Cost of Vacation in Iceland 2020 See Highlights and Top Places to See.
Vacation in Iceland: You cannot just sit somewhere and admire the beauty of Iceland in pictures and movies just decide on a vacation in Iceland and you will have a complete story to tell.
Iceland is a beautiful country in the North Atlantic ocean. About ten percent of the country is covered by glaciers and natural beauty.
is very close to the Arctic Circle, so it is important to consider what time of year you plan to visit. The days can belong in the summer, and very short in the winter.
During June, the sun only sets briefly and it never gets completely dark. Alternatively, in December there are almost 20 hours of darkness.
During the equinoxes in March and September, the days and nights are approximately the same lengths and comparable to elsewhere in the world.
Despite Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, the climate is not as cold as you might expect. In fact, Iceland is a great place to visit in November.
Most visitors to Iceland choose to rent a car. This allows for the most flexibility and lets you see the beautiful countryside at your own pace.
Most of the popular sites throughout the country are easily accessible with good roads, but if you hope to get a little more off the beaten track, consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle. These cars can be in high demand so plan well in advance.
If you’re not interested in renting a car, you can usually book excursions through tour companies. These can be expensive but will allow you access to the country’s most impressive volcanoes and glaciers.
Highlights of Iceland
- The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. It is not uncommon for Icelanders to also speak English and Danish, both of which are taught from an early age in schools. It is still respectful to attempt to speak some Icelandic before referring to English. These efforts will be much appreciated. If you learn a few phrases ahead of time, you’ll be well respected for your efforts.
- Krona is the local currency in Iceland. It is recommended that you buy and sell krona in Iceland, where you will get the best exchange rate. Most businesses accept credit cards. Credit cards are also accepted by taxis and souvenir stands, so you really don’t need to carry a lot of cash with you.
- If you’re looking to buy some interesting, local products, consider purchasing items made from Icelandic wool. The Icelandic sheep are unique and make soft but durable wool that is woven into hats, gloves, and more. Other interesting local items include arts and crafts such as musical baskets and porcelain sculptures that can be found at the local craft shops.
- Winters are surprisingly mild in Iceland. There is a maritime temperate climate and the winters are somewhat comparable to those in New England. Do be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly. Although winters can be warmer than you might expect, summers are also quite cool, so come prepared for temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius during these months.
- A favorite activity in Iceland is to go hiking. Some of the hiking is quite intense so come prepared with good walking boots and some food. Also, be prepared for the changing weather conditions as a beautiful day may suddenly be interrupted by a strong storm, particularly during the winter months.
Popular Foods in Iceland
Icelandic food has continued to evolve in recent decades. In the past, the cuisine was dominated by lamb and fish as staples but in recent years the options have diversified significantly. It’s still a difficult country to visit as a vegetarian, as most dishes include some form of meat, but there are now several vegetarian restaurants in the capital city, and a few vegetarian options are found on most menus.
Skyr: This is a dairy product that is local to Iceland and is similar to yogurt. It is found throughout the country and comes in both unflavored and flavored varieties.
Harofiskur: This is a popular snack throughout the country. It is made with dried pieces of fish that are served with butter. It’s also a good accompaniment to coleslaw.
Pylsa: This fast food item, basically a hot dog, is usually served with fried onions or fresh onion, ketchup, mustard, and remoulade.
It’s a good cheap option if you’re looking for something filling and quick. It’s found in most convenience stores or small shops around town.
How much money you will need in Iceland?
kr21,917 ($179) is the average daily price for traveling in Iceland. The average price of meals in Iceland for one day is kr3,783 ($31).
The average price of a hotel in Iceland for a couple is kr21,105 ($172). These average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Top Places to See in Iceland
Here are five beautiful places that you can tour in Iceland:
1. The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Auroras are linked to the solar wind, a flow of ions radiating from the sun. These particles become ensnared in the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing bursts of energy, which appear as large circles around the poles.
This spectacular natural light show is best admired in remote places and is particularly impressive at times of increased solar activity. Since the appearance of the Northern Lights is unpredictable, most hotels and lodging operators can provide you with nightly predictions before you go to bed and add you to an overnight call list. They will call your room if the lights appear, as they may only be visible for a short window of time.
For one of the most optimal opportunities to experience the Northern Lights, you can take a tour like the Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik, which takes you to the remote countryside for the best chance to see this natural wonder.
2. Askja Caldera
In the northern region of Vatnajökull National Park, Askja caldera and geothermal pool in the Dyngjufjöll Mountains is not one for the faint-hearted. However, if you’d like to say you’ve taken a dip in a live volcano, then this is for you. Askja is an impressive 50 square kilometers in size.
The surrounding mountain range was formed during volcanic activity, and Askja was partly created by an eruption of burning ash that collapsed the roof of the central volcano’s magma chamber. The water in Viti, the geothermal pool and volcanic crater, is generally around 30 degrees Celsius. A word of warning, the banks can be very slippery, particularly in wet weather.
Around 2.5 hours’ drive northwest of Reykjavik is the small town of Grundarfjördur, a charming fishing village centrally located on the north coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula. The town lies in a picturesque fjord, surrounded by mountains, with Mt.
Kirkjufell looming as a striking landmark. Dotted about the surroundings, you’ll discover small streams and waterfalls. During winter, Kirkjufell is a great place to watch the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Eyrbyggja Heritage Center holds exhibitions on Grundarfjördur’s seafaring history and is the information center for the whole peninsula.
4. Hallgrímskirkja
A Reykjavik modernist icon, this visually striking church is one of Iceland’s top attractions, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. It’s the tallest and most recognizable building in the country.
The Black Falls (a basalt rock formation), which is one of Iceland’s natural wonders, inspired the architectural design.
A climb to the top of the 73-meter-high tower is particularly rewarding. Here, you’ll be treated to spectacular views across the city and surrounding landscape.
At the front of the church is a statue of Icelander Leifur Eiriksson (“Leif the Lucky”), the first European to discover America around AD 1,000.
5. Lake Myvatn & Nature Reserve
A little over an hour’s easterly drive from Akureyri is Myvatn, a lake district famous for its wealth of bird-life, rich fauna, and large shallow body of water. It’s estimated that the area was formed around 2,500 years ago by a gigantic lava eruption.
Today, the surroundings are volcanically active, with an eruption occurring as recently as the mid-1980s. Bubbling clay pits, sulphuric fumes, and lava formations all form part of this unique landscape, which is still in flux.
The name Myvatn literally means “Midge-water,” a reference to the prolific midges here, especially during summer, so be sure to pack some insect repellent. The area is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Don’t contemplate anymore, your vacation in Iceland will be nothing but lovely. Start bag-packing today.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
Be the first to comment