12 Essential ICELAND TRAVEL Tips | Watch BEFORE You GO!

Summary

In this travel guide video, Alexander Ayling shares 12 essential tips for visiting Iceland, including dressing in layers for unpredictable weather, enjoying wildlife encounters, chasing waterfalls, witnessing the Northern Lights, trying local cuisine, soaking in hot springs, saving money on accommodations and food, exploring glaciers and volcanoes, renting a car for flexibility, discovering lesser-known areas, experiencing local culture, and visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

Takeaways

• 🧳 Iceland is known for its diverse landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, and unique geothermal features.
• 👋 The Icelandic culture is rich and welcoming, with a small, tight-knit community that values tradition and folklore.
• 🌍 Iceland's geographical location and geology, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, contribute to its distinctive landscapes and hot springs.
• 🧥 Pack for variable weather; Iceland's climate can be unpredictable, even in summer, with temperatures ranging from warm to freezing.
• 🐳 Wildlife encounters are a highlight, with species like puffins, reindeer, and whales, but remember to respect their habitats.
• 💧 Waterfalls are abundant and diverse in Iceland, with over 10,000, making them a must-see part of the natural scenery.
• 🌌 The Northern Lights are best seen from September to April and can be predicted using apps like 'Hello Aurora'.
• 🍲 Icelandic cuisine is unique, with traditional dishes like hakarl (fermented shark) and svolo (boiled sheep's head).
• ♨️ Hot springs are a major attraction, with the Blue Lagoon being the most famous, but there are many less crowded options as well.
• 💸 Iceland can be expensive, so save money by staying in hostels, buying alcohol duty-free, and eating at local markets instead of restaurants.
• 🚗 Renting a car is recommended for the freedom to explore off the beaten path and to visit less touristy areas of Iceland.

Q & A

What are the key features of Iceland's landscape?

Iceland's landscape is characterized by its volcanic activity, glaciers, and geothermal areas which give it a rugged and otherworldly appearance. It's often described as feeling like you're on a different planet due to this unique combination of natural features.

How has Iceland's history shaped its current landscape?

Iceland's landscape has been shaped by its history of volcanic eruptions, glacial movements, and geological factors such as its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These events have contributed to the formation of its unique features like geothermal hot springs and geysers.

What is special about the Icelandic language and how is it related to the sagas?

The Icelandic language is a preserved form of Old Norse, which has remained unchanged from when Iceland was settled. The Icelandic sagas, which are historical and genealogical records, have helped maintain the language's original form and reflect the early struggles and conflicts of Icelandic history.

Why is Iceland considered to have a magical realism element?

Iceland is considered to have a magical realism element due to local beliefs in the existence of elves and trolls. There are even small doorways painted on rocks for elves, reflecting a cultural acceptance of these mythical beings as part of the landscape.

How has Iceland transformed economically since the second world war?

After being one of the poorest countries in Europe post-World War II, Iceland has experienced an economic rebirth. It's now rated as one of the best countries to live in and one of the safest, with tourism playing a significant role in its economic growth.

What is the significance of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to Iceland's geology?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is where the European and North American continents meet, and Iceland sits atop this fissure. This地理位置 gives rise to Iceland's geothermal activity, including hot springs and geysers, which provide the country with natural hot water and geothermal energy.

What is the best way to dress for the weather in Iceland?

It's important to dress in layers due to Iceland's maritime climate, which can shift rapidly. Recommended clothing includes a waterproof rain jacket, thermals, a mid-layer jacket, and a beanie. Waterproof hiking boots are also essential due to the frequent rain and outdoor activities.

What wildlife encounters are possible in Iceland and what should tourists do to respect them?

Iceland is home to a diverse range of wildlife including puffins, reindeer, whales, dolphins, and Icelandic horses. Tourists should take guided tours to spot these animals and maintain a respectful distance to protect both the wildlife and themselves.

Why are waterfalls so abundant in Iceland and what are some must-see ones?

Iceland's location at the tectonic plate boundaries, combined with its mountainous terrain and abundant precipitation, results in over 10,000 waterfalls. Must-see waterfalls include Dettifoss, Dynjandi, Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss.

How can tourists best experience the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen any time of the year but are best witnessed between September and April. Tourists should venture away from city lights and use apps like 'Aurora Alert' to increase their chances of seeing them.

What are some unique aspects of Icelandic cuisine that tourists should try?

Icelandic cuisine includes unique dishes like hakarl (fermented Greenland shark), svole (boiled sheep's head), and skyr (a type of yogurt). Tourists should also try fresh seafood dishes, as the country has an abundance of fresh seafood due to its nutrient-rich oceans.

Why is it recommended to rent a car when visiting Iceland?

Renting a car allows for the freedom to explore Iceland at your own pace, stopping wherever you wish. It's especially recommended for accessing less touristy areas and experiencing the full breadth of Iceland's diverse landscapes.

What are some tips for saving money while traveling in Iceland?

To save money in Iceland, consider staying in hostels or renting a camper van, book accommodations early, buy alcohol at duty-free shops, grocery shop instead of eating out, avoid bottled water, and use free public Wi-Fi where available.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Introduction to Iceland's Wonders

Alexander Ayling introduces the video, sharing his enthusiasm for Iceland's unique landscapes and history. He provides an overview of Iceland's geographical location, its population, and its historical settlement by Norse explorers. Ayling discusses Iceland's striking landscapes, shaped by volcanic eruptions and glacial movements, and mentions the country's position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which contributes to its geothermal activity and hot springs. He also touches on Icelandic culture, including the preservation of the Old Norse language and the belief in mythical creatures like elves and trolls. The economic transformation of Iceland post-World War II is also highlighted, emphasizing the country's shift from poverty to being one of the best places to live in the world, largely due to tourism.

05:02

🧳 Travel Tips for Iceland

The video script advises on practical travel tips for visiting Iceland. It emphasizes the importance of dressing in layers due to the unpredictable weather and recommends specific clothing and gear, such as waterproof jackets and hiking boots. Ayling also discusses the necessity of being prepared for various weather conditions, even in summer, and suggests bringing a bathing suit to enjoy Iceland's geothermal hot springs. He provides tips on wildlife encounters, advising viewers to take guided tours to see animals like puffins and whales, and to respect local attitudes towards these creatures, including the Icelandic tradition of not eating whale meat. Ayling also encourages travelers to chase waterfalls, a must-do activity in Iceland, and to explore the country's diverse wildlife.

10:04

💧 The Power of Water in Iceland

This section delves into Iceland's waterfalls, formed due to the country's location on the tectonic plates and its abundant precipitation. It mentions Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland and the second most powerful in Europe, known for its impressive water volume and height. The script also recommends other notable waterfalls such as Dynjandi, Seljalandsfoss, and Gullfoss, which are part of the popular Golden Circle Tour. Ayling encourages viewers to explore these natural wonders and provides additional resources in his Iceland guide for more detailed planning.

15:05

🌌 The Aurora Borealis and Icelandic Cuisine

Ayling discusses the phenomenon of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, which can be seen from September to April, and recommends an app to increase the chances of witnessing this natural light display. He also explores Icelandic cuisine, highlighting traditional dishes like hakarl (fermented shark) and svol (boiled sheep's head), which reflect the country's history of utilizing every part of the animals they hunted. The script also touches on the modern culinary scene in Iceland, which combines Nordic dishes with fresh seafood.

20:06

🏞️ Hot Springs and Saving Money in Iceland

The script extols the virtues of Iceland's hot springs, with a special mention of the Blue Lagoon, and encourages visiting multiple hot springs for their healing properties. It also offers advice on saving money while traveling in Iceland, such as staying in hostels or camper vans, booking accommodations early, buying alcohol duty-free, and grocery shopping instead of eating out. Ayling advises against buying bottled water due to the excellent quality of tap water and recommends using free public Wi-Fi and e-sim cards for data to avoid roaming charges.

25:08

⛷️ Exploring Glaciers and Volcanoes

Ayling discusses the glaciers and volcanoes of Iceland, recommending guided tours for activities like hiking, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. He emphasizes the importance of safety when exploring these natural formations and mentions the unique experience of witnessing an erupting volcano from a safe distance. The script also suggests renting a car for the freedom to explore off the beaten path and to discover lesser-known areas of Iceland that are rich in local culture and tradition.

🎶 Immersing in Icelandic Culture

The final section of the script encourages visitors to engage with Icelandic culture by exploring street art, attending cultural events, and understanding the local history through museums. Ayling shares his interest in the Icelandic music scene and suggests researching and experiencing local music both before and during the visit. He also recommends attending the Iceland Airwaves festival if traveling in November and advises reversing one's clock during the summer to avoid crowds by visiting popular spots at night when they are less crowded.

Keywords

💡Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, characterized by its dramatic landscape of volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. It is also home to glaciers and a part of the Arctic Circle, offering visitors the chance to witness the Northern Lights. The video emphasizes Iceland's unique geography and how it shapes the travel experience, mentioning its active volcanoes, hot springs, and the fact that it's one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

💡Vikings

Vikings were seafaring people from late eighth to early 11th century Scandinavia, known for their raids, exploration, and settlement. In the context of the video, Vikings are mentioned as part of Iceland's early history, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage and connection to these Norse seafarers who first settled Iceland.

💡Geothermal

Geothermal energy is heat from the Earth, which can be harnessed for various uses such as heating and electricity generation. The video explains how Iceland's geothermal activity gives rise to its hot springs and contributes to its unique landscape. It also mentions that Reykjavik, the capital, is powered by geothermal energy, emphasizing the country's sustainable energy practices.

💡Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are natural light displays in the sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. The video describes Iceland as one of the premier locations to witness this phenomenon, which occurs when solar particles collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, creating a stunning light show that is a major draw for tourists.

💡Puffin

Puffins are a species of seabird that are native to the Atlantic Ocean, and they are highlighted in the video as part of Iceland's diverse wildlife. The mention of puffins underscores the country's rich biodiversity and the unique wildlife encounters that travelers can have, such as taking guided tours to spot these birds and other creatures in their natural habitat.

💡Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a natural phenomenon where water flows over a vertical drop or a series of drops in a river or stream. The video emphasizes the abundance of waterfalls in Iceland, which is a result of its geological makeup. It mentions specific waterfalls like Dettifoss and Gullfoss, encouraging travelers to 'chase waterfalls' as part of their Icelandic experience.

💡Hot Springs

Hot springs are geothermal features where water is heated by the Earth's natural heat. The video highlights Iceland's numerous hot springs, such as the famous Blue Lagoon, as a must-visit attraction for tourists. These hot springs not only offer a relaxing experience but also showcase Iceland's geothermal activity.

💡Glaciers

Glaciers are large, slow-moving masses of ice that form over many years from compacted snow. The video notes that Iceland is home to vast glaciers, which cover about 11% of the country. It suggests that visiting glaciers is a unique experience, with activities like hiking, ice climbing, and snowmobiling available for adventure seekers.

💡Over-tourism

Over-tourism refers to the negative impacts that an excessive number of tourists can have on a destination. The video touches on this issue, cautioning travelers to be good ambassadors of their countries and responsible tourists to help mitigate the effects of over-tourism in Iceland, which has become increasingly popular as a travel destination.

💡Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are a unique breed known for their small size, hardiness, and the law that prevents other horse breeds from being imported into Iceland. The video uses Icelandic horses as an example of the country's distinct wildlife and cultural preservation efforts, emphasizing the breed's historical significance and its adaptation to Iceland's climate.

💡E-sim

An e-sim is an embedded SIM card in a device that allows you to connect to mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. The video recommends getting an e-sim for the trip to Iceland to avoid heavy roaming charges, illustrating a practical tip for staying connected while traveling and managing expenses.

Highlights

Iceland is a land of contrasts, with volcanoes, glaciers, and a rich Viking history.

Alexander Ayling shares 12 essential travel tips for visiting Iceland.

Iceland's unique landscape feels otherworldly due to its volcanic and glacial activity.

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with over 30 active volcanoes and abundant geothermal activity.

Reykjavik, the capital, is powered by geothermal energy, and the water smells slightly of sulfur.

Icelandic language has remained unchanged since the 9th century and is related to Old Norse.

Icelandic sagas are historical records filled with tales of heroes, wars, and magic.

Icelanders believe in elves and trolls, adding a magical realism element to the country's culture.

Post-WWII, Iceland transformed from one of Europe's poorest countries to one of the best places to live.

Tourism is key to Iceland's economic rebirth, but over-tourism is becoming an issue.

Layered clothing is essential due to Iceland's unpredictable weather.

Iceland is home to diverse wildlife, including puffins, reindeer, whales, and dolphins.

The Icelandic horse is a unique breed, hearty and descended from Viking horses.

Iceland is a top destination for whale watching, and visitors can support preservation by not eating whale meat.

Iceland has an abundance of waterfalls due to its geological composition.

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen from September to April.

Icelandic cuisine is a blend of Nordic dishes and modern trends, with some traditional dishes being an acquired taste.

Hot springs are遍布 Iceland, with the Blue Lagoon being the most famous.

Iceland can be expensive, but there are ways to save money like staying in hostels and buying alcohol duty-free.

Glaciers cover 11% of Iceland, and guided tours are required for safety.

Having a rental car allows for exploration of Iceland's diverse landscapes away from the tourist trail.

Discovering lesser-known areas of Iceland can lead to unique cultural experiences.

Icelandic culture can be experienced through street art, local markets, and music festivals.

Visiting during the summer off-peak hours can help avoid crowds at popular attractions.

Transcripts

want to visit Iceland the land of

volcanoes glaciers fire ice and Vikings

you're in the right place stay tuned in

this video I'll share with you my 12

essential travel tips for making the

most of your time in Iceland one of the

coolest places in Europe if you're new

here my name is Alexander ayling I'm a

full-time Creator here on YouTube and

have been making content traveling the

world for the last 10 years I've been to

Iceland a few times and I'm going to

share with you some of my best tips but

before we get into them hit that

subscribe button if you're not already

subscribed give this video a thumbs up I

know we can get it over 5 000 likes and

drop your comments with your tips or

questions down there in the comment

section something so unique about this

little island it's got like a magnetic

attraction and I think it's got

something to do with the otherworldly

feel of the landscape there this

beautiful rugged raw natural feeling but

it's so unique because it does kind of

feel like you're on a different planet

but before we jump into tips let's bring

everyone here up to speed with a little

bit of history geography and pertinent

information about Iceland Iceland

located in the North Atlantic Ocean

Northwest of the United Kingdom and in

between Greenland and Norway is about

the size of the state of Kentucky in the

USA and has a population of around 350

000 people it was settled by Norse

explorers in the 9th century and over

the centuries it's witnessed volcanic

eruptions glacial movements and those

geological factors have shaped its

rugged and otherworldly Landscapes

Iceland's geography is truly remarkable

it has over 30 active volcanoes and

while I'm filming this video there is a

volcano there that is currently erupting

doesn't happen all the time but it is

fairly common and it's that volcanic

activity that Iceland it's Unique Look

not to mention all of the geothermal

activity which gives Iceland its

beautiful and healing Hot Springs

Iceland's geology is truly remarkable it

sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge so where

the European and North American

continents meet there's a fissure and

Iceland is right there on top and it's

those geothermal areas that give Iceland

its hot springs and geysers providing

Iceland with natural hot water and

geothermal energy one of the first

things you'll probably notice when you

go there is when you take a shower the

water is very hot and it does kind of

smell a little bit sulfurry that's

because it's heated with geothermal

power in fact the city of Reykjavik the

capital is also powered by geothermal

energy but what really makes Iceland

unique are the people there's something

really beautiful about it with only 350

000 people it's a small tight-knit

community in fact when I first visited I

actually walked up to the president's

house the equivalent of the White House

in Iceland and knocked on the door I was

greeted by his assistant who literally

gave me the phone number of the

president

hello hello is the president here no I'm

sure if you give him a phone call

um if you call 540 that's how small and

close-knit and quaint Iceland is it's a

beautiful thing the language of Iceland

is a dialect of Old Norse Japan

Scandinavian language that existed when

Iceland was settled 1150 years ago but

this common Norse tongue evolved into

Norwegian Swedish and danish while in

Iceland it was preserved in its original

form through the language and through

what are known as the Icelandic sagas

and while the Icelandic sagas are

primarily a genealogical and historical

record they are epic they have cursed

weapons blood feuds love triangles War

all of it wrapped up into this heroic

prose the sagas reflect the struggles

and the conflicts of the early Icelandic

history in fact there really is

something mystical and magical about

Iceland maybe it's because icelanders

believe in the existence of elves and

trolls you may be traveling through

Iceland and see a rock cropping with a

tiny little doorway painted on it yeah

that's for the elves because the elves

exist and they live in the highlands and

in the hills and it's kind of cool when

you realize like yes there is a magical

realism element here where elves exist

Trolls Exist and you better be careful

for both of those when you travel there

cave trolls anything else and in recent

history right after the second world war

Iceland was actually one of the poorest

countries in Europe now it's rated one

of the best countries to live in in the

world one of the safest countries and it

has had this amazing economic

rebirth really even after the 2008

financial crisis they completely

restructured everything and it's now one

of the best places to live in the world

and one of the ways they've done it is

through tourism tourism is an industry

that continues to grow in Iceland but

because it's become so popular over

tourism is actually an issue so the one

thing before we start off I would like

to reiterate is to be a good ambassador

of your country come be a good traveler

and make the most of your experience

there by trying to connect with the

locals tip number one

dress in layers Iceland is a maritime

climate in the North Atlantic Ocean it's

just below the Arctic Circle so the

weather shifts a lot it can be fairly

warm one second and then it can be wet

and freezing cold the other even in the

middle of the summertime in July and

August it can snow so it's definitely

worth being prepared and packing right

the average summer temperatures in icing

are around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius

which is like in the 50s Fahrenheit but

there's wind chill there is often rain

so you need to be prepared I definitely

recommend bringing a good shell

waterproof rain jacket for the outside

long sleeve wool thermals both bottoms

and tops as well as a mid layer jacket

so that you can pop those on and off

depending on what the temperature is

doing also a good beanie or a toque as

they call it in Canada put one of those

in your bag keep that with you because

it can get cold quick

don't forget a good pair of waterproof

hiking boots a lot of the activities in

Iceland are in the outdoors they are you

know on glaciers or hiking on volcanic

rocks so you want to have a good solid

set of protective Footwear hiking shoes

with good support good bases good tread

and waterproof make sure they are

waterproof the last thing you want is to

have wet feet and be walking around all

day with wet feet in cold climates it's

a bad recipe if you're visiting in the

Autumn or in the winter make sure that

you pack warmer clothes average

temperature in the winter time is right

around freezing it does snow quite a lot

it's dark in the middle of the winter

because it's so high up I should clarify

that due to Iceland's High latitude

being near the polar region in the

summertime time there is light it is

bright and the sun barely goes down so

you have very very long days and in the

winter time the sun barely comes up and

you have very very very long nights so

definitely do your research before you

visit and pack accordingly and lastly

don't forget to bring a bathing suit

because I highly recommend you hit as

many of the geothermal hot springs

around the country as possible if you

don't you are missing out on one of the

best aspects of visiting Iceland tip

number two Wildlife encounters Iceland

is home to a diverse range of wildlife

including unique species like Puffin

reindeer whales dolphins and a lot more

take a guided tour to spot these

majestic creatures in their natural

habitat remember to maintain a

respectful distance to protect both

yourself and the animals being an island

most of the wildlife is in the coastal

area and in the nutrient-rich oceans

that surround Iceland and because of

those rich oceans there's a lot of sea

life whales Dolphins seals and lots of

sea birds but the most popular animal in

Iceland is definitely the Icelandic

horse smaller than a normal horse

Icelandic horses are descendants of the

small viking horses our hearty animals

built to withstand the climates of

winters in Iceland as well as Icelandic

law that ensures no other horse breeds

are allowed to be imported and any

exported animal may not return so if you

want to bring an Icelandic horse home

with you it's going to have to be for

life there's no returns on that okay

Iceland is a great place to go whale

watching due to the fact that there are

so many whales around Iceland but it is

worth mentioning that Iceland is

actually one of only three remaining

countries in the world that practices

commercial whaling so what you can do to

help stop that is support whale

preservation through going whale

watching also do not eat whale some

restaurants in Iceland serve whale on

their menus as kind of like a novelty

meet don't order it if you don't order

it then the demand goes away and we're

one step closer to making whaling

illegal in Iceland tip number three

Chase waterfalls we all know the classic

advice given by Destiny's Child don't go

yeah we all know but actually in Iceland

you want to go chasing waterfalls

because it's got some incredible ones

Iceland is located where the North

American and Eurasian plates meet

resulting in an ever-changing landscape

the layers of the Earth's crusts

composed of solidified lava known as

Basalt form sudden ridges and cliffs the

country's mountainous terrain and

abundant precipitation including rain

snow and Glaciers contribute to its

multitude of waterfalls and cascading

slopes with over 10 000 estimated

waterfalls Iceland showcases a

remarkable display of Nature's Beauty

please excuse my pronunciation I

probably will butcher some of the

following words in this video detifoss

is Iceland's most powerful waterfall and

it's actually the second most powerful

waterfall in all of Europe the

waterfall's name directly translates to

Tumbling Falls it's 330 feet or 100

meters wide and sends an impressive 7000

cubic feet of water per second crashing

over 144 foot or 44 meter Cliff you may

recognize this waterfall from the

opening scene of Ridley Scott's film

Prometheus where the first life on Earth

Sprouts up right from this waterfall it

does kind of feel like that ancient even

though it's quite new some other great

waterfalls to check out in Iceland are

din John the waterfall in the west

fjords cellulin Foss waterfall located

on the south coast of Iceland which is

one of the most photographed waterfalls

in the country and arguably the most

famous waterfall in the country golfos

waterfall which you'll probably see if

you head out into a Golden Circle Tour

one of the most popular road trip routes

in Iceland if you want more help and

detailed information for planning your

trip to Iceland check check out my

Iceland guide it's linked in the

description of this video and it's got

all the information to help you make the

most of your time in Iceland best

restaurants places to stay hotels

activities all the information you need

and one easy to use mobile friendly

guide that you can download and use

offline it's got Maps it's got

everything check it out tip number four

witness the Northern Lights Iceland is

one of the best places on Earth to

witness the Northern Lights also known

as the Aurora Borealis we've probably

all heard of the northern lights but

what are they auroras or the lights we

see in the night sky result from solar

storms on the sun's surface electrically

charged particles emitted by the Sun

travel towards Earth with some being

captured by the planet's magnetic field

these particles collide with atoms and

molecules in the Earth's atmosphere

causing them to heat up and glow

creating the Aurora's distinct patterns

and curtains of life this activity is

concentrated in the polar region because

of the way that Earth's magnetic field

works so when's the best time to see the

Northern Lights well they can be

witnessed any time of year but you have

a way better chance of seeing them

between September and April just Venture

away from the city lights and cross your

fingers if you want to increase your

chances check out the app hello Aurora

which will help you decide whether or

not tonight would be a good night to go

look for the Northern Lights tip number

five try the local Cuisine Icelandic

Cuisine is a unique blend of Nordic

dishes and modern culinary Trends mostly

based off of fresh seafood but there are

a few traditional dishes in Iceland that

are definitely not for the faint of

heart the first is hakkaro which is

fermented Greenland shark what fermented

shark Yes you heard it right let me

explain how it works hot carl is a

Greenland shark one of the biggest and

longest living shark species in the

world it lives very deep down in the

cold Waters of the area around Iceland

back in the day the shark was hunted for

its liver oil and then when they got it

there was all of this meat the problem

is Greenland shark's flesh is actually

toxic due to the high levels of uric

acid and what essentially serves as an

antifreeze in the shark's blood to keep

it from freezing down there in the very

cold temperatures it either needs to be

boiled multiple times or it can be

buried fermented and then hung out to

dry for a couple of months if you do

that it removes the toxins and the meat

is then edible edible is open to debate

because the flavor is very unique and

it's not for everyone kind of like if

blue cheese was soaked in ammonia that's

what I would call it would I eat it

again probably not not unless it was a

survival situation let's just leave it

at that another interest interesting

Icelandic dish SVO this is a traditional

dish back from when people ate every

part of the animal nowadays we have such

an abundance of food we have the ability

to be picky about what types of cuts of

meat we want to eat this dish is

essentially a boiled sheep's head cut

right down the middle slapped on top of

some mashed potatoes or some mashed

turnips and there you have it oddly

enough the best place to eat this dish

is at the local bus station in the mirin

Mathis restaurant which is actually one

of the oldest restaurants in the country

land of lamb oh my God although I'm not

sure I would recommend eating this

before taking a long bus ride it just

sounds like a recipe for vomiting

okay tip number six my favorite part Hot

Springs let me say it again Hot Springs

Iceland has over 45 natural hot springs

and over 300 thermal pools in the

country icelanders love to swim they

have great swimming facilities even the

smallest towns in Iceland have their own

indoor heated thermal pools but there

are 45 incredible Hot Springs across the

country and I highly recommend visiting

as many as possible the most famous is

the Blue Lagoon which is about 45

minutes outside of the capital Reykjavik

or 15 minutes away from the airport in

keflavik so if you arrive in Iceland

rent a car you can do so with the links

in the description of this video and

then drive straight to the Blue Lagoon

and soak off that jet lag soak off that

airplane get ready for your incredible

trip by diving right in to The Healing

Waters of the Blue Lagoon but there are

a lot more hot springs that aren't as

crowded as the blue that are definitely

worth mentioning I've included a list of

my favorite hot springs in my Iceland

guide so check that out in the

description there's a lot of great

information in there all the maps all

the info you need to get soaking in

Iceland and thank you because with each

purchase of the guide I'm able to make

more content for you here for free on

YouTube Tip number seven save money

where you can because Iceland adds up I

can't make a video about Iceland without

talking about the fact that it's

actually quite an expensive place to

visit why is it expensive well it's an

island in the North Atlantic and it

needs to import a lot of stuff and that

has to be shipped there or flown there

and that costs money so it ends up

making things a lot more expensive but

that's more of a macro economic

conversation for the premises of this

video I'll share a couple of little tips

to help you save money when you're in

Iceland first off one of the most

expensive parts of the trip for you

apart from airfare will be your

accommodation hotels are quite expensive

in Iceland so consider staying in some

of the high-end hostels there's a few

great ones in Reykjavik not to mention

there's campsites or guest houses or you

can just rent a camper van and travel

around the country in camper van so

there are some options to help you keep

your costs down with accommodation one

of the other tips is to book early the

later you book the more expensive it's

going to be so book early you can book

your accommodation using the links in

the description of this video next up if

you're planning on drinking buy your

alcohol in the duty-free when you arrive

into Iceland you will be paying

duty-free prices so you're going to be

saving a lot of money there are a lot of

additional taxes on alcohol in Iceland

so alcohol is quite expensive and then

when you get to like a bar all of those

costs

are going to add up and translate into

quite an expensive beer or glass of wine

or mixed drinks so you're actually

allowed six units of alcohol when you

arrive into the country so if you're

planning on drinking buy your booze in

the duty-free at the airport good news

is you don't just have to be sitting in

your hotel room or or your camper van or

wherever you decided to stay you can

actually drink in public in Iceland so

you can just walk out into the beautiful

park right there in the middle of

Reykjavik and have a cocktail watching

the sunset for a very long time in the

summer because it doesn't ever actually

really go down so you can drink in

public save money buy booze at the

duty-free also grocery shopping is going

to be much cheaper than eating out at

restaurants for every meal the most

expensive grocery store in the country

is called 10 11 so avoid that one

instead check out the cheaper

alternatives like Neto Cronin or bonus

another thing never buy bottled water

the water in Iceland is really really

good right out of the tap so just bring

a refillable water bottle and you will

save a ton of money because bottled

water in Iceland is just for tourists

it's a tourist trap and you will save a

lot of money by not buying bottled water

and then lastly you can use free public

Wi-Fi all over Reykjavik and you can

also use Wi-Fi and cafes or in your

accommodation so you don't need to pay

for heavy roaming charges although I

would recommend that you get an e-sim

and I've linked down in the description

of this video a great company where you

can get an e-sim for your trip to

Iceland and that way you get data and

you can still log on to Wi-Fi when

you're in your accommodation or use the

free Wi-Fi around Reykjavik but then

when you decide to venture further out

which I definitely recommend you do you

will have data on your phone okay tip

number eight explore the glaciers

Iceland is home to vast glaciers and ice

caps Glaciers are large thick masses of

ice that form on land when fallen snow

gets compressed into ice over many

centuries because Iceland has cold

Winters where snow falls heavily and

Mild Summers where most of it doesn't

melt these glaciers stick around in fact

icing has 269 named glaciers and 11 of

the country is covered in ice just a

little tip the name for Glacier in

Icelandic is Joker there are plenty of

tour operators who run different types

of Tours out to the glaciers you're not

allowed to actually access the glaciers

without going on a guided tour just

because some of these Glaciers are huge

I'm talking about like bigger than 8 000

square kilometers so it's very easy to

get lost out there or to fall into the

ice so definitely don't try to visit the

glaciers yourself but go with a good

tour operator you can go hiking you can

go ice climbing you can go snowmobiling

which was super fun and it's just a

really incredible opportunity to get out

into a place where you're literally

surrounded by Ice as far as the eye can

see it's a unique feeling and I highly

recommend you check it out on that note

it's also worth discussing volcanoes

Iceland has over 30 active volcanoes and

like I said one is erupting right now

but that is something that you can do

it's one of the few places in the world

where you're able to approach an

erupting volcano and obviously you stay

at a safe distance don't get too close

but you can watch the world forming this

primeval eruption of magma and the

building of new land it's a fascinating

thing it's on my bucket list I haven't

seen it happen yet but I have half a

mind to drop everything bioticket to

Iceland and go watch that volcano erupt

and if you are in Iceland during an

eruption and it's safe then go and check

that out but how are you going to get to

the volcano tip number nine rent a car

while public transportation is available

and there are plenty of Private Tours

that can get you to these places I

highly recommend getting a rental car

for yourself personally I love having

that autonomy that freedom to be able to

stop wherever I want when I'm driving

around I see a place that looks

interesting I'm able to pull over I can

go explore it at my own Leisure at my

own time without having to be you know

shuttled back into a bus and driven off

on somebody else's schedule Iceland is a

safe place to drive there are great

roads although some of them can be like

four-wheel drive only so kind of just

depends on like how intense you want

your trip to be you can rent Camper vans

like I've said also four-wheel drive

Camper vans but for most extensive

purposes you're fine with especially in

the summertime with a regular you know

two-wheel drive car there's plenty of

different companies that rent cars in

Iceland I've linked a great website down

there that has super competitive prices

so check that out as well one of the

best parts about renting a car is that

you can really get off of the tourist

Trail many people who visit Iceland they

end up just staying in Reykjavik and

then hopping on a tour going doing the

Golden Circle Loop and then not seeing

really anywhere else in the country when

you have your own car you have the

ability to go and explore the whole

island and there's so much to see out

there it's it's actually quite

mind-boggling one of the most memorable

parts of my trip to Iceland was renting

a car and going out to an area known as

the Western fjords the scenery was

absolutely stunning

small little towns little churches

Icelandic horses incredible mountains

dropping off into the sea waterfalls

just unreal scenery and you wouldn't

really be able to see that or experience

it properly without renting a car so

definitely rent a car when you go even

if just for a few days that would lead

me to my next tip tip number 10 which is

to discover the lesser-known areas

Iceland is more than just its famous

landmarks Venture off the beaten path

and discover places like the Western

fjords land monologue and the remote

horn strander Nature Reserve there are

so many little corners of Iceland that

are not overrun with tourists and where

people are still living local

traditional Lifestyles personally for me

that's the coolest part of travel is

experiencing how other people live and

how the locals live and trying to

experience the Traditions the history

and the culture of a place and if you

get lost while doing it don't worry

that's all part of the adventure and

those will be the stories that you tell

when you finally return home tip number

11.

experience the local culture you can

explore reykjavik's vibrant street art

scene visit local markets like

colaportio and attend cultural events to

experience local Icelandic life couple

of tips here first off icelanders are a

little bit shy but they're incredibly

friendly once you get them out of their

shell don't be afraid to ask questions

to stop a local on the street if you're

lost and ask for advice icelanders are

super super nice there are plenty of

museums which will help you understand

Iceland's unique history and culture but

one of the coolest things for me at

least when visiting Iceland was learning

more about the Icelandic music scene

icelanders are very musical it's

probably got a lot to do with the long

dark Winters there's nothing really

distracting you from locking yourself

inside and mastering a musical

instrument but Iceland has a strong

musical tradition and some really really

great bands making super unique music

right now musicians like Bjork of

monster and Men Kaleo and sigor Ross

just to name a few so while you're

researching your trip to Iceland head

over to like Spotify or wherever you get

your music and search for Icelandic

music playlists before you go it's worth

researching if there are any music

festivals happening in Iceland and if

you're visiting in November then don't

miss out on the famous Festival Iceland

Airwaves alright my final tip tip number

12 reverse your clock if you're visiting

in the summer chances are you will not

be alone that is the peak season for

tourism but here's a little tip that

might help you avoid some of the crowds

switch your clock up because the sun

does not really go down the days are

very very long and the nights have

Sunshine so instead of visiting some of

the most popular spots some of the most

popular waterfalls in the middle of the

day consider going in the middle of the

night somewhere which might have 300

other tourists at noon will have very

very few people at midnight then you can

come back and sleep during the day and

do it on all over again you don't

necessarily need to do this for your

entire trip but it is worth considering

doing it for an evening or two to try to

experience a lot of these places with a

lot less people so I hope you enjoyed my

tips for Iceland once again go down into

the description of this video purchase

my Iceland guide it's where I have all

my practical information destinations

activities restaurants accommodation all

of that and more is in my icing guide

but if you enjoyed this video which I

hope you did please give it a thumbs up

make sure you're subscribed if you're

not already turn on those notifications

and have a wonderful time in Iceland

I'll see you in the next video peace

[Music]

thank you