Iceland - leaving in 2 hours... any last minute thoughts?
Oct 2nd, 2007, 11:11 AM
#4
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Bring anything you can possibly carry in as this is perhaps the world's most expensive country, across the board
especially booze - unbelievable prices
really save tons on anything you'll need to buy... except perhaps whale blubber
especially booze - unbelievable prices
really save tons on anything you'll need to buy... except perhaps whale blubber
Oct 23rd, 2007, 01:35 AM
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I am going to Iceland in about 10 days, have booked a 3-day weekend package through Icelandair and rented a car so we can explore independently. I'd love to see that trip report if you're able to post it in the next few days! Thanks.
Oct 23rd, 2007, 10:09 AM
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I likely won't get to the trip report before then, but if you let me know where you'll be heading, I can post my suggestions...
I agree with the duty free shop... not great deals when you leave, but definitely pick up a couple of bottles of wine or beer for picnics... a lot cheaper than buying it later...
I agree with the duty free shop... not great deals when you leave, but definitely pick up a couple of bottles of wine or beer for picnics... a lot cheaper than buying it later...
Oct 24th, 2007, 01:22 AM
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Astein12, it would be great to get your advice on day trips from Reykjavik that we could do in a rental car (not 4-wheel drive). We are definitely planning to do the Blue Lagoon, also considering a day trip to Gulfoss and Geysir. We don't want to spend hours & hours in the car because we will have a 12-year-old with us.
Also any suggestions for restaurants/fun activities in Reykjavik would be greatly appreciated. We know it won't be cheap, but hoping to stay on a relatively moderate budget.
Thanks so much!
Also any suggestions for restaurants/fun activities in Reykjavik would be greatly appreciated. We know it won't be cheap, but hoping to stay on a relatively moderate budget.
Thanks so much!
Oct 24th, 2007, 04:10 AM
#11
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Glad to help out...
In Reykjavik:
- The giant relief map of Iceland at city hall is pretty cool. Something I think a 12 year old would like. Also, there is a nice cafe in city hall that has good food and a nice view of the lake. Buy a 1/2 a loaf of bread somewhere and let your 12 y/o feed all of the birds.
- There is a really nice exhibit at the Culture House museum on the creation (by volcano) and evolution of the Surtsey Island. Some interactive stuff and quite interesting.
- For food, I have a few recommendations. The Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand is legendary and worth a visit. Order two with the works and you won't be disappointed. Also, we really liked Icelandic Fish and Chips. Not your typical London chips shop. Cheap by Rejkavic standards. Also, definitely go to the Saegreifinn (Sea Baron Inn) down by the docks. It's a dive but worth the trip. Great lobster soup and they have skewers of fresh fish that they grill up (try the Minke whale... exact consistency of beef with a somewhat different flavor). Also, try any pastry at the Sandholt bakery... great stuff.
For day trips, I thought the Reykjanes peninsular (south of Reykjavik) had some interesting sites out of the airport including the 'bridge between two continents', some of the walks along the coast and some of the bubbling steam pools.
The 'golden circle' day trip including Geyser, Gulfoss and Pingviller is definitely worth it. While doing this, also stop at the Kerið crater (kind of cool and kind of unexpected... it's right off the road).
Definitely take warm, dry clothes... a bulletproof rain jacket and a good fleece along with hats and gloves were a requirement.
If you have any other questions, just let me know.
In Reykjavik:
- The giant relief map of Iceland at city hall is pretty cool. Something I think a 12 year old would like. Also, there is a nice cafe in city hall that has good food and a nice view of the lake. Buy a 1/2 a loaf of bread somewhere and let your 12 y/o feed all of the birds.
- There is a really nice exhibit at the Culture House museum on the creation (by volcano) and evolution of the Surtsey Island. Some interactive stuff and quite interesting.
- For food, I have a few recommendations. The Baejarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand is legendary and worth a visit. Order two with the works and you won't be disappointed. Also, we really liked Icelandic Fish and Chips. Not your typical London chips shop. Cheap by Rejkavic standards. Also, definitely go to the Saegreifinn (Sea Baron Inn) down by the docks. It's a dive but worth the trip. Great lobster soup and they have skewers of fresh fish that they grill up (try the Minke whale... exact consistency of beef with a somewhat different flavor). Also, try any pastry at the Sandholt bakery... great stuff.
For day trips, I thought the Reykjanes peninsular (south of Reykjavik) had some interesting sites out of the airport including the 'bridge between two continents', some of the walks along the coast and some of the bubbling steam pools.
The 'golden circle' day trip including Geyser, Gulfoss and Pingviller is definitely worth it. While doing this, also stop at the Kerið crater (kind of cool and kind of unexpected... it's right off the road).
Definitely take warm, dry clothes... a bulletproof rain jacket and a good fleece along with hats and gloves were a requirement.
If you have any other questions, just let me know.
Oct 24th, 2007, 04:40 AM
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No problem... enjoy the trip.
BTW, the Culture House also has a good display of the some of the best preserved copies of the illustrated sagas. A good introduction to the sagas and how they follow Icelandic life thru the ages.
The cafe at the Culture House was recommended to us as well, be we didn't have a chance to eat there. It's a nice museum, probably take a couple of hours (all of the Iceland museums are pretty small) and well run (and you'll pretty much have the place to yourself). They give you a locker key as part of your entrance fee (like $5 for adults) so you can store your coats, etc.
BTW, the Culture House also has a good display of the some of the best preserved copies of the illustrated sagas. A good introduction to the sagas and how they follow Icelandic life thru the ages.
The cafe at the Culture House was recommended to us as well, be we didn't have a chance to eat there. It's a nice museum, probably take a couple of hours (all of the Iceland museums are pretty small) and well run (and you'll pretty much have the place to yourself). They give you a locker key as part of your entrance fee (like $5 for adults) so you can store your coats, etc.
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