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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 220477 times)

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #420 on: July 21, 2016, 01:50:53 PM »
Which car size did you choose for the ferry booking?

I'm renting the Easy Auto which is either a MB Vito or a Toyota Previa, both of which are about the size of a minivan and are under 5m and 2.15m per Wikipedia. So, think I'll be safe with the first car choice?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #421 on: July 21, 2016, 01:51:49 PM »
Which car size did you choose for the ferry booking?

I'm renting the Easy Auto which is either a MB Vito or a Toyota Previa, both of which are about the size of a minivan and are under 5m and 2.15m per Wikipedia. So, think I'll be safe with the first car choice?

Yup
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Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #422 on: July 21, 2016, 01:52:38 PM »
Yup
I'm not even going to guess what a Farartaeki is, but I assumed Vagn is a van and therefore thought maybe a camper falls under that. Anyway, thanks for the insanely quick response!

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #423 on: July 21, 2016, 02:21:35 PM »
You know there is a "notify me of new posts" button, without the need to post in the thread.
but doesnt that send an annoying email for each reply?
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Offline lfas25

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #424 on: July 21, 2016, 02:22:56 PM »
but doesnt that send an annoying email for each reply?
Only once you read the last post
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Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #425 on: July 21, 2016, 02:24:40 PM »
Only once you read the last post
didnt know that. thanx
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #426 on: July 21, 2016, 02:25:08 PM »
Can you walk from Vik beach to Reynifsjara beach? Or do you need to drive back out and come around?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #427 on: July 21, 2016, 02:45:05 PM »
Can you walk from Vik beach to Reynifsjara beach? Or do you need to drive back out and come around?

No, you must drive.
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Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #428 on: July 21, 2016, 03:11:23 PM »
No, you must drive.


Recommendation for a campground near Seljalandsfoss?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #429 on: July 21, 2016, 05:37:30 PM »


Recommendation for a campground near Seljalandsfoss?

I think the one by Skogafoss is the closest.
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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #430 on: July 21, 2016, 05:41:44 PM »
I think the one by Skogafoss is the closest.
Sorry, I meant to update this but I found one right by Seljalandsfoss called Hamragardar, which also taught me about another waterfall nearby - Gljufrabui.

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #431 on: July 22, 2016, 09:59:34 AM »
Fjallsarlon vs. Jokulsarlon:
Zodiac boat on Fjallsarlon then go to Jokulsarlon for pictures from the shore?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #432 on: July 22, 2016, 10:43:50 AM »
Fjallsarlon vs. Jokulsarlon:
Zodiac boat on Fjallsarlon then go to Jokulsarlon for pictures from the shore?

Sounds right. Make sure to check out both the Jokulsarlon lagoon and beach.
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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #433 on: July 22, 2016, 11:35:50 AM »
Sounds right. Make sure to check out both the Jokulsarlon lagoon and beach.
Thanks, noted.

I highly doubt I'll get answer to this from the DDF crowd but: any recommendations for a hotel in Reykjavik? I was going to stay at the Hilton for my last 2 nights, but decided now I want to save my points for other trips. Keeping the camper for another 2 nights would cost me $400, so looking for a place under $200 a night.

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #434 on: August 01, 2016, 02:52:28 PM »
Ready for some random questions?

1) Is there still a strike at KEF? How much time do I need to arrive by before my flight?
2) Can you get back VAT at the airport?
3) What to do for food? The camper comes with a propane-powered burner, so ideas so far have be to bring a pot and make pasta, buy a grill in Iceland and bring meat/chicken, Tradition soups, and oatmeal. Someone suggested looking into this, which seems to be a hot plate with an insulated bag and perhaps it can heat up POM meals (assuming the camper fridge is large enough to hold a few POM meals).
4) Any ideas for seeing the Bridge Between Continents? It seems to be far from REK, the Golden Circle, and the highway leading southeast. Not sure whether it's worth trying to get out there to see it.
5) Recommendations for changing cash/ATM withdrawals? Open a Schwab account and then withdraw from anywhere w/fees refunded seems to be the best option, but just want to confirm.
6) Do campers have regular cigarette lighter plugs or do I need an adapter?

Offline Something Fishy

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #435 on: August 01, 2016, 03:00:53 PM »
Ready for some random questions?

1) Is there still a strike at KEF? How much time do I need to arrive by before my flight?
2) Can you get back VAT at the airport?
3) What to do for food? The camper comes with a propane-powered burner, so ideas so far have be to bring a pot and make pasta, buy a grill in Iceland and bring meat/chicken, Tradition soups, and oatmeal. Someone suggested looking into this, which seems to be a hot plate with an insulated bag and perhaps it can heat up POM meals (assuming the camper fridge is large enough to hold a few POM meals).
4) Any ideas for seeing the Bridge Between Continents? It seems to be far from REK, the Golden Circle, and the highway leading southeast. Not sure whether it's worth trying to get out there to see it.
5) Recommendations for changing cash/ATM withdrawals? Open a Schwab account and then withdraw from anywhere w/fees refunded seems to be the best option, but just want to confirm.
6) Do campers have regular cigarette lighter plugs or do I need an adapter?

1) Yes. I'd suggest 3 hours to be safe.
2) No idea. What are you planning at buying that this should be a major concern?
3) Camper fridge will hold a couple of POM meals, not problem. We rented a grill from the camper place and it worked out great. I called a few weeks before and requested brand-new grates, which they provided for free. Obviously you'd need to confirm that they could do this for you as well, don't just rely on my experience.
4) This is the first I'm hearing of this, so no recommendation.
5) In two trips I never had the remotest need for cash, everyone and everything takes CC.
6) Regular ciggarette lighters. I'd suggest an inverter to 110v.
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Offline lfas25

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #436 on: August 01, 2016, 03:03:57 PM »


Ready for some random questions?

1) Is there still a strike at KEF? How much time do I need to arrive by before my flight?
2) Can you get back VAT at the airport?
3) What to do for food? The camper comes with a propane-powered burner, so ideas so far have be to bring a pot and make pasta, buy a grill in Iceland and bring meat/chicken, Tradition soups, and oatmeal. Someone suggested looking into this, which seems to be a hot plate with an insulated bag and perhaps it can heat up POM meals (assuming the camper fridge is large enough to hold a few POM meals).
4) Any ideas for seeing the Bridge Between Continents? It seems to be far from REK, the Golden Circle, and the highway leading southeast. Not sure whether it's worth trying to get out there to see it.
5) Recommendations for changing cash/ATM withdrawals? Open a Schwab account and then withdraw from anywhere w/fees refunded seems to be the best option, but just want to confirm.
6) Do campers have regular cigarette lighter plugs or do I need an adapter?

When paying for gas with Amex and SP it requested for a pin, make sure you know yours.
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Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #437 on: August 01, 2016, 03:05:04 PM »
1) Yes. I'd suggest 3 hours to be safe.
2) No idea. What are you planning at buying that this should be a major concern?
3) Camper fridge will hold a couple of POM meals, not problem. We rented a grill from the camper place and it worked out great. I called a few weeks before and requested brand-new grates, which they provided for free. Obviously you'd need to confirm that they could do this for you as well, don't just rely on my experience.
4) This is the first I'm hearing of this, so no recommendation.
5) In two trips I never had the remotest need for cash, everyone and everything takes CC.
6) Regular ciggarette lighters. I'd suggest an inverter to 110v.
1) What could go wrong that requires so much time? Long checking/security lines? Flights departing early?
2) I bought a lot of tours + camper and car. Can you get back the tax from there?
3) Good to know! Toveled it somewhere?
4) Check it out on Google, looks like a nice short stop, just out of the way.
5) SUPER good to know, unless I need to slip someone a twenty at some point...
6) Great - that'll charge my phone like normal and I'll get an adapter for my laptop.


When paying for gas with Amex and SP it requested for a pin, make sure you know yours.
Thanks!

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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #438 on: August 01, 2016, 03:22:53 PM »
1) What could go wrong that requires so much time? Long checking/security lines? Flights departing early?
2) I bought a lot of tours + camper and car. Can you get back the tax from there?
3) Good to know! Toveled it somewhere?
4) Check it out on Google, looks like a nice short stop, just out of the way.
5) SUPER good to know, unless I need to slip someone a twenty at some point...
6) Great - that'll charge my phone like normal and I'll get an adapter for my laptop.
Thanks!

1) Yes, lines are absolutely nuts.
2) I may be very wrong here, but IIUC the concept of VAT refunds is only on portable goods. I imagine the VAT situation would be the same across Europe, so maybe ask in one of the more active destination threads and see if anyone has some clearer insight.
3) No, you don't need to toivel something that's owned by a non-Jew. Maybe AYLOR to hear his perspective.
4) Looks nice, but personally I wouldn't go out of the way for that. You're doing Silfra, which is a similar concept yet far cooler.
5) If you need to slip someone a twenty, I'm sure the'll take USD as well ;D.
6) Yup.

When paying for gas with Amex and SP it requested for a pin, make sure you know yours.

Thanks for that reminder. Note that the majority of US cards won't work, as you need a chip-and-PIN, which is a European concept. CSP and Amex Plat didn't work, regardless of PIN. My debit card did work, but I got hit with a forex fee (sometimes you just gotta eat that :P). If you time your stops right, you could go only take gas from a full-service station, who will be able to swipe a regular card inside.
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Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #439 on: August 01, 2016, 03:33:22 PM »
1) Yes, lines are absolutely nuts.
2) I may be very wrong here, but IIUC the concept of VAT refunds is only on portable goods. I imagine the VAT situation would be the same across Europe, so maybe ask in one of the more active destination threads and see if anyone has some clearer insight.
3) No, you don't need to toivel something that's owned by a non-Jew. Maybe AYLOR to hear his perspective.
4) Looks nice, but personally I wouldn't go out of the way for that. You're doing Silfra, which is a similar concept yet far cooler.
5) If you need to slip someone a twenty, I'm sure the'll take USD as well ;D.
6) Yup.

Thanks for that reminder. Note that the majority of US cards won't work, as you need a chip-and-PIN, which is a European concept. CSP and Amex Plat didn't work, regardless of PIN. My debit card did work, but I got hit with a forex fee (sometimes you just gotta eat that :P). If you time your stops right, you could go only take gas from a full-service station, who will be able to swipe a regular card inside.
1) Wow, okay. Will update my itinerary to leave to the airport much earlier.
2) Will look into VAT more.
3) Good call. I'll look into that.
4-5) True, true.

A+ has chip&pin. Will see if that works. If not, I'll have to do debit. Good to know.