Iceland is one of the most fascinating destinations in Europe. There’s a reason why so many tourists visit it every year and this treasure is becoming even more attractive throughout the year. Hot baths, dreamy waterfalls, wonderful beaches and northern lights – you can expect a magical experience in Iceland. But if you want to plan your own trip, I have some advice for you.
I believe that everyone wants to travel cheap. I barely earn any money, but I still decided to visit this beautiful island for a few days. How expensive can it be, if I got a return ticket for 50 euros and I’m going to couch surf? Turns out that it can be very expensive. Iceland is a tourist country. It is visited by 3 million tourists every year.
My experience with Couchsurfing was bad, so it’s always good to have a backup plan. A bed in a hostel will cost you around 50 euros. HI Membership will help you with a 10% discount and three hostels in the centre of Reykjavik.
Another thing I did not know about is that you must book the Blue Lagoon in advance. But I saved that for the next time when I will be able to afford 60 to 80 euros into a few hours of bathing. This famous destination is crowded with tourists. The Blue Lagoon is near the airport, so it’s best to go right when you arrive to Iceland or right before leaving.
There is only one main road, running throughout the country so it’s hard to get lost. Loft hotel also offers a list of people who are offering and searching for a ride, which I warmly recommend. If you have time, the public transport is also an option, but it’s difficult to use. A good option are also wonderfully organized tourist trips like Golden Circle, a trip to the southern part, Chasing the Northern lights or Follow the steps of Game of Thrones. Some of them lead you to Secret Lagoon where you can relax and enjoy yourselves.
If you’re not really Hugh Hefner’s heir, don’t make all your plans on your last day. A snow storm might happen, which means that you may get stuck on the other end of the country and miss the flight back. And risking is an expensive thing on Iceland. Have a just-in-case day.
The last McDonald’s closed a few years back on Iceland and there aren’t really food kiosks as we are used to in the central Europe. You can have a Subway sandwich. But generally, 15 euros is a really good price for a meal, as prices for one are around 25 euros. Yes, pizzas too. My advice is that you cook in a hostel or check the daily menu at Café Babalú where you will find cheap and tasty meals.
Don’t repeat my mistake and don’t just assume that the public transport is something normal and easy to find. If you miss a bus to the airport, the next one leaves in 2 hours or you have to walk 5 kilometres to the other bus company. In any case, you will pay 22 euros. My suggestion: if you’re not renting a car, hitchhike to Reykjavik. You probably won’t find a country that is safer than Iceland. Maybe you can even make arrangements while being on a plane. It’s hard to do anything else than talk while flying.
The perfect scenario is a week or two on the island while renting a car. In the winter, you will see the Northern lights and enjoy a wonderful winter landscape, and in the summer, the sun shining at midnight, green hills and majestic waterfalls. Even short trips are worth your while, but it’s the best to follow your tempo and let go.
Did you always want to visit a museum of punk? Maybe a phallus museum? Do you want to taste volcanic salt? Explore the scene, Icelanders are very hospitable and used to tourists. There are also very interesting brochures in the hostels, which focus on the fun stuff for the curious tourists. Regardless of your interest, Iceland will charm you.
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