Hi All,

I'm in the beginning phases of planning a trip to Iceland. I want to backpack and trek while there to not only save money but also just have a fun experience. I'm still not an expert on backpacking, but don't want to pay the extra for guides/tours. I'll be going with one other person.

So I was wondering if anyone has any helpful links or advice on where to start/where to go/their itinerary/items to definitely bring etc. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

dan

Well, I may be even less an expert on backpacking than you are, dcahill, but my research has shown that it's very difficult to do until summer - say the end of June on. Until then, the roads are unlikely to even be open.

I've also looked into camping in Iceland as my husband I would like to do the Ring Road in it's entirety and camping along the way is certainly cheaper! This is a helpful site that shows some of the designated spots for camping:

http://campingcard.is/

I found it really hard to identify what the rules are for wild camping in Iceland so maybe someone will have better advice for the both of us But, with wanting to keep Iceland and pristine and beautiful as it is, the designated spots seem like a good way to go.

There's also the hiking trail Laugavegurinn, which has huts at various intervals that you can book. It looks just gorgeous. More info here:

http://www.fi.is/en/hiking-trails/laugavegurinn/

Thanks! Yea I was worried that I may be difficult to camp when its colder out. The only problem with going in June is that the airfare is almost twice as much haha, I'd also like to see the northern lights but it seems like I won't have enough time to plan and go there until next year. I read how the best time to see it is right around now.

Have you checkout out WOW Airlines? From the US, tickets were pretty inexpensive for my husband and me. Expenses when there, well, that's another story...

hey thanks Cattail, i just checked WOW and the prices were so much better than any other flights, but the only thing is that the 2 closest US airports were DC and Boston for me and both were at least 3 1/2 hours away one way or another it looks like I'm going to have to pay up I guess. if anyone else has any advice feel free to share because I'm sure to have many more questions coming haha

Yeah, me too. We stay with relatives though, so relatively cheap (no pun intended).

Hi! When I was in Iceland, I rented a car, so I will be of little help there However I suggest the following blog: www.iceland24blog.com There are plenty of useful tips.