How to see Iceland in 10 Days - A Ring Road Itinerary

Summary

This video script details a 10-day budget-friendly adventure around Iceland's Ring Road, exploring diverse landscapes and natural wonders. It covers essential travel tips, an 8-day road trip itinerary, and a 2-day Reykjavik city exploration. The journey includes visiting hot springs, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and historical sites, with a focus on camping and local experiences. The summary also provides a breakdown of the total trip costs, offering a comprehensive guide for planning an Icelandic adventure.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Visiting Iceland offers a diverse landscape that feels like exploring a different planet.
• 🚗 The best way to explore Iceland is by renting a vehicle, with options like cars, camper vans, or all-wheel drive vehicles.
• 💸 A budget trip to Iceland is possible, with the video detailing a 10-day trip with an 8-day road trip around the Ring Road and 2 days in the capital, Reykjavik.
• 🏕️ Camping is a cost-effective accommodation option, with the video mentioning a total cost of $150 for campgrounds throughout the trip.
• 🛣️ The Ring Road offers smooth paved stretches, but off-roading is illegal and travelers should expect gravel roads and rough f-roads.
• 💰 Icelandic Krona is the local currency, but credit cards are widely accepted; however, carrying some cash is advisable for certain expenses.
• 🛒 Groceries can be bought at the airport for self-catering, which helps save money on the expensive restaurant meals.
• 📍 The itinerary includes must-see locations such as the Golden Circle, various waterfalls, black sand beaches, and hot springs.
• 🏞️ Iceland's natural attractions are breathtaking, including geothermal pools, volcanic landscapes, and icebergs on the Diamond Beach.
• 🏡 Reykjavik, the capital, is compact and walkable, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• 📈 The total cost for the 10-day trip, excluding flights, was $3,957, highlighting the expenses on accommodations, food, transportation, and activities.

Q & A

What is the population of Iceland?

Iceland has a population of less than half a million people.

What is the best way to explore Iceland according to the script?

The best way to explore Iceland is by renting a vehicle, such as a car, camper van, or an all-wheel vehicle, and embarking on a journey along the Ring Road.

What additional convenience did the travelers opt for with their vehicle rental?

The travelers opted for a pop-up tent on top of their all-wheel vehicle for added convenience and flexibility during their trip.

What is the approximate cost of renting a vehicle and camping gear for the trip described in the script?

The cost was $794 for the vehicle plus $1,095 for the tent and camping gear.

What are 'F roads' in Iceland?

'F roads' are rough, unpaved routes in Iceland that often lead inland and may involve river crossings.

Why is it important to stick to designated campsites in Iceland?

It is important to stick to designated campsites because off-roading is illegal in Iceland, and camping outside of these sites can lead to environmental damage.

What is the currency of Iceland and how is it related to credit card usage?

The Icelandic Krona is the country's currency, but credit cards are widely accepted all around the island.

What was the total cost for campgrounds during the trip?

The total cost for campgrounds was $150, averaging $20 a night for two people.

What is the significance of the Golden Circle route in Iceland?

The Golden Circle is a popular route in Iceland that includes significant sites such as Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall, and is a great option for those with less time to explore the island.

What is the name of the restaurant recommended for a meal in Iceland, and what makes it special?

The recommended restaurant is Friðheimar, a family-run greenhouse that uses geothermal energy to grow tomatoes and has a restaurant featuring tomato-based dishes.

What is the name of the waterfall that is said to have a hidden treasure chest behind it?

The waterfall with the legend of a hidden treasure chest is Skógafoss.

What is the name of the famous plane wreck site on the southern coast of Iceland?

The famous plane wreck site is called Sólheimasandur, which is the remains of a US Navy DC3 aircraft that crash-landed in 1973.

What is the name of the hot spring that the travelers visited on their second day?

The travelers visited the hot spring at Hvítárnes, which is a natural hot spring with a Viking-looking hut.

What is the name of the waterfall that travelers can walk behind?

The waterfall where travelers can walk behind is Seljalandsfoss.

What is the total cost for the trip to Iceland excluding flights, as mentioned in the script?

The total cost for the trip to Iceland, excluding flights, was $3,957.