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-   -   iceland stopover oct (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/iceland-stopover-oct-844543/)

jacqueline19 Jun 11th, 2010 05:33 PM

iceland stopover oct
 
we will be stopping over in iceland for 3 nites on our way to paris in late october arriving at 7am. . i realize this not the best time but it was the best price for a one way flight with a free stopover.
we would like to the golden circle , go to blue lagoon and see some sights in reykjavik. we will be renting a car probably from SAD since these are the cheapest rentals -hopefully reliable
would like to stop at blue lagoon after arriving -any thoughts about staying at he hotel affiliated with it or should we stay in reyjkavik or somewhere else
how long to do golden circle-one or 2 days and any suggestions where to stay-
appreciate any help or suggestions
thanks

cigalechanta Jun 11th, 2010 08:20 PM

ttt

jacqueline19 Jun 12th, 2010 07:20 AM

meant to say grand circle

Amy Jun 12th, 2010 08:12 AM

Jacqueline19, I'd suggest staying in Reykjavik, as there's not much else in the Blue Lagoon area. Also, you can go to the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport for your flight out; it's wonderful to get on a plane feeling all blissed out, and it's right on the way.

In October, of course, you have the sun setting relatively early, so you probably should divide your Golden Circle into two days, doing your Reykjavik sightseeing in the late afternoons/evenings. (There's an extensive use of candles in the restaurants then; very cozy!)
You can't see much at the Golden Circle sites after dark, and I don't know that you'd want to be driving too much in the dark either...

One of my favorite sites in October was Thingvellir, the site of the visible tectonic plate splits and the Viking Parliament. The autumn colors were warm and gorgeous.

When I was there in the autumn I stayed in Hotel Skjaldbreid; great location, right in the heart of town, although my (single) room was smallish. I've also stayed at the Hotels Saga and Island, as well as the Loftleider for being at the Reykjavik (not Keflavik) airport. I liked Saga best of those, but it's been quite a while, so don't know what it's like now.

Here are some ideas on what to do: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-iceland.cfm Yes, it's quite an elderly thread, but most things will have stayed the same!

And here are some photos, including autumn in Iceland: http://travel.webshots.com/album/569734296LtBiWA

Here's hoping someone with more driving experience there will chime in; I've been on day tours for most of this.

jacqueline19 Jun 12th, 2010 08:28 AM

thanks so much amy. unfortunately our flight to paris leaves at 7:40 am so unable to stop at blue lagoon on the way so will will have to figure some other time


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