Iceland and Stockholm - Anyone been there?
Apr 14th, 2003, 09:17 AM
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Iceland and Stockholm - Anyone been there?
I am planning a trip to Iceland this summer and thought it would be fun to see Stockholm as well. Question 1: Has anyone flown Iceland Air and done the free stopover? How did that work?<BR>How much time would you recommend in Iceland and how much time would you recommend in Stockholm? <BR>Lots of questions! Answer any or all. And thank you for your help.
Apr 14th, 2003, 10:02 AM
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The stopover is great, but of course it's only for three days, enough for just a "taste" of Iceland. <BR>I haven't yet been to Stockholm (I did the stopover from Copenhagen) but usually I feel that you need at least a week in a city.<BR>I have been to Iceland three times and haven't yet seen all that I want to see, so as for recommending an amount of time for that...well...how much time ya got?
Apr 14th, 2003, 01:48 PM
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I definitely don't want to skimp on Iceland. Do you have any advice on things to do in Iceland? I've only just begun my research. Is it easy to get around the country? Any advice/recommendations you have would be helpful. Thanks!
Apr 14th, 2003, 02:42 PM
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Try clicking on http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=1278237<BR>for a few suggestions to get you started!<BR><BR>(It doesn't come up with a regular search, as it somehow got lost in the indexing gaps, but this should take you to "The 100 Best Things in Iceland."
<BR><BR>There are many tours available, as well as public transport, and Reykjavik itself is very walkable as far as getting around goes. Many people recommend renting a car, but that may be more expensive than the other options if you're travelling solo.<BR><BR>I'll be happy to try to answer any questions you may have!
<BR><BR>There are many tours available, as well as public transport, and Reykjavik itself is very walkable as far as getting around goes. Many people recommend renting a car, but that may be more expensive than the other options if you're travelling solo.<BR><BR>I'll be happy to try to answer any questions you may have!
Apr 14th, 2003, 02:54 PM
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I did the stopover on Icelandair twice. both times in the winter, and, while I don't feel a tremendous need to see Rey. again, it's defintely worth doing. <BR>I think three days is more than enough, at least in winter.<BR>there are terrific thermal baths in just about every neighborhood (maybe not what you want to do in summer.) there's also the blue lagoon, which I think is the most famous site. Both times I was there, I took a bus tour, where they pick you up at your hotel and drop you, if necessary, at airport. you go to the blue lagoon, see fishing villages, see some waterfalls, and, in general, marvel at how desolate and like the moon the place looks.<BR>Also, in Rey. there is something called the icelandic phallological museum. (I am not making this up.) If you can't figure it out by the title, this is a museum of all the penises of the mammals found on the island. A fairly fascinating place, although the men there were having a bit of a hard time.<BR>Moving on to other subjects: Iceland is hugely expensive. I heard that Rey. is only second to Tokoyo in terms of prices. I think Icelandair has some good deals with hotels and their stopovers. <BR>I've flown Iceland air a total of three times. I think they're very good. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Apr 14th, 2003, 04:40 PM
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Did the Iceland 'Take-A'Break' last year on our return from Oslo-wanted to stay for 3 nights, but could only get 2 as the hotel was full on what would have been our 3rd night. Iceland is, in a word, amazing. We visited in early June, and the days were long and most places in downtown Reykjavik were open late. You'll find lots of places to eat in downtown, especially fish and pasta places. Even a McDonalds and a Hard Rock (HR at Kringlan mall). Took 2 Reykjavik Excursion tours (the city tour and the all-day Golden Circle Tour-which is excellent).<BR><BR>We flew from BWI to Reykjavik with a brief stop before boarding our Oslo flight. Icelandair has these connecting routes timed so you don't spend a lot of time at the Reykjavik airport before continuing on with your trip. Once nice feature we hadn't counted on is once you clear customs/immigration in Iceland, you didn't need to repeat the process in Norway. <BR><BR>Your take-a-break time in Iceland is limited to 3 nights, and IMHO, take advantage of all three if you can. Lots of tours offered (even a day trip to Greenland if you're so interested), but it's nice to have some time to walk around and explore downtown Reykjavik. There's always time to be spent at the Blue Lagoon as well. <BR><BR>We enjoyed 5 nights in Oslo and could have stayed longer! Lots of things to do in and around the city, and the Nutshell Tour takes you further afield if you have the time. <BR><BR>Iceland is not an inexpensive destination, however, the natural beauty of the country (once you get over that 'I must have landed on the moom' feeling') is definitely something to be experienced. Talk about a pollution free destination. ENJOY!<BR><BR>
Apr 15th, 2003, 01:26 AM
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I have been to Stockholm, and would say it is definately worth a couple of nights, it is my favourite scandinavian capital. I stayed in a hotel ooposite the main train station 3 star but good, clean, comfortable, affordable accomodation, Stockholm is pretty expensive (sorry can't remember name).<BR>Stockholm is a city surrounded by water and with hundreds of pretty islands off the coast, of varying sizes and often where swedes have second homes. The temp in summer was warm and sunny. Good places to explore are "Skansen" the folk museum; the Nordic museum, for a history of the scandinavian people etc; the "Gamla Stan" which is the picturesque old town, with the royal palace etc. I also took a trip to the university town of Uppsalla about an hour away. Uppsalla is the Oxford/Cambridge of Sweden. I was there for a week and enjoyed great weather throughout. In the summer they also hold a city water festival. I also took the ferry on to Finland for a few days, we travelled through the archipelgo, this was one of the most beautiful experiences. <BR>Also returned with my mother a few decembers ago for the festival of light at Skansen, where they crown a young swedish girl as the Queen of light and all the girls walk around with crowns made of candles on their heads, very cute and lovely atmosphere. It was wonderful there at Christmas time, cold and crisp, ice skating in the centre of the city, cosy nights in cafes with hot chocolate. Would go again. The countryside is obviously not as dramatic as Norway (or Iceland), flat but very pretty, lots of water. I took a train from Gothenburg to Stockholm and was looked after by a wonderful Swedish lady (ex missionary kid) and her son, who she tried to convince me to marry. Maybe I should have taken her up on it, I would have enjoyed living there..<BR>Just remembered the hotel was called Hotel Terminal or Terminus!<BR>So in short I would say "Yes" Stockholm is worth a visit.<BR>Angela
Apr 15th, 2003, 11:53 AM
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Flew on Iceland Air, but stayed in Iceland. The service was fine.<BR><BR>You can get on a lot of tours in 3 days. Try this link for Reykjavik Excursions for some tours in Iceland. Be sure and get your vouchers in the U.S. though to avoid higher costs. http://www.re.is<BR><BR>They do offer discounts for more than 1 tour in a day, which is totally possible. I don't know if that only applies to the tours if purchased in Iceland. Go on the Golden Circle tour. You will see waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and Thingvellir National Park. I was there for a week, but 3 days is enough to see a lot. Iceland is amazing. You must go to the Blue Lagoon. <BR>
Apr 28th, 2003, 01:07 PM
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Spent the day in Stockholm when I travelled Europe in '96....really thought the city was beautiful. Water throughout...I thought the Wasa (pron. Vasa) Museum was really cool....a very unique museum, a great break from the standard museum. I think you'll enjoy the city.
May 19th, 2003, 05:01 PM
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Iceland was great! We rented a car for 3 days, and did the "Circle".
Once you get your car drive downtown and wait for the tourist service to open. They are very helpful but not pushy---so ask every question you can think of.
Vik had hundreds of puffins.
FYI: Most schools in the countryside act as hostels and provide inexpensive and clean rooms.
Stockholm is incredibly beautiful.
Almost as nice as Prague, IMO.
Rent a bike along the waterfront and see the city in style.
Have fun,
Pete
PS
ots of GREAT hiking; and waterfalls galore.
And believe it or not: It's Green!
Once you get your car drive downtown and wait for the tourist service to open. They are very helpful but not pushy---so ask every question you can think of.
Vik had hundreds of puffins.
FYI: Most schools in the countryside act as hostels and provide inexpensive and clean rooms.
Stockholm is incredibly beautiful.
Almost as nice as Prague, IMO.
Rent a bike along the waterfront and see the city in style.
Have fun,
Pete
PS
ots of GREAT hiking; and waterfalls galore.And believe it or not: It's Green!
May 30th, 2003, 11:30 AM
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Pete1222 -
We will be in Iceland for 2 weeks.
how did you find out specifcs about the schools providing hostel-type clean rooms etc? Would we need sleeping bags?
Anybody have specific great day hiking trail suggestions?
We will be in Iceland for 2 weeks.
how did you find out specifcs about the schools providing hostel-type clean rooms etc? Would we need sleeping bags?
Anybody have specific great day hiking trail suggestions?
May 31st, 2003, 07:04 PM
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We have stayed in a couple of these hotels, and they tend to be quite nice. Many of them are run by Hotel Edda (http://www.hoteledda.is/EN/), which contracts with schools to run the summer-only hotels. Some have double or quad rooms, while others have larger dormitories. Beds have linens, you don't need a sleeping bag. Prices are higher than that for backpacker-style hostels, but the accommodations are nicer.
As mentioned above, you can actually cover a lot of ground in 3 days. There are tour companies, such as Reykjavik Excursions, which do a fine job, but you might enjoy renting a car and driving it yourself instead. The road system is simple and well-marked, and there are good guidebooks to direct you (I like Lonely Planet). Too many people stay every night in Reykjavik, which is a very nice, but small, city. I would spend at least one night further afield, such as Vik, along the south coast, a couple of hours east of Reykjavik.
If you want some nice day hikes, there are a number of walks that you can take in nearby Thinvellir National Park. Also, along the south shore, there is a fine walk on a trail extending up beyond the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
As mentioned above, you can actually cover a lot of ground in 3 days. There are tour companies, such as Reykjavik Excursions, which do a fine job, but you might enjoy renting a car and driving it yourself instead. The road system is simple and well-marked, and there are good guidebooks to direct you (I like Lonely Planet). Too many people stay every night in Reykjavik, which is a very nice, but small, city. I would spend at least one night further afield, such as Vik, along the south coast, a couple of hours east of Reykjavik.
If you want some nice day hikes, there are a number of walks that you can take in nearby Thinvellir National Park. Also, along the south shore, there is a fine walk on a trail extending up beyond the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
Jun 1st, 2003, 07:31 AM
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I have not been to Stockholm, but I have been to Sweden and Iceland.
Icelanders are very friendly. They don't try to speak Icelandic - maybe because they know it is so rare that a person like me speaks it. In a grocery store, the cashier said the total in English!
It helps to rent a car in Iceland because you can see many things quicker. If you stay there for a month, then you can rely on the bus in Reykjavik. Of course, I think one can see the whole country in a week unless you have to visit every village.
Icelandic chocolate wasn't bad. Of course, I think they probably bought the mix from Europe and poured it into bars in Iceland.
Icelanders are very friendly. They don't try to speak Icelandic - maybe because they know it is so rare that a person like me speaks it. In a grocery store, the cashier said the total in English!
It helps to rent a car in Iceland because you can see many things quicker. If you stay there for a month, then you can rely on the bus in Reykjavik. Of course, I think one can see the whole country in a week unless you have to visit every village.
Icelandic chocolate wasn't bad. Of course, I think they probably bought the mix from Europe and poured it into bars in Iceland.
Jun 2nd, 2003, 11:31 AM
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Thanks for the comeback on the school sleeping accomodations. We will be driving and hiking for the 2 weeks. Anybody have local hiking guide recommodations? Or any reccommodations whatsoever?. We plan to do day hikes, unless we can get a guide for an overnite. Thanks again.
Jun 8th, 2003, 07:45 AM
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For a hiking guide, try emailing Oli at [email protected]
He runs a small tour outfit (1 van) that will take you on scheduled or custom tours, and he was the one who directed us to the hikes we went on. If he can't take you hiking, he can probably recommend someone who can.
He runs a small tour outfit (1 van) that will take you on scheduled or custom tours, and he was the one who directed us to the hikes we went on. If he can't take you hiking, he can probably recommend someone who can.
