Where to begin?! This trip couldn't have been more perfect! My best friend and I went at the start of August in 2022. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. While we didn't experience a drop of rain or a cloudy day, we did get a full ride of earthquakes each day.
Let's start with some fun facts about this beautiful country that's also known as the land of fire & ice:
FUN FACTS:
The capital city is Reykjavik and over 60% of the population live there. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, I felt completely safe wandering off on my own in the dead of night. That being said, there is no true "dead of night" here. People party until 4 or 5 AM.
Iceland is a very progressive country and their passion for equality radiates throughout the city of Reykjavik. While graffiti may indicate a rundown city in other countries, in Reykjavik it is an art that will captivate you throughout your stay.
The land was originally settled by Vikings from Norway in the year 800. While it was one of the last pieces of land to be settled, the museums here have a story to tell.
This may seem random, but Iceland has the most delicious water of any place that I've ever visited! Seriously, I would be showering and just enjoying every drop. I've never tasted anything so pure. It's so pure throughout the country that you can sip it straight from the lakes, rivers and streams.
GEOGRAPHY:
Iceland sits on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a 40,000km long crack in the ocean floor caused by the separation of the North American plate and the Eurasian plate.
As a result, the country grows each year and has a very unique geography to include mountainous landscapes, roughly 130 volcanoes, glaciers, black lava fields, black sand beaches, geothermal pools and geysers.
Due to Iceland's unique geography and strict government influences, Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world and over 99% of their energy supply comes from geothermal sources and hydropower. The geothermal activity in Iceland allows you to take a dip in the hot springs at any time of the year.
WEATHER:
I've been told that we got lucky during our stay, because we experienced nothing but sunshine (which apparently is not the norm). Iceland is known for wind and stormy weather.
In the summer, expect temperatures averaging around 44F-77F and long days. During the months of June & July, Iceland experiences daylight for 24 hours. I had a puffy jacket that served me perfectly with a pair of leggings and a T-shirt underneath during our stay.
In the winter, you can expect temperatures as low as 14F and as high as 50F. Between September and March, Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Of course, these estimates are around the area of Reykjavik and change at various locations around the island.
I took this photograph on a stroll at 3:00AM, after being woken up by quite the earthquake
BEFORE YOU GO (HERE'S THE PART ABOUT MONEY):
Prepare yourself... because Iceland is not cheap... AT ALL. The currency is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). A good rule of thumb is 1000 ISK = round $7 to $9 USD. You can't use US dollars or Euros in Iceland, but have no fear because you don't need cash in Iceland. Credit and Debit cards are readily accepted.
Tipping is not expected, nor common in Iceland but it is appreciated. If you're on a tour, it's still polite to tip your guide and if you're at a nice restaurant with excellent service, 10% is appreciated.
Hotels in July are quite expensive, as it is the peak season of tourism.
Restaurants in Iceland can really add up fast. For example, a hamburger or pizza at a very average (not fancy) restaurant will still cost you at least $25... Or a kid's meal might cost $15... This is on the lower end of things. If you're looking to save money, there are supermarkets around town that can be very reasonable.
I had a little too much fun shopping in Iceland... I couldn't help myself... That all being said, I have excellent news for you all... If you buy any souvenirs or goods in Iceland, be sure to ask for your Tax-Free receipt! The refund is limited to purchases that are intended to be taken out of the country and amount to a minimum of ISK 6 000 (including VAT), made at a single point of sale. You can only claim up to 14%, but it feels like a pay day when the credit hits your card (anywhere from 1 month to 6 months later).
WHERE WE STAYED:
The Apotek Hotel located at Austurstræti 16, 101 ReykjavÃk
First off, this is your view when you walk out the front doors!
The hotel was simply stunning and the location couldn't be better.
The food in this restaurant was phenomenal and we couldn't help but keep coming back... so much so, that we befriended the bartender who later brought us BrennivÃn, which is considered Iceland's signature liquor, and it is sometimes called Svarti dauði, meaning Black Death. It is made from fermented potato mash and is flavored with caraway seeds... and well I am was not smitten with it like I was with the gin.
Breakfast options were plentiful.
TRANSPORTATION:
Honestly, I had never used scooters until this trip... and now, I'm completely smitten. They zip all over the place. But hold on to your new fur ear muffs, because I did have to chase mine down the hill. Reykjavik has excellent scooter/bike paths throughout the city, that include crosswalks specifically for them. Just pay attention to where you're walking!
Uber is not an option! That being said, Iceland has very strict taxi laws requiring special licensing to operate (with would require a background check, medical clearance and demonstrating proficiency in the national language). Book your taxi in advance to save money
You can always rent a car, which is ideal if you plan to go to other parts of the country. That being said, beware the prices of gas in Iceland ("petrol prices" are around 320 ISK per liter, or $8.75 USD/gallon). Also be mindful that the cost of parking is quite expensive, but you can use the Parka app to make parking easier.
HERE'S A GENERAL OUTLINE OF OUR 7 DAYS IN ICELAND:
While staying in Reykjavik
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik after a (short-ish) overnight flight
Happy hour with our new friends from the flight and an adventure to the Phallic Museum
Day 2: Nothing planned... Just scooting our butts around town (literally) and grabbing a work out at World Class before a night out
Day 3: Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure & Þingvellir National Park
Day 4: The Perlan Museum
Day 5: Trip to the Blue Lagoon followed by lunch on the Bryggjan Grindavik Marina
Day 6: Whale and Puffin Watching Tour from the Harbor followed by lunch at the Bryggjan Brewery - We ended up taking shots to the volcano errupting
That night, we finished the day hiking for several hours to the site of the eruption with locals.
Day 7: Golden Circle, Geysir lunch, and Friðheimar (required)
Day 8: Back to Texas
I'll dive into more details related to each endeavor in blogs to follow!
