Iceland - best and worst
 

Going to Iceland May 7th. 5 adults, 27-66. 7 travel days available. Interested in mild hiking. Any thoughts on best/not to miss experiences/sights and ones to pass up?

Skip the Blue Lagoon, an overpriced tourist rip-off. Go to one of the many public hot spas/pools in Reykyavik or elsewhere.

Our kids (in their 20's) got back last night from Iceland and we were there a few months ago. Our kids absolutely loved the Blue Lagoon and had no regrets whatsoever about going. I wish we had gone. One of the things we did was the Golden Circle, which I highly recommend too! There is a free (tip as you feel) city walking tour which was very good as well.

If you were a bit later I would suggest getting to Porsmork and hiking from there. Many of the pictures in this brochure are within a couple of hours hike from where the bus drops you off. But it might be too much of a hike for some of you and I think early May may be too early.

https://www.mountainguides.is/multi-...smoerk-skogar/

Same area and more doable perhaps:

http://www.volcanohuts.com/accommoda...-south-iceland

The poster annhig has a brilliant trip report about Iceland which is full of great tips, and laugh out loud funny in places - do a search on her name and that should get you off to a good start.

These are such helpful tips!

ttt

"mom goes to Iceland" I think...

which is a joke on the British company Iceland (a supermarket)

I think this is the report and, yes, it is helpful! Thanks. Mum's been to Iceland, or "round Iceland with a cucumber"

Any thoughts on whether it is more cost effective, and secure, to be connected with an outfit that offers Self-Drive tours booking the accomodations and getting the rental car, etc.? We usually a la carte everything ourselves, but are open to this if it is better.

Driving in Iceland is very easy and it is pretty hard to get lost if you have a good map. We stuck with the major roads and didn't take any F roads. I don't think it would be hard at all to self book ( that's what I did).

We did the Golden Circle and liked it but there were lots of tour busses. We preferred the Vik area ( absolutely beautiful!). I wish we could have explored more, especially north of Reykjavik..

Have a great trip. We can't wait to go back!

I'm headed (back) to Iceland in May with my mom and brother. My brother and I were there a couple years ago and didn't rent a car but we've got one this time. Icelandic roads/drivers seemed very safe. The roads are well marked and I don't have any concerns about getting around.

The Blue Lagoon is touristy, sure, but it's a neat experience and we'll go back. We've also booked snorkeling at Thingvellir which I'm really looking forward to. I imagine we try to go to Gullfoss as well but we only have 3 days so we may just wander in Reykjavik. I really like Hallgrimskirkja so we will definitely go by there and admire the view from the top.

Iceland is a great place if you like being outdoors. Let us know what you decide on!