Iceland & Heimaey Island - 11 N
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Itinerary -
Reykjavik - 2N
2 hrs 30 mins / 200 kms
Snæfellsbær - 1N
5 hrs / 430 kms
Akureyri - 1N
1 hr / 80 kms
Reykjahlio - 1N
5 hrs 15 mins / 410 kms
Viking Cafe - 1N
3 hrs 30 mins / 270 kms
Hofn - 2N
20 mins / 16 kms
Myrdalshreppur - 1N
2 hrs / 90 kms
Heimaey - 2N
1 hr 30 kms / 60 kms
Hella - 1N
1 hr 15 mins / 95 kms
(Reykjavic) = 11N
Islands - Iceland is different. Very different!
Iceland is a Nordic country and the most sparsely populated one in Europe.
It is fully independent state within a union with Denmark.
It is the world's 18th largest island and Europe's second largest after Great Britain.
It has active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and glacial rivers. It boasts over 200 different volcanoes, geysers and volcanic fissures.
It has around 30 islands surrounding it. Four of those are inhabited. Heimaey is the largest inhabited island and is a part of the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago which has 15 islands.
Iceland is a Shengen country so the usual rules apply as would going to any of these European countries. Many countries outside the Euro zone have to register online but still get 90 days in Shengen countries. Your passport must be valid for 3 months after your departure date. Double check with your local Embassy.
Iceland is an expensive destination. You can save money by coming in Winter or shoulder season. This trip is reasonably brief to keep the costs down but long enough to have a good look around.
Flight prices go up before Christmas and after New Years as well as in Summer. November to March is best for cheap flights. Hotel prices can double from April to May.
Try airbnb for some good prices. There are some reasonable Hostels and Guesthouses around. Unfortunately Iceland is the third most expensive country in the world. But not everything is dear and if you are a bit careful about where you eat, drink and stay it shouldn't cost any more than Europe or the US.
Car hire is relatively reasonable and you won't be covering huge distances. Tap water is safe and delicious so you don't have to buy water. You don't need to tip. Getting out into the natural beauty is free.
Food and drink are a problem. Book accommodation that includes breakfast. Buy food in the supermarket and have picnic lunches and use the cooking facilities where you stay. Bring in as much duty free alcohol as you are allowed. You can even buy it at the airport when you arrive. You can also buy booze from government stores that have odd hours and you have to be over 20 years old.
You could get a camper van which would save some money on accommodation as well as giving you cooking facilities for all your meals. You have to park overnight in camping sites but there are plenty of them. This is probably the most expensive way to do it.
Click here for information on Camper Vans
Be creative. For somewhere as special as this you won't mind paying a bit more.
Population -
Iceland - 343,193 / Heimaey - 4,000
AKA -
"The Land of Fire and Ice" - Islandia
About -
Every town has a pool with hot tubs and saunas and water slides at reasonable prices.
Day 1 Reykjavik - 1N
and drive into Reykjavik. Settle in, look around and head out for dinner and drinks to meet the locals who like a drop or three. Drop the car back off at the airport at the end of the trip. You will need it for 12 days.
Day 2 Reykjavic 1N
Head out for a day tour of the
(UNESCO World Heritage Status and the meeting place of the North American and Eurasian Continents) Almannagja Walk through continental plates at Almannagja Gorge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are actively moving apart. From the visitor centre, take the footpath to the waterfall Oxararfoss.
Stop in at Fontana Geothermal Baths
on the way to Geysir - Laugarvatn Fontana
Stop here for lunch. They have a good buffet lunch with soups, salads, geothermal rye bread, local trout, etc.. You can also spend a few hours soaking in the springs as well.
Geysir (Strokkur Hot Springs and Mud Pits). Geysir rarely erupts but its neighbour Strokkur goes off every ten minutes or so 20 to 40 meters in the air. On the odd occasion that Geysir does go off it is much larger than Srokkur. In 2000 it threw up water to a height of 120 meters. It's largest recorded eruption was 170 meters in 1845.
is one of the most spectacular in Iceland.
Stop in at the Secret Lagoon for a hot swim on the way to Kerid Crater. Built in 1891 it's the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. It has changing facilities and a cafe.
Have a late lunch of soup and bread at Fridheimar tomato, cucumber and horse farm. Best to book ahead. Lunch from 12.00 - 4.00pm
After lunch have a look at the Solheimar Eco-village that's been in operation since 1930.
Kerid Crater has good acoustics and they sometimes hold concerts there..
Day 3 Snæfellsbær 1N
Time for this Road Trip to hit the road. Drive to Snæfellsjokull National Park where the glacier featured in Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth resides. There are also lave fields and tubes in this area. Plenty of hiking trails to see the diverse flora and fauna and the chance of seeing a few whales. Have a look around on your way to Snæfellsbær where you'll find the Water Mitty Bar which was featured in the movie.
Enroute - Geirabakari Kaffihus - Bakery with delicious food - chocolate covered cinamon rolls and was the site of Papa Johns in Walter Mitty.
Hellnar - Coastal village, rocky beach, bird watching. Primus Kaffi serves delicious soups and stews.
Lovely beach with interesting rock formations
that rises 109 meters above sea level. You can walk to the rim of the crater easily via a iron ladder/footpath
Secluded golden beach surrounded by black lava.
Day 4 Akureyri 1N
Off to Akureyri the second largest town on Iceland. Leave time to wander around this charming place and it's quaint town centre.
Enroute have a soak at Guðrúnarlaug hot spring and see the Turf Roofed houses and a church. Go to Brynja for the best ice cream in Iceland.
Day 5 Reykjahlio 1N
Head via Godafoss Waterfall (One of the most famous and where Iceland converted to Christainity) up to Husavik for some whale watching (Boat tours - it is one of the best spots in the world to see whales) and a nice soak in the scenic GeoSea Sea Baths by the Lighthouse. Have some Fish and Chips on the balcony for lunch.
When you're ready head down to Hverir - Geothermal spot noted for its bubbling pools of mud & steaming fumaroles emitting sulphuric gas. Walk through the Lava Fields on a clearly marked path, the Love Cave from Game of Thrones Viti - Crater lake in a geothermal area Lake Myvatyn for a good soak. Spend the night in here in Reykjahlio - buy some meat at the local supermarket and have a BBQ looking out over the lake.
Day 6 Viking Cafe1N
Next Day head to Lækjavik and drive south along the scenic coast road. Along rhe way you could look in at the Eastern Fjords. If you're going on the jeep glacier or blue ice tours you should go into Hofn first and get them organised unless you've done it online. Spend the night at the Viking Cafe and the black sand beach with spectacular mountain views and the abandoned Viking film set.
Day 7 Hofn 1N (The Lobster Capital)
Hofn has bars and you could do a jeep glacier tour or blue ice cave tour from here. Remember book ahead. Later you can soak at Hoffell Hot Tubs, outdoors with good scenery
Day 8 Myrdalshreppur 1N
Continue on to Jokulsarlon the glacial lagoon which is breathtaking an a must see and Diamond beach where you can see bits of broken icebergs against the black sand beach which look like sculptures - then there is another glacial lagoon, waterfalls hikes etc - walk the rim of a deep canyon and drive through a moss covered lava field.
Spend the night in the remote village of Mýrdalshreppur which has plenty of accommodation and places to eat as well as the most famous black sand beach on the island due to the large black columns in the sea. Try the Soup Company for something hearty. Nearby to the hostel is the Icelandic Lava Show.
Day 9 - 10 Heimaey 2N
Next day stop in at the open air folk museum and Skogafoss Waterfall (one of the most famous) as you make your way to the ferry for Heimaey Island.
You could save money by parking the car up (its free and safe) and using an e-bike or walking when you get over there. A car is very handy when you get there and it's not too expensive. If you want to take the car make sure you book it as soon as possible as they fill up quickly. Get there at least half an hour early.
There is an amazing golf course on the island if you are that way inclined. Have a midnight round if you're here in June. Check out the local pool which is heated, has slides, hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. You can do a boat tour of some of the other islands. There are 5 ferries a day.
Day 11 Hella 1N
Make your way to Hella for the night. It is by the river and there is a choice of where to stay and where to eat. Unlike most of Iceland hella was founded by Irish Monks.
Day 12
Check out Hella Caves on the way out of town. On your way to Blue Lagoon you will go through some more geothermal areas and lava fields. Stop in at Blue Lagoon for a nice long soak. Make your way to the airport, drop the car off and fly home feeling wonderful. It will help if your flight is in the late afternoon or evening but you can always work around it.
Summer, June to August is the peak period for crowds and prices. 21 hours of sunshine a day in June. book well ahead.
Winter is good for outdoor sports and cheap prices, but short days and cold weather. December to February are the coldest and it can get down to minus 30.
September to April is the best time to see the Northern Lights. Best months are March, April, September and October. Hotel prices can double from April to May.
May to September is good for Whale watching.
Early September might be the best compromise. You'll need some warm clothes and don't forget the ferry to Heimaey Island stops running in mid September.
Airport -
Reykjavik Keflavík International Airport (KEF) -
is the main airport to fly in and out of. It is 50kms away from the capital. There are over 60 direct flights from various countries either side of the Atlantic. The airport was built by the US military during WWII. Continents outside of these zones will need to connect with the major hubs in them.
Ferries -
There is a weekly car ferry from Denmark that travels via the Faroe Islands. It travels between April and October.
The ferry from Landeyjahofn to Heimaey takes 35 minutes and runs 5 times a day between mid March and mid September. Book it a long way ahead especially if you want to take your car and be there at least half an hour before it leaves.
Stay -
These suggestions are "cheapish", you may want to spend more
See what's available on airbnb
Reykjavik 2N
Get something in your price range in Reykjavik. There are hostels and guest houses available which aren't too expensive. It's a small and safe city to walk around at night so you can save money by staying a 10 minute walk away from the bars and pubs. These
Excellent location on the "High Street"near the restaurants and bars, parking needs to be reserved and costs 15 euros per day, restaurant, bar
Free parking, good breakfast included
Free parking, good breakfast included, laundry
Stykkisholmur 1N
Free onsite parking, excellent location near the harbour and the Walter Mitty Bar, bar
Akureyri 1N
Free onsite paring, staff can organise horse riding and whale watching, well equipped guest kitchen, close to the Golf Club
Reykjahlio 1N
Dimmuborgir Guesthouse (Lakeview $ BBQs) -
Perfect location next to the Hverfell Volcano and with superb views of nearby Myvatn Nature Baths, free onsite parking, terrace, BBQ facilities
Excellent location by the lake, free onsite parking, traditional Icelandic breakfast served in the cafe in the cowshed is included, very good onsite restaurant, farm animals on the farm, bar, wooden cabins
Viking Cafe 1N
Excellent location with epic scenery next to the Viking Village, free onsite parking, very good breakfast included, cafe, bbq facilities (take some meat)
Hofn 1N
Excellent location on the waterfront close to some amazing restaurants, free onsite parking, 50m away from outdoors geothermally heated hot tub,
Myrdalshreppur 1N
Great location in the centre of town 10 mins walk from the famous Black Beach, free onsite parking, communal kitchen
Heimaey 2N
Excellent location for restaurants and bars, BBQ, ATM, terrace, garden, free onsite parking, offsite activities
Excellent location, stay in a capsule for something different especially if you haven't done it before, free onsite parking,
2 types of houses, no running water but they do have a heated pool and fridge, good hiking and you can see puffins
Hella 1N
Great location on the riverfront, restaurant, bar and terrace, free onsite parking, BBQ facilities and communal kitchen, basic cabins
Features -
The Golden Circle and half of The Diamond Circle
Diving in Silfra between two continents
Secret Lagoon - the oldest swimming pool in Iceland
Geothermal Regions / Lava Fields / Hot Springs
Glaciers / Ice Caves
The country was discovered and settled by Norsemen in the 9th and 10th centuries. The ancient Landnamabok (Book of Settlements) lists everything in amazing detail. The language has hardly changed since those days so the book is easy to understand. The locals are all very aware of the stories in the book as they were taught them at home and in school.
A man called Ingólfur Arnarson is credited with being Iceland's first settler. He was followed by Norwegian's escaping King Harald and in 60 years it was fully settled. Within a hundred years the island was totally deforested.
The 13th century saw a period of civil war.
Volcanic eruptions have caused much damage over the years. One in 1783 killed 9,000 people and wiped out much of the livestock causing a famine. Around a quarter of the population starved to death and social order fell apart. This event also had consequences around the world disrupting weather patterns and causing famines and hunger as far away as Egypt and France. It even helped to spur on the French Revolution.
Iceland's location is very strategic in a military sense and during WWII Britain decided it would have to take over the island. The invasion force was surprised when they found the Icelanders gave them an accommodating welcome. Them and the Canadians had troops here until they were replaced by US troops who hadn't entered the war yet.
A lot of infrastructure was built at this time including the main airport. This caused Iceland to go from a rural farming and fishing society to a modern state almost overnight and caused a mass migration to the city. They were lured by high paying jobs serving the Allies.
Male troop numbers equalled the local male population and social problems developed with the local women taking a fancy to the Americans. They were called prostitutes and said to be treasonous to the country. Many of them were sent to institutions where they suffered terrible conditions.
In 1944 98% of the population voted for independence. Norway was still occupied by the Nazis at the time. Thus June 14th is National Day and a holiday celebrating independence.
In 1989 Reagan and Gorbachev had an historic meeting here. Also the first democratically elected female president in the world was voted in. But much more importantly the ban on beer was finally lifted to much celebration. This is now known as Beer Day and has bigger celebrations than National Day. There is a popular movement to make this a public holiday as well.
In 2008 the financial crash hit very hard and they would turn to tourism as their saviour.
In 2010 Eyjafjallajokull erupted disrupting air travel around the world.
In 2018 Iceland qualified for the World Cup, the smallest nation ever to do so.
The Westman Islands
Named after the Irish slaves who fled here that were called Westmen. In 1627 Barbary Pirates from far away Algiers stumbled across this small island and held it captive for three days. Then they left with 237 people who suddenly found themselves as slaves aboard. Most of them spent the rest of their lives in bondage. A few lucky ones were ransomed back 11 years later.
In 1974 the previously unknown Edfell Volcano erupted and tore the middle of the island's town apart. The eruption lasted more than 5 months and the island was extended by a few kilometres which meant they now had room for an airport.
Fortunately due to recent storms all of the island's fishing boats were in harbour and the island's 5,300 inhabitants were whisked away to safety with only one man dying. And now they have a new volcano to attract tourists. Visit the Eldheimar museum to find out all about it.
· See -
Climb up to the top for a great view of Reykjavik
The Settlement Exhibition - Vikings
Puffins -
700,000 on Heimaey - catch them early or late otherwise they're out fishing
from the sanctuary on Heimaey Island.
Fly over an erupting volcano - if one's erupting while you're there
· Do -
Visit the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik to see and understand the wonders of Iceland all in one place - make sure you book ahead and add the Arora Northern Lights Show in your ticket
Go for a swim at a Geothermal Beach - Nautholsvík
Snorkelling and Diving in Dry Suits. Silfra has been voted one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. You can dive between the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia.
Glacier hiking and Ice caving
Hiking in Mt. Kerlingarfjöll and Hveradalir
Hike to the highest point in the Westman Islands for stunning views
Hike the Eldfell crater - from an eruption in the 70's
Horse riding tours - the Icelandic Horse is the only breed in the country and its purity is strongly protected
Play Golf - there are 15 courses here, some of them very memorable for their layout and scenery
There are hundreds of scenic hot tubs scattered around Iceland
Play Golfklubbur Vestmannaeyjar
· Highlights -
Puffins - 10 million nest here between May and September
Whales
Kerid Crater
Eat -
Punk Restaurant - Rekjavik
Old Iceland - Traditional food
Pylsur - Late night hot dogs - the unofficial national dish and said to be the best hot dogs in the world by Bill Clinton - Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving them since 1937
Lamb - soups, stews and slow roasted
Fresh seafood - 340 recorded speciies
Fresh river & lake food - Arctic Char / Atlantic salmon / Brown Trout
Liquorice is a national passion, as is ice cream - combine the two and have some liquorice ice cream
Snuour - a cinnamon bun with icing.
Drink -
Iceland went through prohibition in 1915 just like they did in the USA. The ban on wine was lifted in 1922 and spirits in 1935. Amazingly beer wasn't legal in Iceland until 1989!
Alcohol is still heavily regulated and the only place to buy it outside the bars is in a government run shop called a Vínbuoin.
Reykjavik is touted as one of the best places to go out in the world
Kaffibarinn - infamous with a boho vibe
Lebowski Bar - 24 types of White Russians
Walter Mitty Bar - from the movie
Sundowners -
Iceland is famous for its sunsets. In the middle of summer the sun sets after midnight and rises again 3 hours later. So you can do a sun set and sun rise in one session. Because it sets at such a shallow angle the incredible colours last for hours.
Specialties -
Brennivín aka "Black Death" - a burning Arctic cumin tasting liqueur
Reyka Vodka - made from glacial water
Skyr - Yoghurt that's been around for 1,000 years
Rugbraud - Dark Rye Bread cooked in a hot spring
Hakarl - Fermented Shark - good luck
Souvenirs -
Lopapeysa - Wool jumpers, can be expensive and made in China
Nature Condoms - come in 6 exciting designs that represent the local environment - winner of the first Icelandic souvenir competition
Jar of Icelandic Thyme or different coloured sea salts
Tips -
Book everything way ahead especially if you are going in peak season (summer).
Book the car ferry to Heimaey as soon as you can especially if you decide to take the car over. The ferry runs mid May to mid September.
Blue Lagoon is very popular - Book Ahead
Famous -
Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights
James Bond locations
Walter Mitty Bar and other movie locations
Game of Thrones locations - Love Cave
The geyser Geysir that all other geysers are named after
The windiest point in Europe - only rivalled by Antarctica - the southernmost point of Heimaey
Iit's also the place where 700,000 Puffins live - the world's largest population of nesting Puffins
Husavik - Europe's Whale Watching Capital and one of the best in the world
· Festivals -
On the holiday weekend in August Heimaey comes alive with a camping and music festival. Lots of parties and drinking and noise. The population of the island goes from 4,000 to 16,000 over the weekend, so the ferry is going to be busy.
The 3 major music festivals are -
Iceland Airwaves - November / Secret Solstice - June & Sónar Reykjavík - February.
Also - Eistnaflug in Neskaupsstaour - July (Heavy Rock)
Aldrei for eg suður in Isafjorour - Easter (Rock)
Bræoslan music festival in Borgarfjorour Eystri in July(International)
Reykjavik Pride - one of the largest festivals
Reykjavik Art Festival - every second year
Food and Fun Festival - Late February early March
The Hofn Lobster Festival - Late June in Lobster Town
Extra -
See the Faroe Islands in 'Islands' - you could catch the ferry and they will make Iceland seem cheap!
