Who's been to Iceland?

[6cylVWguy]

I'm considering taking a trip to Iceland in 2010. Has anyone here been over there? If so, I have the following questions:

1) Overall, how did you like your experience?
2) Where did you go?
3) What places (cities/sites) to you recommend visiting?
4) Are there places to avoid?
5) How expensive is it over there?
6) Would you recommend renting a vehicle?
7) Is it easy to communicate with folks in Iceland?
8) Where did you stay and would you recommend it?

I'm still in early planning stages of the trip right now, so my mind is very open to suggests to what's cool and what isn't.

[ErichO]

I have! But Im no help. It was only for a few hours on a layover.

[Beverly Stayart]

I have never been to Iceland, but several of my friends have and they highly recommend it. It is a small country and the people are friendly and easy to talk to. Bobby Fisher, the Former World Chess Champion, chose to retire in Iceland many years ago. He lived there until he died two years ago. I have always been fascinated by Iceland and have read several books and travelogs about the country. If you are serious about going, I recommend that you read some books about the history of Iceland and present-day Iceland.

[Matt@EuroJerks]

It's between Iceland and Costa Rica for me for 2010.

[ort5]

Just got back from my Iceland honeymoon. It was awesome!
I'm short on time and will write more later, but here are some quick answers:

Quote, originally posted by 6cylVWguy »

I'm considering taking a trip to Iceland in 2010. Has anyone here been over there? If so, I have the following questions: 1) Overall, how did you like your experience? Very much 2) Where did you go? Everywhere except the highlands. Pretty much all around the ring road (circumference of the country). 3) What places (cities/sites) to you recommend visiting? I'll list them later...can't remember spellings 4) Are there places to avoid? Only due to lack of things to see/do. 5) How expensive is it over there? Quite, but not impossibly so if you plan accordingly. Food and gas are very expensive vs. American standards. 6) Would you recommend renting a vehicle? Absolutely, provided you like to see more than the "Golden Circle" 7) Is it easy to communicate with folks in Iceland? No problems at all. 8) Where did you stay and would you recommend it? We booked through Icelandic Farm Holidays http://www.farmholidays.is/ They've got some great places to stay and help you with booking/itinerary. I'm still in early planning stages of the trip right now, so my mind is very open to suggests to what's cool and what isn't.

I'll post up some pictures too.

Dave

[6cylVWguy]

Quote, originally posted by ort5 »

Just got back from my Iceland honeymoon. It was awesome! I'm short on time and will write more later, but here are some quick answers: I'll post up some pictures too. Dave

Great response! I look forward to seeing pictures and any other wisdom you may have. I did a bit of research on the country this past weekend and it seems like a very fun place to explore. I guess like all travel it comes down to time and money.

How long were you there?

[bootyon4]

Quote, originally posted by 6cylVWguy »

I'm considering taking a trip to Iceland in 2010. Has anyone here been over there? If so, I have the following questions: 1) Overall, how did you like your experience? It was great! 2) Where did you go? Reykjavik 3) What places (cities/sites) to you recommend visiting? see as much as you can 4) Are there places to avoid? I wouldn't say so 5) How expensive is it over there? it was the only time I've ever left the country and brought liquor with me - it was extremely expensive. Exchange rates are much better now, but it is still pricey 6) Would you recommend renting a vehicle? i wish i did 7) Is it easy to communicate with folks in Iceland?yes 8) Where did you stay and would you recommend it?i stayed in a hotel ownedby/affiliated with iceladair in reykjavik. i'd stay there again I'm still in early planning stages of the trip right now, so my mind is very open to suggests to what's cool and what isn't.

my replies are in bold. just to give some more context, i went there about 8-9 years back for a short (4 day) trip. i went in march and got a package deal from icelandair that included r/t airfare from boston, hotel, breakfast, transfer to/from airport and a bunch of coupons for local attractions.

it was brutal there in march, but it was not the first time i had visited scandinavia in the winter, so it was not too much of a shock to the system. the package i went on let me do what i wanted at my pace - it was not a tour. the only thing that was somewhat structured was the return trip to the airport. the bus left for the airport from my hotel many hours before the plane was scheduled to leave. we left early to make a visit to the "blue lagoon" and to visit the most southwestern point in iceland.

other than that, i hung out in the city and partied, went swimming in one of the public hot pools by the soccer stadium, and went horseback riding once. i saw the northern lights (mesmerising!) and saw some incredible weather (the weather changed so quickly there) i would definitely go backfor a longer visit and would rent a car. still, if anyone is looking for a quick winter getaway and they do not mind the cold, i would suggest monitoring the icelandair website in the winter for deals. my package cost something ridiculous(like $500) but paying for dinner, partying and other stuff added up fast



Modified by bootyon4 at 5:07 AM 7-31-2009

[ort5]

I just remembered this post....sorry!

I will post some pictures this weekend when I'm at home.

We were there for 10 days. Spent 3 in Reykjavik and then 7 traveling around the country in our rental car. I would say you want 3 days at the most in Reykjavik. 2 would probably be fine.

Dave

[Matt@EuroJerks]

It's between Iceland and Costa Rica for me for 2010.

So it took a couple years....leaving Tuesday for a week to Iceland for a bachelor party. Costa Rica is probably, hopefully going to be in November with my brother. SOOOOO excited!!

[6cylVWguy]

So it took a couple years....leaving Tuesday for a week to Iceland for a bachelor party. Costa Rica is probably, hopefully going to be in November with my brother. SOOOOO excited!!

Enjoy! I had a blast in Iceland. Make sure you spend some time outside of Reykjavik as there's some great day hikes and other things to do out there. I had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the trip to anyone.

[Matt@EuroJerks]

Enjoy! I had a blast in Iceland. Make sure you spend some time outside of Reykjavik as there's some great day hikes and other things to do out there. I had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the trip to anyone.

We had a blast!!! We did a all day tour of the country.

[6cylVWguy]

We had a blast!!! We did a all day tour of the country.

You drove the whole ring road in a day?

[Kuncle20]

I was there when I was young.. Got off the plane and on to another.. It was cold. But nice from what I remember..

[capthowdy_1968]

Beautiful place. I spent 4 months there back in the mid-90's. Would love to go back and visit again.