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 220512 times)

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #560 on: October 19, 2017, 01:10:16 PM »
I'm not getting emails

Profile > Mentions > check the email box on the lower right hand corner.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline BrachaB

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 21
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #561 on: October 19, 2017, 01:21:21 PM »
That's because of the @ in your name. I believe the above tags fare for a yehuda, not @yehuda. Sometimes it seems to get you, sometimes it doesn't.
Oh that's weird! What would happen if you did @@yehuda?

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #562 on: October 19, 2017, 01:23:29 PM »
Oh that's weird! What would happen if you did @@yehuda?

Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It's weird.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #563 on: October 19, 2017, 01:35:34 PM »
Oh that's weird! What would happen if you did @@yehuda?
I got an email for that one!

Don't look at me, I'm new here... :)
What size car was it? I know from your TR that they charged extra to return it to KEF. Was that because it was KEF specifically, or because it was a different location than the pickup? I don't have Platinum, so can't get that discount...
Small car. 5 seater. Different location, not KEF specifically.

Offline BrachaB

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 21
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #564 on: October 19, 2017, 02:04:23 PM »
I got an email for that one!
Small car. 5 seater. Different location, not KEF specifically.
Lol maybe because you just enabled the notifications?

Okay, thanks! Hopefully we'll be able to work something out soon.

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #565 on: October 19, 2017, 02:08:54 PM »
Lol maybe because you just enabled the notifications?

Okay, thanks! Hopefully we'll be able to work something out soon.
I did not change my settings. Have fun! Iceland is so amazing, and I am blessed to have had the chance to go.

Offline ponash123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 473
  • Total likes: 264
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #566 on: October 19, 2017, 02:24:35 PM »
Anyone know if there is a campervan that would fit more than 3/4 adults?
I've seen a few that say they can but I'm skeptical.

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #567 on: October 19, 2017, 02:27:21 PM »
Anyone know if there is a campervan that would fit more than 3/4 adults?
I've seen a few that say they can but I'm skeptical.

4 is the most you can put in, and that's tight.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline ponash123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 473
  • Total likes: 264
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #568 on: October 19, 2017, 02:31:47 PM »
4 is the most you can put in, and that's tight.

Thanks

Offline whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1240
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #569 on: October 19, 2017, 02:47:56 PM »
Anyone know if there is a campervan that would fit more than 3/4 adults?
I've seen a few that say they can but I'm skeptical.
you can consider taking along a tent to sleep more people. (of course depending on time of year this may not be practical.)

Offline ponash123

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 473
  • Total likes: 264
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #570 on: October 19, 2017, 03:12:41 PM »
you can consider taking along a tent to sleep more people. (of course depending on time of year this may not be practical.)

Thanks. It's February so that won't work.
We'll just switch hotels

Offline BrachaB

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Sep 2017
  • Posts: 21
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #571 on: October 19, 2017, 07:29:02 PM »
I did not change my settings. Have fun! Iceland is so amazing, and I am blessed to have had the chance to go.
My bad, sorry!
Thank you! I'm nervous that things won't work out, but hopefully they will!

Offline Yoel1

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 222
  • Total likes: 34
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Icelandair: $248.32 for BOS/JFK/EWR/IAD/ORD to KEF roundtrip!
« Reply #572 on: November 08, 2017, 11:41:36 AM »
Anyone booked Newark - KEF for January 9 - 18 please reply, or DM, We are looking to make a Minayn.

Also spoke with Vox ( that manages Hilton restaurant) they advised me that they might be able to get kosher food if I have a group of 20 people.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2017, 11:47:35 AM by Yoel1 »

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #575 on: November 13, 2017, 10:25:27 PM »
As discussed over at BrachaB's TR, parking fees have now been implemented at Seljalandsfoss:

http://icelandmag.visir.is/article/parking-fees-introduced-seljalandsfoss-waterfall-morning-will-pay-maintenance

http://icelandmag.visir.is/article/view-will-still-be-free-parking-not-so-much-a-toll-gate-planned-seljalandsfoss-waterfall

I can't say it's a bad thing. $7 per day is a small price to pay for decent facilities and improved management of the site, IMO.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline @Yehuda

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 9693
  • Total likes: 187
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #576 on: November 14, 2017, 07:06:46 PM »
Was only a matter of time. Iceland's natural sites can't be free forever. I'm sure we'll see more things like this as tourism continues to rise.

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #577 on: November 15, 2017, 07:56:13 AM »
Iceland is really turning into the place to go...

AA announces seasonal DFW-KEF, will fly June 7 through Oct. 26 on a B752 with lie-flat seats. This is on top of Icelandair and WOW, which announced the same route a few months ago.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Yoel1

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 222
  • Total likes: 34
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #578 on: November 15, 2017, 02:50:35 PM »

I just sent this email to Iceland air, let's see what their response will be.


To whom it may concern,

My name is xxxx xxxxx. My wife and I have booked a flight to Iceland departing Jan 9 2018 (xxxxxx) with your airline.

My wife and I are Orthodox Jews. As part of our travel itinerary, we always pre-order a Kosher meal.

Unfortunately, when we attempted to order a KSML (Kosher meal), we were told that Iceland Air does not offer this meal option. While it wouldn’t be a big deal on a short flight, traveling 5.5 hours is a different story.

I was surprised because this has never happened before

In fact, what makes this more surprising is the fact that other airlines that do fly to Iceland offer Kosher meals. Examples of those airlines include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Britishairways, and Delta.

If I had known that you don’t offer KSML, I surely would’ve booked my flight with one of the airlines that do.

While it is too late for me to cancel my reservation, it is not too late for others.

The Rabbi in Iceland who I contacted was equally surprised since many people who eat kosher travel to Iceland. As a result, he told me that when asked, he will tell people who contact him to book their flight with a different airline.

Therefore I strongly recommend that you begin to offer KSML as a meal option for all your customers.

Thank you,

xxxxxxx

Offline noturbizniss

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 7116
  • Total likes: 140
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: North Jersey
Re: Iceland Master Thread
« Reply #579 on: November 15, 2017, 03:23:16 PM »
I just sent this email to Iceland air, let's see what their response will be.


To whom it may concern,

My name is xxxx xxxxx. My wife and I have booked a flight to Iceland departing Jan 9 2018 (xxxxxx) with your airline.

My wife and I are Orthodox Jews. As part of our travel itinerary, we always pre-order a Kosher meal.

Unfortunately, when we attempted to order a KSML (Kosher meal), we were told that Iceland Air does not offer this meal option. While it wouldn’t be a big deal on a short flight, traveling 5.5 hours is a different story.

I was surprised because this has never happened before

In fact, what makes this more surprising is the fact that other airlines that do fly to Iceland offer Kosher meals. Examples of those airlines include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Britishairways, and Delta.

If I had known that you don’t offer KSML, I surely would’ve booked my flight with one of the airlines that do.

While it is too late for me to cancel my reservation, it is not too late for others.

The Rabbi in Iceland who I contacted was equally surprised since many people who eat kosher travel to Iceland. As a result, he told me that when asked, he will tell people who contact him to book their flight with a different airline.

Therefore I strongly recommend that you begin to offer KSML as a meal option for all your customers.

Thank you,

xxxxxxx
Way to continue the stereotype of entitled Jews. The tone of that letter is nasty and condescending. That was the wrong way to go about it.
READ THE DARN WIKI!!!!

Chuck Norris...
...can still do FT method
...READS THE WIKI!!!