Hello,
This list was compiled during my recent trip to Iceland in early April. I planned this trip-of-a-lifetime as a gift for my mom's 50th birthday, so it includes all the major things one would want to do in a short 4 day trip. Since this was such a special occasion I planned it months in advance and luckily for you, I documented our every move!
So buckle up and keep scrolling!
FAQ
Because this exotic destination deserves a list of quick answers to some common questions
The budget question - Is it really that expensive?
Given this is a volcanic island that doesn't produce fruits and vegetables, a lot of food is imported and therefore expensive. The #1 cost to consider when budgeting for a trip to Iceland is food cost. You can likely buy food at a supermarket in Reykjavik and cook while you are visiting, but if you are more of a foodie looking to taste the local cuisine, I recommend allocating a higher budget under this line.
The weather question - Did it really get as cold as in your picture?
Since we traveled at the end of winter season, we experienced low temperatures and , believe it or not, a snow day. A rule of thumb when visiting Iceland is to dress in layers and dress comfortably. Its not so much about the temperatures as much as it is about the strong winds that can penetrate through any jacket and might even blow you away (literally!). I recommend getting a heavy jacket and several layers of shirts and sweaters to endure any sporadic weather.
The transportation question - How did you get around?
If you decide to plan a short trip to visit the main attractions, your best bet is to book tours with pick-ups from one of the bus stops around town. Gray Line is one of the most popular bus companies around town and a very reliable way to explore many landmarks. The city of Reykjavik is very pedestrian friendly and the bus system is also easy to figure out. You can buy a bus pass at any of the supermarkets or corner stores in the city.
The Northern Lights question - Did you see them?
Yes we did! The season runs from September through mid April, so we caught the end of it and saw this magical natural phenomenon. In order to check this off your bucket list, make sure to plan a trip during this time period.
Pro-Note: You may find great packages for the end of the season (beginning of April)
<< Now ... on to the good stuff ... >>
REYKJAVIK
"The world's most Northernly capital" - Lonely Planet
This quirky and small city showcases vibrant night life, a growing culinary industry and one-of-a-kind hot dog stands you won't stop bragging about.
Accommodation Fix: Center Hotel Plaza this centric hotel is located off of one of the main streets of Reykjavik which features a variety of local restaurants and bars. A stay here includes a fantastic buffet breakfast where one can fuel up for the day's activities. I recommend grabbing extra snacks to take for the day. Hilton Reykjavik Nordica is also a great option if you have points with Hilton.
Restaurant Fix: Fish Mrkt features some of the best high end Icelandinc cuisine. The bread alone will blow your mind! Their lobster bisque is very tasty and you can't go wrong with any of their entrees (from the Sashimi all the way to the Salmon). This is a great place to treat yourself and your crew to a hardy meal.
Coffee Fix: Raykjavik Roasters offers a hipster atmosphere, mismatched seats, views of downtown Raykjavik and some of the best cups of coffee in town. This is a spot I would recommend for an afternoon coffee and for some people watching.
Hot Dog Fix: A visit to Reykjavik is not complete without a stop at the most famous hot dog stand Baejarins Beztu Pylsur. This stand has been serving Icelanders and visitors since 1937. Located in downtown near the harbor, it introduces hot dogs as “the Icelandic national food.” Make sure to ask for the hot dog with "everything on it" to get the most authentic version of this street food item.
Brewery Fix: Hurra is a local bar that has live music, down-to-earth vibes and a variety of beer on tap. Pro-Note: check this place out on Monday nights for live jazz performances.
Salsa Dancing Fix: (you can count on me to find salsa dancing venues even in the most remote towns in this world). Pablo Discobar offers an over-the-top latin bar experience on the top of a three story building with salsa nights on Mondays. If you are looking to mingle with some locals and need to move to some salsa and reggeaton, you will enjoy this place. PS: take a picture with the Virgin Mary mural in the entrance and tag me (@notesbynikol) so I know you went there!
BLUE LAGOON
This is an incomparable attraction that offers high end spa-like accommodations. It is located about an hour away from Reykjavik and 20 minutes away from the airport. These dreamy hot springs merit a 3 to 4 hour visit to fully take advantage of all of their beauty (and of course enjoy a glass of champagne while soaking in the water).
How to get there? You can take an early bus from the city after breakfast for a full day of relaxation or if you want to start your visit on a strong note, take a bus straight from the airport. Pro-Note: Blue Lagoon offers luggage storage so you don't have to worry about fitting it in a locker room or having to drag it around.
How to Book? Book this experience in advance to secure a ticket and quick access at bluelagoon.com. I recommend the premium package which includes transfers to and from your hotel (or the airport), a bathrobe and sandals, two complimentary drinks and two masks. There is also a great restaurant and a snack bar on property where you can grab lunch or coffee after you soak in the bubbly warm waters.
How to document the experience? Don't fall for the tourist trap of purchasing a waterproof envelope for your phone at the Blue Lagoon ($25). Instead, add this to your packing list and get it for $5 at Wallmart. This way you arrive prepared and ready to capture dreamy videos of you and your gang putting on crazy masks and relaxing in the warm pools.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
These natural light displays in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions, are a result of disturbances or friction of electrons in the atmosphere and solar wind. They depend on these two factors to glow and they resemble bright sand in the sky to the naked eye. They typically show up in a green hue but if there is nitrogen in the air, they may also turn red, violet or blue.
How to book? There are several tour companies that can organize these trips but we used Gray Line, which offers comprehensive, professional and friendly service. Pro-Note: You will want to book the Northern Lights tour as early as possible during your visit so if you don't see them on the first night, you can re-book yourself in another tour the following days.
How to prepare for the "hunt"? Yes, you are literally "hunting" for the famed lights, just like you would if you were looking for a rainbow. Tours usually take you to the outskirts of the city and will make you wait in the darkness until the lights make their appearance. Bring a bag of snacks and water as you don't know how long you will be out.
How to capture the lights? Phone cameras won't be able to capture this phenomenon so invest in a professional camera if you want to take home crisp imagery.
I hope these notes help guide your visit to Iceland and that they have given you a snapshot of all the activities, places, restaurants and bars you can explore. Now that you have my notes, feel free to pass them along to other friends refer them to my instagram daily insights and tag me when you visit one of the places I recommended.
Thanks for reading along!
xoxo
Nikol