Natalie from Abbotts Travel, "Iceland is a unique, majestic country and one of my favourite destinations. It is an incredible place to visit with so much to see and do.
From April to May, Spring is a great time to explore the outdoors. The Summer, from June to August is one of the busiest periods for Iceland, being peak tourist season and the best time of year for hiking on the island. From September to October things start cooling down, but it’s still possible to drive the Ring Road. In Winter you can be limited on where you can travel due to the snow, however, it is the best time to experience the Northern Lights.
We visited in early December and hired a car which gave us a lot more flexibility - stopping at the side of the road to stroke wild horses, view a magnificent waterfall, and beaches, and stopped in a small town for a bite to eat.
Trips and Excursions:
Northern Lights Tour
I'd highly recommend booking this for your first night, then if you don’t see the Aurora Borealis you'll get another opportunity on another evening when a sighting is predicted, free of charge. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights every evening, even from our hotel window and walking through the streets of Reykjavik so always look up!
Golden Circle
Traverse the legendary Þingvellir National Park, feel the grandeur of the Almannagjá Gorge and Þingvallavatn Lake. Also, witness the astonishing eruptions of Strokkur geysers within the Geysir Geothermal Area and stand in awe before the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall. Let us book you a Guided Tour in Golden Circle Iceland - or download a self-drive audio tour.
Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
We were collected by a Super Truck, with large tyres designed to negotiate challenging terrain. Awed by the amazing views as we set off into Iceland’s lava-sculpted countryside, our driver-guide shared facts about the country’s volcanic geology, including the Langjökull glacier. On arrival at Langjökull, we donned the provided thermal overall, hat, gloves, and helmet before setting off on this spectacular expedition. You can combine Snowmobiling with other activities as part of a tour: Snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier and Bathing in the Secret Lagoon.
Husky Sledding Tour
We decided to do husky sledding after dark and it was a very special experience, visiting a lovely family-run farm with beautiful dogs. Plus we saw endless shooting stars, a falling star, and the Northern Lights with all its full colours dancing in the sky!
South Coast, Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon Day Tour or Drive
See the magnificent waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, the black-sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the breathtaking Sólheimajökull glacier and Jokulsarlon Lagoon. Spot puffins, if you’re lucky, and get a look at Eyjafjallajökull volcano on this full day tour.
The Original Classic Whale & Dolphin Watching from Reykjavik
Scour the sea for sightings of Whales and dolphins as you listen to fascinating facts surrounding the majestic creatures that inhabit the Icelandic Ocean. Heighten your chances of seeing whales on this tour (95% success rate in Summer and 80% in Winter)
Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with beautiful blue waters, and mineral-rich clay. I'd recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon on arrival or departure from Reykjavik due to it’s proximity to Keflavík Airport. (They have luggage storage and airport shuttles).
The Sky Lagoon is a different experience due to being an oceanside geothermal lagoon with expansive views of the North Atlantic Ocean that stretch out in front of you.
Restaurants
The Seabaron - Sægreifinn is a charming little shack, known for its world-renowned Lobster Soup which was delicious. I would recommend the seafood skewers also.
Grillmarkadurinn We enjoyed the restaurant's style, creative menu, and quality of food as well as great service. The taster menu is a good option.
Svarta Kaffið is a lovely cozy café / bar in the heart of Reykjavik, on Laugavegur, the main shopping street. The family-owned establishment has a laid-back attitude and emphasizes friendly, personal service. The specialty course is the soup-in-bread which we thoroughly enjoyed.
The Roof at Edition is a relaxed, rustic eatery with a terrace serving local and global dishes and desserts, plus weekend brunch. They also have outdoor seating and serve great cocktails! There are also many other great options for bars and restaurants which are fun to explore around Reykjavik’s main and surrounding streets.
What To Expect
Main Airport: Keflavík International Airport - a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik.
Two companies run an airport shuttle service (Flybus and Grayline) which Abbotts Travel can book for you, to take you to the city centre bus terminal or hotel. Alternatively, I would highly recommend hiring a Jeep.
Language: The main language spoken is Icelandic, as well as English in touristy areas.
Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna, but many places will also accept the Euro and the US Dollar.
Credit Cards and ATMs: Icelanders tend to pay for almost everything with credit or debit cards, so you don’t need to worry about carrying too much cash around with you.
Plugs: The plugs in Iceland are Type F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hair dryers and hot tools.
Safety: Reykjavík is known to have low crime rates and is considered one of the safest cities in the world. The city centre is well-lit and busy, even late into the night. As in any city, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings but walking alone at night in Reykjavík is generally very safe.
I'd recommend booking tours in advance ..or ask us at Abbotts Travel to do it for you!"
Written by Natalie Fox
Contact Abbotts Travel,134 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BA, 020 8989 9445 / info@abbottstravel.com to book your trip.
Read Iceland blog and a client blog about their fabulous trip to Iceland.
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