A Quick Travel Guide to Iceland

Over the past few weeks I’ve been walking you through my adventures in Iceland. I thought I’d compile all the information into a list that makes it easy to navigate. First, let me give you a few tips I wish I’d known before my travels.

Tips on Visiting Iceland:

• Bring your own food and water on the flight. If you’re flying in on Icelandair (which you most likely will be if arriving from The States), be aware that it is a budget airline.
• Rent a car. If you’re staying for more than a few days, make plans to go beyond Reykjavík. There is so much to see and the driving is easy.
• Make a pitstop at a local grocery store. Iceland is expensive. Buy food and water at the market to make your own lunches every day. This will save you a bundle of money as you make your drive across the country.
• Always have a rain jacket with you. Even if the forecast is clear, those waterfalls will get you soaked! And waterproof shoes are a bonus.
• Be respectful of the locals and the nature. The Icelandic people are seeing a big influx in tourists. Be kind and courteous, and ALWAYS pick up your trash.

Fun Things to Do in Iceland:

1. Explore Reykjavík. Enjoy the rich history it has to offer. See the museums and eat the local food. To find out more, click here.
2. Drive out to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. There are some gorgeous rock formations, a pack of puffins, and a beautiful shoreline awaiting your arrival. Find out more here.
3. Take in Sólheimajökull Glacier before it melts away. This beautiful hunk of glacial ice is disappearing fast. Drive out and tread lightly. Read more about it here.
4. See if Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is open to the public. When I made my trip, I got to see this extraordinary cliffside. Unfortunately, it has been closed to keep out the masses of tourists. Click here to find out more.
5. Get between two tectonic plates at Þingvellir National Park. That’s right! You can stand (and scuba dive) between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Find out more here.
6. Grab a beer at Ölvisholt Brewery in Selfoss. You won’t want to miss this sweet microbrewery tucked away in farmlands in the south of Iceland.
7. Check out the Haukadalur Valley. It’s full of geysers, mud pools, and great views. Find out more here.
8. Visit a few of the many waterfalls across the country. Click here to read a list about my top four.
9. Make the hike to Reykjadalur Geothermal Springs. This toasty river in the mountains blows the Blue Lagoon out of the geothermal-heated water. Read about it here.
10. Last, take pictures and share them with me! I’d love to see your adventures and get advice on what I should do the next time I visit.

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