Day 6 - Akureyri. If you want to travel with a Happy Campers van as we did (and you should they are the BEST! just for me, my favourite parts of iceland were westfjords, thorsmork, skaftafell, and snaefellsnes. If you decide to make a full-day trip out of the Golden Circle you might try expanding your adventures beyond the three major tourist attractions. Stay in a geodesic dome in Iceland thats actually affordable! There were still places in grundarfjordur last time i looked. If you still need to wait for test results, Reykjavk would be advisable for the first night, since you may have to stick to quarantine rules and maybe for the last night before your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you are interested in Camping, check out the advices by BeMyTravelMuse about, HOSTEL - The Reykjavik City Hostel has a good rating inside Reykjavik -, DESIGN - If you like modern design, have a look at the 41- a Townhouse hotel! One of our favourite hikes involves seeing the strange rock Drangurinn that sits by the farm Drangshl, which is under the towering Eyjafjll mountains. This is a beautiful area of the city with easy parking. Want travel tips straight to your inbox? Or that the water is the runoff of Geo-Thermal power plants? We had our DJI Mavic in Iceland, but make sure to use your drone responsibly as many locals are getting annoyed at the sight of them. There are no high rises and few business suits, just a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by the ocean and mountains. She strives to make travel planning and traveling easier for all. There are definitely not as many places to stay in Greenland when compared to Iceland, so this may be what allows you to make the decision you do when considering Greenland vs Iceland. You can easily book using this link, but make sure to book well in advance during high season as they are a family run company and sell their vans out well in advance! Personally I find that with any lodging (even hotels, and vacation rentals more so) there's some time lost to packing/unpacking/orientation for every lodging switch, so our plan is mainly two nights in each location, to balance mobility with efficiency. Where to Stay in Iceland | Guide to Iceland The standard hotel room in Iceland has two twin beds or one double bed, so you may need to find rooms with extra beds or a suite. If you have only 3 or 4 days and it is your first time in Iceland, you can stay in Reykjavik and do day trips.However, if you have more, then I recommend that you hit the road and change accommodations every night to be able to cover more road and discover many more of the wonders Iceland has to offer!Here are some driving times to give you a better ideas: If you need help planning your road trip check out my: Read Also: Places To Stay In San Sebastian Spain. As far as the best area to stay in Iceland, I recommend 2-3 nights in (or close to) Reykjavik and then one or two more places along the Golden Circle. If youre looking to take some epic photos in Iceland, then this is a great base. Regardless, my question is whether we should pick a couple of places to stay for 3 nights each, or should we move along to more places and cover more ground? Below is my complete guide to the best areas to stay in Iceland and accommodation suggestions including: Where to stay in towns such as Reykjavik, Vik. On our recent trip there, we found more foreigners than Icelanders, and it became hard to be amongst the locals. MUST READ - Driving In Iceland: 17 Things To Know Before You Go Set among the mountains and lava fields on the Golden Circle route and close to Thingvellir National Park, Ion Adventure Hotel is a luxury option and a popular choice for Northern Lights viewing less than an hour outside of Reyjavik. True backpacker style! This 400-square-foot house is perfect for a solo traveler or couple who would rather spend money on experiences than a place to sleep. This downtown family-run guesthouse is positively delightful. The Perfect 4-Day Iceland Itinerary: What to Do & All You Need to Know I'm a little overwhelmed with all the possibilities and could use some advice. We hope you find it useful but most importantly, we hope you enjoy your trip! Also, I think we will spend a couple of nights in Reykjavik and I could use some advice about whether to start there at the beginning of the vacation, or stay there at the end. It seems silly to go to an artificial pool(and a hella expensive one at that) in Iceland, a country littered with natural geothermal pools. Northern lights? A mixture of hot springs, glaciers, wet deserts, lava fields, and a dizzying amount of waterfalls makes Iceland an adventure destination dream. It includes a list of the best towns and cities to stay in Iceland and the best accommodation in Iceland for all budgets and travel styles to help you plan the perfect trip. Here are a few of our favorites. You can see the full month by month breakdown for Iceland travel here. The ferry has several regularly scheduled travel times every day, and flights can be arranged in Reykjavk or Bakki , so choose whatever option works best for you and youll arrive at Heimaey in no time. She has been traveling for over 10 years, across 7 continents, experiencing unique cultures, new food, and meeting fantastic people. Note that TripAdvisor reviewers regularly also note the poor service and pretentious attitude of the staff at the hotel. Well, I guess both sound pretty nice. The cottages are self-contained units which include a kitchen, bathroom, living room and private bedrooms. Once youre there, we guarantee that youll wish you had stayed longer. After all, one does not go to Iceland to spend all their time in a hotel room, but, Are you wondering what to pack for Iceland? The view of the mountain is enchanting. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. They are all spectacular. I dont think anyone truly knows how many waterfalls are in Iceland. Get yourself a refillable travel water bottle and save your money and plastic waste. Sometimes its nice not to have to do all the travel planning and let someone else do it. Day 4 - Eastern Fjords. Re: Stay at one place or 2 places when visiting Snaefellsnes pen Dec 28, 2022, 4:11 AM Save Renting a car and self-driving Iceland on the Ring Road exposes you to bubbling geothermal springs, sparkling rainbows, beautiful horses, icy glaciers, massive waterfalls, and rugged mountains day after day. Are you looking for hotels and accommodation in Iceland? That is a hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof shoes, and a down jacket. Check prices & availability on Booking.com, Perfect for Northern Lights views on a budget. ), Perfect for a secluded adventure near hiking and dramatic cliff views. YIKES! The rooms all boast floor to ceiling windows giving guests a view of either the lava field or the geothermal power plant and have a contemporary Scandinavian design. The Blue House B& B is a great choice on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Perfect for your first one or two nights in Iceland. But what about the fire part of their nickname? Before our Icelandic horseback riding tour, we stayed in one charming guesthouse near Varmahlid called Hestasport Cottages. Public transport from the airport is lacking, and the Reykjavik Express, one of the only buses from the capital to Keflavik airport, is 2400 Icelandic Kroner one way. Stay in one place or move around more - Iceland Forum . Where To Stay In Iceland: Best Hotels By Area All Tailor Made TripsDropdown content can be modified together with your local expert, and then booked for a stress-free holiday. The choices of towns and accommodations can be overwhelming. December is great because it is winter, you stand a strong chance of seeing the Northern Lights, its low season, and the temperatures havent gone to complete freezing yet. 8 Cool Places to Stay in Iceland (that you can actually afford) And if you take your time, Iceland is the perfect slow travel destination. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-81620723', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland for three days in July. Check prices and availability on Booking.com, Perfect for a great home base to explore the south of Iceland. Youve probably heard of the Blue Lagoon in your Iceland travel research in that same train of logic. It was clean and practical -, The closest accommodations with great ratings are, Grundarfjordur, my favorite, on the North Shore - you are right next to the magical Kirkjufell to see it for sunset, sunrise and under the northern lights -, Hellnar / Arnarstapi, on the South Shore along the lava cliffs -, Stykkisholmur, to be surrounded by water (but implies more driving) -, Borgarnes - not on the peninsula, but a practical location to balance your driving times if coming from further around the Ring Road-, Framnes in Grundarfjrur: The location was great, not far from the famous Kirkjufellsfoss, allowing us to get there at sunset and sunrise. These stops include Gullfoss, the two-tiered golden waterfall, Geysir, the geothermal hot spot, home to the erupting geyser Strokkur, and Thingvellir National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the ancient birthplace of Icelands parliament. Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. 6 years later, I have taken a, Join me and the@photopillsteam tomorr, New 2023 OREGON COAST ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKS, Our 2023 Milky Way Calendars are ready! What makes staying in Hvolsvollur so unique is not just the sheer novelty of staying in such a tiny town, but also the number of wonderful hiking routes in the area. MUST READ: Where to stay in Reykjavik (2023 Guide) - The Broke Backpacker document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the world, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Where to stay in South and East Iceland. But you should definitely try to plan at least one dinner at the hotel restaurant where you get to experience a true viking feast. Where to stay in Iceland - Best places and hotels in Iceland One of the most expensive countries in the entire world actually. Otherwise it would be best to build an itinerary based on the sights and activities you are planning which usually means moving around so you can make the best use of your time. Make sure that you plan accordingly and in line with your budget. If you plan to rent a car or campervan to get around, pick it up and drop it off at the airport. Wondering where to stay in Iceland to see the northern lights or the midnight sun? Related Reading: 11 Natural Mud Baths Around the World That Will Heal Your Soul. Detailed 10 Days in Iceland Ring Road Itinerary. The place was warm and cozy, with a full kitchen and even a communal hot spring to enjoy in the morning or evening. Where to stay in regions such as South Iceland, the West Fjords. Should I stay in one Airbnb for all three days, or try to space out the lodgings around Iceland? This 344 square-foot home is ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to save money. DEFINITELY worth the drive! June-August is high season, but it is also summer in Iceland and when you will find the most pleasant temperatures. Its definitely a top choice on the Snfellsnes Peninsula and often fully booked, so book well in advance of your trip. P.S. Added bonus is that youll get to decide what you do and dont want to see, and spend as much time as youd like at each location. Hvolsvollur is a tiny town with very few places to stay. Alternatively, you may use. You can find many of these off-the-beaten-path guesthouses on Airbnb. If youre preparing to travel to Iceland, these Iceland travel tips will help you along the way. Reykjavik is Icelands capital. Generally, November and March are the months to avoid as theyre in between seasons (cold rain). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-54418597', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');vacation rentals in Iceland generally DON"T have minimum stays, and per-stay charges like cleaning fees were generally small or zero. It's divided into two parts: tips and itinerary. Here's the blunt truth Iceland is one of the most expensive countries we've ever visited. Are you searching for warm (ish) weather and the midnight sun? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. And youre only 10 minutes away from the Hrunalaug hot spring and the village of Flir, home to the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring (Gamla Laugin) the oldest natural geothermal pool in the country. Hi. . Im not sure how the bus tours are, but if theres a group of you itll probably cost just as much, if not cheaper, to rent a vehicle yourselves and stay in hotels/Airbnbs along the way. This bubble house is a hard top (not canvas) and has several skylights in the roof so that you can lay in bed and watch the northern lights dance across the sky. It is usually of their own doing. Its on the coast where Orcas are often spotted swimming by in the ocean and seals lounge on the rocks, and the Snfellsjkull Glacier National Park Visitor Center is next door to the hotel. The route took us about 12 days (including time in Reykjavik), but if you are short on time, you can do it in 5-7 days. Here are our top picks for places to stay with kids in Iceland: They're definitely cheaper than the main hotels, though there are farm-based guesthouses (see Icelandic Farm Holidays and http://en.ja.is/kort/?type=map&q=guesthouse for listings) and rural hotels and cabins that are similarly priced. Recommended Reading: Best Places To Stay In Western North Carolina. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-54414396', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland in August. While youre staying in the city, I recommend taking a local food tour! This list of affordable unique places to stay in Iceland has choices for each! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110005987', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight home. When doing pre-trip research on the best tips and must-visit places in Iceland, it almost seems that no trip is complete without visiting the Blue Lagoon. Heres a complete Iceland packing list. Day 2 - Southern Coast. If you are looking for one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Reykjavik, book this Studio Apartment. It is close to a bus stop so it is easy to get around. If you only have a few days in Iceland, you can base yourself in Reykjavik and take day trips out or catch the local bus to places like Esjan & Glymur. The Nordurey Hotel City Garden is one of the best hotels to stay in Reykjavik if you want to be out of the noise of the city center. Its not advertised on their beautiful website, but its true. Your email address will not be published. The Golden Circle can range anywhere from a half to full-day trip depending on how many steps you take along the way. Whether you're searching for sexy luxury hotels, lively hostels, or a homestay that would make a celebrity tweet something useless, these are my top picks in Reykjavik. You can also go arctic heliskiing in the Skadalur Valley for the truly adventurous. Thank you! Of all the things to do in Iceland with kids, this is by far one of the easiest. So best figure out what it is you want to see and do while you are in Iceland, then you can build a preliminray itinerary around that and post it here for feedback. However, did you know the Blue Lagoon isnt natural? Verified Expert Discover the best places to stay in Iceland in our detailed travel guide. A high-quality camera is an essential packing item for Iceland if you want some great shots while on your vacation. No matter how youre planning to travel to Iceland, these Iceland travel tips will make your trip better! Unfortunately, we werent there in winters heart to participate in their heliskiing. New 2023 AUSTRALIA ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY TOUR!! A Complete Guide to Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Then I went to an Icelandic grocery store after for some bread and skyr. Set up in private homes, they offer personalized service and great exchanges with locals. Side note: This is also where you can discover Kirkjufell, the famous mountain from Game of Thrones. This can be hard as there are only 350,000 residents and 2 million tourists a year. There are so many things to do in Reykjavik so you can keep busy for a while! One of my top Iceland travel tips for the summer is to bring an eye mask. This can affect your sleep cycle, which may already be out of whack because of jet lag. We travel with our Fujifilm Camera and200mm telephoto lens. Popular romantic activities include horseback riding, chasing the Aurora, and descending into a volcano. Choice Hotels - Be there in person with ChoiceHotels.com! If you want to see natural sights and have three full days I would spend one night on the South Coast so you can make it to Jkulsrln glacier lagoon and back. Get answers to your questions about Iceland, Wild camping with a vehicle is illegal in Iceland, What ,,not to do when traveling in Iceland", Taxi/Bus costs from KEF Airport to Reykjavik, 7-night early September itinerary- critique please, Collette Tours in Iceland in early September, Extra discount for car rental- Iceland with a View, Lodging in Eastern Iceland in early august. and many more the Icelandic are getting really creative! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are my suggestions for the top hotels, hostels, and campgrounds near Hofn and the glacier lagoon depending on your budget. This is for late May 2024. Finally, if you can splurge a little more to stay somewhere ultra cool, this cabin overlooks a lava field and the volcano crater, Hverfjall. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If your hotel or guesthouse doesnt have black-out curtains, I suggest packing an eye mask in your carry on luggage. Hofn is the town closest to Jkulsrln glacier lagoon and Vatnajokull National Park. The rooms at this farm-house style guesthouse have a wash basin and the bathroom is communal. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. For many first-timers in Iceland, this route is their first adventure outside of the city, and for good reason. 120 reviews 104 helpful votes 1. Its shaped like an arrowhead. Hvitserkur, a 15m high basalt rock formation - accommodations further away All my favorite things to do in North Iceland -, 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures -, The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland -, 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland -, The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland -. Coffee and a bagel in a local cafe will quickly run you $18-$20, and the average meal out at a restaurant will cost anywhere from $35-$70. At under 40 dollars a night, this capsule hostel is where you can stay in Iceland for cheap! Check out our post on tips for getting the perfect place on Airbnb. Self-catering cottages are often the most comfortable accommodation options in rural Iceland. Drones have sort of taken Iceland by storm and can capture fantastic footage as well. 106 reviews 91 helpful votes Three days in Iceland - should I stay in one place? With access to spa treatments at a hidden spa and reservations for Moss Restaurant, you'll love it here. We could either minimize the number of accommodations and take day trips from those places, or move around more. This downtown Reykjavik this top floor apartment has 2 bedrooms and enough room to sleep 6 adults, making it a perfect option for a group or family trip. the perfect base camps if you want to explore everything the southeast coast of Iceland offers, including waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches. Surprise, surprise. Is it worth it. The traditional viking decor is abundant inside and out, and a stay here includes an Icelandic breakfast spread. Some rooms even have balconies with ocean views. Compared to hotels, they are some of the more affordable accommodation options. That is if your 3 days is with 2 nights. While four hours doesnt seem like much, theres so much to do in between these two Icelandic towns that you may want to spend a night here. Please note that many guesthouses have shared bathrooms. BONUS 2: Unique places to stay in Iceland. Theres things to do like hiking the infamous volcano that erupted and covered most of it like a modern day Pompeii, golfers will love the 18-hole golf course that is considered one of the most unique in the world and you wont want to miss a rib boat ride around one of the newest islands on the planet. ), just you wait and see. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer route looping in and out of the capital. There are plenty of timber furnishings and an outdoor hot tub, and wild scenery . One of the most unique places to stay in Iceland is also found along the Golden Circle. This hotel is located in a beautiful location in Selfoss in the Iceland country side. The Perfect Iceland Ring Road Itinerary | 10 Days in Iceland - TripTins If you're lucky, you may even catch the magic of the northern lights too! We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. This blog post might have affiliate links in it, which earn us a small amount of commission if you buy or book something through them at no extra cost to you. Iceland is one of the most popular European destinations, and for a good reason. The country's small population makes this even more special, as many of its landscapes and features remain untouched and pristine. Lagafellslaug in Reykjavik has hot tubs and three giant slides for example. Iceland is one of our favourite countries, and as we got engaged there, it holds such a deep place within both our hearts. Advice? Whatever you do, do not forget a tripod for Iceland especially if you plan on photographing the Northern Lights as youll need one for the long exposures. Never once did we use cash in Iceland. One-year, fixed-rate saver will rise by 0.4% to 4.4% . Thanks in advance Reply Report inappropriate content 8 replies to this topic 1-8 of 8 replies Sorted by 1 Pit Munich, Germany Level Contributor 1,130 posts 1. should I stay in one place? - Iceland Forum - Tripadvisor more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. However, if you dont mind the price and crave the mud masks and outdoor spa in Iceland, it probably is right up your alley, and youll like it! Iceland with Kids: Everything You Need to Know | Arctic Adventures Hands Down, This Is Where To Stay In Reykjavik - Iceland Trippers Iceland Travel Guide: Tips and Road Trip Itinerary - Alex Cornell best places to stay in Iceland 2022: an expert's guide The best place to stay in the area is Reykjahlid, both in terms of hotel offerings and location, since from there you can reach places like , the and quickly and easily. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries to visit, and these costs will hit your wallet hard if you go out to eat. You can see the full month by month breakdown for Iceland travel here.