I suggest reconsidering the use of your plastic bottle. I don't know if it's a special one you use, but usually those plastic bottles consist of material (BPA = Bisphenol A) that wears off over time or corrodes under sunlight. Hence, you end up having poisoness plastic particles in your liquid. I can highly recommend using a designated drinking bottle made of hard plastic without BPA or even better use a desginated glass drinking bottle. Just be careful with those "soft supermarket plastic bottles"
She mentioned refilling a plastic Evian bottle for "a very long time" and my heart stopped for a second. That's so incredibly dangerous! It's an Evian bottle, nothing special about it. Recycle that thing into a dish soap bottle and invest in reusable plastic!
Yes! This!! BPA is so freaking dangerous. Your comment should be read by Hrafna and all the people who drink from SINGLE-USE plastic bottles over and over again. Fuck single-use plastic, go buy yourself a beautiful reusable bottle made of glass or plastic that won't kill you.
I can confirm most of this, but I'll add some things from my experience as a tourist. Water: I was at first surprised that the tap water had a sulfuric taste and smell. If that is the case, there was some remnant of warm water in the pipe, which is often volcanic. The trick is to let the cold water run for some seconds, then you'll get super fresh drinking water. Rental cars: Definitely the better option, travel buses are very expensive, rental cars have reasonable prices, gas is only slightly more expensive if you are used to European prices (if you're only used to American prices, you're in for a shock...). Some roads (not the "big" ones) are not usable with all kinds of cars, if you want full flexibility (only if you are a good driver!) you have to rent a 4-wheel-drive (but you can visit many beautiful paces without it). Camping: It's possible and a good affordable option if you are not that rich (prices for camping sites are ok), but be prepared for bad weather, strong winds and cold nights, even in summer! Quality of camping sites varies a lot, from one of the best I've ever seen to basically just a grassland with cold water supply, so be prepared also for the bad ones, often you don't have a choice. Iceland is very beautiful and worth a visit, keep it that way, be a good tourist, respect the local rules and nature in general!
Agree with this. Camping is the most affordable and definitely the best way to see Iceland. You can fill a week to 10 days just travelling the main ring road. No need for a 4wd there.
I agree about the water, I was never really able to shake the sulfuric taste/smell of the water in the residence I was staying at. However, when I was at the Blue Lagoon, their bubblers were really good.
I'm leaving for iceland in twelve hours. Spending one night in Reykjavik, then two days hike between Thormorsk and Skogar, then one night again in Reykjavik. Thanks a lot for your videos, they are very helpful !
I’m going in May. I’m taking a ring road tour for 6 days... I’m with the tour for 8 days the first day will be in Reykjavik and the last day is in Reykjavík.
Before renting a car though, make sure you read up on traffic rules, remember that while you are looking at the countryside there is traffic around you so no sudden breaking or parking partially off the road, feeding farm animals is frowned upon unless on designated "farms" We drive on the right side, we have a lot of roundabouts and locals tend to be impatient in traffic. Also read about the routes your taking for various destinations so you don't miss out, we have a lot of interesting places in between with nice parking lots. If you do take the unguided tour also keep in mind that we want you to stay on designated walking paths due to trying to get our vegetation growing again, generally for your own safety , no wondering off path and what ever you do, Do. Not. Step. On. The. Moss. It makes us upset.
With your plastic bottle, they're only designed to be drank out of a few times safely. Buy yourself a good BPA free water bottle like a Camelback Eddy 😊
Orze Morze What micro plastic are you talking of? Casein remains a protein that will usually be passed without issue - completely unlike micro plastics stemming from polymers that are commonly known as plastics (e.g. PET). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
We hired a campervan and spent 10 days travelling the ring road. I can't recommend this enough. It is our favourite holiday to date which is saying something because we've been to a lot of places. Iceland is magical and a camper tour is hands down the best way to see it. Total freedom. We learned about the water thing. We stopped at a petrol station and asked where the water tap was and were directed to a hose in the yard used for cleaning cars. Icelandic water is pure. Man I miss that place.
9:57 - oh my god, the pillow moved! It was a living creature all along! 10:47 - different realities, different landscapes, different societies, different driving rules
I went to Iceland about 3 years ago and can attest that it is beautiful! And I was only there for 6 days. We were on our way to Germany and when I saw we could stop in Iceland, I was so excited! I have wanted to go to Iceland for a long time, so I jumped at the chance. Since we were there for such a short time, we stayed in Reykjavik and rented a car. Because of that, we were able to get out of the city and explore the countryside near Reykjavik. We did the inner circle "tourist" route that you can do in a day. If you've got a limited time, it's a great way to see highlights of what Iceland has to offer. The geysers and waterfalls are breathtaking. And you can even hike a portion of the Trans Atlantic Fault-line that has a beautiful waterfall at the end of it. I really want to come back when I have more time. And I can attest to the gas prices being high. It cost almost US $80 to get a tank of gas in a small car. I don't remember exactly how many gallons/liters it was, but it was probably around 10 US gallons / 38 liters. Where we stayed in Reykjavik there was a restaurant downstairs that was staffed by a couple of different "companies" (not sure how to describe it). But, one of the companies served breakfast and lunch. And in the evening the other company served dinner which morphed into cocktails and on some nights they had entertainment. It was a nice "go to" place when we were tired from our travels. At this restaurant we met some locals. One of their husbands owned another restaurant that was several blocks away, but we walked there and had dinner. I got lamb (which I love) and I kid you not, it had to be close to a kilogram of meat! There was so much food I couldn't eat all of it! But, boy was it delicious!! I don't remember exactly what we paid for it, but since we weren't driving we did have a bottle of wine. So I'm thinking it was around US $50. Maybe a little more. :) I told my sister how much I loved Iceland and how beautiful it was that she and 3 of her friends decided to go. They did a driving tour of the Golden Circle (pretty much the tourist route around the entire island). She loved it!! I was rather jealous because she got to see so much more of the country than I did. But there's always next time!!
I am from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Thank you for what you do....great job!!! :-) I have learned so much about Iceland through you. Keep up the good work.
No, do not drink from the same plastic bottle every day that's very toxic. You can google it if you don't believe me. Drink from a glass bottle or sth like that. Btw nice video✌🏼🇩🇪
Uh... You mistake accumulative concentrations of endocrine disruptors, without taking note of their potency and clinical symptoms, with acute poisoning. Those are NOT the same thing. How many are having actual observable health issues caused by BPA? (
Reykjavík was great. However, the highlight of my trip to Iceland ten years ago was definitely Stykkishólmur and seconded by Akureyri. I really appreciate your channel and hearing about Iceland and Icelandic perspective. I miss the country every day.
I was there hiking during high season. We were very cheap and spend around 80 000 ISK (around 600 dollars) for 8 days for averything but flights. We slept in a tent most days.
I'm planning a trip next summer to Iceland and started my preparation online. I stumbled upon yours and just can't stop! So informative and helpful. Definitely will follow your advice. Thank you so much for your help in making your home country a better place for people from all over the world to enjoy.
I’ve been to Iceland three times by now, because my best friend is Icelandic. Every time it has been amazing. Because i could stay with her family i learned about the culture first hand, which was pretty cool!
I travelled to Iceland last week. Made the whole iceland (by the ring road) and slept mostly on cabins and cottages. Was suuuper fun, you’re country is beautiful 💕
I've been in iceland twice and i can agree all of your tips! We purchased an "unorganised organised trip" to iceland the first time meaning we only had the flight, the car, some vouchers for overnight stay and a guide. Best vacation ever! not only the weather but also the landscape changes in the shortest amount of time! one moment you drive alongside the beach in the sun and the next moment you're surrounded by by beautiful mountains in the rain followed by amazing volcanoes or stunning glaciers. Just WOW! Just be prepared... We bought our clothes directly in iceland (no sweaters are better suited for iceland than icelandic ones! forget everything else, really! ) Yes reykjavik is sweet and worth visiting but not worth staying. There are so many guided (or also non guided) tours you can book or explore by yourself. not only hiking but also by horse, all terrain vehicles or boat (even bikes). Just move! And last but not least, Icelandic roads and traffic rules are no problem for (rural) germans but maybe a challenge for americans... You can find many, many informations about iceland online and i highly recommend to use them !
Another advantage of renting a car is being able to drive along Þjóðvegur 1. There are so many amazing places to just stop and appreciate the view. One thing I didn't expect to see was the sulphur fields near Reykjahlíð. I wish I could have taken some photos but we had to make it to Neskaustaður, and were running two hours behind thanks to my stupidly taking a left turn at Varmahlíð. I'd say as well, read everything you can if you're driving around. There's things like the statue in Eskifjörður, a few monuments along Þjóðvegur 1, and, oh, I've forgotten the word, but places where people would leave milk or cheese out for people to take and leave money for (we have a similar thing in some places here in Yorkshire, where people will just leave eggs out for people to take and leave money for. Easy way for farmers to pass that sort of thing on), and there's normally something to go with them explaining why they're there. If you're interested in that sort of history, it's bloody brilliant. One of my favourite little finds was a plaque, hidden in the rocks near the Harpa Concert Hall which read "In a crevice among some large rocks by the Atlantic ocean in Reykjavík". Like, of course that's where I am, but it really set in "yep, I'm here". And after spending like two hours sat at the bay looking over to Esja, it was a nice feeling :) Oh, and for UK peoples, the fuel prices are actually pretty comparable. I think when I went it was roughly £1.25 per litre (at the time it was £1.15, on average, in the UK, but some places were already at £1.20)
Your makeup is stunning! Great video of tips. One day I'll make it there! And the drivers...I'm on a channel about people in Iceland and the way they park!
Good work on the Video, funny yet inspirational *thumbs up* Bought book, got it in my hands few days ago, read the first chapter today. Oh My! I was hooked from the first pages, I relate a lot to Gunnar Andri as I am also dyslexic. He begins the first chapter with a story of "Disaster" such a Great start of a book Loved the story and his unyielding determination for success no matter what! His advice in sales and life those I will take to Heart I enjoy them very much. This book will become A Great guide in planning my own trip to Iceland. Fun and yes easy to read and to truly live oneself in to the story, Amazing! I Highly recommend this book as well! Thank you Hrafna for this video! Thank you Gunnar Andri for writing this book despite all your hardships in doing so!
I went to Iceland in 2019 and everything was equally as expensive as it is in Canada. Flights were the major expense. It’s an experience worth every penny. Talk to the locals especially the elders, there is so much I learnt while I was there. Had the pleasure of meeting an artist named Burger Thornburg and his incredible wife at Dillion’s bar. They told me so many interesting facts about .. the lack of trees to Christmas cultures there. I plan on coming back to experience summer one day.
Last week I came back from Iceland. I stayed there two weeks and it is indeed so beautiful! We also stayed in summer cabins and it was so fantastic, totally recommend it. We were lucky with the weather. We hiked the Glymur, it was quite a steap hike but so beautiful. 10/10 would recommend going to Iceland ✈🇮🇸
Hrafna , you are right, traffic rules and signs are basically same everywhere. but sometimes some drivers have their interpretation of the signs. example yellow means to slow and get ready stop, most drivers interpret this DRIVE FASTER!
100% been twice to iceland in the last month...rented a 4x4 and slept in the car for 10 days at the destinations we wanted to hit at sunrise before the tourists show up.. Hveradalir/Kerlingarfjoll was simply amazing!!!
I visited in January 2013! I didn’t rent a car because I’m from a part of the world that doesn’t get snow often and I wasn’t comfortable driving in the road conditions I anticipated. I booked day tours on a minibus with a small family-run company instead. For the most part my visit was surprisingly dry and warm (well, “warm” in that it was above freezing most of the time) but my decision not to drive was fully justified by the weather driving up over the passes to visit some of the sites we saw!
I'd LOVE to visit Iceland, i'd love to do some serious hiking as i really love the great outdoors and see your beautiful amazing country as i have seen many many videos here on TH-cam.
Been a while since my Icelandic vacation. Drove complete circle on highway 1. People should also be aware that in the more vulcanic areas...like north east...the tapwater is different...it can have a very noticable sulphur smell (rotten egg). Please remove your silver jewelry before you shower! Or it will turn black. You can clean it by using aluminum foil, salt and warm water... Also important...the rental car insurance does not cover damage of underside of the car or damage caused by driving through water. The sulphur was hardly noticable in the West though.
There's a second Helgafell on Vestmannaeyjar. Like most hill-like formations in Iceland, it's an old volcano. It's easy to climb and provides a nice view over the island. Bring a raincoat!
My friend and I drove the whole country last fall. We stayed in Air B&Bs and had an amazing time! We stayed in some really awesome places! We also met super nice locals! I 100% agree you have to get out of Reykjavik!
my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to iceland this year around christmas, we hope it will be possible to do international travel by then, we are both very curious about seeing snow because me (maltese) he (israeli) never encountered snow before. And it’s great you mentioned that water bottle thing because in malta we buy drinking water. but i recommend you using a bottle made of glass or some hard plastic, because those cheap bottles are not meant for being used multiple times, and in many cases micro plastic enters your water through the bottle and so gets inside your body. By the way i LOVE your makeup 🥰
My top, tourist tip is to always have plenty of Króna (coins) when you're out and about on tours, just in case you need the loo! I can't wait to go back to Iceland someday, it was incredible. I wish I could move there 💜
I swear to God one time I was on google and searched "breath taking nature shot" and I saw some beautiful mountains but I didn't know where they were from. Then I went on TH-cam and Hrafna appeared on my reccomendation and I loved almost every video she makes and now thanks to her I'm in love with Iceland.. Really hope I can go next year (in the summer cause I want to go everywhere)
Having visited Iceland the past 2 years, I agree with everything you said. It is important to note that even when using debit/credit cards, sometimes there is an International Fee, but this is very small. For U.S., it's just a few cents. Google Maps saved us many times. The only place we did not have cellular service was traveling in the Westfjords. All around the mainland, cellular service is excellent. We had a lot of fog coming off a glacier over a mountain while traveling up to Þakgil campsite. We could not see the road, and it was 16 km up a very large mountain. My wife used Google Maps to help me find curves. Hike a lot! Refill water bottles often for free. And, when you are hiking, be aware there are midges. A net hood can be useful to keep them from flying into your mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.
It's international to not stop in the middle of the road! but as a tourist I can understand who stops because iceland landscapes are awesome. We also stopped but only in safe conditions (straight road, no one on the street, one of us taking the picture and the others looking at the street: it's just common sense). About the Hotels I noticed that many of them give you the coordinates: that's a very good Idea because it's easy to search the destination and mistakes aren't possible (once we weren't able to find selfoss because there are both the falls and the city with the same name).
My tip is (and I might be wrong) You DON'T NEED A 4X4 IN WINTER IN ICELAND, RENT A NORMAL CHEAPER CAR. Routes for 4x4 are closed during winter so you can't take them anyways. We rented a Hyundai i10 and went everywhere, even on icy roads, also it's a very economic car
Hoping to come in September for our honeymoon. I have been to a lot of places as a flight attendant and can’t believe have not been yet as it’s been on my bucket list forever. Thank you for all of the great tips!
I also downloaded the Icelandic keyboard to help me search for locations. Also, so many restaurants downtown take reservations so make sure you make them early or you’ll end up eating snacks from the grocery store (if you get to one before it closes, they have super short hours in the winter).
One of the things I want to do when I finally get to go Iceland is visit the glacier on the snowmobiles if that’s a common or not to do. With it without the snowmobiles. I’m going for the volcanic ice tunnels. I’ll look more into when this virus is less of a struggle and I’m more financially free to do so but yes. I want to go to the glaciers
I've never been to Iceland, but honestly from the size and looks of these folks they seem very nice and wholesome VS our imagination that they're Vikings. Of course she's probably not like everyone in Iceland but I'm very surprised when I see some of the examples on social media, they seem like very down to earth people.
The only experience I have in Iceland so far is changing planes in Keflavik airport on my most recent trip to Finland. 😅 But I totally agree the tip about getting out and seeing places away from the tourist-y destinations. When I go to Finland I stay with friends, which is really the only way I can afford to go at all because it's super expensive there as well, but it also allows me to really see things, because my friends know what is really worth experiencing. In fact, one of those friends was able to rent a cabin for two days for us, and it was lovely. And about Icelandic weather; the day after I got back to Canada from my aforementioned trip (in mid-December), you had a huge snowstorm there that completely shut down the airport and cancelled all the flights, so even though I wished I could've stayed in Finland longer, I'm glad that I left when I did, or I might not have gotten home for another week.
I concur with all these recommendations. (Just be aware that tap water in Reykjavík is often warm the moment you open the tap, not cold like in non-volcanic locations.)
i like your videos dear hrafna but a suggestion! i want to see in future in your videos talk about art,comics,movies,music anything of this topics!somethiing different and new,and plus i am totally happy that i dont hear you say that you hate tourists :D :P if also you think you have there bad roads wait to visit greece :D
Would love to hear more book reviews- on books that take place in or feature Iceland, fiction or travel essays or historical or whatever you think is great. It could be a great regular feature and let others learn more about Iceland from sources you think are accurate and interesting.
Me and my father, he sadly passed this November, went to Iceland for a few days, the journey was the price from a competition. It was a fantastic experience, and we did get to see the countryside and not just Reykjavik. One thing I remember is the smell of sulphur. My father took a shower and the hotel room suddenly started smelling like somebody'd farted. The hot water came from a hot spring. Is it always like that Hrafna? I'm not trying to be funny. I think it's fantastic that the heating of the houses can be taken care of by nature etc. (I'm swedish by the way).
Visited Iceland last year... I did a whole circle of the island. To be fair...i disliked the "golden" circle part the most because there was too many tourists. The most amazing part for me is we did a hike from Skogafoss to Porsmörk and it was the most beautiful (and intense) hike I ever did! It was like being in lord of the Rings. I would love to come back one day and do it again!
I didn't check the weather before coming to Iceland just recently. Out of the nine days, only 2 full days of rain. Other days were warm and sunny. I was lucky
I went to Iceland in 2015. We rented a cheap jeep, it was CHEAP haha. We only used camping site and I almost exclusively drank stream and river water since we were hiking most of the time. This is, by far, the most peacefull country I ever been too. Except for the earthquake at Landmanalaugar, that was intense.
Hey there. I married in Iceland. Vitey was the location. It was May. Beautiful weather, nice people, we had a priest (without being in a church) and the icelandic Family of my half-german-half-iceland-wife is quite the best in the world.
Talking of books, we've been to Iceland 2 times and both times we went to a library located in Reykholt. I really like sagas, and there's a ton of books there with sagas. Biggest surprise there is you can find books in multiple languages, even really big books in french (I'm french canadian) with multiples sagas. A bit heavy in the luggage, but totally worth it! Before my first travel there, I also read a book on the viking history of Iceland (www.amazon.com/Viking-Age-Iceland-Jesse-Byock/dp/0140291156). You learn a lot about the history of political system (the Althing! :-) ), how they survived, how they build turf houses, and there is also a couple of small sagas to have a better understanding how the politics worked. That book was extremely fun to read and make you know more about old icelandic culture. The only thing I was not prepared is how to pronounce words or places in icelandic... A bit complicated, but extremely fun to learn with the help of peoples we met there! ;)
Thanks for the tips!! I'm visiting Iceland in October. It has been a goal of mine for years. I appreciate the advice!!! Btw. I agree with the other comments. You are so beautiful!
I suggest reconsidering the use of your plastic bottle.
I don't know if it's a special one you use, but usually those plastic bottles consist of material (BPA = Bisphenol A) that wears off over time or corrodes under sunlight. Hence, you end up having poisoness plastic particles in your liquid.
I can highly recommend using a designated drinking bottle made of hard plastic without BPA or even better use a desginated glass drinking bottle.
Just be careful with those "soft supermarket plastic bottles"
H0resT yeeees super important!
She mentioned refilling a plastic Evian bottle for "a very long time" and my heart stopped for a second. That's so incredibly dangerous! It's an Evian bottle, nothing special about it. Recycle that thing into a dish soap bottle and invest in reusable plastic!
I was just thinking this!! I hope she reads your comment
Please dont do this. I ended up in the hospital with kidney problems because of doing this exact thing
Yes! This!! BPA is so freaking dangerous. Your comment should be read by Hrafna and all the people who drink from SINGLE-USE plastic bottles over and over again. Fuck single-use plastic, go buy yourself a beautiful reusable bottle made of glass or plastic that won't kill you.
I can confirm most of this, but I'll add some things from my experience as a tourist.
Water: I was at first surprised that the tap water had a sulfuric taste and smell. If that is the case, there was some remnant of warm water in the pipe, which is often volcanic. The trick is to let the cold water run for some seconds, then you'll get super fresh drinking water.
Rental cars: Definitely the better option, travel buses are very expensive, rental cars have reasonable prices, gas is only slightly more expensive if you are used to European prices (if you're only used to American prices, you're in for a shock...). Some roads (not the "big" ones) are not usable with all kinds of cars, if you want full flexibility (only if you are a good driver!) you have to rent a 4-wheel-drive (but you can visit many beautiful paces without it).
Camping: It's possible and a good affordable option if you are not that rich (prices for camping sites are ok), but be prepared for bad weather, strong winds and cold nights, even in summer! Quality of camping sites varies a lot, from one of the best I've ever seen to basically just a grassland with cold water supply, so be prepared also for the bad ones, often you don't have a choice.
Iceland is very beautiful and worth a visit, keep it that way, be a good tourist, respect the local rules and nature in general!
I confirm, you can definitely go around Iceland without a 4*4. I did it with my Nissan Micra (except the West fjord) ^^
Agree with this. Camping is the most affordable and definitely the best way to see Iceland. You can fill a week to 10 days just travelling the main ring road. No need for a 4wd there.
I agree about the water, I was never really able to shake the sulfuric taste/smell of the water in the residence I was staying at. However, when I was at the Blue Lagoon, their bubblers were really good.
I'm leaving for iceland in twelve hours. Spending one night in Reykjavik, then two days hike between Thormorsk and Skogar, then one night again in Reykjavik. Thanks a lot for your videos, they are very helpful !
How much is it and where are you from?
@@permin9533 I'm from Switzerland. The whole thing cost me about 750$, including everything.
I’m going in May. I’m taking a ring road tour for 6 days... I’m with the tour for 8 days the first day will be in Reykjavik and the last day is in Reykjavík.
How was it?
I visited Iceland in 2017 and it was the best trip I've ever done. I remember every day of my trip. I'm in love with this country
Water in Iceland is just delicious. Period. And we have very good water back in Slovenia, but Icelandic water is just better.
Wow really😮🤘
Y e s- c:
True the air also seems better there ahah
Maybe Iceland is like Greece. Land of Gods💗
And the ice-cream is also very delicious there
Before renting a car though, make sure you read up on traffic rules, remember that while you are looking at the countryside there is traffic around you so no sudden breaking or parking partially off the road, feeding farm animals is frowned upon unless on designated "farms"
We drive on the right side, we have a lot of roundabouts and locals tend to be impatient in traffic.
Also read about the routes your taking for various destinations so you don't miss out, we have a lot of interesting places in between with nice parking lots.
If you do take the unguided tour also keep in mind that we want you to stay on designated walking paths due to trying to get our vegetation growing again, generally for your own safety , no wondering off path and what ever you do, Do. Not. Step. On. The. Moss.
It makes us upset.
I loved every minute I was in Iceland, amazing place
AdTheBaron same here !
I want to live there it’s a beautiful place
I’m on Iceland right now cuz I live there🇮🇸🇮🇸
What was it like being "yet another tourist" in Iceland?
FifeHanny surprsingly it’s like being “yet another tourist” any where else!!!
Your pet snow ball on the sofa is so cute!!! ❄⛄
With your plastic bottle, they're only designed to be drank out of a few times safely. Buy yourself a good BPA free water bottle like a Camelback Eddy 😊
Camelbacks are my favorite
I also have Camelback Eddy
BPA free plastic still leeches other shit into the water. Like Microplastic.
Go for quality food-grade stainless steel or glass.
Or a Klean Kanteen! They're just great.
Orze Morze
What micro plastic are you talking of?
Casein remains a protein that will usually be passed without issue - completely unlike micro plastics stemming from polymers that are commonly known as plastics (e.g. PET). ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
We hired a campervan and spent 10 days travelling the ring road. I can't recommend this enough. It is our favourite holiday to date which is saying something because we've been to a lot of places. Iceland is magical and a camper tour is hands down the best way to see it. Total freedom.
We learned about the water thing. We stopped at a petrol station and asked where the water tap was and were directed to a hose in the yard used for cleaning cars. Icelandic water is pure. Man I miss that place.
9:57 - oh my god, the pillow moved! It was a living creature all along!
10:47 - different realities, different landscapes, different societies, different driving rules
I went to Iceland about 3 years ago and can attest that it is beautiful! And I was only there for 6 days. We were on our way to Germany and when I saw we could stop in Iceland, I was so excited! I have wanted to go to Iceland for a long time, so I jumped at the chance. Since we were there for such a short time, we stayed in Reykjavik and rented a car. Because of that, we were able to get out of the city and explore the countryside near Reykjavik. We did the inner circle "tourist" route that you can do in a day. If you've got a limited time, it's a great way to see highlights of what Iceland has to offer. The geysers and waterfalls are breathtaking. And you can even hike a portion of the Trans Atlantic Fault-line that has a beautiful waterfall at the end of it. I really want to come back when I have more time. And I can attest to the gas prices being high. It cost almost US $80 to get a tank of gas in a small car. I don't remember exactly how many gallons/liters it was, but it was probably around 10 US gallons / 38 liters.
Where we stayed in Reykjavik there was a restaurant downstairs that was staffed by a couple of different "companies" (not sure how to describe it). But, one of the companies served breakfast and lunch. And in the evening the other company served dinner which morphed into cocktails and on some nights they had entertainment. It was a nice "go to" place when we were tired from our travels. At this restaurant we met some locals. One of their husbands owned another restaurant that was several blocks away, but we walked there and had dinner. I got lamb (which I love) and I kid you not, it had to be close to a kilogram of meat! There was so much food I couldn't eat all of it! But, boy was it delicious!! I don't remember exactly what we paid for it, but since we weren't driving we did have a bottle of wine. So I'm thinking it was around US $50. Maybe a little more. :)
I told my sister how much I loved Iceland and how beautiful it was that she and 3 of her friends decided to go. They did a driving tour of the Golden Circle (pretty much the tourist route around the entire island). She loved it!! I was rather jealous because she got to see so much more of the country than I did. But there's always next time!!
I am from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Thank you for what you do....great job!!! :-) I have learned so much about Iceland through you. Keep up the good work.
Of course I could have paid with my card everywhere I went. But there's really nothing like paying with fish coins.
Ordered the book !
Great video! Makes me to come to Iceland again and I will .
Big hug 🤗 from Montana USA 🇺🇸 ❤️
No, do not drink from the same plastic bottle every day that's very toxic. You can google it if you don't believe me. Drink from a glass bottle or sth like that. Btw nice video✌🏼🇩🇪
Yes it is very important ! ☝️
Yes, it’s much better to get a vaccum bottle made from stainless steel that have lifetime warranty.
Klean Kanteen makes the best insulated bottles in stainless steel - doesn’t leak & is super lightweight. Comes in a whole liter. 10/10 recommend
Uh... You mistake accumulative concentrations of endocrine disruptors, without taking note of their potency and clinical symptoms, with acute poisoning. Those are NOT the same thing. How many are having actual observable health issues caused by BPA? (
chris harugy NOT FAKE www.healthline.com/health/reusing-plastic-bottles#takeaways
Need that lipstick! Which one are you wearing?
Awesome video btw!! Greetings from Greece 🇬🇷
I am from Greece too🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬also yes amazing lipstick hrafna
Reykjavík was great. However, the highlight of my trip to Iceland ten years ago was definitely Stykkishólmur and seconded by Akureyri. I really appreciate your channel and hearing about Iceland and Icelandic perspective. I miss the country every day.
My boyfriend and I are heading to Iceland in March and I’m always watching your videos to get ahead of our trip. You’re so helpful!
You look amazing I would to visit Iceland it looks like a unique country love you great video
You look gorgeous and classy.
Also I wish to visit Iceland one day but I heard it’s extremely expensive...
Yes it can be expensive BUT if you go to the right placeses at the right time and act the right way it can be very nice🙂
Define "extremely expensive"
Arthur Shelby Bring an extra thousand dollars. It’s not really all that bad.
I was there hiking during high season. We were very cheap and spend around 80 000 ISK (around 600 dollars) for 8 days for averything but flights. We slept in a tent most days.
@@elinaarvidsson8042 $600 total for how many people ?
I’m coming next week for Karate championship, super excited to be there
We are waiting for you 😉 14, 15 Sep. 😉
JustinBieber bahaha what a lame comment.
I'm planning a trip next summer to Iceland and started my preparation online. I stumbled upon yours and just can't stop! So informative and helpful. Definitely will follow your advice. Thank you so much for your help in making your home country a better place for people from all over the world to enjoy.
I’ve been to Iceland three times by now, because my best friend is Icelandic. Every time it has been amazing. Because i could stay with her family i learned about the culture first hand, which was pretty cool!
I wonder if you've learnt first hand about the extreme racism in iceland :)
I travelled to Iceland last week. Made the whole iceland (by the ring road) and slept mostly on cabins and cottages. Was suuuper fun, you’re country is beautiful 💕
I also highly recommend doing the Reykjadalur hike! It’s about 45 minutes east of Reykjavik, and the final destination is an amazing hot spring!!
My favorite place in Iceland is Esjan! I stayed with a family for three weeks on a small farm at the foot of Esjan. Miss it so much. Great vids~
I've been in iceland twice and i can agree all of your tips!
We purchased an "unorganised organised trip" to iceland the first time meaning we only had the flight, the car, some vouchers for overnight stay and a guide.
Best vacation ever!
not only the weather but also the landscape changes in the shortest amount of time! one moment you drive alongside the beach in the sun and the next moment you're surrounded by by beautiful mountains in the rain followed by amazing volcanoes or stunning glaciers. Just WOW! Just be prepared...
We bought our clothes directly in iceland (no sweaters are better suited for iceland than icelandic ones! forget everything else, really! )
Yes reykjavik is sweet and worth visiting but not worth staying. There are so many guided (or also non guided) tours you can book or explore by yourself. not only hiking but also by horse, all terrain vehicles or boat (even bikes). Just move!
And last but not least, Icelandic roads and traffic rules are no problem for (rural) germans but maybe a challenge for americans...
You can find many, many informations about iceland online and i highly recommend to use them !
Another advantage of renting a car is being able to drive along Þjóðvegur 1. There are so many amazing places to just stop and appreciate the view. One thing I didn't expect to see was the sulphur fields near Reykjahlíð. I wish I could have taken some photos but we had to make it to Neskaustaður, and were running two hours behind thanks to my stupidly taking a left turn at Varmahlíð.
I'd say as well, read everything you can if you're driving around. There's things like the statue in Eskifjörður, a few monuments along Þjóðvegur 1, and, oh, I've forgotten the word, but places where people would leave milk or cheese out for people to take and leave money for (we have a similar thing in some places here in Yorkshire, where people will just leave eggs out for people to take and leave money for. Easy way for farmers to pass that sort of thing on), and there's normally something to go with them explaining why they're there. If you're interested in that sort of history, it's bloody brilliant.
One of my favourite little finds was a plaque, hidden in the rocks near the Harpa Concert Hall which read "In a crevice among some large rocks
by the Atlantic ocean in Reykjavík". Like, of course that's where I am, but it really set in "yep, I'm here". And after spending like two hours sat at the bay looking over to Esja, it was a nice feeling :)
Oh, and for UK peoples, the fuel prices are actually pretty comparable. I think when I went it was roughly £1.25 per litre (at the time it was £1.15, on average, in the UK, but some places were already at £1.20)
I’ve been to Iceland 3 times and love it there, I’m already wanting to go back, their is so much to see and do.. another great video
My boyfriend and I are coming to Iceland for the first time next year and I’m SO EXCITED 😁
Hahaha Icelandic weather sounds like Saskatchewan weather! Sometimes we get all 4 seasons in one day!
@Ylfa Karen Guðbjörnsdóttir Central Canada
Calgary too. Snow in July anyone? Or 13 degrees C in January!
Nice tips, love ur videos. Could you please do a video of traditional food or street food on Iceland. That would be very useful! #foodlover here.
Certainly was unpredictable weather the 3 days I were in Iceland, we went there in febuary expecting snow, but had mainly rain.
Very ilustrative... Thanks for sharing, and greetings from Guadalajara, Mexico
I'm going there in March! I hope we have clear weather to see the Northern Lights!! Thanks for the tips
Your makeup is stunning! Great video of tips. One day I'll make it there! And the drivers...I'm on a channel about people in Iceland and the way they park!
I just ordered that book based on your recommendation. Thanks!
Planning on visiting Iceland in September 2020, can't wait!
Ben Howard I’m visiting in September too !
Visiting Iceland is literally my dream! I love it so much. 😭
Very helpful! Im enjoying your videos and hopefully in 2020 ill make it to your beautiful country! Ragards from Sparta, Greece.
Wow this is so cool! That is the same tattoo as Bjork has on the front cover of your book!
That tattoo is an ancient Icelandic witchcraft symbol. It's supposed to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
Lots of great advice in this video. One of my bucket list places to visit. Thanks!!! :)
Good work on the Video, funny yet inspirational *thumbs up*
Bought book, got it in my hands few days ago, read the first chapter today.
Oh My! I was hooked from the first pages, I relate a lot to Gunnar Andri as I am also dyslexic.
He begins the first chapter with a story of "Disaster" such a Great start of a book Loved the story and his unyielding determination for success no matter what! His advice in sales and life those I will take to Heart I enjoy them very much. This book will become A Great guide in planning my own trip to Iceland.
Fun and yes easy to read and to truly live oneself in to the story, Amazing! I Highly recommend this book as well!
Thank you Hrafna for this video!
Thank you Gunnar Andri for writing this book despite all your hardships in doing so!
Wow this was unexpected and enjoyable, thank you very much. With love from Iceland
Gunnar Andri
I went to Iceland in 2019 and everything was equally as expensive as it is in Canada. Flights were the major expense. It’s an experience worth every penny. Talk to the locals especially the elders, there is so much I learnt while I was there. Had the pleasure of meeting an artist named Burger Thornburg and his incredible wife at Dillion’s bar. They told me so many interesting facts about .. the lack of trees to Christmas cultures there. I plan on coming back to experience summer one day.
Last week I came back from Iceland. I stayed there two weeks and it is indeed so beautiful! We also stayed in summer cabins and it was so fantastic, totally recommend it. We were lucky with the weather. We hiked the Glymur, it was quite a steap hike but so beautiful.
10/10 would recommend going to Iceland ✈🇮🇸
Hrafna
, you are right, traffic rules and signs are basically same everywhere. but sometimes some drivers have their interpretation of the signs. example yellow means to slow and get ready stop, most drivers interpret this DRIVE FASTER!
I would love a video on the Islandic letters and how to say them!
100% been twice to iceland in the last month...rented a 4x4 and slept in the car for 10 days at the destinations we wanted to hit at sunrise before the tourists show up.. Hveradalir/Kerlingarfjoll was simply amazing!!!
I always had Canada in mind as my get-away for bad times, but since I discovered your videos, Iceland is working it‘s way to the top of the list.
I visited in January 2013! I didn’t rent a car because I’m from a part of the world that doesn’t get snow often and I wasn’t comfortable driving in the road conditions I anticipated. I booked day tours on a minibus with a small family-run company instead. For the most part my visit was surprisingly dry and warm (well, “warm” in that it was above freezing most of the time) but my decision not to drive was fully justified by the weather driving up over the passes to visit some of the sites we saw!
I'd LOVE to visit Iceland, i'd love to do some serious hiking as i really love the great outdoors and see your beautiful amazing country as i have seen many many videos here on TH-cam.
We rented a car and saw so much of your beautiful country. We love your videos!
Been a while since my Icelandic vacation. Drove complete circle on highway 1.
People should also be aware that in the more vulcanic areas...like north east...the tapwater is different...it can have a very noticable sulphur smell (rotten egg). Please remove your silver jewelry before you shower! Or it will turn black. You can clean it by using aluminum foil, salt and warm water...
Also important...the rental car insurance does not cover damage of underside of the car or damage caused by driving through water.
The sulphur was hardly noticable in the West though.
There's a second Helgafell on Vestmannaeyjar. Like most hill-like formations in Iceland, it's an old volcano. It's easy to climb and provides a nice view over the island. Bring a raincoat!
My friend and I drove the whole country last fall. We stayed in Air B&Bs and had an amazing time! We stayed in some really awesome places! We also met super nice locals! I 100% agree you have to get out of Reykjavik!
my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to iceland this year around christmas, we hope it will be possible to do international travel by then, we are both very curious about seeing snow because me (maltese) he (israeli) never encountered snow before. And it’s great you mentioned that water bottle thing because in malta we buy drinking water. but i recommend you using a bottle made of glass or some hard plastic, because those cheap bottles are not meant for being used multiple times, and in many cases micro plastic enters your water through the bottle and so gets inside your body. By the way i LOVE your makeup 🥰
My top, tourist tip is to always have plenty of Króna (coins) when you're out and about on tours, just in case you need the loo! I can't wait to go back to Iceland someday, it was incredible. I wish I could move there 💜
I swear to God one time I was on google and searched "breath taking nature shot" and I saw some beautiful mountains but I didn't know where they were from. Then I went on TH-cam and Hrafna appeared on my reccomendation and I loved almost every video she makes and now thanks to her I'm in love with Iceland.. Really hope I can go next year (in the summer cause I want to go everywhere)
it took me 11 minutes to notice such a beautiful cat :) Hrafna took all my attention :)
Having visited Iceland the past 2 years, I agree with everything you said. It is important to note that even when using debit/credit cards, sometimes there is an International Fee, but this is very small. For U.S., it's just a few cents.
Google Maps saved us many times. The only place we did not have cellular service was traveling in the Westfjords. All around the mainland, cellular service is excellent. We had a lot of fog coming off a glacier over a mountain while traveling up to Þakgil campsite. We could not see the road, and it was 16 km up a very large mountain. My wife used Google Maps to help me find curves.
Hike a lot! Refill water bottles often for free. And, when you are hiking, be aware there are midges. A net hood can be useful to keep them from flying into your mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.
It's international to not stop in the middle of the road! but as a tourist I can understand who stops because iceland landscapes are awesome. We also stopped but only in safe conditions (straight road, no one on the street, one of us taking the picture and the others looking at the street: it's just common sense). About the Hotels I noticed that many of them give you the coordinates: that's a very good Idea because it's easy to search the destination and mistakes aren't possible (once we weren't able to find selfoss because there are both the falls and the city with the same name).
No offense at all but when you said said educational it was so adorable. I’m English and your accent is just 😍😍 I love it!
Your country is majestic. It's like you are in another dimension. Can't wait to go back again!
I was traveling Iceland 2 years ago and I can´t wait to go back some day!
And Keilir is a must if you're staying near Reykjavik! I hiked it at 10 pm to see the Northern lights. It's amazing
I would love to visit Iceland and see all the scenery and non tourist places!
My tip is (and I might be wrong)
You DON'T NEED A 4X4 IN WINTER IN ICELAND, RENT A NORMAL CHEAPER CAR.
Routes for 4x4 are closed during winter so you can't take them anyways. We rented a Hyundai i10 and went everywhere, even on icy roads, also it's a very economic car
Tip: All rentals are 4x4. Trust me.
@@ArchYeomans hyundai i10, Toyota yaris.. Not all are 4x4
My point is this, ALL rentals are 4x4s. :-)
Hoping to come in September for our honeymoon. I have been to a lot of places as a flight attendant and can’t believe have not been yet as it’s been on my bucket list forever. Thank you for all of the great tips!
I also downloaded the Icelandic keyboard to help me search for locations. Also, so many restaurants downtown take reservations so make sure you make them early or you’ll end up eating snacks from the grocery store (if you get to one before it closes, they have super short hours in the winter).
11:11 Road work ahead? Uh, yeah, I sure hope it does!
I want to go to Iceland so bad now 😭
One of the things I want to do when I finally get to go Iceland is visit the glacier on the snowmobiles if that’s a common or not to do. With it without the snowmobiles. I’m going for the volcanic ice tunnels. I’ll look more into when this virus is less of a struggle and I’m more financially free to do so but yes. I want to go to the glaciers
I see this book in shop window every time I go to work. I'm going tomorrow to read it. 📖
I've never been to Iceland, but honestly from the size and looks of these folks they seem very nice and wholesome VS our imagination that they're Vikings. Of course she's probably not like everyone in Iceland but I'm very surprised when I see some of the examples on social media, they seem like very down to earth people.
Nice makeup job and hair, Hrafna! You look very elegant . . . .
Even better: use a Voss spring water bottle which is made of glass. Voss is a Norwegian brand that is also available in the USA
The only experience I have in Iceland so far is changing planes in Keflavik airport on my most recent trip to Finland. 😅 But I totally agree the tip about getting out and seeing places away from the tourist-y destinations. When I go to Finland I stay with friends, which is really the only way I can afford to go at all because it's super expensive there as well, but it also allows me to really see things, because my friends know what is really worth experiencing. In fact, one of those friends was able to rent a cabin for two days for us, and it was lovely.
And about Icelandic weather; the day after I got back to Canada from my aforementioned trip (in mid-December), you had a huge snowstorm there that completely shut down the airport and cancelled all the flights, so even though I wished I could've stayed in Finland longer, I'm glad that I left when I did, or I might not have gotten home for another week.
I concur with all these recommendations. (Just be aware that tap water in Reykjavík is often warm the moment you open the tap, not cold like in non-volcanic locations.)
Me & my hubby enjoyed our 2 weeks of Icelandic adventure! Icelandic people are friendly and thoughtful. We will visit again after a few months! ♥️🇮🇸
i like your videos dear hrafna but a suggestion! i want to see in future in your videos talk about art,comics,movies,music anything of this topics!somethiing different and new,and plus i am totally happy that i dont hear you say that you hate tourists :D :P if also you think you have there bad roads wait to visit greece :D
This was very helpful, I plan on traveling the world one day and Iceland is definitely on my list of first places to international travel..
Thanks for the tips! Iceland is on my shortlist for a graduation trip
Would love to hear more book reviews- on books that take place in or feature Iceland, fiction or travel essays or historical or whatever you think is great. It could be a great regular feature and let others learn more about Iceland from sources you think are accurate and interesting.
I love u so much, it was such an amazing and useful vid! Keep uploading more frequently please! :)
Me and my father, he sadly passed this November, went to Iceland for a few days, the journey was the price from a competition. It was a fantastic experience, and we did get to see the countryside and not just Reykjavik. One thing I remember is the smell of sulphur. My father took a shower and the hotel room suddenly started smelling like somebody'd farted. The hot water came from a hot spring. Is it always like that Hrafna? I'm not trying to be funny. I think it's fantastic that the heating of the houses can be taken care of by nature etc. (I'm swedish by the way).
Hrafna is the definition of a Icelandic queen! 👸🏼🇮🇸
Visited Iceland last year... I did a whole circle of the island. To be fair...i disliked the "golden" circle part the most because there was too many tourists. The most amazing part for me is we did a hike from Skogafoss to Porsmörk and it was the most beautiful (and intense) hike I ever did! It was like being in lord of the Rings. I would love to come back one day and do it again!
I didn't check the weather before coming to Iceland just recently. Out of the nine days, only 2 full days of rain. Other days were warm and sunny. I was lucky
Iceland reminds me of Canada. Like it! =)
Roads with frost heaves and all.
very appreciative of your response, and another great video lady
Hmm... I love to read also- I will look this book up.
I went to Iceland in 2015. We rented a cheap jeep, it was CHEAP haha. We only used camping site and I almost exclusively drank stream and river water since we were hiking most of the time. This is, by far, the most peacefull country I ever been too. Except for the earthquake at Landmanalaugar, that was intense.
Greetings from Finland! We also have very very clean tap water so here you don't have to buy bottle water either!!
I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. I can relate to soooo many things you experience in Iceland. And guess what?? We are the SAME LATITUDE! 64° N !! So cool!
Yees! The most important thing: check the driving rules.. and dont drive of the route. It's illegal
Iceland was cool and it’s beautiful. Was there 2017
Hey there. I married in Iceland. Vitey was the location. It was May. Beautiful weather, nice people, we had a priest (without being in a church) and the icelandic Family of my half-german-half-iceland-wife is quite the best in the world.
Talking of books, we've been to Iceland 2 times and both times we went to a library located in Reykholt. I really like sagas, and there's a ton of books there with sagas. Biggest surprise there is you can find books in multiple languages, even really big books in french (I'm french canadian) with multiples sagas. A bit heavy in the luggage, but totally worth it!
Before my first travel there, I also read a book on the viking history of Iceland (www.amazon.com/Viking-Age-Iceland-Jesse-Byock/dp/0140291156). You learn a lot about the history of political system (the Althing! :-) ), how they survived, how they build turf houses, and there is also a couple of small sagas to have a better understanding how the politics worked. That book was extremely fun to read and make you know more about old icelandic culture. The only thing I was not prepared is how to pronounce words or places in icelandic... A bit complicated, but extremely fun to learn with the help of peoples we met there! ;)
Thanks for the tips!! I'm visiting Iceland in October. It has been a goal of mine for years. I appreciate the advice!!!
Btw. I agree with the other comments. You are so beautiful!
I wish she would read her comments she would see how much people love her work.. keep it up👏💪