Navigating Iceland for First-Timers
Kirkjufellsfoss
Last summer, I decided to backpack Europe for 6 weeks and wanted to do it in the most frugal way possible. After looking into some flights, I found a one-way direct flight to Iceland from Los Angeles for $170, and I was sold. Although Iceland wasn’t initially on my destination list, that price point couldn’t be beat, and 4 days in Iceland didn’t seem too shabby before taking on the rest of Europe. I really had no clue as to how the transportation system worked, how I would get around, and trying to figure out the logistics of traveling to a foreign country you’ve never been to can be a little daunting. But, “with a little help from [this blog],” I hope this can serve as a guide to get you started.
Iceland is beautiful. If you’re a nature lover like me, Iceland is a total dream. What’s so great about it is its accessibility for people of all ages. To see most of the wonders of this majestic country, one simply needs to drive along the Ring Road and walk a few feet to see most attractions—no mile-long hikes needed (although those do exist in case you’re interested).
Kerið, volcanic crater along the Golden Circle.
The Ring Road loops all the way around the country and offers majestic sites and natural wonders all at the convenience of a vehicle. I’ve also seen many bikers and some daring hitchhikers who also make the journey by foot! So, without further or do, here are some tips that I would advice folks to take if you’re planning on traveling to Iceland:
Airport Logistics:
Iceland has many airports, but Keflavik is the only international one. At the arrival hall, there are tons of options for transportation. You’ll see many rental car kiosks and if you’ve made arrangements to rent a car, you’ll either be picked up by an attendant or they’ll have shuttles that frequent to and from the rental car facility. There is also a bus that takes you to the central bus station in Reykjavik called BSI (~1950 ISK or ~$15 USD), and for an additional cost (~2500 ISK), it can also take you to your hotel. Taxi’s can be costly (~$120 USD), so I would recommend to rent a car. The airport is about a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik.
Transportation and Navigation:
You can choose to either bus, bike, walk or drive. I would highly recommend to drive. Prior to landing in Reykjavik, I made arrangements to rent a car while I was there. Renting a car in Iceland isn’t too expensive, although beware that prices do inflate during peak tourist season if you don’t book in advance. In order to see all that Iceland has to offer, you definitely need wheels to get around unless you only plan on only staying in the city (there are bus routes within the capital). Most attractions are spaced within a few hours of each other on the Ring Road making it one of the most beautiful and relatively hassle free road trips you can do in a country. It’s scenic, convenient, and easy to navigate since it’s just one big loop!
I managed by simply downloading an offline Google map of Iceland when I was connected to WiFi and did just fine! Renting a GPS system from your rental car company is also an option. Most hotels will have maps that you can take as well.
Lodging:
I found that an Air BnB that was pretty cheap (~$35/night), although I was also a solo traveler and prices definitely will vary depending on the season. If I had an option to do it over, I would have just rented a camper had I known about the Ring Road going into the trip. I think it’s more cost effective compared to paying for hotels along the way which can easily add up. I made Keflavik my home base and took day trips from there which wasn’t the most efficient way to go about things, so learn from my mistakes. Take a camper and drive it around the ring road.
The Language Barrier:
There isn’t really one. My rental car shuttle driver told me that Icelandic isn’t really useful anywhere else in the world, so most people in Iceland speak English. Other than probably butchering the pronunciation of street signs and landmarks, you’ll be fine.
What to Pack:
Layers, layers, layers. If you plan on staying warm! Iceland doesn’t get overwhelmingly warm even in the summer (link: average monthly temperatures). No matter which season you decide to visit, I would highly recommend to pack waterproof gear. Waterproof jacket, shoes (hiking boots are great), and pants are a must. When I went in August, the temperature was mostly around 11-13°C (50-55°F) which was pretty temperate. During the day, it was sunny with a beautiful blue sky spotted with clouds and in the evening, it could get misty and damp. Some days were also windier than others. The weather in Iceland varies greatly and it’s better to be prepared to face whatever elements you may encounter on your adventure. If you’re looking for a more extensive list, check out What to Pack?! A Guide to Your Ultimate Backpacking List.
If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful country, let me know if you have any questions and drop a comment below. I would love to hear about your trip! ~Bonum iter.
Jökulsárlón, glacier river lagoon.