fun links, cool tips, and the occasional free preset. Also read: How to Capture The Northern Lights in Iceland. So appreciate the heads up about rinsing off naked before and after entering the geothermal pool. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are okay 9. You have to hop on board one of these days and take a spin around Iceland, its a definite must-experience! 54.4% of the Icelandic population believes in the existence of magic folk, which essentially means that 1 in every 2 Icelanders you meet will most likely believe in creatures of the netherworld. For music fans who are planning to visit during the summer, the city hosts several festivals, including the Iceland Airwaves, which hosts indie musicians from around the world. The midnight sun brings us a lot of fantastic opportunities but a great Northern Lights experience is not one of them. Apr 5, 2016 - Iceland is increasingly becoming a hot spot for travelers, and with good reason. These Icelandics are sharp, quirky, and full of wit, so do not be surprised if they hit you with lashes of wintry Brit-styled sarcasm faster than you can say, Oh, so you do speak English!. Love these tips! Though its delicious, Harfiskur is a bit tricky to eat: you need to tear off strips of the fish which takes a surprising amount of gusto. So used was I to having our beloved currency accepted worldwide that it never once occurred to me that there would be places that actually, didnt. If you ever need a stark reminder that money really is, at the end of the day, nothing more than paper, try being stuck in Iceland with SGD4000 and realizing with increasing dread that everything you have on you is essentially worthless. In Iceland, Unnur shared, Unlike the United States, Icelanders are not accustomed to tip for service. In its place, however, is an endless string of quirky businesses dominating the countrys unexampled retail scene. Know Where to Sit On the Bus Ride to Reykjavik. Ah, Ive really been wanting to visit Iceland these days! Get lost in the many narrow alleys and staircases throughout Bergen. Icelandic culture has been in the act of forming, growing, and adapting from the moment that the Norsemen stepped on Icelandic shores and decided to settle there in 870 AD. Gudrun shares, Icelandic people take great pride in caring for their land. English is widely spoken 4. This resplendent nation is so inherently homegrown that youd be hard pressed to find anything commercialized or remotely mainstream here. These are the things you should take into account before travelling to this northern island! If necessary, get them in Finland (which will be your most likely stopover) because they have amazing budget stores there. You can find beers for 6.You can cook on your own to go down your food budget travel expenses in Iceland. Chances are, your home currency is not recognised (applicable to those from Southeast Asia) 3. mobile app. Youd be surprised to learn that water which reeks this badly is actually one of the cleanest water to drink in this world; Im not saying that it makes it any easier to consume (or the stench any easier to inhale), but it definitely does save you a hell lot of money on bottled water (which, surprise surprise, isnt cheap at all). These tips on dos and donts come from Icelandic natives who work in hospitality, including airlines and tour companies, so they know firsthand what travelers should be aware of before visiting. No one really knows why, some believe is thanks to the amount of milk they drink, but Dutch people are the tallest in the world. Iceland In September Is The Perfect Time For Hot Pots and Hot Tubs. Required fields are marked *, Greatest Travel Regrets from My Trip to Germany, 9 Wonderful Experiences that Made Sri Lanka My Best Travel Discovery of the Decade, Check Out These 11 Alternatives To Hong Kongs Hot Spots, An Inspired Travellers Guide to Singapore: Little India. What to expect before your trip to Iceland Top Iceland travel tips 1. Here are four tips for planning your trip. But, we still have strong ties to our original Norse gods. And if you think your ordeal is over, you wont be pleased to know that you have to go through the same thing after. 5. The country might be stuck out on the edge of the Arctic, but nobody puts baby in the corner when it comes to this culturally rich island. Ask questions and listen to your guides. Floating around Iceland's hot springs is the utmost in relaxation. Its a bit on the pricey side (just under $10 USD for a snack bag), but realize that its basically a whole fish in a bag, and can keep you full for hours! In order to see the light, you will need to visit in winter, early spring or fall when the nights are dark. You may opt-out by. Knowing what locals care about, including local cultural etiquette, is very important for global travelers. It is also the biggest of its kind in all of Europe! Go Shopping in Reykjavik. Some cities get monsoon season. Everyone in Iceland speaks English in fact, they even know some pretty tough words too. But what Iceland lacks, it makes up for with an abundance of spirit and quirk. Those who visit the country are in for a treat of spectacular glaciers and hot springs, rolling hills of greenery, and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet. Also, when driving, remember that weather on mountain passes is significantly different than the weather at sea level. Here's a caveat: if you have Iceland earmarked as your next travel desti SharedBy: Unnur Eir Arnardottir, Icelandic native and Flight Attendant at Icelandair. [Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2014, unless otherwise credited.]. (20 seconds is the recommended exposure time for capturing the Northern Lights, but I find that anything beyond 10 is good enough, provided you get your ISO right.) Its off-handed and almost rude, but quite understandably so. Basic information of such nature was only a Google Search away, but apparently even that was too much for me to do. 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Takes all cultures to make a world! Best months to visit 3. Why: When in Reykjavk, do as Icelanders do and get out and enjoy the nightlife! Here you'll find accommodation, flights and things to do when visiting Iceland, and also information on the country and it's culture - how is the weather, where to spot the Northern lights, how to drive in Iceland, and much more. The Strokkur, the Atlantic Ocean, Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and of course, the aforementioned Northern Lights, to say the least. Heres How Not to Leave Disappointed, Ditching the Chaos of Istanbul for 7 Neighbourhoods, An Inspired Travellers Guide to Singapore: Chinatown, a travel newsletter of the best kind. The grace of the Northern Lights will make you cry, the magnitude of the Gulfoss will leave you breathless, and the highly unpredictable Strokkur will make you hold your breath for five minutes at length, before finally sending your heart soaring as high as its erupted body of water goes. Iceland has an excellent warning system in place for these things, however, and you can find out all you need to know on vedur.is and road.is. You will leave from and return to Akureyri, the largest settlement in Iceland outside of the capital area; it, too, has many cultural sites to enjoy, such as the Aviation and Motorcycle Museums of Iceland and the Akureyri Art Museum. Your northern experience, therefore, will provide you with a perfect balance of culture and nature. Good to know before visiting Iceland in June. If youre heading out of the city and into the north of the country, be sure not to miss Grettislaug, a natural hot spring located between the mountains and the sea that only costs 1.000 ISK ($10) to enter. 5 Watch The Northern Lights. Learn about the 21 best things to do in Bergen. Icelandic culture 8. Low-key hurricanes are pretty normal here, especially in the winter, and they have a dramatic impact on road and driving conditions. Tip: If you dont know what to talk about, talk about the weather! They cover over 11% of its landmass. I would never ask why about Icelandits in my top 3 bucket list destinations. What you are witnessing is a core piece of the culture of Iceland. Iceland might not have legendary historic sights, temples, statues or abbeys. These are in no order at all: ingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Europe's largest waterfall), Skgafoss (GORGEOUS! Great article! But there are a couple of things to know before you visit this incredible country. 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India's 1.3 billion people are squeezed into an area almost 4 times smaller than that of the US. Basically, they change every year, and tour operators have to scope out new places to guide people all the time. Located on Videy island in Iceland is the Imagine Peace Tower, a dream turned reality for Yoko Ono who dedicated the tower to her husband John Lennon. Food budget travel in Iceland can go 30 per day.There are typical dishes in Iceland that you can try for 15 per person in local restaurants.Fast food like a hot dog or a burger can go around 7-10 USD in Iceland. From June to August, summer is undoubtedly the most popular and best time to visit Iceland. Well, they do, so there is no need for an Icelandic crash course before your trip. Each country has its own characteristics and tricks. . In fact, tourists flock to Iceland from all around the world to witness them light up the night sky. The festival is all about traditional Icelandic culture and the nation's dependence on fishing. As it is, Reykjavik was insufferably cold at 1C when I first arrived, but a comfortable 12C when I left two weeks later. But one cannot expect anything less from the world's most culturally diverse country. All Rights Reserved, 4 Best Ice Caves in Iceland (+ Best Tours To Visit). ), Jkulsrln iceberg lagoon, and the crystal ice caves under Vatnajkull glacier. My advice is to just get over it because there is no way around this. Fact is, the water smells because its heated by geothermal energy, which stems from the Earths belly. Heres How To SeeThem. Tip: Eat ice cream no matter the temperature. Glad to know theres a like-minded soul out there so many asked me why Iceland when I went although, in their defence, that was 6 years ago and Iceland was as widely visited then! Thats wonderful to hear, I think anyone could benefit from time in Iceland, its like the chillest place Ive been! Hey, at least the bathrooms are gender-specific right? So just know super expensive. If youre seriously considering Iceland as a future visit, I suggest sitting through this extremely long (but not painful, I promise) read, because what Im about to tell you are things you never knew you had to know. Most things offered by the festival are free of charge. Not all places accept credit card. Im sure it is well worth it to go see! However, that doesn't change the fact that more people visit Blue Lagoon every year than there are people living in Iceland. L.A.'s replete with cool, under-the-radar bookstores, boutiques, and gourmet food shopsif you know where to look. That said, lava fields are a good introduction to Icelands bleak beauty of windswept hills and delicate greens and grays; so dont kill yourself over it if you board the bus full and arent able to choose seats at will. For ages, Icelanders had to live their lives according to the weather and therefore talked a lot about the weather. Diamond Beach, next to Jkulsrln glacier lagoon. If you have a couple of free days, this is a unique opportunity to fish in some of the best places in the world. Come early and even better, book your ticket in advance and jump to the top. 13. One of the other key things to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon is all of your food options. Your email address will not be published. Eir Arnardottir shared, A very touristic thing to do is buy bottled water. You have the Spa Restaurant, Lava Restaurant, and Moss Restaurant. Unless you want to drop $100. Be sure to dress in layers and always expect rain! The Reykjavik Children's Culture Festival, a week-long festival in April, celebrates children and art. For the Ones Living In Asian Countries: Chances Are, Your Home Currency Is Obsolete. It is an egg tart dusted with cinnamon. , Okay, these are great tips! If all you know about Icelandic culture is Bjork and possibly Sigur Ros, dig deeper while you're in Reykjavik. Fuel - Alaska is the gas state right, well even gas is more expensive in Alaska than the lower 48. I dont know how or where the rumor began, but for some reason, everyone seems to think that the Icelandics dont speak English. I would have been surprised. It is, and its so fascinating to me! Experience Thorlaksmessa. Wander around a Christmas Market. . You will answer yes, yes, and yes. Many workers from other places Due to a recent tourism boom, Iceland has had to import more and more workers. It is absolutely delicious and packed full of protein. Im saving your post for when that happens . Go Snorkelling or Diving Between the Tectonic Plates. . Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Im not saying that everyone has to be a professional photographer to get Iceland right, but the fact of the matter is, so many of this paradises ethereal sights will turn out lacking at best if you settle for equipment thats any less. It is easily the most majestic place we've ever visited, in Europe, or anywhere else in the world. 6 Enjoy the Normal Daylight Hours. You wont have to bring much cash though, as practically everywhere in Iceland accepts cards (even prefers them to cash). If you remember to bring anything on your trip to Iceland, remember to bring a debit card. Icelands Ice Caves Could Last for Decades -- or Be Gone Next Month. Hot tip: smear a bit of butter on a strip. Its expensive (over $60 USD per person), you need to book in advance, its crowded, and there are so many more brilliant local pools that cost a fraction to enjoy. The various ice caps, outlet glaciers, alpine glaciers, mountain glaciers, and ice streams bring the total of glaciers in Iceland to 269! It is not uncommon for a single burger to cost you $14 (from a food stand, no less), or a McFlurry-esque type of ice cream to rip you off of $8, so budget smart and make money last. 1 Beware of Iceland's Weather In March. Xx, Love these tips and they are all so true! 9. Also, be sure to place a bag on your lap if youre eating it in the car Harfiskur is super flaky! You will take the additional insurance that you are offered, which includes but is not limited to windshield insurance that protects you against the accidental high-speed pebble and the dent that will result from it. Known for its superb rugged landscape, Iceland is fast becoming a travel hotspot. Drinking water costs more. This could be due to its high standards in health care, their genetics, or healthy diets (ice cream aside). The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona. 2 Check the Road Conditions When Visiting Iceland in March. There have been countless accidents and even deaths because weather and road conditions were not taken seriously. The stalls at the Blue Lagoon come designed without doors, so unless you intend to shell out SGD70 just to sit in the locker room and sulk over the transparency, of your situation, strip down and move on. Packing for various degrees of cold is important, but what will be even more important would be to cut your itinerary some slack. The island's entire population is only about 300,000. This is, after all, a land of extremes, and extreme prices you will pay. Here what to know about Iceland! Iceland has been on my list for some time. The FlyBus leaves from just outside the main terminal every half hour and makes stops at all of the major hotels in Reykjavk, including the BS bus terminal in the city center. The ride will cost you 2.700 ISK (roughly $25 USD), which isnt bad considering the drive from the airport to city center is around 45 minutes. . I had no idea Iceland was expensive to visit. We pretty much love to get ice cream whenever! Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Ive never been but would love to visit some day. If you have travel plans to visit Iceland, you may be interested in learning more about the culture. The largest Icelandic glacier is Vatnajkull, which is 8,200 square kilometers and up to 1,000 meters thick in places. Since then, Icelandic people have been shaped by the extreme geography, the will to survive and thrive, and the cold climate typical in the country. We have separate taps for hot and cold water. Why: According toAntonsdottir, Icelanders love their ice cream. Imagine visiting Iceland in September, sitting in a steaming hot tub or hot pot, and defrosting while reflecting on the adventures of your day. Everythings always so much more magical during Christmas season and it really isnt much colder as everyone thinks! Related: For an alternative plan, check out this list of underrated European cities. Reykjavik is a small, compact city that can easily be seen in one full day. 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First Time at Pamukkale? And lets not forget about food, our wretched basic staple. Take advantage of those open roads during summer and visit! You never know when well be stuck, she explained. Therefore, what youre really smelling is the scent of sulfur at the core of Earth but lets cut this Geography lesson short. Eventually, we left our Nordic religion and converted to Christianity. In Dublin, you can have all of the above in a single weekend. Iceland demands much from the imagination the country itself is flushed with a remarkably magical history, culture, and sweeping landscapes; but there is little tangible evidence to show for any of it (except maybe the last). If an Icelander meets a stranger, the icebreaker is often talk about the weather. Speaking of the weather, according to Wikipedia, while the climate is notoriously variable, it is more temperate than what would be expected for its latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.. Simple handmade sweaters can set you back at least $200. One of the biggest parts of Easter here is buying giant Icelandic chocolate eggs that are hollow on the inside so they can be stuffed with candy and an Icelandic proverb. . 3 2. Visit a Cozy Caf. With half the nation in on this one, the perceived existence of these magic people is serious enough to spark nationwide environmental protests to this very day and if that doesnt tell you not to mess with their superstitions, I dont know what will.