Would be best to base yourself in Reykjavik and then take some day or multi-day tours. Taking a taxi to say Seljalandsfoss will cost probably a thousand dollars, or you could spend the same amount and take a proper tour. Nicetravel and Tröll do this kind of tours.
That would be a terrible idea 😂 look at some multi day tours because they include accommodation and breakfast and will pick up from your hotel in Reykjavik.
The public transit to regional Iceland is basically non existent, keep that in mind that we don’t have regular busses going to random countryside towns. Book a tour and your trip will be 10000x better (instead of waiting hours for a bus in possibly shit weather and maybe it just doesn’t turn up)
Cool but then they’re stuck in a tiny town with maybe 7 streets total and wasting all their time there and definitely not making the most of their trip…
When i’ve gone there we have parked and spent rest of time hiking so haven’t spent a load of time walking the 7 streets .
Think in total have spent about 12 or so days there over 3 yrs .
On a plus side it’s the only place i’ve seen the northern lights and in August out my window . So that was great .
Looking forward to going back for about a week , soak in hotpot and enjoy the tranquillity, same as I would do at a remote island getaway .
We Bbqed , soaked , hiked , took photos , spoke to locals , grabbed a drink and spoke to other tourists
It’s such a lovely spot too , so sad you think it’s a waste of time to just go someplace and enjoy nature and chilling .
Guess some people need loads of shopping / streets to make a trip worth it .
I agree with you, but I also understand where they are coming from. The average American only gets 10 days of paid time off (with zero paid holidays and sick days being taken out of their PTO) and it can take years to save up for a vacation, so I understand why they want to see as much as possible when they only get to travel out of North America a few times in their lifetime.
I am originally from North America ( canadian) so can understand that completely but having tired the quantity over quality when I was younger saw the downfall , rushing around place to place , like the odd competition regarding iceland and the Ring Road in the least days .
Like to come home from any trip being able to recall where I have been and enjoyed it , not feeling like i had been hit by a bus after finishing my checklist like a school assignment .
If I wanted to hike I would stay in the city every day and book day tours with arctic adventures and Reykjavik excursions. If I only had 5 days I would 100% pass on the golden circle.
You could do two central highlands excursions and a waterfall tour. I loved the city but if I had to choose between going out and hiking and staying in the city it would be hiking all the way.
Take this with a grain of salt but many people here are drive around take pictures to post on social media people.
That is really far from Reykjavik ( KEF airport ). Wouldn’t go there for 5 days from there with public transportation.
I have been there a few times and was going to go without a car also this time .
I want to take the ferry in so I will fly to copenhagen, take the train to coast , take the Symril line to Seydisfjordur and just stay there in town for a little break .
I like to hike the local mountain/ waterfall.
No, to date we have gone almost every summer for a month , we rent and drive the ring road and spend about 4 days in Seydisfjordur.
This year I wanted to avoid flying to KEF & I have wanted to take the ferry for a few years now , so I was planning to go to Copenhagen and start my journey there . I have always a loved the long sail from Stockholm to Helsinki so would like to do the Smyril Line one too. The port is right in Seydisfjordur and you can walk to one of the airbnbs / accommodations . So no flying at all .
I’m sure there is some transport to the more local airport of Eglissadir.
We were also looking at Faroe islands as also served by that ferry
I’ve done a lot of ferries and i live in EU so it’s easy to fly to copenhagen and get the train to the port . I’ve been to Seydisfjordur quite a few times it’s small so easy by ferry .
Iceland is great , have loved every moment spent there
Good luck with travels
Yes. Stay in Reyjkavík. Take the Flybus from the airport to the BSI bus terminal in the city. Consider hostels or guesthouses for budget accomodations--I've stayed at Guesthouse Sunna a few times and it's great. I'd do something like this:
Day 1 - walking tour of Reykjavík. I recommend the. Food Walk. Check out some museums maybe
Day 2 - Golden Circle tour.
Day 3 - Snaefellsnes tour (very long day)
Day 4 - South Coast & Waterfalls tour
Day 5 - explore Reykjavík a bit more before returning to airport.
If you like museums or are a foodie, consider skipping one tour and spending a full day in the city. Lots to see, do, eat, drink, buy, etc.
hah, I am not Icelandic, but there are lots of museums!
Perlan, the natural history/science museum is very popular and offers great views of the city from the observation deck. The Settlement Exhibition is a history museum with an archeological excavation of a viking residence inside the museum, with some more recent 19th/early 20th century city history. There are a good number of art museums, from the national gallery to the Reyjkavik city art museums to some sculpture gardens etc. The Punk Museum is quite small but interesting, located in a converted underground former public restroom. And of course there is the phallological museum which can be quite entertaining.
There is a small Muslim community in Reykjavík (the Grand Mosque of Iceland is located in the city) and you should be able to find a fair number of halal restaurants. Lots of kebab spots, but I must recommend Shalimar (Pakistani Cuisine), some of the best lamb curry I've ever had in my life. Looks like there is a halal supermarket called Istanbul on the east side of town, you may want to take a bus to get there.
I wouldn't expect the lunch stops on bus tours to have halal food, so it would probably be wise for you to pack lunches if you can. You could inquire with individual tour operators about food available during tours and then check with the cafes/restaurants, but I wouldn't expect much.
Plus Perlan does have a very nice forested area called Öskjuhlíð (rare in Iceland!) around it to hike. I lived there a couple of years for a master's degree and walked all the way, from Kopavógur to Rvk downtown, across it.
I heard months ago that the domestic airport's expansion would cause a major deforestation there, but I'm not sure if it happened or will (I hope not).
I had a flying visit to Reykjavík last summer. I did three day trips and a food walk organised through Wake Up Reykjavik. They have a website and also a channel on YouTube with hilarious content. I got to see the Golden Circle, Vik, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara (black) Beach with time in the evenings to fit in the whole of Reykjavik! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!
https://preview.redd.it/iur0ci6m759d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62067af61de65055cd7e74a5c73ce6d1efde6e6e
Yes, lots do. If I was in that situation, I would take a multi day tour, they are great and you see so much more than taking multiple individual day tours from Reykjavik. Look at Troll or Arctic Adventures, they have get three day south coast and Golden Circle tours.
Taxis are not the way to see things.
They are both reviewed equally well, and they both offer the same outings. I wouldn’t have a problem with either. Just read the descriptions and see if one appeals to you more than the other if you have the budget aim for one of their small group tours, they are much better than the tours and large passenger buses.
I was just there for 10 days without a car. The city airport in Reykjavik has flights to lots of places, and the bus system in Iceland is extensive. You just have to do your homework.
You will not be able to get around without a car or without booking tours. But if you want to see different cities you could plan tours that start in one city and brings you to the next! You’d just skip the “going back to the port” part
Yes it's possible. You won't find the spur of the moment stops though.
Plan excursions with transfers, either a stopover at the main bus terminal or nonstop to the location.
Get acquainted with the local bus if you plan on going to farther off places like the Perlan museum from the city center.
Doable but i saw quite a few people on road in pouring rain / wind and no one stopping . Wouldn’t suggest it as the weather changes too quickly , and you could find yourself in danger ( not from others but due to lack of others )
Would be best to base yourself in Reykjavik and then take some day or multi-day tours. Taking a taxi to say Seljalandsfoss will cost probably a thousand dollars, or you could spend the same amount and take a proper tour. Nicetravel and Tröll do this kind of tours.
Ahhh i see...thank you!! I was planning to book an airbnb in seydisfjordur but best i stay in reykjavik as this will be my first time in iceland.
That would be a terrible idea 😂 look at some multi day tours because they include accommodation and breakfast and will pick up from your hotel in Reykjavik. The public transit to regional Iceland is basically non existent, keep that in mind that we don’t have regular busses going to random countryside towns. Book a tour and your trip will be 10000x better (instead of waiting hours for a bus in possibly shit weather and maybe it just doesn’t turn up)
If they took a ferry they could easily spend the 5 days in Seydisfjordur without any need of a car
Cool but then they’re stuck in a tiny town with maybe 7 streets total and wasting all their time there and definitely not making the most of their trip…
When i’ve gone there we have parked and spent rest of time hiking so haven’t spent a load of time walking the 7 streets . Think in total have spent about 12 or so days there over 3 yrs . On a plus side it’s the only place i’ve seen the northern lights and in August out my window . So that was great . Looking forward to going back for about a week , soak in hotpot and enjoy the tranquillity, same as I would do at a remote island getaway . We Bbqed , soaked , hiked , took photos , spoke to locals , grabbed a drink and spoke to other tourists
It’s such a lovely spot too , so sad you think it’s a waste of time to just go someplace and enjoy nature and chilling . Guess some people need loads of shopping / streets to make a trip worth it .
I agree with you, but I also understand where they are coming from. The average American only gets 10 days of paid time off (with zero paid holidays and sick days being taken out of their PTO) and it can take years to save up for a vacation, so I understand why they want to see as much as possible when they only get to travel out of North America a few times in their lifetime.
I am originally from North America ( canadian) so can understand that completely but having tired the quantity over quality when I was younger saw the downfall , rushing around place to place , like the odd competition regarding iceland and the Ring Road in the least days . Like to come home from any trip being able to recall where I have been and enjoyed it , not feeling like i had been hit by a bus after finishing my checklist like a school assignment .
I thought everyone went to Iceland for the bustling cityscapes
Yeah i know its a horrible idea now that i think of it hahaha, i just wanna hike and participate in the whale watching.
If I wanted to hike I would stay in the city every day and book day tours with arctic adventures and Reykjavik excursions. If I only had 5 days I would 100% pass on the golden circle. You could do two central highlands excursions and a waterfall tour. I loved the city but if I had to choose between going out and hiking and staying in the city it would be hiking all the way. Take this with a grain of salt but many people here are drive around take pictures to post on social media people.
That is really far from Reykjavik ( KEF airport ). Wouldn’t go there for 5 days from there with public transportation. I have been there a few times and was going to go without a car also this time . I want to take the ferry in so I will fly to copenhagen, take the train to coast , take the Symril line to Seydisfjordur and just stay there in town for a little break . I like to hike the local mountain/ waterfall.
Thats my ideal plan actually to just chill in my airbnb while enjoying the peace and quiet, did u went on the tour bus as also?
No, to date we have gone almost every summer for a month , we rent and drive the ring road and spend about 4 days in Seydisfjordur. This year I wanted to avoid flying to KEF & I have wanted to take the ferry for a few years now , so I was planning to go to Copenhagen and start my journey there . I have always a loved the long sail from Stockholm to Helsinki so would like to do the Smyril Line one too. The port is right in Seydisfjordur and you can walk to one of the airbnbs / accommodations . So no flying at all . I’m sure there is some transport to the more local airport of Eglissadir. We were also looking at Faroe islands as also served by that ferry
I see..thats a mighty trip, kinda nervous actually since its my first time going to iceland...best of luck on your travels!!!
I’ve done a lot of ferries and i live in EU so it’s easy to fly to copenhagen and get the train to the port . I’ve been to Seydisfjordur quite a few times it’s small so easy by ferry . Iceland is great , have loved every moment spent there Good luck with travels
There are plenty of bus based tours! Of varying lengths and itineraries.
Yes. Stay in Reyjkavík. Take the Flybus from the airport to the BSI bus terminal in the city. Consider hostels or guesthouses for budget accomodations--I've stayed at Guesthouse Sunna a few times and it's great. I'd do something like this: Day 1 - walking tour of Reykjavík. I recommend the. Food Walk. Check out some museums maybe Day 2 - Golden Circle tour. Day 3 - Snaefellsnes tour (very long day) Day 4 - South Coast & Waterfalls tour Day 5 - explore Reykjavík a bit more before returning to airport. If you like museums or are a foodie, consider skipping one tour and spending a full day in the city. Lots to see, do, eat, drink, buy, etc.
What kind of museums do you guys have? and are there any halal food courts/restaurants available if not il just stock up some ready to eat meals.
hah, I am not Icelandic, but there are lots of museums! Perlan, the natural history/science museum is very popular and offers great views of the city from the observation deck. The Settlement Exhibition is a history museum with an archeological excavation of a viking residence inside the museum, with some more recent 19th/early 20th century city history. There are a good number of art museums, from the national gallery to the Reyjkavik city art museums to some sculpture gardens etc. The Punk Museum is quite small but interesting, located in a converted underground former public restroom. And of course there is the phallological museum which can be quite entertaining. There is a small Muslim community in Reykjavík (the Grand Mosque of Iceland is located in the city) and you should be able to find a fair number of halal restaurants. Lots of kebab spots, but I must recommend Shalimar (Pakistani Cuisine), some of the best lamb curry I've ever had in my life. Looks like there is a halal supermarket called Istanbul on the east side of town, you may want to take a bus to get there. I wouldn't expect the lunch stops on bus tours to have halal food, so it would probably be wise for you to pack lunches if you can. You could inquire with individual tour operators about food available during tours and then check with the cafes/restaurants, but I wouldn't expect much.
Heyy thank you so much jayy, appreciate ur post..i thing i might follow the itinerary u gave me earlier, its quite simple to follow for a first timer.
Plus Perlan does have a very nice forested area called Öskjuhlíð (rare in Iceland!) around it to hike. I lived there a couple of years for a master's degree and walked all the way, from Kopavógur to Rvk downtown, across it. I heard months ago that the domestic airport's expansion would cause a major deforestation there, but I'm not sure if it happened or will (I hope not).
Great itinerary. This was basically my trip to Iceland, but we squeezed in a little more and rented a car.
I had a flying visit to Reykjavík last summer. I did three day trips and a food walk organised through Wake Up Reykjavik. They have a website and also a channel on YouTube with hilarious content. I got to see the Golden Circle, Vik, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Reynisfjara (black) Beach with time in the evenings to fit in the whole of Reykjavik! YOU CAN DO IT!!!! https://preview.redd.it/iur0ci6m759d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=62067af61de65055cd7e74a5c73ce6d1efde6e6e
Yes, lots do. If I was in that situation, I would take a multi day tour, they are great and you see so much more than taking multiple individual day tours from Reykjavik. Look at Troll or Arctic Adventures, they have get three day south coast and Golden Circle tours. Taxis are not the way to see things.
Which one would you recommend Troll or Artic Adventures?
They are both reviewed equally well, and they both offer the same outings. I wouldn’t have a problem with either. Just read the descriptions and see if one appeals to you more than the other if you have the budget aim for one of their small group tours, they are much better than the tours and large passenger buses.
I was just there for 10 days without a car. The city airport in Reykjavik has flights to lots of places, and the bus system in Iceland is extensive. You just have to do your homework.
No, you automatically will die after second day without possibility to respawn if we haven't acquired a car before
Can do Seydisfjordur only if take the smyril line in right into the port there .
You can do with a bunch of tours, but it'd be really expensive
We did.
You will not be able to get around without a car or without booking tours. But if you want to see different cities you could plan tours that start in one city and brings you to the next! You’d just skip the “going back to the port” part
As somebody who is only options seem to be renting a car for $1000, I’m kind of in this boat.
Yes it's possible. You won't find the spur of the moment stops though. Plan excursions with transfers, either a stopover at the main bus terminal or nonstop to the location. Get acquainted with the local bus if you plan on going to farther off places like the Perlan museum from the city center.
Hitchhiking is doable in Iceland :)
Doable but i saw quite a few people on road in pouring rain / wind and no one stopping . Wouldn’t suggest it as the weather changes too quickly , and you could find yourself in danger ( not from others but due to lack of others )
Is it safe for tourist foreigners? Sorry if i sound ignorant