My days of overlanding & camping are done, I’m a bit precious now & like my own toilet & shower 😂. I read on the groups I was in that people want to ‘freecamp’, be a bit cheaper I know! I’ve had to put off my next Iceland trip till next year, health issues 😢 but never fear I’ll be back 😃 too much more I want to see.
I absolutely understand that Kate! Yes, well people could definitely save some money by not staying in the campsites, but that's just up to everyone to decide whether it's worth the risk and the extra time looking for a spot where nobody will kick them out (my experience - veeery time consuming). Sorry to hear about your health issues and i wish you a swift recovery! :)
I need to make a local friend and borrow his car.lol My Canuke buddy stayed in Iceland for 2 years staying at farmer's house or their barn in exchange for some farm work!!
@@benkim2016 yeah that’s one way to do it :) but i still think it’s better to find a paid job somewhere in the countryside hotel, they often provide staff car too. And volunteering isn’t complete legal here anymore as far as I know, as a lot of people were taking advatage of that
Hi Jan, thank you for your very informative videos! Subscribed! I am going to Iceland in October, it will be my first time. As a nature photographer one of my goals is to catch the Aurora borealis of course! :) But I have this doubt, can we move "freely" in and out of the campsites at night? Or there are restricted hours when you cant leave the camspite or enter? And do we need to book in advance the campsites or is just arrive and pay? Thank you so much! I will see your other videos! Congrats for the channel! Keep it going!
Hello Pedro! thank you so much! I wouldn't be too worried, as far as I know you can move freely and the hours aren't restricted. Of course there're the unwritten rules like don't leave your engine running late in the evening as many people are already asleep and so on...you know, just the common sense kind of things. With the booking, you can prebook some but you don't have to. if there's nobody collecting payments, they will most likely show up in the morning. Every campsite is a bit different, and so it is hard to say exactly what to expect, but it is always all very relaxed overall. Also there shouldn't be that many people camping in October, so that's even better. Just check beforehand which of the campsites are operating when you're there. Some of them are closing by the end of September or during October.
@@janiniceland Thank you so much again!! I really appreciate your answer and your very welcome information! Best of luck for you and your channel! Looking forward for October! Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Jan, I never noticed so much the lack of trees in Iceland but from so much of the videos in Iceland you don't see any. Trees are beautiful but they cost so much to takedown later on when the get diseased or too old. Nice there are so many designated Campsites I think it would be best to stay in one to avoid any problems. Like you mentioned, a few bad people can ruin it for everyone. It is sad they have to have so many camping regulations and laws because of it.
Hello Ben! Yes, there aren't many of them here. But we still have a couple of nice forests here and there. They're much smaller than in other parts of the world , but they're beautiful and once you are in one it feels like a different world. Something for a future video. It's sad for us who respect the nature, that's for sure. But it's probably good to have these regulations, otherwise the things could probably get out of control very quickly..
wild camping is legal along some popular trails like Hellismannaleid in the areas that lie outside of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. there really are many places where wild camping is allowed if you're a backpacker with no car and going trekking in the mountains.
Thanks for sharing! I haven't hiked there yet tbh - this year hopefully! I think in the areas like that it's the best for people to seek information at the info center or ask a ranger. From my experience that's been always very helpful.
Thanks for the video mate. Me and my parter are hiring a campervan next year for two week and just wondered if its worth getting the camping card or not? Thanks
It depends - what I would do is to first plan where you'll be spending each night and according to that calculate the cost. And it will simply depend a lot on how many campsites that the card covers you'll be staying at and compare the total cost with/without the card. - But I'd say it's worth it if you're staying for two weeks and you can stay mainly in those cmapsites that the card covers. If you were to pay some $37 per night (2 person) thats takes you to $518 in 14 days vs $195 camping card
Never done it tbh, but I think it is a bit cheaper. It of course comes with some challenges, like you can't use it if the wind is too strong - considering unpredictable icelandic weather and that often there's nowhere you can hide from the wind, that could be an issue. But for most of the time in summer we don't get such a crazy winds. Another thing that could make things more challenging is that you don't have a space to cook if the weather's bad unless you have awning
@@janiniceland the wind (especially in the Highlands and Westfjords) may be an issue. As for cooking, that's where campsites or making your meals prepacked comes in. I'm definitely visiting some campsites around Snaefelsness and the Westfjords this upcoming summer to get a feeling of what camping entails with a rooftop tent or car camping. I'm not camping this year but open to it. Also, having a drone is great but as you pointed out, you'd have to have a sturdy drone if there are strong winds. Looking at the DJI Mavic 3 Classic. One last question, Jan. Have you been able to fly your drone when it rains? If so, only mild rain or through heavy rain as well?. To finish off, I love your videos and subscribed immediately 😇😎. Have a great day.
@@HarryOsirian Thank you very much Harry! I have air 2s and it's handled even the strong winds great. But mavic 3 is one capable beast. Some of my friends have it, the quality is insane, but it was too much weight for me when i take it for skiing and hiking. I flew in a light rain and snowstorm with air 2s and it was always ok, but I don't think I would fly in a pouring rain. If you really needed the shot I think it would be just fine, but I never dared to try it 😃
@@janiniceland Great feedback, thank you. I'll consider the pros and cons of a drone. Meanwhile, I just purchased a sleeping bag+pad to test out car camping. If I like it I may try one or more nights in Snaefelsness or parts of the Westfjords. Thanks again for your replies, Jan. Appreciate it. Have a blessed day 🙏🏻
Are there any porblems with just parking close to the waterfalls/certain tourists attractions at night for taking nightscape shots or watching the auroras?
@@janiniceland yes! That’s great! I couldn’t find it. We are coming overlanding for July, so that map will be fantastic to get it the quieter sites and huts hopefully. Thanks for your help!
@@simonmetcalfe1254 Absolutely! Good luck on your trip, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time here. - you can also check out these links here - www.ferdalag.is/en/accommodation/in-public/mountainhuts-cabins - www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/all-mountain-huts
On the property of someone and they come over = illegal. Flying drones over crowds = stupid and annoying, BUT... If you come at the spot late at night or very early morning : fly your drone as much as you want. I've seen people flying drones over seljallandfoss and Dettifoss at midnight with almost nobody around. Camping is for masochists 😉. If you're a light sleeper, go in the busiest season and want to skimp on accomodation..; DON'T! With all the cars coming and going throughout the day and night + other campers don't always respect your sleep and are just annoying and loud. Nope. Tried it. Hated it. Now, if done in remote areas such as the Westfjords and not many people around and lots of space in between, Ok fine. 😋
I agree with the drone flying, don't do it when there are many other people nearby and if you really have to, just take off and fly straight up in the air, do not hover above people's heads...With places like Dettifoss, I would still discourage people from doing so. It is a part of Vatnajökull National Park if there was a ranger around, you're risking a fine. Also just, it is a a national park for a reason, so respect it. Regarding camping - Thanks for sharing this! It's true, the summers in the campsites of the busy parts of the Island can get pretty busy and it's perhaps not for light sleepers - ear plugs are a must, but still...it's better to look for smaller camping grounds, for example some of the guesthouses give you a chance to camp on their land and so on. The good research is a must.
In Switzerland it wasn't difficult to camp, people there are more tolerant of campers, there are farm or field owners who ask permission they let you spend the night, I'll take the risk of camping in Iceland, I think the country is incredible.
I don't find anything wrong with wild camping as long as the person is respectful to the environment and so on. And of course if you camp on the private land, we can't blame the owner who doesnt want people there, I wouldn't like that either. Unfortunately there're so many people who don't give a **** and leave the places in mess, which makes this a bit of a controversial topic amongst locals. Some support it, some are strongly against it.
@@janiniceland Yes, I understand, they are not obliged to accept strangers in the yard, and it is also up to us to respect the space and take care of the environment and go to the appropriate place. I love your videos
➡ My newest guide/map is out! Check-it out and start planning your trip right now : bit.ly/janiniceland-map
My days of overlanding & camping are done, I’m a bit precious now & like my own toilet & shower 😂. I read on the groups I was in that people want to ‘freecamp’, be a bit cheaper I know! I’ve had to put off my next Iceland trip till next year, health issues 😢 but never fear I’ll be back 😃 too much more I want to see.
I absolutely understand that Kate! Yes, well people could definitely save some money by not staying in the campsites, but that's just up to everyone to decide whether it's worth the risk and the extra time looking for a spot where nobody will kick them out (my experience - veeery time consuming). Sorry to hear about your health issues and i wish you a swift recovery! :)
I need to make a local friend and borrow his car.lol
My Canuke buddy stayed in Iceland for 2 years staying at farmer's house or their barn in exchange for some farm work!!
@@benkim2016 yeah that’s one way to do it :) but i still think it’s better to find a paid job somewhere in the countryside hotel, they often provide staff car too. And volunteering isn’t complete legal here anymore as far as I know, as a lot of people were taking advatage of that
Hi Jan, thank you for your very informative videos! Subscribed! I am going to Iceland in October, it will be my first time. As a nature photographer one of my goals is to catch the Aurora borealis of course! :) But I have this doubt, can we move "freely" in and out of the campsites at night? Or there are restricted hours when you cant leave the camspite or enter? And do we need to book in advance the campsites or is just arrive and pay? Thank you so much! I will see your other videos! Congrats for the channel! Keep it going!
Hello Pedro! thank you so much! I wouldn't be too worried, as far as I know you can move freely and the hours aren't restricted. Of course there're the unwritten rules like don't leave your engine running late in the evening as many people are already asleep and so on...you know, just the common sense kind of things. With the booking, you can prebook some but you don't have to. if there's nobody collecting payments, they will most likely show up in the morning. Every campsite is a bit different, and so it is hard to say exactly what to expect, but it is always all very relaxed overall. Also there shouldn't be that many people camping in October, so that's even better. Just check beforehand which of the campsites are operating when you're there. Some of them are closing by the end of September or during October.
@@janiniceland Thank you so much again!! I really appreciate your answer and your very welcome information! Best of luck for you and your channel! Looking forward for October! Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Jan, I never noticed so much the lack of trees in Iceland but from so much of the videos in Iceland you don't see any. Trees are beautiful but they cost so much to takedown later on when the get diseased or too old.
Nice there are so many designated Campsites I think it would be best to stay in one to avoid any problems.
Like you mentioned, a few bad people can ruin it for everyone. It is sad they have to have so many camping regulations and laws because of it.
Hello Ben!
Yes, there aren't many of them here. But we still have a couple of nice forests here and there. They're much smaller than in other parts of the world , but they're beautiful and once you are in one it feels like a different world. Something for a future video.
It's sad for us who respect the nature, that's for sure. But it's probably good to have these regulations, otherwise the things could probably get out of control very quickly..
wild camping is legal along some popular trails like Hellismannaleid in the areas that lie outside of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. there really are many places where wild camping is allowed if you're a backpacker with no car and going trekking in the mountains.
Thanks for sharing! I haven't hiked there yet tbh - this year hopefully! I think in the areas like that it's the best for people to seek information at the info center or ask a ranger. From my experience that's been always very helpful.
Thanks for the video mate. Me and my parter are hiring a campervan next year for two week and just wondered if its worth getting the camping card or not? Thanks
It depends - what I would do is to first plan where you'll be spending each night and according to that calculate the cost. And it will simply depend a lot on how many campsites that the card covers you'll be staying at and compare the total cost with/without the card.
- But I'd say it's worth it if you're staying for two weeks and you can stay mainly in those cmapsites that the card covers. If you were to pay some $37 per night (2 person) thats takes you to $518 in 14 days vs $195 camping card
@@janiniceland ok mate thanks for your help 👍
Jan, I'd like your thoughts on Rooftop tent caming.
Never done it tbh, but I think it is a bit cheaper. It of course comes with some challenges, like you can't use it if the wind is too strong - considering unpredictable icelandic weather and that often there's nowhere you can hide from the wind, that could be an issue. But for most of the time in summer we don't get such a crazy winds. Another thing that could make things more challenging is that you don't have a space to cook if the weather's bad unless you have awning
@@janiniceland the wind (especially in the Highlands and Westfjords) may be an issue. As for cooking, that's where campsites or making your meals prepacked comes in. I'm definitely visiting some campsites around Snaefelsness and the Westfjords this upcoming summer to get a feeling of what camping entails with a rooftop tent or car camping. I'm not camping this year but open to it. Also, having a drone is great but as you pointed out, you'd have to have a sturdy drone if there are strong winds. Looking at the DJI Mavic 3 Classic. One last question, Jan. Have you been able to fly your drone when it rains? If so, only mild rain or through heavy rain as well?. To finish off, I love your videos and subscribed immediately 😇😎. Have a great day.
@@HarryOsirian Thank you very much Harry! I have air 2s and it's handled even the strong winds great. But mavic 3 is one capable beast. Some of my friends have it, the quality is insane, but it was too much weight for me when i take it for skiing and hiking. I flew in a light rain and snowstorm with air 2s and it was always ok, but I don't think I would fly in a pouring rain. If you really needed the shot I think it would be just fine, but I never dared to try it 😃
@@janiniceland Great feedback, thank you. I'll consider the pros and cons of a drone. Meanwhile, I just purchased a sleeping bag+pad to test out car camping. If I like it I may try one or more nights in Snaefelsness or parts of the Westfjords. Thanks again for your replies, Jan. Appreciate it. Have a blessed day 🙏🏻
Are there any porblems with just parking close to the waterfalls/certain tourists attractions at night for taking nightscape shots or watching the auroras?
No, you don't have to worry, that's completely fine :)
@@janiniceland Thanks Jan, appreciate all the videos, they've helped a lot!
Hi Jan, how to I see the campsite map? It look amazing!
Hey Simon! Do you mean this one here? happycampers.is/resources/campsite-map/
@@janiniceland yes! That’s great! I couldn’t find it. We are coming overlanding for July, so that map will be fantastic to get it the quieter sites and huts hopefully. Thanks for your help!
@@simonmetcalfe1254 Absolutely! Good luck on your trip, I'm sure you'll have an amazing time here.
- you can also check out these links here
- www.ferdalag.is/en/accommodation/in-public/mountainhuts-cabins
-
www.fi.is/en/mountain-huts/all-mountain-huts
@@janiniceland fantastic! Thanks again!! Will have an eye out for you when we are there. We are in a UK pickup!
On the property of someone and they come over = illegal. Flying drones over crowds = stupid and annoying, BUT... If you come at the spot late at night or very early morning : fly your drone as much as you want. I've seen people flying drones over seljallandfoss and Dettifoss at midnight with almost nobody around. Camping is for masochists 😉. If you're a light sleeper, go in the busiest season and want to skimp on accomodation..; DON'T! With all the cars coming and going throughout the day and night + other campers don't always respect your sleep and are just annoying and loud. Nope. Tried it. Hated it. Now, if done in remote areas such as the Westfjords and not many people around and lots of space in between, Ok fine. 😋
I agree with the drone flying, don't do it when there are many other people nearby and if you really have to, just take off and fly straight up in the air, do not hover above people's heads...With places like Dettifoss, I would still discourage people from doing so. It is a part of Vatnajökull National Park if there was a ranger around, you're risking a fine. Also just, it is a a national park for a reason, so respect it.
Regarding camping - Thanks for sharing this! It's true, the summers in the campsites of the busy parts of the Island can get pretty busy and it's perhaps not for light sleepers - ear plugs are a must, but still...it's better to look for smaller camping grounds, for example some of the guesthouses give you a chance to camp on their land and so on. The good research is a must.
Can you sleep in your car overnight at these campsites??
Oh yes, absolutely! They're both for tents and cars/camper vans
@janiniceland is it allowed to sleep in the backseat of a medium sized car on a campsite
@@theotherside2621 you can sleep in the car in the campsite that’s no problem :)
00:29 what did you call me? 😂
Traveller 😅 what did you understand?
@@janiniceland Just that it is another word for "gypsy" in UK English. Kazdopadne dik za informace ;)
@@Puleczech ooops 😅 🙏🏻
@0:28 "How are you as a TERRORIST supposed to know where you are obeying law and where you are one step away from getting a fine" 😅
In Switzerland it wasn't difficult to camp, people there are more tolerant of campers, there are farm or field owners who ask permission they let you spend the night, I'll take the risk of camping in Iceland, I think the country is incredible.
I don't find anything wrong with wild camping as long as the person is respectful to the environment and so on. And of course if you camp on the private land, we can't blame the owner who doesnt want people there, I wouldn't like that either. Unfortunately there're so many people who don't give a **** and leave the places in mess, which makes this a bit of a controversial topic amongst locals. Some support it, some are strongly against it.
@@janiniceland Yes, I understand, they are not obliged to accept strangers in the yard, and it is also up to us to respect the space and take care of the environment and go to the appropriate place. I love your videos
Ok, cancel Iceland.. to many rules.. 😢
naaah I think it's still worth it!