Unsolicited tips for Iceland: what's important to know before you travel
In recent years, Iceland has become one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Europe. The island is no longer a secret for nature and adventure lovers. More and more tourists from Europe, Canada, and around the world are coming here to see glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and the rugged landscapes of the North Atlantic.
However, Iceland is not a place you can visit unprepared. Here are some unsolicited tips I learned from personal experience.
Dress for four seasons in one day
It's cold above the 66th parallel. But the truth is, in Iceland, the weather can change several times within a single day.
If you are traveling in winter
If you've decided to watch the Northern Lights, pack seriously warm clothing.
Wear:
• thick hat and scarf;
• Down jacket with windproof and waterproof layer;
• Quality après-ski or winter hiking boots;
• thick gloves and socks.
Almost every larger settlement has a local ski lift, so you can combine your trip with skiing.
Keep in mind that in winter, a large part of the day is dark. A headlamp and a powerful flashlight are not a whim, but a necessity.
If you are traveling in the summer
Summer is the season with the most tourists.
However, do not expect consistently good weather.
Our trip was at the end of July and we experienced everything possible: more than ten hot days, thick fog, icy wind, cold, and sailing in the open waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
Even before setting sail, the crew distributes special waterproof overalls. If you're offered one, put it on. After a few minutes on deck, you'll understand why.
The best outfit is a „cabbage.“
Hiking boots are the best choice. You will walk on volcanic trails, past glacial lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and Iceland's famous black sand beaches.
The most practical clothing is layered—as we say at home, „like a cabbage.“.
It can be cold in the morning and.
During my stay, I found that I hadn't brought enough t-shirts and that a high-SPF sunscreen is a must.
Temperature surprises are already everywhere in the world.
Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can walk behind (and get wet)
If there's a place in Iceland where a rain jacket is absolutely mandatory, it's Seljalandsfoss.
The waterfall is located on the south coast of the island and falls from a height of about 60 meters down the cliffs of the former coastline.
Its biggest attraction is that you can walk behind the falling water curtain through a natural rock niche.
There's no chance you'll stay dry.
The impression is incredible.
The foresightful Japanese tourists were wearing raincoats and carrying umbrellas. We lacked such foresight and got not only our clothes but also our photographic equipment wet.
And this.
We had to change right in the parking lot.
Fortunately, the luggage was in the jeeps.
My advice is simple – wear a raincoat and waterproof pants. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble.
Whiskey with millennia-old ice
A boat trip among the icebergs in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is an unforgettable experience.
It's cold. Very cold.
But then you can try something unusual – a glass of whiskey with a piece of ancient ice, broken off from a glacier.
When else will you drink a beverage with ice that has survived centuries?
How much do local experiences cost?
Icelandic sweaters, hand-knitted from the wool of free-grazing sheep, start at around 300 euros.
A visit to the Blue Lagoon isn't cheap either. The basic ticket is around 80 euros, and if you add a silica mask, a drink, or another service, the price gradually increases. The ordinary public lagoons are worth it, costing around 50 euros in various locations.
The good news is that.
What is eaten in Iceland
Icelanders are proud of their cuisine, and food is always served beautifully and with attention to detail.
Alcohol is expensive. Most people drink local beer and a glass of wine.
Due to the harsh climate, almost no agricultural crops are grown outdoors. Primarily, aromatic herbs grow, which you will often see dried as decoration in restaurants. However, vegetables and fruits are successfully produced in geothermal greenhouses, with at least two harvests.
Sheep are a true national treasure. Everything is used from them – meat, milk, cheeses, and the famous wool.
The fish, seafood, lobsters, and crabs are of extremely high quality, but they also maintain high prices. Fishing them is a major industry.
The water is mineral, but it smells of sulfur.
One of the first things you'll notice when you turn on the tap is the smell of rotten eggs.
It comes directly from geothermal springs and contains natural sulfur compounds. When you take a shower, the first association is with the smell of rotten eggs. Don't worry – it disappears very quickly.
Bottled water is excellent, it comes from glaciers and natural springs.
You can also drink tap water if you let it sit for a short while to let the sulfur dissipate.
Respect nature and the rules
Iceland is one of the most orderly countries I have visited.
Order is not optional; it is enforced.
There is no mercy on the roads
Do not exceed the speed limit.
Observe the tunnel restrictions.
Park only in designated spots.
Pay for parking with a card.
You won't see a police officer or inspector. The roads are almost deserted.
But cameras, drones, and automated systems register every violation. The penalties are serious, and you could be fined in the very next town.
If you can't pay immediately... there's another option: time in prison. They say the conditions are excellent, but it's hardly the most desirable souvenir from Iceland.
Leave no trace behind.
Don't throw cigarette butts.
Do not leave waste.
Take your trash with you, just as we do in the Bulgarian mountains.
Mobile restrooms with running water, disinfectants, and supplies are everywhere. You will never see maintenance staff, but everything is clean, stocked, and excellently maintained.
Throughout my entire trip, I didn't see a single piece of litter or a cigarette butt.
The local people protect their nature.
And the millions of tourists have obviously learned to do the same.
There's only one piece of advice I would give you before your trip:
Respect Iceland as Icelanders respect their nature.
Then it will reveal its most beautiful side to you.
See more about Author Maria Radeva here
