A Shortlist of Things to Know When Visiting Iceland
I recently returned from a trip to Iceland and have some *HOT TIPS* for people who are Iceland-curious. This will largely be (well, wholly be) non-technical:
- During the summer months –
– You will be constantly reminded that you are a tourist by the large crowds of other tourists all doing the same thing as you. It’s worth the trip anyway.
– Nighttime lasts about four hours and the sky never really gets dark. A sleep mask is helpful.
– Some caves and attractions are only accessible during the winter months. - Seljalandsfoss is a must-see if driving the southern half of the country. We stopped there on a lark and it was easily my favorite part of the trip.
- Any dish with either lamb or fish in it is almost guaranteed to be delicious. (Beef becomes less appealing by the day.)
- Puffin isn’t worth eating unless you really like beef jerky that is made from cute birds.
- Shower gel is the ultimate grooming tool. It is shampoo, conditioner, and body wash all in one!
- The small boat whale-watching experience probably isn’t worth the ticket price.
- If staying in an Airbnb in Kalfafell, don’t be off-put if it looks like a tool shed from the outside. I can assure you that it is fully-furnished.
- Accept that you will be disappointed with the lack of roundabouts once you are back in the States.
- Outside of Reykjavik, grocery stores close early, open late, and are few in number. Plan ahead when buying provisions.