Iceland Trip Itinerary!

Current Exchange Rate: 0.0052 ISK to 1 GBP

Please bring warm clothing and good boots. We might be walking quite a bit, and since it’s still winter there the ground is going to be covered in snow/ice. Since we have 9 people (an odd number) 1 person will have to sleep on an air mattress in the accommodation. We probably will rotate.

Reykjavik Meal Places:

1) Baejarin Beztu – Hotdog! They’re supposedly the best hotdogs in Europe. 2) The Sea Baron – Seafood! The lobster soup is said to be a must try.

Places we are staying at:

1) 27 Mar; Reykjavik: The Flying Viking http://www.flyingviking.is/2) 28 Mar; Vik: Vellir Guesthouse (unconfirmed) http://f-vellir.123.is/page/23950/3) 29/30 Mar; Hof: Laekjarhus Guesthouse http://laekjarhus.is/4) 31 Mar; Reykjavik: The Flying Viking (again)

Outstanding points for discussion:

1) Vehicle

Especially for the drivers, would you prefer 4WD or 2WD? Price for 4WD is ~£600, and 2WD is ~£450 (meaning a total difference of about £15 per person). Petrol for 4WD will also be slightly higher. Of course, 4WD will be safer though, but since we’re mostly going to drive on normal roads 2WD might suffice. Please confirm soon so I can book.

2) Tour

I’ve asked the tour company. The tour will be over 5 hours and will be a maximum of 15,000 ISK (£75). Equipment will be loaned from them. The ice caves, however, are not confirmed since we’re going towards the end of winter. The caves might not be stable enough for us to enter.

1 Explore Reykjavik! Day 1, Total allotted time 6 hours

1.1 Hallgrímskirkja

Huge church; just to have a quick look. If you want, we can go up the tower (IKR 350, ~2 pounds) at sunset to see the entire city before going back to the apartment.

Estimated Time: 30 min - 1 hour

1.2 Museums and Galleries

National Museum: IKR 1200, 6.50 pounds; opening 11am to 5pm

Icelandic history and culture (of course). Look at the model of Thor, and the 13 th century church door.

Culture House: IKR 1000, 5.50 pounds (student price ISK 500. Not sure if college students are considered though); opening 11am to 5pm

A place to learn more about Icelandic sagas; your favourite Norse gods.

Art Museum: IKR 1100, 6 pounds

Art. Nothing more to add.

Anyone interested?

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

1.3 Walking Tour

Get a themed brochure (city centre walk, the city parks, the city statues) from the tourist office. Walk.

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

1.4 Laugadalur Park

Loads of hot tubs/pools/Jacuzzis. All geothermally heated if you like swimming.

2 Golden Circle! Day 2, Total allotted time 10 hours

2.1 Þingvellir

Nice national park; home to the world’s longest running parliament. Grab a brochure from the park service centre first.

Have a look at the Althing law rock, where ancient lawyers discuss boring law and legislature.

See the Almannagja, Flosagja or Nikulasargja, various fissures between the European and North American plates.

Stare down the Drekkingarhylur, which was used to drown women guilty of crimes.

Go to the Oxararfoss, a waterfall of the river Oxara.

Most of all, just enjoy the scenery! (:

Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

2.2 Geysir

Look at the world’s first described geyser. It probably won’t erupt, so we would have to go to Strokkur nearby, which does erupt at 10-15 minute intervals.

Estimated Time: 1 – 2 hours

2.3 Gullfoss

Big waterfall.

Estimated Time: 1 hour

2.4 Hjalparfoss

Take a short detour to the Hjalparfoss, another waterfall surrounded by basalt formations. Visit the nearby Viking farm of Stong.

This one is a little out of the way though. Can reconsider.

Estimated Time: 1 hour

2.5 Vik

We will drive down to Vik and stay for the night. Total expected time on the road: 3.5 hours.

3 Skaftafell! Days 3/4, Total allotted time very very long

3.2 Dyrholaey and Reynisdrangar

Basalt beach and rock formations by the sea. If we stay at Vik/coming back from wherever, should stop by here before moving out. Sunrise by the beach? :D

After spending a romantic morning here, we should then move out at ~9 am to our next location. Remember to pack lunch!

3.3 Svartifoss

Reach here at around 11/12 am. Basalt waterfall. From here, take a quick trek to Sjonarnipa for the view.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

3.4 Jokulsarlon

Glacier lagoon. Reach here ~4 pm. Sit around and enjoy!

3.5 Ice Caving/Glacier Walking

Guided tour (30th), ~ 5-6 hours. Bring snacks and drinks. Expected price £75. Anyone objects?

3.6 Hiking

Skaftafell is a great place for hiking. If anyone feels it might be too tiring to walk so much in a day (expect another 5-6 hours here), we switch this with the Jokulsarlon the previous day. Meaning, we hike on the 29th and go Jokulsarlon on the 30th choosing more sedentary hiking routes.

4 Way Back to Reykjavik!

4.1 Raufarholshellir

A really long lava tube (cave, within which we go caving). Interesting ice formations abound.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours.

4.2 Skogafoss/Seljalandsfoss

More waterfalls!

Estimated Time: 2 hours

4.2 Kerio

An old crater with a vivid blue lake.

Estimated Time: 1 hour

Total time on the road is expected to be about 5 hours.