{"id":289,"date":"2020-02-16T17:20:52","date_gmt":"2020-02-16T17:20:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailytravelpill.com\/?p=289"},"modified":"2022-08-02T11:41:42","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T11:41:42","slug":"iceland-tips-and-tricks-you-must-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailytravelpill.com\/iceland-tips-and-tricks-you-must-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 20 Iceland Travel Tips – for an EPIC holiday!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Iceland is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination and for good reason. It has amazing waterfalls, glaciers but also volcanoes and it’s the perfect place for unforgettable road trips<\/strong><\/a>. With all those amazing places to see, it’s easy not to get informed about the dos and don\u2019ts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island, these Iceland travel tips will save your life. Read them carefully and remember each and every one of these tips & tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"White<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Iceland travel advice – 20 things you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Check the prices out before booking your tickets!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important tips for traveling to Iceland is to check the prices before booking your plane tickets! Let me explain why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considering the fact that I live in Europe, I was pretty sure that the prices in Iceland were going to be similar to other countries I’ve visited. Well, not really. A few weeks before departing, when I\u2019ve checked the internet for food prices, I almost had a mini heart-attack. You would not expect to pay 30 euros for a one person meal, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to read about the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, that I think about it, it\u2019s not that expensive considering that Icelandic people have to import almost all the food due to the weather conditions. If you are on a budget, you can ask the owner of your hostel or somebody at the hotel you are staying at, where you can find cheap supermarkets. I ended up spending a total of 50 euros for food for a 4-day trip. That’s pretty decent, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No time to read now? Pin it for later!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"tips<\/div>\n
\"tips<\/div>\n
\"tips<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Don’t exchange too much cash!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Usually, when I visit a new country, I tend to exchange a lot of money. You know, just in case. In Iceland, you can use your credit card almost everywhere so you won’t need that much cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to withdraw money, you can use the ATMs but keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit more remote places, finding an ATM can be challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Diamond
Diamond Beach Iceland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3.  Book your transfer ticket for a hustle free experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Keflavik Airport is situated about 50 kilometers away from Reykjavik. If you are arriving late or would like to have all things sorted out before landing, I would recommend booking a transfer ticket to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We used the Gray Line Bus<\/a><\/strong> that left us at Reykjavik Gray Line Bus Terminal. Alternatively, you can book a bus that will take you directly to your hotel or guest house here<\/a> <\/strong>(this service is a bit more expensive).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Protect the nature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important travel tips for Iceland is to protect the nature. Iceland\u2019s nature is simply amazing and it would be a shame to damage it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Kirkjufell Iceland<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Always follow the signs, do not drive off the roads, do not leave any garbage behind you, and do not camp outside designated camping spots. With the high influx of tourists coming to Iceland, the negative effects on nature are already visible. Do not contribute to this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Don’t trust the Icelandic weather<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the most important things to know about Iceland – don’t ever trust the weather forecast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Icelandic
Fja\u00f0r\u00e1rglj\u00fafur<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nothing can be more unpredictable than the Icelandic weather. Now it can rain and if you walk 50 meters it will be sunny. Always be prepared for a bit of rain or snow (during winter) even if the weather forecast says exactly the opposite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When packing for Iceland, make sure to throw some warm clothes in your luggage even if you’re visiting during summer. Oh, and always bring a rain jacket! You’ll thank me later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Don’t spend all your vacation in Reykjavik<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, Reykjavik is a beautiful city and it has a lot to offer: beautiful architecture, awesome food, friendly people, great sights but staying only in Reykjavik is like buying a pizza and eating only the mushrooms (forgive me for I am hungry and I’m thinking about food right now)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reykjavik\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You will only get the real taste of Iceland if you’ll visit some of its natural wonders like waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and beaches. Iceland is well known for its unique landscape and not seeing any of it would be a shame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to see the top 5 must see places in Iceland<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Embrace the Icelandic culture and buy a lopapeysa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My no tip for traveling to Iceland for those who want to bring a bit of the Icelandic fashion back to their homes is to buy a lopapeysa. With various patterns and colors, the lopapeysa has become an Icelandic icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Traditional
Traditional Icelandic lopapeysa for kids<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The sweater has a characteristic decorative circle around the neck and it is traditionally made from Icelandic sheep wool. Although you might think the the lopapeysa was around for a long time, its history dates back to 1950. Nowadays, you can find these sweaters in stores all around Reykjavik and you can’t leave this country without buying one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Eat a traditional Icelandic hot dog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is one of my favorite travel tips for Iceland because it’s about food! Haha. I know everyone loves hot dogs so I’m sure you’ll want to try the Icelandic version of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘What can be so special about a hot dog?’ you might ask. Well, Icelandic hot dogs are definitely unique and they taste amazing! They have become a national dish and you can find them pretty much anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Icelandic hot dogs are made from lamb, with a bit of beef and pork but the best part about them is the topping – crispy fried onions. If you really want to eat a traditional hot dog, ask for one with everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Admire the best view in Reykjavik at Hallgr\u00edmskirkja Church<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a panoramic view over the city and the surrounding mountains, do not hesitate to take the elevator to the top of Hallgr\u00edmskirkja Church. Its architecture is inspired by the shapes that the lava creates in basalt rock (similar to the ones at Vik Black Sand Beach).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reykjavik<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Taking the elevator in the highest church in Iceland will cost you about $10 but the view is definitely worth it. If you want to avoid the crowds, make sure to be there early in the morning or late in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening hours:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter<\/strong> (October \u2013 April): 09:00 \u2013 17:00. Tower closes 16:30.<\/strong>
Summer <\/strong>(May \u2013 September): 09:00 \u2013 21:00. Tower closes 20:30.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. If you are worried about safety, don’t!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another thing you should know before visiting Iceland is that it’s definitely one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited. I felt completely safe both during the day and during the night. Icelanders are very friendly people and they will help you with anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, you won’t have to worry about theft or stuff like that because crime in Iceland is extremely low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. If you want to see the puffins, visit Iceland between April and September<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"puffins<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The best time to observe these beautiful creatures called puffins is between April and September when the puffins come to the coast to nest. If you are wondering where to see them, check out the best 10 places to see puffins here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Rent a car!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important tips for traveling to Iceland is to rent a car. The first thing you might want to know is that in Iceland there is no railway system. Therefore, the only alternatives you will have are to rent a car or book guided tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Driving<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maybe not all of you will agree, but visiting Iceland with guided tours is a mistake and I\u2019ll tell you why (this applies only if you are 2 persons or more. When traveling solo, it\u2019s cheaper and more convenient to take a tour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out my 15 tips & tricks for driving in Iceland!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n