Topic Wiki

Trip Reports:
PBaruch: https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=60568.0
Aurora, Storms, and Snowpants: An Icelandic Saga by Something Fishy, whYME, and ChAiM'l
@Yehuda
BrachaB
Ponash123

Airlines that fly to Iceland direct from NY:
1. Iceland Air
2. Delta
3. Wow Air
4. United (May 23 - Oct 4)

Hotels in the Reykjavik Area:
1. 101 Hotel (supposedly one of the best spas in Iceland)
2. Ion (set on a lava field and one of Iceland's newest luxury hotels)
3. Hotel Ranga
4. Blue Lagoon Clinic Hotel (provides exclusive access to a private lagoon for hotel guests only)
5. Radisson BLU 1919 (Can use Club carlson points and in the middle of town) Will warm and store food for a nominal fee.

Camper/RV Rentals:
There are several places where you can rent a camper truck or motorhome, including here:  http://www.campericeland.is/

Campgrounds:
The campgrounds in Iceland are large and never feel crowded.  Many offer excellent facilities and amenities.  You can drive in at any time of the day or night and pay the nominal fee whenever the office opens.

Kosher Food:
Kosher food is pretty much non existent in Iceland.  Even many American brands do not have a hechsher.  Some foods that have been found with a hechsher are Cheerios Cereal, Nature Valley Granola Bars, and Powerade.  That being said, several DDF members have been able to bring in kosher food/meat without being checked or stopped.  Just walk through the "nothing to declare" line.

Random tip of the day: if you are in the Reykjavik area and need to heat up a meal but don't have easy access to an oven, the Ikea food court has an oven for guest use. Right side, near the sandwich and pastry checkout.

Tons of great seating as well. (HT: SomethingFishy)

Language
Most of the populace speaks English and children are taught English starting in the sixth grade.  It is rare but you might find some older folks that do not speak English.

Communications:
The Iceland Air Saga shop sells starter Síminn branded sim cards for a nominal amount.  If you order in advance, they will even deliver the sim cards to you on your Icelandair flight (one of the cheapest options to get a starter sim card).  You can also find stores in the airport that sell sim cards.  Vodafone is the other major carrier in Iceland and also sells sim cards.  You can purchase the Saga Shop sim starter here:

http://www.sagashop.net/men/detail/?id=57860-0009

GPS - Navigation
Garmin Nordic Maps includes Iceland and can be purchased here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BS4Q3I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Voltage
Iceland uses 220v.  Most cell phones, cameras and laptops come with a multi switching power supply (verify by looking at power supply) so you will only need to buy a cheap adapter such as this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058EG0KC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01

Currency/Credit Cards
Credit cards are almost universally accepted in Iceland.  As a result, you may find no need to exchange currency for the Icelandic Kroner (ISK).  If you use a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, you should be set.  If you do decide to exchange currency, there are ATM machines in the airport right outside customs.

Activities:
1.  The Golden Circle Tour is very popular and takes you to Geysir (lame compared to Yellowstone), Gulfoss Waterfalls, and Thingvellir (where the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which traverse the region.  You can dive in a lake and touch both plates). 

2.  Inside the volcano tour to Thrihnukagigur Volcano.  In this tour, you either hike ( a few kilometers) or take a helicopter charter from the Reykjavik airport to the volcano.  Once there, you are lowered by a construction type lift into the magma chamber.  The least expensive way to get a semi private tour of the magma chamber is with the helicopter, which takes you there in between the regularly scheduled tours.

3.  There are various Super Jeep Tours (vans and SUV's with tractor tires), including a tour to Langjokull Glacier, where you drive onto the glacier.  Private tours can be arranged.

4. Jokulsarlon - a large glacial lake in southeast Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park.  Here, you can take a duck boat tour or a zodiac boat tour of the lake where you will see icebergs, seals, and various birds.  Across the road from Jokulsarlon is a black sand beach where you can see icebergs on the beach.

5. The Blue Lagoon - the public lagoon gets very crowded and if you go it is recommended to get there when they open.  If you can manage a stay at the Blue Lagoon Clinic Hotel (currently 15 rooms but they are expanding to 30 rooms) you will get exclusive access to the private lagoon for hotel guests only.  Since there are only 15 rooms at present, the private lagoon rarely has more than a handful of people in it at any time. Most people do not make a full day out of the Blue Lagoon and instead go on your arrival into Iceland or upon departure before the airport. All the Bus lines have stops to and from the airport. 3-4 hours is ample time.

6. Waterfalls abound including Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss.

7. Dog sledding in Skallafell.

8. Icelandic Horses - Horse back riding is extremely popular in Iceland. Most residents actually own a horse. Iceland is the only place in the world where you will find the Icelandic horse. It has 5 Gaits oppose to the 3 that most other horses have. They are gentle animals and very comfortable to ride.
« Last edited by yelped on June 21, 2021, 11:36:59 AM »

Author Topic: Iceland Master Thread  (Read 218261 times)

Offline cks33

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 421
  • Total likes: 29
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Chicago
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #980 on: February 13, 2024, 10:35:36 PM »
anyone stay at the edition?  if i book using someones 85K cert, will i have trouble for the family? european hotels typically scan passport of all 4 occupants, right?

Offline cks33

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 421
  • Total likes: 29
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Chicago
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #981 on: February 14, 2024, 10:22:13 AM »
also - any recommendations on where to stay for a family of 4? thanks!!

Offline yahaatim

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2023
  • Posts: 62
  • Total likes: 14
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: usa
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #982 on: February 15, 2024, 04:52:15 PM »
any suggestions on best/most recommended tour? if i'm only doing one what is most advisable? Ice cave, Glacial hike, etc

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #983 on: February 18, 2024, 10:56:07 AM »
How is Iceland with bringing in food?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67555
  • Total likes: 16848
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #984 on: February 18, 2024, 12:16:35 PM »
How is Iceland with bringing in food?
No reported issues.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #985 on: February 18, 2024, 12:39:28 PM »
No reported issues.
Thanks!

Anyone have any opinions on Kalta Ice caves v Skaftafell ice caves?

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #986 on: February 19, 2024, 10:45:21 AM »
Looking for feedback on my below potential itinerary for mid March:

Tuesday: Arrive
Wednesday: Leave KEF, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Beach, maybe Fjađrárgljúfur
Thursday: Blue Ice caves, glacier hike, ziplining (Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon area)
Friday: Jökulsárlón, and Fjallsárlón unclear what else
Shabbos
Sunday: Golden circle: pingvellir national park, gulfoss, geyser, snowmobiling
Monday: depart (might do some of the items from Sunday Monday morning)

Offline jd399

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 115
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #987 on: February 21, 2024, 12:23:28 AM »
All those who have gone for a couple days with kids. What did u do for food? Lunch and Dinner?
Thanks

Offline myb821

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 7570
  • Total likes: 28
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #988 on: February 23, 2024, 10:24:30 AM »
Anyone been to Háifoss in the winter?

Offline cks33

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 421
  • Total likes: 29
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Chicago
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #989 on: March 04, 2024, 02:54:05 PM »
How is this for a 7 day itinerary? Will have a 3 yo and 5 yo and rent a car.

Kids absolutely love whales - so want to make sure we do that:
Reykjavik  -> Akureyri -> Husavik -> Eastfjords -> Jokulsarla -> Vik -> Reykjavik

Offline JudahMcB

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Mar 2016
  • Posts: 295
  • Total likes: 87
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #990 on: March 05, 2024, 05:59:02 PM »
Can anyone recommend a good GPS audio guide that includes the Golden Circle and the southern coast? Something similar to the fantastic GyPSy Guide (now called GuideAlong) that automatically plays based on your GPS location.

Offline ad120

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 2524
  • Total likes: 104
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Monsey, NY
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #991 on: March 13, 2024, 08:49:11 PM »
Hello All,

Arriving on Sunday 5 May at 4:00 PM from London, so we will be rested, and departing on Wednesday 8 May at 4 PM.
What do you all think about the following itinerary over three days? Is this too much? Is there something that we should cut out? Anything we should swap?

Airport
Costco
Hofn 
Vagnsstadir- Snowmobiling
Diamond Beach
Black Sand Beach
Selfoss
Hrunalaug Hot Spring (Pritzus free?)
Bruarhloo
Gullfoss
Geysir Hot Springs
Bruarfoss
Laugarvatn
Thingvellir
Airport

Offline ad120

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 2524
  • Total likes: 104
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Monsey, NY
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #992 on: March 17, 2024, 11:36:36 PM »
Does anyone have personal experience at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica?

Offline jonesy

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Aug 2014
  • Posts: 84
  • Total likes: 23
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #993 on: Yesterday at 01:23:39 AM »
Does anyone have personal experience at Hilton Reykjavik Nordica?

Yes- stayed a couple nights in 2021. It’s nothing special- basic clean Hilton. Not far from center of Reykjavik and Chabad. Used it as base for day trips from Reykjavik.

Offline ad120

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 2524
  • Total likes: 104
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Monsey, NY
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #994 on: Yesterday at 06:35:05 PM »
Yes- stayed a couple nights in 2021. It’s nothing special- basic clean Hilton. Not far from center of Reykjavik and Chabad. Used it as base for day trips from Reykjavik.
Thanks.

Offline ad120

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Nov 2013
  • Posts: 2524
  • Total likes: 104
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: Monsey, NY
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #995 on: Yesterday at 06:40:34 PM »
Is it advisable to book accommodation in advanced for a May trip?

What are some recommended hotels in the $150 range in Reykjavik? 

Offline eli1571

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 2444
  • Total likes: 27
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #996 on: Yesterday at 08:20:06 PM »
Is it a recommended place to visit for 3 days ?
Is mid April (before pesach) A good time ?