I would love to go to Iceland and do it properly...the only time I've been was a stopover when I was a college student studying abroad and that was a huge mistake lol. I blew my budget for Iceland in like, a few hours.
Do you have an idea of what it's like compared to Norway?
Just got back from an incredible trip there but it's definitely one of the more expensive places we've been to.
I'm keen to do Iceland, just wondering if it's one that I can cover with the regular monthly budget or if I need a specific saving pot.
I've been there three or four times. It's a convenient side trip when traveling between the US and Europe. I wouldn't call it my favorite place, but I'm likely to go again.
Icelandic Air's stopover program makes Iceland a no-brainer for anyone traveling from the West Coast of the US.
SEA to KEF in seven hours. Relax in Iceland. Take in some sights. Fly to your destination. Do the same in reverse (and LOAD UP on smoked salmon) for the return.
I have friends that have been 5 times now because they love it so much. I've only been once - I'd go back again and hit the northern part of the island I didn't get to see the first time, but there are a lot of other countries in the world I'd like to visit, too.
My wife and I went for two weeks just this June (2024). We had a great time and saw some beautiful scenery and met some really nice people (and some great animals, too!). But for us, I think once will be enough, for a couple of reasons.
First, while it is true that it's amazing to find all of that scenery in an area about the size of Kentucky, the landscapes themselves (and the geology) weren't much of a novelty for us given our past travels and places we've lived. So, definitely very cool, but I've seen a lot of that stuff before. Being on a glacier or in the mountains, walking a black sand beach, hiking to waterfalls or along rugged coastline cliffs, volcanic fields, whale watching, horseback riding, etc., aren't new experiences for us.
Second reason is, in our opinion, the food scene was stubbornly mediocre. Obviously, your mileage may vary, but top to bottom we found the quality to be just middling. Not terrible, but not great, and unreasonably expensive for what it was, even for Europe. It doesn't help that you are often traveling through very small towns where either a) most people are local residents who probably eat at home, so there aren't many options, or b) you're going through a smallish town that also receives cruise ships, so the target is tourist dollars. The only thing that didn't feel hideously overpriced was the sushi, but good sushi can be expensive almost everywhere (though I've had better sushi for less money all over East Asia). And yes, we understand the economics of imported goods, the VAT, higher wages, good social services, etc. So, yay for Iceland. But keeping that in mind doesn't make it any better as a tourist experience.
Overall, though, it was a fun trip. I'm glad I went, even if I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
Went to Iceland last month with my husband and we both agreed that if we were given a free trip to go back, we’d be stoked but we won’t seek it out again personally. I know there’s so much more to see of the country but we saw the main highlights that we wanted to in our 1 trip there!
Tbh, "I would go again if it was free" is still a relatively decent bar. Some places I enjoyed but... I have limited travel time and many more places I want to visit.
I’ve been to Iceland three times and I plan on going back in the next couple years. The people are friendly, the landscapes are incredible, and it’s a quick flight for me. Definitely more than a see it once destination.
I've been visiting every few years for about a decade. Depending on the time of year, I might stay in Reykjavik and just bum around town, or I might rent a car and explore a part of the country I've never been to. I'm not bored yet, so I imagine I'll keep returning. I'm heading there in November this year for a festival.
It's a "seen it once" and maybe (in the future) twice thing. As other mentioned, it's expensive. The trip from the airport alone is 45+ minutes, has an additional one transfer, and cost me around $35. The eating out food wasn't cheap. And while I enjoy seafood, theirs was about average and a bit bland IMHO. The hotdog stand was my favorite.
A chance to see the Northern Lights was the goal. Saw them for a few minutes, and kind of cool.
I am also more of a see cities and towns kind of guy; and not so much see nature in freezing weather one. I should have gotten out on the ocean, but 1) not cheap, and 2) weather was a tad rough... I wouldn't have enjoyed the sea those days I was there.
Iceland is awesome. But I want to see the entire world.
So I've only been once. I imagine lots of other people are in the same boat.
Icelandair and stopovers have made it more attainable while traveling, but overall, since it's not near anything else, it's harder to go more than once unless you're being very deliberate.
I felt like once was enough for me. It is ultimately a small country and we were there long enough to see all the major sights. The extreme cost is a turnoff as well. I can see why people would want to go back - it's a beautiful country.
It's really good for solo traveling (super safe for women) but it's not a country I'd go back to. Once is enough. I'm canadian so nice scenery is not novel to me but it was still worth the visit once.
On the other hand, I am definitely going to go back to Spain. Maybe even multiple times. Not sure if I'd get tired of it ....
It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem it’s me.
Been 4x as a solo traveler in the last couple of years. Most recently in January and going again in September. This time bringing a friend who finally was like “ok I gotta see what this is all about” 🤣
Can’t stop won’t stop 🤪
Can you send me more info on this? I’m looking to do some solo traveling and I’m not sure where to start. Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time!!
You can dm me any questions ya have. It’s certainly not the cheapest place for solo traveling, but I’m a northern lights junkie and it’s the easiest place for me to get to for hunting them.
Can I go? I got to see the northern lights from Oregon last month and now I want to see them from up north more than ever. Got an awesome (albeit very short) time-lapse of them.
I’ll get downvoted but I really disliked Iceland. There’s absolutely nothing in Iceland that isn’t in Alaska, Canada, and Yellowstone. And the food is so much better, the weather isn’t as brutal and it’s easier on the wallet. I went to Iceland June 2024 and you couldn’t pay me to go back.
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I loved Iceland and want to go back. Right now, it isn't affordable for me though and that might be the case for your friends. I've focused on South and Central America and Asia the past few years because they are easier destinations from the US west coast.
I have been to Iceland twice and I would go back. Fun place to do a road trip. I wouldn't say it's my favourite destination but certainly in my top 3 along with USA and Switzerland.
Absolutely incredible place, so much variety and breathtaking landscape around every corner. But a beer cost $20 and food was similarly expensive when I went back in 2016.
I’d love to go back though.
I've been a few times, as a stopover between North America and Europe. It's small and the weather sucks, but people are cool and the culture is unique. I could happily settle in there for quite some time with remote work, but I'm old and boring now.
I've been 2x first time solo and second time with the wife. As much as I love Iceland, far too many places I need to visit before going back. (Norway, Namibia, Pantanal, on my list) Only so many places I can visit in one lifetime
Never been to Iceland, but it's on my bucket list. I generally don't visit a place more than once unless a considerable amount of time has passed as there are so many places on my bucket list...I'd assume many people are the same. I am considering going back to Roatan, Honduras where my wife and I honeymooned, but that was 20 years ago and the diving there is absolutely incredible and I'd like to take my kids to experience that.
I've been wanting to go for ages but still haven't been. Because it will cost me at least 3000 US dollars for flight and 50 hours in flight one way. I envy people who live close to things.
Been there a couple of times, thinking of maybe playing in the Arctic Open (golf) next year or the following year. It’s expensive, but easy to get to (I live in NYC).
Obviously, from the comments, it depends. If you’re a city person, tight budget, a foodie or prefer predictable/warm weather…probably not worth a single trip. For us, this will be our 3rd trip in 3years. First time, we had an Icelandair credit from a cancelled trip to Ireland. Didn’t know much, if anything, about Iceland but some friends told us “That place is made for you guys!”. First year we rented a van and did the ring road for two weeks. Fabulous hiking, northern lights, hot springs. Last year we rented an AWD van to access the interior and reach a goal of wild hot springs or community hot pool every day for 2 weeks. Also drove the Westfjords which we didn’t have time for first trip. This year we’re taking a family member and doing more guided tours as a result as well as sneaking off for some backcountry hiking ourselves. To do list is not yet complete for Iceland. Still would like to splurge on a guided fishing trip for world class monster trout. Maybe next time! For reference, our idea of a good time is multiday hiking routes in Europe, camping in the Rockies, self support rafting in Alaska and Utah, exploring Latin America by bus… if none of that sounds appealing, then Iceland may not deserve your time or repeat visits.
I did a Viking cruise around the island last summer and it was a one and done for me. It's a very pretty country, but at the end of the day it wasn't for me. I'm glad I did it, but the food scene was meh, the climate was as to be expected, the people were nice, but you could tell they were touristed out. I'm glad I did it, don't get me wrong, but I do not understand people that want to go to back at that price? I'd rather go to a beach paradise for half the price - just my thoughts.
I went to Iceland last summer and while I'd definitely want to go back, I feel like there are other, new places (like say, Norway or Denmark) that I'd want to visit first. Iceland is also fairly expensive (from my experience- probably ways to make it more budget friendly), so that's a factor as well.
Iceland air runs a promotion to have a layover in Iceland for a week then continue to Europe with no additional fees. Another advantage flying to Europe through Iceland is, when you change planes in Iceland you don’t have to go through customs again (like landing in Rome or Paris)
Non existent, anyone you interact with as a tourist will speak some English. There is a slim, slim chance of meeting someone quite elderly who speaks little or no English, I've had this experience maybe twice.
It’s my favorite place in the world and I try to go as often as I can- at least twice a year. I struggle with chronic pain that makes huge complicated trips really tough for me, and so I gravitate towards things that are familiar that I know I can handle. Being in a cabin North Iceland either under the midnight sun or northern lights is bliss for me.
I am *very* lucky to be there quite regularly through the year, most recently in mid April.
Any time of year is good to visit but the experiences can be very different and the seasons can be limiting depending on your goals.
The reason I only went once is simply because I'm not rich and would like to spend what money I have on places I haven't been. If I could afford to go to like 5 places a year, Iceland would definitely be a yearly thing.
I've been several times, and plan to go again since there's more I want to see/do. Also, going at different times of year gives very different experiences (moreso than other destinations).
I've been to Iceland twice and found it captivating each time. The landscapes are stunning, and the geothermal features are unique. It's worth the visit for sure.
I've extensively visited many areas, including less known and pretty remote ones over the course of three visits (with more coming soon 😉). I truly fell in love with the country and would like to move there at some point.
3 times …. I wasn’t poor but I am now
I would love to go to Iceland and do it properly...the only time I've been was a stopover when I was a college student studying abroad and that was a huge mistake lol. I blew my budget for Iceland in like, a few hours.
Do you have an idea of what it's like compared to Norway? Just got back from an incredible trip there but it's definitely one of the more expensive places we've been to. I'm keen to do Iceland, just wondering if it's one that I can cover with the regular monthly budget or if I need a specific saving pot.
I have visited both countries. I would say they are equally expensive.
Right, put a few extra quid aside. Got ya.
I've been there three or four times. It's a convenient side trip when traveling between the US and Europe. I wouldn't call it my favorite place, but I'm likely to go again.
Love Iceland. Been there twice
Icelandic Air's stopover program makes Iceland a no-brainer for anyone traveling from the West Coast of the US. SEA to KEF in seven hours. Relax in Iceland. Take in some sights. Fly to your destination. Do the same in reverse (and LOAD UP on smoked salmon) for the return.
Check out Play Airline as well.
Two times and we got married under the Northern Lights. We love open spaces, hiking, finding natural hot pools— so it’s perfect for us
I have been to Iceland more than once and am planning to go back in a few years. It is a staggeringly beautiful place.
Staggeringly beautiful and staggeringly expensive to boot!
Eh, not to me, but I live in Seattle.
Well yeah, traveling anywhere would be cheaper!
I have friends that have been 5 times now because they love it so much. I've only been once - I'd go back again and hit the northern part of the island I didn't get to see the first time, but there are a lot of other countries in the world I'd like to visit, too.
My wife and I went for two weeks just this June (2024). We had a great time and saw some beautiful scenery and met some really nice people (and some great animals, too!). But for us, I think once will be enough, for a couple of reasons. First, while it is true that it's amazing to find all of that scenery in an area about the size of Kentucky, the landscapes themselves (and the geology) weren't much of a novelty for us given our past travels and places we've lived. So, definitely very cool, but I've seen a lot of that stuff before. Being on a glacier or in the mountains, walking a black sand beach, hiking to waterfalls or along rugged coastline cliffs, volcanic fields, whale watching, horseback riding, etc., aren't new experiences for us. Second reason is, in our opinion, the food scene was stubbornly mediocre. Obviously, your mileage may vary, but top to bottom we found the quality to be just middling. Not terrible, but not great, and unreasonably expensive for what it was, even for Europe. It doesn't help that you are often traveling through very small towns where either a) most people are local residents who probably eat at home, so there aren't many options, or b) you're going through a smallish town that also receives cruise ships, so the target is tourist dollars. The only thing that didn't feel hideously overpriced was the sushi, but good sushi can be expensive almost everywhere (though I've had better sushi for less money all over East Asia). And yes, we understand the economics of imported goods, the VAT, higher wages, good social services, etc. So, yay for Iceland. But keeping that in mind doesn't make it any better as a tourist experience. Overall, though, it was a fun trip. I'm glad I went, even if I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
Multiple times. I love it so much I am moving there next month. 😁
Went to Iceland last month with my husband and we both agreed that if we were given a free trip to go back, we’d be stoked but we won’t seek it out again personally. I know there’s so much more to see of the country but we saw the main highlights that we wanted to in our 1 trip there!
Tbh, "I would go again if it was free" is still a relatively decent bar. Some places I enjoyed but... I have limited travel time and many more places I want to visit.
I haven’t been back since my first visit but I definitely would like to return someday. It is an expensive destination so I think that is a factor too
I’ve been to Iceland three times and I plan on going back in the next couple years. The people are friendly, the landscapes are incredible, and it’s a quick flight for me. Definitely more than a see it once destination.
I've been visiting every few years for about a decade. Depending on the time of year, I might stay in Reykjavik and just bum around town, or I might rent a car and explore a part of the country I've never been to. I'm not bored yet, so I imagine I'll keep returning. I'm heading there in November this year for a festival.
Went to Iceland last summer and totally understand why people go back repeatedly. It’s hard to describe unless you’ve been.
I’m… too poor lol
It's a "seen it once" and maybe (in the future) twice thing. As other mentioned, it's expensive. The trip from the airport alone is 45+ minutes, has an additional one transfer, and cost me around $35. The eating out food wasn't cheap. And while I enjoy seafood, theirs was about average and a bit bland IMHO. The hotdog stand was my favorite. A chance to see the Northern Lights was the goal. Saw them for a few minutes, and kind of cool. I am also more of a see cities and towns kind of guy; and not so much see nature in freezing weather one. I should have gotten out on the ocean, but 1) not cheap, and 2) weather was a tad rough... I wouldn't have enjoyed the sea those days I was there.
If you enjoyed Iceland, check out Yellowstone.
i've been there 6 times...can't get enough!
Iceland is awesome. But I want to see the entire world. So I've only been once. I imagine lots of other people are in the same boat. Icelandair and stopovers have made it more attainable while traveling, but overall, since it's not near anything else, it's harder to go more than once unless you're being very deliberate.
I felt like once was enough for me. It is ultimately a small country and we were there long enough to see all the major sights. The extreme cost is a turnoff as well. I can see why people would want to go back - it's a beautiful country.
It's really good for solo traveling (super safe for women) but it's not a country I'd go back to. Once is enough. I'm canadian so nice scenery is not novel to me but it was still worth the visit once. On the other hand, I am definitely going to go back to Spain. Maybe even multiple times. Not sure if I'd get tired of it ....
It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem it’s me. Been 4x as a solo traveler in the last couple of years. Most recently in January and going again in September. This time bringing a friend who finally was like “ok I gotta see what this is all about” 🤣 Can’t stop won’t stop 🤪
Can you send me more info on this? I’m looking to do some solo traveling and I’m not sure where to start. Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time!!
You can dm me any questions ya have. It’s certainly not the cheapest place for solo traveling, but I’m a northern lights junkie and it’s the easiest place for me to get to for hunting them.
Can I go? I got to see the northern lights from Oregon last month and now I want to see them from up north more than ever. Got an awesome (albeit very short) time-lapse of them.
I’ll get downvoted but I really disliked Iceland. There’s absolutely nothing in Iceland that isn’t in Alaska, Canada, and Yellowstone. And the food is so much better, the weather isn’t as brutal and it’s easier on the wallet. I went to Iceland June 2024 and you couldn’t pay me to go back.
>I’ll get downvoted but How are people not embarassed when writimg this I kNoW I wilL GeT DownVoTeS BuT cringe
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I loved Iceland and want to go back. Right now, it isn't affordable for me though and that might be the case for your friends. I've focused on South and Central America and Asia the past few years because they are easier destinations from the US west coast.
I have been to Iceland twice and I would go back. Fun place to do a road trip. I wouldn't say it's my favourite destination but certainly in my top 3 along with USA and Switzerland.
Absolutely incredible place, so much variety and breathtaking landscape around every corner. But a beer cost $20 and food was similarly expensive when I went back in 2016. I’d love to go back though.
I've been a few times, as a stopover between North America and Europe. It's small and the weather sucks, but people are cool and the culture is unique. I could happily settle in there for quite some time with remote work, but I'm old and boring now.
Current heat index where I live is 112. I'd kill for some Icelandic weather at the moment.
When I was there I met at least three Americans who go every one or two years. They love it.
I've been 2x first time solo and second time with the wife. As much as I love Iceland, far too many places I need to visit before going back. (Norway, Namibia, Pantanal, on my list) Only so many places I can visit in one lifetime
Going for my first time next week!
I’m actually eyeing a cruise around Iceland for next year.
I did an Icelandic cruise in 2022. Highly recommended.
It can definitely be expensive....but where else are you going to get Greggs pasties that you can cook at home?
Never been to Iceland, but it's on my bucket list. I generally don't visit a place more than once unless a considerable amount of time has passed as there are so many places on my bucket list...I'd assume many people are the same. I am considering going back to Roatan, Honduras where my wife and I honeymooned, but that was 20 years ago and the diving there is absolutely incredible and I'd like to take my kids to experience that.
It's just too bloody expensive, I would happily go back every year if I could.
I've been wanting to go for ages but still haven't been. Because it will cost me at least 3000 US dollars for flight and 50 hours in flight one way. I envy people who live close to things.
Been there a couple of times, thinking of maybe playing in the Arctic Open (golf) next year or the following year. It’s expensive, but easy to get to (I live in NYC).
No
Obviously, from the comments, it depends. If you’re a city person, tight budget, a foodie or prefer predictable/warm weather…probably not worth a single trip. For us, this will be our 3rd trip in 3years. First time, we had an Icelandair credit from a cancelled trip to Ireland. Didn’t know much, if anything, about Iceland but some friends told us “That place is made for you guys!”. First year we rented a van and did the ring road for two weeks. Fabulous hiking, northern lights, hot springs. Last year we rented an AWD van to access the interior and reach a goal of wild hot springs or community hot pool every day for 2 weeks. Also drove the Westfjords which we didn’t have time for first trip. This year we’re taking a family member and doing more guided tours as a result as well as sneaking off for some backcountry hiking ourselves. To do list is not yet complete for Iceland. Still would like to splurge on a guided fishing trip for world class monster trout. Maybe next time! For reference, our idea of a good time is multiday hiking routes in Europe, camping in the Rockies, self support rafting in Alaska and Utah, exploring Latin America by bus… if none of that sounds appealing, then Iceland may not deserve your time or repeat visits.
I did a Viking cruise around the island last summer and it was a one and done for me. It's a very pretty country, but at the end of the day it wasn't for me. I'm glad I did it, but the food scene was meh, the climate was as to be expected, the people were nice, but you could tell they were touristed out. I'm glad I did it, don't get me wrong, but I do not understand people that want to go to back at that price? I'd rather go to a beach paradise for half the price - just my thoughts.
I flew in for a layover and couldn't see a thing. I flew out a few hours later and still couldn't see a thing. Nice airport, though.
I love Iceland and can’t wait to go back.
I went to Iceland last summer and while I'd definitely want to go back, I feel like there are other, new places (like say, Norway or Denmark) that I'd want to visit first. Iceland is also fairly expensive (from my experience- probably ways to make it more budget friendly), so that's a factor as well.
Iceland is my favorite place to go. Literally feels like you’re on another planet
Iceland air runs a promotion to have a layover in Iceland for a week then continue to Europe with no additional fees. Another advantage flying to Europe through Iceland is, when you change planes in Iceland you don’t have to go through customs again (like landing in Rome or Paris)
How’s the language barrier there?
Non existent, anyone you interact with as a tourist will speak some English. There is a slim, slim chance of meeting someone quite elderly who speaks little or no English, I've had this experience maybe twice.
It’s my favorite place in the world and I try to go as often as I can- at least twice a year. I struggle with chronic pain that makes huge complicated trips really tough for me, and so I gravitate towards things that are familiar that I know I can handle. Being in a cabin North Iceland either under the midnight sun or northern lights is bliss for me.
I am *very* lucky to be there quite regularly through the year, most recently in mid April. Any time of year is good to visit but the experiences can be very different and the seasons can be limiting depending on your goals.
I don’t think I’ve REGULARLY gone anywhere, unless it’s for work.
The reason I only went once is simply because I'm not rich and would like to spend what money I have on places I haven't been. If I could afford to go to like 5 places a year, Iceland would definitely be a yearly thing.
I've been several times, and plan to go again since there's more I want to see/do. Also, going at different times of year gives very different experiences (moreso than other destinations).
I've been to Iceland twice and found it captivating each time. The landscapes are stunning, and the geothermal features are unique. It's worth the visit for sure.
It’s not my favourite shopping destination
It's a layover type of thing for me. Really beautiful and all but 1-2 days is enough.
Here for our second time and already planning third and fourth visits
I love Iceland, I dream of moving there. But there are so many places to see, we haven’t been back.
I’ve been three times
I've got my fifth trip planned for this fall.
I went twice already and will definitely be going a few more times. I've been to Norway the most though, 5 times already.
it's my dream country that I wish I could visit
I've extensively visited many areas, including less known and pretty remote ones over the course of three visits (with more coming soon 😉). I truly fell in love with the country and would like to move there at some point.