Thinking of Iceland
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Hilton, United, Gold DL
Posts: 993
Thinking of Iceland
Been seeing and reading some nice write ups on Iceland and have started looking at a trip. Looking at a 5 day trip in either May or June, I understand the weather should be pleasant around this time, but is there a better time to make this trip? And should I adjust the schedule plus or minus a day? Is there more to see with an extra day? Or will I get bored and should shorten the trip?
#2
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Helsinki
Programs: AY Platinum, IHG Gold, Diners
Posts: 1,276
Hi,
My guess would be that spring is a good time to go to Iceland, just as my trip in November was a good time. Not too crowded with a lot of tourists, but the weather should probably be past its worst.
I did a 5 day trip. If I would do it again, I would rent a car 3 days instead of 2(possibly have a day of organised excursions) and only stay in Reykjavik for 2 days (of which one is Blue Lagoon). I would even consider driving around the whole island, and spend a night or two in another place than Reykjavik.
In my opinion, Reykjavik isn't much to see. One day is more than enough and the best parts in Reykjavik are the fabulous restaurants. However, you don't have to go far outside Reykjavik to see amazing things, and that's why staying in Reykjavik and renting a car and making day-trips from Reykjavik is not a bad option.
Niksal
My guess would be that spring is a good time to go to Iceland, just as my trip in November was a good time. Not too crowded with a lot of tourists, but the weather should probably be past its worst.
I did a 5 day trip. If I would do it again, I would rent a car 3 days instead of 2(possibly have a day of organised excursions) and only stay in Reykjavik for 2 days (of which one is Blue Lagoon). I would even consider driving around the whole island, and spend a night or two in another place than Reykjavik.
In my opinion, Reykjavik isn't much to see. One day is more than enough and the best parts in Reykjavik are the fabulous restaurants. However, you don't have to go far outside Reykjavik to see amazing things, and that's why staying in Reykjavik and renting a car and making day-trips from Reykjavik is not a bad option.
Niksal
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
Iceland is a destination that defies words! I'd allow a day for Reykjavik ... good half day tour with Reykjavik Excursions visiting the Presidential Residence, Perlan etc and then wandering ... possibly having a meal at the Seabaron eatery and visiting Puffin Island, and there's lots of other things to see from Reykjavik, bearing in mind that some of the days are long ones .......... Snaefellsness peninsula, Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, (these are the long days), and the Golden Circle and a half day at the Blue Lagoon ... really relaxing.
Car hire is very expensive, especially if you are hiring from the airport. You might consider taking the flybus for your transfers instead and hiring from the city centre. Should you want to explore without the stress of driving and perhaps even going off-road, up a volcano or onto a glacier, might I recommend the company we used - Iceland On Track (Omar Sigurdsson, Tel. +354 899 5438, Oli J Kristjansson, Tel. +354 895 0985, www.icelandontrack.com) - as we got to experience 'real' Iceland in the capable hands of well-informed and most friendly locals.
You'll have a great time whatever you choose to do.
Car hire is very expensive, especially if you are hiring from the airport. You might consider taking the flybus for your transfers instead and hiring from the city centre. Should you want to explore without the stress of driving and perhaps even going off-road, up a volcano or onto a glacier, might I recommend the company we used - Iceland On Track (Omar Sigurdsson, Tel. +354 899 5438, Oli J Kristjansson, Tel. +354 895 0985, www.icelandontrack.com) - as we got to experience 'real' Iceland in the capable hands of well-informed and most friendly locals.
You'll have a great time whatever you choose to do.
Last edited by Alsacienne; Jan 5, 2011 at 4:09 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Europe
Programs: UA:1K MM, AF:FB-Platinum; QR: PC Platinum, FI: Saga Gold
Posts: 2,931
Try these - http://borgarhjol.net/english. I have no first hand experience with them but they're closely associated with the Youth Hostel so I assume they're good at what they do.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Europe
Programs: UA:1K MM, AF:FB-Platinum; QR: PC Platinum, FI: Saga Gold
Posts: 2,931
#8
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Oakland
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,109
Been seeing and reading some nice write ups on Iceland and have started looking at a trip. Looking at a 5 day trip in either May or June, I understand the weather should be pleasant around this time, but is there a better time to make this trip? And should I adjust the schedule plus or minus a day? Is there more to see with an extra day? Or will I get bored and should shorten the trip?
#10
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 160
Rent a muscle car!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_D6nxAa7rA
I wonder if I could work out a visit with Björk whenever I make a trip there?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_D6nxAa7rA
I wonder if I could work out a visit with Björk whenever I make a trip there?
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CPH (Swedish side)
Programs: PC Platinum, Club Carlson Gold, GHA Black, A-Club Platinum, Hilton Silver, SPG Gold, Rica Gold, EBB
Posts: 194
I´ve heard that some people suggest you to rent a 4 wheel drive. Do you really need to do that? Won´t a normal small car be sufficient if you come in summer or late spring?
#14
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: LPI
Programs: SK *B (?)
Posts: 362
#15
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Oakland
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,109
Also, if you intend to go into the central part of the country, you will be fjording rivers once the road stops. It's best to have a guide. Insurance doesn't cover pulling your 4x4 out of the river/water damage from that I remember reading.