Explore Bergen and the surrounding areas on a guided tour by hiking, skiing, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, or even whitewater rafting! Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. If you have travel plans to visit Iceland, you may be interested in learning more about the culture. It is often played through cafes, pubs and restaurants all over Portugal. I think a lot of people kind of know that it's expensive, but not how much. But, we still have strong ties to our original Norse gods. Many workers from other places Due to a recent tourism boom, Iceland has had to import more and more workers. Iceland has 269 named glaciers and an uncountable amount of ice caves. This simply isnt the case. It is easily the most majestic place we've ever visited, in Europe, or anywhere else in the world. Eat Pastel de nata Image from Flickr Pastel de nata is a popular pastry in Portugal. But why? Locals are welcoming and hospitable 10. All Rights Reserved, 4 Best Ice Caves in Iceland (+ Best Tours To Visit). Iceland demands much from the imagination the country itself is flushed with a remarkably magical history, culture, and sweeping landscapes; but there is little tangible evidence to show for any of it (except maybe the last). We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. And ironically enough, it is this very same peculiar Icelandic attitude to alcohol that has resulted in the legendary Icelandic weekend all-night partying on one side, and the assumption that anyone drinking anything at all for the rest of the week must be an alcoholic, on the other. ATMs are available where you can expect to pay up to 7 percent in fees, conversions and commissions. Known for its superb rugged landscape, Iceland is fast becoming a travel hotspot. SharedBy: Unnur Eir Arnardottir, Icelandic native and Flight Attendant at Icelandair. Your email address will not be published. Well, they do, so there is no need for an Icelandic crash course before your trip. The various ice caps, outlet glaciers, alpine glaciers, mountain glaciers, and ice streams bring the total of glaciers in Iceland to 269! Im not saying that everyone has to be a professional photographer to get Iceland right, but the fact of the matter is, so many of this paradises ethereal sights will turn out lacking at best if you settle for equipment thats any less. Known as The Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is famous for its midnight sun, northern lights, glacier formations, waterfalls, geothermal pools and wildlife including Icelandic horses, puffins, whales, and sheep. (and no spammy stuff, pinky promise. The tap water is naturally clean and fresh and with no added elements, it has been filtered in the lava for decades. You need to order food from the bar in a pub. The 45-minute bus ride from Keflavik Airport to the city costs a little more than SGD25, entry to the legendary Blue Lagoon starts from a whopping SGD60, and average activities can cost anywhere between SGD50 and SGD1000 (and more). My single biggest piece of advice: do not attempt Iceland without an SLR. , Okay, these are great tips! Recommended Things to Do in Reykjavk in December. There are many more amazing places to visit in Iceland, like the Gullfoss Waterfall, the Seljavallalaug Pool, and Kopavogslaug in Kopavogur. Yes it was breathtakingly shocking for me because I didnt do much research before going and so had absolutely NO IDEA! Not all places accept credit card. Even so, you will find roadside wildflowers, green grasslands and verdant valleys as far as the eye can see. Iceland is as expensive as balls and definitely not for the budget-minded traveler. This is one of the many reasons why you don't need to take out loads of cash when you arrive in the country. Its great to hear that travel there in the winter isnt a total impossibility. 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Your email address will not be published. 4. Stop by Dogma for the wackiest range of souvenirs and accessories (I found a Kwikee Mart tote bag! If you have a couple of free days, this is a unique opportunity to fish in some of the best places in the world. If you're traveling to Iceland in April as a family and looking for a way to keep your children entertained and immersed in Icelandic culture, you should definitely join in the festival activities. Here's a caveat: if you have Iceland earmarked as your next travel desti 8. Iceland is a very trendy destination and because you dont want to make the same mistakes as everyone else on your trip, weve compiled a short list of things you should know before heading that way. Another thing that makes the Dutchies proud is their height. Side note: This is also where you can discover Kirkjufell, the famous mountain from Game of Thrones. Heres How To SeeThem. You can sail, enjoy free food tastings, go to the playgrounds, watch the competitions and enjoy the entertainment - all for free. This sounds almost inconsequential, but one of the first mistakes you can make from the airport to the city would be to sit on the wrong side of the bus. Be sure to dress in layers and always expect rain! Also, Icelandic people are very environmentally friendly and most wouldnt ever be caught with a plastic bottle! Its true, Icelandic water is among the purest in the world, and if youre a green traveler and committed to sustainability then you should already be packing reusable water bottles when you travel. They're most likely to be visible from September to April when the country experiences long, dark nights. 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Those who visit the country are in for a treat of spectacular glaciers and hot springs, rolling hills of greenery, and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet. One minute its sunny, the next its raining, and just when youre about to cancel all plans for the day, the atmosphere fills with fog so dense you wonder if youve been transported to that same wondrous mythical world the half of Iceland believes in. . Im sure it is well worth it to go see! Harfiskur is simply codfish that has been dried and lightly salted. Unless you want to drop $100. The same applies to trips back to the airport once your stay in Iceland has come to an end; the FlyBus picks up travelers every half hour from the comfort of their hotels. The rental companies will ask you if youll be driving off-road, if youll be driving with the windows down, if youll be driving on mountains. Go Shopping in Reykjavik. ), Jkulsrln iceberg lagoon, and the crystal ice caves under Vatnajkull glacier. I had no idea Iceland was expensive to visit. Great article! This is not the case in Iceland. Your email address will not be published. Apr 5, 2016 - Iceland is increasingly becoming a hot spot for travelers, and with good reason. Antonsdottir said Icelanders have a unique swimming culture and love to soak in the hot tubs. Be sure to check the RIFF website for the event schedule and ticket information. . BEFORE YOU GO. Why: Of course, one of the main attractions and activities to do in Iceland is to visit the famous geothermal pools, such as visiting the Blue Lagoon . One minute it's sunny, the next it's raining. These Icelandics are sharp, quirky, and full of wit, so do not be surprised if they hit you with lashes of wintry Brit-styled sarcasm faster than you can say, Oh, so you do speak English!. But there are a couple of things to know before you visit this incredible country. Glossy magazines and high-resolution images on the Internet often depict Iceland in the summertime; sweeping mountain vistas of mossy green, bikinied people plunging into steaming hot springs beneath a high sun. Eir Arnardottir said the first name is what is used both formally and informally, and that you should always refer to Icelanders by their first name only. It makes me so happy that youd say that! You will answer yes, yes, and yes. And lets not forget about food, our wretched basic staple. Surprisingly, Iceland has very few trees, a condition that has been attributed to deforestation by Viking settlers, over-grazing and extreme climate conditions. Take advantage of those open roads during summer and visit! 10 things that you need to know before your first trip to Iceland. Here are four tips for planning your trip. SharedBy: Andri Kristjnsson, Account Manager for Reykjavik Excursions. Glaciers, fjords, lava fields and waterfalls are just the beginning of the beauty in Iceland. 20. You may or may not have heard, if you want to soak in this geothermal pool of celestial sorts, you will have to shower naked before entering. 6 Enjoy the Normal Daylight Hours. Dont Expect to Find Comfort Brands Here. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are okay 9. fun links, cool tips, and the occasional free preset. The country might be stuck out on the edge of the Arctic, but nobody puts baby in the corner when it comes to this culturally rich island. Any time of year in Iceland is always a good time of year for hot pots and hot tubs. Here are 10 things you need to be aware of before visiting Iceland. 10. Literally. Two hours later, we were sitting along the side of the road with our hazard lights blinking, and my stomach was beginning to cave with hunger shed been right. Even when it rains or snows, locals love ice cream. 12. Therefore, what youre really smelling is the scent of sulfur at the core of Earth but lets cut this Geography lesson short. I would love to go visit the Blue Lagoon and see the Northern Lights! One of the top things to know before visiting Spain is that there is a siesta taken during the day. At the end of the day, youll be left with nothing but an SD Card full of subpar pictures, scratching your head and wondering why all you see is darkness when clearly, you had your camera aimed at the mystical Northern lights the night before. She said, The last name is a combination of the fathers first name (or less common, the mothers first name) with the ending -son for boys and -dottir, for girls. Some cities get monsoon season. Most travel companies will offer a free second trip if youre unlucky the first time round (which I was), so dont leave this activity to the very last night of your stay unless, of course, youre really intending to maximize that two-year promise on their second-trip offer. With so many tourists traveling to Iceland and with plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged, its important now more than ever to share some insight into local cultural customs. Most Icelanders take this time to go north for as nice skiing holiday or even go abroad. Simpsons fans, anyone? The hot water mixed with the cold air is one special concoction designed to open and clean your pores, resulting in smooth, soft skin. More and more people are going to Iceland, especially in the summer time, thanks to Icelandic airlines offering stopover plans and last-minute flight deals. In fact, Gudrun goes on to say, Take care of the nature and the nature will take care of you, this is what we believe. Everythings always so much more magical during Christmas season and it really isnt much colder as everyone thinks! Yes, everyone speaks English here! The ride will cost you 2.700 ISK (roughly $25 USD), which isnt bad considering the drive from the airport to city center is around 45 minutes. Icelanders like to go out for a late dinner or just have a good old fashion party at home before hitting the clubs aftermidnight! In fact,Kristjnsson shared that similar to other parts of Europe, most people in Iceland will eat dinner later (around 9 PM), especially if they are going out on the weekends. Everyone speaks English Of course, sense will get the better of you and you will get on that flight back; but know that once a thought like this gets whispered into your mind, it rarely ever leaves your heart alone after. Why: Iceland has been ranked one of the eco-friendliest countries in the world, and their commitment to using less plastic is commendable. Be sure to dress in layers and always expect rain! Do not underestimate the weather. The Northern Lights are most easily visible in Iceland in the winter, but most people think that theyre visible all the time. Most of the main attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and stops along the Golden Circle, are a bit of a drive outside the city. In order to see the light, you will need to visit in winter, early spring or fall when the nights are dark. This is definitely the case for British citizens. Come early and even better, book your ticket in advance and jump to the top. Ask questions and listen to your guides. Located on Videy island in Iceland is the Imagine Peace Tower, a dream turned reality for Yoko Ono who dedicated the tower to her husband John Lennon. Was just talking with a friend about it and we were wondering how expensive it was. 3 2. 54.4% of the Icelandic population believes in the existence of magic folk, which essentially means that 1 in every 2 Icelanders you meet will most likely believe in creatures of the netherworld. The weather in Iceland is as unpredictable as Britney Spears circa 2007. A friend once told me to pack a meal before we headed out one blustery, winter day to a nearby town. Im hoping that this is the year I finally make it there! I would have been surprised. The grace of the Northern Lights will make you cry, the magnitude of the Gulfoss will leave you breathless, and the highly unpredictable Strokkur will make you hold your breath for five minutes at length, before finally sending your heart soaring as high as its erupted body of water goes. Contents [ hide] 1. THINGS TO EAT & DRINK IN ICELAND . My advice is to just get over it because there is no way around this. For instance, Icelandair has a stopover program which allows travelers between North America and Europe to extend a layover in Reykjavik for up to 7 days to explore; and theres plenty to explore. Go fishing. Drink Ginjinha Packing for various degrees of cold is important, but what will be even more important would be to cut your itinerary some slack. Iceland is not for the budget traveller 2. The Spanish siesta has evolved over centuries to help agricultural workers be as efficient as possible in the high summer temperatures felt across much of the country. Ride in a Super Jeep. I think if you can navigate the country on your own and put up at hostels, itll definitely shave at least a thousand bucks from a 2-week schedule! Hot tip: smear a bit of butter on a strip. Explore Reykjavk, the capital. 5 Watch The Northern Lights. The average Dutch man is 1.84 mt (more than 6 ft) tall and the average woman is 1.7 mt (5.6 ft). Local sim cards 5. First Time at Pamukkale? Spend a day max in Reykjavik. Expect traffic in major cities 7. Weather shifts dramatically and rapidly in Iceland. Best months to visit 3. However, that doesn't change the fact that more people visit Blue Lagoon every year than there are people living in Iceland. It's very creamy, the crust is thin and crispy even if its already cold and tourists eats it any time of the day. Everyone speaks English 2. These tips on dos and donts come from Icelandic natives who work in hospitality, including airlines and tour companies, so they know firsthand what travelers should be aware of before visiting. (Is it any wonder that they believe in it all?) If you ever need a stark reminder that money really is, at the end of the day, nothing more than paper, try being stuck in Iceland with SGD4000 and realizing with increasing dread that everything you have on you is essentially worthless. , hahhahahaa oh my, you have perfectly framed my thoughts into words! If you have travel plans to visit Iceland, you may be interested in learning more about the culture. It is, and its so fascinating to me! And unlike most places youve visited thus far, youd be quick to realize that this destination requires at least twice as much planning than the usual norm. Iceland has been on my travel list for ages. Icelands Ice Caves Could Last for Decades -- or Be Gone Next Month. English is widely spoken 4. 13. Food is expensive here. 10. Iceland Culture Shock #2: The Weather More (but less pressing) advice includes bringing a towel with you, because some of these waterfalls are big enough to mist up your lenses from even 500m away, and also a tripod unless, of course, you have the ability to hold your chunky camera perfectly still for 20seconds running. Invest in a spare battery because chances are you will be snapping away the entire day and this takes up a lot of battery energy. Simple handmade sweaters can set you back at least $200. Basically, they change every year, and tour operators have to scope out new places to guide people all the time. In fact, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board, the total number of overnight stays by foreign visitors to Iceland grew from 595,000 in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010, before rising to 4.4 million in 2014. 9. In the winter, even though there may not be ice on the road in Reykjavk, you can bet on it making an appearance once you leave (so be sure that your rental car has spikes on its tires!). If an Icelander meets a stranger, the icebreaker is often talk about the weather. Speaking of the weather, according to Wikipedia, while the climate is notoriously variable, it is more temperate than what would be expected for its latitude just south of the Arctic Circle.. Visit Iceland is the official tourism website for Iceland. Fact is, the water smells because its heated by geothermal energy, which stems from the Earths belly. What to expect before your trip to Iceland Top Iceland travel tips 1. One of the other key things to know before visiting the Blue Lagoon is all of your food options. These are in no order at all: ingvellir National Park, Gullfoss (Europe's largest waterfall), Skgafoss (GORGEOUS! Fuel - Alaska is the gas state right, well even gas is more expensive in Alaska than the lower 48. The Imagine Peace Tower Is Lit In October In Iceland In Memory of John Lennon. For the Ones Living In Asian Countries: Chances Are, Your Home Currency Is Obsolete. Walk around Downtown Reykjavik Searching for the Yule Lads. It is, but itll be such a shame to miss! There is a unique operational complexity that comes with serving a nation of just 300,000 people; and the best part is, Iceland seems to be doing just perfect without any help from the giants of the consumer world. The last thing youll want is to be stuck on a road somewhere, low on gas and food. Wander around a Christmas Market. Drinking water costs more. Heck, even the Icelandic horses are a cut above the rest, spirited and statuesque in ways that will make you fall in love like you never have before. Oh thats so fun! Takes all cultures to make a world! 2 1. Not all of its traditional dishes will appeal to every palate, but here are a few of the more famous ones to try if you dare! Tip: Dont buy plastic bottled water in Iceland. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Its only a twenty-minute drive, I said, a bit surprised. The stalls at the Blue Lagoon come designed without doors, so unless you intend to shell out SGD70 just to sit in the locker room and sulk over the transparency, of your situation, strip down and move on. Another reason to visit Iceland in the winter is to witness how Icelanders do New Years Eve; there is nothing like it. SharedBy: Helga Antonsdottir, former Icelandair flight attendant, Why: Of course, one of the main attractions and activities to do in Iceland is to visit the famous geothermal pools, such as visiting the Blue Lagoon. Splurge on day trips and then apologize to everyone back home when you show up sans souvenirs. Each country has its own characteristics and tricks. There are some things to know ahead of time to keep you a respectful and prepared traveler. Unfortunately, there are no Northern Lights in Iceland in June. 10. there are so many amazing adventures to take in iceland - you can spend an afternoon at the blue lagoon (so, so highly recommend this! If necessary, get them in Finland (which will be your most likely stopover) because they have amazing budget stores there. Kristjnsson shared, Icelandic weather is very unpredictable andin one dayyou might experience sunshine, rain, snow and a hailstorm. Heres a caveat: if you have Iceland earmarked as your next travel destination, be prepared to be hit with an indubitable amount of explaining to do. Love these tips! Iceland is super high on my list! Spa Restaurant: The Spa Restaurant offers light, fresh dishes that you can enjoy with views of the lava fields and beautiful blue geothermal springs. If all you know about Icelandic culture is Bjork and possibly Sigur Ros, dig deeper while you're in Reykjavik. When traveling around Iceland, and especially when driving in Iceland, its important to remember to keep your eyes on the road and not up towards the sky. , Iceland looks awesome. 2. Antonsdottir said Icelanders "have a. I may need to rethink going there. Littering is frowned upon so if you want to do as the locals, pick up trash that sticks out in nature. This tip among others shared should be taken into account no matter where you go, but it is clear Icelandic people care deeply for their land. The only advice I can think of for budget-conscious travelers is to spend only on what is necessary. It is an egg tart dusted with cinnamon. Its off-handed and almost rude, but quite understandably so. With half the nation in on this one, the perceived existence of these magic people is serious enough to spark nationwide environmental protests to this very day and if that doesnt tell you not to mess with their superstitions, I dont know what will. The midnight sun brings us a lot of fantastic opportunities but a great Northern Lights experience is not one of them. The right side is, of course, on the right side. Keflavk Airport is an extremely well-run facility and their shuttle service is proof. Take a walking tour with City Tour on Foot. Wow such beautiful photos and excellent tips. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Reykjavik is a small city. Iceland might not have legendary historic sights, temples, statues or abbeys. You have to hop on board one of these days and take a spin around Iceland, its a definite must-experience! Sometimes, Iceland doesn't even have sunlight. But one cannot expect anything less from the world's most culturally diverse country. The festival is all about traditional Icelandic culture and the nation's dependence on fishing. Thorramatur, a tradition that celebrates our original culture, is a perfect example of that. Sometimes, there isnt even sunlight. Actually, most of the people from Iceland have fairly similar last names. I don't know how they do those statistics, but I believe it because it is so expensive. Heres How Not to Leave Disappointed, Ditching the Chaos of Istanbul for 7 Neighbourhoods, An Inspired Travellers Guide to Singapore: Chinatown, a travel newsletter of the best kind. Be prepared for weather changes astronomical enough to rival its drastically varying landscapes. There are no famous pyramids or paintings, no legendary statues or abbeys. Iceland does not disappoint! . Use a contactless card or an oyster card
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