer? Thanks!

The scenery (and experiences) in Iceland are absolutely spectacular. I've listed ten of my top highlights (in no particular order). One piece of advice, please ensure you take a VIDEO CAMERA as it is almost impossible to capture the panorama with a still camera:

- The Snaefells Peninsular, where the narrow road winds between a beautiful coast and circumnavigates the massive Snaefellsnes Glacier (a glacier that fills an ancient dormant volcano) which stands like an immense beacon at the centre of the Peninsular dwarfing the tiny little villages below;

- The rather scary isolation of the spectacular northern Skagi peninsular where we didn't see a single living being (outside of those contrary Icelandic sheep who have a penchant for roaming out in front of your car and standing in the middle of the road - these sheep have real ATTITUDE! You have to drive around them!). It's an awesome, desolate coastal drive where the Atlantic Ocean is at its angriest - huge waves thrashing relentlessly against rugged coastal cliffs with the famous bird sanctuary of Drangey Island looming up on the southern side. The solitude here is absolute and travellers to Skagi really do get the impression that they are the only people on earth!

- The remote volcanic area around Lake Myvatn with its horrendous roads cutting through huge seas of ancient lava flows that fan out, in every direction, for miles;

- The eastern fjords are indescribably spectacular. There are long, lonely, dirt roads with hairpin bends winding endlessly around the base of massive 600 meter treeless mountains that have imposing--almost vertical--basalt cliffs jutting straight down into the boiling Atlantic ocean. The huge massif cliffs off Reydarfjall tower over the narrow roads with clear (and frightening) evidence of recent and frequent rock avalanches! In this area, also, there are huge tunnels that bore through the middle of mountains joining one fjord to the other but we decided to take the longer, "scenic" route around the fjords. It's like Norway sans trees and the more magnificent route to take if you are not prone to car sickness!

- The breathtaking Oxnadalsheioi Pass. The road here runs right through the centre of these immense permanent snow-capped mountains with the peaks of the Pyerbrekkuhnjukur towering over the Pass. The Pyerbrekkuhnjukur is reminiscent of the Torres del Paine National Park in Argentina. The awesome jagged peaks are like a dinosaur's back and stand, like massive sentinels, towering over the road below; they can be seen for miles as you travel through the Pass. The whole area is achingly beautiful and close to the the gorgeous little village of Akureyri (which is a famous skiing resort in Iceland);

- The miriad of waterfalls. It seems that water is everywhere in Iceland! There are thousands of waterfalls pouring over mountains and vertical cliffs straight into the ocean; uncountable rivers and hundreds of fast running creeks forging their way through valleys and across plains everywhere you go. The sheer volume of water here is amazing (and its only autumn). It must be absolutely spectacular in spring when all the snow and ice are melting! The largest waterfalls, Godfoss and Detrifoss, are like miniature versions of the magnificent Brazilian Iguassu Falls. The huge force and sheer volume of water over Godfoss and Detrifoss make the Grade 5+ whitewater rafting (further downstream) the wildest in Europe. I didn't find the courage to do this (whitewater rafting) as the water looked like a veritable washing machine!

- The enormous Vatnajokull glaciar--the largest glacier in Europe and fourth largest in the world--where John and I decided to hire cramptons and join a guided walk at Skaftafell (one of the glacial tongues of Vatnajokull). I must say I was tentative, at first, as I suffer from vertigo and the thought of clambouring around huge crevasses on slippery ice was terrifying. However, once I got used to stomping around on the cramptons, I became more confident and found the experience rather exciting (although I have absolutely NO PLANS of taking on Everest any time soon!);

- The area around Hofn and Jokulsarlon (Glacial Lagoon) has a real WOW factor. Just outside Hofn, there are steep, almost vertical cliffs with black sanded beaches winding for miles. Suddenly, you come across this amazing fjord, Alftafjordur where there were literally thousands of these gorgeous white Whooper Swans floating about on the bay. It was an amazing sight. The next part of this coastal journey took us around the huge tongues of the massive Vatnajokull glacier which grew more impressive as you drove south. Just pass the huge Skalafellsjokull glacial tongue, you come across the breathtaking Jokulsarlon which looks like a piece of the Antarctic has been transported to Iceland. There are massive iceburgs which have broken off from the Esjufjallarond glacier and form this amazing Glacial Lagoon. This lagoon is being formed by the now retreating Glacier and is an accessible and fantastic spot to watch huge iceburgs literally floating down the river to the sea. You really feel like you are in the Arctic Circle at this point!

- Krafla (pronounced Krapla) to see (and smell) the hot, bubbly mud pools and miriad of steam vents percolating away and letting off a horrendous sulphuric odour. When you see the unique juxtaposition of volcanoes and glaciers, you understand why they call Iceland the "Land of Fire and Ice" - its magnificent! We wandered the set pathways here which did not have the usual OH&S guard rails one would expect to see in such a place! Drove out to see the massive volcano, Viti (which literally translates to "Hell"). There was a huge eruption here as recently as 1724. Fortunately, these days, the scene is somewhat more comforting with the large caldera now filled with a gorgeous, irridescent blue lake. In this vicinity, there is a 2 hour walk circling up and around Leirhnjukur, a huge beige, brown clay volcano with a cauldron of steaming vents and enormous lava flows "flowing" for miles on the far side of the mountain. We followed a little signposted track through the dormant black lava flows and it was like walking on another planet or roaming Earth during the jurassic period! I expected to see some furious T-Rex come swaggering out behind Leirhnjukur ready to devour a couple of tasty tourists!

- Horse riding on the sweet tempered little Icelandic horses on the windy plains and black volcanic beaches of Vik - the Icelandic horses have a unique fifth gait called a a "tolt" which is inbetween the uncomfortable bounce of a trot and the smooth flow of a gallop. The tolt has a smooth back-forwards motion which is at a very comfortable pace for novice riders like us! Icelanders are very fond of telling you that you can hold a glass of beer on an Icelandic horse doing the tolt and not spill a drop --- well, ummm, that may be a slight exaggeration but it is enjoyable and the horses are gorgeous.


We had, by all accounts, unusually good weather even though it was getting nippy at around an average of 7 degrees. There were so many highlights in this beautiful country, it was hard to pick the best. Unfortunately, due to overcast conditions in the north, we didn't get to see the "northern lights" nor did we get time to see the distant West Fjord area (in the far north western area of Iceland). I was extremely disappointed not to get to the West Fjords and am determined to return one day and the next time we visit, I will make sure it is in summer (the bird viewing season). Most of the huge cliffs on the mountains around Iceland shelter millions of breeding birds (including the famous little Puffins) but, unfortunately, at the time of our visit (in an Icelandic autumn) most of the birds had already left on their way south to get away from the onset of the bitter Icelandic winter with its short 5 hour days (the snows start in mid-October). However, the advantages of this time is that you feel you have the whole island to yourself (without all the European tourists that flock in droves to Iceland in June/July and August).

If there are any negatives, I would say it was the (generally) rather disappointing "unfriendliness" of its people (hope I don't offend anyone here but this observation was made by a lot of tourists we met in the country). I like to think, perhaps, that we could put it down to a general "shyness" with tourists but the general consensus is that the locals are exceedingly "aloof" - is it the climate?

In addition, the cost of food and petrol is rather exorbitant despite the so-called crash of the Icelandic Kroner (which, at the moment, is running around US$0.80. The food in Iceland is rather uninspiring with a very limited choice of lamb, chicken and fish cooked exactly the same way in every Hotel and restaurant around the country. The cost for a main course is rarely less than around US$40.00 each. Also, the menu extends to whale and (shockingly) Puffin meat. Ironically, the hunting of whales is still alive and well in Iceland despite the dramatic fall in overseas markets for whale meat and whale products. Tourists to Iceland are made aware (very quickly) that the mention of whaling is absolutely "off limits".

I'm lucky enough to be going to Iceland just "out of the blue - January 2011" and from sunny South Africa I am just not prepared for the cold, clothes wise that is. Do I need big warm jackets and caps??? No one has mentioned Whales???? I mention that as I live in the Whale capital of the world Hermanus, and can't wait to see Icelands whales. I'm also eager to see or do dog sledding (no snow in SA) Hoping to catch the Northern Lights. Is it true NO TIPPING???? Moonwalking????