If you love nature, hiking, taking photos, and spontaneous road tripping amongst various and unreal landscapes, then Iceland is perfect for your dream vacay. You’ve likely seen some #icelandroadtrip breathtaking pics on the interwebs, but nothing compares to seeing Iceland’s nature in person. You need to touch it, smell it, drive it, and hike it all for yourself!

Be it solo travel, with friends, or with that random stranger you meet while buying discounted booze at the duty-free shop in the airport, an Iceland road trip will offer an ultimate adventure to remember!

I was fortunate enough to venture solo on an Iceland road trip. I didn’t have much planned besides driving around and winging it. It was a breeze to run into random sights and go to places I had read about all while jamming to 90’s CDs in my cute little blue car. When the sun finally dipped down for a few hours each evening, I snoozed in campground parking lots to refresh myself for the following day’s adventures. It was perfect!

But looking for things to do? Here are 7 reasons to hop out of your car during your Iceland road trip:

1. Walk around Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city, will remind you of a 500 piece puzzle you put together at your grandmother’s house as a child. It is an adorable picturesque town where one-third of the 330,000 Icelandic residents live. It’s a perfect place to relax and wander about for a couple of days as you put together the final touches on your Iceland road trip itinerary.

You’ll find the small town of Reykjavik easy to navigate. Even if you don’t stay in the city center, it’s easy to get around by foot or pop into your car for a quick drive.

One of the first things you should do upon arrival is sign up for the free walking tour to learn a bit about Iceland’s history and culture. This tour will be guided by a vibrant local whose name will have too many syllables to remember. Make sure to ask your guide about Icelandic name culture! The tour is also a great way to meet other travelers and snag a new friend who wants to join in and split the cost of fuel on your Iceland road trip.

You can also head into the gorgeous glass convention center on the water, go for a pricey brew—because you deserve one—at one of the many pubs, and pop into a tourist office if you need any last minute advice for your Iceland road trip.

2. Save $$ and camp

With many campgrounds speckled around Iceland, it’s a breeze to find a place to sleep. You will find camping to be very efficient and affordable compared to snagging a dorm bed or guesthouse.

In Reykjavik you can either rent a tent, camper van, or sleep in your car. Camping across Iceland makes it easy to decide on the spot where you want to get your beauty rest or scout out the northern lights. Although the weather can be unpredictable, camping is a common way for road trippers to see the country. If weather conditions worry you, opt for a camper van rather than a tent to make sure you have a comfortable experience.

Depending on if you are in a national park or not will determine the cost of camping. I stayed for both free and very low prices while sleeping in my car with an extra warm sleeping bag.

3. Bathe in the many hot springs

The natural pools around Iceland, which will warm you up amongst the chilly weather, are perfect for any season. Iceland, being a bit of a colder vacay destination, makes sure to keep everyone happy by offering beautiful warm pools.

Less than an hour from Reykjavik is the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s worth a look if you’re ok with paying loads of cash and getting the same selfies everyone else already has. Not to say you shouldn’t go; but there are many more options that are actually affordable or free!

Seljavallalaug Pool is located in the south amongst a gorgeous backdrop of mountains. Although it can get busy, it’s a perfect place to relax, soak in the tubs, and wonder if this entire trip is all real life.

Reykjadalur hot springs take you on a mild hour-long hike up into a hillside valley. The hike may take longer as you’ll want to snap pics the whole way. Once you make it to the river, you’ll see pop up decks and changing areas and be able to soak in the mountains.

As we can go on for pages and pages raving about Iceland’s hot springs, you’ll have to check out the best ones for yourself! With over 250 geothermal areas across the country, you’ll have to go out of your way to not stumble upon a few of them.

4. Go hiking

What better way to see the beauty of Iceland by foot? Although your cozy car will give you stellar views, you will need to get out and stretch every now and then. Beware the weather and pack layers!

Whether you’re in areas just off of the ring road such as Skaftafell National Park, weaving your way up through Fjaðrárgljúfur, or completely lost in nature near Westfjords Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, you can find a hike right up your alley. You don’t have to be a pro hiker to enjoy Iceland’s nature by foot.

But make sure to pack correctly, leave no trace, and to get out of the car every now and then to truly immerse yourself into nature.

My favorite hike in Iceland was during a late afternoon near the southern town of Vik. If you look just north of the city, you see towering plateaus and a church on the hillside. Behind the church is a trail that extends vertically onto what seems to be the top of the mountain.

I was interested in seeing where it would take me. I ended up traversing the cliff sides as the sun was setting. There was not a soul in sight for the duration of my five-hour hike.

I spied on the town below and the views from the top were mindblowing. The sea to the south and neverending valleys and glaciers to the north. The serenity and peacefulness on that hike was a feeling that everyone needs to experience while traveling.

5. Snap some photos of the waterfalls

As you’re driving, you’ll be gazing at the hillsides and see waterfalls every few minutes. “Look there! Look there!” You’ll catch yourself saying out loud. Iceland promises gorgeous waterfalls all over the country. In fact, more than 10,000 waterfalls drip from the high mountains—you can’t miss them.

It’s definitely worth stepping out of your car and take advantage of that photo op. There is no selfie shame while in Iceland!

While some of those amazing waterfalls, like Gullfoss, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss are busy with tons of tourists year round, you can also find many others along your trip that are worth a look.

6. Picnic at the beaches

You may not be sunbathing amongst the warm seas, but that doesn’t mean you should pass up Iceland’s beaches. With summer weather peaking at a possible high of 70 degrees (25°C), you may get just a teeny glimpse of possible swimwear weather. However, the array of the unique nature of the beaches makes them perfect for visiting even in the winter. Beaches in the tropics don’t compare to the unique beaches in Iceland.

The Black Sand beach near Vik has columns of basalt rock formations. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon are both Insta-worthy. There’s also the remote Red Sands beach in the Westfjords that will not be overrun with partying tourists. Regardless of your itinerary, beaches will be with you the whole way.

“But I really wanted to surf!” Guess what; you can! Surfing the crisp waters surrounding Iceland may not be everyone’s dream, but if you’ve got the chance, go for it!

7. To top off your Iceland road trip: binge on hot dogs

Iceland is not well known for its delectable cuisine. Honestly, the most efficient way to stay fueled during your Iceland road trip is to BYO-stuff. If you can load up your bag with granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and snacks, you’re set. The food in Iceland is fairly expensive.

If you are on a budget, you should stop at the mini stops where you will fuel up and chomp on Icelandic hot dogs. “Wait what?!” You ask. Well, Iceland’s hot dogs are a thing! Everyone loves them and can afford to buy them. Those cheap, free-range, grass-fed, organic, lamb-meat, delicious hot dogs will sustain you throughout your Iceland road trip.

“Will those sustain you for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner?” you ask. Welp, worked for me! Now give it a shot.

Pack your hiking boots, swimsuit, and jacket because it’s time to book that ticket for your ultimate Iceland road trip! The drive alone will offer various dashboard views of glaciers, sunsets, fjords, and greenery you’ve never seen before. You can read all about it and scroll all of the pics online, but it truly is worth visiting in person and taking it in yourself.

The country is easily accessible if you have a car or are brave enough to hitchhike. It’s safe, fun, friendly, relaxing, and great for those who need some adventure.

Suggested next reading: 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going To Iceland

The post 7 Ways To Make Your Iceland Road Trip A Truly Magical Experience appeared first on Modern Trekker.

The northern lights are a phenomenon visible only during the winter every year and this show occurs when particles from the sun crash into particles in our atmosphere, giving off energy as colored light. They are unpredictable and can be easily missed.

If you want to see this stunning spectacle this year or next, here are 15 things you need to consider when planning a trip to see the northern lights.

1. Timing

It is incredibly important to time your trip right if you plan to see the northern lights, and there are certain times of the year where the lights won’t show up like they do in others.

The winter season from November to February has to be the best time to see Aurora Borealis because the nights are much longer. This gives you more time to see the lights dancing in the sky before the sun comes up.

Despite common belief, coldness has nothing to do with seeing the Aurora Borealis. People only suggest winter because that is when it is darker longer.

2. Choose The Right Countries

Deciding where to see the northern lights could be a make or break decision in successfully seeing them. This is because some locations are better than others for seeing the northern lights. Some simply have more dramatic light displays while also being in areas where they happen more frequently.

These best places include Iceland (e.g.  Reykjavik), Greenland (e.g. Kangerlussuaq), Russia (e.g. Murmansk), Norway (e.g. Tromsø), Finland (e.g. Rovaniemi), Sweden (e.g. Abisko), Alaska (e.g. Elim), and many parts of Canada (e.g. Yellowknife, Northern Saskatchewan, Torngat Mountains National Park, etc.)

More on this topic here.

3. Check The Forecast

Like other activities such as surfing, there is a northern lights forecast available which predicts how active the northern lights will be each and every day. Before you head out it is a good idea for you to have a look at this forecast to see if you will be in for a good show or not.

Ideally, you will want the number on the scale to be Kp=3 or higher for the best chance of a great light show when the sun goes down.

4. Stay Around 5 Days

If you really want to see the northern lights, it’d be a good idea to stay in the area for around 5 days to increase your chances of seeing them.

Often the northern lights will appear for up to 3 nights in a row and then not show for a number of days, thus staying around 5 days increases your chances of seeing them in case you happen to arrive on an off-day.

5. Plan For Winter

Because the northern lights are much more visible during the winter months of the year, it is important to take the time to plan your trip and be ready for the cold weather.

It is always a good idea to check the sunrise and sunset times if you are planning a self-drive tour of the lights because driving at night in a snowy country can be pretty dangerous.

6. Self-drive?

One of the decisions you will want to make for yourself when you choose to go and see the northern lights is whether you will find a dedicated Northern Lights tour operator to join for the trip, or if you will instead simply drive yourself to the spot where you think you’ll be able to see the lights best.

It is totally a matter of personal preference and you can always think of different ways to make the most of your own northern lights trip. Of course, if you do choose a tour guide they will know the best spot to see the lights, but it is still up to you if you would rather go it alone.

If you do choose a northern lights tour, Bubble Tour and Blue Lagoon can be a good place to stay.

7. Book Ahead Of Time

If you’re traveling with someone else, then you’ll want to make sure that you get the best chance to see the northern lights together by booking your stay ahead of time.

It is always super important for you to take the time to book your holiday ahead since it will allow you to take more time to prepare for the trip, as well as ensure that you can save yourself some money on the tickets.

8. Check The Weather

The weather when you are about to go away will have a massive impact on the trip you have and your ability to see the northern lights. It stands to reason that if the sky is covered in cloud or it is raining that you won’t be able to see the lights very well, if at all, and this can be a huge annoyance.

Try to pick a day which will be clear and this will give you the best opportunity to enjoy the lights in all of their glory.

9. Expect Different Colors

The northern lights can appear in a spectrum of colors, including grays. Which means that if there are clouds in the sky, it may be hard to spot the lights if they show up as gray.

Although green is the common color, don’t be surprised to see a few others too. Now you know what to look out for!

10. Face North

Ok, so you’re already in the northern part of the world, so why bother facing north? Can’t the lights just start anywhere if you’re already north? Not necessarily.

You’re more likely to see the northern lights if you’re facing north. So, since you’ve already traveled a long way north to get there, why not just face north too?

11. Bring Snacks, Lots Of Snacks

The day will be long for you if you decide to take a walking tour of the lights through the mountains. Because of this, it is super important for you to bring along some food and some drinks to keep you healthy and energized for the hike.

When you set off for a hike you can always think about something which is high in sugar such as a Kendal mint cake or something which has a lot of protein such as a nutbar. Also, make sure you drink water in small increments to keep you hydrated but to stop you needing the restroom every few minutes.

12. Layer Up

The day and nights are going to be incredibly cold for you when you head off for your trip, and because of this, you’ll need to make sure that you bring lots of layers with you for the trip. It is a good idea for you to visit an outdoor clothing store to gather up things such as sturdy boots and socks, thermal under layers and thick pants and coats for the walk.

Don’t forget to bring items to cover your eyes and face because it can get pretty freezing in these northern countries.

13. Prepare For Walking

It is always a good idea to get away from light pollution when seeing the northern lights, and so you may need to trek a few miles away from cities to best see them.

If you haven’t walked for a while and you want to go and see the northern lights, it’d be best to practice a little bit before going. Walking in your local area and in the mountains in your own home country is a good way to get used to the idea of walking and to build up your stamina a little too.

14. Take A Camera

This one should be a no-brainer when planning a trip to see the northern lights, but don’t forget to bring a camera and a tripod! You’ll want to capture and treasure this sight forever.

Be sure to set your camera to long exposure capture to take the best shots.

15. Go For The Destination As Well As The Lights

The northern lights can be unpredictable, sometimes the aurora forecast can be at a Kp=4, but you’ll still not see anything. Moreover, sometimes you won’t even see the northern lights at all. If you were to just plan a trip to see the northern lights and that was all, this would be a huge disappointment!

To lower the potential disappointment factor, make sure the country you’re visiting to see the lights is also one you’re interested in.

Without sounding too pessimistic, plan a bulletproof holiday itinerary that doesn’t include seeing the northern lights so that, if the worst were to happen, you’d still have a good time and wouldn’t feel too short-changed.

If you’re in the middle of planning a trip to see the northern lights, we hope these 15 tips were helpful for you. Let us know how you get on and share more tips below!

Suggested next reading: 6 Best Places In The World To See The Northern Lights

The post 15 Expert Tips For Planning A Trip To See The Northern Lights appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Planning your trip without knowing the basics on how to see the Northern Lights may mean you miss it altogether. Knowing some of the best places to see the Northern Lights is a step forward in this process.

If you plan a short trip to see them, you must choose places that are very far north.

Among different places where you can enjoy the Aurora show (if the conditions are right), I have chosen spots located in Kp=2 regions (closer to the earth’s poles). These places get much Aurora activity and there are high chances to enjoy the lights here even when the Auroras are weak and the solar activity is low.

More on this you can find in the article I have written about everything you need to know about chasing the Northern Lights.

In addition, keep in mind that the best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in the Kp=2 region is between September and April. (In summer, the midnight sun prevents the Aurora even if there’s solar activity).

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a paradise for Aurora hunters. The country is located in the Kp=2 zone and this means there are high chances to see the lights even if the solar activity is not so strong. As a traveler, it may be best for you to go to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. You have plenty of activities to do there during the day and you can then plan to chase the lights away from the city (and light pollution) at night.

From Reykjavik, you can easily get to other parts of Iceland, especially if you rent a car.

The small country is sparsely populated and is ideal for viewing Aurora shows away from light pollution. Snæfelsness Peninsula, Jökulsárlón, or Reynisfjara black sand beach are very good spots for admiring the green Aurora-filled skies.

However, if you don’t want to venture to these places and are on a short-term Aurora chasing mission, then reaching out to a local tour company is the best choice.

2. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Very similar to Iceland, Greenland is even less populated and sees very few tourists. The immensity of frozen scenery, glaciers, waterfalls, and scattered villages define this land.

In western Greenland, Kangerlussuaq area has a good microclimate for seeing the Northern Lights as it is tucked away at the end of a deep fjord. The town’s airport is also the main flights’ hub for Greenland.

A stylish arctic metropolis, in Kangerlussuaq you can enjoy museums, ice-calving events, or walks in nature while waiting for the evenings’ light shows. But no matter how well you might plan to see the lights show, nothing can be compared to watching the Aurora from a plane, while you are flying over Greenland, for example from the U.S. to Europe.

3. Murmansk, Russia

This town is ideally located above the Arctic Circle and is easily accessible by plane. However, due to light pollution, you will need to get out of town and venture into nature to enjoy the dazzling displays.

Of course, you don’t have to do that on your own and can book a tour with an agency. They definitely know their way around and you can find amazing places such as the coastline of Teriberka or the remote surroundings of Kirovsk.

In addition, before deciding to head to Russia, check if you need a visa to go there as it may be much easier to fly to any of the other Northern Lights spots mentioned in this article.

4. Tromsø, Norway

Northern Scandinavia is another favorite spot for Aurora hunters.

Tromsø is among the most accessible places for light shows in the northern part of Norway, located around the Auroral Oval (approximately 70° North latitude). The small town has an airport with good connections to Oslo and so is easy to get there without driving hundreds of kilometers along the snaky fjords of Norway.

Also, besides chasing the Northern Lights, museums and other winter activities (dog sledding, reindeer farms) can be enjoyed there while you are waiting for the best time to see the Aurora.

5. Rovaniemi, Finland

The capital of the Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see the dancing displays in the northern part of Finland. Also known as the hometown of Santa Claus, the town is located right on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi has its own airport with good connections to the big capital of Helsinki, or even to London.

In addition to hunting the Northern Lights in the evenings, you can experience the magical atmosphere of Christmas in places such as Santa’s Village or Santa’s Park. Many reindeer and husky farms are run in the area and so this, alongside experiencing the Sami culture and tasting a traditional meal in one of their tents, makes for a truly authentic experience.

6. Abisko, Sweden

Located in the Sweedish Lapland, Abisko is the most northern place that you can get in Sweden. For this reason, it is the preferred outpost for Aurora spotters who often enjoy its practically permanently cloud-free skies full of green light shows.

In the nearby surroundings, Abisko National Park’s “Aurora Sky Station” is the best spot to experience the lights. A chairlift whisks curious visitors up to the mountaintop. There, you will find an exhibition dedicated to the Northern Lights and a café to enjoy the greatest light show on Earth.

In addition, Abisko has many other winter activities in the area, such as skiing, dog sledding, snowmobile, or Nordic walking tours.

You can try any of these activities as well as sleeping in one of the world’s most famous Ice Hotel. Everything is made of ice and snow there (even the plates and glasses). This could be the ideal complementary experience for you to enjoy while watching the Northern Lights!

Suggested next reading: Chasing The Northern Lights: Everything You Need To Know

The post 6 Best Places In The World To See The Northern Lights appeared first on Modern Trekker.

But it’s not so easy to see them. In fact, this is the reason why trying to see the Northern Lights is called “chasing the Northern Lights.” Commonly referred to as the Aurora Borealis, this phenomenon occurs only in the northern hemisphere of the globe. Its sister, the Aurora Australis is a similar phenomenon that occurs in the Southern hemisphere.

There are many places where you can go and see the Auroras but not all of them provide the same odds of actually being seen. While the Aurora Australis is very difficult to see (Antarctica, and occasionally the south of Australia and New Zealand), North America or Europe are the best places to see the Aurora Borealis.

Here is everything you need to know before chasing the Northern Lights.

How The Aurora Occurs

In a nutshell, the Aurora (Borealis or Australis) is a light show created when the atmosphere of the sun opens and charged particles flow out. The electrically charged particles from the solar activity enter the atmosphere of the earth’s magnetic poles. At the pole’s, the magnetic field is weaker and particles released from the sun can collide with gaseous particles and thus emit light.

There needs to be a large opening in the atmosphere of the sun so that lots of charged particles flow out and eventually collide with gases in the atmosphere of the earth. This is called a “solar wind” or a “solar storms” and it happens only when there is strong solar activity. This is the moment when vivid Auroras appear in the sky and can be clearly seen.

If the particles from the solar activity collide with oxygen molecules, the color of the lights in most cases are perceived as green. Variations of the color may appear if colliding with nitrogen particles—these create pink or purple colors, or hydrogen—blue colors.

The Aurora Strength

The strength of the Aurora can be measured with the Kp index, which depends on solar activity and geographic position. The Kp number shows the solar activity and indicates the strength of the Aurora seen from different locations.

Some of the Auroras are called “weak” and this means that you can witness them in the sky only in a few geographic locations. Others are “strong” and there are high chances to watch them in many places.

Getting closer to the magnetic poles rapidly increases the odds of viewing the Aurora. The further North you go, the higher the chance you’ll see the Aurora even if there’s not strong solar activity (i.e. a low Kp).

A Kp=2 zone means you can see the Aurora in that region even when the solar activity is not so intense. But the Aurora will be pretty weak. In order to see a strong Aurora, you’ll need to wait for a night with high levels of geomagnetic activity (usually one particular night every 5 – 6 days, but it’s not a strict rule).

To know the Kp index, you can consult many Northern Lights apps or Aurora Forecasts, some of them are even specialized for a certain region (i.e. the Norway Lights App is one of the most accurate ones).

When I was chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway (a Kp=2 zone), I planned to stay two weeks. During this time frame, there was intense solar activity (Kp=5/6) coupled with a clear sky only twice—so it was only then that I witnessed a strong and unforgettable Aurora.

Other similar best spots in Europe are in the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland (near the Arctic Circle).

The Best Time For Chasing The Northern Lights

To chase the Northern Lights means coming to terms with the fact that you can only see them at night! In addition to a favorable Kp in the northern regions, long winter nights are a good setting to view the Northern Lights. September to April are the best times throughout the year because of the so-called polar nights, where there’s more night than daylight.

Also, Auroral displays can only be seen on clear nights away from light pollution. If you stay in a town located in the proximity of the magnetic poles, you will have to drive around 30 minutes away into the darkness of nature.

Besides clear and pollution-free skies, it is important to stay and wait for the Aurora in an open space, where you don’t have the horizon obscured by mountains or other natural obstacles. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to see the Aurora show when it’s right above your head (only in the far Northern regions) and this means you’ll miss it at first.

In the higher Kp regions, you’ll never see the Aurora directly overhead but only lower at the northern horizon.

How To Actually Chase The Aurora

Seeing the Aurora doesn’t happen each night, although there’s always solar activity. There is a high chance you could go to a Northern region for three days, for example, but not see the Aurora. This can happen due to weak solar activity (unfortunately, none of us can control the universe!) Or perhaps because you don’t exactly know where to go to see it properly.

If you live in one of the areas close to the magnetic poles, then you should try to find the best spots during strong solar activity. It may take a long time though until you see your first Aurora and are able to take pictures of it.

If you are heading to Northern regions (i.e. Kp=2) and your only goal is to watch the Aurora, then booking a Chasing Aurora Trip with an agency is the best option.

Their advantage is that they know the best places to see the Aurora. They also know how to correlate the index Kp with the skies’ visibility. If necessary, they can even go several hundred kilometers to find the best spot.

Perhaps now you can understand why it’s called “chasing the Northern Lights”! These agencies really do chase the lights and help you return with the best memories.

Dress With Many Layers Of Clothing

Since winter nights and Northern regions are the best conditions to see the Aurora Borealis, dressing properly in as many clothes as possible is a must in order to resist the cold. You will wait for the Lights in the middle of nowhere and be surrounded by snow. The temperatures will definitely drop below 0°C / 32°F.

If you want to take photos, set up your camera for long exposures on a tripod and wait…and then wait some more.

Good gloves, boots, spare batteries, and a remote control for your camera are also musts. If possible, add hot tea or coffee in a thermos and heat patches for hands and/or feet. When you’ll see the Aurora, you won’t want to leave from there—especially if it’s a Dancing Aurora.

The post Chasing The Northern Lights: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Have you ever had that feeling where you just wanted to drive and see where you’d end? But then, right before you decide to leave it all behind you start wondering… where will I end up? How long will I be gone? Together with a thousand other questions. In Iceland, this is not a problem. Just start driving in Reykjavik and return to the exact same spot 2 to 3 weeks later. On the way visit Iceland—all of it, and maybe listen to some Sigur Rós to really get into the zone. Actually, Sigur Rós made the 1332 km journey themselves and have provided us with the music for it, which is now available as “Route One”.

2. See Aurora Borealis, the northern lights

This is probably high on everybody’s bucket list, so we were no exception. It doesn’t matter how often you’ve read about it, how many pictures you’ve seen, the real thing is beyond amazing. Every now and then I realize that I want to go back, just to have one more look at this amazing natural phenomenon.

3. Visit Jökulsárlón

This is the largest glacier lake in Iceland. The icebergs floating in the tranquil lake are awe-inspiring. One of the memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life are the glimpses of icebergs coming over the slope bordering the road on your left and then, finally, seeing the lake. Also, it does not stop there! As an added bonus, the lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, and when walking on the black beaches you’ll find natural ice sculptures that might have easily been seen at the Harbin ice festival. Or at least we think so. We haven’t actually been to the Harbin ice festival. YET.

4. Go look for the Sólheimasandur plane

It is still a mystery why on November 24th, 1973, this DC-3 started its emergency descent on the beach of Sólheimasandur. Luckily all of its crew were safe, but the plane was apparently damaged beyond repair. So now its remains are waiting for you on an endless, beautifully black beach. It’s completely off the grid, but unfortunately less and less off the beaten track. When we visited we were all alone, and, as far as we knew at the time, there was no way of getting to it by car. Recently there have been rumors that the way to it by car (which we did not see) has been closed by the owner. So now everybody has to get there the way we did: hiking. Good luck finding “the path” though… We had to cross the river multiple times during our 5 km hike. It made things more difficult, but all the more authentic and worthwhile.

5. Take a visit to the blue lagoon

Nope, not the place where Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields got stranded—for that, try Jamaica—but we’re pretty sure that you’ll enjoy this regardless. The blue lagoon is a man-made complex of shallow, hot water pools that are milky blue (look at the picture and this strange color description will make perfect sense). It is now run by a private company and, apart from just enjoying the hot pools, you can also use its mud for a facial that makes your skin baby soft. And, if you want to, you can go the whole way and enjoy a refreshing massage.

6. Visit the Myvatn area

Iceland itself is a different world, with 50% of the people believing in elves, and 100% percent of the tourists understanding why. Within this other realm lies Myvatn, which is even more mysterious. Here you’ll find volcanic mud pools, lakes, caves, volcanoes, lakes within volcanoes, hidden lakes within caves and every other possible combination. Take your time here and every day you’ll discover yet another treasure literally bubbling from out of the ground.

7. Waterfalls, waterfalls, and even more waterfalls

Yes, we know. Everybody has seen waterfalls, and everybody thinks they’ve seen them all but do not dare say or admit it. So, we all just keep coming back to those fallings masses of water. However! When you visit Iceland, that all changes. Amazingly each waterfall has something that sets it apart, not only from other waterfalls in Iceland but also from all the other waterfalls in the world. We’ve seen our fair share of waterfalls, but nowhere have we walked under a waterfall like we did at Seljalandsfoss, nowhere have we gazed in awe at a waterfall as we walked towards it as we did at Skogafoss, and nowhere have we seen a waterfall in a basalt maze as you can see at Svartifoss. Along the way, you’ll keep on seeing waterfalls, but you’ll keep on being amazed.

8. Visit Þingvellir

Probably the most badass place in the world. First of all, it very well could be the location of the world’s first parliament, where Viking-like Norwegian settlers held their general assembly. Now it is mostly the setting of the typical, wide Icelandic landscapes. While you won’t find trolls walking around, the setting is certainly reminiscent of it and you’ll probably feel like you’re in Lord of the Rings, or, to be more accurate, in Game of Thrones, which was actually filmed here. So, try looking for some of the original locations and, in the meantime, enjoy the endless views while trying to see if you can catch a glance of both Eurasia and North America. Well…At least the Eurasian and North American plates. Yes, this is the only place where the boundary between these two plates rises out of the Atlantic Ocean. Some parts are underwater and the diving in the radioactive-blue water (for example at Silfra) is amazing (again, check the pictures to better see for yourself). Combine your visit to Þingvellir with a stop at Gullfoss, where rainbows are always present but gold is still yet to be found…I guess the leprechauns got stuck in Ireland and only the fairies made their way to visit Iceland? Also, close by is Geysir where you can—wait for it—see an active geyser (bet you didn’t see that one coming). Geysir, the original geyser, is not active anymore, but Strokkur won’t disappoint!

Suggested next reading: 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going To Iceland

The post 8 Incredible Reasons Why You Should Visit Iceland Soon appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Over the past few years, Iceland has become a very popular holiday destination for people from all over the world. Even I have been there on three occasions during different times of the year for a completely new experience each time.

However, no matter how much planning you do before a trip, there will always be things you really wish you knew ahead of time! Below is a list of ten things I wish I’d known before going to Iceland.

1. How expensive it is

Iceland is easily one of the most expensive countries in the world. The currency used there is the Icelandic Króna and despite being a closed currency, it is actually quite strong which can help to explain the actual cost of things after conversion.

When you change your money to Krónas, you may be thrown off by the numbers on the notes. To give you an idea, a note worth 1000 ISK is actually around $13 CDN, $10 USD or £7 GBP (rates are approximate). I recommend downloading a currency converter to help you keep track of how much money you’re actually spending.

Choosing accommodations is one of the first things you will do when going to Iceland. There is everything from hotels, hostels, Air B&B’s and guesthouses, all charging a variety of rates. Depending on where you are looking to stay, you will pay a hefty price. You can, however, find affordable accommodations without breaking the bank. You just have to do your research. If you really want to save a lot of money, you can consider pitching a tent and camping among the many different camping grounds.

Other expenses you will need to take into consideration is the cost of food and eating out. Beware: restaurants are quite pricey! The average meal will be between 2000-4000 ISK, even at more casual joints that serve pizza or burgers. If you plan on dining out every day and night, expect to spend a fortune by the end of your trip. Consider buying your own groceries if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen accessible to you.

The last expense worth mentioning is transportation. The best way to travel around Iceland is to by renting a car. I knew ahead of time how much I was going to spend on the car itself, but I was completely unaware of how much petrol actually costs. Beware, it is expensive! If you are traveling around a majority of the island, you will most likely fill up a few times during your stay. Expect to spend around 5000 ISK each time you fill up depending on the make and model of your car of course.

2. How far everything actually is

It is important to know and be aware of where everything you want to see actually is. Reykjavik is the capital city and where most tourists flock to when arriving in Iceland.

Most tourists will stick to visiting the capital city and touring around the Golden Circle, which includes sites that are all relatively close by. Iceland is such an amazing country and is way bigger than you may expect.

Some of my favorite and some of the most famous sites can be hours away by car. For example, from Reykjavik to Husavik in the north is about a six-hour drive; Reykjavik to Vik in the south is about a three-hour drive, and Reykjavik to the glacier park in the east is about an eight-hour drive. It is important to plan out your routes before arriving so you can arrange your days accordingly.

Meanwhile, Reykjavik is completely walkable and their public transportation system is pretty good. I wish I’d known this before going to Iceland so I could have rented a car specifically on days I wanted to drive to the further sites and save money on days I stayed in and around the city.

3. Weather changes without warning

When you hear “Iceland”, you automatically think of cold weather. No matter what time of year you go, Iceland is cold.

During the summer months, temperatures tend to only be around 10-13°C (50-55°F). During the winter months, temperatures range between 0 and -10°C (14-32°F). These stats are heavily dependant on where you are in Iceland. The first time I went to Iceland was in the month of August. In Reykjavik, the temperatures during the day were around 15°C (59°F) every day.

However, the weather changes as you drive around the island. I drove down to Vik in the south and it was much colder and windier. As I continued to drive towards the East of the island, it was freezing cold and hailing. I wish I ‘d known the difference in the weather before I started this adventure so I could have packed my day bag accordingly.

I highly recommend packing warm, waterproof clothes and carry them with you everywhere you go. This way you will be relatively prepared for any weather changes that may come your way.

Also, it is important to check the weather forecast on a daily basis to see what they say in regards to the areas you are going. With harsh weather changes also comes poor driving and road conditions. One day could be quite warm and sunny which makes for perfect driving conditions; the next day could be windy and rainy which could make for slippery roads and potentially dangerous driving.

4. Northern Lights Vs Midnight Sun

Before my first trip to Iceland, I was unaware of the concept of the Midnight Sun. This phenomenon occurs in the summer months when the sun is visible for 24 hours and there are about 20 hours of daylight. I did not realize that it never gets completely dark there in the summer.

This can be great for people who visit during this time because they can take their time traveling around and seeing the sites without the worry of it getting dark. In the winter, the opposite is true. There are only about 5 hours of daylight in the winter time. This is good to be aware of ahead of time so you can plan your days accordingly.

Visiting in the winter is essential if you are hoping to witness the Northern Lights. The best time to visit is from September to mid-April. The ideal time would be December or January when there are more hours of darkness. It is important to be aware of the fact that you may not actually see them.

It can be completely dark and clear and there can still be no chance of seeing the auroras. If there is no solar activity in the sky, you will not see the lights. Other factors include weather and, of course, luck!

I wish I’d known this before going to Iceland so that I could prepare myself for the disappointment of not seeing the lights when I visited in March one year. I reluctantly went back the following December and after four nights of limited solar activity, I was lucky and saw a spectacular show of the Northern Lights.

5. Food is quite different

The Icelandic cuisine is one of Iceland’s most prominent features. When I first visited about ten years ago, there wasn’t much variety in the kinds of restaurants available to tourists. We really only had the local cuisine to choose from.

Once tourism really boomed, however, there was an uprise in the different cuisines offered in restaurants. If you are a tourist who enjoys tasting the local delicacies, you are in for a treat here. As well as eating a lot of fish and seafood, you will be able to try whale, puffin, rotten shark, lamb heads and don’t forget to try their famous hotdogs (made from a mix of lamb and pork) topped with their special white sauce (often mistaken for mayonnaise).

It is important to know ahead of time that you will be exposed to extremely different kinds of food here. Do not think you can rely on McDonald’s as there are no longer any in Iceland.

6. Blue Lagoon = Tourist Trap

The Blue Lagoon is probably one of Iceland’s most famous attractions. It is a geothermal spa that attracts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. A misconception of the Blue Lagoon is that it is a natural geothermal spring. It is actually controlled by the geothermal plant located next door, but the actual land itself is natural.

The cost to visit here can be quite expensive, but to many, it is a must-see attraction. Due to the prices and overcrowding of tourists, I can honestly say that the Blue Lagoon is a tourist trap.

I wish I’d known before going to Iceland that there are many geothermal pools that you can visit and swim in without the crowds and hefty admission fees. I recommend researching online where they are so you know where to go when you get there.

If you do insist on going to the Blue Lagoon, it is suggested that you book in advance online to save yourself time in queues and get possible discounted offers.

7. Always carry snacks on you (bring some from home)

It goes without saying that many people get a little peckish throughout the day. It is a great idea to stock up on snacks to take with you while you out on the road exploring what Iceland has to offer.

Once you get out of the main areas, restaurants and petrol stations are few and far between. I wish I’d known this beforehand so I could ensure I wouldn’t go hungry between meals.

Another thing I wish I’d known beforehand was to bring snacks from home that I knew I would enjoy rather than relying on items I was unsure about. This will also save you some money in the long run by avoiding the high costs in Iceland.

8. Don’t buy bottled water (take a refillable bottle and refill it)

Many environmentalists argue against the purchase of bottled water to help save the environment. Yet, many people prefer to buy it mostly for convenience.

As well as everything else in Iceland, bottled water is quite expensive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the tap water, despite some claims that it smells like sulfur due to the geothermal fields. The water in Iceland has been tested and deemed perfectly safe to drink. You can even drink the water straight from the rivers and streams—that’s how safe it is.

I wish I’d known before my first visit to take a refillable bottle with me to fill up whenever I ran out of water. I had to resort to purchasing one there but it was still cheaper than what I would have spent buying bottled water every day.

9. Plan days accordingly and be flexible

Depending on when you plan your visit to Iceland, planning your days ahead of time is crucial.

If you are visiting in the summer months, it is a lot easier to take your time seeing everything you want in a day because there are so many hours of daylight. In the winter months, you have to be a little more flexible. This is because there are only about 5-6 hours of daylight and this can make it difficult to get around to see sights that may be a tad far away from each other.

Plan to visit sights that are close by to one another. If you want to drive out to areas such as Husavik, Vik or Hofn, I recommend leaving early in the morning so your driving in the dark and arriving in the daylight with plenty of time to see everything.

10. Spend a day max in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small, compact city that can easily be seen in one full day. Most of the main attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon and stops along the Golden Circle, are a bit of a drive outside the city. Most of the most beautiful sights and attractions require you to drive quite a bit to get to.

However, if you are someone who wants to visit and spend time in the museums or spend time shopping along the streets, you may consider spending two days in the city.

The first time I visited Iceland, I based myself solely in Reykjavik. This meant a lot of driving around to far away places to see everything I wanted to see. The next couple times I visited, I stayed a night or two in Reykjavik and then spread my nights out across the North and the East. This made it a lot easier to see what I wanted in each area without having to drive for hours and having to return to Reykjavik.

Now that you’ve heard about what I wish I’d known before going to Iceland, why not also check out some of the amazing reasons why you should definitely visit?

The post 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going To Iceland appeared first on Modern Trekker.