Islandia, ¿excursiones? Outline · Standard · [ Linear+ ]

Hola,

me voy a Reijkiavic unos días en mayo y quería aprovechar para ver un poco el país. He estado viendo páginas que ofrecen excursiones como por ejemplo esta. Tengo 4 días enteros libres así que podría hacer varias.

¿Alguien que haya estado por allí puede decirme cuales son imprescindibles-recomendables-prescindibles? ¿Alguna sugerencia de visita que no esté incluida ahí?

Saludos

Qué envidia me das Eressi!!!

Yo este año ya lo tengo cubierto en el tema viajes, pero el que viene ya está apalabrado el recorrerme Islandia. Me atrae muchísimo.

Qué envidia me das Eressi!!! 

Yo este año ya lo tengo cubierto en el tema viajes, pero el que viene ya está apalabrado el recorrerme Islandia. Me atrae muchísimo.

Yo estoy que no me lo creo, siempre ha sido uno de los viajes que más me han atraido de todo el mundo y eso de de repente, poder ir por trabajo y con gastos semipagados es la repera

Como te odio, Eressi

Queremos fotos bañándote en los geiseres de por allí.

Envidiaaaaaaaaaa

Para mí también es uno de esos destinos soñados, que en algún momento me gustaría hacer pero que es carísimo.

De excursiones no estoy muy empapado, el tema geyseres creo que es famoso allí, y bueno todo lo de glaciares y demás por descontado. Infórmate también de si en esta época es habitual ver auroras boreales.

Eressi, toma nota. Y asiento, porque te toca "estudiar".

Lo copio porque no me funciona el enlace. Quizá te den alguna ideilla.

Just getting started planning a trip to Iceland; could use some input on my itinerary

Author: sunny16
Date: 01/16/2007, 11:38 pm

DH and I have decided to go to Iceland this year! I'm very excited, as I have been wanting to go there for about 10 years. Unfortunately, we will probably only have a week to 10 days there, so I'm trying to keep the itinerary light. I have identified the South Coast and the Lake Myvatn regions as two areas that would probably hold a lot of interest for us. I am also kind of interested in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. I don't want to try to tackle the entire Ring Road in a week because I want some time to hike at every location.

So, my question (after all that) is, if we wanted to see the following:

Reykjavik
Thingvellir
Geysir & Gullfoss
hiking around Thorsmork
Laki lava flows
Skaftafell Nat'l Park
Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon

would that be enough to keep us occupied for a week? Would it be too much to try to tackle in a week? Should we try to fly up to Lake Myvatn for a couple of days as well? Our interests are hiking, geology and photography, and I know DH doesn't want to spend long stretches in a car. I want to fit in one horseback ride in there, and I was thinking that a boat ride at Jokulsarlon might be fun. DH is very interested in seeing a glacier and I'd be up for doing a guided glacier hike.

Thanks in advance for any input!



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Author: eri
Date: 01/17/2007, 06:51 am
10 days is enough to see quite a lot of Iceland. I would suggest staying the 2 first nights in Reykjavik. After the first night, drive to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gulfoss. Easy drive and a nice day's trip. Return to Rejkjavik for the second noght. The 3rd day take a trip to either Landmannalaugar or to Thorsmork. If you use the public transportation, you can stay there overnight and hike around the area. That brings you to the 4th night. try to stay around Vik. 5th night - near Hofn. on the way you can stop for a few hours in Jokulsarlon. I personally don't think that this is the trip's highlight but... In this area you can also tour the glacier. So we get to the 6th night, drive till you reach Egilsstadir. 7th and 8th night in the Myvatn area. If you still have energy and money try to take a 1 day superjeep trip to Askja. Amazing! Don't skip Myvatn. Now depends if you have the time, go to Akureyri and either return the car there and fly back to Reykjavik, or drive back. I would skip Snaefellsnes. As nice and interesting Snaefellsnes is, it cannot compare to the Myvatn and Askja areas. You could always add a day to Myvatn and go to Husavik and the marvelous nature that is around the whole area.
Try to avoid hotels and stay in "farm stays" which are actually mini guesthouses that provide you with bed and breakfast and most of them offer also dinners, which is an advatage, since there are almost no restaurants on the route.
Hope this helps.



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Author: eri
Date: 01/17/2007, 06:54 am
The messege was sent accidentally before I had a chance to correct all the typos...



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Author: sunny16
Date: 01/17/2007, 11:47 pm
Thank you, eri! This is a big help.

About how long does it take to drive from Hofn to Egilsstadir and from there to the Myvatn region? I've looked at the distance charts, but I understand that one has to drive a little more cautiously in Iceland, is that correct?

Do you think it would be possible to rent a car for part of the trip, and drop it off somewhere and take a bus for the sections of the trip where we don't need that much flexibility? I think we might use public transportation between Hofn, Egilsstadir and Myvatn if we had the option. Then we could rent a car in the Myvatn area, explore for a few days and fly back to Reykjavik.

Thanks again for the help!



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Author: eri
Date: 01/18/2007, 06:37 am
We took 1 day for Hofn-Egilsstadir and 1 more day for Egilsstadr to Myvatn. It took us that long not because of the distances and not because of the roads, we simply stopped wherever we saw interesting sites and enjoying the ride. The roads are extremely easy to drive. The traffic was almost non existant. Some of the roads we drove on were gravel roads but we saw that they were working on them and I am sure that by now those are most probably just regular roads. Narrow, but more than sufficient for the amount of traffic they carry. I am not at all sure that you can return a car in Hofn. It is a tiny place! I also think that you will not save a lot by going part of the way by bus. They will most probably charge you for drop off in a different location. Buses also cost money! And... you'll miss all the sites on the route. The only time we dropped off a car in a location other than Reykjavik was in Akureyri, which is the second largest town in Iceland. You most definitely need a car in Myvatn. Myvatn is not a town it is an area. I am not at all sure that you will be able to rent a car there. You probably will have to go by bus to Akureyei to pick a rental. This seems a lot of bother to me. I would rather rent a car in Keflavik (the international airport) upon arrival, and return it either in Akureyri and take a flight from there to Reykjavik, or take it all the way back to Reykjavik and return it Keflavik airport. This would be my preference. You have to take into account that Keflavik is about 30 miles from Reykjavik. All transportations cost money.
Also accommodations are less expensive (still not cheap!) if you stay in farm houses. You cannot do it if you don't have a car. Places to eat are also a problem when you are on the way. We always carry food for sandwiches and light meals when we are on the road and stop wherever we like to eat. You absolutely have to reserve all your accommodations in advance. I found a local agency that was very helpful in reserving farm stays and car rentals: Nonni Travel. I used them twice and liked very much their attitude and services - http://www.nonnitravel.is/ I once used another agency and was very upset with their attitude. I'll never use them again so my advise is to avoid them - Iceland Travel. In genral, I found that it is very difficult to do all those reservation by yourself. I booked our hotels in Reykjavik by myself. Let me know if you need any suggestions. Hope this helps.



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Author: sunny16
Date: 01/19/2007, 01:11 pm
Thanks very much for all the great information, eri! I guess we will just keep the car if we decide to visit Myvatn.

Also, thanks for the travel agent referral. Nonni looks like a good agency. Just curious - why was it difficult for you to book lodging on your own? Was it the language or just the hassle of making multiple bookings?

Did you find it easy to find places to buy food? Did you need a cooler in the car or is that a silly question?



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Author: eri
Date: 01/19/2007, 01:37 pm
I usually do all the bookings and reservation by myself. Now, with the internet it so easy. You can try and do it through the farmstays organization. They also act as an agency and you could approach every farm directly. this is their site: http://www.farmholidays.is/. I can't really explain why I found it easier to deal with an agency every time I went to Iceland. I think that the agency knows which farms are better, and I received all the answers in on e-mail. I paid them in advance with a credit card and all worked just fine. (not so with Iceland Travel!!! beware)
You don't need a cooler in the car. We bought food in a supermarket in Reykjavik, and found little food stores on the way. Sometimes we ate in gas station cafeterias. As I mentioned before the nights in Reykjavik I booked directly. All the 4 times I visited Iceland I was very lucky with my choices, rate and locations.



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Author: cantstayhome
Date: 01/19/2007, 01:43 pm
FYI, not sure when you're going, but just got an e-mail yesterday or the day before about IcelandAir having a pretty appealing fare sale!



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Author: sunny16
Date: 02/06/2007, 11:20 pm
cantstayhome, thanks for the tip. That's good to know!



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Author: sunny16
Date: 02/13/2007, 12:30 am
Guys, I just booked our plane tickets. Woohoo! We took advantage of Icelandair's fare sale, so we'll be going at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend and staying for a week. I'm in touch with a couple of travel agencies for help with bookings. I'll let you guys know how it goes. I'm very happy to finally have the ball rolling on this trip!



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Author: kay6213132
Date: 02/19/2007, 03:57 pm
sunny,

if you run out of things to occupy you, check out the Reykjanesfolkur (spell?) National Park just south of Reykjavik. It worked out well for us to visit on our last day...drove thru the area on our way to Blue Lagoon before catching our afternoon flight. It seems to be an area overlooked by tourists... a gorgeous road along the south coast, full of flourescent colored lava.

kay in Michigan

One week in iceland any help on plans would be really appreciated


Author: missy61952
Date: 01/18/2007, 05:41 pm

we will be going late july and early august this year. we love to really experience the country- culture,dining,history, architecture and local natural sights. any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. specifically need info on where you would recommend staying and wheter to go it alone with rental car or take a tour.(my husband is not a group kind of person and would need individual guide if that is the better route)



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Author: traveller1959
Date: 01/21/2007, 11:41 am
ttt



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Author: taitai
Date: 01/21/2007, 01:21 pm
Missy:

We went for a long weekend last July and had a ball. Iceland is amazing. As we were there for such a short period of time, we did not travel the ring road. However, if you post "Ring Road advice needed" I am sure you will get some info. Also, the tripadvisor board seems much more active on Iceland than Fodors so try there as well.

We did do some day trips through Iceland Excursions...the Super Jeep tours which were long days but so worth it. There was another couple with us so it wasn't a big group tour but we weren't alone, either. We tried to go snowmobiling but the ice was unstable so that got cancelled. We did go whale watching (one of the outfits right down on the marina...bought tickets that morning) which was fun but I thought the whale watching in Hawaii was better. The Blue Lagoon is a must do...we did it on the airport leaving Iceland...there is a bus service that will take you from Reykavik to the Blue Lagoon and then on to the airport.

In terms of places to stay, we rented a cottage and it was one of the best lodging decisions we have ever made on any trip. It was the Holl Guest Cottage and couldn't have been more perfect. It is located on the top of a cobblestone street right off the main square in Old Town. It had a terrific kitchen (the owners have a kitchenware store in town), bedrooms, wireless internet, two bathrooms, a cute little greenhouse, a porch on which you could have breakfast...really everything. The owners stocked it with cheeses, meat, juice, muesli, skyr (you will LOVE skyr), breads, etc. Really, a terrific find. The web site is www.simnet.is/holl --- check it out.

If you have done any planning at all, you know that Iceland is just crazy expensive. At some point the first couple of hours in the country you just stop doing the math. It is too painful to do currency conversions after awhile...the numbers are so high. The visa bill that greeted us when we returned indicated that all of our dinners were in the $250 range for the two of us...that tended to include a bottle of wine, split appetizer, two entrees and maybe a cocktail. However, we did balance that by getting fish and chips or falafal or going to the famous hot dog place by the waterfront for lunch and eating breakfast in our house so it all evened out more or less.

I hope that gives you a start. Iceland was so much fun...I hope you enjoy it as well.

Taitai



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Author: eri
Date: 01/22/2007, 01:50 am
After 4 pretty extensive visits to Iceland I agree that Iceland is amazing. You can see quite a lot in a week but 10 days would really be better... It makes a big difference if you decide to rent a car. Driving is very easy. Please let me know how you intend to move around and I will advise you accordingly.
I disagree with 2 of taitai's recommendations: I don't think that the Blue Lagoon is a must. It is an artificial very commercialized, and most of the time very crowded pool set in lovely nature. Iceland's nature has so much more to offer! Why waiste precious time on this commercial venture? I would go there ONLY if I had a lot of time and want to fill a free day. If you only have a week in Iceland - you absolutely don't have a lot of time! The other think I am not sure of is paying so much for accomodations. True, the cottage is lovely. But you can find simple and clean places in good locations for less.
My recommendation is to put your money on car rental and save on accomodations.



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Author: traveller1959
Date: 01/22/2007, 04:50 pm
May I jump into this thread?

We are a family of six and have the chance to visit iceland in the first week of July. However, we will arrive on Saturday and have to depart the next Sunday. So will have just six full days in Iceland.

What are your recommendations for these six days? Better going east to Höfe or better going north?

Thank you for your tips!



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Author: eri
Date: 01/23/2007, 12:57 am
It depends on how much driving you want or wish to do. The distances aren't the problem, moving almost everyday might be. I don't mind it at all. I would do both: drive to the north. You can easily do it in the time you have.
Sat - Reykjavik
Sun - self drive the Golden Circle
(Thinvellir, Geysir, Gulfoss)
overnight in Reykjavik
Mon - drive to Vik
Tue - drive to Hofn
Wed - drive to Egilsstadir
Thu - drive to Myvan area
Fri - Myvatn area
Sat - drive to Akureyri,
fly to Reykjavik,
overnight in Reykjavik
Sun - fly home
The driving in Iceland is very easy. There is a lot to see on the routes. That is the reason it takes so much time.
You absolutely have to plan and book all the accomodations in advance.
When out of Reykjavik try to stay in farms. They are very nice and a lot of fun.
Notice that I don't recommend waisting your precious time on the Blue Lagoon. It is commercialized, expensive, artificial and crowded. Not my cup of tea!





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Author: wally34949
Date: 01/23/2007, 09:30 am
Stock up on alcohol at the duty free store at the airport when you arrive if you drink, because alcohol is very expensive in Iceland.

For a cheap day, visit one of the outside swimming pools. I was walking up the slide, and thought I felt ice on my foot. The water is very warm and it is a great experience. I had a little ice on the back of my head, tho. This was in March.



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Author: Pete1222
Date: 02/14/2007, 02:57 pm
Our 2 cents worth: We stopped over for 3 or 4 days enroute to Europe. We rented a car (not a 4-wheel drive) and had a blast. We drove the "Golden Circle" and did many side trips up dirt roads to hidden waterfalls. (They are everywhere). Most schools serve as hostels in the summer months and they were quite nice, if not small. One night we stopped at a house that had a sign which read: Zimmer---which means room 4 rent in German. That was fantastic and again much cheaper than a hotel. We also bought food at grocery stores to cut down on expenses. Personally, we loved the whole crazy experience of the Blue Lagoon from late afternoon through early evening. It's hot and misty and a bit space age w/ that large thermal plant hissing away. Do it once.
It sounds like you are more into culture than hiking. Go to the large church downtown during lunchtime and listen to the pipe organ being played. Incredible! (FREE too). Even in July it will snow/rain and be sunny all in the same day! We're going back w/ our teenagers.



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Author: kay6213132
Date: 02/19/2007, 03:46 pm
Hi! I traveled to Iceland in September two different years. We stayed in hostels and had very good experiences. We packed our own set of twin sheets and pillowcase to avoid the extra charge for bedding.

The kitchens are very well equipped with more utensils then we would've ever used, nice refers, microwaves, and most had laundry facilities.

The places we stayed, clockwise around the island:

OSAR - very nice host, charming old farmhouse, seal colony in front

AKURERYI - modern, more like a hotel, host helpful with travel questions

SEYDISFJORDUR - nice library/tv room/dining area...don't miss this gorgeous town!

BERUNES - beautifully restored old farmhouse, nice waterfall in the back

HVOLL - very modern, hotel-like, least charming concrete building, close to Skaftafell N.P.

LAUGARVATN - friendly host, we were upgraded to a private apartment with our own hot-tub!

As far as food goes: we carried in the max. weight we were allowed. (I think 6.5 lbs. pp) Could've taken more...nobody ever checked. We packed a box of dried milk, instant oatmeal, boxed rice meals, fig newtons, dried plums (the horses you meet in the road love them!), dried soups.

We also shopped in the grocery stores. The prices are probably high, but you have to get over that. It's much, much more reasonable than eating out. Make sure you buy & try some "SKYR" the first day. It's sold in grocery stores & gas/convenience stores. IT IS AWESOME and became our main breakfast, snack and midnight dessert treat. You'll find it in the dairy section.

I was dying for VEGETABLES about half-way thru the trip. I couldn't force myself to buy them in the store, the price was ridiculous and they looked so pathetic. I won't go back without packing little cans of V-8 juice for my vegetable fix!

The stores & gas stations also sell little balls of cheese (like a mild swiss) that are coated with different toppings: pizza, pepper, mexican, tomato. We ate a lot of these with Wasa Bread & packaged salami for lunches.

I would have gotten very bored with our meals if we hadn't carried so many of them on our hiking trips. The breathtaking scenery will make you feel so priviledged to be where you are, you'll forget that you're eating salami for the 12th day!

We had no problem finding grocery stores on the ring road. The gas stations have a pretty good selection, too if you get too far away from a store.

HAVE A GREAT TIME! Iceland is awesome!
Kay in Michigan

And now...the 100 best things in Iceland.


Author: Amy
Date: 02/23/2001, 08:54 pm

Nope, that's not a joke. I could do the hundred all by myself, but I'd love to hear from others.
To begin
1. Hike Thorvald's boulders and waterfalls.
2. Ride Viking ponies through lava fields.
3. Visit the volcano slides shown and explained by the scientist who took them when the island of Surtsey was born.
4. Ride a bus through glacial rivers.
5. Explore Reykjavik's adorable shops and long for a bigger budget.
6. Eat seafood!
7. Wander down in downtown Reykjavik in a 10PM dusk, watching the sunset. (ok, only in summer)
8. Breathe deeply. Ahhh...world's cleanest air!



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Author: silly
Date: 02/23/2001, 10:19 pm
9. Stay warm



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Author: Rex
Date: 02/23/2001, 10:34 pm
Amy,

You may have to finish the list for us. None of us know all these wonderful things about Iceland. The only one I could think of is "runways at the airport just the right length so that Icelandair planes can take off to fly to the rest of Europe!"




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Author: Amy
Date: 02/23/2001, 10:35 pm
Not at all difficult to do in
10. the Blue Lagoon, geothermal pool with terrific skin care properties, and
11. with a woolen sweater from all those sheep you'll see wandering about or
12. at the original Geysir and
13. in the boiling mud. (Okay, so maybe that's not on a par with the Louvre.)



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Author: Bill
Date: 02/23/2001, 10:39 pm
Rex -
How about snarfing down the free salmon at the airport gift shop while you wait for your plane?



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/23/2001, 10:44 pm
Ok, that was for "Silly". Now a few more for Rex...
14. whale watching on a fishing boat
15. the President's house, just right on out there in the open
16. greenhouse towns of amazing flowers and fruit
17. elves in Hafnarfjordur (no, I didn't see them, but that doesn't mean they're not there)
18. only five hours from the east coast
19. 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer (and I come from a 90's/humid city)
20. Viking sagas
21. Rotten shark and pickled rams'--uh--parts (so, it's an adventure)
22. Beautiful singing voices (pick up some CD's)
I could go on, but I don't want to be greedy...
23.



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/24/2001, 12:21 am
Well, maybe just a few more...
23. Thingvellir, the Viking parliament, claimed as the first in Europe
24. Tectonic plate fissures in Thingvellir national park (of course that's exciting!)
25. Hotdogs (the national snack) down by the harbor
26. Active volcanoes
27. Snowmobiling on a glacier
28. Puffins galore
29. Lava fields with tiny wildflowers growing
30. Sculpture museum of manageable size
Hey, anybody else???



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Author: xxxxx
Date: 02/24/2001, 06:58 am
Admire the Beautiful Blond women of Iceland.and their perfect skin



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/24/2001, 12:29 pm
That'll do for 31.
32. Visit the old style turf home and museum in the village of Skogar. It's like visiting an elderly relative with a fascinating history.
33. Public heated swimming pools all over
34. Lobster pasta under blue and white Viking sails at Pasta Basta in Reykjavik
35. Walk to the city airport and catch a flight to the north or to Greenland (and realize how "mild" Iceland is in comparison to Greenland)



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Author: nancy
Date: 02/24/2001, 01:06 pm
Topping this because certainly more people than Amy have gone to Iceland.
This is interesting!



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/24/2001, 05:26 pm
Thank you, Nancy. The Iceland Appreciation Club here was starting to feel a little lonely.
36. Climb to the top of Skogafoss (falls) and "on a clear day, you can see forever"
37. Gaze into the calm teal waters of a crater lake
38. Only telephone book that I know of in Europe that's listed by first names
39. Great cheap public transport system in Reykjavik
40. Tipping is not expected or even usually approved
41. Colorful houses glowing in the lambent light
42. Friendly helpful people who do not find it necessary to hover or handhold




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Author: arjay
Date: 02/24/2001, 06:38 pm
We're flying Iceland Air for the first time in a few days...and this trip, we're not spending any time in Iceland, not with a two week max itinerary. But the enthusiasm of Amy, and others, sure makes it seem like a good bet for some future stopover. Iceland? Lobster? We'll be there!



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Author: adi
Date: 02/24/2001, 07:56 pm
I'll second the Gullfoss Waterfall and walking through Thingvellir National Park in the canyon where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Just driving through the incredible landscape is perfect.



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Author: nancy
Date: 02/24/2001, 08:11 pm
Amy,
2 questions;
Hot dogs are the national snack?!
Is Iceland really as expensive as I have been led to believe?
Since I live in a climate which is cool to cold, for at least 6 months of the year (and I am being generous) , 55F as a summer temp is not terribly appealing to me.
But, what is Christmas time like there?



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/24/2001, 09:00 pm
Yup, the hotdog thing is for real. There is a tiny stand down by the harbor where there is always a line of people in business suits, tourist togs, and everything in between. (The hotdog stands are all over Denmark, as well.) The reason for the hotdog popularity is probably partly due to, yes, unfortunately, it is quite expensive in Iceland, as many things need to be imported to the island. However, you can get good deals on hotels and tours through Icelandair (and, I'm sure, others) and there are farm holidays and such in the summer that cost even less. We usually "picnic" one meal and do one in a restaurant; the included breakfasts in the hotels are large, not continental, usually.
I haven't yet been there at Christmas, much as I would like it; there are special trips for that time, and the average temp in the winter is actually one degree higher than NYC! Of course, the long, long summer days are offset by very short ones in the winter. Check out Icelandair's site; they've got terrific brochures that give you a real feel for the place.



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Author: StCirq
Date: 02/24/2001, 09:31 pm
Thanks so much. I almost booked one of those cheapie Icelandair fares this spring, but changed my mind for various reasons. But I'm still interested in the stopover in Reikjavik and the local sights and will probably do it some year. I appreciate the information.



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Author: Martha
Date: 02/25/2001, 02:56 pm
Amy:
Thanks for this post. I am going to Iceland in July for two weeks and could not believe there are so few Iceland postings. I also have heard it is really expensive but I think the scenery and nature in all its glory should offset that. Plus, I will have so many extra hours in the day to enjoy it. Thanks again. Now I am really anxious to go.



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Author: shannon
Date: 02/25/2001, 05:07 pm
Amy,

Thanks for you post!! I am considering it for a vacation in may/june, but have not done too much research on Iceland. How is "getting around" in Iceland? Do most tourist rent cars or use public transportation? ( I noticed you said they have a good system). Additionally, where did you stay?



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/25/2001, 05:08 pm
You're quite welcome!
A few more...
43. highest # of books published and sold per capita in the world--and some of them are in English
44. **warning**very touristic, but fun: buy a Reykjavik Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt and confuse the living daylights out of most of the people in the USA
45. Dryohaey (sp) Peninsula, where the seabirds by the hundreds nest in the cliffs
46. beautifully kept flower filled cemetaries (what? doesn't everybody like cemetaries?)
47. big hotel rooms (by European standards)
48. view from Perlan, the restaurant atop the water tower in Reykjavik
49. Keflavik Airport's size and manageability
50. Farmhouses that take guests



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/25/2001, 05:17 pm
Shannon, I've always used the public transport/taxis in Reykjavik, and tours (mostly of about 12-20 people) to reach the outlying areas. The tours were definitely not the typical coach tours!! I understand the driving can be difficult as not all the roads are paved or even marked. In addition, some places are inaccessible except by special vehicles. However, they do offer fly+drive packages, so it must be doable! Just depends on your sense of adventure in driving, I guess. I've stayed in Hotels Island and Saga, and prefer Saga's location. I can't remember the hotels in some of the outlying towns, but usually there's not a whole lot of choice: )
Have a wonderful time, all of you who are going this summer. I'll be in Portugal, but I'm looking at Iceland for October.



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Author: nancy
Date: 02/25/2001, 07:07 pm
Amy,
thanks for the tour of Iceland. 
Maybe some year!
How long is the flight from Boston/NY?



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/25/2001, 10:12 pm
I fly out of JFK in New York, and it's a five hour flight. First time I flew out of JFK (to Russia in 1984) I saw the Icelandair sign and thought to myself: " Who in the world goes there??" : )



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Author: 007
Date: 02/26/2001, 08:43 am
51. You can really CHILL OUT there!



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Author: s.fowler
Date: 02/26/2001, 09:22 am
Amy -- I am *really* enjoying this thread. I don't expect to visit Iceland any tiem soon -- but the "arm-chair" visit was much appreciated!



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Author: nancy
Date: 02/26/2001, 11:51 am
Amy,
thanks for all your info.
My son **loves** oizza, so will be happy with our trip to Italy this summer.
My daughter loves hot dogs(!)so maybe a trip to Iceland is in the picture for the future.
I gather you really enjoy Iceland.
How many times have you been able to visit there ?



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Author: Amy
Date: 02/26/2001, 03:57 pm
Glad to share!
Nancy, I only "discovered" Iceland in 1995, so I've only been able to go twice, as France, Ireland, Switzerland, Israel, UK, Netherlands, Italy and Denmark "interfered" and my travelling buddies refused to go back to the same place all the time; )
However, I do want to try to get back ASAP, but of course there are many many more places I'd like to visit as well! (the eternal dilemma of the traveler, isn't it?) I've been travelling to Europe since I was 19, and, Lord willing, I've got at least another 40 years or so to try to visit as many different places as possible and still return to the old favorites. Oh, for an unlimited travel budget!!
(But that's another thread, I think.)



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Author: kk
Date: 02/26/2001, 04:33 pm
Neat, interesting thread, Amy.
How about for #52...look for Bork's home, birthplace, or something like that...?



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Author: Huntee
Date: 02/26/2001, 04:49 pm
Who be Bork?



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Author: adi
Date: 02/26/2001, 05:43 pm
You can easily rent a car in Rejkavik and drive out along the Ring road all around the island or just out on day trips into the country-- to Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Blue Lagoon etc... A car allows you to be as independent as possible.



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Author: nancy
Date: 02/26/2001, 05:51 pm
Amy,
thanks again for all the info!
I am copying this thread to keep for future.
Even if I can not convince the rest of my family to go, I can certainly see a longweekend in Iceland, sometime in my future.
Thanks again for this great thread!
Have fun on all your journies.



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Author: topothemornin'
Date: 04/22/2001, 09:49 pm
Topping this for Jeri.



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Author: nancy
Date: 04/23/2001, 05:22 pm
Topping



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Author: Terry
Date: 04/29/2001, 08:15 am
We were in Iceland the week before Christmas,it was in the 30's the whole time and lovely. Rented a car and the country is amazing. The deals in December are great, cheap hotel rooms but meals are expensive. The Blue Lagoon is worth going to, we went twice in one week!



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Author: perverto
Date: 04/29/2001, 05:38 pm
Getting a double lip lock on the love joint, by that lil' elf Bjork!



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Author: Joyce
Date: 04/29/2001, 07:03 pm
We are going to Iceland in a month (for the 2nd time) and after all the positive responses can't wait. I just hope they have improved the coffee. The last time we were there(1967) it was made from seaweed. Is it still? But believe me coffee is not high on our priorities.



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Author: Amy
Date: 04/29/2001, 07:44 pm
Um, the coffee still wouldn't make the 100 best list, let's say, but I don't think it's seaweed anymore.
XX {That's my fingers crossed for going back to Iceland in--Ta dah!--August of this year. It looks pretty promising right now, so here's hoping!



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Author: Amy
Date: 10/03/2001, 10:24 pm
Topping this one for Anissa--and for me!
I didn't make it in August, but I'm scheduled to go this Friday!



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Author: anissa
Date: 10/03/2001, 11:10 pm
Amy,

Thank you!!! I'm so excited to go over - the only Scandinavian country that I've been to is Denmark and I can't wait to see Iceland. It sounds lovely, although I wish that I could see it in the summer - I'm afraid that going in November, while lovely, may be cold for my southern bones and I won't have as much daylight as I would like! But, beggers can't be choosers as the saying goes. How far is the Blue Lagoon in time from the city? And how far is the tectonic plate?



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Author: Amy
Date: 10/03/2001, 11:28 pm
Hi, Anissa!
The Blue Lagoon is maybe 30-45 minutes outside of the city; there are busses and bus tours that go. Thingvellir, with the tectonic plate fissures, is usually part of what's called the "Golden Circle" tour, so I'm not sure how long it would take to just go to there. Also, unfortunately, if it snows it's not accessible.
It probably will be pretty cold, but the Gulf Stream moderates the temperatures and it really doesn't get terribly bad, from what I understand. Do take a waterproof coat, though--it can go from rain to sun back to rain just about instantly! (Or, in November, possibly snow.) I'll probably post back after my trip with "fall-ish" info, as my trips before were in the summer. (but I'd go any time--or could you tell?



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Author: Jen
Date: 10/04/2001, 08:05 am
Amy - you shouldn't be alone! Booked a quick trip to Iceland this past March and LOVED it.

53. Most literate country in the world at 99.9%
54. 8th wealthiest country in the world
55. Standing between the North American and Eurasian tetonic plates - one of the most amazing feelings
56. Icelanders speak several languages fleuently.
57. Gullfoss - an amazing waterfall that's gorgeous in the winter.
58. The 'safety' signs around the geysirs - simply posted 'it's hot'.
59. Blue Lagoon skin care products; the best lotion I've ever found! Look on www.bluelagoon.is.
60. It's home of the first parlimentarian government in the world.
61. You get to fly on Icelandair - where the flight attendents don't take any c*** from passengers, and you suddenly realize who buys all the old planes! EEK! Forutnately, the pilots have got to be good to regularly fly in such a harsh environment.
62. Fish stew - Really quite yummy there.

Anyone else?



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Author: anissa
Date: 10/04/2001, 01:09 pm
Where is Gullfoss?? Is that close enough that I can get there? I'll be there mid-day on Fri, and will have all day Sat and sun, my plane leaves on Mon. Also, are things open on Sun? or should that be my "rest/relaxation day??"



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Author: Jen
Date: 10/04/2001, 02:30 pm
Gullfoss is part of the Golden Circle - kind of near Pingvellir (I'm sure I'm spelling that wrong) National Park. Ask anyone when you are there - not a far drive from Reykjavik.

There are plenty of tour itineraries that you could go on, or replicate on Sunday. I'd take a rest if you'll be busy other days and hang out at the Blue Lagoon. Though it might be a bit warm now, I gotta say that sitting in 100 degree water in March in -10 degree weather was pretty cool. Never thought I'd wear both a bathing suit and my ski hat together...quite a site! They also have a lovely looking restaurant there.



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Author: Cheryl Z.
Date: 10/05/2001, 11:47 am

#63 - no lutefisk???



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Author: Escritora
Date: 10/05/2001, 12:07 pm
OK, did I miss it in the list somewhere, or has no one yet spoken those immortal words:

Phallological Museum!!!



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Author: Linda
Date: 10/05/2001, 01:24 pm
Escritora, I was waiting for you to bring that one up! I knew if I waited long enough you couldn't resist.



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Author: Amy
Date: 10/11/2001, 10:17 pm
Okay, Escritora, you've got number 64! Jen, thanks for your glowing contributions. (By the way, the beginning of the parliament place is an Icelandic letter that looks like {according to one guide} a "pregnant i", but it's pronounced like the th in "thing" and is usually spelled like that for the non-Icelandic)
I've got a few more to add after a renewing visit, October 5th to 10th.
65. Rainbows!!!
66. the view from Hallgrim's church bell tower--especially at noon with the carillon going wild above your head
67. the kid's park and zoo at Laugardalur
68. an official city guide that includes how to say the phrase "you're cute" in Icelandic, English, and German
69. black sand beaches, with cliffs and caves
70. soup, soup, beautiful soup
71. the tapestry that autumn makes of the low growing plants
72. "Our only army is the Salvation Army"
73. dogsledding available!
74. tap water that's better than most bottled water
75. the puffiest, fluffiest sheep ever-- they're so cute!
76. skyr--sorta like yogurt, only a lot better
77. sculpture in many public places
78. greenhouses that grow tropical plants and flowers, just a few degrees below the Arctic Circle
79. a special glowing quality to the light--but it's not there for too long this time of year!
80. waterfalls of all kinds--including one you can walk behind
81. a glacier that is black due to volcanic ash--land of fire and ice incarnate!
82. the little steam engine that could, sitting at the harbor
83. extremely exhilarating wind (and even rain--but do wear something to cover your ears)
This is just off the top of my jet-lagged head--maybe I'll make it to a hundred this time. Or maybe I'll just go back sometime, and actually get to the north!



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Author: Annette
Date: 10/12/2001, 01:52 am
Wow! I wanna go. Amy, do you have a list of your ten best seafood meals in Iceland?



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Author: Paige
Date: 10/12/2001, 04:30 am
Cool! Thanks for all the info! I'm always looking for great places to go



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Author: Figaro
Date: 10/12/2001, 04:54 am
#84 Play the Iceland's national sport, tree hunting.



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Author: BTilke
Date: 10/12/2001, 07:04 am
I've been thinking about Iceland, too. What's the best time of year to go?
BTilke (Brussels)



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Author: Jen
Date: 10/12/2001, 08:27 am
BT - go anytime! Obviously, summer is warmer...but I went in the winter (really cheap airfare - 2 for 1), and it had its own magical feel. Such a great place!



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Author: Judy
Date: 10/12/2001, 09:38 am

61:have afternoon tea in the tiny cafe by candle light on the top of towering spire of Hallgrimskirkja church,overview miles of miles of Reykjavik.

62:riding Icelandic horse on purple Lupins covered meadows or lava fields.

63:catching trouts in the crystal clear glacier stream.

64:hiking on black sand deserts with giantic black and white glaciers by the skyline.

65. visiting tiny fishing ports along the picturesque fjords on the east coast.

BTilke: Iceland is for all seasons, but if you really like to appreciate the magnificient sceneries ,summer will be a better choice for the long daylight and open roads.





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Author: Judy
Date: 10/12/2001, 09:40 am
Oops, please change the number to 85.



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Author: Amy
Date: 10/12/2001, 07:35 pm
Just reminded of one for #90 by an e-mail I received...
90. low population density! (oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above; don't fence me in)
91. And speaking of starry skies, aurora borealis can be seen here--but alas, not when I was there (the nights weren't clear or cold enough)
For a one-time deal, I'd choose summer, I think, because it's only then that Thor's Woods (Thorsmork) is accessible, plus you get all those lovely long sunlit days. On the other hand, I do agree that any time would be great!



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Author: mo
Date: 10/12/2001, 07:44 pm
Amy how long does it take to get to Iceland from the East coast. What is the best time of yr to visit? Should I say if you don't want to have to bundle up. Glad you enjoyed your vacation so much.



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Author: dick
Date: 10/14/2001, 11:33 pm
Escritora's comment piqued my interest and so had to go surfin'. Yup, there really is an Icelandic Phallological Museum.

http://www.ismennt.is/not/phallus/ens.htm
See for yourself !!!



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Author: Jen
Date: 10/17/2001, 10:02 pm
OK - I have a couple more...

92. The Tower room in the Hotel Borg. Great hotel room(s), with living room, 2 bathrooms, and a huge bedroom.
93. Dinner at Apotek.
94. Nightclubs that stay open until 9:00am!





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Author: Amy
Date: 10/17/2001, 10:53 pm
Catching up on a few of the questions...
I don't actually have a list of my top 10 seafood places, as some of the best were in farmhouses and little spots in the fishing villages. Hotel Island's restaurant was good five years ago (haven't been since) and Laederbrekker and Caruso in the downtown area of Reykjavik were very good. One of the top-ranked restaurants in the world is in one of the hotels there-- Siggi Hall's Odinsve, I believe it's called--but I haven't had the luck to get there yet!
Mo, it's a five hour flight from the east coast. Icelandair and Amtrak do a codeshare to BWI that works really well from my area, and they also fly out of New York.
And...
95. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and a flakey pastry from the bakery along the main street while you're waiting for your hotel...and then being able to check in at 9:30AM! Calloo, callay!! (Of course, this was probably due to it being off-season, but still!) Also, hotel breakfasts are pretty good and sustaining.




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Author: smuggli
Date: 10/29/2001, 07:45 pm
95.) One the of the Government web pages (I forget which one) actually advised tourists that Icelandic women can be "dangerously friendly".

96.) The Irish pub, where you can sit at any table, speak to anyone, and no one buys individual drinks... everyone offers to get the next round for the whole table.

97.) The sheep round ups. Oh man... best part of our trip!

It was great, they really don't have a lot of fences there in Iceland, so the farmers jump on their horses, and just start rounding up sheep that are roaming the country side. Many of the locals show up to help round up sheep into a central area and start grabbing them in this big cement circle where they all are sorted by ear tags. If you find one that's yours, you grab it by the horn and drag it to your pen. I'll never forget seeing a tall, beuatiful icelandic woman who, at 9:00AM had a tall can of beer in one hand and a sheep by the horns in her other hand!




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Author: smuggli
Date: 10/29/2001, 07:54 pm
I fell 1 number behind...

we're actually on 98 right?

98.) The nice people in the tourist office at the bottom of the hill who translated the Icelandic news for a frightened American on Sept. 11th.




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Author: Jen
Date: 10/30/2001, 08:58 am
99. The low crime rate - we left our camera in the taxi from the airport to Reykjavik, told our hotel of this, and they replied 'oh, there's only 1 taxi company that services the airport - what kind of car did you drive in, and was it a male or female driver?' Once we had given those facts, a phone call was made to the taxi company, and our camera was returned an hour later. Unreal!



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Author: Amy
Date: 10/30/2001, 07:23 pm
Ooh, this is exciting! We're almost at 100! Can I quote just a fragment of Emily D.?
100. "Beauty crowds me"...but that's the only thing that does.



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Author: sweetie
Date: 01/17/2002, 10:15 pm
topping for Debbie



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Author: Dan
Date: 01/17/2002, 10:21 pm
I went to Iceland in 85. Even then, a can of coke from a drugstore was like $2.75. I must say, the most beautiful women in the world made me forget about my fleeting dollars fast.



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Author: beCareful
Date: 01/17/2002, 11:18 pm
Dan,

Of course, if you even look at one of those beautiful women, you probably get bonked by one of those big Icelandic men! They are bit protective, which is not a problem - just warning you.



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Author: Dan
Date: 01/18/2002, 04:04 pm
Thanks for the tip, but my wife who I met after my trip, would bop me even harder.



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Author: toptop
Date: 02/17/2002, 04:04 pm
topping



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Author: Terry
Date: 02/17/2002, 04:19 pm
Blue Lagoon. Great Restaurants??? Things have changed since I lived there for three years 72-75. It is a beautiful and very different country. Will have to go back for a return visit one of these days. Have they changed the drinking/driving laws? Surprised nobody mentioned the fact that if you have car keys in hand and walk toward your car you can be arrested for drunk driving, given a test ,thir choice not yours,and if guilty face severe penalties.



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Author: Topper
Date: 02/22/2002, 09:41 am
Topping for Tracey.



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Author: xx
Date: 02/22/2002, 02:58 pm
Someone asked about seafood restaurants- Naust is great, and so is the Pearl which I'm surprised no one has mentioned. It has a glass dome ceiling and the food is great.



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Author: Victoria
Date: 02/22/2002, 03:51 pm
We will be at Reykjavik for one day off a cruise ship. What shuld we try to see and what is there to buy? Loved your 100 things thread. Did not know there were so many things to do in Iceland.
Thanks for your help.
Victoria



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Author: zz-top
Date: 03/07/2002, 10:37 am
`
Up for Helen. Put your concerns re: earthquakes/volcanoes aside. Rather take a trip to Iceland and see for yourself.



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Author: sylvia
Date: 03/07/2002, 12:24 pm
The Black Castles at Lake Myvatin.
Seeing President Vigdis Finnbogadottir walking about talking to people perfectly naturally and with no armed gorillas protecting her. Seeing icebergs for the first time, I hadn't realised that they were so beautiful or that they were blue.



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Author: sylvia
Date: 03/07/2002, 12:26 pm
The Black Castles at Lake Myvatin.
Seeing President Vigdis Finnbogadottir walking about talking to people perfectly naturally and with no armed gorillas protecting her. Seeing icebergs for the first time, I hadn't realised that they were so beautiful or that they were blue. On my first trip, flying over Surtsey while it was erupting. It was a very dangerous thing for the pilot to do and he had to make an emergency landing in Glasgow. It was an unforgettable sight though!



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Author: Amy
Date: 03/07/2002, 03:41 pm
Victoria, hope this isn't too late--
If you only have one day, um... run away from your cruise ship and don't come back for a week?
Seriously, though, it would depend, obviously, on your own interests, but I'd suggest a horseback ride/Blue Lagoon combination followed by a Viking dinner with singing. But if you just stay within Reykjavik, be sure to go to the top of the church tower and through the park that is by the city hall and to the shops that sell lovely woolies and the hot dog stand by the harbor!
Have a wonderful trip.



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Author: ttt
Date: 03/08/2002, 07:02 am
Topping



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Author: top
Date: 04/05/2002, 06:19 am
For the person asking what to do in Iceland...



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Author: bump
Date: 04/09/2002, 11:04 pm
bump



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Author: toptop
Date: 04/10/2002, 04:35 am
ttt for Joe



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Author: Topper
Date: 04/10/2002, 08:32 am
ttt again



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Author: Jim
Date: 04/10/2002, 08:53 am
Drink a toast to Magnus von Magnusson, the world's strongest man.



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Author: b
Date: 04/10/2002, 09:02 am
And the last thing to do:

Have a drink (or a bottle) of "Svartadaudir" (Black Death). Nothing compares, and only Icelanders survive this homemade stuff.....
Bjorn, Oslo



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Author: brownie
Date: 04/10/2002, 09:13 am
Sylvia (and anyone else  )

Where in Iceland did you see icebergs?




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Author: clint
Date: 04/18/2002, 11:56 am
Up for Callie.





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Author: Alex
Date: 04/18/2002, 02:40 pm
such a good read deserves a bump... =)



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Author: Topper
Date: 04/23/2002, 12:24 pm
Topping by request...



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Author: Topper
Date: 04/23/2002, 12:29 pm
get back up there!



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Author: kavey
Date: 05/10/2002, 05:08 am
topping for lindaandroger

kavey



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Author: Scarlette
Date: 05/10/2002, 06:15 am
Ok, Amy, I have to ask even if this isn't what this discussion is about! How in the world do you afford so many trips?! From someone who wants to see the world, I'd like to know your secret!! You just aren't exceedingly rich are you?!?! I hope not, cause then I have no hope, at least not right now, LOL!!



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Author: Amy
Date: 05/10/2002, 11:40 pm
Um, maybe you have me confused with someone else...I only go on about two or three trips a year, which is the cost of
1. the car that I don't have since I live in a city with a great public transportation system
2. the business suits I don't have to buy 'cause I can dress like Ms. Frizzle, and
3. the perpetual supply of really good chocolate that I don't have because I prefer to travel instead!
(Not to mention that I travel sorta cheaply.)

Of course, I've been travelling for a loooooong time, so I've been to a lot of places. Age is a good thing.



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Author: bjork fan
Date: 05/11/2002, 12:36 am
#101 - find Bjork's house, stand in front, take a picture - go back to the states and show it to your fellow Bjork fan friends - who will be totally envious



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Author: rosa
Date: 06/19/2002, 11:36 pm
Up for Dave's Days!



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Author: Amy
Date: 08/15/2002, 04:42 pm
Sending this up for Greg the radio

Eressi, toma nota. Y asiento, porque te toca "estudiar".

Lo copio porque no me funciona el enlace. Quizá te den alguna ideilla.

¡Gracias! A la impresora! ya tengo lectura para rato

Yo quiero ir a Islandia, sniiiif

Va a ser que este año estoy ocupada de viajes, pero a ver si el que viene puedo ^^

Me llevas? Porfi! Porfi!


Te dejo un link de otro foro en el que a veces participo, sobre un tipo que fue alli de viaje.

http://foro.meteored.com/index.php/topic,53497.0.html

Como te envidio. Espero poder ir algun día...

- Visita Laguna termal "Blue Lagoon"; esta cerca de la capital
- Visita el "Gran Geysir" en Haukavalurr
- realizar viajes en antigüos balleneros por la bahia de Reykavic, y a lo mejor ves ballenas
- Visita los glaciares
- Haz descenso por el río Pjorsa
- Para ver auroras boreales, vuelve en otoño.

Por si acaso, añado más información:

http://oria.blogsome.com/
http://oria.blogsome.com/
http://oria.blogsome.com/

Es el blog de una chica que hizo Erasmus en Islandia, tiene alguna que otra cosa y enlaces a otras páginas de información.

Ya de paso, si os dais prisa, hasta e 19 de marzo tenéis tiempo para ver el libro más caro del mundo, que se expone en su lugar de residencia: Wolfenbüttel, Alemania.

- Visita Laguna termal "Blue Lagoon"; esta cerca de la capital
- Visita el "Gran Geysir" en Haukavalurr
- realizar viajes en antigüos balleneros por la bahia de Reykavic, y a lo mejor ves ballenas
- Visita los glaciares
- Haz descenso por el río Pjorsa
- Para ver auroras boreales, vuelve en otoño.

He estado viendo estas sugerencias y la de los balleneros me parece que me la voy a perder porque por lo visto, mayo todavía se considera invierno y no hacen los viajes. También me da mucha pena perderme la aurora boreal. Las demás las apunto

Gracias también, Zempt por el blog.

Por si acaso, añado más información:

http://oria.blogsome.com/
http://oria.blogsome.com/
http://oria.blogsome.com/

Es el blog de una chica que hizo Erasmus en Islandia, tiene alguna que otra cosa y enlaces a otras páginas de información.

Ya de paso, si os dais prisa, hasta e 19 de marzo tenéis tiempo para ver el libro más caro del mundo, que se expone en su lugar de residencia: Wolfenbüttel, Alemania.

"zempt", con tu permiso voy a abusar de tu amabilidad, porque me gustaría pedirte un favor.

Creo que actualmente resides en Alemania (discúlpame si estoy equivocado). Pues bien, me gustaría hacerte una pregunta:

Si tienes un día libre y tienes la posibilidad de elegir entre visitar Tübingen o Schwäbisch Hall, ¿cuál elegirías tú?

Me he estado informando en varias guías, he visto fotografías de ambas ciudades en el google, y tengo la sensación de que son muy parecidas. En la guía verde Michelín de Alemania puntúan a ambas con dos estrellas. Las fotografías que he visto en el google no son determinantes para elegir una u otra, porque parecen dos ciudades muy similares (casitas de entramado de madera y ciudades estilo cuentos de los hermanos Grimm). Tübingen es una ciudad universitaria y leo que todo gira alrededor de la universidad, pero no sé si eso es un plus o puntúa negativamente de cara al viajero que va a conocer la ciudad.

En fin, que estoy hecho un lío para decidirme entre una y otra. Tú estás allí y quizá las conozcas o tengas referencia de ellas. ¿Cuál es tu opinión?

Gracias y perdón por los deberes que te pongo.

(y perdón también, Eressi, por "colarme" en tu hilo con esta pregunta)

Mensaje modificado por skye - 14/03/2007 (09:45)

Ten cuidado con las enanas que se disfrazan de cisnes. Te pueden reventar los timpanos.

"zempt", con tu permiso voy a abusar de tu amabilidad, porque me gustaría pedirte un favor.

Creo que actualmente resides en Alemania (discúlpame si estoy equivocado). Pues bien, me gustaría hacerte una pregunta:

"Skye", mañana te respondo ;-), pero te adelanto que no conozco ninguna de las dos y que, sea la que sea, seguro que eliges bien.

Ah, ahora vivo en la Prospe (barrio de Madrid). Ya quedaron atrás los días en la Bundesrepublik

"Skye", mañana te respondo ;-), pero te adelanto que no conozco ninguna de las dos y que, sea la que sea, seguro que eliges bien.

Ah, ahora vivo en la Prospe (barrio de Madrid). Ya quedaron atrás los días en la Bundesrepublik 

Y de Bremen, Dusseldorf y Colonia... que merece la pena ver?

Si tienes un día libre y tienes la posibilidad de elegir entre visitar Tübingen o Schwäbisch Hall, ¿cuál elegirías tú?

Por allí no he estado nunca, pero por las fotos que he visto en la wikipedia, si es para estar un día dando una vuelta, iría a la segunda. Parece tener más "encanto".

Y de Bremen, Dusseldorf y Colonia... que merece la pena ver?

Difícil pregunta me haces, joven Padawan. He estado en las tres ciudades, pero vamos, un día dando una vuelta. De Colonia no te puedes perder la Catedral (y subir la escalera de caracol hasta la torre, aunque eches hasta los higadillos), el puente que está al lado y la zona pegando al río. Mucho bar español de tapas y poco más.

Bremen: Catedral, figurita de los trotamúsicos y poco más. No tiene nada.

Düsseldorf: En cuatro horas vi poca cosa, no es que pueda opinar mucho :-(

Por cierto, los vuelos i/v con Lufthansa están razonablemente baratos. Aprovechad.

Hola Eressi,

Prepara la cartera, hagas lo que hagas.

Y hazte a la idea que si quieres carne, será de cordero. Siempre cordero, nada más que cordero. Un día compramos unas hamburguesas envasadas al vacío, felices de habernos librado por una vez del cordero. Cuando abrimos el envase salieron unas bonitas hamburguesas... de cordero. Y es un cordero con un sabor fuerte, a lana. No son ovejas maricas de salón. Viven toda su vida al aire libre, cerca del círculo polar ártico. Hacen sonar una sirena y acuden a comer.

Prepara también todo lo que uses para combatir la lluvia. Llueve mucho y muy a menudo. El frío no es nada del otro mundo, no es como Escandinavia. La isla está influida por la corriente cálida del golfo. Pero calor no hace. Mi amigo Carles, mientras estabábamos contemplando desde lo alto una preciosa y desierta playa de ceniza, embozados en anorak y ropa gruesa, me dijo sin pensar "esta playa, lo que molaría en verano, ¿eh?". Yo le respondí "tío, estamos a 22 de agosto".

Sitios, a lo rápido, recorriendo la ring road, la carretera 1 que da la vuelta a la isla en el sentido contrario a las agujas del reloj:

Blue lagoon, mejor con resaca.

De Hella a Vik por la F22, que es una pista. Requiere todoterreno, más que nada para cruzar los ríos. Bien señalizado. Imprescindible si quieres hacerte a la idea de como es el interior de la isla (a-co-jo-nan-te) sin meterte en grandes expediciones. Los todoterrenos son exorbitantemente caros de alquilar.

Skaftafjell, en el hilo de sitios mágicos de hace poco escribí algo sobre el lugar.

Jökulsárlón, lago con icebergs al lado del mar. Flipante.

El albergue de Berunes, en el lado norte del fiordo de Djúpivogur. El atractivo es el propio albergue. Es una granja antigua. No le compres jerseys a la propietaria... no los usarás nunca, abrigan demasiado.

Viajecito al volcán Askja. Igual de acojonante que la ruta de la F22. Una vez allí, excursión a pie por el cráter, que es tan grande que ya en su interior no aprecias que es un volcán. El atractivo de la excursión es ir a ver el cráter del Viti (¡está dentro del crater del Askja!), con su lago de leche en el interior.

El recorrido por la ring road desde Egilsstadir hasta el lago Mývatn, con especial atención a la zona volcánica que hay en el collado justo antes de llegar al lago. Tiene nombre y es conocida, pero no me acuerdo y en mis notas no consta el nombre.

Geysir tiene la gracia de ver un géiser. Thingvellir es bonito y significa mucho para los islandeses, pero no me arrobó el alma. Me gustó, eso sí, pensar que a un lado de la grieta estás en la placa continental de América y en el otro en la de Europa. Pero llovía, llovia mucho, llovía desde hace días, y estaba hasta el moño en ese momento.

Aparte eso, excursiones por las zonas glaciares, toda la colección de cascadas, ríos como el Jökulsá á Fjöllum y mil y una propuesta más como las excursiones que salen en la pagina que has enlazado.

Que lo disfrutes muchísimo y que siga habiendo hielo.

Bonito país. Yo había pensado en Islandia para mis vacaciones estivales, pero al final creo que me decantaré por un destino algo más lejano: Groenlandia.

Aventura en Groenlandia

Saludos y buen viaje.

¡Gracias Pritcher!

Refloto este hilo para añadir mi reciente experiencia en las tierras de hielo y fuego por si a alguien le resultase de interés:



Acabo de regresar de pasar 10 días en Islandia en compañía de tres colegas y con la finalidad principal de que fuese un viaje fotográfico, cosa que podemos dar por cumplida porque entre los cuatro nos vinimos con unas 24.000 fotografías.
Contratamos el viaje en "Ambar Viajes" por unos 2300 € en modalidad alojamiento + desayuno, con seguro de cancelación y alquiler de coche incluidos (no era un todo terreno) y nuestra intención era realizar la consabida circunvalación por la Ring Road haciendo especial hincapie en visitar las principales zonas de cría de aves de la isla.

Desde Reykjavik partimos hacía Vik bajo una lluvia continua y que, a medida que nos aproximábamos a nuestro destino, arreciaba con un viento fortísimo que hacía bambolear el coche, dándonos tan solo un respiro que aprovechamos para visitar Skógafoss.



Una vez en Vik, la lluvia continuó inmisericrode y frustró nuestros planes de ascender a los acantilados para fotografiar frailecillos. A cambio nos conformamos con su playa de ceniza volcánica, negra como el carbón y terminamos con las cámaras empapadas por la lluvia y el salitre.



Partimos hacía Jökulsárlón y de camino atravesamos campos de lava kilométricos, cubiertos por una gruesa capa de musgo de forma que daba la impresión de estar rodeados por un mar de almohadas de color verde



Continuamos por la Ring Road, con las lenguas del glaciar Vatnajökull a nuestra izquierda y la inmensa llanura sedimentaria de Skeidararsandur a nuestra derecha. Este desierto formado por lodos, arena y cenizas arrastradas por el deshielo del Vatnajökull consituyó un serio obstáculo para los desplazamientos hasta el extremo sureste de la isla hasta el año 1974, cuando se cerró el anillo de la Ring Road (valga la redundancia) con la construcción de una serie de puentes sobre su poco consistente superficie. Curiosamente estos puentes son tan estrechos que sólo permiten el paso de un vehículo. Más adelante nos encontraríamos con multitud de estos "mini puentes" por toda la isla e incluso con un túnel (de más de 5 km de longitud) con un solo carril y con escapatorias cada 200 metros para ceder el paso a los que venían de frente.

Finalmente llegamos a Jökulsárlón, la laguna del río glaciar. Todo un espectáculo



Continuamos hacía los fiordos nor-orientales por unas carreteras desérticas y con una cantidad absurda de curvas y cambios de rasante. Mucho frío, pero frío de verdad y esporádicas aldeas de pescadores sin demasiado atractivo ni puntos reseñables salvo para imaginar lo jodido que debe ser pasar un invierno por allí.
LLegamos a Egilsstadir, la principal población del noreste y punto obligado de parada antes de llegar al área del lago Myvatn.



Myvatn era uno de los objetivos del viaje.
Antes de partir habíamos leido que su nombre significa "el lago de las moscas" y rápidamente comprendimos el porqué: nubes de millones de moscas revolotean por sus orillas en formaciones enormes y densas, como si se tratase del humo de una pila de neumáticos en llamas. Estas moscas y sus larvas constituyen las base de la alimentación de los millares de anátidas que anidan en el área del lago.



Los patos y demás avifauna no pasan hambre en Myvatn, pero los parroquianos humanos las pasan putas porque es imposible permanecer en el exterior al descubierto. Las moscas te acosan por millares y se te meten en la nariz, los oidos, los ojos, la boca... realmente insoportable.
Pese a todo, el lugar merece la pena tanto por su interés ornitológico, paisajístico y geológico ya que la zona está plagada de cráteres, campos de lava, fuentes termales y demás manifestaciones volcánicas, contando además con una planta geotérmica en la región de Krafla, donde también se pueden ver fumarolas, pozas de lodos hirvientes y campos de lava muy recientes, todo ello aderezado por un persistente olor a sulfuro.



Tras alejarnos de Myvatn y sus moscas (algunas nos acompañaron varios cientos de kilómetros más dentro del coche), nos dirigimos al norte de la península de Snaefellnes, concretamente a Stykkisholmur. Allí tomamos un ferry que tras tres horas de viaje nos dejó en Bjanslaekur y continuamos de nuevo en coche otros 60-70 km hasta los acantilados de Latrabjarg por una carretera infernal, sin asfaltar, llena de piedras y baches, con los margenes mostrando signos de recientes derrumbes y permanentemente encajonados entre las paredes verticales de los acantilados por un lado y un precipicio igualmente vertical, con parada en el mar, por el otro.
En Latrabjarg se encuentran los acantilados más altos de toda la isla: 440 metros de altura, 14 km de longitud y consituyen el habitat de cría predilecto de estos amigos:



Pero no sólo había frailecillos, miles de fulmares, alcas, araos y gaviotas tridáctilas anidan en las paredes rocosas del acantilado, mostrándose además tan sumamente confiados ante la presencia humana que a menudo tenías que alejarte de ellos para que no se saliesen del encuadre. El paraiso para cualquier aficionado a la ornitología.
La última etapa nos llevó de vuelta a Reykjavik y desde allí un avión hasta la dura y cotidiana realidad.

Islandia tiene fama de ser el 2º pais más caro del mundo detrás de Japón, pero en general no encontramos justificación para esa afirmación si bien es cierto que la corona islandesa tiene ahora mismo un cambio muy favorable respecto del euro.
Los precios de los combustibles son sólo un poco más altos que aquí y lo que te cuesta una comida normal puede variar entre 12 y 25 € según en que sitios, un café cuesta 1,60 €, un kilo de fresas (holandesas ) unos 3,50 €. Lo que si es muy caro es el alcohol. Una cerveza aguada de 2º de graduación cuesta más de 6 €.

Mensaje modificado por Verborreico - 28/06/2008 (22:08)

Tremendo. Te envidio profundamente

6.000 fotos por persona es... no sé, es imposible, no? Sale a 600 fotos al día... ¿? Es casi como viajar a un país y verlo por la pantalla de la cámara

Mensaje modificado por Shapeley - 28/06/2008 (23:11)

Estaría bien abrir un hilo oficial de viajes...

Tremendo el review islandés...

Será mi próximo gran viaje, espero.

6.000 fotos por persona es... no sé, es imposible, no? Sale a 600 fotos al día... ¿? Es casi como viajar a un país y verlo por la pantalla de la cámara 

Hombre, estoy hablando de fotos en bruto, sin borrar las repetidas dentro de una ráfaga o las que tengan un foco/nitidez dudoso ya que esa criba preferí hacerla en casa con un monitor más fiable que el de un portatil.

Si sólo fotografías paisaje es difícil llegar a esas cifras porque (en teoría) meditas el encuadre, los ajustes, varias el formato y tu posición, etc. y no disparas a lo loco. En mi caso concreto me he vuelto con unas 700-800 fotos de paisaje.
Las restantes 5.000 y pico han sido fotografías de aves que es donde usas intensivamente la ráfaga y en una ráfaga de 1 segundo te pueden entrar 6 fotos, la gran mayoría practicamente idénticas, pero en esas series siempre hay alguna con mejor exposición, más definición o con el pájaro en una postura más interesante, que son con las que finalmente te quedas, descartando las demás aún en el caso de que sean correctas.

Es una de las ventajas de las digitales. Con una analógica sería absolutamente ruinoso e inviable

Saludos

Si vais otra vez yo me ofrezco de conductor, pero eso si con un range rover hse o similar

Estaría bien abrir un hilo oficial de viajes...

Está chinchetado, cascarrabias.

Está chinchetado, cascarrabias.

Creo que por eso lo dice