Suggestions for 1 week for family in Reykjavik and Hotel Glymur
Dec 2nd, 2009, 11:38 AM
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Suggestions for 1 week for family in Reykjavik and Hotel Glymur
I am bringing a family of 5 (3 teens) to Iceland in late May. I think it is cheaper to rent a car for us, than to do individual tours.
I am having a difficult time discerning what is really a feasible drive for one day. Other than the city itself, and the Golden Circle area, can you tell me what it is possible to see/drive to in a day. We are staying half the time in Reykjavik and half at the Hotel Glymur because it just looks stunning.
Specifically, we are looking for beautiful natural scenery and a few firsts. As a family we have never been fishing, seen puffins, or viewed a glacier.
Suggestions would be most welcome.
Thanks, Staci
I am having a difficult time discerning what is really a feasible drive for one day. Other than the city itself, and the Golden Circle area, can you tell me what it is possible to see/drive to in a day. We are staying half the time in Reykjavik and half at the Hotel Glymur because it just looks stunning.
Specifically, we are looking for beautiful natural scenery and a few firsts. As a family we have never been fishing, seen puffins, or viewed a glacier.
Suggestions would be most welcome.
Thanks, Staci
Dec 2nd, 2009, 01:40 PM
#2
hi Staci,
if you click on my screen name, you'll find my trip report which you may find useful. although we didn't stay in Reykjavik at all, we did stay at the Glymur [great choice]and I'm sure that they will help you enjoy that area to the full.
my recollection is that you can do trips to see the puffins [and whales] from Reykjavik, and the highest mountain Hekla is within driving distance of the Glymur which will let you see a galcier. there are glacier activities too - walks and rides - which in May should still be viable [when we went in August it was really too melty to be effective]. you could even do a day trip to the snaefellenes peninsular, thoguh ti woudl be a long day - but in Iceland that's not so mcuh of a problem because of the long day length.
your kids might also enjoy the canoeing/rafting trip that my DS and DH did - you could do that easily from the Glymur or from Reykjavik.
Finally, allow yourselves a good day to see the Golden circle - both the geiser and the waterfall at Gullfoss oare spectacular and the site at Pingvellir definitely deserves lnoger that just the 30 mins that bus trips give people- we spent at least half a day walking along and around the cravass that marks the meeting point of the tectonic plates.
Do rent a car - we had a 4x4 and although it's not essential we were glad we did. also take the optional insurance that covers damage to the bottom of the car - we didn't do this and within one hour of leaving the airport, i realised why we'd been offered it. amazingly we didn't incur any damage but that was more luck than judgement.
have a great trip,
regards, ann
if you click on my screen name, you'll find my trip report which you may find useful. although we didn't stay in Reykjavik at all, we did stay at the Glymur [great choice]and I'm sure that they will help you enjoy that area to the full.
my recollection is that you can do trips to see the puffins [and whales] from Reykjavik, and the highest mountain Hekla is within driving distance of the Glymur which will let you see a galcier. there are glacier activities too - walks and rides - which in May should still be viable [when we went in August it was really too melty to be effective]. you could even do a day trip to the snaefellenes peninsular, thoguh ti woudl be a long day - but in Iceland that's not so mcuh of a problem because of the long day length.
your kids might also enjoy the canoeing/rafting trip that my DS and DH did - you could do that easily from the Glymur or from Reykjavik.
Finally, allow yourselves a good day to see the Golden circle - both the geiser and the waterfall at Gullfoss oare spectacular and the site at Pingvellir definitely deserves lnoger that just the 30 mins that bus trips give people- we spent at least half a day walking along and around the cravass that marks the meeting point of the tectonic plates.
Do rent a car - we had a 4x4 and although it's not essential we were glad we did. also take the optional insurance that covers damage to the bottom of the car - we didn't do this and within one hour of leaving the airport, i realised why we'd been offered it. amazingly we didn't incur any damage but that was more luck than judgement.
have a great trip,
regards, ann
Dec 3rd, 2009, 01:36 PM
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Ann,
Thanks for all the tips. I am in the process of reading your posts now. How did you arrange the rafting trip? In order to save money, I am trying to plan excursions for us rather than rely on a company. I will be sure to rent a 4X4 so that we can get around at will.
Did you see the puffins?
What was the highlight of your trip?
Thanks for everything,
Staci
Thanks for all the tips. I am in the process of reading your posts now. How did you arrange the rafting trip? In order to save money, I am trying to plan excursions for us rather than rely on a company. I will be sure to rent a 4X4 so that we can get around at will.
Did you see the puffins?
What was the highlight of your trip?
Thanks for everything,
Staci
Dec 3rd, 2009, 05:21 PM
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A few exerpts from my trip report (which seems to have disappeared!):
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dec 3rd, 2009, 05:28 PM
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Also, if you head north of Glymur to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll find some great natural scenery... a great splatter crater (Eldborg) some great walks along the coast, and the Snaefellsjokull glacier.
If you decide to head that way, let me know and I can probably provide a few more details.
I'll also second Annhig's comments on the Golden Circle. Allow a good FULL day. When you map out the drive, also try to include the Kerið crater. It's just off the road and worth at least a quick stop.
If you decide to head that way, let me know and I can probably provide a few more details.
I'll also second Annhig's comments on the Golden Circle. Allow a good FULL day. When you map out the drive, also try to include the Kerið crater. It's just off the road and worth at least a quick stop.
Dec 4th, 2009, 02:07 AM
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It's been too long since I've been in Iceland, so I can't help you the way astein12 so ably did, but thought you might like to read this old thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...in-iceland.cfm
Thingvellir with its Viking parliament roots and tectonic plate fissures and Thorvald with its wonderful hiking are two places I'd not want to miss.
Thingvellir with its Viking parliament roots and tectonic plate fissures and Thorvald with its wonderful hiking are two places I'd not want to miss.
Dec 4th, 2009, 02:49 AM
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I'll chip in with my experience. I can confirm (as per annhig's suggestion) that you can take whale watching tours from Reykjavik harbour, some of which detour via 'Puffin Island' so if the weather's suitable, you'll definitely see puffins.
In May, the weather (and sea) might not allow tours to go out everyday, but I can highly recommend one if weather allows. It was definitely one of the highlights of my first trip to Iceland.
Also, I'm sure it's on your list but as no-ones mentioned it, I'll just mention the Blue Lagoon. Some people complain that it's man-made and there are lots of natural equivalents that you can visit, but as experiences go, it's one of my all-time favourites and completely unforgettable.
For natural beauty, the Reynisdrangar needles and beach near the town of Vik (in the south west) also take some beating. Last time I was there the wind was so strong (we parked on a cliff overlooking the needles) it took serious effort to open the car door, but the photos were definitely worth it.
In May, the weather (and sea) might not allow tours to go out everyday, but I can highly recommend one if weather allows. It was definitely one of the highlights of my first trip to Iceland.
Also, I'm sure it's on your list but as no-ones mentioned it, I'll just mention the Blue Lagoon. Some people complain that it's man-made and there are lots of natural equivalents that you can visit, but as experiences go, it's one of my all-time favourites and completely unforgettable.
For natural beauty, the Reynisdrangar needles and beach near the town of Vik (in the south west) also take some beating. Last time I was there the wind was so strong (we parked on a cliff overlooking the needles) it took serious effort to open the car door, but the photos were definitely worth it.
Dec 4th, 2009, 10:23 AM
#8
hi, Staci,
I'll try to answer your questions but feel free to come backto me if I've missed any or you'd like to know more.
Highlight - the bird cliffs of the western fjords. Sadly it's too far for you to get there, but the puffin island sounds good, and I've got a memory that there may be some on the Reykjanes peninsular mentioned by Astein.
The aforesaid peninsular - i agree that it makes an interesting trip. there are some bubbling pools, deserted lakes, strange cliffs - a good half day, plus ++ if you combine it with the blue Lagoon, which is a bit surreal but worth the trip, AND has a pretty good restaurant.
the rafting trip - i wil try to find the details. We just phoned them when we decided we wanted to do it.
Highlight in Reykjavik - definitely the Icelandic museum. loads of interactive stuff for the kids, all in English. [even English people serving in the cafe which was unexpected]. you can dress up as an icelander, see how big the Viking boats were that first went to Iceland [tiny], find out how many icelandic women are of celtic descent [about 50%]. we spent a long morning there and could have spent longer. Nice cafe there too.
don't get too excited about being able to get round with a 4x4. the gravel roads are more about technique than anything else - don't go too slowly would be my advice. your insurance will not allow to go on the well-named "F" roads in a hire car, so there wil still be places you can't go even in a 4x4. but I do think tht you wil be more comfortable, especially with the 3 children. THey are expensive though; to keep down costs, I suggest getting the bus from the aurport to Reykjavik, and not hiring the car until you're ready to leave, or at least not for the first day, which you could use to explore the city.
good luck!
regards, ann
I'll try to answer your questions but feel free to come backto me if I've missed any or you'd like to know more.
Highlight - the bird cliffs of the western fjords. Sadly it's too far for you to get there, but the puffin island sounds good, and I've got a memory that there may be some on the Reykjanes peninsular mentioned by Astein.
The aforesaid peninsular - i agree that it makes an interesting trip. there are some bubbling pools, deserted lakes, strange cliffs - a good half day, plus ++ if you combine it with the blue Lagoon, which is a bit surreal but worth the trip, AND has a pretty good restaurant.
the rafting trip - i wil try to find the details. We just phoned them when we decided we wanted to do it.
Highlight in Reykjavik - definitely the Icelandic museum. loads of interactive stuff for the kids, all in English. [even English people serving in the cafe which was unexpected]. you can dress up as an icelander, see how big the Viking boats were that first went to Iceland [tiny], find out how many icelandic women are of celtic descent [about 50%]. we spent a long morning there and could have spent longer. Nice cafe there too.
don't get too excited about being able to get round with a 4x4. the gravel roads are more about technique than anything else - don't go too slowly would be my advice. your insurance will not allow to go on the well-named "F" roads in a hire car, so there wil still be places you can't go even in a 4x4. but I do think tht you wil be more comfortable, especially with the 3 children. THey are expensive though; to keep down costs, I suggest getting the bus from the aurport to Reykjavik, and not hiring the car until you're ready to leave, or at least not for the first day, which you could use to explore the city.
good luck!
regards, ann
Dec 4th, 2009, 11:55 AM
#9
hi again, staci,
here's the outfit that we went rafting with. they were pretty professional and I'm sure you teens [and you if you are a bit adventurous] would enjoy it.
http://adventures.is/Iceland/Rafting/RaftingVideo/
you need to allow about 15mins to get there once you leave the main road as the track to theeir base is more than a bit iffy. there is a widely advertised zoo nearby to which DD and i repaired while the lads rafted but it's more a petting zoo than anything else and very tame. a bit further down the road is a spectacular bridge with a hotel on the same side as the rafting/zoo. on sundays they have an afternoon cafe buffet which to judge by the cakes they had on a saturday would have been "awesome". they also had excellent coffee which like virtually everywhere in Iceland is free after the first cup.
here's the outfit that we went rafting with. they were pretty professional and I'm sure you teens [and you if you are a bit adventurous] would enjoy it.
http://adventures.is/Iceland/Rafting/RaftingVideo/
you need to allow about 15mins to get there once you leave the main road as the track to theeir base is more than a bit iffy. there is a widely advertised zoo nearby to which DD and i repaired while the lads rafted but it's more a petting zoo than anything else and very tame. a bit further down the road is a spectacular bridge with a hotel on the same side as the rafting/zoo. on sundays they have an afternoon cafe buffet which to judge by the cakes they had on a saturday would have been "awesome". they also had excellent coffee which like virtually everywhere in Iceland is free after the first cup.
Dec 6th, 2009, 04:15 PM
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Thank you everybody for your helpful replies. I will check them all out and plan for some excellent day trips. I won't rent a car for the first day in Reykjavik as Ann suggested, and I'll try to get on a whale/puffin sighting trip.
Thanks again,
Staci
Thanks again,
Staci
